This chicken is amazing! Smokey with a ton of flavor. The reason why I'm not giving this place a 5 star is because the sides and service need to be worked on a little in my opinion. The rice and beans are so-so. The salad is no bueno. Let's get to the service. There is always this guy there with a ninja turtle hat on with an attitude like he's doing you a favor. Not too cool in my book. Anyways, check it out if you love chicken!
(4)
Darren T.
The most moist, smoky flavored roasted chicken I ever ate. It tastes like the chickens you get in the streets of third world countries where they cook on an open flame, which is a huge compliment.
(5)
Amanda R.
First time there and my friend insisted we go ,bad choice. the owner and order taker were not very friendly . I actually was looking forward to trying the food :/ tried it , it was ok, but because of the lack of customer service I will not come back .
(1)
Richard D.
If you have not tried this place then you are missing out on Fabulous Peruvian chicken. They use real eucalyptus fire wood to slowly rotisserie the chicken, the fusion of Peruvian spices are to die for. You can smell the place way before you even get close. I prefer to come during peak hours because that way I know that the chicken has been just taken off the spit and not placed in the warmer too long. Their chicken is the size of what chicken use to be like before they started using growth hormones and steroids. The sides rice, beans, salads are just average but the chicken makes up for it. They have coleslaw which is mediocre so I drain as much liquid out and put some of their Green Aji Verde hot sauce and it tastes great. You can put this sauce on everything if you like a nice fresh spicy kick to your food. Also their fries are peeled and fried fresh, you can ask them to make it crispy if you prefer. Parking is a challenge and they only have a few tables for seating. Definitely a must...#(^_^)#
(4)
Hughes C.
Simple and delicious, wood-fire roasted chicken! My only advice is to eat there since you get a whole bottle of green sauce to use. If you get to go, they give you a small little sauce cup, I even asked for two and it wasn't enough. They also have beef hearts and chicken hearts on skewers if you dare to try. I might test them next time
(4)
Michael H.
I want to start off with saying anytime you go to an ethnic restaurant and there are people of that ethnicity in there..you know its legit! So is the case with Casa A La Brasa. Upon arriving on the scene Pollo starts off on the right foot because the smell hits you as soon as you step out of your car in the parking lot and oh what a marvelous smell it is! Once inside you order and the menu is very manageable for any budget. Upon receiving my meal I decided to eat inside and as I sat down I noticed everyone had these green bottles on their tables, so I decided to make an executive decision and went and asked for green sauce. EXCELLENT DECISION!!! The sauce was spicy, but delicious! You can even buy the sauce to go if you prefer take-out! All in all the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the take-away message was to always look around and take a chance on the unknown!
(5)
Scott Y.
I drove past this place a few times you can SMELL it from outside. 100% wood fire cooked chicken.Parking VERY small. Only 4 or 5 spaces on the right side and dining room seats maybe about 23 max. Had the quater chicken with 2 side orders @ $5.82+tax VERY GOOD. Next time i'll order the "whole chicken with 2 side orders" TO GO @ $16.05+tax. They DO have restrooms
(4)
Jamie A.
I appreciate consistency and Pollo a La Brasa is ALWAYS good. None of that hit-or-miss crap. You can get a family combo l with a whole chicken and sides for under $15. DEAL! Their chicken is smokey, juicy and full of flavor. A hands down fav in all of L.A. Luckily, I don't have to go too far. Note that their rice is kinda salty, their salad has huge beets and their fries are nice and crispy! Ask for extra crispy if you like it like that. TIPS: I suggest you PICK UP! Parking is a pain. If you really need to eat-in skip rush lunch hours or you'll wait for parking and a seat! * Closed Mondays *
(5)
Patty V.
Best pollo a la brasa!! I just love this place. I order the whole chk. with two sides. The side orders are good, specially the fries and salad. We had to wait a few extra minutes since the place was FULL, but was all worthy.
(5)
Phil H.
One of the best fire-roasted chicken I've eaten. It's Peruvian style at best, simple, yet good. Their green sauce is a must and the rice is just right. Can't say this is a hole-in-a-wall type of restaurant because, it's basically one a railroad track, so it has that more of a gritty, tasty feeling to it. You can immediately smell the wood chips burning the chicken fat and it's a smell you can never get sick of.
(5)
Thomas K.
Yummy Peruvian Chicken cooked over wood! First of all this place has a few things working against it. Let me explain the issues. The parking is very small and it really sucks since people don't care and will ding your car up. The neighborhood is in a gang infested location with Gardena 13 gangsters and South Los fools looking to kill some G13 gangsters. It sits on the boarder of Los Angeles and Gardena. Stay on the Gardena side, cops will get there way faster if you need help! ( That is the side where Pollo A La Brasa is located) Once inside the place, it is a bit dirty and very small! They have seating to eat inside but the table are pretty dirty. The two sons run the place most of the time and they are pretty rude and just want to collect your money! I guess with all the idiot thugs around, you cant let your guard down. But maybe a greeting and a hello and Thank you. Instead of just saying "16.00". They also have the green sauce, warning its pretty hot! The best reason to come here is for their Chicken! Very moist and yummy. The wood gives it a great flavor. You are offered sides with a meal but the best is the salad, fries or rice. I tired their slaw and it was nasty! Tortillas are extra with most of the meals. I usually like order it for pick up to avoid most of the drama. In conclusion, the parking and location sucks and its in a dangerous neighborhood. The chicken is delicious. So go there for the food!
(4)
Turtle D.
It's a hole in the wall kind of place but the chicken is heaven. My friends and I come here at least once a month and food is always great. They close at 8pm on weekdays so make sure to get there in time for your chicken fix..
(5)
Mims S.
This place is gem. You know its good when 3 under covered cops parked in the red zone eat at this place. The roasted whole chicken here is to die for. It is juicy and well seasoned. The steak is a thin cut New Yorker, also well seasoned and grilled to perfection but their chicken is what most people come for. The sides are basic and nothing phenomenal; salad, fries, corn on the cob and beans...but I can't say enough about the roasted chicken and the ajai (green spicy sauce). This little joint puts the 3stars Michelin French restaurants known for their rotisserie chickens to shame. Not to mention my hubby who is a chicken-hater is now a chicken-lover and will only eat chicken here and no where else. Note: There is no ambience here, and parking is limited to 4-5 spaces.
(5)
Rhoda B.
Some of the best chicken you'll ever eat. These people know what their doing with their wood, fire and chicken. Completely moist and pairs amazingly with their spicy green sauce (caution, this stuff is hot). If too hot, cool down with their delicious beet salad that comes with a refreshing dressing. No wonder this place is always packed! Truly a gem in Gardena. I've been eating here for as long as I can remember, at least for the past almost 15 years. I can smell the chicken and taste the sauce just thinking about it now all the way on the other side of the country.
(5)
tony p.
First time trying Peruvian chicken was at Peru Chix... With it's recent closing I've been on the search for another spot to conquer my cravings! Checked out 2 other local Gardena restaurants and they simply did not meet my expectations... Oh but when I finally discovered this place, I was granted an amazing amount of relief and joy!!! Wood fire roasted chicken was nice and moist! The Aji sauce was the perfect amount of heat. The consistency of the sauce was thick, not thin and watery like other places I tried, perfect for dipping and coating my chicken. The rice had a nice flavor. Fries tasted/looked like they were freshly made, not pre-made, frozen, fast-food, diner style. So glad I found this place!
(5)
Martha C.
The best fire roasted rotisserie chicken ever!!! Highly recommend this place. The salsa is hot and with great flavor. I think it's family owned and everyone speaks Spanish as well as English. You won't be disappointed. I always get the whole chicken with two sides and am always pleased with my food. What are you waiting for? Go!
(5)
Rosy M.
This is the BEST CHICKEN. I love it. Everything is delicious! !!!
(5)
Sherry K.
The four of us parked in the tiny lot and walked in and ordered food. We over-ordered, but the two guys in our group wanted to feast, so that was ok. Two chickens, salad, fries, rice, two anticucho plates, and 4 large chicha moradas, our total was only about $60. We sat ourselves at a little booth and waited for our number to be called. There are only about 8 tables in the joint, and they fill up quickly, especially at peak times. I'd been here before and had the chicken, but not the anticuchos yet. Our number was called, and the guys went to grab tray after tray of delicious smelling food. We ended up having to take everything of the trays, unless we wanted to split the group and eat at seperate tables. The feasting began! The chicken here is really good, and is what they're known for. It's very tender and juicy, though the breast pieces tend to be a bit drier. There was plenty of aji to go around though, so if your chicken isn't as moist as you prefer, slather the aji all over it and dig in! The salad is served with beet slices, and is pretty yummy. I thought the anticuchos were good, though I like this place's anticuchos better: yelp.com/biz/anticucheri… I'd order them again though, because they were still good! The chicha morada here is home made, not from a powdered mix, and is very tasty, if a bit mild. The large size is huge, at 32 ounces. Before we left, I saw that they had alfajores, for $2 each, so I took a couple to go. I do love these tasty Peruvian cookies, and I'd weigh 300lbs if I ate them as often as I wanted to! Excellent service, but only at the counter, and when they bus your table.
(4)
Hai T.
I've only done take out here & that's why I'm giving it 4 stars. Usually just order the whole chicken to eat at home with my own side dishes. All I gotta say is the chicken is better than Pollo Inka, El Pollo Loco or any other rotisserie in town. It's tender & flavorful!! So bomb!!
(4)
Jimmy H.
Who knew chicken could taste so good... ! A whole chicken with two sides is less than 20 bucks ! It's so cheap! The chicken is full of flavor from the wood they use and it's very tender as well ! I'm not a big fan of chicken but this place is making chicken the right way ! Also their fries are made with crack or something... It's sooooooo good...!! Almost forgot about their green sauce, really spicy and flavorful ! Too bad u would have to buy it if ur taking it to go..
(5)
James H.
roasted chicken and spicy green sauce. Can't beat it! You can call in your order ahead of time and parking get a bit harry but you still have to try it out. The fries are a little strange but they grow on you. Also if you're feeling adventurous you can try the anticuchos or beef hearts
(5)
David M.
Chicken is good. Only regret I have is assuming the 1/4 chicken special is leg and thigh. I lo e dark meat but got wing and breast. Still very good. Smells great in there.
(4)
Alessandro M.
Best pollo a la brasa in L.A county choose To go is you are too picky and don't like eating in the getto. But if you don't really mind then eat it there. Their combinations are bomb! clean & cheap place,the price is good for the location Usually crowded during lunch and dinner peak times SUCKS that they are closed on Mondays... which I always forget :/ If you like red chicken meat (legs & tighs) you can order a whole chicken or half the way you want it. Hope this helps
(5)
Sharon E.
If I'd never experienced the Pollo A La Brasa Western (which I LOVE) - I wouldn't have ever tried this location. I did my usual routine: order a whole chicken (not cut) to go, and 2 sides - with extra Aji sauce. While the aroma of chicken roasting on spit over wood fire was tantalizing and you can smell it down the block, I found my chicken a bit dry - and the skin was kinda blah. Maybe it was an off day? Or maybe this location isn't as good as the one on Western? It's been 2 years since I last ate there, and maybe I built it up too much in my head? I'll give it another chance - since I know it can be great... but really, this was a disappointing lunch.
(3)
Shant O.
This place is delicious! Great quality meat, sides are all good. Chicha is delicious. You can't go wrong.
(5)
David K.
Serivce is pretty bad..... Expected the chicken to be great but it's the same as el pollo loco..... Nothing special
(3)
Tina H.
LOVE LOVE LOVE This place, especially the green sauce. You gotta get the coleslaw when you buy chicken here. We've been buying small sauce (3 for $1) for longest time before finding out that you can buy large jar for $3. Must try, great food.
(5)
Daisy H.
-authentic PERUVIAN food I've never tasted chicken so juicy and full of flavor I come here to order and eat the chicken alone. They slow cook it as if they were in Peru in a brick oven turning the chicken over fire. By far the best chicken I've eaten to d
(5)
Alicia W.
This place has the best chicken I've ever tasted! Had the chicken kabob so far and the regular wood grill chicken and it's simply delicious and seasoned well. I had a side of French fries and white rice with the green spicy sauce! I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Alecks R.
Rotisserie Chicken is becoming more and more prevalent today. However, there can only be one KING. That being said, "Bring out the crown!!!!!!" Pound for pound, this is the BEST rotisserie chicken I've ever had. What else needs to be said? It's flavorful, juicy, marinated perfectly, and seasoned with herbs from the Garden of Eden. Yes, the parking sucks and yes, the area is ghetto. But the chicken can easily tread water with those burdens on it's back. Oh, how can I forget? The french fries are peeled and cooked in-house.-- crispy and delish! Advice: Don't be shy with the Aji (spicy green sauce at the table.)
(5)
Richard K.
Chicken is good. Ask for their green sauce. Tastes good with the chicken. The place itself is a bit old. Need more cleaning done and more modern touch. Otherwise, it's not bad.
(3)
Enrique L.
Wood fire burning rotisserie chicken. Best chicken in town. The flavor is like no other. Get there early because the parking sucks but worth the walk.
(4)
Baby C.
The chicken is so tender and the aji sauce yum I like the breast with rice and beans this is a must try.
(4)
Krystal H.
El Pollo, who? I want to eat the bones this chicken is so good. Aji sauce is spicy but good and the tortillas are nice and thick and seem freshly made on site.
(5)
Ricardo M.
Yo...this is the spot. Even the breast are nice and juice...finger licking good. People complain about the sides but I like to mix the salad with the white rice. The nice and light salad dressing goes awesome with the white rice and is a nice compliment to the chicken! Oh by the way, I would like to dispute the fact that many yelpers say Pollo Inka is better. Honestlly, this place is waaayyy better than Pollo Inka. Pollo Inka puts their chicken over gas burners. Polloa A La Brasa is nothing but wood and has a waaay better flavor.
(4)
Emily W.
The chicken definitely gets five stars and I dont think I wanna eat back in El Pollo Loco anymore lol..The chicken is well seasoned and the meat falls off the bone when I had my first bite! Very tasty and juicy. The green sauce is so darn spicy and goes well with the chicken. The salad and fries are meh....Big portion though. Limited parking here. I was happy when I parked in the front but backing up to the street was tough. Next time I d rather find street parking. There are only like 7 tables and the space is quite limited. So don't get surprised when you are there even it's 4.5 stars in yelp review. I believe most of the local people are taking to-go order and it won't be a good idea to bring large group. Just remember it's not a fine peruvian cuisine place for first timer.
(3)
Steven J.
Wow, if you're hungry for some real good chicken and some BOMB hot sauce and the most flavorable white rice that will explode you're taste buds and you will become a returning customer there that good you don't believe me or think I'm making this up just go and try it
(5)
Arun K.
Wood fire chicken is great with the green sauce. Good place for to go. Best place to have good fire chicken. Parking is limited, but that's okay when you plan for to go
(4)
Jayson J.
so damn good!
(5)
Leon H.
Great chicken.. very juicy and flavorful... sides are also very good... everything taste great... ive been here multiple times. The only thing that I dont like is there green salsa... the consistency is like a dry milk shake and its cold... hard to decribe... But other than that its great food with god prices. .
(4)
Justin S.
Come for the chicken/steak if you're in the area, but nothing else. Check out my full review here: sqoa.tumblr.com/post/467…
(2)
Donna C.
We came here under the recommendation of my brother. He swore that it was the best rotisserie chicken he's ever had and...he's correct! Plus, it's cheap! It's crispy, but moist at the same time. However, the sides (salad and fries) is nothing to brag about. Actually, next time I come here, I think I'll just order their chicken and nothing else. We ordered the whole chicken, which fed 4 mouths! It's a small restaurant. You've got a walkway to order your food and then there's a small section for eating. It's not located in the best neighborhood, but sometimes that's where the best foods come from! Hole in the wall places are the best places to eat!
(4)
Yahaira P.
Chicken is beyond amazing!!
(5)
John L.
Tried the half chicken plate with beans and coleslaw. Awsome. The chicken must be brined because it was crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. but it's the seasonings and wood fire that make it so good. I can't wait to try other dishes.
(4)
Tina W.
I love coming here to eat the rotisserie half chicken. The taste is just 10 times better than el pollo loco. And for what you will pay for a 3 piece meal combo at el pollo loco, you get way more here for the same amount or less. I always like to order a x large size of horchata natural water drink.
(5)
Stephanie B.
Pollo a la Brasa has been one of my bookmarks for years, because it is a notorious spot for Angelenos and was even written up in Bon Appetit. Both of the locations with which I am familiar - Gardena and Koreatown - are tiny places. Gardena definitely has the advantage of more parking - it has 5 spaces. The facility is a utilitarian one, which is mostly devoted to making those delicious chickens. There is a long counter where the meals are prepared and there is a very small "dining room" (in the way that any fast food restaurant has a dining room) with about 7 tables, each of which would accomodate 7 people. You don't come to Pollo a la Brasa for ambience...you come here for cheap, delicious chicken. I ordered the quarter chicken with salad (no beets - mech) and beans, the latter of which are served with three tortillas. First of all, the chicken (white meat and dark) is so moist and flavorful. The exteriors of the chickens are generously seasoned before putting on the spit, and they are cooked slowly to achieve juicy, crispy perfection. A little chicken with a little spicy garlic sauce - wow! Delicious. The salad is simple - iceberg topped with slices of tomatoes and cucumber - tasty and fresh. The beans are the slow cooked pinto variety - not refried. Great bean juice for dipping the tortillas into. (The ideal bite - garlic sauce on tortilla with chicken dragged through bean juice....yummy in my tummy.) The employees are incredibly friendly and work hard to get the food out fresh and fast and to keep the restaurant exceedingly clean. And, for $5.37 plus tax (i.e., $5.80), you cannot beat this deal for a freshly prepared, relatively healthy and delicious meal. Do yourself a favor, check it out. At these prices, you cannot regret it.
(5)
Jennifer L.
One of the best Peruvian restaurants I have ever eaten at. Chicken, sad, fries, and rice!
(5)
Esther K.
What the heck? I have passed by this restaurant (ktown location) probably thousands of times and only now have discovered how tasty this place is! Chicken has a solid smokey wood flavor. Juicy meat. The sauce is spicy and flavorful. This will now be added to my must-eat while back in cali rotation.
(5)
Johnny H.
There is an ample supply of Peruvian restaurants in the area and while Pollo a la Brasa does not have the name recognition of some of the others, their spit fire roasted chicken is by far the best in the neighborhood - and definitely one of the best places for roast chicken in LA. The chicken is consistently juicy and full of flavor. Their sides dishes are average and drink choices are your standard sodas. But thankfully, in LA, it's not uncommon to just get one thing at one particular restaurant and combine them all for a feast at home. For the people that complain about customer service, this is basically like a fast-food take-out joint. To expect anything more than a simple order and pick-up is a bit ridiculous. Parking options is not good, although there's a very large parking lot in the back for another business that everyone just parks at. The dining area is a bit divey.
(4)
L L.
Chicken is delicious! Almost always take it to go. The eating area gets really crowded and almost uncomfortable at times. The green aji salsa is way too hot for my taste ... (and I really like spicy) . The chicken is great and so is a the maracuja drink.
(4)
Randy D.
Few blocks away from me , yet I drive to this place very good chicken , what make good food to me is that when you reheat the leftover the next day or so coz I buy too much of it is that the flavor remains still fired cooked smell and still taste good. Try that with other leftover and you see , not so good . Green sauce yummy ..
(5)
Jarrod F.
The chicken here is killer; probably some of the best around. I like the flavors way better than El Pollo Inka, only thing is this place isn't good to dine in but rather for take out. Give it a try another on of those Gardena gems I keep writing about.
(4)
ricky g.
Been here about six times over the years. With competition out there, it is no longer worth it for the price. What would cost around 15 elsewhere would cost more than 20+ here. Essentially their prices are going up, but without justification. Meaning no improvement in quality whatsoever. Quality: The chicken is great here. However, it can be a miss in consistency. I have had a couple times where there were globs of fat jelly in the meat, not appetizing to bite into. The most bothersome thing is opening leftover chicken from the day before and seeing a large puddle of grease gelatin that formed. The fries are good here, and honestly the reason I use to come back. The reason they taste so great is because they are cooked to a crisp. A lot of fry chippings on the bottom. It makes for a alternative. Compare this to other Peruvian places where the fries arent crisped, and more full in size. The soup is made with scraps. It has small bone chuncks and is very watery in comparison to competitors that are more hearty. Service: Very much a purely take your order/payment and move along feeling at the cashier. Dont think I ever saw a smile. All this by who seems to be the owner. The place is always a little more dirty than it should be. Alternative: Inka Express on Hawthorne. For about $15, you get a full chicken, two well portioned sides, and a large soup. Consistency is amazing here. The service is appreciative and the place is clean.
(2)
S A.
Always pass by this place & want to try it. Finally planned a visit! Really good chicken. Small restaurant though. Parking can get tough but this place is totally worth trying! Chicken is moist & combo portions are huge!! You order on one side of counter & pick up on the other - there are several booths/tables for dining in but not many. Again don't let the size & appearance fool you. Pretty good if you want to try new Peruvian rotisserie chicken & are tired of El Pollo Inka
(4)
David A.
What the f? I walk in and am told a twenty minute wait for chicken... That's fine. Thirty minutes later, only ten numbers have been served and I'm still fifteen orders from getting my food. One star because I have to and for refunding my money so I could go to El Rocoto. Negative four stars for wasting my time. Not that it means anything, but I'll never be back here.
(1)
Christopher M.
Very good, very straightforward. Chicken, tortillas, some sauce to go with it. Very fresh, and for how constantly packed this place is the wait isn't very long for your food. Good stuff.
(4)
Grace D.
I love this place!! We've been coming here for years - great food for a great price served by really nice people.
(5)
Potato H.
Best rotisserie chicken so far. It's fire roasted by wood. Place is a dump but who cares, I'm there to eat not stare at the walls.
(5)
Veronica Z.
Chicken was tender and juicy :) I ordered the whole chicken and two sides special, Surprisingly they gave me steam rice for a side and I'm used to my Spanish rice but then I realized it was a Peruvian style restaurant. Not a big fan of the sides but I will def come back for the chicken!!
(5)
Daniel Dong-Kyu K.
Some of the best rotisserie chicken I've ever had. The skin is perfectly crisp, and the white meat is so juicy and tender. I ordered the half chicken combo which comes with two sides. I got beans and the salad with cranberry dressing. In addition, I got a side of rice, which included 5 scoops lol. They have this amazing, spicy green sauce (maybe a guacamole base), which goes extremely well with the chicken. I even drizzled the sauce all over my rice. I would give this place 5 stars, but I'm subtracting a star due to their filthy dining area. Not many tables in this joint (around seven I believe). But, the tables were not wiped, and there was trash lying all over the floor (pieces of chicken bone, used paper towels, used condoms lol jk). It was disgusting. Please keep the dining area clean for us customers. Until then, I will stick to take-out.
(4)
Karita P.
I came here because of all the great Yelp reviews and it smells amazing as you drive by. It's just ok...not the best in LA. Also, you might want to take a look look over that counter you just ordered at because you'll wonder if a health inspector has ever been in this place. On to the next one or better yet I'll just go back to El Pollo Inka. Fellow Yelpers you let me down...
(2)
Jess J.
The chicken was absolutely delicious. I ordered a half chicken and thought I would take some home but I ended up eating everything on my plate. It was just so good.
(5)
Daryl C.
Peruvian Chicken Rotisserie Rotisserie is cooked over a wood fire. Chicken meal comes with 2+ sides. I got the 1/4 dark meat chicken with salad & fries. The chicken was moist and easily fell of the bone. The salad was ok & the fries were a bit greasy. They also have the green Peruvian sauce! For me, that is the best reason to return. Cost of my meal was $5.60 and it was plenty for a lunch. A whole chicken was closer to the $15 mark. Most people order to go, as the restaurant only has 7 tables and about the same number of parking places. You could probably get away with parking at the grocery store lot located just behind the restaurant. 2nd Visit - Got the whole chicken. The breast was also moist and delightful. There will be a 3rd visit...
(4)
Fancie L.
It's a total hole in the wall.. small parking lot.. small order window with TASTY chicken roasting!! Yummy The green sause is very hot n spicy. Half chicken two sides $8.50. My friend and I were sucking the bones clean!! The parking lot sucks and it only has 6 tables Take out is popular Even for the fire dept who came by twice as I finished my meal.
(4)
Susan T.
One of the best Peruvian rotisserie chicken I've had in the area. At first, you may think the chicken is undercooked with the pinkish color. However, it's the natural look of wood oven meat. Paired with rice and salad, everything will sure fill up your tummy. Also, the chica morada is a delightful purple corn drink that worth trying if you like to explore your taste. Service is great and quick. The only downside is the dining area and parking. Not a good place for large parties of 5 or more.
(5)
Robert K.
Talk about a diamond in the rough. This place is way better and cheaper then El Pollo Inca (aka The Dirty Lama). Where else can you get killer wood fired chicken meal for under $8? The staff is friendly and the food is rockin' Only thing negative is the parking can be tricky. Do yourself a favor and go around the block and park in the public lot. Also the seating is not fat guy friendly. I think a Chinese 9 year old designed the tables. But I'll gladly overlook all of that since the food is great.
(5)
Bradley P.
I love this place and how they post pictures of their customers stealing their sauce. It's just the oddest little chicken place and the food is great. The fries are made fresh. The food is made fresh. I saw the ingredients loaded in from a pickup truck. There aren't too many food places that make their food from scratch anymore.
(4)
Ron H.
Mehhh, guess I'm gonna be the odd man out. Came by because I happened to be around and I saw the 4.5 star average. I imagine it's great if you're local and you need a quick bite to eat, but it's not worth trekking for. Otherwise, I'd say it was a slight notch above El Pollo Loco. If you're looking for very different, ethnic Peruvian, this place isn't it. It's essentially simply cooked chicken, with some Peruvian sauce on the side (which isn't necessarily bad, just managing expectations).
(2)
Evan J.
As a person who is genetically predisposed to loving chicken, I make it a point to seek out the best chicken spots I can find. Nestled on the outskirts of beautiful downtown Gardena I found the holy grail of chicken... Pollo a la Brasa. As soon as you come within 100 yards of the place you can smell the wonderful aroma. Just follow your nose and you cant miss it. The wood burning brick oven produces moist meat with a crunchy skin. I usually go for the 1/4 chicken with a side of rice and fries. If you can stand a little heat i recommend adding a healthy squirt of their green sauce to tickle your tastebuds. The staff is friendly and the service is relatively quick. The seating is limited and its not really somewhere to go on a nice date, but the food more than makes up for the shortcomings in the ambience department. I definitely recommend this spot for all the chicken lovers out there!
(5)
Karina G.
I love this place it's a few blocks from my job and its my go to place for Lunch the prices are pretty reasonable but this Chicken is to Bomb an your meal comes with fries and salad what more can you ask for I highly recommend you visit this place :) Also try there chicken soup it is Fantastic
(5)
Lucianna F.
I was so excited about this place. THe chicken tastes fabulous and is absolutely well seasoned. I went for my first time 2 weeks ago. I told all of my friends at work that they absolutely HAD to go to this fabulous place. I even went back that week. Everyone and their mother was there. The place, I must say, looked like a dirty shack inside and out. But I knew this... Right? Ugh! Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck.... It's a DUCK. Ok, so I sat down, devoured the chicken. I did, in fact, eat at the dirty looking table, I did, in fact, use the unsanitary looking ketchup bottle. Four hours later I was puking my guts out. I then proceeded to be sick as a dog for TWO days. I know it was this place because I ate NOTHING else that day. I now gag at the thought of ANY chicken, especially rotisserie. Horrible, horrible experience here.
(2)
Antonia P.
I loooveeeeeeeeeee this place. I work super close and I am hooked. I usually order Chicken and Rice. If you want to add a kick to it that Green sauce will sure do the trick. :p
(5)
Mando O.
After I read all this reviews I figure it was the spot, close to home also, This spot is overrated over doing it. I'm not against Asians I'm married to one and I'm happy. But honestly going in there watching this Asians in a Mex-Spot. It takes the flavor out, Second the chicken was dry n pink WTF.... Freaking Northgate has better chicken that's DA true. The best thing was the green salsa. Thumps up who ever made the salsa. No wonder the Peopz take home the salsa I don't doubt them. La Brasa no Bueno... Not even in a Rainy Day like 3 weeks ago...
(1)
Jay J.
I'm addicted to the chicken and aji sauce. I don't care where this place is located, or how tiny the parking is...I gotta have this chicken! It's juicy, tender, flavorful, and tasty. It's the real deal. It's what El Pollo Loco WISHES it was. The only thing, the sides are no bueno. But it's ok, I got sides the first time but never again because all I need is the chicken and the aji sauce.
(5)
Xavier M.
The best rotisserie chicken around. Moist and flavorful. Great with the fresh tortillas, corn and potato. The chicken soup is really good too. If you like all white meat like I do, go early. They tend to not do all white meat later in the evening and have run out on more than a few occasions.
(5)
Cesar M.
Best Peruvian chicken in LA. I've tried Chicken from 3 other Peruvian restaurants and none compare to the taste of Pollo La Brasa's chicken. Their fresh home made fries, chicha drink and Aji sauce are the best I've tasted , and would make a perfect addition to your meal.
(5)
Soo H.
This place is small and very busy. They use a wood fire in the front with this rotating metal contraption to cook their chicken. The aroma from the wood is awesome! The chicken skin is crispy and the meat is moist and full of flavor. The chicken is like El Pollo Loco only better. I'd rate this as the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had. I also had a chicken skewer. It was cooked perfectly. I didn't care for the sauce so I'm going to stick with the rotisserie chicken.
(5)
Dave A.
It's the wood that makes it good! Certainly the best chicken in the South Bay/Long Beach area. The green sauce is a spicy delight. It's real dive, in a funky area, know that. If you want to do mini-food tour, the trifecta: Come here, share a chicken plate. Get in car, head south on Vermont to 168th, go east to Figueroa, to the taco truck on the corner (takes 3 minutes). Get some Mexican seafood tostadas and/or cocktails, and maybe Mexican ice creams. Go back to Vermont and find the fresh fruit cart guy and get some. Muy sabroso and no mucho dinero! After eating PALB chicken, you will never go to Inka chicken place again. Never!
(4)
Eddie C.
One of the most flavorful roasted chickens that I've tasted. Pollo A La Brasa's specialty is a fire roasted Peruvian style chicken cooked in a brick oven using real wood. I ordered the whole chicken dinner that comes with rice and bean for about 13 bucks and a skewered chicken dinner with 3 skewers, roasted potato, and corn for about 7 buck. Both dinners come with their spicy green peruvian style hot sauce that is out of this world. If you are in a hurry, order their roasted chicken. They continuously make batches of the chicken so chances are it is ready at the time of your order. I, however, decided that I needed more food and ordered the chicken skewers as an after thought and had to wait 15 min. Not worth the wait, the chicken was dry and too salty. The potato and corn were ok. Then there is still the roasted chicken - delicious. The chicken was tender and juicy and wore it's smokey crispy brown skin on top of meat that was deliciously infused with flavor. And a day later, it was still good as a snacked on cold roasted chicken while watching TV! Life is good. Next time? More roasted chicken and maybe the grilled beef heart.
(4)
Linda T.
I agree with Ian A. that the smell of the burning wood is a great indicator of whats in store with the chicken! The parking is verysmall, with like 3 spots, and the rest is street parking a bit down the block. The area is not the Southbay's finest, but the food sure is! I had heard people mention this place and saw the rave reviews on Yelp, and had bookmarked it awhile back. I finally made it here last month, and I was not disappointed. We ordered the whole chicken, with fries and a side of plantain. The food was not ready right away, and our plantains especially took a like 8 minutes longer than the rest of the food. The chicken was moist, tender and had that distinct smokey flavor of being cooked over fire-wood. So good! the fried were whatever, as were the side of beans....the fried plantains on the other hand were made to their crisp, caramelized, sweet perfection! It cost 20 bucks for the meal, which doesn't sound cheap, but we had plenty of leftovers and had some chicken and plantain the next day (fries weren't good reheated). In the end, I'd skip the other sides and just take home chicken and plantains, and enjoy it at home. =)
(4)
Scott G.
