Roadside Cafe-Closed

Roadside Cafe
1822 N Glassell St
Orange
714-283-4901

I love broasted chicken and I'm always excited to find out about new broasted chicken restaurants. When I found out that Roadside Cafe serves up broasted chicken, I planned on going back to Hida'Way, to see which place in Orange serves up the best broasted chicken. I called up Hida'Way and the number was changed, so I called the new number and it was Roadside Cafe!!!

Guess the story is, Hida'Way's owner decided to get out of the restaurant business and turn his building into a laundromat!!! Roadside Cafe bought Hida'Way's broasted machines. So the city of Orange still has a restaurant that serves broasted chicken.

Roadside Cafe is an oasis among the many industrial buildings on the stretch of Glassell. The decor is great, with old signs and an old gas pump near the front door. This does remind you of a roadside cafe along Route 66.

I went to Roadside Cafe's website and found a coupon; eight pieces of broasted chicken,$9.49 on the coupon, $10.32 after sales tax. The eight pieces broke down into 2 wings, 2 legs, 2 thighs, and 2 breast pieces. I went on a Monday, and on their "Specials" board, the eight piece broasted chicken was $9.99. The regular price for the eight piece chicken is $10.95.

The chicken is cooked to order. For your stupid Yelpers, that means the chicken isn't sitting under heat lamps. It is only cooked after you ordered it. That means it may take 15-20 minutes to get your broasted chicken. What would you rather have; chicken that has been sitting under heat lamps for hours on end, or chicken cooked to order? I can't believe that people would complain about the wait time for cooked to order chicken. Stupid Yelpers.

I only had the breast piece. The skin was darker than other broasted chicken places I have been to. That usually means the oil they use to broast the chicken needs to be changed. But, the skin was light and crispy, like broasted chicken should be. The breast meat was pretty moist and flavorfull. Not the best broasted chicken but pretty good and certainly better than Hida'Way.

Service was great. The young lady who took my order was very nice and friendly. She told me about Hida'Way closing and how Roadside brought the broasting machines. Many other restaurants could take lesson in customer service from the people at Roadside Cafe.

I would go back to Roadside Cafe and give the broasted chicken another chance; like I said it wasn't the best broasted chicken I've had, but it was pretty good.

Pallazzo's Pizzeria-Closed

Pallazzo's Pizzeria 3228 Yorba Linda Blvd. Fullerton 714-528-7499 As readers of The New Diner know, I love broasted chicken. I couldn't believe a New York style pizza place served broasted chicken, so when I heard about Pallazzo's Pizzeria, I went right down for some pizza and broasted chicken. Medium half pepperoni and half cheese, $11.99. My idea of New York style pizza is very thin crust, with the dough so think you can almost see through it. Lots of gooey good quality cheese and a sauce that is full of flavor but not that tangy. The pizza at Pallazzo's Pizzeria, is much thicker than what I expect for a New York style pizza. The crust was pretty good for regular pizza but not New York. There was a ton of cheese, which I like, but it wasn't gooey and I don't think it's the best quality cheese. The cheese was more like the kind you get from a chain pizza place. The pepperoni was also like a chain pizza place. Nothing special or great about it. Two piece broasted chicken, $3.99. The surprising thing about the broasted chicken, you can get either white or dark meat for the same price. The breast piece came out about five minutes after I ordered. It wasn't cooked fresh to order, but it had been cooked within 15 minutes of me ordering. It was hot, not pipping, out of the fryer hot, but hot. The skin wasn't as crispy or light as other broasted chicken I've had. The meat wasn't as juicy, really it was rubbery and bland. Service was OK. The guy who took my order, who I believe is the owner, was pretty nice when I ordered. But there was a couple having pizza and he asked them about five times how everything was, but he only asked me how everything was, once, when I had basically finished eating. He had to pass by me, to get to the couple. At least he asked but why did that other couple get better service? I would not go back to Pallazzo's Pizzeria, again, either for the pizza-which isn't really NY style pizza, or the broasted chicken.

Original Graziano's Pizza-Closed

Original Graziano's Pizza
2 Village Loop Rd
Pomona
909-623-5060

I love broasted chicken and I will try any restaurant that serves broasted chicken, that is near me. Broasted chicken is actually a patented process and machine that involves pressure cooking the chicken after it is marinated and breaded. But many places use a comparable process, including the world famous Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Broaster is the company that sells the fryers and patent process, and they have a list of restaurants that offer their broasted chicken. I was shocked to see the served broasted chicken at Original Graziano's Pizza in Pomona.




