Food is good for the price as always. The issue is order completeness in drive through. Too many times incorrect tortilla type of forgetting salsa or dressing. Finally had to call it out. read more

Bday 2025: a perk of joining EPL rewards program is when its your bday you get a rewards, in my case it was $5 off any order. So, last night i took full advantage. This establishment is located in Ocean ranch plaza, near Starbucks, Zen Sushi, Starbucks, and across the street from Cinépolis . Around 9:30pm I approached drive thru, parking lot vacant , quiet for a Friday night. I ordered the double chicken tostada , extra rice and beans on the bottom, no salsa Fresca ( allergies), cilantro dressing on the side. If you want another dressing its going to cost ya here! $0.65 or 0.75 i think she said . When i explained my allergy. She informed me beans should be fine, and salsa fresca would be an issue. So, i believed it. I asked for cilantro and onions on the side from the condiment bar. Everything seemed smooth, until i got home and started eating. The top layer perfect, chunks of chicken, avocado, lettuce. Then as i started eating the mix of Rice and beans. Thats when it started. My throat, and i realized something is off, and wrong. You got it folks, jalepeno or some Sort of green serano pepper was found in the beans . Luckily, epi_pen in hand and here we go. Often, people that don't deal with life/death allergies don't understand how eating something as normal as a tostada salad could turn for someone else into a Nightmare. Each time I go out extra care and anxiety starts to play because any oversight can cause panic. Case in point tonight. read more

El Pollo Loco - Before Double Chicken Tostada , extra layer of rice and Pinto Beans on bottom - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

First time trying el pollo loco and was not disappointed. Fairly priced and got a lot of good for what I paid for. Burrito had mostly rice and beans. Would have liked for there to be more chicken and chipotle sauce read more

El Pollo Loco - Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

This location is great. Our team loves to order team lunches from El Pollo Loco in Dana Point. This location is super busy. Rafael and his staff always provide excellent service. Thank you. read more

Great experience at El Pollo Loco! The food is consistently delicious, and the customer service is always amazing. The Pollo Loco is definitely a go-to--highly recommend! We really appreciate Rafael and his staff for always taking great care of us. read more

"Raphiel provided excellent customer service today helpful, and attentive throughout the interaction. He also went above and beyond by offering our team a discount, which was greatly appreciated read more

Very expensive, chicken was dry and old tasting. The sides were good and large size. The churros were the best part of the dinner. Have not been in years, always thought it was so juicy. Times have changed! Costco chicken so much better. read more

01/15/2026 They had 15 minute wait leg and thigh meal. Chicken was old and dry. Pinto beans were hard and undercooked. I will not be going back. We threw away the food. Too much money wasted. They have raised their prices. read more

Are you kidding me! This is not the first time this has happened! The chicken pieces literally look like the meat has been scooped out and then cooked and SO dry! The last two times we came here they didn't have any chicken! No lie!!! I wish this review was actually seen by somebody of power who cares & who could do something. read more

El Pollo Loco - This are two four piece meals. Gimme a break! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

This one is better than the Greenfield and Crown Valley location but not better than the one near my house. This one is next to a 24 hour fitness I go swimming at. I get my order right here. read more

I love this EPL - The chicken comes out hot, juicy and fresh every time. I love the four piece meal with broccoli and mashed potatoes with the aquacade (avocado salsa) and their salsa fresca. The hot tortillas are the best around. This EPL is all about service with a smile and so welcoming too! The drive thru is fast and efficient and priced extremely well, in these high economic daily challenges. Much easier to feed a healthy & hungry dinner for an individual or family with EPL than trying to buying all the ingredients to make dinner at a grocery store. I find this EPL to be one of the tastier stores in Orange County! Bravo and Keep up the Great Work! We Love This EPL! read more

They forgot to put my tortillas in my bag. This isn't the first time they forgot something from my order

