All Photos by Billy Bennight for The Los Angeles Beat
After hearing about “Better Call Saul’s Los Pollos Hermanos” Pop-Up Store in Austin, Texas for SXSW, and then reading about the Los Angeles version, my curiosity was stoked! I made up mind to head to the DTLA location at 1345 East 6th Street to be immersed in this subversive and iconic part of the “Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul” franchise. It was scheduled to be open to the public Wednesday, March 29 and Thursday, March 30 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1345 E. 6th Street in the Arts District. I heard it was closed March 30th. It was likely the huge run on curly fries! I was there on the 29th, ready to suck it in and sniff out the deets of what was going on.
I arrived in the early afternoon to see a relatively short line of devotees. I was there with camera in hand ready to shoot away and capture the action. Out front, the chicken mascot was hamming it up with visitors and taking the often photo-op. I couldn’t resist and I selfied with chicken to seal the deal on my experience. Chicken then shared the love and gave me a full performance!
Once inside I waited my turn to order the house favorite: curly fries and water. There was a selection of 3 sauces: Spicy Mustard, Mesquite Barbecue and Creamy Chipotle. So many decisions! It was much like any fast food interior, with the exception of something like 6 50-inch LED flat screen TVs hanging on the walls. I savored the experience with my 2 baskets of curly fries and water. While I was sitting at my table, I was joined by 3 other folks. We talked in code at times, given the atmosphere of Los Pollos Hermanos. I was informed by a gentleman sitting across that the store would be open on April 10th with a full menu. That is the same day “Better Call Saul’s” 3rd season will premiere on AMC. It is a rumor though, so go on that day at your own risk. I closed out my delicious meal to saunter outside and take my last fleeting moments of my grand dining experience. Viva Los Pollos Hermanos, for the 2 day pop-up with fries!
Gallery after The Break