Made my way to lunch here on old Gardena. If you blink, you might miss this place that sits in a odd location and is next to nothing of interest... What is of interest is the food and the prices. For under six bucks I got a 1/4 chicken (white meat), rice and a salad. What this place lacks in curb appeal and ambiance, it makes up for in taste and value. The chicken was tender, juicy and very flavorful. The rice was pretty tasty, as well. The salad was a salad but when you put it all together, I feel pretty healthy and my wallet didn't take a pounding, a winning combination...
(4)
Santi T.
This is one of my favorite take out places in Gardena because the chicken completely satisfies my appetite. And trust me, I can out eat anyone including my braddah (200+lbs)! Who wants to cook on a relaxing Sunday night? Not my mom! So we headed over here to pick up some of our Peruvian style rotisserie chicken owned by some Japanese peeps. Once you step into the door, the temperature goes up by 10+ degrees because of the heat from the grill. These chickens are grilling until you place your order. We got a couple of whole chickens ($13.50)which came cut up, a few side orders and a couple corn tortillas. They got this process of grilling down to a science. The outcome is a moist piece of chicken with a smokey, peppery taste. They don't cut corners here; just eucalyptus logs. The sides were totally disappointing but then again, you're here to order the chicken which is the superstar. We ordered the salad, rice, beans and french fries which were totally mediocre. When you're eating your juicy chicken pieces, do not forget to use the mystery green sauce! I don't know what the heck is inside but it compliments the smokey flavor of the pollo. They have a dining room in the back and plenty of parking in the front. Maybe next time I'll try some of the chicken organs?!? I hope this will continue to be a Gardena landmark!
(4)
Andy D.
Amazing pollo a la brasa! This place can get crowded, but definitely worth the wait. The prices are great, and the chicken is moist, tender, juicy, and most important in my opinion... very smokey! My go to is chicken w/ fries and salad, finished off w/ horchata.
(5)
Kat B.
Chicken is five stars and sides is what brings down the rating. No one can beat chicken over a wood fire. We had to wait 30 min once and it was worth it. We come here often and we keep coming back. Worth the price for all their effort. Fire from wood just gives a different taste than fire from gas. They nailed it on the chicken. Sides are another thing. I wish they had a couple more selections. As for the spicy green sauce, I just use the leftover for marinades. So far I have used it for an hour on shrimp and part of the base for a slow cooked beef roast.
(4)
FredoCris R.
These folks do chicken and do it well. Always appreciate the real wood-burning eucalyptus rotisserie ovens they use to cook with. Always tender, always juicy - love their green sauce and happy to smother it over rice. And always eat with mah-hands; no utensils needed. Dessert - try the alfajores. Expect lines during peak-hours but service is pleasently fast.
(5)
Lisa Z.
If you come here on a weekend night, get here earlier rather than later. They can run out of chicken! The rotisserie chicken here is amazingly good, you really get that woody, smoky flavor. The aji here is decent- I like it, but I prefer the one from El Polla Inka. Their beans are also just ok. All the other sides I've had - salad, white rice - meh. Their white rice is pretty bad, cheap quality and dry. Come for the chicken.
(4)
Lisa B.
I have driven by this place numerous times over the years and am always smelling the delightful and intoxicating smokey BBQ aromas....I finally decided to give it a try and it was not disappointing. Chicken was tender and very moist. Great smoke flavor and tasty overall. I was underwhelmed by the green sauce as I am spoiled by El Pollo Inka's sauce instead (theirs is tough to beat IMO). Noentheless, La Brasa is a new "go to" spot for delicious chicken. I was in and out very quickly too...
(4)
Buala E.
The parking is a complete disaster, but it's totally worth it for their perfectly cooked juicy chicken! I love their chicken! I get the same thing every time; chicken breast with tons of Aji sauce and fries!!!
(5)
Clifford S.
Going on a business trip can suck at night. You're stuck in a town you don't know in a motel by yourself. Calling home and TV help but a dinner that you can enjoy can really make the difference. The chicken at Pollos at la Brasa almost made the trip worthwhile. I wish we have this flavorful, moist chicken back in Illinois. I am not sure if it the brick oven or what but this was one great chicken dinner. I am sure I will be out again on business and will definitely get another great meal here.
(5)
Kristenne A.
The chicken is seasoned perfectly. If you're looking to go beyond El Pollo Loco, this place is definitely a GO. They have this green hot sauce...pretty gooood! Don't get the fries though
(4)
Clara D.
This place is amazing for pollo a la brasa! Chicken, fries, salad, and Inka Cola, that's all you need to get from this place. If you want to venture a bit, try their anticucho or choncholi with potatoes and corn. My brother and I found this place by accident, nearly 15 years ago. I am so glad the quality has not changed, unlike Pollo Inka. Their prices have increased, but so have gas prices! Again, chicken, fries, and salad, this dish is definitely worth the calories. Don't bother with the rice, beans, or tortillas; they're bland and will disappoint you.
(5)
A.J. G.
This place is ammmmazzing !!!! The chicken is the best I've ever had and the aji is very spicy. I highly recommend that you go here so worth the trip. It's a hidden gem parking is on the street and lock your car.
(5)
Donald F.
Hands down the BEST chicken in the Southbay Los Angeles! I'm trying to be objective here but yeah - I can say they're the best so far around town. To start with their chicken are real wood roasted - not gas, not electric coils. Real Eucalyptus wood. You can see neat piles of them outside the restaurant. The wood-burning oven is just right behind the counter. I used to live three blocks away from here, now I'm 15 miles away. Sigh. You can't miss this place, it's right next to a railroad crossing. Trust me, your 10 bucks a bird is well worth it. I suggest get your food to go. You really wont seek out this place - and the neighborhood - to dine.
(5)
Wesley W.
Here's another fave eatery. Why? Because it's some darn good chicken. The place only uses a wood burning oven. They have the log splitter and the lumber on the side of the building to prove it. The chicken is moist, tender and flavorful. Hands down the best chicken in LA. The aji sauce is a little too spicy for me but the double fried french fries and the salad and the cole slaw make for some pretty good sides. If you're in the Gardena area, give this place a shot. You won't regret it.
(5)
Nadia L.
Delicious delicious delicious! One of the best Peruvian chicken I had in a long time!!!! Location is not that great. Small parking lot. It gets packed quickly. Ambiance is not too appealing. Very limited seating. When you first walk in you smell the smokey chicken that's been slow cooking! My boyfriend and I got the whole chicken, with salad, rice, French fries, and chicken soup. The chicken is yummy! Perfectly cooked has that woody smokey flavor. The green sauce is crack!!!! It's spicy has a kick to it and seems like they put a lot of cilantro in it which I LOVE! I put it on everything my goodness!!! French fries were decent. Salad was disappointing because it lacked a good dressing on it...no flavor to it. I did although like how it had thin slices of beets in it. The rice is definitely a MUST with the chicken! The chicken soup is so yummy!!!!! I would definitely get it again. Very flavorful and taste like comfort food something your mom would make! We also ordered the Maracuya (passion fruit drink) delicious! Must get: chicken, rice, soup! This place is a solid 5 star based on food and not overall (appearance)
(5)
Amir K.
This might be the best pollo a la brasa I've ever had. The only other place that comes close is Takatis all the way up in Van Nuys, but there's nowhere near Gardena that has chicken this good. You don't even need to walk in to tell how good this place is, the freakin' smell is wafting into the street and there's smoke everywhere. Anyway, onto the experience Ambience: At first glance it looks like a total hole in the wall, but as soon as you walk in, you realize it's a full tilt operation. The oven behind the counter looks like it was built by a pro and there's guys running in and out regularly grabbing wood to keep things going. The seating area is super small, and that's why I downgraded a star, but at least they recently got some new furniture and it's comfortable. Before it was leftover booths from an Arbys or something, but whatever. It looks like they have room to expand a little on the south side of the property and I would definitely consider doing that if I was the owner, even if it was at my expense. Food: You can get away with spending under $10, but I always go over. I get the half chicken with two sides. The chicken is alway excellent. It's got a really nice, wet texture and is super tender. You can use a plastic fork and knife, but I always dig in with my hands. They have the green spicy sauce which is a must. I've had better green sauce at other pollo a la brasa places, but this is fine and gets the job done. They could probably stand to use some mayo in the sauce base to make it a little more creamy. Side orders: I've had the fries, salad, coleslaw and beans before. I would say the fries are a must, as that is the typical way pollo a la brasa is ordered. I like to go with the salad now, it's prety simple with light dressing and comes with some thin slices of beats and radishes too. The coleslaw can be hit or miss. If there's a lot of demand, you can usually get a pretty fresh batch, but if nobody's had it that day, you're gonna get a soggy mess. The beans are ok too, my fellow co-workers like them more than I do. They need some more flavor in my opinion, but still good overall. In a nutshell: If you like a decent, healthy chicken dish for lunch, drop in here and give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. If you like pollo a la brasa, make absolutely sure you stop in because you're gonna be craving it on the regular!
(4)
X B.
chicken is good and tasty and juicy but this time the chicken rub was way too salty antigucho - beef heart is good
(3)
Dev R.
Delicious! Chicken is cracklin' skin, and healthy juiciness. Fries are naturally-flavorful (soft insides, crunchy outsides). Corn is frozen, so next time, get the salad. Horchata was good as well. I'll be back!
(5)
John C.
Their green cilantro sauce is meh, more spicier than other places, which i liked but i thought it lacked cilantro garlic flavor. The coleslaw is just coleslaw, so yall need to calm down bout it, mmmkay The chicken is quite bomb, falls off the bone bomb and is juicy slash tender. With a name like pollo a la brasa, do you dare try anything else? place is dirty but ppl line up for the food, not the ambience. on that note, it is perfect for take out! =)
(4)
Shaun M.
BEST CHICKEN IN LOS ANGELES PERIOD. Not fancy but this place has the flavor. If you dont like the chicken then you dont like chicken at all. Make sure to get your fries crispy. You can eat a quality meal for $7
(5)
Angie S.
Good food. One of my favorites! The plátanos are always ripe and delicious! The price is great.
(5)
R Clark G.
Mmmmm....now, as anyone who knows me knows, I'm not known to gnaw on anything that once walked on land. On occasion, especially when I'm in omnivorous company who has a hankering for something fowl or beefy, I'll partake. This happened at Pollo a la Braza. And I didn't repent either. I only have a fake vegetarian card anyways... Let's just keep it short and sweet. So here's the breakdown (if you play free-word association while you read, it will be more fun). Chicken: Grilled. Succulent. Plentiful. French Fries: Thick. Crispy. Salty. Green Salad: Fresh. Colorful. Crunchy. Green Salsa stuff: Yum. Got kick. Worth stealing (they have pictures of the woman who did) Purple corn drink whose name now fails me: Sweet. Cinnamony? Pretty :) Price: Damn. Good. 2(Large Drink + Quarter Chicken Plate) = $17.09. Service: Counter. Brief. Me: Full. Satisfied. You: Got the picture? Go. Enjoy.
(5)
Vanessa B.
One of the best places for rotisserie chicken. Whole chicken with 2 sides and tortillas. Can't go wrong.
(4)
James T.
I would literally come here every other day. I once had Peruvian food in NYC at Pio Pio, a $$ restaurant, and the chicken here is as good if not better than Pio Pio.
(5)
Edgar M.
WORST service ever, They people there are very rude. Food was gross. The only thing that made my visit pleasant was this funny picture of a lady stealing the sauce.
(1)
Alana M.
If you haven't yet tried this place, you've been missing out on some of the best chicken!! The place is mostly always very busy! The parking in front is sparse, but you can park on the street or out in the very back (you have to access it by almost going around the block). From the moment you open your car door, you are struck with the aroma of the wood burning and chicken cooking. The chicken is cooked rotisserie style and is always delicious! I love the skin, it is crisp and flavorful! We usualy always get the rice and beans as sides. They have this green hot sauce and it really goes well with the rest of the food! Be sure to give it a try, you'll be glad you did!
(5)
Steve S.
Wood Fire Rotisserie Chicken. I like rotisserie chicken, but these bad boys are awesome wood fire rotisserie chicken. They have piles of wood outside and you can smell all the goodness as you walk in. Let's get the biggest issue about this place out of the way, PARKING. They have 4 spots. Street parking for everyone else and it's hard to park where they are and it's a busy street.. But that doesn't stop the hordes that come anyways. I got the 1/4 Chicken (Leg & Thigh) with 2 sides (Green Salad & Cole slaw) The Chicken is amazing. I love rotisserie chicken. El Pollo Inka started it for me. Then Zankou took the torch. The new king is Pollo a la Brasa. Wow is it good. The aroma of the smoke gets you first. Then the taste, starting with the chicken skin. I usually limit my chicken skin intake (specially when it's fried), but I had to devour these. They were so flavorful. Then the meat, perfectly cooked. Did I mention they have a Green Sauce. My all time Aji Sauce favorite was El Pollo Inka's, again sorry but EPI has to move over. It's not as spicy as EPI but the depth of flavor is there with out the heat, so good with that chicken. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. Delicious. The Green Salad I liked. A lot of yeeps don't like the beets, but I love beets and these are very good. It had that earthy sweet taste, yum. The dressing is a bit weak, but I don't like too much dressing to begin with, so it's fine by me. The Cole Slaw was also okay. Too much dressing on those though, but I still liked it. The price; $6.15 (tax included) super cheap lunch for me. No tortillas. To get the tortilla's, you have to get the beans (which is beans & tortilla side order). I don't like beans. boo. Tortilla's would have made the meal complete. Aside from the chicken (which you can order as a whole, half or quarter, with or without sides), they have grilled skewered beef hearts, grilled skewered chicken, grilled pork stomach and New York Steak (Carne a la Parrilla). The Chicken is king here, so I would stick to it. The rotisserie chicken is really really good. I know there are other issues, specially parking, but I can't help thinking about that chicken and how good it is despite everything else. 5 stars I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Tunisia M.
Traveling north or south on Vermont Ave you can't miss the hypnotizing scent that's wafting from Pollo A La Brasa. I've been told this place has been there for years and that it's always busy. So naturally, not living too far from the location, I had to see if the hype was true. I found out later, after 1/4 of a chicken, rice and beans, salad and tortillas that indeed it was. It came with that aji( a.k.a. green crack) sauce as well. It lasted one meal so next time I may consider getting the half chicken. They lose a star however because the location is a bit dodgy and as such tends to attract such people as well.
(4)
MrAndMrs M.
Chicken was awesome! We ordered a half chicken plate with rice, cornslaw, and tortilla. The chicken taste great, it was nice and juicy. Not dry and bland like how it is at El pollo Loco at times. The green sauce was bomb!! I has to try and copy the other folks that mixed in the mayo.... I'm glad I did! Great combo! We tried some of the fries.... yum!!!! It reminded me of plantains. Well portioned food and the price is very reasonable. Only con was the floor in the seating area. Really slippery. It wasn't water but rather oil. I nearly slipped and fell. It didn't matter what kind of shoes because I wasn't the only one. None the less I would definitely come back again!
(4)
Stacey Z.
Do you love chicken that falls off the bone? Well Pollo A La Brasa is for you! Their chicken is flame broiled over the fire pits..... this results in the most excellent charred flavor! And to add to all that, the GREEN SAUCE is out of this world! It's so spicy, yet I crave more and more.... to the point I can't breathe and am running to the water fountain for more water! The combo of the chicken and green sauce has me coming back to this dive for more time and time again! As other reviews have stated, the sides do leave a bit to be desired. My corn on the cob was 1/5 a piece of the cob... I mean come on at least give a 1/3 or 1/2 a cob. The salad was ok, but nothing to write home about. Go here for the fall off the bone chicken and you won't be disappointed. Lastly and most importantly, don't skimp out on that fabulous green mystery sauce!
(4)
Arthur A.
The smell when u walk in and the brick oven full of chicken is a dead giveaway that the food will be amazing and it was. The taste of the chicken is so flavorful and succulent u will feel like you landed in fire roasted chicken heaven. The green sauce that looks like slime make the taste perfect No leftovers here... Zomg get the grilled beef hearts.... i took some to go and they are ridonkulous!
(5)
Maurice C.
Food is great, service is shit!! The green sauce is bomb, but still service is shit!! If your looking for good service go elsewhere, but if you don't mind the attitude, and like good chicken, stop by.
(3)
Blake Y.
OMG! This place serves the absolute best chicken I have ever had in my entire life! We went with a friend who recommended it and told us that it was good, but it was so much better than I thought it would be. Not that I didn't think it would be good, I just wasn't expecting excellence! I got the quarter chicken with rice, beans and tortillas and, at the end of my meal, I wished that I had gotten the half chicken... Since I live in Phoenix and Pollo A La Brasa is all the way in Gardena, I'm afraid that I won't be able to go again until I'm back in CA...next Christmas...
(5)
Spencer P.
Probably the best chicken I have ever had. I ordered the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides (salad + beans) I do not recommend getting the salad. Very very very average. Picture an average salad. Think about it some more... Very original ingredients... Nothing special. VERY AVERAGE. It was so average I dumped an entire bottle of green sauce on it to make it bomb. The beans were incredible. I should have got two orders of beans. Perfectly cooked and have a very authentic flavor. The chicken was phenom. You know that feeling when something is so good you can't describe it? Yeah-- that's kinda how I feel about the chicken here. I would be willing to put their chicken up against any chicken in Los Angeles. I def recommend this place and I will FOR SURE be coming back REGULARLY!!
(5)
Ahmad J.
I generally get my rotisserie chicken from Chicken Maison but this time decided to try the wood fire cooked rotisserie chicken from Pollo A La Brasa. This is basically a small place with almost no parking. On Saturday afternoon when I arrived it was choked with cars waiting for someone to pull out. I found a spot in the parking lot of the super market that is behind this place and walked over. Ordering is a bit confusing. When you enter you basically grab a menu off the first table to your right, then move to the extreme right to place your order and get a ticket then walk to the counter to pay and finally wait to pick up the food when your number is called. I decided to go with the half chicken with two sides order ($8.05) and selected beans and tortillas and fries as my choice of two sides and then walked over to pay. While paying I noticed that they had a sign for $10 minimum for card purchase but the cahier told me that its wrong and the minimum is $9. After paying it was a short 5 minutes wait to get the food which was spent dodging other customers that walked into the restaurant as the place is really tiny. Taste wise I should have read the earlier reviews on Yelp more carefully. The sides were a complete waste. The beans were drowned in a watery grave and fries were soggy so these were safely confined to the dustbin. Coming to the chicken it was not too bad. If I did not already know that these were cooked on a wood fire simply by eating the chicken it would have not stuck me as the wood flavor was very mild and you had to concentrate to actually pick it up. I also felt that parts of the chicken breast were a little dry and could have been a bit more juicy. The famous aji sauce (hot green sauce) was good but I did not feel that it was overly spicy. My advise would be to skip the sides and just take the entire rotisserie chicken as that is their specialty and price wise it would be comparable to Chicken Maison ($9.99 v/s $10.12 here). Looking at the location, parking situation, confusing ordering procedure and passable taste I won't be in a hurry to return.
(2)
Lisa Y.
The BEST rotisserie chicken I've ever had! The meat is moist and full of mouthwatering flavor! They have aji sauce to go with the chicken, but be warned, it's pretty spicy and adds a great kick to your meat. The staff can get you in and out pretty efficiently; so don't let the long lunch lines deter you. Parking can be a little tricky, so you may end up parking on the street. Tadashi, the designer, even loves them as I saw the company truck picking up boxes and boxes of chicken!
(5)
Ryan W.
Pollo A La Brasa definitely lives up the the hype. Many of my friends have talked about this spot and I finally tried it out. They don't have too much parking in the front so I think you will have to park on the street if you can't find parking. You place your order in the front and then pay at the end of the counter. The service here is really good. The employees are all friendly. I decided to go with the half chicken and I chose fries and a salad as my 2 sides. You basically get half a chicken (4 pieces). It's definitely a good amount of meat and they also give plenty of fries with it. You also receive a side of their green hot sauce. It's got a really nice kick to it and goes perfect with the chicken if you like a little bit of heat. The rotisserie chicken is so tender and you get a nice smokey flavor. It's really good! Overall, Pollo A La Brasa was delicious and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is in the Gardena area and is looking for some great food!
(4)
J B.
I got a theory about this place.... You see - I got beef with the Pervians. They're out to get me. I wronged one of their people and as we all know... WHEN YOU MESS WITH ONE PERUVIAN, YOU MESS WITH ALL OF THEM! The Pervians and their colorful cloths and funny hats and their tolerance of high altitudes want me dead I tell you. If I'm ever found murdered, now you know. It was them! Anyhow. There is nothing magical about this place. It's just tasty chicken cooked the old fashioned way by burning firewood. It's smells great and is accompanied by rice and beans. I think it's the Peruvians trying to lure me to this location and trying to make me sleepy from all of the food just to they can surround me and avenge their kind. Those crafty Peruvians! I'm onto their schemes. It's tough having an entire nation of people gunning for you...
(4)
Henry P.
the best rotesserie chicken hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Gabriel P.
Located on the outskirts. Of Los Angeles, this place will not disappoint. Came in after a friend recommended it, talk about a great authentic family owned business. These people are friendly and make all their food with pride! There's a brick oven in the back of the counter and you can see all the chickens beign roasted to perfection! If your looking for just great tasting chicken than this is the place. Aesthetically challenged restaurant, not too much parking but food makes up and overcompensated for it! Definitely recommend!! A+++ 15/10! The fries are awesome! And make sure to get the green salsa sauce!
(5)
Marilyn R.
So disappointed with the quality and portion size. I started eating here 6 years ago. Little by little, the chicken portions got smaller. As with everything, prices are higher, but my 1/2 chicken looked more like a cornish hen. Probably will only go couple times a year. You need to give value for the price point.
(2)
Grand C.
Jonathan Gold - Pollo A La Brasa Western - 99 Things to Eat in LA Before You Die! Tired of all the other dried rotisserie chicken places, you need to come check out Pollo A La Brasa Gardena! The Gardena Location is a hole in the wall family run business. It is great for the community and I wish I lived closer or wish they had one in my area! I also just noticed they have built the new building in the back of the old one. I heard it's going to open real soon, and the current building will be demolished and made into customer parking! I can't wait for that to happen. Hands down thee best Peruvian Spiced Rotisserie Chicken I've ever Ate! Plus you need to try their amazing Peruvian Aji Sauce, SO GOOD! If you like it hot this is the sauce for you! The fries are Kennebec Potatoes, if you likes fries these are the best to eat! I only have tried the tastiest chicken, rice, salad, fries, and thee bomb aji (green) sauce. Highly Recommend you come try this place!
(5)
Antho L.
If there's one cuisine that I'm fond of, it's Peruvian. After hearing about all the hype about this place I finally had a chance to stop in to try it out and I can see why it's a fave amongst foodies. This small mom and pop eatery is owned by Japanese-Peruvians and it was a trip to hear them speaking fluent Spanish to their latino customers. The main dish here is rotisserie chicken which is what "pollo a la brasa" means. While ordering at the counter, one could see all the whole chickens being cooked on a wood-fired rotisserie in the background. After skimming the menu, I decided I'd order the 1/4 rotisserie chicken with a side white rice and salad as my two side choices. I also threw in a side of frijoles (cooked beans) since that's what I'm used to having when I dine Peruvian. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I thought the chicken was good, very moist and tender. It had a really nice earthy flavor due to the use of a wood fire to cook the chicken. The salad was appetizing with the beet and tomato slices as nice enhancements. Overall I'd say the meal was very enjoyable in terms of taste. Although, the frijoles were nothing special and were slightly runny. You aren't given very much I thought for the extra $1.50 price you had to pay for this. The food was tasty but I thought it was slightly pricey given the area and ambiance of the place. They are located in a part of Gardena that isn't all that nice nor is the building of the restaurant or the ambiance very impressive whatsoever. It's a very small space with a few tables. There's a small parking lot up front which is easily filled so street parking is probably your best bet. They also serve their food on Styrofoam plates, which I hate eating anything off of. I understand the utility for establishments to use Styrofoam plates so no dish washing is involved but it really makes for a difficult dining experience for customers. To make matters worse, you also have to use plastic knives and forks I hate using even more. It makes for a clumsy and difficult time trying to cut and eat the chicken along with the rice and beans. It's especially difficult to use plastic forks to eat salads. Ugh! Since the beans were served on the side, I had a difficult time trying to eat it with the rest of the plate especially since I usually like to mix the beans and the rice together. It was so messy that I'd almost say I'd bring my own silver eating utensils just to make dining here more pleasurable. So given the high price, meager ambiance, sketchy location, use of Styrofoam plates and difficulty of having to use plastic utensils, I'm giving this place a solid 3 stars. I'd still probably return when I'm in a super casual mood and willing to give up a few of the luxuries of dining out. I'd probably get a 1/2 chicken plate next time because despite all my complaints, the chicken was alright.
(3)
nancy R.
I remember a friend raving about this chicken yeeeeears ago and then I saw Todd M.'s review and I connected the dots. Having backpacked through Peru I, of course, have become an expert on all things Peruvian and as an expert I can confirm that Peruvians do chickens well ... and pizzas ... Peruvian pizza is something else. I digress. But yes, Pollo a la Brasa is pretty damn good. It's not dry, the skin is well-seasoned, and the aji is damn tasty. I didn't even think I liked aji because I didn't have much of it in Peru...you know when I backpacked through it ... but dang I could lather this aji on eV-eR-y-thang. I heard a patron say that people even steal the aji bottles from the restaurant ... gangsta.
(4)
Chris A.
I had the half chicken with beans/ tortillas and papas... The green sauce is spot on and the rotisserie chicken is delicious and the smoked oak logs (I'm guessing) adds the finishing touch... I'm a fan and wanna try the steak next but they got it down here if you love pollo like I do!
(4)
Bryan S.
This place is near my work so I drive by it all the time. You can smell the delicious smokey chicken as you drive by. Anyway, I saw the good reviews on Yelp and decided to give this place a try. The way they smoke their chicken is really quite magical. It's very juicy and tender. They also season it perfectly. I wasn't too thrilled with their sides, but then again I got the rice and salad. I'm not sure what "Peruvian chicken" is, but they have that awesome green sauce that every Peruvian joint has. They even have a wanted poster (surveillance image) of some lady stealing a bottle of the stuff. It's like crack! Anyway, if you're considering the 1/4 chicken, go with the 1/2. It barely costs more, and the 1/4 is small. Parking in the front is tiny, so park behind the railroad track behind the place. There's plenty of parking there.
(4)
Maritza S.
The best chicken I have ever had! Great seasoning and affordable prices. The Aji sauce is spicy and goes great with the chicken! The downside is that they are closed on Mondays. And they are limited in tables and parking, be prepare to possibly do take out or park in the street.
(4)
Michael C.
I don't give out 5s very often. Pollo A La Brasa gets a 5. Some of the tastiest rotisserie chicken I've had, and I've had it in cities across the US. The seasoning is spot on, and the hardwood fire gets cooks the chicken perfectly. The sides were above average, the plantains were fried just-right. Parking can get difficult at this little hole in the wall, but for some of the best chicken in the South Bay and maybe even Southern California, you should give Pollo A La Brasa a try.
(5)
Armand S.
i got excited by that man who said that aji over all the chicken. but when i did that. it didnt seem all that great. especially when my chicken meal was $9.00. yikes!!! pollo inka here i come!!
(3)
Todd M.
@#$!#@$!#@$#!@$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^ditto the above ^^ditto the above again I didn't want to review this place, lest this secret Gardena spot would be discovered by the masses. Oops, over 180 great reviews, scratch that thought! I guess I c
(5)
Isabella L.
El Pollo Inka what? Ok, this place has the best Rotisserie Chicken in the South Bay, and I'm betting it's in the top 5 list across all L.A. county. It is moist, flavorful and very delicious. That alone is worth 5 stars, but the rice and fries along with the sauce are all winners too. Unfortunately, 1 star has to be knocked down for the crazy ass parking and seating you have to maneuver to get your grub on here. I think the best plan is to order your food, bring one person to kick out of your car and run in to pick up the chicken, and then race back home to eat at home. Otherwise, it's too much of a pain.
(4)
Cira M.
Best. Roast. Chicken. Everrrrr. The sides are alright--not stellar, but they don't need to be because the chicken is so damn good. I would come here if all they served besides the chicken was dirty dishwater and stale popcorn. It is that good. The restaurant itself is clean, but definitely lacking in the ambiance department--it's unflatteringly lit with glaring, yellowed flourescent bulbs and the menu is a photocopy taped to the countertop. It's likeably quirky, though: one side of the sign out front is backwards, the vinyl banners are scrawled in funky graffiti lettering and there is a mural painted on one wall of the dining area depicting a pastoral Inkan scene. But again, they don't need ambiance, because they have that chicken... The chicken is just like everyone says: infused with woodsmoke from the woodburning oven fired by piles of hardwood sitting in the parking lot (I think they use eucalyptus). It's so juicy and tender it slides right off the bone. It's perfectly seasoned and the skin is salty, crisp and smoky--it's as good as bacon. I brought lunch to a work meeting one afternoon. My customers requested El Pollo Inka. I sent a link from Yelp and asked if they were okay with Pollo a las Brasa instead. The response I got was, "you eat there??? That place looks sketchy!". I told them to trust me, and they didn't care about the "sketchy" look of the place when they were plucking every morsel of chicken from the bones and licking their fingers! Oh, and one last thing--they are only open until 8pm, so get there early!
(5)
Margarita A.
This is a big boys paradise chicken friend and for moral purposes salad. Great service food is really different it's one of a kind that's for sure. Good location too. Will be coming back on my next trip to LA
(5)
Sauerbraten Y.
I met my contact at our usual location, in the back alley behind the bar. The stench of stale alcohol and old garbage beckoned my nostrils eastward towards a dirty dumpster. There was an old vagrant propped up against it, sleeping soundly, covered in newspapers and cardboard. "Pay attention, this is important," snapped my contact as he handed me a manila envelope. "The target?" I inquired. "Chicken," he replied. "Chicken?" I asked, quizzically. "Not just any chicken," he said; his voice serious. "Pollo A La Brasa chicken." "You mean?" "--Yes," he interrupted. "You must venture into Gardena." As he watched the confusion on my face transform into dread he tried to reassure me. "It's good chicken," he stated confidently. "Damn good chicken. Some say it's chicken so good it's worth risking one's life." Poring over the Pollo A La Brassa dossier he had handed me, I began to believe his outlandish claim. All the relevant details had been culled from Yelp. There were pictures of chickens lined up on rows of rotisseries, roasting over wood pit flames. Another photo showed a fully roasted chicken dissected into its component parts, golden brown and glistening moist and juicy, lovingly packed into a white Styrofoam take out container. Sides of rice and beans adorned another snapshot, while tortillas, salad and chicken sprinkled with bright green Peruvian Aji sauce featured prominently in another. At this point I knew I would take the mission, but I wondered if it would be my last. "Payment?" I inquired, noticing as I spoke the word that my mouth was watering profusely. "Three pieces and two sides of your choice," he replied optimistically. "--and I'll throw in a couple tortillas and some Aji sauce if you bring it back quickly." I hopped into my car and sped North on Vermont like a man on a mission. A chicken mission. The mantra, "Gotta get dat chicken" repeating in my brain. As I neared the restaurant, crossing over Artesia, a feeling of trepidation arose in me. I could see police activity up ahead in the distance, and a police helicopter was closing in overhead. "How did they find out?" I wondered as I stepped on the gas, driving even faster. "Was it the bum in the alley? Was he undercover?" I couldn't worry about it now. Gotta get dat chicken. I hit 170th street and suddenly, cops everywhere, coming at me from all directions. Black and whites, K9 units, unmarked cars; all converging on my location. Traffic started pulling over to the side of the street, but I pushed on. A black and white speeding South crossed over the double yellows into my lane as if challenging me to a game of chicken. I slammed the brakes just as he veered back into his lane and then I floored it again. 168th street, "Almost there..." My heart is beating faster. 167th street, "Almost there..." My pulse is racing. One parking space left! The tiny one on the end with the metal pole in the ground that has battered the fenders of countless vehicles in the past. I took it, jumped out of my car and dove into the chicken shack, blurting out my order like a crazy person. "You are number 261," said the man behind the counter. "We call you when ready." I ducked behind a wall and glanced out the window nervously. No police were around. Had I lost them? I snuck outside for a moment and snapped a photo of the illustrious wood pile ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). All that wood destined to turn all those chickens into all kinds of delicious. Pure beauty. I looked up and noticed the police chopper circling overhead between 168th and 170th ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). Were they still looking for me? I heard "261!" and grabbed my chicken, hopped back into my car and backed out onto the street doing a 180 in one fluid motion, deftly absconding with my chicken in tow. By some miracle I avoided hitting the pole. "Screw it," I thought as I sped South down Vermont directly into the heart of the beast. 168th street - ROADBLOCK! - I veered into the 7-11 parking lot to detour down 168th ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). Left on New Hampshire. Left on 170th. Cops everywhere. They don't see me. Right on Vermont and I'm gone in a flash. Alley behind the bar. "You made it," said my contact, sounding surprised. "And in record time!" "They were onto me. Cops everywhere," I huffed breathlessly, handing over the chicken. "Barely escaped with my life." "Small price to pay when you taste this succulent bird," he said, handing me my share of the loot. One bite and I knew he was right. This chicken is to die for. Sauntering down the alley with my prized pollo in hand, I passed by the transient at the dumpster, still embraced in slumber. "I guess he wasn't an undercover cop after all," I thought, as I kneeled and laid a drumstick on a napkin beside him. Mission accomplished.
