I was looking for a healthier meal and was pleasantly surprised to see El Pollo now offers a tasty looking salad. I decided to get the Double Pollo Salad. Out of the three types of salads, I chose the roasted corn, but they all looked really good (they also had Mexican Caesar and Bacon Ranch). The salad itself was full of fresh crunchy romaine and field greens and came topped with perfectly ripe avocado and roasted corn, alongside flame grilled chicken that was juicy and flavorful. It came with a creamy cilantro dressing, which tasted freshly made. I also got the chicken tortilla soup, which was quite decent, even if it tasted like more of a traditional chicken noodle soup than a chicken tortilla soup. The service was great, as there was a friendly cashier and an efficient kitchen that had my food ready in under five minutes. The only real con is that the salsas are no longer left out to get yourself. Ambiance is nice and clean, consistent with other El Pollo Locos. read more

El Pollo Loco - 2 toasted corn double pollo salads - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

It's a good thing we didn't leave the store with our order. The staff forgot to include our cilantro dressing and salsa. The Double Tostada Shrimp Salad was just okay. Shrimp was small. I expected better. Wife said the drumstick and breast in her chicken meal was small. They used to be larger. The biggest disappointment was the flan. The ad shows a larger flan that looks like a burka just made it in her kitchen. Nope, this one was in an enclosed container that looks like you could have bought it in a grocery store. read more

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I really enjoy their fresh choices, my favorite is there shrimp and chicken tostada bowl! Shrimp seasoned and cooked to perfection always and their chicken is never dry Their green avocado like sauce is extremely flavorful This location has nice outdoor seating that my family and I enjoyed together Their bathroom was very dirty, but they had really good service and they were super quick Will be coming back read more

Ordered a Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito on a budget and wasn't disappointed. I wasn't yelling from the roof tops either. It's fast food and you should lower expectations. I still feel like there are better local options to get a burrito, but if it's late and you have to choose between Pollo Loco or Jack in the Crack, I think loco is a better option. They followed my instructions for no diary(cheese or sour cream) which I can't say the same for Jersey Mike's. Also provided some chips and salsa which is always a treat. Burrito wasn't that spicy either so if you are a wuss like me when it comes to spice you are in the clear. Sometimes in life showing up and being present is half the battle. It might sound crazy, but El Pollo Loco does just that. read more

El Pollo Loco - Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito with no diary - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I wish I could give all El Pollo Locos the same rating based on their chicken. That would mean, all their locations would be the king, the star, the most awesomest at fire grilled chicken. But unfortunately, this is so not the case... Instead, if you go to a new one, it's a gamble on whether the chicken is over cooked or even tastes off. This time around we got our order to-go, but ate some of it in the restaurant. Which, I'm glad we did so we could trade out the super dry pieces. And that's exactly what we did - I should have swapped 5 of the 8 pcs, but only requested 3 replacements. They were nice enough to do it, but it still makes me question why it needs to happen at a chicken spot? Why? Any way, not my favorite crazy chicken location. I'd recommend going to a different one. read more

This is so close to the south Carlsbad state park! There isn't any parking at the beach. You actually have to park here to walk to the beach which is about an 8 minute walk. I ordered on the app for my 4 teens. They had a $10 off $30 coupon which I used. What a deal! My teens were fed with 22 bucks. Their food is pretty good and healthy. They had broccoli for kids meals side. The macaroni and cheese was too salty but who comes to eat that at El pollo loco. My teen does apparently. The bean rice cheese burrito was big for the kids meal. It was worth the price. I did take out and the food was ready in minutes. The place is busy and blasting Christmas music in November. Cool! read more

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I'm not sure why this place only has 3 stars. We come here often and have never had a bad or even average meal. everything is consistently great. The staff is always friendly, and the restaurant is clean every time we visit. The grilled chicken is honestly some of the best around and seriously underrated. Keep up the great work, guys! read more