I got the four piece broasted chicken, which was cooked to order. I wasn't that impressed with this broasted chicken. The skin was light, crispy and well seasoned. But the breast and wing pieces were not juicy or tender. They were stringy and a bit tough. The dark pieces; legs and thighs were very juicy and tender, if all pieces of the chicken was this juicy and tender, this place would be a great place. But I'm a white meat person and the white meat and that's how I judge broasted chicken. The size of the chicken was a bit small, so maybe that's why the breast piece wasn't as juicy.

Service was great. Very nice young people working there. The young lady who took my order was nice and friendly. She told me about the specials, and was patient when I asked her questions about the broasted chicken. While I was waiting for the chicken, three other workers came up and asked if I needed help!!! That's awesome, because there have been so many times, when I wasn't greeted when walking into a restaurant.

The pizza looks pretty good, so I maybe back here for some pizza. But, I'm not sure if I would go back for the broasted chicken, since I like white meat chicken and found it lacking. But, if you like dark meat chicken, Original Graziano's Pizza is a great place to go. If you have a little league team, this is a great place to host a party; lots of space and nice friendly people working there.

Update Feb 26, 2010



I went back for the pizza. Original Graziano's Pizza has a dinner special Mon-Thursday. The special on Thursday is a large one topping pizza for $7.99. I got the special with pepperoni.

This pizza was below average. While the outside of the crust was crispy, the inside was undercooked. That usually means the oven was set too high. This needed to be in the oven about another five minutes. The cheese was pretty good, piled high. The pepperoni was a bit bland. The sauce was there, but there wasn't anything outstanding about it.

Service is always great here. I was greeted, almost before the door closed behind me. What a great experience, after going to so many restaurants where I wasn't greeted at all, even when I was standing right in front of the server. The people there are friendly and helpful.

While the pizza is below average and I'm not really sold on the broasted chicken, I love the service of Original Graziano's Pizza.

Grandma's Broasted Chicken

Grandma's Broasted Chicken
9886 Alondra Blvd
Bellflower
562-920-1797

I thought I've been to most of the broasted chicken places in the LA area. But somebody sent a nice email, telling me about Grandma's Broasted Chicken. I noticed that Grandma's Broasted Chicken wasn't far from Treasure Pot. So I figured I would stop by and get some broasted chicken. In addition to chicken, Grandma's also has fish and shrimp.





I got two breast pieces, $1.89 and 5 jumbo shrimp, $5.99. The broasted chicken was cooked to order. It was pretty good. A crispy outside and very juicy inside. It wasn't the best broasted chicken but solid.

The jumbo shrimp were covered with a cornmeal batter, which made them crunchy. But the shrimp were a bit overcooked, tough and chewy. I didn't like the shrimp and didn't think it was worth the $5.99 price tag.

Service is OK. But the owner is a bit of a wise guy, making jokes he thinks is funny. I was ordering and after getting the shrimp and chicken, he said that's enough for you, don't order anymore. Ok fine, if you don't want me to spend more money at your restaurant, why the hell should I.

Broaster Kitchen is still my favorite broasted chicken restaurant. But I wouldn't mind coming back to Grandma's Broasted Chicken. Oh, this Grandma's is different that Grandma's Chicken House.

I has been brought to my attention, that in my reviews of Grandma's Chicken House and Broaster Kitchen, I said Grandma's Chicken House was better. But, in subsequent visits to Broaster Kitchen, I have found the chicken to be so much better than my first visit. Maybe they used better chicken or the first time I went, the cookers weren't working that well. But whatever the reason, Broaster Kitchen is my favorite. But maybe I should go back to Grandma's Chicken House, again.

Charlie's Trio Cafe

Charlie's Trio Cafe
47 W Main St
Alhambra
626-284-4943

Ok, not sure what it is, but I'm on a broasted chicken kick. After going to Chicky yesterday, I heard about Charlie's Trio Cafe and wanted to try it. Charlie's is an Italian restaurant that served broasted chicken. I have heard good things about their pizza and may give them a try, another time. But I came here for the broasted chicken.

Charlie's is located on the corner of Main and 1st Street in Alhambra. I have now been to all three restaurants, at each of the corners at the intersection. The other two restaurants; Tony Roma's and 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill. There is a big name coffee house on the last corner, and since I don't drink coffee, there will not be a review.




