Pollos El Brasero, a decades-old Peruvian rotisserie restaurant in Pico-Union, slings rotisserie chicken good enough to convert devotees of other perennially packed chicken joints. Wood-fired chicken is the star here, especially when paired with piquant aji verde, the latter good enough to eat on its own. In the simple dining room, where the smell of flames and chicken hangs heavy in the air, rotisserie lovers can find fowl bliss between bites of crispy skin and juicy thighs.
The indoor dining room is sparse, with just a few booths along one side of the wall and laminate flooring. While dining in is definitely an option, the environs do feel primed for takeout — the chicken will be just as good when you get home.
Parking can be difficult around Pico-Union and most of the side streets are closed for car access. The best bet is to look for metered parking on Pico Boulevard.
If ordering a half or a full chicken, hang on to the leftover bones, which can be used to make a pleasant broth when boiled with aromatics like scallions, ginger, and garlic. If there is any leftover meat or rice, even better: you’ll have a quick chicken and rice soup on your hands.