Pollo Norte serves something you didn't realize you needed until now, Mexican-style rotisserie chicken. Located in NE Portland along the reviving 42nd Street. Pollo Norte occupies a pocket-sized building that can comfortably fit 12 diners and an impressive industrial rotisserie.
Naturally the star of this place is the chicken seasoned only with achiote, sea salt, lime and chili. You can order a quarter, half or even a whole chicken served on a bed of cabbage. Yes, you'll have to pick the meat off bones, if you can't manage that then you don't deserve this chicken and you can go back to your McNuggets. These are free-range chickens, you can taste the happiness of these birds before you devour their perfectly cooked meat.
Each serving of chicken is served with freshly made tortillas and salsas. The rojo has a delightful spiciness and roasted quality to it. While the verde bursts with lime and tastes like a summer day at the beach.
Have only tasted the frijoles negros and potatoes I can only speak to the quality of these side dishes. Their frijoles negros were by far the best beans I've ever had, the addition of the pickled red onion is what sets it on top of my bean list. Naturally when you have a rotisserie you'd want to cook your golden potatoes in the drippings and they do that here. Oh did I mention the potatoes come with bits of bacon?!
I'll be coming back to Pollo Norte to try their other sides. I recommend stopping by too if you find yourself in NE Portland.
Pollo Norte
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11AM – 10PM | 5427 NE 42nd Ave Portland, OR 97218
503.287.0669 | info@pollonorte.com