El Pollo Rey in Kansas City

The atmosphere at this location is very different than the Overland Park one. This one is much more laid back and feels like a BBQ joint. The only downside to that is it has been pretty loud both times we have been there. Probably because they sat us in the back where a few larger parties were eating, but it definitely put a damper on our experience.

Legitimately some of the best chicken I’ve ever had! The wood grill puts a super delicious crust on the outside but the inner meat stays nice and juicy. Now the wings are kind of forgettable, not bad not great. The sides are also nothing to write home about but that grilled chicken...seriously, just go try it.

Ignore the haters, this place is awesome. The leg and wing on the chicken are small so are a tad bit overcooked but that's to be expected when you're grilling chicken this way. The thigh and breast meat were both juicy and full of flavor. I saw where people were a bit freaked out about the hot dog in the beans but I've seen this plenty at pot luck meals with Hispanics present. (it's quirky to us but doesn't affect the flavor of the beans) I'd like a bit more seasoning on the chicken myself. The beans were great and the rice was of course just rice.

I love places that do a few things really well. El Pollo Rey is a prime example. Their wood fired chicken is fantastic. Its a great place to get an authentic and affordable meal. I would recommend stopping by and checking it out. A half of chicken and sides will leave you full. I’ll be back.

Best chicken in town. You'll smell like barbecue smoke for the rest of the day, which is a feature. It's usually packed during peak times, but it's worth the wait.

If you love wood fired chicken THIS IS YOUR PLACE!!! They have only two things on the menu and they do both really well! The rice and beans that come with the chicken are delicious as well.

One great simple menu item done well. Great wood grilled chicken with fresh tortillas, salsa and onions. One of a kind place in KCK. Hidden gem

The King of Chicken. Not a lie. There are three things on the menu. They are amazing. This place is literally an amazing street vendor that isn't on the street. I've been down there several times with my children. I've been on weekends and for lunch. The service is fast and pleasant as long as you understand the menu and stick with it. You can spot this place from blocks away and if you didn't know what you were doing you would probably think the place was on fire. The hickory smoke is unmistakable. Stand out in the parking lot and let it soak in. These people are sweet and hard working. The chicken is incredible.

The absolute best grilled chicken I've ever had. Tried the wings today and they were amazing. Usually I go for the half chicken and it's enough food to make me need a nap after. The flavor of the meat is just out of this world. Do yourself a favor and get an avocado with your meal.

One of a kind eatery in Kansas City. Been there twice, only ate once...please be aware there can be a 30+ minute wait, at times, for food. Chicken had a great grilled & smoky flavor. Wings were dressed with a spicy, vinegary sauce. Everything comes with warm, corn tortillas. Try some Chicken and then go across the street to San Antonio for some great tacos!

Fantastic wood fire grilled chicken at a great price. Easy in & out location. Friendly staff.

Walked over the bridge from KCM to KCK and thought this building was on fire. Turns out they're just cranking out tons of delicious chicken. We split a half chicken for $7.50 and I think it was the best thing I ate on our KC trip. Highly recommended!

They only do two things, but they do them REALLY well.

I visit this spot a lot since I work in the area. I like how the service is always fantastic and they keep the place clean all the time. Prices are affordable and they serve large portions.

Here just to say this is the OG and better than Poi-O imo. Authentic. Delicious. Fresh. Priced well. One of my favorite places in the Kansas City area.

I love this Mexican chicken spot. Smells so good. And yummy food

El Pollo Rey reminds me of a childhood restaurant my mom would frequent before passing away. Great food. Great prices. Great staff. God Bless. Dios Los Bendiga.

phenomenal place. Simple menu. Well priced. Can't wait to take my family.

Went on a Saturday.. clear from my house. When I got there, it was a big line. Had to wait 30 mins for the next batch of chicken. But oh it was worth it! $7.70 for a 1/2 chicken. Grilled over a wood fire, I believe. The salsa the bomb (upper right container).. everything first class, first rate! Plenty of soft tortillas. With that salsa, just dip the tortilla it is a treat. I love these guys!

Father's Day road trip was worth the drive. The wings alone were worth the drive...we also got a full grilled chicken!