(5)
Ty D.
Pollo A La Brasa provides large portions for a great price. But the location is not in the best part of town in old Gardena. The half chicken with fries and salad was only $7.75! Tortillas are extra. The green sauce was okay, too spicy for my taste. El Pollo Inka's green sauce is way better. The chicken was tasty. Fries were okay, a bit on the soggy side. If you're looking for a great deal, and don't mind the skankylocation, then this is the place for you!
(3)
Cleophus B.
Not bad!! The chicken here is moist, smokey, with crispy skin. I ordered a 1/4 chicken with two sides: fries and white rice and it cost me $5 and some change. You can't beat that. What a difference chicken cooked over wood makes. As for the parking, I agree it is a bit of a challenge (very small).
(4)
Kurt B.
When you enter the door, you are greeted with a large rotisserie cooking chicken over burning oak logs. It's stupid good. The sauce is so good they have pictures of people on the wall caught steeling the bottle on camera. I always go here when I'm in the area. As others have mentioned, there really isn't parking lot, but I've always managed to park and get in without much of a walk.
(5)
Phil T.
I dont think you can get chicken like this anywhere else. The chicken is moist, juicy and delicious. Literally falling off the bone. It has such awesome flavor. I've been here a few times and each time it is great. The location is a little run down and the dining area could certainly use some help, but I guess that kind of adds to the charm. This place gets mobbed at lunch time and there are only a few tables. If you come during lunch plan on getting the food to go. This place is definitely 5 star food.
(5)
Jay T.
I had the 2 piece chicken with tortillas, beans and fries and the 2 pieces were of a decent size. Its a small place with small booths so you can eat in. Good price, I think it cost me about $6.15. A good place to have some grub and read a book or your Kindle while you're chowing down. Another winning eating spot!
(3)
Cindy N.
I love this place! I've been coming here for years. The chicken is so tasty and juicy. It's not the best location but who cares the food is amazing. I wish this place was closer I could never get tired of the chicken. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for chicken that is so good.
(5)
Michael H.
There is a huge wood pile outside next to this place. That real wood gives the chicken an excellent smoky flavor that gas just can't deliver. Their chicken is moist and tender. The french fries are nice and crispy and have a distinct flavor to them. Prices are real reasonable. Love this place.
(4)
Stacee W.
I was craving chicken and beans, so I decided to try this place. It's easy to find, and crowded (which means long lines= good food). I ordered the chicken which was completely amazing. Do you understand me?.... Amazing. The chicken falls off the bone. I ordered beans and rice for side orders. Amazing as well. The green sauce is spicy and it's goes perfect with the meal. I also ordered a large glass of jimicha, which was not that good. But other than that, I will be back. The prices were good and the food was excellent. Yum.. For real!!
(4)
Ian A.
When you walk in the door of this place, you just know instantly from the smell why it's going to be good. Eucalyptus and oak wood is what the guy at the counter said they use to fire their big brick and mortar rotisserie. As far as bar b que goes, Pollo A La Brasa knows chicken better than most southern bbq spots around the southbay. These aren't the best quality bread chickens you've ever had, but they are fresh enough. The Aji (that green jalapeno laden puree) is HOT, and really adds a nice contrast to the rich salty juices running out of that sexy ass chicken. Anticuchos corazon is not that good ONLY for the fact that they destroyed it on the grill, i'll give them another chance on my next visit. I like mine a little pink in the center. {mouth salivating}...
(5)
Anthony B.
Every venture that I make here greets me with one of the most intoxicating aromas a carnivore can encounter . . . the rotisserie smoke wafting out of a roaring wood fire oven. The wood fire oven at Pollo a la Brasa produces a distinctively flavorful Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken. The Eucalyptus wood that they use in the oven adds a flavor to the chicken that is sinfully tasty. The white meat is always delightfully moist, which is why I seem to always find myself yearning for those breasts when I am normally a leg man. There are other offerings at Pollo a la Brasa such as Anticuchos (meat skewers) and Carne a la Parrilla (New york steak), but the Rotisserie Chicken is the delectation that you'll be back for. In the South Bay there is nothing to compare. So if you're in the mood to try out this tasty bird a few things to know are: Parking lot is small Closed on Mondays & Closes at 8pm Enjoy!
(5)
JC C.
One of the best chicken places I have ever been to! It's Peruvian food so they have other stuff too, but the chicken is what you're here for. Super moist and flavorful! The only thing with this restaurant is that it's really small and it's always packed so you might have to wait for a table but it's worth it!
(5)
Alexander R.
Wysiwug A hole in the wall with great chicken. I can get similar chicken at sams.club for $6. Well, not quite as tasty but a lot cheaper. No peruvian spice, but cheaper. Well. Is not bad.
(4)
Danny C.
Love this place. Fresh chicken, sides & an amazing hot green sauce. Never been disappointed.
(4)
Brad G.
I have to agree with the overall 4.5 star rating on the place. This is probably the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had! The unique smoky flavor added by the use of Eucalyptus wood adds a unique flavor (as others have mentioned their are piles of the wood parked out front). Wasn't big on their cole slaw but their fries were tasty as well. Their chicken was super juicy and flavorful. I'll have to find a reason to go back to that area so I can return. Another urban inner city dive quite off the beaten path but a hidden gem and highly recommended.
(4)
Phoenix A.
It's no secret to friends that I'm not a big chicken fan, but for this place I will make the biggest exception. I had just caught my co-worker at the right time so I could get out of the office for lunch. Next thing you know she says, yeah I was searching burger joints and found your face on Yelp but I want to try this place that's kinda like El Pollo Loco. What should have been a red flag cuz I hate EPL actually brought us both to this tasty fabulous hole in the wall. We both ordered the all white meat quarter chicken lunch with rice. I got cole slaw, too, and Julie ordered fries. We took our lunches to go, ate at work, and were the envy of the office with our mystery meals. The chicken was so good and flavorful. Julie found the rice bland and boring but I liked the faint hint of fried flavor. Our meals came with this super hot green sauce that Julie didn't have the nads to eat, but I slathered it on each bite cuz my balls are grown like that. I made little burritos with the corn tortillas that also came with the meal. I washed it all down with Sprite and was ready to nap at my desk. I can't wait to go there again cuz when you drive up, you smell the smoked chicken right away and it envelopes your whole being as you walk in. The cashier lady was really nice and our food was prepared fast. I'm sure this place will be well on to 5 stars real quick like. I am so ready to grab the proverbial balls for that green sauce again.
(4)
Patty A.
3/10/2012Omgosh!! Saw the GREAT reviews. Loved the chickens eating chicken comment, that one cracked me Up! Yep, there is virtually a non excistant parking lot, the inside space is Very small BUT, the chicken is worth the drive. I live in NLB, super close. I would drive farther if need be. I usually like a little bbq sauce on my chicken, I started to get some then realized It doesn't Need it! There is smokey flavor all through the bird. The green sauce is a must. Coleslaw is yummy too. Was this review ...? * Useful
(5)
Floren F.
flavorful chicken! pollo a la brasa is probably one of the OG spot in Gardena. I love coming here cause their grilled chicken has the most flavor I have ever tasted. Family owned small restaurant and I was amazed how the Asian workers there could speak fluent Spanish. UHHHMAZING! that's definitely a plus cause pollo a la brasa is in the skirt of Gardena Blvd which is also known as Little Mexico.
(5)
Aimi O.
My family has been coming here for years. The quality has always stayed consistent and the prices are great. Aside from the rotisserie chicken, I like the aji (green sauce). It's spicy and adds a nice kick to your meal. I also love the chicha (purple corn tea). Yum! The only thing I would say is that the locale is on the small side and the parking lot is tiny. However, you can always find parking on the street or behind the restaurant.
(5)
Ada C.
OMG. The chicken here is sooooooo good. The service is fast, orderly, and friendly. This owner clearly knows that his/her success depends on having a well-trained staff. I must say, Peruvian rotisserrie chicken has become one of my favorites. I have nothing but respect for this establishment.
(5)
David Y.
Wow.. the food was great. Plantains were as good as plantains can be. I'm not a huge fan of plantains and this was the best I've ever had. Chicken does not dissapoint.
(5)
Food-Doc M.
I drove past this place several times and smelled the smoke in the air. I was drawn to it. I actually thought it was coming from a BBQ pit and was looking forward to ribs, chicken and all the rest. However when I finally stopped I was disappointed, but intrigued. I have gone back twice since, but still must say this place wasn't what I thought it was in the first place and not a very good example of a Peruvian restaurant. If you like smoke flavored chicken then this is the place for you no doubt. However the smoke permeates all and drowns out much of the other seasonings. Don't get me wrong, the chicken was good, but not spectacular. Very, very smokey being cooked over wood. The sides were were very generic and my white rice was undercooked 2 of the 3 times I visited. The side salad wasn't even Denny's quality. The Aji (spicy green sauce) was a piss-poor spicey watered down version of what you might get at El Pollo Inka or other Peruvian restaurants. I actually just thought this was a chicken joint my first time there until I saw Aji and other indications that they may be trying to pass this off as a typical Peruvian diner. It isn't. The menu is limited, the food other than the chicken itself is lacking, the seating is designed for a fast food restaurant and the very limited parking is an accident waiting to happen. Not to mention it's located in an area you probably do not want to visit after dark. Like I said, if you like a fast food atmosphere and rotisserie chicken that has an over-powering smoke flavor this place has that. And the chicken is tasty. But if you want to try other Peruvian dishes you may want to hit El Pollo Inka or El Rocoto about a mile away on Artesia Blvd and Normandie as they both offer a much more diverse menu of Peruvian cuisine, comfortable sit down dining and those restaurants have the feel with the interiors having Peruvian decor. Not to mention plenty of parking.
(3)
Tomás G.
It does not look like much and there are only 4 parking spaces but it is the best chicken I have ever had. The huge pile of wood outside was a great indicator, I felt adventurous and got the beef hearts, that were amazing and the green sauce they have has to be illegal in some way. If they just sold that green sauce they would still have as many people, I think that sauce will make any food good. I will definitely be back and take some chicken to go as well.
(5)
sam P.
Absolutely Hands Down The BEST CHICKEN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! IF CHICKENS ATE CHICKENS, THEY WOULD EAT AT Pollo A la Brasa!!!!! IF chickens could go to heaven and become GODS, their wish would be to be cooked HERE at Pollo A la Brasa. If the chicken here were to take a dump, KFC, El pollo loco and Juan pollo would come out. literally no other chicken place has shi(^T on this place. IF the best chickens all around the world, one from each continent, were to magically make love somehow to make 1 breed of new delicious chicken, the chicken would be obtained and cooked at this place!!! lol ok enough enough with the chicken stories... This place is a small hole in the wall place, small parking. But this place is legit Craving chicken? Take the time to drive over here and get some! Worth every penny! if there were a 10 star system. this place would get 11.
(5)
Leo O.
Chicken is very tasty and the green chile sause really sets it off. I would give this place four stars, except that the service is not very good here. I don't expect attentive employees at a walk-up restaurant where you have to seat yourself, but they shouldn't be rude either. Every time I go, I have to face a very impatient employee who appears to be upset that he has to take your order. I wouldn't return here time and again if there was another place that made chicken as tasty as they do.
(3)
Joleen D.
Inexpensive and delicious! My friend & I were fortunate to get one of the 7 tables, and we were both stunned at the quality and amount of food we received (we both ordered the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides). The salad included thinly sliced fresh beets - what a surprise! This is a true find and bravo to the owner(s) for offering good food at a great price!
(5)
Tony H.
I agree with all the other yelpers. Great smoked chicken. Stacks of fresh cut wood outside for burning. The location is small so I always get it to go.
(4)
Butch S.
This place is GREAT! The Chicken is tasty and I could easily down a whole bird myself. For the sides I always get the beans and coleslaw but after reading the reviews I'm going to try the fries next time. The Green sauce... yeah it's hot but in a good way. I wish I knew how to make it... I had a little leftover and found it makes a nice chip dip! The only knock I have against the place is that it's closed Mondays and the parking kind of sucks. If this place was around the corner from where I live I'd probably eat there 2+ times a week.
(5)
Art L.
Thank you Yelp found this in one of your newsletters. You can smell the woods smoke as you drive up to the location. The parking lot is very small but just behind the location is an open lot with plenty of parking. The chicken here is the BOMB it has the perfect balance of spices, it was very tasty and juicy. The green sauce was surprise and a very pleasant one for someone who likes spicy.
(5)
Lorenzo E.
Fall off the bone tender chicken. Awesome French fries. Good prices.
(5)
Duke C.
A popular spot for lunch for businesses and residents nearby, if you've never had Peruvian rotisserie chicken, they are fire roasted in a big brick oven with herbs and spices, and usually served as is. Pollo a la Brasa does it extremely well. It's an EXTREMELY small restaurant that can sit maybe 8 tables' worth with only 4 parking spots so be prepared to park on the street during lunch hour. There is a reason why it is popular though. You can order the chicken in quarters, halves, or whole depending on how hungry you are. For the quarter chicken with 2 sides (you can choose from beans, rice, fries, colesalw etc) is about 5 dollars. It is an extremely good deal for lunch. The chicken aren't like the ultra tiny ones you would get at KFC. Aromatic and flavorful, it seriously satisfies my cravings all the time for a good piece of chicken. The green Peruvian sauce is well made as well. Very refreshing and provides a kick to whatever you add it on. Food comes really fast, almost fastfood-esque. They also serve a few specialty drinks to quench your thirst! They also have a few other items on their menu, but really, everybody comes here for the chicken. I mean... it's in the freaking title and whenever the word "chicken" is in the title, in any language, you should get chicken hahah.
(4)
Cat B.
Natural, wood smoked, deliciousness. I ain't gonna lie, I love costco rotisserie chicken, but there's something strange and unnatural in it's perfection and mass production. Pollo A La Brasa meets perfection and still tastes real and awesome. The flavors are subtle but you definitely get the smoke. Meat is tender, juicy, perfect. Definitely get the fries and then salad or rice. Keep some water by your side with that green sauce cause that ish is spicy!
(4)
Koa N.
I've come here at least once a week since our office moved to Torrance, and this place is legit. The quality has been consistent every time. Try to get here before the usual 12:00 lunch crowd to avoid the line. The seating area isn't very big so you'll be taking it to-go if you get here too late. Can't say I've had rotisserie chicken any better than this.
(5)
Art H.
Just had dinner here. 1 whole chicken with rice and beans, extra sauce. Total came out to a little over 15 bucks. Chicken was very moist, flavorful, and smokey. Rice was just avg. Beans were pretty good. Decent meal for $15. The only bad thing is that they forgot my extra sauces. I walked in and ordered, grabbed a menu to kill some time, and my order was ready in about 2 minutes. Awesome. There's not much to say. It would be phenomenal at $10, but its good at $15. Can't knock the food one bit. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Gen M.
The only thing that keeps this from 5 stars is the location (and lack of parking!). But the chicken is the best! Sides are good (I'm a fan of beets - which they put in the salad), and the fries are good. But I could eat the chicken (especially the wings) all day... Don't be intimidated by the location - it's worth it.
(4)
Mike V.
Now this is the first of two reviews on this place...I drive by all the time, and the aroma of the wood burning fire is always in the air, and the line at Lunchtime is always long... So, I finally decided to drop in... This first trip is all about the Chicken and as I sit here and indulge myself in the moist flavorful bird, I must say it is the best "flavored" chicken I have ever eaten. You must like smoked foods though...And I do! On the Chicken and sauce alone I'm giving this place 4 stars but the rating will moveon my follow up based on the side dishes that compliment "the Bird."
(4)
Kathy C.
The chicken here is delicious! Crispy skin and tender meat. Yum! I got the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides...salad and cole slaw. The coleslaw is pretty good...just a regular coleslaw drenched in sauce. The salad actually has some ingredients in it which I thought was pleasantly surprising. I will definitely be back to get some of that chicken. Maybe a 1/2 chicken to-go next time?
(4)
Skj T.
BOMB-BAY!!!!!! The best rotisserie chicken I've had. -took off a star because the Asian guy isn't too friendly. Didn't greet nor say thank you! Their green sauce here is super spicy, but I LOVE it like that! Fresh cut fries and yummy rice! There's literally 3 parking spots! BoooooooOooooO! Pretty ghetto, but worth it.
(4)
Victor T.
You have to go to this place. Classic establishment. Unbelievably good chicken.The cole slaw is highly recomended. I'm going back as soon as possible.
(5)
Cam-An N.
This is the best rotisserie chicken that I've ever had. The chicken is cooked over a wood flame and it has a very distinct wood flame taste. It's moist (even the breast pieces) and flavorful. We got our chicken with rice (which was pretty standard) and fries (a little soggy). I would probably go with different sides next time.
(5)
Dennis Y.
The food was great, portions unbelievable and I'm not trying to hype it up. I ordered a whole chicken expecting something the size of my fist but it ended up feeding me and 3 other grown, angry, hungry men. The reason why I gave it a three is, the owner? the Asian guy was a major A-hole. No reason to be rude, but as a first timer there, he could've been nice and explained more but was just absolutely RUDE. I asked for more sauce and said I didn't mind paying for it, instead, he said coldly "Already, four come" No #### sherlock, I want more, I have other friends who are greedy for that green sauce. Other than that, food was indeed good, portions AWESOME, but don't expect too much, that way, it tastes better when you get there. Also, someone said it's in a "bad" part of Gardena. I walk here, it's not dangerous unless you're a xenophobe and afraid of Hispanics and blacks doing business near Gardena Blvd.
(3)
Josh H.
I have been wanting to try out this place for quite some time since a Peruvian coworker of mine recommended it. I love Peruvian food! one of my last meals on earth can be rice n' beans with sweet fried lantains smothered with aji sauce. This place is a complete dive in a sketchy (not dangerous) neighborhood. It is affordable, I would recommend getting the half chicken it's wood fired! with your choice of two sides it comes out to around 10 bucks. If you're not feeling the "ambience" then it's great for takeout!
(4)
heidi r.
Great place! Fast service, and the best chicken ever! Chicken roasted over hickory wood, the wings taste of fried chicken and the breast meat so moist...absolutely delicious!!! The sides were great too, coleslaw super and the side salad had fresh beets on it which I love. Gonna be going here more often.
(5)
Fabiana P.
perfect chicken, my go to place in this neck of the woods!
(5)
Andy B.
One of my favorite Latin American hole in the wall places chicken is like a million times better then pollo inka
(5)
Lisa M.
Seriously, some of the juiciest and most flavorful rotisserie chicken I've ever had. You wouldn't even know this place was here, it's literally a small shack of a building next to the railroad. I've heard it's crazy busy during lunch, but we came for takeout around 7pm... even then, it was buzzing with people. The smell inside was pretty awesome, and I was mesmerized by all the chickens in their wood fire stove/oven contraption. We ordered a whole chicken and a 1/4, and shared among 3 people. Prices were pretty good for the amount of food you get, the portions are sizable. The chicken skin was so crispy and delicious, but the meat underneath was so tender and juicy, it fell right off the bone. The rice complements perfectly, and the fries weren't bad, but I've had better. Now, on to their green sauce- beyondddddd hot. I personally couldn't taste anything beyond the spicy, but the boys I ate with loved it. "It burns, but in a good way," according to them. So there you have it. Since this little gem is right around the corner from our friend's place, we'll probably be frequenting here again.
(4)
Debbie W.
Ordered the half chicken with fries and salad. The beets on the salad looked a little scary, so I avoided those, but the portion is HUGE and it was only $7.75! Chicken and skin were delicious, fries were super soggy, but alright, the green sauce was hella spicy, but good, wished it was creamier. Compared to El Pollo Inka, this place loses, but pretty decent attempt. Next time, I'd ask for tortillas to wrap it all up.
(3)
Nelly D.
BEST POLLO A LA BRASA IN LOS ANGELES! the fries and the green sauce are really good also. Parking is a little complicated but so worth it. They definately need new locations,
(5)
Mylinh M.
I've been known to snack on a whole rotisserie chicken while baking or cooking dinner and there is nothing I like more than a delicious rotisserie chicken with flavorful meat and crispy skin. Add a wood fired rotisserie and I'm yours. Pollo A La Brasa satisfies my chicken desires and carb dreams. For $5 I can get a quarter chicken and two sides. I usually get the french fries and the beans which comes with warm tortillas and needless to say I use the tortillas to wrap up the chicken, fries, beans and the delicious hot green sauce to make myself a kind of California burrito. So good, it's making my mouth water! The menu is essentially chicken, in whole, halves, or quarters. I usually ask for white meat and it's always honored. They have some red meat and kebab options too. The sides are simple, other than beans and french fries, they offer salad with beets, rice, and plantains at an extra charge. The restaurant is small with not much seating. Each table only seats 4 people and there are probably 7 tables total so not a great place to take a large group. The parking lot is tiny but there is street parking. ATM card is a $0.50 charge. Friendly service and a great place for lunch!
(4)
Steve K.
Some of the best rotisserie chicken around!! Pollo A La Brasa uses eucalyptus wood, which emits such a great aroma. Once you taste it, you'll never eat other rotisserie chicken again. Sooo good!
(5)
Char M.
OMG...now this is what chicken's suppose to taste like!!! Their green sauce is on the spicy side but delicious...They can get crowded during the lunch rush but if you plan on taking it to go...no problem...they're super fast there... This is definitely an oldie but a goodie! The passion fruit juice is amazing...rice is just plain white rice...the side salad has beets that are really tasty on it...and those are the only sides I've ever tried...this is kind of a drive from me but well worth it...get a whole chicken and take it to go...enjoy pollo a la brasa for a few meals at home!
(4)
Day-Trader ..
The chicken is amazing especially with a hint of smoke flavor from the wood. 1. the parking sucks only a few spots in front of the restaurant 2. the customer service sucks also but they don't care cause they know the food is good and people will come back like if it was crack 3. the sides are standard nothing to write home about. 4. the place is small with few tables inside. The place gets five stars for the chicken but 2 stars for customer service. This has to be the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had in my life, the flavor was that good. I already want to go back for more just writing about the place. They are also CLOSED MONDAYS.
(5)
Jennifer N.
This eatery is one of those hole in the wall places that not much people knows about but have amazing food at such a good price! Hot tender chicken cooked over wood fire until you taste the perfection when its juice slowly oozes out. .. YUMMY! whole chicken is only $9.99. I usually have it with their fries and rice and their jalepeno/ cilantro sauce. I only gave it a four star because I don't like to eat there. I usually take it togo and rush home to indulge on the hot food. Their little old school booths are really tiny, and aarrgg.. sorry to ruin it with the nasty restrooom. It's kind of like a small old shack with 4 or 5 parking spots.
(4)
chuy l.
I was hoping for better food, based on the reviews...but I was a little disappointed. I ordered a whole chicken with fries and salad, $13.50 out the door...The chicken was cooked well, it was moist and not over or under cooked, but it lacked flavor. The fries were greasy, the salad was "meh". It's a helluva good deal, a whole chicken will feed 3 or 4 people, but the other places I have found on yelp have raised my expectations quite a bit. Like the other guy said, do yourself a favor and park in the lot behind the place. If you think getting into the little parking lot this place has is difficult, wait until you try to back out. I'd passed this place a million times on my way to Giulianos around the corner (YEA Giulianos!!!) and tried it today. I can pretty much take it or leave it, but there is better stuff out there. I like Inka Express on Hawthorne, or Dino's on Pacific in Huntington Park, better or "Los Pollos" on Atlantic in Bell. I'm trying to lose weight, so I allow myself only two meals out a week (Sat lunch and Sat Dinner), and i feel a little let down that I used one of my weekly cheat meals here. Not bad, but not that good, at least to me...ymmv.
(2)
Elle B.
OMG! There are not words... it is just really good... I have been going here for over 20 years.... You should call ahead and pick-up.
(5)
Javier O.
Finally got a chance to come to Pollo a la Brasa after my fiance mentioned that she wanted to try it for months. The biggest highlight for me was the fried plantains...which are among the best that I've had any where! The chicken, which is the biggest draw, is pretty good but nothing out of this world. I hate it when you go to a place that has been hyped up by reviews, because it raises your expectation to unrealistic levels. I think that happened to me with this place. I'd rather go to a place with no expectations and be pleasantly surprised. Overall this place is good but not great. The servings are fairly generous and would definitely come back for another order of fried plantains.
(3)
Andrew F.
Excellent food and at a reasonable price. What more can you ask for? It's everything El Pollo Loco wishes it were.
(5)
Whois J.
The smells coming out of this tiny building are intoxicating. I was looking for some other place to eat but smelled this as I was driving by and just had to try. They serve charcoal grilled chicken, beef and other beef parts. The chicken was delicious and moist, but the real hit was the steak. The quality of the meat is okay but if you like medium rare, then order rare. Mine was a little over done but still delicious. Mind you this is not prime meat but still good. The green aji sauce was spicy and an added bonus. The other sides were just okay. But I wouldn't come here for the sides, the real treat here is the meat. The also serve beef hearts but I am not Andrew Zimmer so I didn't have the guts to try it. Anyways, a great place for grilled chicken or steak. Enjoy P.S. parking is sparse as well as seating.
(4)
Jeff S.
This is one of those places you'd drive by en route to somewhere...and that would be too bad, as this is a real treasure. If you've ever eaten at an "El Pollo Loco", you'll understand that THIS is what they are trying to imitate. (And they don't quite manage it...) We split a half chicken with the black beans and added an order of the fried plantains; the chicken was fall off the bone good, and the plantains were...gone in about sixty seconds.
(4)
Larry H.
I have been coming to pollo a la brasa since they 1st opened. I did the electrical work on the building when they 1st moved in & a few days after they opened up, I came back to try out the food. Well It was fabulous then & 15 years or so later, It is still fabulous. probably my favorite pollo joint in the south bay. I always smother my chicken & rice with their excellent spicy green sauce which is better than all the others. The fries are also good. & i love the aroma of burning wood & chicken juice.
(4)
Albert W.
This is owned by the same family as the Pollo A La Brasa in koreatown. If you've been to the one in koreatown, you know that its one of the highest rated chicken in Los Angeles (also on Jonathan Gold's list). All the chicken is WOOD FIRED and slow cooked. It is fall off the bone, moist chicken that makes it taste oh-so good. For only $7, you can get a half chicken and 2 sides (the sides are much better than the ones in ktown). Larger location than ktown, parking is just as bad. If you're looking for good chicken on the cheap. COME HERE!
(5)
Eddie C.
Was in the mood for some Peruvian chicken but wanted to try something different besides the usual El Pollo Inka that I usually go to. This place is on the small side, with parking for maybe 5 cars. Which is fine by me since I realize that this ain't your big chain restaurant so you just gotta roll with the "homely" characteristics of this place. I got the half chicken with rice and fries. The chicken was pretty good... probably on par with El Polla Inka. The green sauce, however, was too liquefied and didn't have a good texture that I prefer. And the fries were a tad bit on the oily side. And the plate that they serve your food on is too small! I hate when you food hangs over the plate and nearly touches the table. Who knows how clean the table is? Overall 3.5 stars, but I'd round it to 4 for their hometown appeal.
(4)
Sam L.
True hole in the wall. Chicken is good. Seasoned and not dry. The skin is really tasty, slightly crunchy, and not too fatty. The chicken was too bland to eat with just plain rice or plain tortillas, and the one sauce they provided (green sauce) didn't have much flavor to it aside from spiciness. I felt like the sauce was made of just pureed green chilies and was missing something... like salt and seasonings. And the sides were just bleh. Although the rice had a little garlic flavor to it which was nice, it was far from being "flavored." The coleslaw wasn't very good either. Basically, the chicken is really the only thing that's good here. I would recommend ordering their whole chicken, taking it home, and eating it with your own sauces/sides and perhaps some salsa.
(3)
Arnold H.
The chicken is incredibly juicy and has an amazing smoke flavor. The Green sauce is perfect on the rice. Super cheap. Small dining room, so better for pick up during lunch or on the way home for dinner.
(4)
W W.
Another hole in the wall type of place. Best chicken ever. Don't except fancy decor or servic. Just go there for the bird.
(5)
Harry M.
As Good and perfect as it gets! You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Megan I.
I've loved this chicken ever since my grandma started bringing it home for dinner (I honestly can't remember how long). The chicken is consistently moist and bursting with flavor and a slight smokiness from the wood-fueled grill that others are amiss. I've never eaten inside the restaurant, only do take-out but it is an extremely small establishment. We've always ordered one whole chicken to feed our family and it is served with there spicy green aji sauce and tortillas. If and when I feel inspired I enjoy making crispy chicken tacos with the makings they provide and everyone is always pleased with the results! Anyway it's served, the chicken is the star!!
(4)
Kendo U.
This place is one of the great hole-in-the-wall Gardena eateries... Limited parking spots, divey neighborhood, quaint pale yellow walls, matching yellow picnic tables inside, red brick exterior, and a mountain of firewood piled on the side... oh, and some of the most tenderest, flavorful rotisserie that has ever hit my taste buds. Pollo ala Brasa is run by some Peruvian Japanese folks who definitely know what they're doing. The chicken is marinated in a spicy garlicky peppery concoction and cooked rotisserie style over burning wood logs. The smell alone makes me drool and the taste? Simply fantastic. There's another location over on 8th and Western in LA if you're in the K-Town hood, but for me, the Gardena location is the one that got me, hook, line, and sinker. Pics are up, and the bellytank is set on FULL. =)
(5)
Silvia L.
Our family absolutely loves Pollo a La Brasa, the chicken is super moist and tender. It is delicious! The sides are pretty good as well, love the beets in their salad and the rice is far from bland. The fries are a hit or miss for people, they are a bit greasy but yummy non the less. I've also tried their chicken soup, i forgot what it's called. Aguadito perhaps? Well it is also very flavorful and great for a cold or a hangover. From their desserts I've only had the leche asada and I LOVE it, so so good! Can't beat their prices, our family of 4 usually eats there for under $25.
(5)
Mark F.
Awesome chicken! This is definitely a place to go if you're craving for some kettle cooked chicken!
(5)
Dan K.
Think this place is over rated? Think twice. The location may not be in the best part of Gardena, but if you are a pollo fan... and you are more about the food than ambiance, please visit this joint. I've only been here twice... my coworkers said they were craving for chicken so I tagged along. Half a chicken is all I need. In fact, the portions are a little overwhelming so make sure you are hungry and ready to grub! I had the coleslaw and fries for my sides and they were fantastic. And of course... the green sauce... ah.. will keep your breath smelling tasty.