I always forget that this place is in the area... so my friend and I walked into El Pollo Loco to try their new Double chicken and shrimp tostada... and it was quite yummy. I would come back to have it again!! BTW. We ate inside and it was fairly clean. It's just a typical location - nothing fancy. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double Baja Shrimp Tostada - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'm dropping 2 Stars from my original review. The location and food remain 4 Stars but El Pollo Loco's marketing department and management practices need some tightening up because their coupons are disappointing, misleading, and confusing. After a fun surf session at Terramar today I decided to use my special El Pollo Loco rewards coupon at this location. I had just gotten out of the water, was barefoot, and only had a towel wrapped around my waist when I drove up and placed a $48 order. When I said that I have a coupon the counter person said, "You can only use the 30% off for online orders or at our inside register. I'm pretty sure it says on there that you can't use it in the Drive-thru. Do you want to cancel your order, park your car, and come inside?" Looking down inside my car and realizing that I was still dripping wet from surfing and also bottomless I replied, "No, I'll use the coupon next time." When I got home I discovered that they did not give me a receipt so I couldn't log my purchase into my El Pollo Loco rewards points. What's more NO WHERE on the coupon doesn't say that you can't use it in the Drive-thru!!!!! This SUCKS. During this time of Covid why is El Pollo Loco encouraging more in-person contact between its customers and staff?!?!?!?!?!?! Next time that I'm craving chicken after surfing I'm heading to Pollos Maria for their curbside service or getting delivery from Chicks Chicken in Encinitas!!!! read more

El Pollo Loco - Chicken perfection! - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I'll preface this by saying it's my wife's local Loco. And she thinks it's the best EPL she's ever been to. She raves about the consistency of her food and the service. In fact, she is missing her cashier that just moved out of state. In mean she's a regular!!! Me... I've just never found THE item I love and want to come back for.... but today I did. The avocado chicken wrap was a great lunch. Low cal and tasty. Also plenty for lunch and not a bad deal. This location is clean and well run from what I see. Very pleasant folks and easy parking. My wife's go to is the 3 piece with broccoli and coke slaw. Loves it every time. So, that why Yelp is helpful. Everyone has a different experience. This was mine. read more

El Pollo Loco - Chicken avocado wrap 490 calories! - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I am giving 2 stars because the food was good today. However, things have really changed. Prior to Covid they had a very nice salsa bar that allowed numerous options. This was one of the reasons I would visit at least once a week. I understand why they took it away but it needs to come back. I like to eat at the restaurant and it is not nearly as pleasant any more Today when I asked for more salsa, it was as though that was a problem. Then after getting my salad I saw my dressing container was not full. When I asked for another dressing the young lady said I have to charge you. This has never ever happened before. Both my wife's salad and mine were tasty and that is the only reason there are two stars. I can honestly say I used to actually look to eat at a Pollo Loco, but I guess those days are gone. read more

This location does not honor online coupons. Dropped in today with a QR code, and they wouldn't honor it. They said I also needed a barcode from an email that doesn't exist. They had the QR code from the app and the written offer. Still wouldn't take it. read more

I was happy to see that this chain restaurant had some low carb/keto type options on their menu. I tried the double chicken protein salad. It was a healthy portion of food... Greens, avocado, lots of chicken, pico, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, with a creamy cilantro lime dressing. It was tasty and filling. My husband ordered the chicken bowl and was less excited about his than I was with mine. He also got a lot of food, but there wasn't much that stood out as being exceptionally wonderful. For me, out looks like a place I can get a low carb meal. read more

El Pollo Loco - Keto protein salad and a chicken bowl - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

After a long time of trying other fast food places, I decided to give this El polo loco location a chance. I ordered 2 chicken avocado tacos. I don't have any allergies and don't have a sensitive stomach, but exactly 30 minutes after eating these tacos, I was nauseous and felt like throwing up and then ended up with diarrhea for the rest of the day and the day after!! That really makes me wonder what kind of poor hygiene practices and unsanitary environment they are making their foods at that leads to diarrhea and vomiting right after eating it. I have to mention I get tacos all the time from other places, and I haven't had any reaction and stomach issues after eating! Very scary and dangerous!! I will never go back to this place. read more

Love their crunchy taco combo and the ambiance of the store. Excellent service as always. read more

