El Pollo Riko / Ay Papa Que Rico

we ate at the restaurant for the first time and it was so delicious. only thing it was a little too hot for us to sit and enjoy the food so we brought it home. the ac wasn't on. we did end up using them to cater my sons birthday party and everyone complimented the food. it was absolutely delicious and served hot which I love. will definitely use them again.

I had high hopes for El Pollo Riko / Ay Papa Que Rico, but it was a bit disappointing. The food isn’t bad — the chicken and carne asada were actually really good and had great flavor. But the prices felt a little too high for what you get, and I was surprised to find out that chips and salsa aren’t complimentary like they are at most similar spots. The rice also tasted a bit old, which took away from the meal. Overall, not the worst experience, but I expected a bit more for the price.

Review of El Pollo Rico – Bakersfield, ca

I just visited El Pollo Rico for the first time and ordered a chicken burrito and a chicken empanada. While I’ll say the flavor of the burrito was actually pretty good, the presentation and quality of the wrap were seriously disappointing.

As soon as I unwrapped the burrito, half the tortilla ripped off at the top. Then as I started eating, the bottom half split open, and the whole thing just began to fall apart. I barely got a few bites in before it turned into a messy situation. For a first impression, that’s not great.

I spent around $20 total, and while I understand food costs are rising, I expected better structural integrity for a main item like a burrito. When you’re paying that much, you expect to be able to actually eat your food without it collapsing.

The empanada was fine, but overall, this experience didn’t leave me eager to return. They really need to improve how they wrap and present their food—because taste alone isn’t enough when the meal is falling apart in your hands.

Hoping they tighten things up, because they clearly have good flavor. Just need to match that with quality control.

Great Cubano sandwich. Mesquite chicken dinner was the bomb! Great mesquite flavor!

Absolutely love this place! The chicken is incredibly juicy—perfectly grilled and never dry. The Cuban-style beans are full of flavor and bring a real taste of home-cooked comfort. One of the highlights is their amazing selection of imported sodas from all over Latin America and Cuba—so fun to try something new with each visit!

The staff is super friendly and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the flan—it’s unbelievably creamy and delicious. A must-try spot all around!

The best food I have had in a long time! Delicious, fall off the bone ribs, juicy chicken, sausages and lamb, perfectly seasoned beans/rice! I wish I could cook like this! Clean and friendly service. This is one of my favorite restaurants in town. They have reasonable prices, family meals and catering. Also, the desserts are so yummy! I am a foodie and this place is on the top of my list in Bakersfield.

Omg the food is delicious here 😋 😍 it's better than pollo loco

My husband stopped in for lunch today and got a bunch of food for us to try we have seen it before and said many times that we wanted to try it because you can smell it driving by and it smells amazing and he finally had the time. Let me say this food is absolutely amazing we got a meat platter it had to have like 5 different things with rice and beans and wow 🤩 the chicken was the best chicken I’ve ever had we even got plantains and some pastries I highly recommend and the owner Joe was so nice we will definitely be back

I’ve seen this spot in the past and never had the time to try it out. Recently me and my wife were near the area and decided to give them a try. Let me tell you they did not disappoint! The chicken was super delicious. The ribs were nice and crispy, and the rice and black beans were amazing. Great service and atmosphere. I’ll definitely become a regular here. Give them a chance 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Whole Chicken, Cuban Sandwich, Barbecue Beef Ribs, Barbecue Chicken, Chicken Bowl

This was my first time eating at El pollo Riko. The food was delicious, service was amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner in person. Also a wonderful person. If you love chicken, rice and beans I definitely suggest giving them a try. You won't be sorry!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very bad service, it lasted more than 45 minutes for half a chicken, I will never return.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I came in at the recommendation of a supervisor from work.

I was not disappointed. The food is a-Freaken-mazing! The atmosphere was chill. Everything was great beyond expectations.

I completely recommend any and everyone give them at least one visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had another great experience at El Pollo Riko today. The staff was very kind and made me feel welcomed. I felt like family from the second I walked through the front door. And it just gets better! My wife had the Pollo bowl W / black beans and said it was well portioned,fresh and flavorful. I had the Asada sandwich with a side of rice,black beans and the best plantains I've ever had. My sandwich was fit for a king! And like my wife's Pollo bowl. It was absolutely fresh and seasoned to
perfection. We will definitely be back sooner than later. I highly recommend giving El Pollo Riko a try. You will not be disappointed !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was extremely good 👍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Twice in one day it was so good
That seasoning on the meat was spectacular

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5