$20 for two small sodas ( 18 cents to make estimate) and two cheeselless BRC burritos that was 95% rice and zero cheese, no joke The owner is clearly using $20 minim wage to pad his pockets by making two tiny "value menu" level burritos and a small drinks into $15 profit. Labor time spent, 3 min Place was empty as I've seen often yet the next door costco food court is packed. Wonder why I give it till the end of the year and their doors will be shut down if they don't wake up Irregardless of political favor, gougers like this effect everyone To all fast food owners.. if you are gonna jack the prices, don't also double down by giving smaller portions. Charge $5 for a burrito that cost nothing to make give us a bigger version. I have small hands and as the picture shows, these things are tinier than ever Never again read more

El Pollo Loco - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

The chicken, corn and beans were cold. The chicken, corn and beans were cold. The chicken, corn and beans were cold. read more

When I originally moved to SoCal from the the SF Bay Area, I had never heard of El Pollo Loco. So, I decided to visit one of their locations in Irvine... A new, different, Mexican, fast food; sure! I walked in & to my surprise, "No burritos!" LOL - Well, shit... What kind'a Mexican, fast food joint doesn't offer burritos?! SMH. So, I guess I'll have one of those chicken bowl things... 'And since then, El Pollo has been the second round pick. Today was no different; Habit Burger's drive-thru was closed up, Pick Up Stix was a nice thought but that would've required me getting out of the car... 'And so by default, El Pollo Loco! HA! I can't remember the last time I was @ a El Pollo Loco but it had to be almost 4-5 years ago.... 'AND will you look @ that! There be burritos on the menu!! When did this happen? Okay, there's still hope for my late morning breakfast. (I just finished my shift @ 10am.) As I pulled into the drive-thru, I noticed a poster on the side of the building: "$10 for 10 Pieces - Sat & Sun Only" The $10 special came with 5 thighs & 5 drumsticks. For $1/per piece; sure! (Regular price: $22 - Includes sides.) My order: Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito Photo - https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/GQFztOAa4pX7v_B5fI6nSw?return_url=%2Fbiz%2FGQFztOAa4pX7v_B5fI6nSw&source=biz_details_war_button $10/10 Piece Special (Weekends only) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/writeareview/biz/GQFztOAa4pX7v_B5fI6nSw?return_url=%2Fbiz%2FGQFztOAa4pX7v_B5fI6nSw&source=biz_details_war_button Total: $20 I was going to wait until I got home to dig into the burrito... It was a nice thought. I hesitated to eat the burrito WITH THE SALSA as I made the drive home... It was also a nice thought. The burrito & salsa hit the spot, along with the upholstery, my clothes, and center console. I take full credit for the mess, I have a knack for spilling anything en route to my mouth; usually right down the front of my shirt. Today, it was on the passenger seat, the to-go bag, on the emergency brake, and in the cup holder in the console. I got extra bonus points today! However, @ the time I could not worry about such trivial matters; I'm eating. Overall, it was alright. When I arrived home; sampled a drumstick & thigh. Again, both were okay. A little on the dry side but what do you expect; it's roasted chicken from a drive-thru window. I hope know one drives up expecting, rotisserie style chicken, hot off the spit like you would get @ COSTCO. - LOL The service was fair; no issues. When I pulled up to pay, the young lady asked if I could pull up to the front for the rest of my order. The chicken wasn't yet ready. I wasn't in any big rush... 'About 10 minutes later, I had my chicken platter and was headed home. As I wrote earlier, El Pollo was never a first thought option when I'd consider a fast food spot to grab something to eat. However, after this recent visit & seeing a few burrito options, that may change. **Post review edit: In June, 2016, El Pollo Loco introduced four new chicken burritos to the menu which were the: Fajita Burrito Chipotle Avocado Burrito Wet Burrito Crunch Burrito It's funny how this location has a low rating but overall, I think they're doing okay. There always seems to be a steady flow of customers @ peak hours. I also have to give kudos to the owner/manager of this location for taking the time to address the more unfavorable reviews. Sure, it's a generic, apologetic reply BUT it does offer them an opportunity to help remedy the problem. Hope all of you are continuing to be well, safe, & healthy. This is a funky time for all of us, it's stressful, scary, and can be down right depressing. Don't let it get the better of you. BTW - It took me about 30 minutes to clean up the mess in the car. HA! Malama Pono! - DJ Food: 3 Ambiance: n/a (Drive-thru) Service: 3 Value: 3+ read more

