Pollos a la Lena

Pollos a la Lena, on Primera Avenida Norte Poniente in Palenque's Centro, is a no-frills wood-fired chicken counter and one of the town's most reliable inexpensive dinner options. The chicken is roasted whole over an open wood flame and sold whole or by the piece, with a quarter chicken plated alongside rice and tortillas as the standard order; grilled spring onions and a bright salsa verde round out the short menu. The setting is entirely functional: an open counter with the wood fire visible, a handful of plastic tables, and no attempt at ambiance beyond the smell of roasting chicken and smoke; the atmosphere is loud, quick-turning, and geared toward takeout as much as sit-down eating. There is no dress code, no reservation system, and no alcohol program beyond soft drinks. Prices are among the lowest in Palenque for a full protein-based meal, and the counter is busiest in the early evening as workers and families stop in for dinner. It is a straightforward, dependable choice for travelers wanting a filling, low-cost meal without seeking out a sit-down restaurant experience.