Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pollo Campero – San Francisco
Pollo Campero - San Francisco
Photo from Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍗 Chicken Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 121 of the guests
#335 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Chicken Restaurant out of 31 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
356
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful chicken
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Poor environment
The restaurant Pollo Campero, a popular Chicken Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, offers a delightful experience where you can enjoy healthy options. You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to dine-in or need convenient takeout, this spot has you covered. It’s a great choice for those seeking flavorful chicken dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Overview: Introducting Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly when it comes to its core offerings. Many appreciate the consistent flavor and how the food arrives crispy and hot.
The attentive staff also contributes positively, making for a welcoming visit. However, some visits can be less smooth.
There are occasional concerns about the chicken quality, with reports of inconsistent cooking. Additionally, the overall pricing structure has left some customers feeling that the value isn’t quite there.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
356
Reviews
84.6%
Satisfaction
53
negative
2
neutral
301
positive
Looking at the overall picture, Pollo Campero earns a solid 8.4, indicating a generally good experience for many. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 84.6%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from over 350 customer observations, with a clear majority of 301 positive remarks against 53 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (8.7) and Service (8.3) topics clearly stand out as strengths, with many praising the attentive staff and the taste of the chicken.
The Ambience (8) also contributes positively, often described as comfortable and family-friendly. However, the Value (1.7) topic presents a significant area for improvement, with customers frequently noting concerns about the pricing.
What people like
- Flavorful, crispy chicken
- Attentive, fast service
- Comfortable, family atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Uncomfortable dining environment
- Negative staff interactions
Pollo Campero offers a generally pleasant dining experience, especially if you’re seeking well-prepared chicken and friendly service. The strong 8.5 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would happily revisit, particularly for its core menu items.
However, be mindful of the pricing, which some find a bit steep for the offering. While the food and service are often commendable, occasional inconsistencies in chicken preparation and concerns about the dining environment are worth considering before your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pollo Campero
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.7 and customer satisfaction at a high 89.5%, its clear that many diners are loving whats on their plate. Out of 162 remarks, a whopping 145 praise the "crispy, " "flavorful, " and "cooked perfectly" chicken, often evoking "childhood memories" and "Guatemalan flavors.
" However, not every dish hits the mark, with 16 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Issues like "super salty" chicken, pieces that are "not consistently cooked" (sometimes even "raw"), "dry rice, " or "tough chicken nuggets" have been noted, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
162
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
145
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Crispy, flavorful chicken
- Cooked perfectly
- Authentic Guatemalan flavors
What people don't like
- Chicken inconsistently cooked
- Overly salty food
- Dry rice, tough nuggets
Often praised
- foodHowever, this time, I have to make a complaint about this particular restaurant. The food was good and the staff was very nice and friendly. But today, we had a very uncomfortable moment with my family and the people around us.
- chickenSometimes my opinion is that a successful company needs patience and courage to make changes over time, just like a Chinese saying from the Yichin book: water never has a fixed bottom, it always adjusts to the terrain. 😉} ❶The combination plate was good, as seen in the photo I took that day: the salad was fresh, the chicken very tender, and the rice and beans were also good. ❷The chicken nuggets were quite tough, and I didn't like them.
- Pollo CamperoPollo Campero the best
- campero chickenfascinated by the campero chicken
- childrenThe roasted chicken and the fried chicken fascinate me. My children loved it too. I loved it.
- crispyThank you for being so generous! Everything was served on time, hot, and crispy.
- flavorI always come here to eat the Polo Campero, I like it and my children love it. Please continue to provide so much flavor!
- food temperaturela comida salió muy caliente
- fried chickenMy son loves the fried chicken
- horchata❷The chicken nuggets were quite tough, and I didn't like them. You know that ❸horchata will be so tasty: smooth, milky but not too sweet, and without ice. It's also my opinion that it's the best I've had in all the places I know in La Ciudad.
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe chicken is just not consistently cooked right.
- FoodFood:1
- beanslos frijoles muy duros
- chicken nuggetschicken nuggets are well tough
- chicken qualityThe chicken is just not consistently cooked right.
- food consistencyI should be able to get a juicy , crunchy , flavorful piece of chicken every time I order and that's just not the case.
- original flavorIt was disgusting and nasty with too much salt. You'd better close this denigrating restaurant; this is insulting the original flavor from El Salvador. 0 stars 👎
- ovenWe came specifically to try the roast chicken, but were told the oven has been broken for 20 days. They should have informed customers about this situation on social media or their website 💔 We'll try our luck again soon.
- piecespieces still half raw
- real recipeI bought 20 pieces of chicken, which turned out to be a super salty mistake. It was nothing compared to the chicken from El Salvador; you guys have lost the real recipe. It was disgusting and nasty with too much salt.