El Pollo Loco - Remember when El Pollo Loco didn't offer burritos? One reason I didn't make regular visits to the Mexican fast food franchise. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

I usually don't write bad reviews but Very rude lady at the drive thru window today. I live down the street and will make sure not to come back anymore here read more

We ordered the new Chickenless Pollo burrito and tacos. We also ordered the Original Pollo Bowl (see picture). Our order was completely messed up, as well as the disgusting pollo bowl. Our vegan orders all had cheese, and looked like slop. Just like the pollo bowl that is pictured. I'm posting a picture of what the pollo bowl should look like and what I actually got...!!!! read more

El Pollo Loco - Original Pollo Bowl advertised VS what I actually got! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

Terrible I got overcharged for chicken thighs and large rice how in the world is the total 27 dollars when I got it for almost 19 at a different location ??? Then she manages to drop the price down to 20 dollars?? Then when my payment went through she said it didn't but it clearly did on my end ? She tried to charge me twice but I wasn't falling for it lmao it was 30 mins till closing she tried to pull one on me Don't come here tell that drive through girl move to a cook that's a bad look on y'all read more

Today I went in through the drive-thru for lunch and I was promptly greeted by a gentleman at the window with a great attitude. I regret not keeping my receipt to get his name but kudos for that cashier!!! read more

Food was OK chicken seemed dry, service could be better. We like getting some chicken and sharing it with our pup but didn't have the best experience read more

One of the best El Pollo Loco locations. Always fresh and consistent. Delicious. Friendly good service everything expect.

Mi tostada estaba muy dabrosa me encantó y sobre todo el servicio está muy bueno lo recomiendo y mi tostada con extra dressing

We ordered 10 pieces of chicken and a side salad. We got the chicken home and sadly it was all dried out. Usually they break down the dried out chicken for their tacos, burritos, nachos etc but this time they decided to just save it for us and serve it up off the grill or from the hot box. It was chewy, dried out and completely the the opposite of tasty and delicious. I will have to look at the chicken more closely before i leave the restaurant to ensure i don't get old pieces. read more

I went through the drive-through and ordered some simple things for my kids and I for dinner. They never let you sit in the drive-through to get your food they always make me drive around and pull into the parking lot and wait an extensive amount of time so that they can meet their company's expectations of not exceeding the time limit for them to get the food out to each person in the drive-through. For me this is not a drive-through! This must be their way of hiding the fact that their drive-through is slow and that they can't effectively get the food out to the cars on time. It's deceitful to the actual company, and it makes customers very angry! I've tried this a few times and they've done this to me every single time and I'm pretty annoyed with it! this is enough to get me to not come back again. read more

El Pollo Loco - A picture of me having to park after ordering food in the drive-through . - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Horrible Just got home from long day of work to spend $41 plus on food and was given food with sour cream on the receipt I had asked no sour cream and not just that my Guacamole had a total of 4 hairs in it and my toddler ate out of it unacceptable I will no longer be going to pollo loco read more

El Pollo Loco - Hair - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Great customer service at this location. This location really cares about the integrity towards the restaurant. Every time I come here, I am always thankful for Rafael and Magdalena for their great management. They are on top of everything, very polite and care for the needs of their customers. Food is always looking presentable and on point at this location. read more

Man working the window is the rudest individual ever!! I will never come back. I can't believe they allow him to treat people like that. This is my second time coming so I thought I would give it another try. Same horrible and rude service. ;( read more

Went through the drive thur today and had the best service I have had in a while. David the young man working the drive thur was so pleasant. He asked me if I would like some water because it was a hot day and you have to drink lots of water. I was very taken back of his thoughtfulness. Thank you David! Great customer service. read more

Friendly polite service in your drive up window doesn't make up for an avocado chicken burrito filled with lots of cabbage and beans, very little chicken meat and avocado. I was so disappointed ...as I had been craving this for a long ti but rarely splurge eating out any more. read more