Food is always good and service is friendly and fast. Best fresh salsa in town! It is my go to place. read more

Needed something quick after meeting up with friends at a nearby Carlsbad beach. Since I was so drained from the sun and did not feel like making dinner, I decided to try out El Pollo Loco. Customer service was quick and friendly. It has been years since I have been to EPL. I recently heard they have vegan options. Being this is a fast food restaurant, I was sort of wary about ordering the vegan options (there's 4-5 vegan taco and burrito options). For this reason, I only bought one vegetarian street taco. Guacamole: definitely get the larger size as the large size is small. It is about 4 ounces. I would hate to see the small size? Size of a tablespoon? The guacamole was okay. Not too flavorful.- The vegetarian taco seems to be made of jackfruit as the veg protein alternative. I wished they used something tastier like Beyond Meat that Burger King uses. The middle was soggy due to the jackfruit mixture. The amount of lettuce and cheese was in good proportion to the jackfruit filling. The taco shell was flavorless. In summary, I will not be returning because the food is sub-par. I would rather pay a bit more for food that is full of taste and therefore, filling. read more

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I went through the drive thru and a young man named Diego took my order. It was very refreshing to hear such a friendly voice on the intercom! Good customer service is hard to find these days. I truly appreciate the great service! Thank you! read more

This location a stand out compared to others. Always fresh ingredients, but the staff-cooks make this one my go to lunch spot . Always very friendly, fast service and I never get an order that's wrong. (Gabby's a real pleasure!) read more

App doesn't let you choose drive thru option for pick up. So we get off to pick up the order and doors are locked 9pm employee is inside sweeping the floor and just stares at us and waves at us ... umm ok so I go to the drive thru to pick up the order quick enough. But just annoying I had to get out to get the order for the door to be locked . Like customer are supposed to know what to do read more

just enjoyed Classic Tostadas at EPL. Delightful experience. phone in order ready on time with what we ordered in fine order. Will repeat. We are in Motel nearby while our home is being re floored. this EPL is 1/2 mile away and closer than our local one and easier to get to. Great salad with well cooked chicken in a tostada with beans & rice. read more

Of all the locations I have visited, this location will be my to go place. Great customer service and food is always fresh.

Great place. Chicken was fresh, and I love the Avocado salsa they have. Very clean and great customer service.

I know this is a fast food restaurant but ordered an all white two piece dinner to go and while the sides were OK mashed potatoes and mac & cheese the chicken was overcooked & dry. I also got corn tortillas instead of flour, they fell apart they did not hold up & were very crumbly. Not sure I will go back. read more

Today I stopped by to order a meal for two with the coupon they give out and it was so easy to use. The cashier Gaby was so nice and welcoming. I enjoy eating at el pollo loco! The chicken was delicious I order some salsa and the avocado salsa was delicious with the side of chips. The outside of the store was clean and many parking lots and seating outside. read more

I am writing this on behalf of my friend since she doesn't have an account. She placed an order for delivery through El Pollo Loco app & requested delivery. Apparently they use doordash and when the driver delivered the order my friend asked her to leave the order outside the front door. My friend has a protection dog plus with Covid she didn't want to open the door. The doordash delivery driver would not leave the order saying "you need to update that on the app". My friend said she didn't order through doordash & the girl would not leave the order. My friend contacted El Pollo Loco & spoke with Carlos. Carlos needed to speak with his manager about refunding the amount. My friend was not able to leave her house due to caring for a sick relative to go pick up the order which is literally 5 minutes away Carlos was so generous & offered to take her order to her. He was beyond kind & helpful. As a business owner myself, Carlos is the employee we all wish we could find. He was caring, supportive in helping to resolve the issue & the epitome of customer service. As far as the food goes, the chicken tortilla soup is a favorite with her family. She said she has never had a bad meal from there. If you anyone reads this please make sure to go stop in & tell Carlos & his manager what a blessing Carlos is. read more