I got two breast pieces, $2.50 each, to go. It was a beautiful day, no reason to sit inside when it is so beautiful outside. So I found a bench and sat outside. Like almost every other broasted chicken place I've been to, the chicken is cooked to order, so expect a wait of about 15 minutes. I can't believe some people complain about that wait. I mean, WTF, do you want freshly cooked chicken or chicken that has been sitting under heat lamps for over an hour?

The chicken was very moist and tender. But it was that flavorful, as if it was missing some seasoning. I did like but it just didn't stack up with Broaster Chicken in Montebello.

Service was very good. Like I mentioned before, Charlie's is an Italian restaurant that happens to serve broasted chicken. This is a sit down, table service restaurant. Not the counter service that most broaster chicken places, I've been to. The young lady who took my order was very nice and helpful.

I would go back to Charlie's if I was in the area. I can chalk up the lack of seasoning to a one time mistake. They do use good quality chicken and it was moist and tender. I do plan to come back for their pizza.

Chicky Fried Chicken Broasted-Closed

Chicky Fried Chicken Broasted
5104 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach
562-428-8605

I love broasted chicken! There is no question broasted chicken is the way to fry chicken. The inside is moist and tender and the outside is crispy. My favorite broasted chicken is Broaster Chicken in Montebello.

So when I hear about any broasted chicken restaurant, I make try to go as soon as I can. I thought the only broasted chicken was in the Long Beach area, was in Los Alamitos at Pittsburgh Broasted Chicken. But I found out about Chicky Fried Chicken Broasted and after reading a glowing review by somebody named TC, I wanted to give them a try.

Yes, Chicky Fried Chicken Broasted, is a weird name but it is broasted chicken.




I got a breast, $3.10 and a wing, $1.25. Most of the chicken is cooked to order, so expect a wait. The breast was a very good example of broasted chicken. So moist and flavorful inside and just a little crispy outside. It was also a huge piece, so the price was fair.

The wing wasn't as good. They either put too many chicken in the broaster because the outside wasn't cripsy and the inside was dry. Ok, the wing is the smallest piece but come on now, I've gone to other broasted chicken places and the wings have been great.

Service is pretty good; a nice, friendly, older couple own and run the restaurant. But you have to order a minimum of two pieces, when ordering by the piece. Kind of dumb but whatever. Something I didn't like though, was that they were selling some orders already made. I maybe easy for some people, but I want freshly made chicken, not something that has been sitting around for 20-30 minutes.

I did like Chicky but I didn't think it was anything great. I would go to Pittsburgh or Broasters before heading back to Chicky.

Pittsburgh Broasted Chicken- Pomona-Closed

Pittsburgh Broasted Chicken- Pomona
669 Indian Hill Blvd
Pomona
909-469-2702

After all this time driving down to Los Alamitos for Pittsburgh Broasted Chicken, they finally open a location about 15 minutes from me. YES!!!!

I ordered the 2 piece lunch special, $4.79, breast and wing with lemon pepper seasoning, broasted potatoes, roll and mac salad. This is as good as their other location. The chicken is so moist and juicy and tender and since it's cooked to order, expect a 10 minute wait, fresh and hot. This batch didn't have as much lemon pepper seasoning but it was there. The pieces are fairly big. The potatoes are firm on the outside and soft inside. The mac salad was creamy but tasted like it's from a container. But who cares, you go for the chicken.

Service is good. The owner is very nice and helpful. There are a few tables inside, unlike the Los Al location which is mainly a take out.

I would go back to Pittsburgh Broasted Chicken anytime. I'm glad they opened a location closer to me. This is better than Donahoo's and Louisiana Fried Chicken in Pomona.

I found out that Pittsburgh opened from a blog titled Jerk in Pomona. Ok ok it was titled Student in Pomona and the jerk is a student at Cal Poly Pomona. Why is he a jerk? Because he's a punk kid who doesn't know how to honor Vietnam Veterans. Jerk punk kid. His post Where the Sidewalk Ends mentions, that Pomona should: "Instead of getting a traveling Vietnam war memorial in our town, why not stop wasting water and fix broken irrigation & broken irrigation?"

First of all stupid punk kid, the traveling Vietnam war memorial, is called the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or The Traveling Wall. The Traveling Wall honors, American men and women who were killed in the Vietnam War. Secondly, there is little expense to a city for The Traveling Wall. They just have to provide a large space.

Just like the military banners are paid for by the parents of soldiers who are fighting overseas. Does the city subsidize the banners? Yes, but that is an expense that is well worth it.