Real good tasting chicken cooked over firewood. It can get busy and they do run out of chicken once in a while. Expect to wait 15 minutes during peak hours. Rice is tasty with the soupy beans. They accept cards and cash. Dining room is small and can get hot during hot summer days which is expected when you got a grill full of wood burning cooking chicken. Under 15 bucks for the whole and under 8 for the half.

Great place but don't come 30 mins before close. They stop cooking early.

Great grilled chicken beans and rice for an absolute deal. eat the chicken right off the bone or pull them off and put it in a fresh tortilla with that little onion. Half a chicken would run you approximately $8 or full chicken for less than $15.

The absolute best grilled chicken that I've had. Love their chicken.

My “Foodie”high school age grandson told me he was taking me to the best chicken place in the metro area-Don’t let the old Dairy Queen building fool you-El Apollo Rey has best wood fired grilled chicken I’ve ever tasted. The ambiance is authentically Hispanic-The place is clean-very casual-lots of take out orders or dine-in.The clientele is a mix of of professionals and blue collar.Definitely an enjoyable and tasty experience!

This is another hidden gem in a place you would never expect! It's nothing fancy but fantastic chicken for the price... maybe some of the best. Tastes like Uncle Bob just won a cooking contest!!! Don't miss out!

The BEST grilled chicken in town. THE BEST!! HEALTHY & FRESH👑💜

Heard about this from a local. They were right!Buffalo chicken wings were slightly spicy but slightly sweet and fabulous! They were not crunchy because they are soaked in the sauce.Tortillas had a light fluffy texture and taste. The chicken you can see being grilled. The chicken is perfectly cooked and the skin in crunchy but not hard. The salsa looks like apple sauce but it is a fabulous salsa. The beans were wonderful and had some type of pork in it including what looked like a hot dog. They were out of rice but we were there right before they closed. I would come back again and again! All for $20.

The secret is to arrive at 11:30 before the noon crush. Half chicken is plentiful & comes with a couple small sides. If you want the whole bird go for it. Your decision is what to drink, be a local & get the orange. By the time you have paid your platter is given to you.If you like heat try the sauces, be judicious or get the burn.No photos as they are all the same.Enjoy the patron diversity & worker blue collar crowd. There is something realistic about eating here.

Heard about this from a local. They were right!Buffalo chicken wings were slightly spicy but slightly sweet and fabulous! They were not crunchy because they are soaked in the sauce.Tortillas had a light fluffy texture and taste. The chicken you can see being grilled. The chicken is perfectly cooked and the skin in crunchy but not hard. The salsa looks like apple sauce but it is a fabulous salsa. The beans were wonderful and had some type of pork in it including what looked like a hot dog. They were out of rice but we were there right before they closed. I would come back again and again! All for $20.

Probably the best chicken I've ever eaten.

If you like fire roasted chicken at a simple but tasty restaurant come here. Oh ya dont take a bunch of money because it's a great price

GREAT tasting chicken. Maybe best grilled chicken in KC. Great prices. Beans, I’ll pass. Salsa awesome. A must try. Very friendly staff.

Tried it six weeks ago and have been back 5 times. Wings are fire, if you like them crispy, then say so and they’ll do it. Whole in the wall authentic Mexican chicken beans and rice. Doesn’t get anymore authentic than this

The food is good is just over price now.

The chicken is incredible! It smells so good just getting of the car. Would love if they had a green tomatillo salsa option to the red one. Service is always nice and they are very quick. Highly recommend. Hidden gem.

Great hole-in-the-wall joint that has one of the most simple, but awesome menus in town. Whole or Half Chicken with beans, rice, & salsa for cheap. Chickens are roasted on an open, wood fired grill. Smokey and delicious. Highly recommended!

I don't know if I've ever seen a more limited menu, but that's alright because they do one thing extremely well!

No pretence. Just great chicken. A destination restaurant.

Don't do it....it will ruin every further chicken you have. You will always compare it to El Pollo Rey and know it is not as good. They took the old adage of, "do one thing and do it well" and perfected it. The menu is short and to the point... perfect. Be careful of when you get there...if you show up at noon there may not be any seats.

Simple, yet extremely delicious. Great family-run business that does it up right. The menu is simple with 3 options, but you go there for 1 reason and that's chicken! Why make it more complicated than that?!!

The chicken is AMAZING. The building is not. Considering the fact that the place is booming and prices keep going up, I’d expect a renovation. Call it in and take it home. Worth it!