If you're craving delicious, crispy chicken with authentic Guatemalan flavors, this spot is generally a winner. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent cooking or overly salty dishes, so manage expectations for every single item.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 81.8%, both indicating a good experience. Out of 148 comments, a whopping 121 were positive, often praising the attentive waitresses and staff for their speed and making guests feel like family. Terms like waitress, attentive, staff, and service speed frequently pop up, highlighting a warm and efficient front-of-house team.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, with 26 negative remarks pointing to some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around waiting time, cashier attitude, and occasional order preparation issues. Some guests reported rude staff, long waits for tables, or feeling rushed, suggesting that while the overall service is strong, there can be inconsistent moments that might disappoint.
Service
148
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Fast service speed
- Family-like welcome
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rude staff interactions
- Order taking issues
Often praised
- serviceI really enjoyed my meal; I ate a lot. The service was great, and the waitress was very friendly. Everyone was attentive to our needs, and I have no complaints.
- waitressesThe service was incredibly fast and efficient, I was in and out in just 2 minutes. I loved the service; the waitresses were very friendly and attended to me immediately. Keep up the great work, guys!
- waitressI really enjoyed my meal; I ate a lot. The service was great, and the waitress was very friendly. Everyone was attentive to our needs, and I have no complaints.
- staffHowever, this time, I have to make a complaint about this particular restaurant. The food was good and the staff was very nice and friendly. But today, we had a very uncomfortable moment with my family and the people around us.
- attentiveattentive venía a preguntar si estábamos súper bien
- familyI loved it, I adored it. I always come with my family. I come from Reno, Nevada, just to try the pollito campero.
- service speedMe atendieron super rápido
- ServiceExcelente Servicio con esmerada Calidad y Eficiencia.
- attentionThe service was incredibly fast and efficient, I was in and out in just 2 minutes. I loved the service; the waitresses were very friendly and attended to me immediately. Keep up the great work, guys!
- busserthe busser is also a sweetheart
Frequently criticized
- serviceI hope this person is not put back on duty. She provides terrible service and acts like she's the boss, humiliating her colleague in front of me.
- staffwhen I've ordered take out I'm almost thrown out as soon as I have the bag in hand when picking it up!
- waiting timeDicen un tiempo y es mas del doble de lo acordado
- ServiceService:1
- attentionya estabamosnun buen rato sin ser atendieos
- cashierIt's unpleasant to hear the cashier arguing with her colleagues. I hope this person is not put back on duty.
- colleaguesIt's unpleasant to hear the cashier arguing with her colleagues. I hope this person is not put back on duty.
- condimentsI always ask for specific condiments only to be told by the staff that they are already in the (sealed) bag, but when I get home of course , its not the condiments I wanted.
- informationWe came specifically to try the roast chicken, but were told the oven has been broken for 20 days. They should have informed customers about this situation on social media or their website 💔 We'll try our luck again soon.
- order preparationme estaba atendiendo mi orden en la forma que él se le hacía no en la forma que yo quería mi compra
If you're looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff who make you feel welcome, this restaurant is a great bet. Just be prepared that on occasion, you might encounter a longer wait or a less-than-stellar interaction, but the positives seem to outweigh the negatives for most.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8, with customer satisfaction at a strong 81.4%. Many guests, 35 out of 43 comments, rave about the family feeling and wonderful atmosphere, making it a beloved place for a great experience. People consistently mention feeling right at home, often bringing their children and enjoying a warm, welcoming vibe that reminds them of their own country.
However, there are some areas for improvement, noted in 8 comments. Concerns revolve around security, specifically issues with people from the street causing discomfort and even unhealthiness. Some also pointed out practical problems like parking and the seating arrangement, suggesting that while the internal vibe is great, external factors can sometimes detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
43
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-like atmosphere
- Warm, welcoming vibe
- Home-like experience
What people don't like
- Lack of security
- Street people issues
- Parking difficulties
Often praised
- atmosphereMy children love it too. I always come here to eat, and it always reminds me of my home country.
- familyThe waitresses are very attentive to the regulars; they are a love. I feel like family every time I come. I live far away, but I come just to delight in the chicken.
- placeI like it too much, I always come with my family to eat at this place. I hope it always stays here in San Francisco.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- childrenmis niños le encabta
- eating at this locationme sentí a gusto comer en este local
- experiencees acojedir venir a este Reataurante
- family feelingI felt like family
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- discomfortMy family and I saw how one of these people snatched their food from the table of one of the people who were eating, which made us uncomfortable and we had to leave the place. I only say that there should be at least some employee assigned to the doors that does not let these people in, since it generates discomfort and also unhealthiness.
