El Pollo Imperial

An amazing Peruvian restaurant in a former KFC with a fully functional drive-thru is about as Long Beach as it gets if you ask us. When it comes to juicy wood-roasted pollos a la brasa and wok-seared lomo saltado, El Pollo Imperial in North Long Beach is unmatched. The place is a local institution known for its affordable plates and long list of Peruvian specialties, which includes everything from tangy ceviche with sweet potato and corn kernels to shrimp fried rice topped with a heap of green onions. To top it off, each entree comes with warm rolls, their zesty ají verde, and a cup of aguadito, a soothing cilantro-laced chicken soup. Most diners do takeout here (see: the drive-thru), but there are a few booths inside if you want to hang out sipping Peruvian lagers or Inka Kola.