(4)
David M.
The chicken here is amazing!!! hands down the best rotisserie chicken i've ever had! so objectively I would give it a 5 star for the chicken only. However not everything was a 5 star. I thought the fries was pretty good, a lil different than most fries, pretty addicting but they were hella oily. I had a corn which was whatevers. The rice is just plain white rice and the green sauce was not good at all. I enjoy Peruvian food and this was the worst green sauce. It was bland and just spicy. If you try it at El Rocoto, El Pollo Inka or Chicken Shack its spicy but flavorful, kinda sweet, I cant explain, but here at A La Brasa it was totally bland and spicier. Overall, i never crave or want to just eat chicken, so its not like Im going to crave this place or come here alot, but when i do crave chicken, ima come here!!! also if they improved their rice, like made it garlic rice, or pilaf and their green sauce was more flavorful, I would definitely come back alot more. Ooh one more note, the price is great! I got a half chicken and two sides for $8 and some change!!! really good quality flavorful half chicken for less than $10. I will never goto El Pollo Loco again!!!
(4)
Farr L.
Green sauze..
(5)
Vanessa M.
I'm not a big fan of Peruvian food, and I don't know why the sign is backwards, but I DO know that everytime I drive by it smells like yummy fire roasted chicken! Get the chicken, a side of tortillas, and of course the GREEN SAUCE.
(4)
Caroline P.
I work right down the street from Pollo a la Brasa, and every time I passed by that specific area, the tantalizing aroma of chicken would waft into my car or air conditioning ducts and smack me in the freaking face. I wanted to know what the heck that smell was, so I actually stopped right when I smelled it and lo and behold, there she was. Pollo a la Brasa. Okay, I admit that getting in and out of the place is ridiculous. There are literally three parking spaces right off of the street, and especially when it's busy and you actually manage to get ONTO the restaurant property, you have to make a 2453-point-turn in order to get out. That's the only discomfort I have with the place. BIG FAT PLUS #1: The prices. So cheap. I always end up spending about five bucks on a chicken meal, and about seven-eight if I want to go crazy and have a bigger chicken piece. BIG FAT PLUS #2: The green sauce drizzled over the chicken and the rice is AMAZING. Like a spicy Carebear. BIG FAT PLUS #3: The chicken, of course. It is a POLLO restaurant. But man, the chicken is so soft and done just right that I feel like even the Colonel would weep over it. They serve quarter, half, whole, any way you want it. Okay, it's just pollotastic. Just go!
(5)
Raphael C.
The Peruvians have given us the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu, many natural medicinal hallucinogens, and Pollo A La Brasa. If you do not live or work in Gardena, you may never come out to this place. Tucked away near a few liquor stores and a railroad track in an area of Vermont Ave with very low foot traffic, Pollo A La Brasa serves some of the tastiest poultry at an affordable price. If you hate El Pollo Loco, you will love this place. Healthy sized, juicy as all hell, Peruvian style chicken, cooked in a traditional charcoal oven and served to perfection. The chicken skin absorbs the smokiness from the charcoal and is crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft fatty interior. I believe you judge a good chicken place on how well they can cook the breast. My personal favorite is the thigh, but it is pretty hard to fuck that up. Most places overcook the breast and it is almost always too dry. Every piece of the entire chicken was flawlessly cooked and the breast was incredibly moist. These people know exactly what they are doing. They have a bottle of traditional Peruvian spicy green sauce at every table. Flavorful and really spicy... so be careful. Taste good on almost everything. The lady friend and I shared a whole chicken, served with tortillas, Papas Fritas, beans, and horchata. The fresh corn tortillas are handmade and do not resemble those crappy fall apart as soon as you touch them tortillas at (EPL) The beans were the only thing I would not recommend, perhaps will get the fresh corn or beet salad next time. Who serves the best French fries in town? (Many agree it is still McDonalds) What are the ideal characteristics of a French fry that make people mindlessly keep reaching for the basket until all of their fingers are covered in oil? I have stopped trying to answer such questions a long time ago... everybody has their own favorites, like, dislikes, and preferences. But I personally like the fries at Polla A La Brasa . Not the best, but sure are tasty. Wish they were a little mote crisp. Fries (Papas Fritas) at a Peruvian chicken joint? Get over it... At one point in the past few months you have eaten a Korean Taco or a Kung Pao Tamale... nowadays anything is possible. This is what El Pollo Loco should have been.... Highly Recommended
(4)
Tony M.
Excellent food beside the chicken... Fast service
(4)
Reno C.
So, I needed to pick up dinner today and had read a review of Pollo A La Brasa. I enjoy rotisserie chicken from El Pollo Inka and Costco. I've always seen this place , but never stop. Maybe because of the unknown (Taste and Quality). This place was easy to find, but the parking out front was a pain in the butt, because the parking stalls are angled backwards. Menu wise, there is not much in choices. There is quarter chicken or whole chicken, steak and BBQ chicken with choices of sides. Not on the menu, I asked for a half chicken order with cole slaw and rice. Not knowing this place had a $10 minimum to use a credit card, I had to purchase more items to exceed the dollar minimum. The chicken has a little smoky flavor, but the breast was dry to me, but the three other pieces were good. The cole slaw was so so and the rice had no taste. The green sauce has a little bite which helped the dry breast meat. I'll stick with El Pollo Inka for now, but will return to Pollo A La Brasa if someone will take the breast from me.
(4)
Ron E.
While putting in some volunteer work in the area a few weeks ago, a friend suggested we stop by for lunch being that i hadn't had or even heard of this place before. Walking towards the front door i noticed the pile of chopped eucalyptus wood towards one side of the small restaurant. I figured they just took down a few trees that were surrounding the place in order to make the it a little more visible. Wrong! It's the wood they use to roast their chicken. How rad is that? After the koalas eat all the leaves off the tree, these guys come on in and take the tree to use as firewood. What a combo. Anyways, the friend and i split a whole chicken, some fries and a side order of beans along with some flour tortillas. The tortillas and beans were cool, the fries were surprisingly good but that chicken was something else. I suppose it has to do with the wood and seasoning they use. Duh. In any case, it's damn good chicken, juicy, flavorful and finger licking good. Just your own fingers though. And don't forget the green sauce - it's probably one of the best I've ever had, spicy and unforgiving all in one. To obey the thirst i went for the horchata. These guys nailed it on the head. Sweet, but not tooth-aching sweet, and refreshing, with no chalkiness build up at the bottom. They just can't get anything wrong over there. If you happen to be in the area, stop by and grab a bite, it's hard to see how these guys can do any wrong. Peep game!
(4)
Milton M.
This place was so good! The green salsa they have is bomb! Parking is very small but worth going too....
(5)
Lisa Marie M.
Finger licking good chicken! Pollo La Brasa's chicken is so good!!! A whole chicken cooking on a rotisserie over wood fire is what this place is all about. Pollo La Brasa Vermont cooks every whole chicken over a wood fire giving their whole chickens a mesquite and hickory taste. The seasoning, the smoke flavors and juices makes every chicken bite succulent. "Wow." This chicken is out of this world! I bought a whole chicken for two people and the whole chicken was devoured in one sitting. We tore into that chicken like lions eating an antelope. We didn't leave anything but the bones, and sides we ordered. Incidentally, the chicken upstaged the sides that you don't need the rice or fries. The white rice here is incredibly good, but I barely touched it. This is primitive-take-me-back-to-the-cave-man-days cooking. Fine eats. This place will take out the cave man and cave woman in you. My fellow yelper friend, Dennis, reviewed this place the best. Pollo La Brasa is, "ooga-chaca, ooga-chaca good." It brought out the cave woman in me. My advise, order two chickens for take out and don't order any sides. The chicken is the main event. I have to admit, the atmosphere is a little scary. On my dining experience, I ran into two separate families yelling at their kids and being verbally abusive. I was ready to call child protective services on these parents. Some folks should not be parents.
(4)
Rebelyelp R.
Chicken was very good. Prices were cheap. I love me some chicken skins.
(4)
Dennis I.
Pollo A La Brasa differentiates itself from most "Pollo" places in that the fuel they use for their roisterrie chicken is simply wood. Yup, it's Peruvian caveman cooking at it's finest. I was entranced watching all those chickens spinning over the fire in the big brick fireplace (pic) as it's brings out the caveman in me, 'Og Og Me Hungry, Me Eat'. What is it about food cooking over an open flame that is entrancing to me? Og Og, that's what. On top of this it's a Japanese Peruvian caveman who is the owner and was doing the cooking. I talked with him on Sunday morning about his business before they opened and he was full of smiles while talking about ..... you know, Og Og chicken. The chicken had a dark char (pic) from being wood roasted and yet the meat is very tender and moist. It didn't have the strong depth of smoke flavor of a bbq joint but you undoubtedly could tell that it was cooked over wood. They have a green Aji sauce for the chicken which I thought was going to be Japanese, but rather it's from the Peruvian Aji Chili. It has a clean intense heat flavor that doesn't distract from the simply cooked chicken. Me like the coleslaw here as it was thinly cut, slightly sweet, very light on the mayo, and not watery. You won't find a place like this in most neighborhoods because of the all the smoke from the wood fire. If you don't want the hassle of firing up the bbq or have that caveman chicken craving this would be the place to go. Og Og.
(4)
Mike W.
i stopped by this place on the way back from the UPS distribution center with my co-worker today and this place is good BUT a few things set off red flags for me: 1) when i received my order they gave me a bottle of your typical peruvian green sauce - however, i noticed it was heavily watered down compared to other peruvian restaurants. 2) after the meal was over i went to the bathroom and washed my hands and the soap was very very watered down. now, most people know asians r cheap - most of us pinch on a lot of stuff... and - my mom and dad weren't the exception - sooo, growing up i saw them pinch on soap, and always buy used bikes and barter for hand me down clothes and they'd freeze tons of food thinking it would last forever - hahaha. sooo when i saw the watered down green sauce and soap i naturally thought - what else could they pinching on? chicken quality? the fry oil (ya know let that crap sit for days and strain it as much as u can before it's unusable), cleaning standards, refrigeration standards and et cetera. anyway - i dun know what else they do pinch on but i do know the 1/2 chicken with rice and fries is dayam good - so if they do pinch i can't taste it (but the fries do seem a bit oily). however... if i go home tonight and end up worshipping the porcelain goddess i'll be dayam sure to mark this down to a 1 star - however, for now it's 4 :)
(4)
Christina L.
Pollo a la brasa. Finally we meet. Located in a very shoddy location in Gardena, lies the best pollo a la brasa I have ever had in Los Angeles, so far anyway.. For one whole chicken with a few sides = $13. The chicken tastes so smokey, moist, and delicious. The aji sauce is spicy and thick. I got fries and salad for my sides. The fries are freshly cut and fried, very good pappas! The salad is mixed greens with beets and tomatoes on top. I would say that the only caveat is that they don't have fried yucca. Otherwise, their pollo a la brasa is the best in the west!
(5)
Geraldine M.
The chicken at this restaurant is amazing! Ive met a lot people who say the chicken at Pollo Inka is amazing etc but the chicken here is to die for. It's rotisserie at it's best! Every bite of the chicken is flavorful and so juicy. The Aji at pollo Inka is so creamy it's almost like mayonnaise now the one here taste like actual Aji, it's spicy so if your not into that I recommend not to put so much on your plate. I really love the fries, they're not crunchy but not too soft so it's real perfection. The Anticucho is also good beef or chicken. The prices are so cheap it's ridiculous, you can get a whole chicken with two sides (rice, fries, salad or tortillas) for the price of no more than $15!!! I know I was amazed too! I've been going to the Gardena location since I was very little, Roughly longer than 10+ years, the customer service is pretty quick and I've never had any problems with anybody there. I have yet to visit the location in LA but I've passed by it and it honestly looks exactly the same lol, so I'm sure the taste won't be any different.
(5)
Jane L.
ooooh that green sauce! and the chicken that falls off the bones... mmmmm.. if the neighborhood wasnt so ghetto, i'd go there more often. pros - food is great, excellent! cons - ghetto neighborhood. for such a hole in the wall place, it's a little pricey for the amount of chicken u get. if u want the food AND the ambiance, el pollo inca is a better bet i think. same food, but nicer.
(4)
Sajili B.
The chicken is too awesome. I've been here a couple of times and been meaning to yelp this establishment. I learned about this place back in 2005 from co-workers (hefty Samoans who love good food). You'll see logs on the outside giving you the visual cue to the secret to the tasty chicken. The green sauce is awesome. The first time I went here with my girlfriend, we just followed the regulars.
(4)
Squirrel C.
I'd like to know the story behind the backwards "Vermont", but I speculate it was some screwup at the sign shop and that Pollo A La Brasa got a big discount for purchasing it anyway. I went here for lunch a while back and while it was good, I wasn't "omg" impressed with it. We split a whole chicken and between two guys there was still like a quarter piece leftover to take home. Along with the sides and the tortillas, it fills you up. Their homemade sauce is good, but I found myself using Tapatio more. Honestly, I think their chicken is only a bit better than EPL. That might come as a shock to some, but there's not really much you can do with chicken cooked over a flame besides spices. Parking is kinda tight in the lot, but you'll find a spot either there or the street.
(3)
Nancy K.
Pollo A La Brasa is the best place to get rotisserie chicken. I always order a whole chicken, french fries and coleslaw dinner. I usually call them first and pick up my order on the way home from work. I love their green chile sauce!
(5)
Chris K.
Chris Kim went here the other day and, tasted their chicken and it is a pretty solid chicken. It was juicy and tender, fall off the bone, and the white meat was also succulent which is usually hard to get considering that white meat is easy to get dry. However, that is the only thing good that Chris Kim had here. The rice is not the style that Chris Kim wants. Its like a Japanese rice which isn't surprising, seeing as the owner is probably Japanese from Peru or something. The fries were soggy and bland, and the sauce; Chris Kim has had better at El Pollo Inka. The sauce is missing that creamy consistency that El Pollo Inka adds to their cilantro sauce. When Chris Kim eats his chicken, Chris Kim would like to have good rice to go with it or at least good fries. Unfortunately none were the option. The chicken itself would be a sure 5 but everything else is under par.
(3)
Yolanda S.
LOVE IT! So glad Pollo a La Brasa is so close to work! For anyone who gets sick of El Pollo Loco, try a La Brasa! and it's so affordable!
(5)
David A.
Pollo A La Brasa has the best tasting wood fired rotisserie chicken in the greater Los Angeles area. Each whole chicken is cooked to perfection in a brick firepit/oven. Once served, the skin is full of seasoning and flavor. The meat is juicy and tender. The Aji sauce has a spicy kick and compliments the chicken very well.
(5)
Kristina A.
I love hole in the wall restaurants....especially those who take a few items and do them very well.... The chicken here is amazing. Fall off the bone tender and juicy with an awesome smokey flavor from the eucalyptus wood they use in thier grill. Homemade french fries and they taste so good. Don't even think In and out's fries because they don't even compare. I come here at least once a month and usually get the 1/4 chicken dark with rice (which seems to have a slight garlic flavor) and some very flavorful beans and pour Aji all over. The Aji is really hot but it hurts soooo goood! $5 and some change for a tasty, satisfying meal, you can't beat it. Oh, seating and parking here can suck when it's really bizzy but its worth the inconvenience.
(5)
Jean J.
the chicken is amazing. flavorful, juicy. it's a beauty. the price is pretty good too. Everything else is whatever but it's all about the chicken here. Parking is an inconvenience. The lot is fairly small and angled in a way where pulling out can put in front of direct traffic so please be careful. This is a hole in the wall you dont want a miss if you are craving chicken.
(4)
Bernadette H.
The chicken's a bit greasy, but I can honestly say that the chicken here is one of the best I've ever had. I love dipping it in the aji sauce (which is like crack to me). Parking is a bit of a hassle though, because it's near some railroad tracks and there's only three stalls.
(5)
Punita P.
Love the Chicken and Green Sauce, The woodfired flavor is unbeatable... You can smell the food as you pull into their driveway... Wish they had better parking and it was closer to where I lived.
(5)
toshi y.
Oh so Delicious. it must be the wood fire that makes this chicken, bc no other Peruvian joint that I've been to can compete and they don't have massive logs piled up in back of their kitchen. i was still very drunk from the night before, which makes my taste buds die the next day, and the chicken was exploding with flavor. its was damn near perfect. fries slaw and beans were eh. the green sauce (someone tell me what that stuff is called!) was not as good as I've had, but still tasty. honestly the chicken was stand alone! it doesn't need anything else. i would like to use it in my lovemaking sessions from now on.
(4)
Servando A.
I order five whole chicken for New years eve. The waiting was bad but the chicken was amazing. I need to come soon for a combo. Best Pollo a la Brasa ever!!
(5)
Rob W.
You can smell the wood roasters from like a mile away and it smells delicious. Great hole in the wall rotisserie chicken, obviously way more flavorful than your chains like boston market, not even comfortable metioning those types of places in the same breath. They claim that their hearts are their best sellers, unfortunately you can't order just one as a taster. next time i might step it up and go for it. coleslaw was not that great, not bad, but not great. next time i'll just stick with the fries.
(4)
Anna H.
I've been eating their chicken for years now, and I have nothing but good things to say about Pollo A La Brasa. The chicken is so flavorful, charred, and delicious. The rice has a nice consistency, which I can eat alone with just some green sauce. The many times I've eaten here the food's been consistently good. Only gripe is that I wish the green sauce was spicier.
(5)
Vishal S.
So I have been reading reviews about this place a lot, so decided to check it out. The fact that its got a B rating kinda discouraged me from eating but the smell of the chicken from the grill was divine so I followed it. The chick was good but not as great as El Pollo Inka. The green sauce that I was really excited about lacked flavor and it was raw chilli. So over all it was decent chicken prompt and courteous service but besides that an average 3 star restaurant.
(3)
Monica O.
wow this is good. you know those meals that are so good that you can't stop eating, even though it's medically unsafe to keep going? that's how savory and delicious this place is a little bit of rice mixed with aji sauce and chicken- makes the perfect mouthful with a little chaser of cole slaw. ok i'm going to go out on a limb here and profess that they have the best cole slaw i've ever had. it's true. i normally don't care for baked chicken because it is usually so bleh, but their seasonings are so unique and tasty that i actually crave their signature rotisserie chicken on a regular basis.
(5)
Kim F.
Thank you yelpers. Tried their whole rotisserie chicken. Wonderful flavor and excellent price. Only complaint is that they aren't open on Mondays. Just writing this makes me want some right now.
(4)
Food L.
OK, I guess we don't have that many great BBQ places in southern Ca. which is why people may be going goodoo just because there wood in the fireplace here. What I got was terrible-cold chicken, pethatic beans in a place (cups?), and crappy fries. This places is not very clearn either. I really think the 5 dollar chicken at Costoc is far better. If you quick to fall for hypes, try it, but if you are a bit more picky aviod this dump.
(1)
Brian P.
This place is boss. Cheap, good chicken, sides, and hot sauce. For everyone complaining about parking, you can park in the big parking lot behind the restaurant.
(4)
Valeria S.
I absolutely LOVE their chicken. Pollo A La Brasa with some rice on the side is the only thing I get here and everywhere else fails in comparison.
(5)
Tony T.
1000% better then El Pollo Loco is and understatement. Extremely tasty rotisserie chicken and beans (although not black beans). The staff is always very friendly and helpful. I suggest you get it to go, but I've never seen the inside completely full.
(5)
Jenny Y.
in the middle of a no man's land block of vermont, a total diamond in the rough. i'm not surprised there aren't as many reviews of this place because i think it is often outshined by it's cousin in ktown. but this is THE place to get the most juicy, smokiest delicious rotisserie chicken in the South Bay for a great price. i always get the two piece dark meat meal...because, I mean, chicken is not worth eating if it isn't dark meat! (or freshly slaughtered chinese-style steamed simply in its own juices with some rice wine...but that's another conversation to be had).
(4)
james k.
oven roasted chicken over open flame. quick. cheap. chicken is moist and decent for the price you pay; however, the sides are subpar. rice and salad are blah, and the fries are too sweet for my personal liking, but it's definitely worth it to go for a quick chicken fix w/o spending too much $.
(3)
Mike F.
4 parking spots and 1 handicapped spot. Oven roasted chicken over an open flame. Peruvian chicken. $7.39+ drink. Good n tasty, legendary Yelper Kendo took me here for lunch and even though Im still under the weather, this place had chicken that was tender and deelicious. Not too many combos, but seems like the rice and chicken is the call. I got the chicken with salad (skimpy on dressing) and fries. Fries were oversoaked in grease or maybe it was the chicken juice....Good for lunch, and good for something quickn easy if youre nearby.
(4)
Paul S.
My go to place for a quick, delicious and very affordable meal in gardena. Half a fire-roasted (and very deliciously marinated) chicken with rice, beans, and corn tortillas for less than 8 bucks. I usually don't eat chicken skin, but the crispy, tangy, salty stuff on these bad boys is irresistable. Cheaper AND better chicken than at El Pollo Inca less than a mile away. Can't say enough about this place. Don't fret about parking, there's ample room on the street. And hope ur chicken lasts the drive home.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
AWESOME POLLO A LA BASA!!!... Im a big fan of 'pollo a la brasa' since i can remember... like a good peruvian girl, i miss my peruvian food and, believe me, this restaurant reminds me of Peru the restaurants in 'el centro de Lima' (capital): small, fast and delicious :) ... Their specialty is the chicken: is cooked over wood which makes the chicken tender, flavorful and delicious; the skin is the best so crispy! As side orders i always ask for salad and fries; and to drink: or chicha morada (purple corn punch non-alcohol) or maracuya (passion fruit) or Inca Kola (delicious peruvian soda).... u know the peruvian way ;) They also have 'anticuchos' (beef heart) which is good as well... but i love the chicken! i cant wait to go... MOF in goin tmrw!!!!
(5)
Paul P.
This is the best chicken I've eaten, well my 40 cloves of garlic chicken braised for 1.5 hours in herb olive oil may just beat it but for real real this is BAWK BAWK good. I think they cut down trees from the neighborhood for fuel. Check out the logs stacked up on the south side of the restaurant. I can't wait to back. I don't know why the TNOMREV is backwards. And are there franchising opportunities? CLOSED MONDAYS Again, this will probably be the best chicken you have ever eaten. For your first time go during daylight preferably during lunch and get it to go. Don't order fries to go. They are great but will get soggy. Go for it! Your life of chicken eating is about to evolve to a higher plain.
(5)
Cheryl R.
Thanks Kendo for your review. It sparked my interest and I haaaaddd to check this place out. This place looks like one of the three little pig's house. Yes, the one with the house made of bricks. It stands alone on the west side of Vermont before Gardena Blvd. I had to pause before I could give my order because I was hit with the smokey aroma of Eucalyptus wood burning. the guy behind the counter assumed I was ordering the quarter chicken lunch. He was taken back when I ordered the half chicken. "yes, I can eat like a hungry hippo" . then you walk to another counter to pay. I decided to eat there and take in the experience. there are about 9 tables and less than half were taken. there was a lot of take out. the call your number and you pick up your tray. a tall bottle of that spicy green garlic sauce accompanies your order. I doused my chicken with that flavorful green sauce. It was soooo good but hot. Along with the chicken, you can choose two sides. I choose the fries and salad. The salad struck me because I've never had paper thin sheets of beets over lettuce. I have to say that the beets not only complimented the salad but it really paired well with the chicken and that green sauce. What would have made this entree perfect is a nice chilled glass of Riesling....however, pink lemonade will have to do. When I go back I wanted to taste the grilled beef hearts on a skewer.
(5)
Sandra C.
The chicken really is better than Pollo Inka! I would have given it a 5 but the location is not the greatest but it is worth it.
(4)
Refugio G.
How can you go wrong here? Small, quick, easy, not pricey, and delicious. Half chicken with papas and arroz with aji? Yes!! Sorry Pollo Inka, I like you, but I LOVE Pollo a la brasa
(5)
Bobby T.
passed this place for years on my way to the 91E fwy....decided to stop & order take out after smelling the wood burn on several occasions...the chicken was great, very flavorful & tender but the sides were so so... place is small, parking crappy but the chicken will bring me back...
(3)
Anth T.
Extremely tasty and delicious rotisserie chicken, 100% peruvian style! Like Luden J. said in his review "The Peruvians have given us the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu, many natural medicinal hallucinogens, and Pollo A La Brasa." I would add to that, peruvian culture and/or culinary have given us awesome chili sauces (aji in peruvian), amazing food which little by little is getting everyone's attention in California and the U.S and that magnificient Fish Ceviche (raw fish marinated in peruvian lemon juice with an incredible juice and huge corn and 100% healthier) So far, I have been to like 10 peruvian restaurants in the southern CA are and this one right here so far it's the best for peruvian rotisserie chicken!!!!!! 5 stars to everything that comes with that wonderful chicken!! that green chili sauce is out of this world and so addictive ;) Give this place a try and you will feel that you were robbed at El Pollo Loco lol cheers with a glass of chicha morada (purple punch) Gotta love el pollo a la brasa from Peru =)
(5)
Martin N.
The wood fired rotisserie chicken is the star here. It tastes great, It's smokey, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. They have basic sides like rice, beans, fries, and coleslaw. All of the sides I have tasted have been delicious. Oh did I mention that a quarter chicken meal with two sides is $5.00 and change. Great Deal for Great Tasting Food.
(5)
Holly G.
Absolute best chicken over wood fire, fries, rice, and ancho sauce... I couldn't find better anywhere in California! I only choose el pollo inka when this is closed!
(5)
Jamaica Y.
Pollo a la Brasa should fire whoever put their sign up. All of the letters are backwards and it totally cracks me up! No matter, you aren't gonna eat the sign. What you definitely SHOULD eat is their delicious flame grilled chicken with just about any sides. This place is a hole in the wall, but in all of the good ways. For instance, there are blocks of wood stacked outside that they use for the chicken. So yes, go here and get chicken, rice, beans, and a horchata. Die happy.
(5)
C V.
If I had to pick a favorite place to pick up some chicken, Brasa as my friends and I call it, is the place. This isn't just the best place to get rotisserie chicken but chicken prepared anyway hands down. Cooked slowly rotating over a wood flame, the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful. I usually get 1/2 chicken dark with 2 sides. I change my sides up every visit from rice, fries, salad, or beans & tortillas. The sauce that comes with the chicken has a nice kick to it. I'm lucky to be local hear. Driving by and smelling the wood fire going is always tempting. The chicken reheated the next day is still very good and better than most places fresh chicken.
(5)
Sunny D.
This is by far my favorite place for rotisserie chicken in the South Bay. Nothing is better than entering the restaurant and seeing row upon row of rotating chickens. They cook their chicken with wood, and you can taste it. It is also rather inexpensive, which doesn't hurt. Sometimes there is difficulty finding a place to sit because it is that popular. I would definitely suggest it to anyone with a hankering for chicken and is willing to drive to Gardena.
(5)
Mark G.
Small place with big flavor. Some of the best chicken I've ever had. This place is always packed for lunch so call your order in ahead of time.
(5)
John P.
I spent just under $10 and was completely stuffed and satisfied. The food is the focus here, without much fanfare over decor or presentation or even parking accommodations. The chicken is hot and good, and the side dishes are fresh and simple. I couldn't eat this every day, but it will certainly make it into my work lunch rotation.
(5)
Tina G.
Another spot with fall-off-the bone chicken! Great food and great prices. I usually stop in and grab the 1/4th chicken with 2 sides (rice and beans please!) and it also comes with a couple tortillas, all for 4 bucks and some change. The skin has got to be the best part, perfectly browned and seasoned from the wood that they use in the rotisserie. Their green sauce good, not as thick as El Pollo Inka, but decent in every way and very spicy! Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but only on orders $10 and over. The owners seem very nice and friendly, but parking can be kind of tight. The locations itself very convenient, as it's extremely close to the freeway.
(5)
Damen D.
Never had anything but a full rotisserie chicken and I'm going to give the place 4 stars based on that alone. It's that good. Trust me.
(4)
Dim S.
This is a real small mom and pop joint. There isn't much parking but there's a huge lot in the back....don't forget your pepper spray...saw a couple of unsavory people hanging about the place. If your looking for an A rating on the door then this place is not for you. They hang their B boldy by the door. But if your a fan of chicken, then give this place a try. Their chicken is D bomb. It's fall off the bone good. The fries were gross though...soaked with grease. The beans were good but nothing to rave about. That said I'll just stick to the chicken.
(4)
Renee I.
This is a comfy little hole in the wall place. When you pull up to the restaurant you can already smell the roasting chicken. It's a good stick to your ribs comfort Peruvian food. there are only like 4 parking spaces and then there is parking on the streets. Just be careful, people really fly on vermont. Always a favorite!
(4)
Katie L.
Holy heaven in my mouth!! This place has the best chicken - blows Pollo Inka out of the water. I don't care too much for the sides but it doesn't even matter. The chicken stands alone - it is THAT good!
(5)
Food L.
Best chicken .. Yum yum... A must try, even for you health fanatics.
(5)
Ryan W.
this chicken is very good.....for fans of el pollo inka, you have to try this place.....the slight smokiness makes this chicken one of my favorites....the sides leave a little to be desired, and the choices are limited, but you're not coming here for the sides, you're coming for the chicken....great prices and great chicken will keep me coming back.....
(4)
Jamie L.
I've always went to the location in ktown on WEstern & 8th Street. I love going there but the parking really sucks. This location in Gardena is little better. For some reason, it tastes better too. Once you get a bite of their rotisserie chicken grilled over their firewood logs, you can't go anytwhere else. I also love their spicy peruvian green sauce. With their rice, salad, and horchata. Yummy in my tummy!
(5)
stephanie i.
Peruvian style chicken. Who knew? My dad grew up in Gardena and while this place isn't as old as my dad, it was he "the master of all take out", that introduced me to what he calls "the best roasted chicken in town". It really is. Driving up Vermont from Artesia you wouldn't think much of this area or the establishment. There really isn't much out there except this little place and Gardena Bowl. But that is what separates the locals from the rest. It's definitely worth a try. Juicy and moist with a nice lightly smoked flavor. The secret recipe? Firing up their rotisserie with eucalyptus wood. Don't believe me? Look around the parking lot and you'll most likely see someone either cutting the wood up or hauling it in. The aroma in the restaurant alone, is enough to make you want to linger a little longer at your table. Counter service and take out. So don't get dolled up for this joint.
(4)
Si Jung L.
It's kind of like El Pollo Loco, but, way better. I always get the full chicken with two sides. The chicken is juicy with a great smokey taste. The wood burning chicken makes all the difference in the world. Very affordable, fast and DELICIOUS!!! Only negative is the small parking lot, but, I've never had a problem finding parking off on the sides or in the actual lot. And one more thing, if your paying with a CC, it has to be $10 minimum. The full chicken meal is like $13 and can feed 3 adults easily.
(5)
Penson L.
delicious friggin chicken. deeeelicious.
(4)
Myke R.
Ok I knocked this for one reason. It's in a bad area of Gardena where a lot of G13ers hang out. (that's a gang) But if you haven't tried it. This is one of the best chicken places in town. It's peruvian rotisseried chicken. I acutally used to go to this place when it was a barbeque joint. My aunt was gonna buy it but it was a bad area. But when Pollo a la brasa came in. It was heaven. They literally do take chopped wood and bring it in to roast their chicken. It's like how they did it back in the day. They have the green cilantro sauce to go with it. I can eat two whole chickens. I like the hearts...This chicken blended with the smokey wood flavors lingers garlic, onion, salt, sour, etc....all these flavors in your mouth. Yea you'll love it :)
(4)
Dave O.
great place for chicken! parking may be a bit of a hassle but you can park behind the railroad tracks behind the restaurant. its a bit small. usually people will just grab to go. check it out if youre tired of eating el pollo loco or charo chicken. i think its better quality.
