About
Welcome to the vibrant world of Pollo El Rey, a hidden gem nestled in a gas station in San Marcos, Texas. Often underestimated, this cozy spot redefines the notion of "gas station food" with its remarkable take on Mexican cuisine, particularly their renowned pollo asado. Its location may seem unconventional, but the culinary delights here will have you returning for more.
At Pollo El Rey, the chicken stands out as the star of the show. Diners rave about the flavorful, perfectly roasted chicken, earning it accolades as some of the best they've ever tasted. Customer Lonnie W. declares it ranks among the top three chickens he's encountered in his 61 years. The love and care that go into preparing each dish are palpable—a sentiment echoed by many satisfied patrons.
But it’s not just the chicken that impresses. The accompanying rice and beans receive high praise for their flavor and freshness. Ryan S. finds it to be the perfect go-to for dinner, providing both comfort and satisfaction. For those with children, Pollo El Rey is family-friendly, ensuring that even the little ones can enjoy a delicious meal.
Although limited seating is available inside, the option for delivery and takeout means you can relish these delightful dishes wherever you choose. Plus, the convenient drive-thru allows you to grab your favorites on the go. Whether dining in or taking out, the experience at Pollo El Rey is about good food and good service—an ethos supported by numerous positive reviews.
In short, don’t let the unconventional setting fool you; Pollo El Rey is a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. With its dedication to quality, friendly service, and unbeatable flavors, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Mexican fare in a laid-back environment. So the next time you find yourself near the gas station at 207 North IH 35, remember to stop by and treat yourself to a memorable meal that will have you raving long after the last bite.
“ First I'm 61 years old. I have eaten alot of chicken in my day..... this chicken however ranks up to the top 3 I've ever had. The staff are friendly and at first I thought the prices were a little high. But after tasting I'll take that back. You can tell alot of love went into making this. You gotta try this! Also its In a gas station can you believe it. ”
“ The chicken is great good service good food I definitely recommend if you want some pollo asado.They have a drive thru but if you want to eat inside it's located in the gas station. ”
“ Chicken always fresh and well Cooked, beans are delicious as well as the rice. It's my go to place for when I'm taking dinner home at a very affordable price. ”
“ Don't let the outside fool you! This place is GOOD. I understand being skeptical of eating gas station food, but sometimes you gotta live life on the edge. I got the roasted chicken and it was so good. It came with roasted onions as well. It came with tons of green sauce which I love. I also got rice & beans and they were pretty good too. This place is a hidden gem. ”
“ Don't let the fact that Pollo El Rey is a little grungy and built into a gas station deter you their chicken is the best I've ever had at the time of writing this review. It was so good the first time I decided to come back the very next day for some more. Their beans and rice are good as well and they also have marinated onions that are amazing. Best of all the price is just right for what you get. Seating is limited on the inside so I recommend take out rather than dine in. I haven't had anything else so I can't say whether or not the fajitas or tacos are any good but I like to imagine they are :-) no joke I drove 30 miles out of town 2 days in a row for this chicken amazing. After our most recent visit I would recommend bringing somebody with you who speaks Spanish as we had a hard time communicating with the girl at the counter. And the online menu prices somewhat differ from what we actually paid but the food more than makes up for that I think. Why five stars and not JL foodie certified: I would prefer a cleaner dining room it was a bit messy when we dined in the first time. Maybe someday but not today. ”
“ So didn't think I would come to a restaurant that's stapled next to a gas station, but Pollo El Rey makes all those fast food joints that you typically do see next to the gas station look bad. Pollo El Rey serves up that great Mexican grilled chicken at prices that I would be thrilled with. My wife and I got half a chicken for a little over $8 and it was fantastic. Juicy, deeply flavorful char grilled chicken with rice, beans, onions on fantastic corn tortillas. Add a hit of that spicy green sauce and you're good to go. My wife couldn't stop raving about the corn tortillas - that they have taste and texture and didn't feel like cardboard and I'd agree with her. It's one of the few times I would rather take corn than flour. But you'll definitely leave full and happy even if you're hungry enough to not want to split it. Next time I'm in San Marcos and want a cheap meal, this is where I'm going. ”