Hida'Way Restaurant-Closed

Hida'Way Restaurant
2117 N Orange Olive Rd
Orange
714-998-8756

While visiting a friend, who lives in the area, we passed by Hida' Way Restaurant. It looks like any neighborhood greasyspoon but I was attracted by their BROASTED Chicken sign!!! So I decide to drop in when I was in the area.

So I ordered two breast, $5.37. The owner told me it will take about eight minutes. I'm not in a hurry so I said no problem. I decide to eat there so I wait and talk with the owner about the restaurant. First on Yelp, you will find the restaurant listed as Hide Away Restaurant. It's been around for fourty years but now most of the business is take out.

The breasts finally arrive and I'm ready to dig in. I slice the breast and both of them are NOT done, yet. I would say they were about 90% done. So I told the owner, he quickly said he'll cook up two more. About 3-4 minutes later, he came out with the original pieces that he finished cooking. I checked to make sure they were done and they were. I found them to be OK, not like other broasted chicken I've had before.

I got the other two pieces and they were crispy and juicy, just like other broasted chicken I've had before. If you have a choice between broasted and regular fried chicken, get the broasted. The chicken is more crispy and juicy than regular fried chicken.

Service was good. The owner was very nice. Yes, I was put off by the first batch of chicken not being fully cooked. But I understand and he did make up for it.

I would go back to Hida'Way for the broasted chicken. They do have other things like broasted fish, shrimp, burgers and ribs. I may get a combo the next time I go.

Old World Delicatessen- West Covina-Moved

Old World Delicatessens
2648 W Workman Ave
West Covina
626-967-6307

As the sign says Old World Deli has been family owned and operated since 1969. I'm surprised I haven't tried this place sooner.

I was very surprised with the variety of items they had. Pizza, broasted chicken, hot dogs, soups, and of course sandwiches.

Since I haven't been to a hot dog place in a long time, I got the NY style hot dog, $3.50 with mustard, kraut and raw onions. The hot dog was all beef, Boar's Head hot dog. A good quality hot dog but they do not have a natural casing around the hot dog, so no snap. But this is a good quality hot dog, even if it's steamed.

I also got the hot corned beef, $6.85, on grilled rye, mustard lettuce, tomato and swiss cheese. They piled high the Boar's head corned beef and topped with the fresh lettuce and tomatoes. The grilled rye added a nice touch. A very good sandwich. Maybe a little high on the price but good quality and quanity.

Service is good. The young lady taking the order was nice and friendly. But it did seem to take a long time to get my order ready. Maybe they were waiting for the sandwich to be grilled. But overall a nice place to go for lunch. I will go back to try their pizza and broasted chicken soon.


Update 4-22




I went back to Old World to try a slice of their Silician pizza with pepperoni, $3.30. This is not a good example of Silician pizza. Yes the crust was thicker and soft. But there was barely any sauce and the cheese and pepperoni weren't anything to write home about. I think Old World should stick to sandwiches.

Update 4-23




Every Wednesday Old World Deli has $2 off on their broasted chicken family dinners. So I got the eight piece family dinner, $15.10, and decided to see how Old World Deli's broasted chicken compared to the Chicken Box, Pittsburgh Chicken and Taters, and Broasters Kitchen. The family dinners, includes broasted potatoes, salad, I got half mac and half potato salad, and 4 rolls. The chicken at Old World is cooked to order, just like the other three places.

Well Old World beats the hell out of it's West Covina competior, Chicken Box. The chicken at Old World is so moist, juicy and tender. After biting into the crunchy skin, the juicies are just flowing out. The chicken is hot, fresh and so good.

For me, I like Pittsburgh chicken the best with Broasters coming in a close second. But I think Old World is now tied for second. Who would have thought that a deli would make such great broasted chicken. I would go back to Old World for their sandwiches and their broasted chicken.

Grandma's Chicken House-Closed

Grandma's Chicken House 6072 Lincoln Ave Cypress (714) 527-3162 A buddy of mine, who also likes broasted chicken, found Grandma's Chicken House while driving in the area. So I decide to try it. I order two breast pieces for $4.20. The chicken is cooked to order so expect a 15 minute wait. The skin is exactly like Broaster Kitchen, a weird texture because they just season the chicken but do not dip it into batter before broasting it. The inside was a little drier than Broaster Kitchen but not too dry. I loved how hot and fresh the chicken was. I think overall it's better than Broaster Kitchen but still a couple notches below Pittsburgh Chicken and Taters. The service is OK, not the most friendly people. Don't expect a HI, How can I help you? when you walk in.