(4)
Aim B.
Best chicken evar!
(5)
Peter I.
Place good for polla a la brasa chicken! Worth every penny. How can you go wrong for a full meal for less than $11.00!!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Michael D.
This chicken is amazing! Smokey with a ton of flavor. The reason why I'm not giving this place a 5 star is because the sides and service need to be worked on a little in my opinion. The rice and beans are so-so. The salad is no bueno. Let's get to the service. There is always this guy there with a ninja turtle hat on with an attitude like he's doing you a favor. Not too cool in my book. Anyways, check it out if you love chicken!
(4)Darren T.
The most moist, smoky flavored roasted chicken I ever ate. It tastes like the chickens you get in the streets of third world countries where they cook on an open flame, which is a huge compliment.
(5)Amanda R.
First time there and my friend insisted we go ,bad choice. the owner and order taker were not very friendly . I actually was looking forward to trying the food :/ tried it , it was ok, but because of the lack of customer service I will not come back .
(1)Richard D.
If you have not tried this place then you are missing out on Fabulous Peruvian chicken. They use real eucalyptus fire wood to slowly rotisserie the chicken, the fusion of Peruvian spices are to die for. You can smell the place way before you even get close. I prefer to come during peak hours because that way I know that the chicken has been just taken off the spit and not placed in the warmer too long. Their chicken is the size of what chicken use to be like before they started using growth hormones and steroids. The sides rice, beans, salads are just average but the chicken makes up for it. They have coleslaw which is mediocre so I drain as much liquid out and put some of their Green Aji Verde hot sauce and it tastes great. You can put this sauce on everything if you like a nice fresh spicy kick to your food. Also their fries are peeled and fried fresh, you can ask them to make it crispy if you prefer. Parking is a challenge and they only have a few tables for seating. Definitely a must...#(^_^)#
(4)Hughes C.
Simple and delicious, wood-fire roasted chicken! My only advice is to eat there since you get a whole bottle of green sauce to use. If you get to go, they give you a small little sauce cup, I even asked for two and it wasn't enough. They also have beef hearts and chicken hearts on skewers if you dare to try. I might test them next time
(4)Michael H.
I want to start off with saying anytime you go to an ethnic restaurant and there are people of that ethnicity in there..you know its legit! So is the case with Casa A La Brasa. Upon arriving on the scene Pollo starts off on the right foot because the smell hits you as soon as you step out of your car in the parking lot and oh what a marvelous smell it is! Once inside you order and the menu is very manageable for any budget. Upon receiving my meal I decided to eat inside and as I sat down I noticed everyone had these green bottles on their tables, so I decided to make an executive decision and went and asked for green sauce. EXCELLENT DECISION!!! The sauce was spicy, but delicious! You can even buy the sauce to go if you prefer take-out! All in all the food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the take-away message was to always look around and take a chance on the unknown!
(5)Scott Y.
I drove past this place a few times you can SMELL it from outside. 100% wood fire cooked chicken.Parking VERY small. Only 4 or 5 spaces on the right side and dining room seats maybe about 23 max. Had the quater chicken with 2 side orders @ $5.82+tax VERY GOOD. Next time i'll order the "whole chicken with 2 side orders" TO GO @ $16.05+tax. They DO have restrooms
(4)Jamie A.
I appreciate consistency and Pollo a La Brasa is ALWAYS good. None of that hit-or-miss crap. You can get a family combo l with a whole chicken and sides for under $15. DEAL! Their chicken is smokey, juicy and full of flavor. A hands down fav in all of L.A. Luckily, I don't have to go too far. Note that their rice is kinda salty, their salad has huge beets and their fries are nice and crispy! Ask for extra crispy if you like it like that. TIPS: I suggest you PICK UP! Parking is a pain. If you really need to eat-in skip rush lunch hours or you'll wait for parking and a seat! * Closed Mondays *
(5)Patty V.
Best pollo a la brasa!! I just love this place. I order the whole chk. with two sides. The side orders are good, specially the fries and salad. We had to wait a few extra minutes since the place was FULL, but was all worthy.
(5)Phil H.
One of the best fire-roasted chicken I've eaten. It's Peruvian style at best, simple, yet good. Their green sauce is a must and the rice is just right. Can't say this is a hole-in-a-wall type of restaurant because, it's basically one a railroad track, so it has that more of a gritty, tasty feeling to it. You can immediately smell the wood chips burning the chicken fat and it's a smell you can never get sick of.
(5)Thomas K.
Yummy Peruvian Chicken cooked over wood! First of all this place has a few things working against it. Let me explain the issues. The parking is very small and it really sucks since people don't care and will ding your car up. The neighborhood is in a gang infested location with Gardena 13 gangsters and South Los fools looking to kill some G13 gangsters. It sits on the boarder of Los Angeles and Gardena. Stay on the Gardena side, cops will get there way faster if you need help! ( That is the side where Pollo A La Brasa is located) Once inside the place, it is a bit dirty and very small! They have seating to eat inside but the table are pretty dirty. The two sons run the place most of the time and they are pretty rude and just want to collect your money! I guess with all the idiot thugs around, you cant let your guard down. But maybe a greeting and a hello and Thank you. Instead of just saying "16.00". They also have the green sauce, warning its pretty hot! The best reason to come here is for their Chicken! Very moist and yummy. The wood gives it a great flavor. You are offered sides with a meal but the best is the salad, fries or rice. I tired their slaw and it was nasty! Tortillas are extra with most of the meals. I usually like order it for pick up to avoid most of the drama. In conclusion, the parking and location sucks and its in a dangerous neighborhood. The chicken is delicious. So go there for the food!
(4)Turtle D.
It's a hole in the wall kind of place but the chicken is heaven. My friends and I come here at least once a month and food is always great. They close at 8pm on weekdays so make sure to get there in time for your chicken fix..
(5)Mims S.
This place is gem. You know its good when 3 under covered cops parked in the red zone eat at this place. The roasted whole chicken here is to die for. It is juicy and well seasoned. The steak is a thin cut New Yorker, also well seasoned and grilled to perfection but their chicken is what most people come for. The sides are basic and nothing phenomenal; salad, fries, corn on the cob and beans...but I can't say enough about the roasted chicken and the ajai (green spicy sauce). This little joint puts the 3stars Michelin French restaurants known for their rotisserie chickens to shame. Not to mention my hubby who is a chicken-hater is now a chicken-lover and will only eat chicken here and no where else. Note: There is no ambience here, and parking is limited to 4-5 spaces.
(5)Rhoda B.
Some of the best chicken you'll ever eat. These people know what their doing with their wood, fire and chicken. Completely moist and pairs amazingly with their spicy green sauce (caution, this stuff is hot). If too hot, cool down with their delicious beet salad that comes with a refreshing dressing. No wonder this place is always packed! Truly a gem in Gardena. I've been eating here for as long as I can remember, at least for the past almost 15 years. I can smell the chicken and taste the sauce just thinking about it now all the way on the other side of the country.
(5)tony p.
First time trying Peruvian chicken was at Peru Chix... With it's recent closing I've been on the search for another spot to conquer my cravings! Checked out 2 other local Gardena restaurants and they simply did not meet my expectations... Oh but when I finally discovered this place, I was granted an amazing amount of relief and joy!!! Wood fire roasted chicken was nice and moist! The Aji sauce was the perfect amount of heat. The consistency of the sauce was thick, not thin and watery like other places I tried, perfect for dipping and coating my chicken. The rice had a nice flavor. Fries tasted/looked like they were freshly made, not pre-made, frozen, fast-food, diner style. So glad I found this place!
(5)Martha C.
The best fire roasted rotisserie chicken ever!!! Highly recommend this place. The salsa is hot and with great flavor. I think it's family owned and everyone speaks Spanish as well as English. You won't be disappointed. I always get the whole chicken with two sides and am always pleased with my food. What are you waiting for? Go!
(5)Rosy M.
This is the BEST CHICKEN. I love it. Everything is delicious! !!!
(5)Sherry K.
The four of us parked in the tiny lot and walked in and ordered food. We over-ordered, but the two guys in our group wanted to feast, so that was ok. Two chickens, salad, fries, rice, two anticucho plates, and 4 large chicha moradas, our total was only about $60. We sat ourselves at a little booth and waited for our number to be called. There are only about 8 tables in the joint, and they fill up quickly, especially at peak times. I'd been here before and had the chicken, but not the anticuchos yet. Our number was called, and the guys went to grab tray after tray of delicious smelling food. We ended up having to take everything of the trays, unless we wanted to split the group and eat at seperate tables. The feasting began! The chicken here is really good, and is what they're known for. It's very tender and juicy, though the breast pieces tend to be a bit drier. There was plenty of aji to go around though, so if your chicken isn't as moist as you prefer, slather the aji all over it and dig in! The salad is served with beet slices, and is pretty yummy. I thought the anticuchos were good, though I like this place's anticuchos better: yelp.com/biz/anticucheri… I'd order them again though, because they were still good! The chicha morada here is home made, not from a powdered mix, and is very tasty, if a bit mild. The large size is huge, at 32 ounces. Before we left, I saw that they had alfajores, for $2 each, so I took a couple to go. I do love these tasty Peruvian cookies, and I'd weigh 300lbs if I ate them as often as I wanted to! Excellent service, but only at the counter, and when they bus your table.
(4)Hai T.
I've only done take out here & that's why I'm giving it 4 stars. Usually just order the whole chicken to eat at home with my own side dishes. All I gotta say is the chicken is better than Pollo Inka, El Pollo Loco or any other rotisserie in town. It's tender & flavorful!! So bomb!!
(4)Jimmy H.
Who knew chicken could taste so good... ! A whole chicken with two sides is less than 20 bucks ! It's so cheap! The chicken is full of flavor from the wood they use and it's very tender as well ! I'm not a big fan of chicken but this place is making chicken the right way ! Also their fries are made with crack or something... It's sooooooo good...!! Almost forgot about their green sauce, really spicy and flavorful ! Too bad u would have to buy it if ur taking it to go..
(5)James H.
roasted chicken and spicy green sauce. Can't beat it! You can call in your order ahead of time and parking get a bit harry but you still have to try it out. The fries are a little strange but they grow on you. Also if you're feeling adventurous you can try the anticuchos or beef hearts
(5)David M.
Chicken is good. Only regret I have is assuming the 1/4 chicken special is leg and thigh. I lo e dark meat but got wing and breast. Still very good. Smells great in there.
(4)Alessandro M.
Best pollo a la brasa in L.A county choose To go is you are too picky and don't like eating in the getto. But if you don't really mind then eat it there. Their combinations are bomb! clean & cheap place,the price is good for the location Usually crowded during lunch and dinner peak times SUCKS that they are closed on Mondays... which I always forget :/ If you like red chicken meat (legs & tighs) you can order a whole chicken or half the way you want it. Hope this helps
(5)Sharon E.
If I'd never experienced the Pollo A La Brasa Western (which I LOVE) - I wouldn't have ever tried this location. I did my usual routine: order a whole chicken (not cut) to go, and 2 sides - with extra Aji sauce. While the aroma of chicken roasting on spit over wood fire was tantalizing and you can smell it down the block, I found my chicken a bit dry - and the skin was kinda blah. Maybe it was an off day? Or maybe this location isn't as good as the one on Western? It's been 2 years since I last ate there, and maybe I built it up too much in my head? I'll give it another chance - since I know it can be great... but really, this was a disappointing lunch.
(3)Shant O.
This place is delicious! Great quality meat, sides are all good. Chicha is delicious. You can't go wrong.
(5)David K.
Serivce is pretty bad..... Expected the chicken to be great but it's the same as el pollo loco..... Nothing special
(3)Tina H.
LOVE LOVE LOVE This place, especially the green sauce. You gotta get the coleslaw when you buy chicken here. We've been buying small sauce (3 for $1) for longest time before finding out that you can buy large jar for $3. Must try, great food.
(5)Daisy H.
-authentic PERUVIAN food I've never tasted chicken so juicy and full of flavor I come here to order and eat the chicken alone. They slow cook it as if they were in Peru in a brick oven turning the chicken over fire. By far the best chicken I've eaten to d
(5)Alicia W.
This place has the best chicken I've ever tasted! Had the chicken kabob so far and the regular wood grill chicken and it's simply delicious and seasoned well. I had a side of French fries and white rice with the green spicy sauce! I highly recommend this place!
(5)Alecks R.
Rotisserie Chicken is becoming more and more prevalent today. However, there can only be one KING. That being said, "Bring out the crown!!!!!!" Pound for pound, this is the BEST rotisserie chicken I've ever had. What else needs to be said? It's flavorful, juicy, marinated perfectly, and seasoned with herbs from the Garden of Eden. Yes, the parking sucks and yes, the area is ghetto. But the chicken can easily tread water with those burdens on it's back. Oh, how can I forget? The french fries are peeled and cooked in-house.-- crispy and delish! Advice: Don't be shy with the Aji (spicy green sauce at the table.)
(5)Richard K.
Chicken is good. Ask for their green sauce. Tastes good with the chicken. The place itself is a bit old. Need more cleaning done and more modern touch. Otherwise, it's not bad.
(3)Enrique L.
Wood fire burning rotisserie chicken. Best chicken in town. The flavor is like no other. Get there early because the parking sucks but worth the walk.
(4)Baby C.
The chicken is so tender and the aji sauce yum I like the breast with rice and beans this is a must try.
(4)Krystal H.
El Pollo, who? I want to eat the bones this chicken is so good. Aji sauce is spicy but good and the tortillas are nice and thick and seem freshly made on site.
(5)Ricardo M.
Yo...this is the spot. Even the breast are nice and juice...finger licking good. People complain about the sides but I like to mix the salad with the white rice. The nice and light salad dressing goes awesome with the white rice and is a nice compliment to the chicken! Oh by the way, I would like to dispute the fact that many yelpers say Pollo Inka is better. Honestlly, this place is waaayyy better than Pollo Inka. Pollo Inka puts their chicken over gas burners. Polloa A La Brasa is nothing but wood and has a waaay better flavor.
(4)Emily W.
The chicken definitely gets five stars and I dont think I wanna eat back in El Pollo Loco anymore lol..The chicken is well seasoned and the meat falls off the bone when I had my first bite! Very tasty and juicy. The green sauce is so darn spicy and goes well with the chicken. The salad and fries are meh....Big portion though. Limited parking here. I was happy when I parked in the front but backing up to the street was tough. Next time I d rather find street parking. There are only like 7 tables and the space is quite limited. So don't get surprised when you are there even it's 4.5 stars in yelp review. I believe most of the local people are taking to-go order and it won't be a good idea to bring large group. Just remember it's not a fine peruvian cuisine place for first timer.
(3)Steven J.
Wow, if you're hungry for some real good chicken and some BOMB hot sauce and the most flavorable white rice that will explode you're taste buds and you will become a returning customer there that good you don't believe me or think I'm making this up just go and try it
(5)Arun K.
Wood fire chicken is great with the green sauce. Good place for to go. Best place to have good fire chicken. Parking is limited, but that's okay when you plan for to go
(4)Jayson J.
so damn good!
(5)Leon H.
Great chicken.. very juicy and flavorful... sides are also very good... everything taste great... ive been here multiple times. The only thing that I dont like is there green salsa... the consistency is like a dry milk shake and its cold... hard to decribe... But other than that its great food with god prices. .
(4)Justin S.
Come for the chicken/steak if you're in the area, but nothing else. Check out my full review here: sqoa.tumblr.com/post/467…
(2)Donna C.
We came here under the recommendation of my brother. He swore that it was the best rotisserie chicken he's ever had and...he's correct! Plus, it's cheap! It's crispy, but moist at the same time. However, the sides (salad and fries) is nothing to brag about. Actually, next time I come here, I think I'll just order their chicken and nothing else. We ordered the whole chicken, which fed 4 mouths! It's a small restaurant. You've got a walkway to order your food and then there's a small section for eating. It's not located in the best neighborhood, but sometimes that's where the best foods come from! Hole in the wall places are the best places to eat!
(4)Yahaira P.
Chicken is beyond amazing!!
(5)John L.
Tried the half chicken plate with beans and coleslaw. Awsome. The chicken must be brined because it was crispy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. but it's the seasonings and wood fire that make it so good. I can't wait to try other dishes.
(4)Tina W.
I love coming here to eat the rotisserie half chicken. The taste is just 10 times better than el pollo loco. And for what you will pay for a 3 piece meal combo at el pollo loco, you get way more here for the same amount or less. I always like to order a x large size of horchata natural water drink.
(5)Stephanie B.
Pollo a la Brasa has been one of my bookmarks for years, because it is a notorious spot for Angelenos and was even written up in Bon Appetit. Both of the locations with which I am familiar - Gardena and Koreatown - are tiny places. Gardena definitely has the advantage of more parking - it has 5 spaces. The facility is a utilitarian one, which is mostly devoted to making those delicious chickens. There is a long counter where the meals are prepared and there is a very small "dining room" (in the way that any fast food restaurant has a dining room) with about 7 tables, each of which would accomodate 7 people. You don't come to Pollo a la Brasa for ambience...you come here for cheap, delicious chicken. I ordered the quarter chicken with salad (no beets - mech) and beans, the latter of which are served with three tortillas. First of all, the chicken (white meat and dark) is so moist and flavorful. The exteriors of the chickens are generously seasoned before putting on the spit, and they are cooked slowly to achieve juicy, crispy perfection. A little chicken with a little spicy garlic sauce - wow! Delicious. The salad is simple - iceberg topped with slices of tomatoes and cucumber - tasty and fresh. The beans are the slow cooked pinto variety - not refried. Great bean juice for dipping the tortillas into. (The ideal bite - garlic sauce on tortilla with chicken dragged through bean juice....yummy in my tummy.) The employees are incredibly friendly and work hard to get the food out fresh and fast and to keep the restaurant exceedingly clean. And, for $5.37 plus tax (i.e., $5.80), you cannot beat this deal for a freshly prepared, relatively healthy and delicious meal. Do yourself a favor, check it out. At these prices, you cannot regret it.
(5)Jennifer L.
One of the best Peruvian restaurants I have ever eaten at. Chicken, sad, fries, and rice!
(5)Esther K.
What the heck? I have passed by this restaurant (ktown location) probably thousands of times and only now have discovered how tasty this place is! Chicken has a solid smokey wood flavor. Juicy meat. The sauce is spicy and flavorful. This will now be added to my must-eat while back in cali rotation.
(5)Johnny H.
There is an ample supply of Peruvian restaurants in the area and while Pollo a la Brasa does not have the name recognition of some of the others, their spit fire roasted chicken is by far the best in the neighborhood - and definitely one of the best places for roast chicken in LA. The chicken is consistently juicy and full of flavor. Their sides dishes are average and drink choices are your standard sodas. But thankfully, in LA, it's not uncommon to just get one thing at one particular restaurant and combine them all for a feast at home. For the people that complain about customer service, this is basically like a fast-food take-out joint. To expect anything more than a simple order and pick-up is a bit ridiculous. Parking options is not good, although there's a very large parking lot in the back for another business that everyone just parks at. The dining area is a bit divey.
(4)L L.
Chicken is delicious! Almost always take it to go. The eating area gets really crowded and almost uncomfortable at times. The green aji salsa is way too hot for my taste ... (and I really like spicy) . The chicken is great and so is a the maracuja drink.
(4)Randy D.
Few blocks away from me , yet I drive to this place very good chicken , what make good food to me is that when you reheat the leftover the next day or so coz I buy too much of it is that the flavor remains still fired cooked smell and still taste good. Try that with other leftover and you see , not so good . Green sauce yummy ..
(5)Jarrod F.
The chicken here is killer; probably some of the best around. I like the flavors way better than El Pollo Inka, only thing is this place isn't good to dine in but rather for take out. Give it a try another on of those Gardena gems I keep writing about.
(4)ricky g.
Been here about six times over the years. With competition out there, it is no longer worth it for the price. What would cost around 15 elsewhere would cost more than 20+ here. Essentially their prices are going up, but without justification. Meaning no improvement in quality whatsoever. Quality: The chicken is great here. However, it can be a miss in consistency. I have had a couple times where there were globs of fat jelly in the meat, not appetizing to bite into. The most bothersome thing is opening leftover chicken from the day before and seeing a large puddle of grease gelatin that formed. The fries are good here, and honestly the reason I use to come back. The reason they taste so great is because they are cooked to a crisp. A lot of fry chippings on the bottom. It makes for a alternative. Compare this to other Peruvian places where the fries arent crisped, and more full in size. The soup is made with scraps. It has small bone chuncks and is very watery in comparison to competitors that are more hearty. Service: Very much a purely take your order/payment and move along feeling at the cashier. Dont think I ever saw a smile. All this by who seems to be the owner. The place is always a little more dirty than it should be. Alternative: Inka Express on Hawthorne. For about $15, you get a full chicken, two well portioned sides, and a large soup. Consistency is amazing here. The service is appreciative and the place is clean.
(2)S A.
Always pass by this place & want to try it. Finally planned a visit! Really good chicken. Small restaurant though. Parking can get tough but this place is totally worth trying! Chicken is moist & combo portions are huge!! You order on one side of counter & pick up on the other - there are several booths/tables for dining in but not many. Again don't let the size & appearance fool you. Pretty good if you want to try new Peruvian rotisserie chicken & are tired of El Pollo Inka
(4)David A.
What the f? I walk in and am told a twenty minute wait for chicken... That's fine. Thirty minutes later, only ten numbers have been served and I'm still fifteen orders from getting my food. One star because I have to and for refunding my money so I could go to El Rocoto. Negative four stars for wasting my time. Not that it means anything, but I'll never be back here.
(1)Christopher M.
Very good, very straightforward. Chicken, tortillas, some sauce to go with it. Very fresh, and for how constantly packed this place is the wait isn't very long for your food. Good stuff.
(4)Grace D.
I love this place!! We've been coming here for years - great food for a great price served by really nice people.
(5)Potato H.
Best rotisserie chicken so far. It's fire roasted by wood. Place is a dump but who cares, I'm there to eat not stare at the walls.
(5)Veronica Z.
Chicken was tender and juicy :) I ordered the whole chicken and two sides special, Surprisingly they gave me steam rice for a side and I'm used to my Spanish rice but then I realized it was a Peruvian style restaurant. Not a big fan of the sides but I will def come back for the chicken!!
(5)Daniel Dong-Kyu K.
Some of the best rotisserie chicken I've ever had. The skin is perfectly crisp, and the white meat is so juicy and tender. I ordered the half chicken combo which comes with two sides. I got beans and the salad with cranberry dressing. In addition, I got a side of rice, which included 5 scoops lol. They have this amazing, spicy green sauce (maybe a guacamole base), which goes extremely well with the chicken. I even drizzled the sauce all over my rice. I would give this place 5 stars, but I'm subtracting a star due to their filthy dining area. Not many tables in this joint (around seven I believe). But, the tables were not wiped, and there was trash lying all over the floor (pieces of chicken bone, used paper towels, used condoms lol jk). It was disgusting. Please keep the dining area clean for us customers. Until then, I will stick to take-out.
(4)Karita P.
I came here because of all the great Yelp reviews and it smells amazing as you drive by. It's just ok...not the best in LA. Also, you might want to take a look look over that counter you just ordered at because you'll wonder if a health inspector has ever been in this place. On to the next one or better yet I'll just go back to El Pollo Inka. Fellow Yelpers you let me down...
(2)Jess J.
The chicken was absolutely delicious. I ordered a half chicken and thought I would take some home but I ended up eating everything on my plate. It was just so good.
(5)Daryl C.
Peruvian Chicken Rotisserie Rotisserie is cooked over a wood fire. Chicken meal comes with 2+ sides. I got the 1/4 dark meat chicken with salad & fries. The chicken was moist and easily fell of the bone. The salad was ok & the fries were a bit greasy. They also have the green Peruvian sauce! For me, that is the best reason to return. Cost of my meal was $5.60 and it was plenty for a lunch. A whole chicken was closer to the $15 mark. Most people order to go, as the restaurant only has 7 tables and about the same number of parking places. You could probably get away with parking at the grocery store lot located just behind the restaurant. 2nd Visit - Got the whole chicken. The breast was also moist and delightful. There will be a 3rd visit...
(4)Fancie L.
It's a total hole in the wall.. small parking lot.. small order window with TASTY chicken roasting!! Yummy The green sause is very hot n spicy. Half chicken two sides $8.50. My friend and I were sucking the bones clean!! The parking lot sucks and it only has 6 tables Take out is popular Even for the fire dept who came by twice as I finished my meal.
(4)Susan T.
One of the best Peruvian rotisserie chicken I've had in the area. At first, you may think the chicken is undercooked with the pinkish color. However, it's the natural look of wood oven meat. Paired with rice and salad, everything will sure fill up your tummy. Also, the chica morada is a delightful purple corn drink that worth trying if you like to explore your taste. Service is great and quick. The only downside is the dining area and parking. Not a good place for large parties of 5 or more.
(5)Robert K.
Talk about a diamond in the rough. This place is way better and cheaper then El Pollo Inca (aka The Dirty Lama). Where else can you get killer wood fired chicken meal for under $8? The staff is friendly and the food is rockin' Only thing negative is the parking can be tricky. Do yourself a favor and go around the block and park in the public lot. Also the seating is not fat guy friendly. I think a Chinese 9 year old designed the tables. But I'll gladly overlook all of that since the food is great.
(5)Bradley P.
I love this place and how they post pictures of their customers stealing their sauce. It's just the oddest little chicken place and the food is great. The fries are made fresh. The food is made fresh. I saw the ingredients loaded in from a pickup truck. There aren't too many food places that make their food from scratch anymore.
(4)Ron H.
Mehhh, guess I'm gonna be the odd man out. Came by because I happened to be around and I saw the 4.5 star average. I imagine it's great if you're local and you need a quick bite to eat, but it's not worth trekking for. Otherwise, I'd say it was a slight notch above El Pollo Loco. If you're looking for very different, ethnic Peruvian, this place isn't it. It's essentially simply cooked chicken, with some Peruvian sauce on the side (which isn't necessarily bad, just managing expectations).
(2)Evan J.
As a person who is genetically predisposed to loving chicken, I make it a point to seek out the best chicken spots I can find. Nestled on the outskirts of beautiful downtown Gardena I found the holy grail of chicken... Pollo a la Brasa. As soon as you come within 100 yards of the place you can smell the wonderful aroma. Just follow your nose and you cant miss it. The wood burning brick oven produces moist meat with a crunchy skin. I usually go for the 1/4 chicken with a side of rice and fries. If you can stand a little heat i recommend adding a healthy squirt of their green sauce to tickle your tastebuds. The staff is friendly and the service is relatively quick. The seating is limited and its not really somewhere to go on a nice date, but the food more than makes up for the shortcomings in the ambience department. I definitely recommend this spot for all the chicken lovers out there!
(5)Karina G.
I love this place it's a few blocks from my job and its my go to place for Lunch the prices are pretty reasonable but this Chicken is to Bomb an your meal comes with fries and salad what more can you ask for I highly recommend you visit this place :) Also try there chicken soup it is Fantastic
(5)Lucianna F.
I was so excited about this place. THe chicken tastes fabulous and is absolutely well seasoned. I went for my first time 2 weeks ago. I told all of my friends at work that they absolutely HAD to go to this fabulous place. I even went back that week. Everyone and their mother was there. The place, I must say, looked like a dirty shack inside and out. But I knew this... Right? Ugh! Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck.... It's a DUCK. Ok, so I sat down, devoured the chicken. I did, in fact, eat at the dirty looking table, I did, in fact, use the unsanitary looking ketchup bottle. Four hours later I was puking my guts out. I then proceeded to be sick as a dog for TWO days. I know it was this place because I ate NOTHING else that day. I now gag at the thought of ANY chicken, especially rotisserie. Horrible, horrible experience here.
(2)Antonia P.
I loooveeeeeeeeeee this place. I work super close and I am hooked. I usually order Chicken and Rice. If you want to add a kick to it that Green sauce will sure do the trick. :p
(5)Mando O.
After I read all this reviews I figure it was the spot, close to home also, This spot is overrated over doing it. I'm not against Asians I'm married to one and I'm happy. But honestly going in there watching this Asians in a Mex-Spot. It takes the flavor out, Second the chicken was dry n pink WTF.... Freaking Northgate has better chicken that's DA true. The best thing was the green salsa. Thumps up who ever made the salsa. No wonder the Peopz take home the salsa I don't doubt them. La Brasa no Bueno... Not even in a Rainy Day like 3 weeks ago...
(1)Jay J.
I'm addicted to the chicken and aji sauce. I don't care where this place is located, or how tiny the parking is...I gotta have this chicken! It's juicy, tender, flavorful, and tasty. It's the real deal. It's what El Pollo Loco WISHES it was. The only thing, the sides are no bueno. But it's ok, I got sides the first time but never again because all I need is the chicken and the aji sauce.
(5)Xavier M.
The best rotisserie chicken around. Moist and flavorful. Great with the fresh tortillas, corn and potato. The chicken soup is really good too. If you like all white meat like I do, go early. They tend to not do all white meat later in the evening and have run out on more than a few occasions.
(5)Cesar M.
Best Peruvian chicken in LA. I've tried Chicken from 3 other Peruvian restaurants and none compare to the taste of Pollo La Brasa's chicken. Their fresh home made fries, chicha drink and Aji sauce are the best I've tasted , and would make a perfect addition to your meal.
(5)Soo H.
This place is small and very busy. They use a wood fire in the front with this rotating metal contraption to cook their chicken. The aroma from the wood is awesome! The chicken skin is crispy and the meat is moist and full of flavor. The chicken is like El Pollo Loco only better. I'd rate this as the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had. I also had a chicken skewer. It was cooked perfectly. I didn't care for the sauce so I'm going to stick with the rotisserie chicken.
(5)Dave A.
It's the wood that makes it good! Certainly the best chicken in the South Bay/Long Beach area. The green sauce is a spicy delight. It's real dive, in a funky area, know that. If you want to do mini-food tour, the trifecta: Come here, share a chicken plate. Get in car, head south on Vermont to 168th, go east to Figueroa, to the taco truck on the corner (takes 3 minutes). Get some Mexican seafood tostadas and/or cocktails, and maybe Mexican ice creams. Go back to Vermont and find the fresh fruit cart guy and get some. Muy sabroso and no mucho dinero! After eating PALB chicken, you will never go to Inka chicken place again. Never!
(4)Eddie C.
One of the most flavorful roasted chickens that I've tasted. Pollo A La Brasa's specialty is a fire roasted Peruvian style chicken cooked in a brick oven using real wood. I ordered the whole chicken dinner that comes with rice and bean for about 13 bucks and a skewered chicken dinner with 3 skewers, roasted potato, and corn for about 7 buck. Both dinners come with their spicy green peruvian style hot sauce that is out of this world. If you are in a hurry, order their roasted chicken. They continuously make batches of the chicken so chances are it is ready at the time of your order. I, however, decided that I needed more food and ordered the chicken skewers as an after thought and had to wait 15 min. Not worth the wait, the chicken was dry and too salty. The potato and corn were ok. Then there is still the roasted chicken - delicious. The chicken was tender and juicy and wore it's smokey crispy brown skin on top of meat that was deliciously infused with flavor. And a day later, it was still good as a snacked on cold roasted chicken while watching TV! Life is good. Next time? More roasted chicken and maybe the grilled beef heart.
(4)Linda T.
I agree with Ian A. that the smell of the burning wood is a great indicator of whats in store with the chicken! The parking is verysmall, with like 3 spots, and the rest is street parking a bit down the block. The area is not the Southbay's finest, but the food sure is! I had heard people mention this place and saw the rave reviews on Yelp, and had bookmarked it awhile back. I finally made it here last month, and I was not disappointed. We ordered the whole chicken, with fries and a side of plantain. The food was not ready right away, and our plantains especially took a like 8 minutes longer than the rest of the food. The chicken was moist, tender and had that distinct smokey flavor of being cooked over fire-wood. So good! the fried were whatever, as were the side of beans....the fried plantains on the other hand were made to their crisp, caramelized, sweet perfection! It cost 20 bucks for the meal, which doesn't sound cheap, but we had plenty of leftovers and had some chicken and plantain the next day (fries weren't good reheated). In the end, I'd skip the other sides and just take home chicken and plantains, and enjoy it at home. =)
(4)Scott G.