Passed by the drive thru tonight to get some food and was disrespected by MARTIN in spanish. I gave the lady a $20 dollar bill for my food and she didn't give me my change.. so I kindly let her know I needed 10$ back as my change and all I see is MARTIN pointing at me and continuing to say in spanish " ese geuy " and some other things i didn't catch because he mumbled. Little did he know I speak and understand spanish 100%. Super upsetting and disrespectful as this has happened to my family members before BY HIM. They need to change their staff or teach them how to properly work in the food industry without disrespecting people. If no action is taken I will be contacting corporate about this situation. read more

Friendly but stingy! Ordered and took food home. Wrong pieces were put in my order. side Containers was half full the normal level. Don't recommend this location. Too much money, not enough food and wrong portions read more

Today is National Burrito Day. What a great holiday! We would have cooked at home this evening, but I saw that El Pollo Loco offered 2-for-1 burritos. Sounds great, save a few dollars and support a business. Smiles all around. The offer said the discount would be applied to my online order at the end of the process. What could be easier? But it didn't. No worries, just cancel the order (like with amazon) and start over. But they didn't let me cancel the order! Guess I'll go to the restaurant, get the charge corrected, pick up the burritos, and enjoy a national holiday. Guess again. The people at the counter refused to give me the discount, even though they've given the discount to other shoppers all day. After ten minutes of frustration, I gave up. The burritos were cold by then, and there were two large chicken bones in my burrito as an added bonus. Oh, well. Anyone know when national donut day is? read more

Went in here today and immediately was hit with the smell of the bathrooms, the whole restaurant smelled like it. I asked if they had crunchy chicken tacos and the cashier immediately cut me off and said they don't carry crunchy taco shells, when I went there two weeks before and the other cashier said they make them. I wouldn't have been so annoyed but the cashier looked and sounded extremely annoyed by me just asking. read more

Really bad food just thrown together. Unfortunately I got it in a drive through otherwise I would have demanded my money back. Ended up trashing all three meals. Well, my dog enjoyed the over priced bowl. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

I'm a little bit of a picky eater, I'm also vegetarian, so my review is biased. Comparing this location to any other in the chain I've received the best quality food and service. If feels like the staff here is treated well so we, the customers, are treated great. I get the tostada salad with chickenless and it's been over 99% perfect every time. Occasionally they're too big a portion of the chickenless when I order the double portion, so be wary and maybe try single size your first go. Enjoy! read more

This earns a solid four stars. The gal taking my order wanted to wrap it up quickly and we had some difficulties communicating our order. All said and done it was right actually! I got the avocado burrito which comes with creamy cilantro sauce very tasty! The tortillas are flour cooked and the beans are cooked to perfection! Very good burrito and would be a good choice on the go. The chips are homemade style and the salsa is pico and mild. I will return here read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

Completely dissatisfied with my visit. I ordered a original pollo bowl and the chicken was raw and not cooked correctly. I also found 2 pieces that was black from poor quality. read more

Dilemma, does it matter how good the iOS is if you get the wrong order? I had to repeat it twice, wanted breast wing got thigh drumstick. The sad thing is it seems to happen every time I don't check it, which has been one out of every four times. Even if they say breast wing it is leg thigh. Word to the wise, check the order before you leave!! read more

Ordered a Keto Burrito tonight. I wanted to try something new. When I got home and unwrapped it I was shocked at the tiny size. It wasn't folded properly and looked like a sloppy taco. The lettuce was completely wilted and it tasted awful. Stay away from this menu item. It's a waste of money. This particular location is making it harder for me to come back. read more

El Pollo Loco - Ordered a Keto Burrito tonight and unwrapped this disaster when I got home. It's the size of one of their tacos al carbon. Disgusting. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Not really that impressive and certainly you can ger better in Southern Cali. The food is decent, not great. The price is just too high for the quality and quantity too. I almost laughed when I saw what was supposed to be a side of guacamole and chips. There was barely anything there. I got to give them a little credit though as they did react to my dissapointment on the guac and did give me a larger quantity, although with some unnecessary hesitation. read more