Pollos Cuzco

- 138-13 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking the bold and diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine, Pollos Cuzco in the Briarwood section of Queens offers a taste of South America. Located on the highly trafficked Queens Boulevard, this restaurant is known to local diners for its extensive menu of traditional Peruvian specialties. As its name suggests (Cuzco, or Cusco, being a major city in Peru), the establishment aims to bring the heart of Peruvian culinary tradition to the borough.

While the specific menu is not detailed, Pollos Cuzco is likely to feature staples of Peruvian cuisine, such as Lomo Saltado (marinated beef stir-fry), fresh Ceviche, and its namesake Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken), all of which are popular dishes highly sought after in the New York Peruvian food scene. The Briarwood location has established itself as a spot for residents to get these flavorful meals. However, prospective diners should be aware that the restaurant has received mixed reviews regarding its service and in-house atmosphere. While the food itself has been described as "awesome" and "very tasty" by some, others have reported issues concerning automatic tipping practices, noise levels from live entertainment, and service attentiveness, suggesting the overall dining experience can be inconsistent.

It is important to note the establishment's primary service option listed is Takeout, and the reviews specifically mention both takeout and dining experiences. This suggests that while in-house dining may be available, many patrons utilize their quick-service options.

Location and Accessibility

Pollos Cuzco is centrally located in Queens at 138-13 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA. This is a prime commercial location directly on Queens Boulevard, a major thoroughfare that connects various parts of the borough.

The restaurant's position on Queens Blvd makes it highly accessible via several modes of New York transit. It is situated close to the Briarwood subway station (E and F lines), providing easy access for commuters from Manhattan, Long Island City, and central Queens neighborhoods. The location is also well-served by numerous local and express bus routes that run along the boulevard. For those driving, being on Queens Boulevard offers convenient access to major highways like the Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway, though finding immediate street parking can be a challenge, as is often the case with such busy commercial corridors in New York City. The restaurant's prominence on a major street corner ensures it is easily identifiable for quick pickups.

Services Offered

Based on the provided information, Pollos Cuzco focuses primarily on getting its Peruvian cuisine to its customers efficiently.

• Primary Service: The listed main service option is Takeout, catering to locals who prefer to pick up their food for consumption at home or on the go.
• Additional Service (Inferred): Customer reviews explicitly mention "dine-in" experiences, suggesting that on-site service is also offered, though not listed as a primary service.
• Potential Delivery: While not explicitly listed, the heavy focus on takeout in a major metropolitan area like Queens strongly suggests that third-party delivery services (like Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.) are utilized to reach a wider customer base, especially given the busy Queens Boulevard location.

Features / Highlights

The features of Pollos Cuzco are characterized by a strong focus on Peruvian flavors, balanced with customer-reported experiences that highlight both the positives of the cuisine and the challenges with the service dynamic.

• Authentic Peruvian Cuisine Focus: The name and general local reputation point to a strong commitment to serving classic, flavorful Peruvian dishes. The food itself is the main draw, with some patrons describing it as "awesome" and "very tasty."
• Live Entertainment (Variable Experience): The restaurant features live music or karaoke events ("a guy singing like a karaoke or live event"). This can be a highlight for some looking for a vibrant atmosphere, but has also been noted as "way too loud" for normal conversation, creating an "uncomfortable, noisy evening" for others.
• High Visibility Location: Situated directly on Queens Boulevard, the restaurant is highly visible and easily accessible via public transit, making it a convenient food stop in the Briarwood area.
• Customer Service Concerns: Patrons have reported issues regarding automatic gratuity charges (18%) without clear notification, service described as "indifferent and inattentive," and an uncomfortable focus on tips, particularly with takeout orders, suggesting a need for internal review of customer interaction policies.
• Inconsistent Dining Comfort: While some diners seek the lively atmosphere, others find the noise level to be a major drawback, impacting the ability to have a "proper conversation at the table."

Contact Information

For orders, inquiries, or to find the location of Pollos Cuzco:

• Address: 138-13 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA
• Phone (Primary): (718) 558-4455
• Phone (Mobile): +1 718-558-4455

What is Worth Choosing

Pollos Cuzco is worth choosing primarily for New Yorkers seeking authentic Peruvian cuisine in the Queens area, particularly when the main goal is a quick and convenient takeout or delivery meal.

If you are a local resident craving classic Peruvian staples like Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, or Pollo a la Brasa and are located near the Briarwood section of Queens, Pollos Cuzco offers these options conveniently on a major boulevard. The positive comments regarding the flavor and quality of the food itself suggest that the kitchen executes the Peruvian dishes well.

However, prospective customers should temper their expectations regarding the in-house service and dining atmosphere. For those who prioritize a quiet, intimate, or highly attentive dining experience, or who are sensitive to unexpected charges, it may be wiser to opt for takeout only. Choosing the takeout option minimizes exposure to potential issues like the mandatory 18% gratuity charge on the final bill, noise from live entertainment, and inconsistent attentiveness from the waitstaff, as reported in customer reviews. By selecting Pollos Cuzco for a quick and easy Peruvian meal at home, you can focus solely on the high points of the cuisine while bypassing the reported drawbacks of the on-site experience. In essence, choose Pollos Cuzco for the food, and consider the convenient takeout option to ensure the best overall value and comfort.

Pollos Cuzco

138-13 Queens Blvd, Briarwood, NY 11435, USA