Made my way to lunch here on old Gardena. If you blink, you might miss this place that sits in a odd location and is next to nothing of interest... What is of interest is the food and the prices. For under six bucks I got a 1/4 chicken (white meat), rice and a salad. What this place lacks in curb appeal and ambiance, it makes up for in taste and value. The chicken was tender, juicy and very flavorful. The rice was pretty tasty, as well. The salad was a salad but when you put it all together, I feel pretty healthy and my wallet didn't take a pounding, a winning combination...
(4)Santi T.
This is one of my favorite take out places in Gardena because the chicken completely satisfies my appetite. And trust me, I can out eat anyone including my braddah (200+lbs)! Who wants to cook on a relaxing Sunday night? Not my mom! So we headed over here to pick up some of our Peruvian style rotisserie chicken owned by some Japanese peeps. Once you step into the door, the temperature goes up by 10+ degrees because of the heat from the grill. These chickens are grilling until you place your order. We got a couple of whole chickens ($13.50)which came cut up, a few side orders and a couple corn tortillas. They got this process of grilling down to a science. The outcome is a moist piece of chicken with a smokey, peppery taste. They don't cut corners here; just eucalyptus logs. The sides were totally disappointing but then again, you're here to order the chicken which is the superstar. We ordered the salad, rice, beans and french fries which were totally mediocre. When you're eating your juicy chicken pieces, do not forget to use the mystery green sauce! I don't know what the heck is inside but it compliments the smokey flavor of the pollo. They have a dining room in the back and plenty of parking in the front. Maybe next time I'll try some of the chicken organs?!? I hope this will continue to be a Gardena landmark!
(4)Andy D.
Amazing pollo a la brasa! This place can get crowded, but definitely worth the wait. The prices are great, and the chicken is moist, tender, juicy, and most important in my opinion... very smokey! My go to is chicken w/ fries and salad, finished off w/ horchata.
(5)Kat B.
Chicken is five stars and sides is what brings down the rating. No one can beat chicken over a wood fire. We had to wait 30 min once and it was worth it. We come here often and we keep coming back. Worth the price for all their effort. Fire from wood just gives a different taste than fire from gas. They nailed it on the chicken. Sides are another thing. I wish they had a couple more selections. As for the spicy green sauce, I just use the leftover for marinades. So far I have used it for an hour on shrimp and part of the base for a slow cooked beef roast.
(4)FredoCris R.
These folks do chicken and do it well. Always appreciate the real wood-burning eucalyptus rotisserie ovens they use to cook with. Always tender, always juicy - love their green sauce and happy to smother it over rice. And always eat with mah-hands; no utensils needed. Dessert - try the alfajores. Expect lines during peak-hours but service is pleasently fast.
(5)Lisa Z.
If you come here on a weekend night, get here earlier rather than later. They can run out of chicken! The rotisserie chicken here is amazingly good, you really get that woody, smoky flavor. The aji here is decent- I like it, but I prefer the one from El Polla Inka. Their beans are also just ok. All the other sides I've had - salad, white rice - meh. Their white rice is pretty bad, cheap quality and dry. Come for the chicken.
(4)Lisa B.
I have driven by this place numerous times over the years and am always smelling the delightful and intoxicating smokey BBQ aromas....I finally decided to give it a try and it was not disappointing. Chicken was tender and very moist. Great smoke flavor and tasty overall. I was underwhelmed by the green sauce as I am spoiled by El Pollo Inka's sauce instead (theirs is tough to beat IMO). Noentheless, La Brasa is a new "go to" spot for delicious chicken. I was in and out very quickly too...
(4)Buala E.
The parking is a complete disaster, but it's totally worth it for their perfectly cooked juicy chicken! I love their chicken! I get the same thing every time; chicken breast with tons of Aji sauce and fries!!!
(5)Clifford S.
Going on a business trip can suck at night. You're stuck in a town you don't know in a motel by yourself. Calling home and TV help but a dinner that you can enjoy can really make the difference. The chicken at Pollos at la Brasa almost made the trip worthwhile. I wish we have this flavorful, moist chicken back in Illinois. I am not sure if it the brick oven or what but this was one great chicken dinner. I am sure I will be out again on business and will definitely get another great meal here.
(5)Kristenne A.
The chicken is seasoned perfectly. If you're looking to go beyond El Pollo Loco, this place is definitely a GO. They have this green hot sauce...pretty gooood! Don't get the fries though
(4)Clara D.
This place is amazing for pollo a la brasa! Chicken, fries, salad, and Inka Cola, that's all you need to get from this place. If you want to venture a bit, try their anticucho or choncholi with potatoes and corn. My brother and I found this place by accident, nearly 15 years ago. I am so glad the quality has not changed, unlike Pollo Inka. Their prices have increased, but so have gas prices! Again, chicken, fries, and salad, this dish is definitely worth the calories. Don't bother with the rice, beans, or tortillas; they're bland and will disappoint you.
(5)A.J. G.
This place is ammmmazzing !!!! The chicken is the best I've ever had and the aji is very spicy. I highly recommend that you go here so worth the trip. It's a hidden gem parking is on the street and lock your car.
(5)Donald F.
Hands down the BEST chicken in the Southbay Los Angeles! I'm trying to be objective here but yeah - I can say they're the best so far around town. To start with their chicken are real wood roasted - not gas, not electric coils. Real Eucalyptus wood. You can see neat piles of them outside the restaurant. The wood-burning oven is just right behind the counter. I used to live three blocks away from here, now I'm 15 miles away. Sigh. You can't miss this place, it's right next to a railroad crossing. Trust me, your 10 bucks a bird is well worth it. I suggest get your food to go. You really wont seek out this place - and the neighborhood - to dine.
(5)Wesley W.
Here's another fave eatery. Why? Because it's some darn good chicken. The place only uses a wood burning oven. They have the log splitter and the lumber on the side of the building to prove it. The chicken is moist, tender and flavorful. Hands down the best chicken in LA. The aji sauce is a little too spicy for me but the double fried french fries and the salad and the cole slaw make for some pretty good sides. If you're in the Gardena area, give this place a shot. You won't regret it.
(5)Nadia L.
Delicious delicious delicious! One of the best Peruvian chicken I had in a long time!!!! Location is not that great. Small parking lot. It gets packed quickly. Ambiance is not too appealing. Very limited seating. When you first walk in you smell the smokey chicken that's been slow cooking! My boyfriend and I got the whole chicken, with salad, rice, French fries, and chicken soup. The chicken is yummy! Perfectly cooked has that woody smokey flavor. The green sauce is crack!!!! It's spicy has a kick to it and seems like they put a lot of cilantro in it which I LOVE! I put it on everything my goodness!!! French fries were decent. Salad was disappointing because it lacked a good dressing on it...no flavor to it. I did although like how it had thin slices of beets in it. The rice is definitely a MUST with the chicken! The chicken soup is so yummy!!!!! I would definitely get it again. Very flavorful and taste like comfort food something your mom would make! We also ordered the Maracuya (passion fruit drink) delicious! Must get: chicken, rice, soup! This place is a solid 5 star based on food and not overall (appearance)
(5)Amir K.
This might be the best pollo a la brasa I've ever had. The only other place that comes close is Takatis all the way up in Van Nuys, but there's nowhere near Gardena that has chicken this good. You don't even need to walk in to tell how good this place is, the freakin' smell is wafting into the street and there's smoke everywhere. Anyway, onto the experience Ambience: At first glance it looks like a total hole in the wall, but as soon as you walk in, you realize it's a full tilt operation. The oven behind the counter looks like it was built by a pro and there's guys running in and out regularly grabbing wood to keep things going. The seating area is super small, and that's why I downgraded a star, but at least they recently got some new furniture and it's comfortable. Before it was leftover booths from an Arbys or something, but whatever. It looks like they have room to expand a little on the south side of the property and I would definitely consider doing that if I was the owner, even if it was at my expense. Food: You can get away with spending under $10, but I always go over. I get the half chicken with two sides. The chicken is alway excellent. It's got a really nice, wet texture and is super tender. You can use a plastic fork and knife, but I always dig in with my hands. They have the green spicy sauce which is a must. I've had better green sauce at other pollo a la brasa places, but this is fine and gets the job done. They could probably stand to use some mayo in the sauce base to make it a little more creamy. Side orders: I've had the fries, salad, coleslaw and beans before. I would say the fries are a must, as that is the typical way pollo a la brasa is ordered. I like to go with the salad now, it's prety simple with light dressing and comes with some thin slices of beats and radishes too. The coleslaw can be hit or miss. If there's a lot of demand, you can usually get a pretty fresh batch, but if nobody's had it that day, you're gonna get a soggy mess. The beans are ok too, my fellow co-workers like them more than I do. They need some more flavor in my opinion, but still good overall. In a nutshell: If you like a decent, healthy chicken dish for lunch, drop in here and give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. If you like pollo a la brasa, make absolutely sure you stop in because you're gonna be craving it on the regular!
(4)X B.
chicken is good and tasty and juicy but this time the chicken rub was way too salty antigucho - beef heart is good
(3)Dev R.
Delicious! Chicken is cracklin' skin, and healthy juiciness. Fries are naturally-flavorful (soft insides, crunchy outsides). Corn is frozen, so next time, get the salad. Horchata was good as well. I'll be back!
(5)John C.
Their green cilantro sauce is meh, more spicier than other places, which i liked but i thought it lacked cilantro garlic flavor. The coleslaw is just coleslaw, so yall need to calm down bout it, mmmkay The chicken is quite bomb, falls off the bone bomb and is juicy slash tender. With a name like pollo a la brasa, do you dare try anything else? place is dirty but ppl line up for the food, not the ambience. on that note, it is perfect for take out! =)
(4)Shaun M.
BEST CHICKEN IN LOS ANGELES PERIOD. Not fancy but this place has the flavor. If you dont like the chicken then you dont like chicken at all. Make sure to get your fries crispy. You can eat a quality meal for $7
(5)Angie S.
Good food. One of my favorites! The plátanos are always ripe and delicious! The price is great.
(5)R Clark G.
Mmmmm....now, as anyone who knows me knows, I'm not known to gnaw on anything that once walked on land. On occasion, especially when I'm in omnivorous company who has a hankering for something fowl or beefy, I'll partake. This happened at Pollo a la Braza. And I didn't repent either. I only have a fake vegetarian card anyways... Let's just keep it short and sweet. So here's the breakdown (if you play free-word association while you read, it will be more fun). Chicken: Grilled. Succulent. Plentiful. French Fries: Thick. Crispy. Salty. Green Salad: Fresh. Colorful. Crunchy. Green Salsa stuff: Yum. Got kick. Worth stealing (they have pictures of the woman who did) Purple corn drink whose name now fails me: Sweet. Cinnamony? Pretty :) Price: Damn. Good. 2(Large Drink + Quarter Chicken Plate) = $17.09. Service: Counter. Brief. Me: Full. Satisfied. You: Got the picture? Go. Enjoy.
(5)Vanessa B.
One of the best places for rotisserie chicken. Whole chicken with 2 sides and tortillas. Can't go wrong.
(4)James T.
I would literally come here every other day. I once had Peruvian food in NYC at Pio Pio, a $$ restaurant, and the chicken here is as good if not better than Pio Pio.
(5)Edgar M.
WORST service ever, They people there are very rude. Food was gross. The only thing that made my visit pleasant was this funny picture of a lady stealing the sauce.
(1)Alana M.
If you haven't yet tried this place, you've been missing out on some of the best chicken!! The place is mostly always very busy! The parking in front is sparse, but you can park on the street or out in the very back (you have to access it by almost going around the block). From the moment you open your car door, you are struck with the aroma of the wood burning and chicken cooking. The chicken is cooked rotisserie style and is always delicious! I love the skin, it is crisp and flavorful! We usualy always get the rice and beans as sides. They have this green hot sauce and it really goes well with the rest of the food! Be sure to give it a try, you'll be glad you did!
(5)Steve S.
Wood Fire Rotisserie Chicken. I like rotisserie chicken, but these bad boys are awesome wood fire rotisserie chicken. They have piles of wood outside and you can smell all the goodness as you walk in. Let's get the biggest issue about this place out of the way, PARKING. They have 4 spots. Street parking for everyone else and it's hard to park where they are and it's a busy street.. But that doesn't stop the hordes that come anyways. I got the 1/4 Chicken (Leg & Thigh) with 2 sides (Green Salad & Cole slaw) The Chicken is amazing. I love rotisserie chicken. El Pollo Inka started it for me. Then Zankou took the torch. The new king is Pollo a la Brasa. Wow is it good. The aroma of the smoke gets you first. Then the taste, starting with the chicken skin. I usually limit my chicken skin intake (specially when it's fried), but I had to devour these. They were so flavorful. Then the meat, perfectly cooked. Did I mention they have a Green Sauce. My all time Aji Sauce favorite was El Pollo Inka's, again sorry but EPI has to move over. It's not as spicy as EPI but the depth of flavor is there with out the heat, so good with that chicken. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. Delicious. The Green Salad I liked. A lot of yeeps don't like the beets, but I love beets and these are very good. It had that earthy sweet taste, yum. The dressing is a bit weak, but I don't like too much dressing to begin with, so it's fine by me. The Cole Slaw was also okay. Too much dressing on those though, but I still liked it. The price; $6.15 (tax included) super cheap lunch for me. No tortillas. To get the tortilla's, you have to get the beans (which is beans & tortilla side order). I don't like beans. boo. Tortilla's would have made the meal complete. Aside from the chicken (which you can order as a whole, half or quarter, with or without sides), they have grilled skewered beef hearts, grilled skewered chicken, grilled pork stomach and New York Steak (Carne a la Parrilla). The Chicken is king here, so I would stick to it. The rotisserie chicken is really really good. I know there are other issues, specially parking, but I can't help thinking about that chicken and how good it is despite everything else. 5 stars I'll definitely be back.
(5)Tunisia M.
Traveling north or south on Vermont Ave you can't miss the hypnotizing scent that's wafting from Pollo A La Brasa. I've been told this place has been there for years and that it's always busy. So naturally, not living too far from the location, I had to see if the hype was true. I found out later, after 1/4 of a chicken, rice and beans, salad and tortillas that indeed it was. It came with that aji( a.k.a. green crack) sauce as well. It lasted one meal so next time I may consider getting the half chicken. They lose a star however because the location is a bit dodgy and as such tends to attract such people as well.
(4)MrAndMrs M.
Chicken was awesome! We ordered a half chicken plate with rice, cornslaw, and tortilla. The chicken taste great, it was nice and juicy. Not dry and bland like how it is at El pollo Loco at times. The green sauce was bomb!! I has to try and copy the other folks that mixed in the mayo.... I'm glad I did! Great combo! We tried some of the fries.... yum!!!! It reminded me of plantains. Well portioned food and the price is very reasonable. Only con was the floor in the seating area. Really slippery. It wasn't water but rather oil. I nearly slipped and fell. It didn't matter what kind of shoes because I wasn't the only one. None the less I would definitely come back again!
(4)Stacey Z.
Do you love chicken that falls off the bone? Well Pollo A La Brasa is for you! Their chicken is flame broiled over the fire pits..... this results in the most excellent charred flavor! And to add to all that, the GREEN SAUCE is out of this world! It's so spicy, yet I crave more and more.... to the point I can't breathe and am running to the water fountain for more water! The combo of the chicken and green sauce has me coming back to this dive for more time and time again! As other reviews have stated, the sides do leave a bit to be desired. My corn on the cob was 1/5 a piece of the cob... I mean come on at least give a 1/3 or 1/2 a cob. The salad was ok, but nothing to write home about. Go here for the fall off the bone chicken and you won't be disappointed. Lastly and most importantly, don't skimp out on that fabulous green mystery sauce!
(4)Arthur A.
The smell when u walk in and the brick oven full of chicken is a dead giveaway that the food will be amazing and it was. The taste of the chicken is so flavorful and succulent u will feel like you landed in fire roasted chicken heaven. The green sauce that looks like slime make the taste perfect No leftovers here... Zomg get the grilled beef hearts.... i took some to go and they are ridonkulous!
(5)Maurice C.
Food is great, service is shit!! The green sauce is bomb, but still service is shit!! If your looking for good service go elsewhere, but if you don't mind the attitude, and like good chicken, stop by.
(3)Blake Y.
OMG! This place serves the absolute best chicken I have ever had in my entire life! We went with a friend who recommended it and told us that it was good, but it was so much better than I thought it would be. Not that I didn't think it would be good, I just wasn't expecting excellence! I got the quarter chicken with rice, beans and tortillas and, at the end of my meal, I wished that I had gotten the half chicken... Since I live in Phoenix and Pollo A La Brasa is all the way in Gardena, I'm afraid that I won't be able to go again until I'm back in CA...next Christmas...
(5)Spencer P.
Probably the best chicken I have ever had. I ordered the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides (salad + beans) I do not recommend getting the salad. Very very very average. Picture an average salad. Think about it some more... Very original ingredients... Nothing special. VERY AVERAGE. It was so average I dumped an entire bottle of green sauce on it to make it bomb. The beans were incredible. I should have got two orders of beans. Perfectly cooked and have a very authentic flavor. The chicken was phenom. You know that feeling when something is so good you can't describe it? Yeah-- that's kinda how I feel about the chicken here. I would be willing to put their chicken up against any chicken in Los Angeles. I def recommend this place and I will FOR SURE be coming back REGULARLY!!
(5)Ahmad J.
I generally get my rotisserie chicken from Chicken Maison but this time decided to try the wood fire cooked rotisserie chicken from Pollo A La Brasa. This is basically a small place with almost no parking. On Saturday afternoon when I arrived it was choked with cars waiting for someone to pull out. I found a spot in the parking lot of the super market that is behind this place and walked over. Ordering is a bit confusing. When you enter you basically grab a menu off the first table to your right, then move to the extreme right to place your order and get a ticket then walk to the counter to pay and finally wait to pick up the food when your number is called. I decided to go with the half chicken with two sides order ($8.05) and selected beans and tortillas and fries as my choice of two sides and then walked over to pay. While paying I noticed that they had a sign for $10 minimum for card purchase but the cahier told me that its wrong and the minimum is $9. After paying it was a short 5 minutes wait to get the food which was spent dodging other customers that walked into the restaurant as the place is really tiny. Taste wise I should have read the earlier reviews on Yelp more carefully. The sides were a complete waste. The beans were drowned in a watery grave and fries were soggy so these were safely confined to the dustbin. Coming to the chicken it was not too bad. If I did not already know that these were cooked on a wood fire simply by eating the chicken it would have not stuck me as the wood flavor was very mild and you had to concentrate to actually pick it up. I also felt that parts of the chicken breast were a little dry and could have been a bit more juicy. The famous aji sauce (hot green sauce) was good but I did not feel that it was overly spicy. My advise would be to skip the sides and just take the entire rotisserie chicken as that is their specialty and price wise it would be comparable to Chicken Maison ($9.99 v/s $10.12 here). Looking at the location, parking situation, confusing ordering procedure and passable taste I won't be in a hurry to return.
(2)Lisa Y.
The BEST rotisserie chicken I've ever had! The meat is moist and full of mouthwatering flavor! They have aji sauce to go with the chicken, but be warned, it's pretty spicy and adds a great kick to your meat. The staff can get you in and out pretty efficiently; so don't let the long lunch lines deter you. Parking can be a little tricky, so you may end up parking on the street. Tadashi, the designer, even loves them as I saw the company truck picking up boxes and boxes of chicken!
(5)Ryan W.
Pollo A La Brasa definitely lives up the the hype. Many of my friends have talked about this spot and I finally tried it out. They don't have too much parking in the front so I think you will have to park on the street if you can't find parking. You place your order in the front and then pay at the end of the counter. The service here is really good. The employees are all friendly. I decided to go with the half chicken and I chose fries and a salad as my 2 sides. You basically get half a chicken (4 pieces). It's definitely a good amount of meat and they also give plenty of fries with it. You also receive a side of their green hot sauce. It's got a really nice kick to it and goes perfect with the chicken if you like a little bit of heat. The rotisserie chicken is so tender and you get a nice smokey flavor. It's really good! Overall, Pollo A La Brasa was delicious and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is in the Gardena area and is looking for some great food!
(4)J B.
I got a theory about this place.... You see - I got beef with the Pervians. They're out to get me. I wronged one of their people and as we all know... WHEN YOU MESS WITH ONE PERUVIAN, YOU MESS WITH ALL OF THEM! The Pervians and their colorful cloths and funny hats and their tolerance of high altitudes want me dead I tell you. If I'm ever found murdered, now you know. It was them! Anyhow. There is nothing magical about this place. It's just tasty chicken cooked the old fashioned way by burning firewood. It's smells great and is accompanied by rice and beans. I think it's the Peruvians trying to lure me to this location and trying to make me sleepy from all of the food just to they can surround me and avenge their kind. Those crafty Peruvians! I'm onto their schemes. It's tough having an entire nation of people gunning for you...
(4)Henry P.
the best rotesserie chicken hands down!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Gabriel P.
Located on the outskirts. Of Los Angeles, this place will not disappoint. Came in after a friend recommended it, talk about a great authentic family owned business. These people are friendly and make all their food with pride! There's a brick oven in the back of the counter and you can see all the chickens beign roasted to perfection! If your looking for just great tasting chicken than this is the place. Aesthetically challenged restaurant, not too much parking but food makes up and overcompensated for it! Definitely recommend!! A+++ 15/10! The fries are awesome! And make sure to get the green salsa sauce!
(5)Marilyn R.
So disappointed with the quality and portion size. I started eating here 6 years ago. Little by little, the chicken portions got smaller. As with everything, prices are higher, but my 1/2 chicken looked more like a cornish hen. Probably will only go couple times a year. You need to give value for the price point.
(2)Grand C.
Jonathan Gold - Pollo A La Brasa Western - 99 Things to Eat in LA Before You Die! Tired of all the other dried rotisserie chicken places, you need to come check out Pollo A La Brasa Gardena! The Gardena Location is a hole in the wall family run business. It is great for the community and I wish I lived closer or wish they had one in my area! I also just noticed they have built the new building in the back of the old one. I heard it's going to open real soon, and the current building will be demolished and made into customer parking! I can't wait for that to happen. Hands down thee best Peruvian Spiced Rotisserie Chicken I've ever Ate! Plus you need to try their amazing Peruvian Aji Sauce, SO GOOD! If you like it hot this is the sauce for you! The fries are Kennebec Potatoes, if you likes fries these are the best to eat! I only have tried the tastiest chicken, rice, salad, fries, and thee bomb aji (green) sauce. Highly Recommend you come try this place!
(5)Antho L.
If there's one cuisine that I'm fond of, it's Peruvian. After hearing about all the hype about this place I finally had a chance to stop in to try it out and I can see why it's a fave amongst foodies. This small mom and pop eatery is owned by Japanese-Peruvians and it was a trip to hear them speaking fluent Spanish to their latino customers. The main dish here is rotisserie chicken which is what "pollo a la brasa" means. While ordering at the counter, one could see all the whole chickens being cooked on a wood-fired rotisserie in the background. After skimming the menu, I decided I'd order the 1/4 rotisserie chicken with a side white rice and salad as my two side choices. I also threw in a side of frijoles (cooked beans) since that's what I'm used to having when I dine Peruvian. yelp.com/user_local_phot… I thought the chicken was good, very moist and tender. It had a really nice earthy flavor due to the use of a wood fire to cook the chicken. The salad was appetizing with the beet and tomato slices as nice enhancements. Overall I'd say the meal was very enjoyable in terms of taste. Although, the frijoles were nothing special and were slightly runny. You aren't given very much I thought for the extra $1.50 price you had to pay for this. The food was tasty but I thought it was slightly pricey given the area and ambiance of the place. They are located in a part of Gardena that isn't all that nice nor is the building of the restaurant or the ambiance very impressive whatsoever. It's a very small space with a few tables. There's a small parking lot up front which is easily filled so street parking is probably your best bet. They also serve their food on Styrofoam plates, which I hate eating anything off of. I understand the utility for establishments to use Styrofoam plates so no dish washing is involved but it really makes for a difficult dining experience for customers. To make matters worse, you also have to use plastic knives and forks I hate using even more. It makes for a clumsy and difficult time trying to cut and eat the chicken along with the rice and beans. It's especially difficult to use plastic forks to eat salads. Ugh! Since the beans were served on the side, I had a difficult time trying to eat it with the rest of the plate especially since I usually like to mix the beans and the rice together. It was so messy that I'd almost say I'd bring my own silver eating utensils just to make dining here more pleasurable. So given the high price, meager ambiance, sketchy location, use of Styrofoam plates and difficulty of having to use plastic utensils, I'm giving this place a solid 3 stars. I'd still probably return when I'm in a super casual mood and willing to give up a few of the luxuries of dining out. I'd probably get a 1/2 chicken plate next time because despite all my complaints, the chicken was alright.
(3)nancy R.
I remember a friend raving about this chicken yeeeeears ago and then I saw Todd M.'s review and I connected the dots. Having backpacked through Peru I, of course, have become an expert on all things Peruvian and as an expert I can confirm that Peruvians do chickens well ... and pizzas ... Peruvian pizza is something else. I digress. But yes, Pollo a la Brasa is pretty damn good. It's not dry, the skin is well-seasoned, and the aji is damn tasty. I didn't even think I liked aji because I didn't have much of it in Peru...you know when I backpacked through it ... but dang I could lather this aji on eV-eR-y-thang. I heard a patron say that people even steal the aji bottles from the restaurant ... gangsta.
(4)Chris A.
I had the half chicken with beans/ tortillas and papas... The green sauce is spot on and the rotisserie chicken is delicious and the smoked oak logs (I'm guessing) adds the finishing touch... I'm a fan and wanna try the steak next but they got it down here if you love pollo like I do!
(4)Bryan S.
This place is near my work so I drive by it all the time. You can smell the delicious smokey chicken as you drive by. Anyway, I saw the good reviews on Yelp and decided to give this place a try. The way they smoke their chicken is really quite magical. It's very juicy and tender. They also season it perfectly. I wasn't too thrilled with their sides, but then again I got the rice and salad. I'm not sure what "Peruvian chicken" is, but they have that awesome green sauce that every Peruvian joint has. They even have a wanted poster (surveillance image) of some lady stealing a bottle of the stuff. It's like crack! Anyway, if you're considering the 1/4 chicken, go with the 1/2. It barely costs more, and the 1/4 is small. Parking in the front is tiny, so park behind the railroad track behind the place. There's plenty of parking there.
(4)Maritza S.
The best chicken I have ever had! Great seasoning and affordable prices. The Aji sauce is spicy and goes great with the chicken! The downside is that they are closed on Mondays. And they are limited in tables and parking, be prepare to possibly do take out or park in the street.
(4)Michael C.
I don't give out 5s very often. Pollo A La Brasa gets a 5. Some of the tastiest rotisserie chicken I've had, and I've had it in cities across the US. The seasoning is spot on, and the hardwood fire gets cooks the chicken perfectly. The sides were above average, the plantains were fried just-right. Parking can get difficult at this little hole in the wall, but for some of the best chicken in the South Bay and maybe even Southern California, you should give Pollo A La Brasa a try.
(5)Armand S.
i got excited by that man who said that aji over all the chicken. but when i did that. it didnt seem all that great. especially when my chicken meal was $9.00. yikes!!! pollo inka here i come!!
(3)Todd M.
@#$!#@$!#@$#!@$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^ditto the above ^^ditto the above again I didn't want to review this place, lest this secret Gardena spot would be discovered by the masses. Oops, over 180 great reviews, scratch that thought! I guess I c
(5)Isabella L.
El Pollo Inka what? Ok, this place has the best Rotisserie Chicken in the South Bay, and I'm betting it's in the top 5 list across all L.A. county. It is moist, flavorful and very delicious. That alone is worth 5 stars, but the rice and fries along with the sauce are all winners too. Unfortunately, 1 star has to be knocked down for the crazy ass parking and seating you have to maneuver to get your grub on here. I think the best plan is to order your food, bring one person to kick out of your car and run in to pick up the chicken, and then race back home to eat at home. Otherwise, it's too much of a pain.
(4)Cira M.
Best. Roast. Chicken. Everrrrr. The sides are alright--not stellar, but they don't need to be because the chicken is so damn good. I would come here if all they served besides the chicken was dirty dishwater and stale popcorn. It is that good. The restaurant itself is clean, but definitely lacking in the ambiance department--it's unflatteringly lit with glaring, yellowed flourescent bulbs and the menu is a photocopy taped to the countertop. It's likeably quirky, though: one side of the sign out front is backwards, the vinyl banners are scrawled in funky graffiti lettering and there is a mural painted on one wall of the dining area depicting a pastoral Inkan scene. But again, they don't need ambiance, because they have that chicken... The chicken is just like everyone says: infused with woodsmoke from the woodburning oven fired by piles of hardwood sitting in the parking lot (I think they use eucalyptus). It's so juicy and tender it slides right off the bone. It's perfectly seasoned and the skin is salty, crisp and smoky--it's as good as bacon. I brought lunch to a work meeting one afternoon. My customers requested El Pollo Inka. I sent a link from Yelp and asked if they were okay with Pollo a las Brasa instead. The response I got was, "you eat there??? That place looks sketchy!". I told them to trust me, and they didn't care about the "sketchy" look of the place when they were plucking every morsel of chicken from the bones and licking their fingers! Oh, and one last thing--they are only open until 8pm, so get there early!
(5)Margarita A.
This is a big boys paradise chicken friend and for moral purposes salad. Great service food is really different it's one of a kind that's for sure. Good location too. Will be coming back on my next trip to LA
(5)Sauerbraten Y.
I met my contact at our usual location, in the back alley behind the bar. The stench of stale alcohol and old garbage beckoned my nostrils eastward towards a dirty dumpster. There was an old vagrant propped up against it, sleeping soundly, covered in newspapers and cardboard. "Pay attention, this is important," snapped my contact as he handed me a manila envelope. "The target?" I inquired. "Chicken," he replied. "Chicken?" I asked, quizzically. "Not just any chicken," he said; his voice serious. "Pollo A La Brasa chicken." "You mean?" "--Yes," he interrupted. "You must venture into Gardena." As he watched the confusion on my face transform into dread he tried to reassure me. "It's good chicken," he stated confidently. "Damn good chicken. Some say it's chicken so good it's worth risking one's life." Poring over the Pollo A La Brassa dossier he had handed me, I began to believe his outlandish claim. All the relevant details had been culled from Yelp. There were pictures of chickens lined up on rows of rotisseries, roasting over wood pit flames. Another photo showed a fully roasted chicken dissected into its component parts, golden brown and glistening moist and juicy, lovingly packed into a white Styrofoam take out container. Sides of rice and beans adorned another snapshot, while tortillas, salad and chicken sprinkled with bright green Peruvian Aji sauce featured prominently in another. At this point I knew I would take the mission, but I wondered if it would be my last. "Payment?" I inquired, noticing as I spoke the word that my mouth was watering profusely. "Three pieces and two sides of your choice," he replied optimistically. "--and I'll throw in a couple tortillas and some Aji sauce if you bring it back quickly." I hopped into my car and sped North on Vermont like a man on a mission. A chicken mission. The mantra, "Gotta get dat chicken" repeating in my brain. As I neared the restaurant, crossing over Artesia, a feeling of trepidation arose in me. I could see police activity up ahead in the distance, and a police helicopter was closing in overhead. "How did they find out?" I wondered as I stepped on the gas, driving even faster. "Was it the bum in the alley? Was he undercover?" I couldn't worry about it now. Gotta get dat chicken. I hit 170th street and suddenly, cops everywhere, coming at me from all directions. Black and whites, K9 units, unmarked cars; all converging on my location. Traffic started pulling over to the side of the street, but I pushed on. A black and white speeding South crossed over the double yellows into my lane as if challenging me to a game of chicken. I slammed the brakes just as he veered back into his lane and then I floored it again. 168th street, "Almost there..." My heart is beating faster. 167th street, "Almost there..." My pulse is racing. One parking space left! The tiny one on the end with the metal pole in the ground that has battered the fenders of countless vehicles in the past. I took it, jumped out of my car and dove into the chicken shack, blurting out my order like a crazy person. "You are number 261," said the man behind the counter. "We call you when ready." I ducked behind a wall and glanced out the window nervously. No police were around. Had I lost them? I snuck outside for a moment and snapped a photo of the illustrious wood pile ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). All that wood destined to turn all those chickens into all kinds of delicious. Pure beauty. I looked up and noticed the police chopper circling overhead between 168th and 170th ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). Were they still looking for me? I heard "261!" and grabbed my chicken, hopped back into my car and backed out onto the street doing a 180 in one fluid motion, deftly absconding with my chicken in tow. By some miracle I avoided hitting the pole. "Screw it," I thought as I sped South down Vermont directly into the heart of the beast. 168th street - ROADBLOCK! - I veered into the 7-11 parking lot to detour down 168th ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Enlr… ). Left on New Hampshire. Left on 170th. Cops everywhere. They don't see me. Right on Vermont and I'm gone in a flash. Alley behind the bar. "You made it," said my contact, sounding surprised. "And in record time!" "They were onto me. Cops everywhere," I huffed breathlessly, handing over the chicken. "Barely escaped with my life." "Small price to pay when you taste this succulent bird," he said, handing me my share of the loot. One bite and I knew he was right. This chicken is to die for. Sauntering down the alley with my prized pollo in hand, I passed by the transient at the dumpster, still embraced in slumber. "I guess he wasn't an undercover cop after all," I thought, as I kneeled and laid a drumstick on a napkin beside him. Mission accomplished.
