When I first saw Pollo Regio nest into 8620 Burnet over yonder next to ATX Hot Tubs, I had visions of Los Pollos Hermanos out of Breaking Bad: bright lights and fast chicken. Pollo Regio has all the trappings of a fast food joint, including the drive-thru, but it’s more of a fast-casual joint. And despite being a chain with 40 locations across Texas, it has a local creation story.
Pollo Regio started in Austin in the early 2000s when Juan Bazaldua started slinging Monterrey-style charcoal-grilled chicken from a trailer on Riverside. He began selling out of chicken before noon, moved to brick-and-mortar, and drew the attention of investors. And, BOOM!, more than 40 Pollo Regios now gleam across the state.
So howz that chicken? Pretty dang good. Pollo Region is royally good chicken, marinated in a proprietary sauce, the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and smoky. There are hints of lime and garlic along with salt and pepper. Besides really good chicken, the other draw, I reckon, is the value. I got half a grilled chicken (photo above), a side of rice, a side of charro beans, five corn tortillas, two salsas, and a fountain drink for $14.99. The sides and salsas were munificent in size (dare I say, downright regio?). No wonder the place was full of construction workers (always a good sign) when I stopped in for lunch.
Pollo Regio also serves tacos of various styles. I tried the sampler, five tacos of pastor, chicken, bistec, barbacoa, and asado, each wrapped with two corn tortillas for $14. We also tried the Tostada Siberia (all-white chicken) for $12. Both dishes were decent, but when in Rome, I recommend ordering the comida that started the Regio empire, that grilled chicken. They also serve salads, a Mexican burger, and other Mexican staples such as flautas, quesadillas, nachos, and tortas. You can take advantage of the toppings and salsa bar if you eat in.
Yes, Pollo Regio is a chain, but it’s a chain with local roots that has remained true to its charcoal.
Pollo Regio; www.polloregio.com; 8620 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas
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