- parkingno hay parqueadero cerca ni el restaurante tiene parking
- people from the streetBut today, we had a very uncomfortable moment with my family and the people around us. Since this restaurant does not have someone or some security who is aware of what is happening, I do not want you to think that I am classist or discriminatory, but I do not like the fact that they let people from the street walk around each of the tables. My family and I saw how one of these people snatched their food from the table of one of the people who were eating, which made us uncomfortable and we had to leave the place.
- seating arrangementseating arrangement felt a bit strange
- securityBut today, we had a very uncomfortable moment with my family and the people around us. Since this restaurant does not have someone or some security who is aware of what is happening, I do not want you to think that I am classist or discriminatory, but I do not like the fact that they let people from the street walk around each of the tables. My family and I saw how one of these people snatched their food from the table of one of the people who were eating, which made us uncomfortable and we had to leave the place.
- snatched their foodSince this restaurant does not have someone or some security who is aware of what is happening, I do not want you to think that I am classist or discriminatory, but I do not like the fact that they let people from the street walk around each of the tables. My family and I saw how one of these people snatched their food from the table of one of the people who were eating, which made us uncomfortable and we had to leave the place. I only say that there should be at least some employee assigned to the doors that does not let these people in, since it generates discomfort and also unhealthiness.
- unhealthinessgenerates unhealthiness
If you're looking for a restaurant with a genuinely warm, family-like atmosphere where you feel right at home, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some guests have noted occasional security concerns regarding street people and practical issues like parking, which might impact your comfort.
Value (1.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 2% of the guests
When it comes to value, there arent any glowing reviews to share, with 0 positive remarks out of 3 total customer comments. It seems this isnt an area where customers are finding much to praise. However, the feedback on value is quite clear, with a 1.7 score indicating a poor performance and customer satisfaction sitting at a very low 0%.
Based on 3 customer comments, the general sentiment is that the food and overall prices are overpriced and even ridiculous, particularly when considering family meal options. It seems many feel the cost doesn't quite match what you get.
Value
3
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Ridiculous prices
- Expensive family meals
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- family meal80$ for a 20 piece family meal is ridiculous
- foodthe food over priced
- pricesThe prices are a bit ridiculous for chicken
If youre looking for a great deal, this might not be your spot. The consistent feedback points to high prices for whats offered, so be prepared to pay a premium if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Pollo Campero?
You’re looking at roughly 53 per person – reported by 121 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Chicken Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
When we peek at the full spread of prices, its clear theres a mix! While the average lands in the mid-range, a good number of guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 bracket. But hey, theres also a significant crowd enjoying more premium options, spending $101+ or more.
So, youve got choices!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 121 reviews.
A look at how this Chicken Restaurant’s value for money compares to similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Chicken Restaurant, especially with the diverse range of options available. It seems you can find something to fit different budgets here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pollo Campero
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Chicken and Horchata!
My experience at the restaurant was great. I like coming here for the roast chicken. My son loves the fried chicken.
The horchata is very tasty.
- roast chicken9
- fried chicken9
- horchata9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Friendly staff and great atmosphere!
I like coming here. The waitresses attend to me, they are super friendly. The waitress Cris is a sweetheart!
- waitresses10
- waitress Cris10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere
I always come here. I always eat with my friends, twice a week. The food is hot and delicious.
- food10
- friends8
- atmosphere5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
10
Pollo Campero Fried Chicken Perfection
My experience with Pollo Campero, delivered via Uber Eats, was great. The chicken was cooked perfectly, boasting a very crispy and very flavorful profile. I'd say this is some of the best fried chicken I've had.
- chicken10
- cooked perfectly10
- very crispy10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Significant Delays in Service
My experience at the restaurant was marked by significant delays. They stated one time, but the actual wait was more than double the agreed-upon duration.
- waiting time2
What Pollo Campero offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at Pollo Campero in the Mission District?
Finding parking in the Mission District can often be difficult, with usually paid street parking available. However, Pollo Campero ensures accessibility for all guests, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience.
Does Pollo Campero offer options for families and children?
Absolutely! Pollo Campero is known for being good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu with appealing choices. High chairs are also available, making it a comfortable and welcoming dining spot for families.
What do customers generally think about Pollo Campero?
Customers generally have a good impression of Pollo Campero, reflected in an overall score of **8.4** and 84.6% customer satisfaction. They particularly appreciate the **Food** (8.7), **Service** (8.3), and **Ambience** (8), though **Value** (1.7) is a notable concern.
Is the chicken at Pollo Campero consistently good?
While many praise the chicken’s flavor and crispiness, some customers have reported inconsistencies in its preparation, mentioning issues like uneven cooking or tough chicken nuggets.
What are the main drawbacks customers mention about Pollo Campero?
The primary drawbacks include concerns about the high prices, occasional negative staff interactions, and sometimes an uncomfortable dining environment due to issues like lack of security or parking.