(5)Ty D.
Pollo A La Brasa provides large portions for a great price. But the location is not in the best part of town in old Gardena. The half chicken with fries and salad was only $7.75! Tortillas are extra. The green sauce was okay, too spicy for my taste. El Pollo Inka's green sauce is way better. The chicken was tasty. Fries were okay, a bit on the soggy side. If you're looking for a great deal, and don't mind the skankylocation, then this is the place for you!
(3)Cleophus B.
Not bad!! The chicken here is moist, smokey, with crispy skin. I ordered a 1/4 chicken with two sides: fries and white rice and it cost me $5 and some change. You can't beat that. What a difference chicken cooked over wood makes. As for the parking, I agree it is a bit of a challenge (very small).
(4)Kurt B.
When you enter the door, you are greeted with a large rotisserie cooking chicken over burning oak logs. It's stupid good. The sauce is so good they have pictures of people on the wall caught steeling the bottle on camera. I always go here when I'm in the area. As others have mentioned, there really isn't parking lot, but I've always managed to park and get in without much of a walk.
(5)Phil T.
I dont think you can get chicken like this anywhere else. The chicken is moist, juicy and delicious. Literally falling off the bone. It has such awesome flavor. I've been here a few times and each time it is great. The location is a little run down and the dining area could certainly use some help, but I guess that kind of adds to the charm. This place gets mobbed at lunch time and there are only a few tables. If you come during lunch plan on getting the food to go. This place is definitely 5 star food.
(5)Jay T.
I had the 2 piece chicken with tortillas, beans and fries and the 2 pieces were of a decent size. Its a small place with small booths so you can eat in. Good price, I think it cost me about $6.15. A good place to have some grub and read a book or your Kindle while you're chowing down. Another winning eating spot!
(3)Cindy N.
I love this place! I've been coming here for years. The chicken is so tasty and juicy. It's not the best location but who cares the food is amazing. I wish this place was closer I could never get tired of the chicken. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for chicken that is so good.
(5)Michael H.
There is a huge wood pile outside next to this place. That real wood gives the chicken an excellent smoky flavor that gas just can't deliver. Their chicken is moist and tender. The french fries are nice and crispy and have a distinct flavor to them. Prices are real reasonable. Love this place.
(4)Stacee W.
I was craving chicken and beans, so I decided to try this place. It's easy to find, and crowded (which means long lines= good food). I ordered the chicken which was completely amazing. Do you understand me?.... Amazing. The chicken falls off the bone. I ordered beans and rice for side orders. Amazing as well. The green sauce is spicy and it's goes perfect with the meal. I also ordered a large glass of jimicha, which was not that good. But other than that, I will be back. The prices were good and the food was excellent. Yum.. For real!!
(4)Ian A.
When you walk in the door of this place, you just know instantly from the smell why it's going to be good. Eucalyptus and oak wood is what the guy at the counter said they use to fire their big brick and mortar rotisserie. As far as bar b que goes, Pollo A La Brasa knows chicken better than most southern bbq spots around the southbay. These aren't the best quality bread chickens you've ever had, but they are fresh enough. The Aji (that green jalapeno laden puree) is HOT, and really adds a nice contrast to the rich salty juices running out of that sexy ass chicken. Anticuchos corazon is not that good ONLY for the fact that they destroyed it on the grill, i'll give them another chance on my next visit. I like mine a little pink in the center. {mouth salivating}...
(5)Anthony B.
Every venture that I make here greets me with one of the most intoxicating aromas a carnivore can encounter . . . the rotisserie smoke wafting out of a roaring wood fire oven. The wood fire oven at Pollo a la Brasa produces a distinctively flavorful Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken. The Eucalyptus wood that they use in the oven adds a flavor to the chicken that is sinfully tasty. The white meat is always delightfully moist, which is why I seem to always find myself yearning for those breasts when I am normally a leg man. There are other offerings at Pollo a la Brasa such as Anticuchos (meat skewers) and Carne a la Parrilla (New york steak), but the Rotisserie Chicken is the delectation that you'll be back for. In the South Bay there is nothing to compare. So if you're in the mood to try out this tasty bird a few things to know are: Parking lot is small Closed on Mondays & Closes at 8pm Enjoy!
(5)JC C.
One of the best chicken places I have ever been to! It's Peruvian food so they have other stuff too, but the chicken is what you're here for. Super moist and flavorful! The only thing with this restaurant is that it's really small and it's always packed so you might have to wait for a table but it's worth it!
(5)Alexander R.
Wysiwug A hole in the wall with great chicken. I can get similar chicken at sams.club for $6. Well, not quite as tasty but a lot cheaper. No peruvian spice, but cheaper. Well. Is not bad.
(4)Danny C.
Love this place. Fresh chicken, sides & an amazing hot green sauce. Never been disappointed.
(4)Brad G.
I have to agree with the overall 4.5 star rating on the place. This is probably the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had! The unique smoky flavor added by the use of Eucalyptus wood adds a unique flavor (as others have mentioned their are piles of the wood parked out front). Wasn't big on their cole slaw but their fries were tasty as well. Their chicken was super juicy and flavorful. I'll have to find a reason to go back to that area so I can return. Another urban inner city dive quite off the beaten path but a hidden gem and highly recommended.
(4)Phoenix A.
It's no secret to friends that I'm not a big chicken fan, but for this place I will make the biggest exception. I had just caught my co-worker at the right time so I could get out of the office for lunch. Next thing you know she says, yeah I was searching burger joints and found your face on Yelp but I want to try this place that's kinda like El Pollo Loco. What should have been a red flag cuz I hate EPL actually brought us both to this tasty fabulous hole in the wall. We both ordered the all white meat quarter chicken lunch with rice. I got cole slaw, too, and Julie ordered fries. We took our lunches to go, ate at work, and were the envy of the office with our mystery meals. The chicken was so good and flavorful. Julie found the rice bland and boring but I liked the faint hint of fried flavor. Our meals came with this super hot green sauce that Julie didn't have the nads to eat, but I slathered it on each bite cuz my balls are grown like that. I made little burritos with the corn tortillas that also came with the meal. I washed it all down with Sprite and was ready to nap at my desk. I can't wait to go there again cuz when you drive up, you smell the smoked chicken right away and it envelopes your whole being as you walk in. The cashier lady was really nice and our food was prepared fast. I'm sure this place will be well on to 5 stars real quick like. I am so ready to grab the proverbial balls for that green sauce again.
(4)Patty A.
3/10/2012Omgosh!! Saw the GREAT reviews. Loved the chickens eating chicken comment, that one cracked me Up! Yep, there is virtually a non excistant parking lot, the inside space is Very small BUT, the chicken is worth the drive. I live in NLB, super close. I would drive farther if need be. I usually like a little bbq sauce on my chicken, I started to get some then realized It doesn't Need it! There is smokey flavor all through the bird. The green sauce is a must. Coleslaw is yummy too. Was this review ...? * Useful
(5)Floren F.
flavorful chicken! pollo a la brasa is probably one of the OG spot in Gardena. I love coming here cause their grilled chicken has the most flavor I have ever tasted. Family owned small restaurant and I was amazed how the Asian workers there could speak fluent Spanish. UHHHMAZING! that's definitely a plus cause pollo a la brasa is in the skirt of Gardena Blvd which is also known as Little Mexico.
(5)Aimi O.
My family has been coming here for years. The quality has always stayed consistent and the prices are great. Aside from the rotisserie chicken, I like the aji (green sauce). It's spicy and adds a nice kick to your meal. I also love the chicha (purple corn tea). Yum! The only thing I would say is that the locale is on the small side and the parking lot is tiny. However, you can always find parking on the street or behind the restaurant.
(5)Ada C.
OMG. The chicken here is sooooooo good. The service is fast, orderly, and friendly. This owner clearly knows that his/her success depends on having a well-trained staff. I must say, Peruvian rotisserrie chicken has become one of my favorites. I have nothing but respect for this establishment.
(5)David Y.
Wow.. the food was great. Plantains were as good as plantains can be. I'm not a huge fan of plantains and this was the best I've ever had. Chicken does not dissapoint.
(5)Food-Doc M.
I drove past this place several times and smelled the smoke in the air. I was drawn to it. I actually thought it was coming from a BBQ pit and was looking forward to ribs, chicken and all the rest. However when I finally stopped I was disappointed, but intrigued. I have gone back twice since, but still must say this place wasn't what I thought it was in the first place and not a very good example of a Peruvian restaurant. If you like smoke flavored chicken then this is the place for you no doubt. However the smoke permeates all and drowns out much of the other seasonings. Don't get me wrong, the chicken was good, but not spectacular. Very, very smokey being cooked over wood. The sides were were very generic and my white rice was undercooked 2 of the 3 times I visited. The side salad wasn't even Denny's quality. The Aji (spicy green sauce) was a piss-poor spicey watered down version of what you might get at El Pollo Inka or other Peruvian restaurants. I actually just thought this was a chicken joint my first time there until I saw Aji and other indications that they may be trying to pass this off as a typical Peruvian diner. It isn't. The menu is limited, the food other than the chicken itself is lacking, the seating is designed for a fast food restaurant and the very limited parking is an accident waiting to happen. Not to mention it's located in an area you probably do not want to visit after dark. Like I said, if you like a fast food atmosphere and rotisserie chicken that has an over-powering smoke flavor this place has that. And the chicken is tasty. But if you want to try other Peruvian dishes you may want to hit El Pollo Inka or El Rocoto about a mile away on Artesia Blvd and Normandie as they both offer a much more diverse menu of Peruvian cuisine, comfortable sit down dining and those restaurants have the feel with the interiors having Peruvian decor. Not to mention plenty of parking.
(3)Tomás G.
It does not look like much and there are only 4 parking spaces but it is the best chicken I have ever had. The huge pile of wood outside was a great indicator, I felt adventurous and got the beef hearts, that were amazing and the green sauce they have has to be illegal in some way. If they just sold that green sauce they would still have as many people, I think that sauce will make any food good. I will definitely be back and take some chicken to go as well.
(5)sam P.
Absolutely Hands Down The BEST CHICKEN I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE! IF CHICKENS ATE CHICKENS, THEY WOULD EAT AT Pollo A la Brasa!!!!! IF chickens could go to heaven and become GODS, their wish would be to be cooked HERE at Pollo A la Brasa. If the chicken here were to take a dump, KFC, El pollo loco and Juan pollo would come out. literally no other chicken place has shi(^T on this place. IF the best chickens all around the world, one from each continent, were to magically make love somehow to make 1 breed of new delicious chicken, the chicken would be obtained and cooked at this place!!! lol ok enough enough with the chicken stories... This place is a small hole in the wall place, small parking. But this place is legit Craving chicken? Take the time to drive over here and get some! Worth every penny! if there were a 10 star system. this place would get 11.
(5)Leo O.
Chicken is very tasty and the green chile sause really sets it off. I would give this place four stars, except that the service is not very good here. I don't expect attentive employees at a walk-up restaurant where you have to seat yourself, but they shouldn't be rude either. Every time I go, I have to face a very impatient employee who appears to be upset that he has to take your order. I wouldn't return here time and again if there was another place that made chicken as tasty as they do.
(3)Joleen D.
Inexpensive and delicious! My friend & I were fortunate to get one of the 7 tables, and we were both stunned at the quality and amount of food we received (we both ordered the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides). The salad included thinly sliced fresh beets - what a surprise! This is a true find and bravo to the owner(s) for offering good food at a great price!
(5)Tony H.
I agree with all the other yelpers. Great smoked chicken. Stacks of fresh cut wood outside for burning. The location is small so I always get it to go.
(4)Butch S.
This place is GREAT! The Chicken is tasty and I could easily down a whole bird myself. For the sides I always get the beans and coleslaw but after reading the reviews I'm going to try the fries next time. The Green sauce... yeah it's hot but in a good way. I wish I knew how to make it... I had a little leftover and found it makes a nice chip dip! The only knock I have against the place is that it's closed Mondays and the parking kind of sucks. If this place was around the corner from where I live I'd probably eat there 2+ times a week.
(5)Art L.
Thank you Yelp found this in one of your newsletters. You can smell the woods smoke as you drive up to the location. The parking lot is very small but just behind the location is an open lot with plenty of parking. The chicken here is the BOMB it has the perfect balance of spices, it was very tasty and juicy. The green sauce was surprise and a very pleasant one for someone who likes spicy.
(5)Lorenzo E.
Fall off the bone tender chicken. Awesome French fries. Good prices.
(5)Duke C.
A popular spot for lunch for businesses and residents nearby, if you've never had Peruvian rotisserie chicken, they are fire roasted in a big brick oven with herbs and spices, and usually served as is. Pollo a la Brasa does it extremely well. It's an EXTREMELY small restaurant that can sit maybe 8 tables' worth with only 4 parking spots so be prepared to park on the street during lunch hour. There is a reason why it is popular though. You can order the chicken in quarters, halves, or whole depending on how hungry you are. For the quarter chicken with 2 sides (you can choose from beans, rice, fries, colesalw etc) is about 5 dollars. It is an extremely good deal for lunch. The chicken aren't like the ultra tiny ones you would get at KFC. Aromatic and flavorful, it seriously satisfies my cravings all the time for a good piece of chicken. The green Peruvian sauce is well made as well. Very refreshing and provides a kick to whatever you add it on. Food comes really fast, almost fastfood-esque. They also serve a few specialty drinks to quench your thirst! They also have a few other items on their menu, but really, everybody comes here for the chicken. I mean... it's in the freaking title and whenever the word "chicken" is in the title, in any language, you should get chicken hahah.
(4)Cat B.
Natural, wood smoked, deliciousness. I ain't gonna lie, I love costco rotisserie chicken, but there's something strange and unnatural in it's perfection and mass production. Pollo A La Brasa meets perfection and still tastes real and awesome. The flavors are subtle but you definitely get the smoke. Meat is tender, juicy, perfect. Definitely get the fries and then salad or rice. Keep some water by your side with that green sauce cause that ish is spicy!
(4)Koa N.
I've come here at least once a week since our office moved to Torrance, and this place is legit. The quality has been consistent every time. Try to get here before the usual 12:00 lunch crowd to avoid the line. The seating area isn't very big so you'll be taking it to-go if you get here too late. Can't say I've had rotisserie chicken any better than this.
(5)Art H.
Just had dinner here. 1 whole chicken with rice and beans, extra sauce. Total came out to a little over 15 bucks. Chicken was very moist, flavorful, and smokey. Rice was just avg. Beans were pretty good. Decent meal for $15. The only bad thing is that they forgot my extra sauces. I walked in and ordered, grabbed a menu to kill some time, and my order was ready in about 2 minutes. Awesome. There's not much to say. It would be phenomenal at $10, but its good at $15. Can't knock the food one bit. I'll definitely go back.
(4)Gen M.
The only thing that keeps this from 5 stars is the location (and lack of parking!). But the chicken is the best! Sides are good (I'm a fan of beets - which they put in the salad), and the fries are good. But I could eat the chicken (especially the wings) all day... Don't be intimidated by the location - it's worth it.
(4)Mike V.
Now this is the first of two reviews on this place...I drive by all the time, and the aroma of the wood burning fire is always in the air, and the line at Lunchtime is always long... So, I finally decided to drop in... This first trip is all about the Chicken and as I sit here and indulge myself in the moist flavorful bird, I must say it is the best "flavored" chicken I have ever eaten. You must like smoked foods though...And I do! On the Chicken and sauce alone I'm giving this place 4 stars but the rating will moveon my follow up based on the side dishes that compliment "the Bird."
(4)Kathy C.
The chicken here is delicious! Crispy skin and tender meat. Yum! I got the 1/4 chicken with 2 sides...salad and cole slaw. The coleslaw is pretty good...just a regular coleslaw drenched in sauce. The salad actually has some ingredients in it which I thought was pleasantly surprising. I will definitely be back to get some of that chicken. Maybe a 1/2 chicken to-go next time?
(4)Skj T.
BOMB-BAY!!!!!! The best rotisserie chicken I've had. -took off a star because the Asian guy isn't too friendly. Didn't greet nor say thank you! Their green sauce here is super spicy, but I LOVE it like that! Fresh cut fries and yummy rice! There's literally 3 parking spots! BoooooooOooooO! Pretty ghetto, but worth it.
(4)Victor T.
You have to go to this place. Classic establishment. Unbelievably good chicken.The cole slaw is highly recomended. I'm going back as soon as possible.
(5)Cam-An N.
This is the best rotisserie chicken that I've ever had. The chicken is cooked over a wood flame and it has a very distinct wood flame taste. It's moist (even the breast pieces) and flavorful. We got our chicken with rice (which was pretty standard) and fries (a little soggy). I would probably go with different sides next time.
(5)Dennis Y.
The food was great, portions unbelievable and I'm not trying to hype it up. I ordered a whole chicken expecting something the size of my fist but it ended up feeding me and 3 other grown, angry, hungry men. The reason why I gave it a three is, the owner? the Asian guy was a major A-hole. No reason to be rude, but as a first timer there, he could've been nice and explained more but was just absolutely RUDE. I asked for more sauce and said I didn't mind paying for it, instead, he said coldly "Already, four come" No #### sherlock, I want more, I have other friends who are greedy for that green sauce. Other than that, food was indeed good, portions AWESOME, but don't expect too much, that way, it tastes better when you get there. Also, someone said it's in a "bad" part of Gardena. I walk here, it's not dangerous unless you're a xenophobe and afraid of Hispanics and blacks doing business near Gardena Blvd.
(3)Josh H.
I have been wanting to try out this place for quite some time since a Peruvian coworker of mine recommended it. I love Peruvian food! one of my last meals on earth can be rice n' beans with sweet fried lantains smothered with aji sauce. This place is a complete dive in a sketchy (not dangerous) neighborhood. It is affordable, I would recommend getting the half chicken it's wood fired! with your choice of two sides it comes out to around 10 bucks. If you're not feeling the "ambience" then it's great for takeout!
(4)heidi r.
Great place! Fast service, and the best chicken ever! Chicken roasted over hickory wood, the wings taste of fried chicken and the breast meat so moist...absolutely delicious!!! The sides were great too, coleslaw super and the side salad had fresh beets on it which I love. Gonna be going here more often.
(5)Fabiana P.
perfect chicken, my go to place in this neck of the woods!
(5)Andy B.
One of my favorite Latin American hole in the wall places chicken is like a million times better then pollo inka
(5)Lisa M.
Seriously, some of the juiciest and most flavorful rotisserie chicken I've ever had. You wouldn't even know this place was here, it's literally a small shack of a building next to the railroad. I've heard it's crazy busy during lunch, but we came for takeout around 7pm... even then, it was buzzing with people. The smell inside was pretty awesome, and I was mesmerized by all the chickens in their wood fire stove/oven contraption. We ordered a whole chicken and a 1/4, and shared among 3 people. Prices were pretty good for the amount of food you get, the portions are sizable. The chicken skin was so crispy and delicious, but the meat underneath was so tender and juicy, it fell right off the bone. The rice complements perfectly, and the fries weren't bad, but I've had better. Now, on to their green sauce- beyondddddd hot. I personally couldn't taste anything beyond the spicy, but the boys I ate with loved it. "It burns, but in a good way," according to them. So there you have it. Since this little gem is right around the corner from our friend's place, we'll probably be frequenting here again.
(4)Debbie W.
Ordered the half chicken with fries and salad. The beets on the salad looked a little scary, so I avoided those, but the portion is HUGE and it was only $7.75! Chicken and skin were delicious, fries were super soggy, but alright, the green sauce was hella spicy, but good, wished it was creamier. Compared to El Pollo Inka, this place loses, but pretty decent attempt. Next time, I'd ask for tortillas to wrap it all up.
(3)Nelly D.
BEST POLLO A LA BRASA IN LOS ANGELES! the fries and the green sauce are really good also. Parking is a little complicated but so worth it. They definately need new locations,
(5)Mylinh M.
I've been known to snack on a whole rotisserie chicken while baking or cooking dinner and there is nothing I like more than a delicious rotisserie chicken with flavorful meat and crispy skin. Add a wood fired rotisserie and I'm yours. Pollo A La Brasa satisfies my chicken desires and carb dreams. For $5 I can get a quarter chicken and two sides. I usually get the french fries and the beans which comes with warm tortillas and needless to say I use the tortillas to wrap up the chicken, fries, beans and the delicious hot green sauce to make myself a kind of California burrito. So good, it's making my mouth water! The menu is essentially chicken, in whole, halves, or quarters. I usually ask for white meat and it's always honored. They have some red meat and kebab options too. The sides are simple, other than beans and french fries, they offer salad with beets, rice, and plantains at an extra charge. The restaurant is small with not much seating. Each table only seats 4 people and there are probably 7 tables total so not a great place to take a large group. The parking lot is tiny but there is street parking. ATM card is a $0.50 charge. Friendly service and a great place for lunch!
(4)Steve K.
Some of the best rotisserie chicken around!! Pollo A La Brasa uses eucalyptus wood, which emits such a great aroma. Once you taste it, you'll never eat other rotisserie chicken again. Sooo good!
(5)Char M.
OMG...now this is what chicken's suppose to taste like!!! Their green sauce is on the spicy side but delicious...They can get crowded during the lunch rush but if you plan on taking it to go...no problem...they're super fast there... This is definitely an oldie but a goodie! The passion fruit juice is amazing...rice is just plain white rice...the side salad has beets that are really tasty on it...and those are the only sides I've ever tried...this is kind of a drive from me but well worth it...get a whole chicken and take it to go...enjoy pollo a la brasa for a few meals at home!
(4)Day-Trader ..
The chicken is amazing especially with a hint of smoke flavor from the wood. 1. the parking sucks only a few spots in front of the restaurant 2. the customer service sucks also but they don't care cause they know the food is good and people will come back like if it was crack 3. the sides are standard nothing to write home about. 4. the place is small with few tables inside. The place gets five stars for the chicken but 2 stars for customer service. This has to be the best rotisserie chicken I have ever had in my life, the flavor was that good. I already want to go back for more just writing about the place. They are also CLOSED MONDAYS.
(5)Jennifer N.
This eatery is one of those hole in the wall places that not much people knows about but have amazing food at such a good price! Hot tender chicken cooked over wood fire until you taste the perfection when its juice slowly oozes out. .. YUMMY! whole chicken is only $9.99. I usually have it with their fries and rice and their jalepeno/ cilantro sauce. I only gave it a four star because I don't like to eat there. I usually take it togo and rush home to indulge on the hot food. Their little old school booths are really tiny, and aarrgg.. sorry to ruin it with the nasty restrooom. It's kind of like a small old shack with 4 or 5 parking spots.
(4)chuy l.
I was hoping for better food, based on the reviews...but I was a little disappointed. I ordered a whole chicken with fries and salad, $13.50 out the door...The chicken was cooked well, it was moist and not over or under cooked, but it lacked flavor. The fries were greasy, the salad was "meh". It's a helluva good deal, a whole chicken will feed 3 or 4 people, but the other places I have found on yelp have raised my expectations quite a bit. Like the other guy said, do yourself a favor and park in the lot behind the place. If you think getting into the little parking lot this place has is difficult, wait until you try to back out. I'd passed this place a million times on my way to Giulianos around the corner (YEA Giulianos!!!) and tried it today. I can pretty much take it or leave it, but there is better stuff out there. I like Inka Express on Hawthorne, or Dino's on Pacific in Huntington Park, better or "Los Pollos" on Atlantic in Bell. I'm trying to lose weight, so I allow myself only two meals out a week (Sat lunch and Sat Dinner), and i feel a little let down that I used one of my weekly cheat meals here. Not bad, but not that good, at least to me...ymmv.
(2)Elle B.
OMG! There are not words... it is just really good... I have been going here for over 20 years.... You should call ahead and pick-up.
(5)Javier O.
Finally got a chance to come to Pollo a la Brasa after my fiance mentioned that she wanted to try it for months. The biggest highlight for me was the fried plantains...which are among the best that I've had any where! The chicken, which is the biggest draw, is pretty good but nothing out of this world. I hate it when you go to a place that has been hyped up by reviews, because it raises your expectation to unrealistic levels. I think that happened to me with this place. I'd rather go to a place with no expectations and be pleasantly surprised. Overall this place is good but not great. The servings are fairly generous and would definitely come back for another order of fried plantains.
(3)Andrew F.
Excellent food and at a reasonable price. What more can you ask for? It's everything El Pollo Loco wishes it were.
(5)Whois J.
The smells coming out of this tiny building are intoxicating. I was looking for some other place to eat but smelled this as I was driving by and just had to try. They serve charcoal grilled chicken, beef and other beef parts. The chicken was delicious and moist, but the real hit was the steak. The quality of the meat is okay but if you like medium rare, then order rare. Mine was a little over done but still delicious. Mind you this is not prime meat but still good. The green aji sauce was spicy and an added bonus. The other sides were just okay. But I wouldn't come here for the sides, the real treat here is the meat. The also serve beef hearts but I am not Andrew Zimmer so I didn't have the guts to try it. Anyways, a great place for grilled chicken or steak. Enjoy P.S. parking is sparse as well as seating.
(4)Jeff S.
This is one of those places you'd drive by en route to somewhere...and that would be too bad, as this is a real treasure. If you've ever eaten at an "El Pollo Loco", you'll understand that THIS is what they are trying to imitate. (And they don't quite manage it...) We split a half chicken with the black beans and added an order of the fried plantains; the chicken was fall off the bone good, and the plantains were...gone in about sixty seconds.
(4)Larry H.
I have been coming to pollo a la brasa since they 1st opened. I did the electrical work on the building when they 1st moved in & a few days after they opened up, I came back to try out the food. Well It was fabulous then & 15 years or so later, It is still fabulous. probably my favorite pollo joint in the south bay. I always smother my chicken & rice with their excellent spicy green sauce which is better than all the others. The fries are also good. & i love the aroma of burning wood & chicken juice.
(4)Albert W.
This is owned by the same family as the Pollo A La Brasa in koreatown. If you've been to the one in koreatown, you know that its one of the highest rated chicken in Los Angeles (also on Jonathan Gold's list). All the chicken is WOOD FIRED and slow cooked. It is fall off the bone, moist chicken that makes it taste oh-so good. For only $7, you can get a half chicken and 2 sides (the sides are much better than the ones in ktown). Larger location than ktown, parking is just as bad. If you're looking for good chicken on the cheap. COME HERE!
(5)Eddie C.
Was in the mood for some Peruvian chicken but wanted to try something different besides the usual El Pollo Inka that I usually go to. This place is on the small side, with parking for maybe 5 cars. Which is fine by me since I realize that this ain't your big chain restaurant so you just gotta roll with the "homely" characteristics of this place. I got the half chicken with rice and fries. The chicken was pretty good... probably on par with El Polla Inka. The green sauce, however, was too liquefied and didn't have a good texture that I prefer. And the fries were a tad bit on the oily side. And the plate that they serve your food on is too small! I hate when you food hangs over the plate and nearly touches the table. Who knows how clean the table is? Overall 3.5 stars, but I'd round it to 4 for their hometown appeal.
(4)Sam L.
True hole in the wall. Chicken is good. Seasoned and not dry. The skin is really tasty, slightly crunchy, and not too fatty. The chicken was too bland to eat with just plain rice or plain tortillas, and the one sauce they provided (green sauce) didn't have much flavor to it aside from spiciness. I felt like the sauce was made of just pureed green chilies and was missing something... like salt and seasonings. And the sides were just bleh. Although the rice had a little garlic flavor to it which was nice, it was far from being "flavored." The coleslaw wasn't very good either. Basically, the chicken is really the only thing that's good here. I would recommend ordering their whole chicken, taking it home, and eating it with your own sauces/sides and perhaps some salsa.
(3)Arnold H.
The chicken is incredibly juicy and has an amazing smoke flavor. The Green sauce is perfect on the rice. Super cheap. Small dining room, so better for pick up during lunch or on the way home for dinner.
(4)W W.
Another hole in the wall type of place. Best chicken ever. Don't except fancy decor or servic. Just go there for the bird.
(5)Harry M.
As Good and perfect as it gets! You will not be disappointed!
(5)Megan I.
I've loved this chicken ever since my grandma started bringing it home for dinner (I honestly can't remember how long). The chicken is consistently moist and bursting with flavor and a slight smokiness from the wood-fueled grill that others are amiss. I've never eaten inside the restaurant, only do take-out but it is an extremely small establishment. We've always ordered one whole chicken to feed our family and it is served with there spicy green aji sauce and tortillas. If and when I feel inspired I enjoy making crispy chicken tacos with the makings they provide and everyone is always pleased with the results! Anyway it's served, the chicken is the star!!
(4)Kendo U.
This place is one of the great hole-in-the-wall Gardena eateries... Limited parking spots, divey neighborhood, quaint pale yellow walls, matching yellow picnic tables inside, red brick exterior, and a mountain of firewood piled on the side... oh, and some of the most tenderest, flavorful rotisserie that has ever hit my taste buds. Pollo ala Brasa is run by some Peruvian Japanese folks who definitely know what they're doing. The chicken is marinated in a spicy garlicky peppery concoction and cooked rotisserie style over burning wood logs. The smell alone makes me drool and the taste? Simply fantastic. There's another location over on 8th and Western in LA if you're in the K-Town hood, but for me, the Gardena location is the one that got me, hook, line, and sinker. Pics are up, and the bellytank is set on FULL. =)
(5)Silvia L.
Our family absolutely loves Pollo a La Brasa, the chicken is super moist and tender. It is delicious! The sides are pretty good as well, love the beets in their salad and the rice is far from bland. The fries are a hit or miss for people, they are a bit greasy but yummy non the less. I've also tried their chicken soup, i forgot what it's called. Aguadito perhaps? Well it is also very flavorful and great for a cold or a hangover. From their desserts I've only had the leche asada and I LOVE it, so so good! Can't beat their prices, our family of 4 usually eats there for under $25.
(5)Mark F.
Awesome chicken! This is definitely a place to go if you're craving for some kettle cooked chicken!
(5)Dan K.
Think this place is over rated? Think twice. The location may not be in the best part of Gardena, but if you are a pollo fan... and you are more about the food than ambiance, please visit this joint. I've only been here twice... my coworkers said they were craving for chicken so I tagged along. Half a chicken is all I need. In fact, the portions are a little overwhelming so make sure you are hungry and ready to grub! I had the coleslaw and fries for my sides and they were fantastic. And of course... the green sauce... ah.. will keep your breath smelling tasty.
