Pollo Vagabundo

I’ve been going to pollo vagabundo for about 15 years now. It’s the same owner, Carlos, and the same quality food. I would have to agree, it’s probably the best chicken, in its style, anywhere in the Chicagoland area. While I don’t like the rice, the quality of the other options more than makes up for that. There homemade refried beans are amazing. There handmade tortillas are as good as they’ve ever been. There plethora of fresh salsas, made without preservatives, is top notch. I like hot, if you do too, go with these three: habanero, jalapeño, and chipotle. There salsas run out frequently especially the mild ones. So get there early. Sometimes it takes an hour for your order to be ready, so be patient. The prices have gone up in the many years I have been going there but it’s still worth it. There steak is the most expensive thing on the menu. I think the gigantic steak burrito cost something like $20. I’ve eaten it on a few occasions. It’s freaking good and worth it. But the chicken is where it’s at. And the price point is better. And like I said this style and quality of chicken is unmatched. Order a whole chicken combo with refried beans. Get the salsas I mentioned and thank me later. Your welcome.

Pollo makes the greatest burritos on the planet. I moved away to California a few years ago, and even though the bar there is so high, nothing has ever come close to the carne asada gigante burrito from El Pollo Vagabundo right here in Northlake. They have like twenty types of salsa as well--I dress up my burrito in at least three, then go in with a knife and fork.

Rip off.2 burritos and 4 tacos almost $50. Decent food but at double the cost. Supposedly everything costs extra.. even cheese. If you don't speak Spanish you're an easy target. Greedy greedy owner lady, shame on you I used to enjoy coming to this restaurant. Pics included. It cost (incl promised extras) 13.75 for the burrito and 3.75 for taco. Never again. Considering the sketchy area and gross restaurant interior, it doesn't make sense to charge a premium.