By Gary Gomez, Editor: Budget Tucson
Under $5 for lunch? And healthy? Pollo Feliz delivers!
Healthy is always a challenge when we eat out. It seems like the cheaper – more budget friendly – I go, the less healthy it gets. (I have to be clear. Cheap isn‘t really my deal. But value is)
One place I can count on for healthy meals at a bargain price is Pollo Feliz. I dine at two of their locations regularly; Oracle at Roger Rd, and E. Broadway just East of Tucson Blvd.
In case you’re wondering, I get the #2: two pieces of their very tasty (albeit small) pieces of dark meat chicken. This $4.29 meal also comes with frijoles (whole soupy pinto beans), flour or corn tortillas, and their salad/salsa bar. You get an extra plate to take up to fill with fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato wedges and peppers, then top with salsa choices, pico de gallo or ranch dressing. I go for the salsas and pico to top my “salad”.
The beans are soupy, if they had beer in them I would call them “borracho” beans. In some circles they are called frijoles rancheros or ranch style. They are tasty but I wish they had some peppers in them.
The burritos (my pal Pat usually gets them) seem small to me. However, with the salad bar, it’s easy to get filled up. Pat loves them…and at $3.29 a la carte, he is in heaven. I still can’t believe their prices. The two piece white meat chicken plate is $4.59, the half (4 pieces) chicken combo with the above mentioned beans, tortilla(s) and salad bar is only $7.29. You can get a tamale plate for $4.99. They have a chicken salad bowl for $4.99.
Pollo Feliz has daily specials, such as on Tuesday – buy 2 chicken salads for $10.38 and get one free. If you have a family on Wednesday buy combo #4 (a whole chicken – 8 pieces) and get a half chicken for $1 more. Speaking of $1.00…yes they have a $1 menu too. I always see lots of Hispanics here and I know it’s more than the price. The food is tasty and always fresh. No liquor or beer and the service is counter/self service. Fast food style interior, but always clean.
One other thing. I have used Pollo Feliz for parties. The #8 is two whole chickens plus sides.
Pollo Feliz
2634 E. Broadway
4001 N. Oracle Rd.