(4)David M.
The chicken here is amazing!!! hands down the best rotisserie chicken i've ever had! so objectively I would give it a 5 star for the chicken only. However not everything was a 5 star. I thought the fries was pretty good, a lil different than most fries, pretty addicting but they were hella oily. I had a corn which was whatevers. The rice is just plain white rice and the green sauce was not good at all. I enjoy Peruvian food and this was the worst green sauce. It was bland and just spicy. If you try it at El Rocoto, El Pollo Inka or Chicken Shack its spicy but flavorful, kinda sweet, I cant explain, but here at A La Brasa it was totally bland and spicier. Overall, i never crave or want to just eat chicken, so its not like Im going to crave this place or come here alot, but when i do crave chicken, ima come here!!! also if they improved their rice, like made it garlic rice, or pilaf and their green sauce was more flavorful, I would definitely come back alot more. Ooh one more note, the price is great! I got a half chicken and two sides for $8 and some change!!! really good quality flavorful half chicken for less than $10. I will never goto El Pollo Loco again!!!
(4)Farr L.
Green sauze..
(5)Vanessa M.
I'm not a big fan of Peruvian food, and I don't know why the sign is backwards, but I DO know that everytime I drive by it smells like yummy fire roasted chicken! Get the chicken, a side of tortillas, and of course the GREEN SAUCE.
(4)Caroline P.
I work right down the street from Pollo a la Brasa, and every time I passed by that specific area, the tantalizing aroma of chicken would waft into my car or air conditioning ducts and smack me in the freaking face. I wanted to know what the heck that smell was, so I actually stopped right when I smelled it and lo and behold, there she was. Pollo a la Brasa. Okay, I admit that getting in and out of the place is ridiculous. There are literally three parking spaces right off of the street, and especially when it's busy and you actually manage to get ONTO the restaurant property, you have to make a 2453-point-turn in order to get out. That's the only discomfort I have with the place. BIG FAT PLUS #1: The prices. So cheap. I always end up spending about five bucks on a chicken meal, and about seven-eight if I want to go crazy and have a bigger chicken piece. BIG FAT PLUS #2: The green sauce drizzled over the chicken and the rice is AMAZING. Like a spicy Carebear. BIG FAT PLUS #3: The chicken, of course. It is a POLLO restaurant. But man, the chicken is so soft and done just right that I feel like even the Colonel would weep over it. They serve quarter, half, whole, any way you want it. Okay, it's just pollotastic. Just go!
(5)Raphael C.
The Peruvians have given us the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu, many natural medicinal hallucinogens, and Pollo A La Brasa. If you do not live or work in Gardena, you may never come out to this place. Tucked away near a few liquor stores and a railroad track in an area of Vermont Ave with very low foot traffic, Pollo A La Brasa serves some of the tastiest poultry at an affordable price. If you hate El Pollo Loco, you will love this place. Healthy sized, juicy as all hell, Peruvian style chicken, cooked in a traditional charcoal oven and served to perfection. The chicken skin absorbs the smokiness from the charcoal and is crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft fatty interior. I believe you judge a good chicken place on how well they can cook the breast. My personal favorite is the thigh, but it is pretty hard to fuck that up. Most places overcook the breast and it is almost always too dry. Every piece of the entire chicken was flawlessly cooked and the breast was incredibly moist. These people know exactly what they are doing. They have a bottle of traditional Peruvian spicy green sauce at every table. Flavorful and really spicy... so be careful. Taste good on almost everything. The lady friend and I shared a whole chicken, served with tortillas, Papas Fritas, beans, and horchata. The fresh corn tortillas are handmade and do not resemble those crappy fall apart as soon as you touch them tortillas at (EPL) The beans were the only thing I would not recommend, perhaps will get the fresh corn or beet salad next time. Who serves the best French fries in town? (Many agree it is still McDonalds) What are the ideal characteristics of a French fry that make people mindlessly keep reaching for the basket until all of their fingers are covered in oil? I have stopped trying to answer such questions a long time ago... everybody has their own favorites, like, dislikes, and preferences. But I personally like the fries at Polla A La Brasa . Not the best, but sure are tasty. Wish they were a little mote crisp. Fries (Papas Fritas) at a Peruvian chicken joint? Get over it... At one point in the past few months you have eaten a Korean Taco or a Kung Pao Tamale... nowadays anything is possible. This is what El Pollo Loco should have been.... Highly Recommended
(4)Tony M.
Excellent food beside the chicken... Fast service
(4)Reno C.
So, I needed to pick up dinner today and had read a review of Pollo A La Brasa. I enjoy rotisserie chicken from El Pollo Inka and Costco. I've always seen this place , but never stop. Maybe because of the unknown (Taste and Quality). This place was easy to find, but the parking out front was a pain in the butt, because the parking stalls are angled backwards. Menu wise, there is not much in choices. There is quarter chicken or whole chicken, steak and BBQ chicken with choices of sides. Not on the menu, I asked for a half chicken order with cole slaw and rice. Not knowing this place had a $10 minimum to use a credit card, I had to purchase more items to exceed the dollar minimum. The chicken has a little smoky flavor, but the breast was dry to me, but the three other pieces were good. The cole slaw was so so and the rice had no taste. The green sauce has a little bite which helped the dry breast meat. I'll stick with El Pollo Inka for now, but will return to Pollo A La Brasa if someone will take the breast from me.
(4)Ron E.
While putting in some volunteer work in the area a few weeks ago, a friend suggested we stop by for lunch being that i hadn't had or even heard of this place before. Walking towards the front door i noticed the pile of chopped eucalyptus wood towards one side of the small restaurant. I figured they just took down a few trees that were surrounding the place in order to make the it a little more visible. Wrong! It's the wood they use to roast their chicken. How rad is that? After the koalas eat all the leaves off the tree, these guys come on in and take the tree to use as firewood. What a combo. Anyways, the friend and i split a whole chicken, some fries and a side order of beans along with some flour tortillas. The tortillas and beans were cool, the fries were surprisingly good but that chicken was something else. I suppose it has to do with the wood and seasoning they use. Duh. In any case, it's damn good chicken, juicy, flavorful and finger licking good. Just your own fingers though. And don't forget the green sauce - it's probably one of the best I've ever had, spicy and unforgiving all in one. To obey the thirst i went for the horchata. These guys nailed it on the head. Sweet, but not tooth-aching sweet, and refreshing, with no chalkiness build up at the bottom. They just can't get anything wrong over there. If you happen to be in the area, stop by and grab a bite, it's hard to see how these guys can do any wrong. Peep game!
(4)Milton M.
This place was so good! The green salsa they have is bomb! Parking is very small but worth going too....
(5)Lisa Marie M.
Finger licking good chicken! Pollo La Brasa's chicken is so good!!! A whole chicken cooking on a rotisserie over wood fire is what this place is all about. Pollo La Brasa Vermont cooks every whole chicken over a wood fire giving their whole chickens a mesquite and hickory taste. The seasoning, the smoke flavors and juices makes every chicken bite succulent. "Wow." This chicken is out of this world! I bought a whole chicken for two people and the whole chicken was devoured in one sitting. We tore into that chicken like lions eating an antelope. We didn't leave anything but the bones, and sides we ordered. Incidentally, the chicken upstaged the sides that you don't need the rice or fries. The white rice here is incredibly good, but I barely touched it. This is primitive-take-me-back-to-the-cave-man-days cooking. Fine eats. This place will take out the cave man and cave woman in you. My fellow yelper friend, Dennis, reviewed this place the best. Pollo La Brasa is, "ooga-chaca, ooga-chaca good." It brought out the cave woman in me. My advise, order two chickens for take out and don't order any sides. The chicken is the main event. I have to admit, the atmosphere is a little scary. On my dining experience, I ran into two separate families yelling at their kids and being verbally abusive. I was ready to call child protective services on these parents. Some folks should not be parents.
(4)Rebelyelp R.
Chicken was very good. Prices were cheap. I love me some chicken skins.
(4)Dennis I.
Pollo A La Brasa differentiates itself from most "Pollo" places in that the fuel they use for their roisterrie chicken is simply wood. Yup, it's Peruvian caveman cooking at it's finest. I was entranced watching all those chickens spinning over the fire in the big brick fireplace (pic) as it's brings out the caveman in me, 'Og Og Me Hungry, Me Eat'. What is it about food cooking over an open flame that is entrancing to me? Og Og, that's what. On top of this it's a Japanese Peruvian caveman who is the owner and was doing the cooking. I talked with him on Sunday morning about his business before they opened and he was full of smiles while talking about ..... you know, Og Og chicken. The chicken had a dark char (pic) from being wood roasted and yet the meat is very tender and moist. It didn't have the strong depth of smoke flavor of a bbq joint but you undoubtedly could tell that it was cooked over wood. They have a green Aji sauce for the chicken which I thought was going to be Japanese, but rather it's from the Peruvian Aji Chili. It has a clean intense heat flavor that doesn't distract from the simply cooked chicken. Me like the coleslaw here as it was thinly cut, slightly sweet, very light on the mayo, and not watery. You won't find a place like this in most neighborhoods because of the all the smoke from the wood fire. If you don't want the hassle of firing up the bbq or have that caveman chicken craving this would be the place to go. Og Og.
(4)Mike W.
i stopped by this place on the way back from the UPS distribution center with my co-worker today and this place is good BUT a few things set off red flags for me: 1) when i received my order they gave me a bottle of your typical peruvian green sauce - however, i noticed it was heavily watered down compared to other peruvian restaurants. 2) after the meal was over i went to the bathroom and washed my hands and the soap was very very watered down. now, most people know asians r cheap - most of us pinch on a lot of stuff... and - my mom and dad weren't the exception - sooo, growing up i saw them pinch on soap, and always buy used bikes and barter for hand me down clothes and they'd freeze tons of food thinking it would last forever - hahaha. sooo when i saw the watered down green sauce and soap i naturally thought - what else could they pinching on? chicken quality? the fry oil (ya know let that crap sit for days and strain it as much as u can before it's unusable), cleaning standards, refrigeration standards and et cetera. anyway - i dun know what else they do pinch on but i do know the 1/2 chicken with rice and fries is dayam good - so if they do pinch i can't taste it (but the fries do seem a bit oily). however... if i go home tonight and end up worshipping the porcelain goddess i'll be dayam sure to mark this down to a 1 star - however, for now it's 4 :)
(4)Christina L.
Pollo a la brasa. Finally we meet. Located in a very shoddy location in Gardena, lies the best pollo a la brasa I have ever had in Los Angeles, so far anyway.. For one whole chicken with a few sides = $13. The chicken tastes so smokey, moist, and delicious. The aji sauce is spicy and thick. I got fries and salad for my sides. The fries are freshly cut and fried, very good pappas! The salad is mixed greens with beets and tomatoes on top. I would say that the only caveat is that they don't have fried yucca. Otherwise, their pollo a la brasa is the best in the west!
(5)Geraldine M.
The chicken at this restaurant is amazing! Ive met a lot people who say the chicken at Pollo Inka is amazing etc but the chicken here is to die for. It's rotisserie at it's best! Every bite of the chicken is flavorful and so juicy. The Aji at pollo Inka is so creamy it's almost like mayonnaise now the one here taste like actual Aji, it's spicy so if your not into that I recommend not to put so much on your plate. I really love the fries, they're not crunchy but not too soft so it's real perfection. The Anticucho is also good beef or chicken. The prices are so cheap it's ridiculous, you can get a whole chicken with two sides (rice, fries, salad or tortillas) for the price of no more than $15!!! I know I was amazed too! I've been going to the Gardena location since I was very little, Roughly longer than 10+ years, the customer service is pretty quick and I've never had any problems with anybody there. I have yet to visit the location in LA but I've passed by it and it honestly looks exactly the same lol, so I'm sure the taste won't be any different.
(5)Jane L.
ooooh that green sauce! and the chicken that falls off the bones... mmmmm.. if the neighborhood wasnt so ghetto, i'd go there more often. pros - food is great, excellent! cons - ghetto neighborhood. for such a hole in the wall place, it's a little pricey for the amount of chicken u get. if u want the food AND the ambiance, el pollo inca is a better bet i think. same food, but nicer.
(4)Sajili B.
The chicken is too awesome. I've been here a couple of times and been meaning to yelp this establishment. I learned about this place back in 2005 from co-workers (hefty Samoans who love good food). You'll see logs on the outside giving you the visual cue to the secret to the tasty chicken. The green sauce is awesome. The first time I went here with my girlfriend, we just followed the regulars.
(4)Squirrel C.
I'd like to know the story behind the backwards "Vermont", but I speculate it was some screwup at the sign shop and that Pollo A La Brasa got a big discount for purchasing it anyway. I went here for lunch a while back and while it was good, I wasn't "omg" impressed with it. We split a whole chicken and between two guys there was still like a quarter piece leftover to take home. Along with the sides and the tortillas, it fills you up. Their homemade sauce is good, but I found myself using Tapatio more. Honestly, I think their chicken is only a bit better than EPL. That might come as a shock to some, but there's not really much you can do with chicken cooked over a flame besides spices. Parking is kinda tight in the lot, but you'll find a spot either there or the street.
(3)Nancy K.
Pollo A La Brasa is the best place to get rotisserie chicken. I always order a whole chicken, french fries and coleslaw dinner. I usually call them first and pick up my order on the way home from work. I love their green chile sauce!
(5)Chris K.
Chris Kim went here the other day and, tasted their chicken and it is a pretty solid chicken. It was juicy and tender, fall off the bone, and the white meat was also succulent which is usually hard to get considering that white meat is easy to get dry. However, that is the only thing good that Chris Kim had here. The rice is not the style that Chris Kim wants. Its like a Japanese rice which isn't surprising, seeing as the owner is probably Japanese from Peru or something. The fries were soggy and bland, and the sauce; Chris Kim has had better at El Pollo Inka. The sauce is missing that creamy consistency that El Pollo Inka adds to their cilantro sauce. When Chris Kim eats his chicken, Chris Kim would like to have good rice to go with it or at least good fries. Unfortunately none were the option. The chicken itself would be a sure 5 but everything else is under par.
(3)Yolanda S.
LOVE IT! So glad Pollo a La Brasa is so close to work! For anyone who gets sick of El Pollo Loco, try a La Brasa! and it's so affordable!
(5)David A.
Pollo A La Brasa has the best tasting wood fired rotisserie chicken in the greater Los Angeles area. Each whole chicken is cooked to perfection in a brick firepit/oven. Once served, the skin is full of seasoning and flavor. The meat is juicy and tender. The Aji sauce has a spicy kick and compliments the chicken very well.
(5)Kristina A.
I love hole in the wall restaurants....especially those who take a few items and do them very well.... The chicken here is amazing. Fall off the bone tender and juicy with an awesome smokey flavor from the eucalyptus wood they use in thier grill. Homemade french fries and they taste so good. Don't even think In and out's fries because they don't even compare. I come here at least once a month and usually get the 1/4 chicken dark with rice (which seems to have a slight garlic flavor) and some very flavorful beans and pour Aji all over. The Aji is really hot but it hurts soooo goood! $5 and some change for a tasty, satisfying meal, you can't beat it. Oh, seating and parking here can suck when it's really bizzy but its worth the inconvenience.
(5)Jean J.
the chicken is amazing. flavorful, juicy. it's a beauty. the price is pretty good too. Everything else is whatever but it's all about the chicken here. Parking is an inconvenience. The lot is fairly small and angled in a way where pulling out can put in front of direct traffic so please be careful. This is a hole in the wall you dont want a miss if you are craving chicken.
(4)Bernadette H.
The chicken's a bit greasy, but I can honestly say that the chicken here is one of the best I've ever had. I love dipping it in the aji sauce (which is like crack to me). Parking is a bit of a hassle though, because it's near some railroad tracks and there's only three stalls.
(5)Punita P.
Love the Chicken and Green Sauce, The woodfired flavor is unbeatable... You can smell the food as you pull into their driveway... Wish they had better parking and it was closer to where I lived.
(5)toshi y.
Oh so Delicious. it must be the wood fire that makes this chicken, bc no other Peruvian joint that I've been to can compete and they don't have massive logs piled up in back of their kitchen. i was still very drunk from the night before, which makes my taste buds die the next day, and the chicken was exploding with flavor. its was damn near perfect. fries slaw and beans were eh. the green sauce (someone tell me what that stuff is called!) was not as good as I've had, but still tasty. honestly the chicken was stand alone! it doesn't need anything else. i would like to use it in my lovemaking sessions from now on.
(4)Servando A.
I order five whole chicken for New years eve. The waiting was bad but the chicken was amazing. I need to come soon for a combo. Best Pollo a la Brasa ever!!
(5)Rob W.
You can smell the wood roasters from like a mile away and it smells delicious. Great hole in the wall rotisserie chicken, obviously way more flavorful than your chains like boston market, not even comfortable metioning those types of places in the same breath. They claim that their hearts are their best sellers, unfortunately you can't order just one as a taster. next time i might step it up and go for it. coleslaw was not that great, not bad, but not great. next time i'll just stick with the fries.
(4)Anna H.
I've been eating their chicken for years now, and I have nothing but good things to say about Pollo A La Brasa. The chicken is so flavorful, charred, and delicious. The rice has a nice consistency, which I can eat alone with just some green sauce. The many times I've eaten here the food's been consistently good. Only gripe is that I wish the green sauce was spicier.
(5)Vishal S.
So I have been reading reviews about this place a lot, so decided to check it out. The fact that its got a B rating kinda discouraged me from eating but the smell of the chicken from the grill was divine so I followed it. The chick was good but not as great as El Pollo Inka. The green sauce that I was really excited about lacked flavor and it was raw chilli. So over all it was decent chicken prompt and courteous service but besides that an average 3 star restaurant.
(3)Monica O.
wow this is good. you know those meals that are so good that you can't stop eating, even though it's medically unsafe to keep going? that's how savory and delicious this place is a little bit of rice mixed with aji sauce and chicken- makes the perfect mouthful with a little chaser of cole slaw. ok i'm going to go out on a limb here and profess that they have the best cole slaw i've ever had. it's true. i normally don't care for baked chicken because it is usually so bleh, but their seasonings are so unique and tasty that i actually crave their signature rotisserie chicken on a regular basis.
(5)Kim F.
Thank you yelpers. Tried their whole rotisserie chicken. Wonderful flavor and excellent price. Only complaint is that they aren't open on Mondays. Just writing this makes me want some right now.
(4)Food L.
OK, I guess we don't have that many great BBQ places in southern Ca. which is why people may be going goodoo just because there wood in the fireplace here. What I got was terrible-cold chicken, pethatic beans in a place (cups?), and crappy fries. This places is not very clearn either. I really think the 5 dollar chicken at Costoc is far better. If you quick to fall for hypes, try it, but if you are a bit more picky aviod this dump.
(1)Brian P.
This place is boss. Cheap, good chicken, sides, and hot sauce. For everyone complaining about parking, you can park in the big parking lot behind the restaurant.
(4)Valeria S.
I absolutely LOVE their chicken. Pollo A La Brasa with some rice on the side is the only thing I get here and everywhere else fails in comparison.
(5)Tony T.
1000% better then El Pollo Loco is and understatement. Extremely tasty rotisserie chicken and beans (although not black beans). The staff is always very friendly and helpful. I suggest you get it to go, but I've never seen the inside completely full.
(5)Jenny Y.
in the middle of a no man's land block of vermont, a total diamond in the rough. i'm not surprised there aren't as many reviews of this place because i think it is often outshined by it's cousin in ktown. but this is THE place to get the most juicy, smokiest delicious rotisserie chicken in the South Bay for a great price. i always get the two piece dark meat meal...because, I mean, chicken is not worth eating if it isn't dark meat! (or freshly slaughtered chinese-style steamed simply in its own juices with some rice wine...but that's another conversation to be had).
(4)james k.
oven roasted chicken over open flame. quick. cheap. chicken is moist and decent for the price you pay; however, the sides are subpar. rice and salad are blah, and the fries are too sweet for my personal liking, but it's definitely worth it to go for a quick chicken fix w/o spending too much $.
(3)Mike F.
4 parking spots and 1 handicapped spot. Oven roasted chicken over an open flame. Peruvian chicken. $7.39+ drink. Good n tasty, legendary Yelper Kendo took me here for lunch and even though Im still under the weather, this place had chicken that was tender and deelicious. Not too many combos, but seems like the rice and chicken is the call. I got the chicken with salad (skimpy on dressing) and fries. Fries were oversoaked in grease or maybe it was the chicken juice....Good for lunch, and good for something quickn easy if youre nearby.
(4)Paul S.
My go to place for a quick, delicious and very affordable meal in gardena. Half a fire-roasted (and very deliciously marinated) chicken with rice, beans, and corn tortillas for less than 8 bucks. I usually don't eat chicken skin, but the crispy, tangy, salty stuff on these bad boys is irresistable. Cheaper AND better chicken than at El Pollo Inca less than a mile away. Can't say enough about this place. Don't fret about parking, there's ample room on the street. And hope ur chicken lasts the drive home.
(5)Elizabeth C.
AWESOME POLLO A LA BASA!!!... Im a big fan of 'pollo a la brasa' since i can remember... like a good peruvian girl, i miss my peruvian food and, believe me, this restaurant reminds me of Peru the restaurants in 'el centro de Lima' (capital): small, fast and delicious :) ... Their specialty is the chicken: is cooked over wood which makes the chicken tender, flavorful and delicious; the skin is the best so crispy! As side orders i always ask for salad and fries; and to drink: or chicha morada (purple corn punch non-alcohol) or maracuya (passion fruit) or Inca Kola (delicious peruvian soda).... u know the peruvian way ;) They also have 'anticuchos' (beef heart) which is good as well... but i love the chicken! i cant wait to go... MOF in goin tmrw!!!!
(5)Paul P.
This is the best chicken I've eaten, well my 40 cloves of garlic chicken braised for 1.5 hours in herb olive oil may just beat it but for real real this is BAWK BAWK good. I think they cut down trees from the neighborhood for fuel. Check out the logs stacked up on the south side of the restaurant. I can't wait to back. I don't know why the TNOMREV is backwards. And are there franchising opportunities? CLOSED MONDAYS Again, this will probably be the best chicken you have ever eaten. For your first time go during daylight preferably during lunch and get it to go. Don't order fries to go. They are great but will get soggy. Go for it! Your life of chicken eating is about to evolve to a higher plain.
(5)Cheryl R.
Thanks Kendo for your review. It sparked my interest and I haaaaddd to check this place out. This place looks like one of the three little pig's house. Yes, the one with the house made of bricks. It stands alone on the west side of Vermont before Gardena Blvd. I had to pause before I could give my order because I was hit with the smokey aroma of Eucalyptus wood burning. the guy behind the counter assumed I was ordering the quarter chicken lunch. He was taken back when I ordered the half chicken. "yes, I can eat like a hungry hippo" . then you walk to another counter to pay. I decided to eat there and take in the experience. there are about 9 tables and less than half were taken. there was a lot of take out. the call your number and you pick up your tray. a tall bottle of that spicy green garlic sauce accompanies your order. I doused my chicken with that flavorful green sauce. It was soooo good but hot. Along with the chicken, you can choose two sides. I choose the fries and salad. The salad struck me because I've never had paper thin sheets of beets over lettuce. I have to say that the beets not only complimented the salad but it really paired well with the chicken and that green sauce. What would have made this entree perfect is a nice chilled glass of Riesling....however, pink lemonade will have to do. When I go back I wanted to taste the grilled beef hearts on a skewer.
(5)Sandra C.
The chicken really is better than Pollo Inka! I would have given it a 5 but the location is not the greatest but it is worth it.
(4)Refugio G.
How can you go wrong here? Small, quick, easy, not pricey, and delicious. Half chicken with papas and arroz with aji? Yes!! Sorry Pollo Inka, I like you, but I LOVE Pollo a la brasa
(5)Bobby T.
passed this place for years on my way to the 91E fwy....decided to stop & order take out after smelling the wood burn on several occasions...the chicken was great, very flavorful & tender but the sides were so so... place is small, parking crappy but the chicken will bring me back...
(3)Anth T.
Extremely tasty and delicious rotisserie chicken, 100% peruvian style! Like Luden J. said in his review "The Peruvians have given us the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu, many natural medicinal hallucinogens, and Pollo A La Brasa." I would add to that, peruvian culture and/or culinary have given us awesome chili sauces (aji in peruvian), amazing food which little by little is getting everyone's attention in California and the U.S and that magnificient Fish Ceviche (raw fish marinated in peruvian lemon juice with an incredible juice and huge corn and 100% healthier) So far, I have been to like 10 peruvian restaurants in the southern CA are and this one right here so far it's the best for peruvian rotisserie chicken!!!!!! 5 stars to everything that comes with that wonderful chicken!! that green chili sauce is out of this world and so addictive ;) Give this place a try and you will feel that you were robbed at El Pollo Loco lol cheers with a glass of chicha morada (purple punch) Gotta love el pollo a la brasa from Peru =)
(5)Martin N.
The wood fired rotisserie chicken is the star here. It tastes great, It's smokey, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. They have basic sides like rice, beans, fries, and coleslaw. All of the sides I have tasted have been delicious. Oh did I mention that a quarter chicken meal with two sides is $5.00 and change. Great Deal for Great Tasting Food.
(5)Holly G.
Absolute best chicken over wood fire, fries, rice, and ancho sauce... I couldn't find better anywhere in California! I only choose el pollo inka when this is closed!
(5)Jamaica Y.
Pollo a la Brasa should fire whoever put their sign up. All of the letters are backwards and it totally cracks me up! No matter, you aren't gonna eat the sign. What you definitely SHOULD eat is their delicious flame grilled chicken with just about any sides. This place is a hole in the wall, but in all of the good ways. For instance, there are blocks of wood stacked outside that they use for the chicken. So yes, go here and get chicken, rice, beans, and a horchata. Die happy.
(5)C V.
If I had to pick a favorite place to pick up some chicken, Brasa as my friends and I call it, is the place. This isn't just the best place to get rotisserie chicken but chicken prepared anyway hands down. Cooked slowly rotating over a wood flame, the chicken comes out juicy and flavorful. I usually get 1/2 chicken dark with 2 sides. I change my sides up every visit from rice, fries, salad, or beans & tortillas. The sauce that comes with the chicken has a nice kick to it. I'm lucky to be local hear. Driving by and smelling the wood fire going is always tempting. The chicken reheated the next day is still very good and better than most places fresh chicken.
(5)Sunny D.
This is by far my favorite place for rotisserie chicken in the South Bay. Nothing is better than entering the restaurant and seeing row upon row of rotating chickens. They cook their chicken with wood, and you can taste it. It is also rather inexpensive, which doesn't hurt. Sometimes there is difficulty finding a place to sit because it is that popular. I would definitely suggest it to anyone with a hankering for chicken and is willing to drive to Gardena.
(5)Mark G.
Small place with big flavor. Some of the best chicken I've ever had. This place is always packed for lunch so call your order in ahead of time.
(5)John P.
I spent just under $10 and was completely stuffed and satisfied. The food is the focus here, without much fanfare over decor or presentation or even parking accommodations. The chicken is hot and good, and the side dishes are fresh and simple. I couldn't eat this every day, but it will certainly make it into my work lunch rotation.
(5)Tina G.
Another spot with fall-off-the bone chicken! Great food and great prices. I usually stop in and grab the 1/4th chicken with 2 sides (rice and beans please!) and it also comes with a couple tortillas, all for 4 bucks and some change. The skin has got to be the best part, perfectly browned and seasoned from the wood that they use in the rotisserie. Their green sauce good, not as thick as El Pollo Inka, but decent in every way and very spicy! Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but only on orders $10 and over. The owners seem very nice and friendly, but parking can be kind of tight. The locations itself very convenient, as it's extremely close to the freeway.
(5)Damen D.
Never had anything but a full rotisserie chicken and I'm going to give the place 4 stars based on that alone. It's that good. Trust me.
(4)Dim S.
This is a real small mom and pop joint. There isn't much parking but there's a huge lot in the back....don't forget your pepper spray...saw a couple of unsavory people hanging about the place. If your looking for an A rating on the door then this place is not for you. They hang their B boldy by the door. But if your a fan of chicken, then give this place a try. Their chicken is D bomb. It's fall off the bone good. The fries were gross though...soaked with grease. The beans were good but nothing to rave about. That said I'll just stick to the chicken.
(4)Renee I.
This is a comfy little hole in the wall place. When you pull up to the restaurant you can already smell the roasting chicken. It's a good stick to your ribs comfort Peruvian food. there are only like 4 parking spaces and then there is parking on the streets. Just be careful, people really fly on vermont. Always a favorite!
(4)Katie L.
Holy heaven in my mouth!! This place has the best chicken - blows Pollo Inka out of the water. I don't care too much for the sides but it doesn't even matter. The chicken stands alone - it is THAT good!
(5)Food L.
Best chicken .. Yum yum... A must try, even for you health fanatics.
(5)Ryan W.
this chicken is very good.....for fans of el pollo inka, you have to try this place.....the slight smokiness makes this chicken one of my favorites....the sides leave a little to be desired, and the choices are limited, but you're not coming here for the sides, you're coming for the chicken....great prices and great chicken will keep me coming back.....
(4)Jamie L.
I've always went to the location in ktown on WEstern & 8th Street. I love going there but the parking really sucks. This location in Gardena is little better. For some reason, it tastes better too. Once you get a bite of their rotisserie chicken grilled over their firewood logs, you can't go anytwhere else. I also love their spicy peruvian green sauce. With their rice, salad, and horchata. Yummy in my tummy!
(5)stephanie i.
Peruvian style chicken. Who knew? My dad grew up in Gardena and while this place isn't as old as my dad, it was he "the master of all take out", that introduced me to what he calls "the best roasted chicken in town". It really is. Driving up Vermont from Artesia you wouldn't think much of this area or the establishment. There really isn't much out there except this little place and Gardena Bowl. But that is what separates the locals from the rest. It's definitely worth a try. Juicy and moist with a nice lightly smoked flavor. The secret recipe? Firing up their rotisserie with eucalyptus wood. Don't believe me? Look around the parking lot and you'll most likely see someone either cutting the wood up or hauling it in. The aroma in the restaurant alone, is enough to make you want to linger a little longer at your table. Counter service and take out. So don't get dolled up for this joint.
(4)Si Jung L.
It's kind of like El Pollo Loco, but, way better. I always get the full chicken with two sides. The chicken is juicy with a great smokey taste. The wood burning chicken makes all the difference in the world. Very affordable, fast and DELICIOUS!!! Only negative is the small parking lot, but, I've never had a problem finding parking off on the sides or in the actual lot. And one more thing, if your paying with a CC, it has to be $10 minimum. The full chicken meal is like $13 and can feed 3 adults easily.
(5)Penson L.
delicious friggin chicken. deeeelicious.
(4)Myke R.
Ok I knocked this for one reason. It's in a bad area of Gardena where a lot of G13ers hang out. (that's a gang) But if you haven't tried it. This is one of the best chicken places in town. It's peruvian rotisseried chicken. I acutally used to go to this place when it was a barbeque joint. My aunt was gonna buy it but it was a bad area. But when Pollo a la brasa came in. It was heaven. They literally do take chopped wood and bring it in to roast their chicken. It's like how they did it back in the day. They have the green cilantro sauce to go with it. I can eat two whole chickens. I like the hearts...This chicken blended with the smokey wood flavors lingers garlic, onion, salt, sour, etc....all these flavors in your mouth. Yea you'll love it :)
(4)Dave O.
great place for chicken! parking may be a bit of a hassle but you can park behind the railroad tracks behind the restaurant. its a bit small. usually people will just grab to go. check it out if youre tired of eating el pollo loco or charo chicken. i think its better quality.
(4)Aim B.
Best chicken evar!
(5)Peter I.
Place good for polla a la brasa chicken! Worth every penny. How can you go wrong for a full meal for less than $11.00!!!
(5)