It's says they are open till 10pm and the place is closed down. Guess I will find a more legit business establishment to give my dollars too. Last time I ever go to pollo loco. Boooo! Why am I not surprised that this store is not opened yet the hours are 10am to 10pm?!? Its currently 1033am and the drive thru intercom says store is closed?! Wtf?! I thought this location was under new management?! read more

El Pollo Loco - Not open!!! - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

this place is awesome. super dependable and consistent. fresh salsas. clean dining room and nice patio. tasty chicken bargains. nife cokputer PoS system and customer loyalty program. love it. read more

Giving this place one star seems generous. My husband & I were camping right down the street and decided to get take out to make things easy. I hadn't had Pollo Loco in many years and looked forward to it. Such a disappointment! The chicken pieces were TINY with barely any meat on them, dried out, and over cooked. It was like bad chicken jerky. The rice was also crunchy and hard like it was scraped from the bottom of the pan. Horrible! I'll never eat Pollo Loco again. Ever. Attaching the chicken we ended up throwing out. read more

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I got two tacos el Carbone that totaled $4.30 There was 6 bites total and absolutely no cilantro Never going back as this was the final straw The customer service was pleasant but doesn't make up for the couple of bites of food for five bucks read more

El Pollo Loco - 6 bites total between the two tacos and no cilantro. - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great customer service greeted and people were happy to serve! super neat place and good quick food

Super fast and dependable fast food restaurant. It's my go-to for a quick lunch during the work week, especially during COVID. The rewards program is good and the food is tasty. I've never had a major issue here. read more

Give me your chicken burrito NOW! I have fallen in love with El Pollo Loco. The food is always delicious, fresh, and fast. I don't like chicken on the bone so I go for burritos/tacos and always love them. I also really like their french fries that come with the combo meal (or 8 other sides). Also, there is a FROSTER'S FREEZE inside the place. You can get a dipped cone, shakes, etc. Always great to wash down your chicken delight. read more

I stopped by today for lunch. Amazing place and food was on point! Great customer service from the whole team!

The food is delicious. It is very fresh and flavorful. The salsa bar is clean, savory and stocked. Both the chicken and carne asada are awesome because they have the marination and the preparation down. But, there are problems. The drive-through is extremely slow. If you are on your lunch break, you will spend half of it in line. Even if there is only 3 or 4 cars, you will just sit. If you are merely, trying to entertain your kids for a while and you are dining in, slow drive-through is not a problem. Another problem is the price. Now I realize that there is plenty of parking and a large lovely clean facility which takes more $$$ to rent and maintain. However, the price is high for Mexican food. A steak burrito is 5.99 (before tax and with no drink or sides), a steak quesadilla is 5.99, and I've spent $30 on a family meal - that's too much for fast food! If you are in the parking lot and wondering if it tastes good, the answer is "yes." (If you are at home and weighing your options, consider all the options first.) read more

El Pollo Loco - Front and Center - Fast Food Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I live right up the street from this location and I've been coming here for probably almost 15 years but I never thought to leave a review until now. I've come here almost every day for about a month now because I've had an intense taco el carbon craving. The staff is always extremely sweet, especially Esmeralda. She is such an angel, and always remembers my order. Food is consistently great, and that's why I keep coming back! Give Esmie a raise, ASAP! read more

Refer to photos. Not a one-off experience. Have been experiencing the same for the last 4 years. I'm just not going to go anymore. read more

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Just your typical review of a well run crazy chicken fast food "restaurant". They grill and marinate the chicken well and I've never had a bad meal here. My only "beef", haha, with this place is that when I ask for extra salsa, can you please give extra salsa?! Twice in a row I've driven thru and none was given after I've asked. Hopefully there's better communication because I needs my salsa!! read more

Hey! This is healthy eating right here. Roasted chicken? I can eat this all day long. - Clean location - Friendly counter service - Food is always served fresh off the grill - Reasonable prices I've been eating at this location for about a year since moving to the area. Always a good meal here. read more

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First and last time I will eat here. Had a four-piece dinner. The chicken tasted ok, but the pieces were unbelievably tiny. Looked about the size of pigeon legs and thighs. Where on earth did they find these little things? A real rip off. Shame! read more