Our Austin: El Pollo Rico

By Megan Giller

To celebrate our new Austin blog, we're highlighting the must-try spots for every Austinite (and visitor!) in the "Our Austin" series. Check for 'em every day to discover tried-and-true Austin locales that you may know well or may find for the first time! 

Discovering El Pollo Rico is both joyous and heartbreaking: You’ve found the best Mexican-style rotisserie chicken in Austin! Oh, but think of all of those days, months or years when you were missing out.

The pollo al carbon from the drive-thru or walk-up stores comes as either a whole chicken or a half, with the skin crisp and flavorful from the charcoal and the meat tender and wielding. Less than $13 gives you a whole chicken, grilled onions, rice, beans, tortillas and two types of salsa (red and a spicy, creamy avocado concoction).

Chef Larry McGuire’s new Fresa’s drive-thru replicates the concept at a much higher price point, using all-natural chickens and ingredients as much as possible. And as much as it gives El Pollo Rico a run for its money, sometimes the original just tastes better.

1928 E. Riverside Dr., 512-326-1886; 730 Stassney Ln., 512-442-3095; 1945 E. Oltorf St., 512-339-7300