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Pioneer Chicken

Pioneer Chicken, located at 904 S Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90023, is a local institution that has been delighting customers for years with its mouthwatering fried chicken. Whether you're a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to satisfy your fried chicken cravings.

The restaurant's inviting and clean atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. Upon entering, guests are immediately impressed by the pristine condition of both the dining area and the restroom. The attention to cleanliness is a priority here, making it a refreshing change from other fast-food spots. The staff is friendly, professional, and incredibly accommodating, adding to the warm and welcoming vibe of the restaurant.

When it comes to food, Pioneer Chicken truly stands out. The fried chicken is crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, with a juicy interior that will transport your taste buds to a place of pure satisfaction. It's paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, and barbecue baked beans-combining all the elements for a comforting, delicious meal.

Pioneer Chicken’s reputation for quality and consistency is what keeps both locals and visitors coming back. The nostalgic charm of the place, enhanced by the classic 70's music playing in the background, only adds to the experience. With exceptional customer service and a menu that hits all the right notes, it’s clear why this spot remains a beloved favorite in Los Angeles.

For those looking for a true taste of LA’s fried chicken culture, Pioneer Chicken offers an authentic experience you won't want to miss. The food, service, and atmosphere come together to create a dining experience that is second to none in the area.

Pioneer Chicken Reviews

David W. Paul
Restaurantji Rating

Upon stepping into the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the pristine cleanliness of both the dining area and the bathroom. It's always a breath of fresh air to see a restaurant that prioritizes hygiene. The gentleman who took our order even went above and beyond, taking the time to clean the windows in between serving customers. The customer service was top-notch, with the staff being both friendly and professional. To top it off, a kind gentleman from the kitchen personally checked in on us to see how our meal was and even offered us hand wipes. As for the food, it was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to come back for another visit. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that left me looking forward to returning in the near future.

Ernest H. Garrett
Restaurantji Rating

Tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, Pioneer Chicken Shack is a hidden gem when it comes to satisfying your fried chicken cravings. The first bite into their crispy, golden exterior will transport you to a world of juicy, flavorful goodness that you won't be able to resist. Pioneer has been serving up top-notch fried chicken to LA locals and visitors alike for years, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a truly memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the best fried chicken LA has to offer at Pioneer Chicken Shack.

Raymond A. Yarbrough
Restaurantji Rating

I recently visited Pioneer Chicken for the first time in decades, and I have to say, it brought back so many nostalgic memories from my childhood. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a clean and welcoming environment, along with staff members who were incredibly friendly and accommodating. The perfectly seasoned and juicy fried chicken, paired with mashed potatoes and gravy, a biscuit, and their delicious barbecue baked beans truly hit the spot. The music playing in the background set the perfect tone, giving me major 70's vibes. One staff member in particular, Dulce, stood out to me with her delightful and warm customer service. If you're craving some good fried chicken, I highly recommend skipping KFC or Popeyes and heading over to Pioneer Chicken on Soto Street. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Peter K. Johnson
Restaurantji Rating

Let me tell you about my recent dining experience at a local spot that I had been reminiscing about for years - a place that holds a special nostalgic significance for me. I ordered the 12 piece leg and thigh special, which came with coleslaw and mashed potatoes with a side of gravy, all for the price of $42. At first glance, I couldn't help but question if this was truly worth the splurge. As I dug into the crispy chicken, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it tasted like fried cod - the seasoning was very basic, leaning towards a salty and beer-battered flavor profile. The crispiness was undeniable and the grease factor was heavy, reminiscent of indulging in generous portions of fish and chips. It was the kind of chicken that you could only handle a piece or two of before feeling the heaviness in your stomach. To be honest, the coleslaw was nothing more than average and the mashed potatoes lacked that fresh, homemade touch. The overall meal left me feeling disappointed, especially considering the steep price tag attached to it. This dining experience made me realize that there are better options out there, like Knotts, offering a more satisfying and wallet-friendly meal. Despite the nostalgia associated with this place, the reality disappointed me. I couldn't help but compare it to popular fast-food chains like Churches and Popeyes, leaving me with the realization that there's a reason why most Pioneer Chicken locations in California closed down. Overpriced and greasy, it failed to live up to my expectations and I doubt I'll be making a return visit anytime soon.

Denise G. Swanson
Restaurantji Rating

After hearing rave reviews on social media, I finally decided to try out Pioneer Chicken for the first time in over five decades. I made my way to Boyle Heights with my brother, and from the moment we walked in, we were met with exceptional customer service. Ernie, who assisted us, was truly a gem - his professionalism and attentiveness made us feel like VIPs. We ordered a combination of 2 piece dark meat, 2 piece white meat, and added on a 3 piece fish to our meal. The crunch of the chicken was absolutely divine, and the sides were equally satisfying. If you happen to find yourself near Whittier Blvd and Soto, do yourself a favor and make a pit stop at Pioneer Chicken for some of the best chicken you'll ever taste.

Kareem M. McElveen
Restaurantji Rating

Transport me back to the days of high school when finding a spot that served up delicious food was a must. The impeccable service and the unforgettable experience make for some great memories.

Douglas M. Edwards
Restaurantji Rating

I was blown away by the delicious chicken at this restaurant - it brought me right back to my childhood. The Spicy Rice was the perfect accompaniment, elevating the flavors even more. I was impressed by the cleanliness of the restaurant and the friendly staff exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality I received at a fast food spot. I can't wait to come back for another amazing meal.

Jessica C. Davis
Restaurantji Rating

I stumbled upon Pioneer Chicken in Boyle Heights, and even though I live in Hollywood, I knew I had to give it a try. This particular location is one of the last survivors from the 80s chain that used to be all over California. As soon as I walked in, the friendly staff greeted me with a warm hello, setting the tone for a great dining experience. I ordered their famous chicken, and let me tell you, it tasted just like I remembered from my childhood. The manager even came over to check on me and make sure I was enjoying my meal. He mentioned they take pride in getting the recipe just right and always serving fresh food. He suggested I try their cod, which is cooked with the same delicious batter as the chicken. It was absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself has a nostalgic, old-school vibe that adds to the experience. While the ambiance may not be anything fancy, the focus is definitely on the food and customer service. I really hope more Pioneer Chicken locations open up in LA and throughout the state, because this place is a hidden gem worth the drive. Huge shoutout to the staff for their excellent service and mouthwatering food. Pioneer Chicken has definitely won me over.

Sanford L. Reichard
Restaurantji Rating

I recently had the pleasure of trying the chicken at this restaurant, and let me tell you, it transported me back 35 years to when I first tried it in Hawaii. The flavors were just as authentic and delicious as I remembered. The service at this location in Los Angeles was top-notch, and the place was bustling with activity. We opted to get our order to go, and even then, the food was phenomenal. The cleanliness of the restaurant only added to the overall positive experience. I highly recommend giving this place a try if you're in the mood for some delicious chicken that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

Carol L. Naranjo
Restaurantji Rating

I recently had the most delicious chicken at this hidden gem in Los Angeles. Despite living in the Inland Empire, I made the trek just for this chicken and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The fish was also amazing and their spicy rice was a perfect complement. The drive was totally worth it for the unforgettable flavors. On top of that, the customer service was top-notch. I highly recommend this place for a truly satisfying dining experience.

Location & Contact

904 S Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States
10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
+1 323-262-4562

Opening times

Monday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM
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