Broaster Kitchen-Updated Review

Broaster Kitchen
1440 W Beverly Blvd
Montebello,
(323) 722-4190

A few weeks ago I was in the area and noticed Broaster Kitchen. Since I loved the other broasted chicken places, Pittsburgh Chicken and Taters and Chicken Box, I tried, I decided to stop in. I learned Broaster Kitchen has been in business since 1969, so I hope that was a good sign.

I ordered the four piece chicken pack for $5.62. As with all other broasted chicken places, the chicken is cooked to order so I waited about 10 minutes before my order was ready. The chicken had a different texture than the other broasted chicken places I've been to. I think they just season the chicken and drop it into the broaster instead of using any batter. Thus the chicken was as crunchy as other places. The inside of the breast piece was very moist and tender. I was very impressed. The dark pieces was smaller than I expected but still pretty good and moist. Maybe one of the most moist chicken I've had.

Service was decent with a bunch of HS aged kids forced to work there for a paycheck. The girl didn't ask if I wanted to eat there or take out.

If I were in the area I would go back but I wouldn't rush to go back. I think the skin could be much better.

Update-December 8, 2011

On my original trip to Broaster Kitchen in 2006, I wasn't an overwhelmed by the broasted chicken. But, a few trips afterward, I was really impressed with the broasted chicken. The chicken was juicy, the skin perfectly crispy and well seasoned. I even compared all broasted chicken restaurants to Broaster Kitchen.

But, I didn't do an updated review. So, I figured I was enjoy some great broasted chikcen and do an updated review. I went back to Broaster Kitchen and ordered two breast pieces, $2.50 each. I noticed they had a B rating from the health department, while a good grade, not the top grade.

While waiting for my order I looked around the restaurant, which opened in 1970, and it could really use a good cleaning in the dining area. Dust and dirt on the walls, the decorations-a country farm motif, and dirty and slippery floors.

Anyways, I get my order and cut into the first piece and I was shocked to see a section of the chicken still not fully cooked!! As you can see from the picture the center part was clearly undercooked. I took it back and wanted to see how they handled this situation.

They failed, because instead of cooking a new piece, all they did was cook the piece I returned. Of course, it made the skin soggy and the meat very dry. Not good at all.

While they were properly cooking the first piece, I cut into the second piece, which is properly cooked. But, sadly what used to be a great broasted chicken turned back into the broasted chicken I had during my first visit. The skin lacked seasoning, had that same weak crunch. The inside was a bit dry.

Service was below average. While the young girl taking my order was nice, she just threw my receipt, with my order number, at me. While waiting for my order, she was checking her phone all the time. She should have been cleaning because the restaurant is dirty.

I already mentioned how poorly they handled the undercooked chicken. Come on, you should just cook a fresh batch!

I was really looking forward to going back to Broaster Kitchen because my past few visits, I had great broasted chicken. Sadly, this visit made me realize, I do not need to come back here again. Indifferent service, undercooked chicken, inconsistent bland chicken, and a dirty restaurant. Why should I come back here?

Chicken Box-La Habra

Chicken Box-Broasted Chicken
330 Whitter Blvd.
La Habra, CA
562-691-1701

The Chicken Box in La Habra is owned by the daughter of the owner of the West Covina location. I've been here twice. Once for the seafood plate which had 2 jumbo shrimp, 2 fried fish, and 3 scallops. All deep fried to a nice brown. $9.49 which is 50 cents more than the West Covina location. 
Then for the lunch special on Tuesday and Thursday which includes two pieces of chicken, two sides and a soda for $4.61. There is an extra 29 cents charge for all white meat. The lunch special with fries and mashed potatoes and gravy is pictured. The seafood platter was very good and even with a ten minute drive to a friend's house, the food were at least warm. But for whatever reason today, the chicken was luke warm at best.

Since they cook the food to order, I waited a few minutes and I got my meal. But the chicken was maybe luke warm. Certainly not hot as if it was out of the roaster. The chicken was juicy and tender and had a nice crispy skin. But if I'm waiting for a place to cook the food it better be much hotter than what I got today. The fries were nice and crispy. The mashed potatoes and chicken gravy was very bland.

The La Habra location has better hours 11:30am-9pm but they are closed on Wednesday. The also have the Monday 10 pieces of chicken for $10.99 special. They have a "rainy day" special which I will try the next time it rains. Not sure if I would go the La Habra location again wasn't happy that the chicken wasn't hot.

Pittsburgh Chicken & Taters is so much better for broasted chicken.