Pollos Maria

Customers flock to Pollos Maria for fire-grilled golden brown chicken, a casual neighborhood atmosphere and reasonable prices. This recipe for success was created by local owners Marie Davies and Carmen Gastelum. The dynamic duo launched the Mexican restaurant in 1985 after Marie read a news article predicting grilled chicken would take flight as healthy restaurant fare. Once their friend Mary Hickethier designed the Pollos Maria logo and they had a memorable name, they were off and cooking.
 
In 2005, Marie and Carmen opened their second location in Oceanside. Situated in a new shopping center off Old Grove Road, the restaurant features colorful murals of the Mexican countryside, all painted by Marie's relative, artist Sean Dominguez. A flat-screen TV makes customers feel at ease as does the quiet outdoor patio, which boasts a water feature.