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El Pollo Loco

3.2 (131 reviews)
Open • 9:30 am - 10:30 pm

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EL POLLO LOCO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Loco

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Liz M.

I had a simple order of classic chicken tostada. I asked for no sour cream. Well not only did I get sour cream I also got hair in my food. First and last visit there.

andjelka k.

had a shrimp salad totstada n it was not so great but they did take cate of my issue and i had the best shrimp tostada salad ever! i love their chicken usually but decided to venture :) thumps up

Looks like my burrito gave birth :(
Marcus F.

Downgrade 2022. Perhaps a reflection more against the corporation (a private equity company) than this individual location. When El Pollo Loco decided to kill their salsa bar they lost a key factor when deciding where to eat for dinner. I used to be able to get as much salsa and a variety of choices without shame. Now I'm lucky to get two thimble size containers of salsa every time I go up to the counter. Just not worth it for dining in anymore. They claim it's for the customer's safety but that doesn't hold true. Keeping the salsa bar full and clean is a lot of work, I get that. However if you can't serve fresh salsa every day because of lack of employees just say that, don't lie and say it's because of our safety.. Summation - No longer an option for dine-in. When you factor in the negative reviews on missing items from the drive-thru I'm struggling to find a reason to come back.. - The inside of the restaurant was immaculately clean. Nice lighting and decor. - Need a token to use the bathroom.

This is all the beans after drinking off the juice.  Manager only offered us 25% off.  What a joke.
Daniel M.

Was really looking forward to a shredded beef & avocado quesadilla. Costs almost $10.00 & the picture showed lots of melting cheese & avocados, but, noooo. Instead had two little slivers of avocado and a few small pieces of grated cheese. What a joke. When we spend that kind of money should be made right. Once again, management isn't training properly.

What a joke not picked at straight out the box like this to that is suppose to be a thigh?
Adelino E.

So I've never been to El Pollo loco before decided to go through the drive-thru for lunch ordered the garlic wings but they said they didn't carry them anymore. So I decided to go ahead with the classic 4-Piece meal with flour tortillas rice and beans sound like a good choice got back to my office to eat and to my amazement I've never seen such thin or sad chicken in my life. not only did it look like the skin was ripped off the breast it was paper thin so was the thigh meat and usually when you get a half a chicken to get half a chicken with a full breast and thigh meat leg wing I've cooked chicken most my life rotisserie style baked grilled never have I seen some chicken as Petty as this. I tried to call the restaurant however the line was busy I'll try again tomorrow but based on this experience I don't think I'll ever bother with another Pollo loco again this is sad and my photos are attached I did not pick at the food or take a bite yet that is how I open the box.

Look at this sad sorry mini burrito. I paid $4.95 for this with beans ONLY.

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20 days ago

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2 months ago

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4 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

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3 months ago

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2 months ago

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7 months ago

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6 months ago

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7 months ago

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9 months ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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6 years ago

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

The chicken and rice burrito should be called a rice burrito because there was almost no chicken in it.

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Good great as always. Manger was really concerned with our satisfaction. The crew was really energetic and happy. Thank You

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Olivia R.

We appreciate you, L. Thank you for your continued support!

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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Jessica B.

Nellie, we’re so humbled by your loyalty. Thank you so much!

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Best pollo loco ever food was amazing and clean location. They need more good reviews for there amazing service

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Fresh food properly presented with curtesy and a smile. We had avalado salad with extra chips and guac . Clean area to get drinks.

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9 years ago

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3 years ago

I absolutely LOVE this place. The keto burrito. Bomb Add some jalapeño packets. Fire . Just the right amount of chicken and avocado.

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2 years ago

The staff are always so nice and friendly. They always make you feel so welcome, especially if you're a regular.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

Good is delicious and service is great! Been coming to this branch for years now.. Always hive great service and food is good

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4 years ago

Don't order the chicken tortilla soup! Lots of small chicken bones, be careful. There either should be a warning label or not sold at all.

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2 years ago

Excelente servicio todos atentos ambiente genial siempre contentos todos los miembros

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Cenote Grill

Cenote Grill

4.3
(951 reviews)
1.9 mi
•$$

I've been coming to lunch here for a few years now. I get a craving for their poblano soup, and I…read morehave to, have to, have to order it. Usually a cup, sometimes a bowl. I honestly haven't tried too much on their menu because I can't finish their generously portioned entrees after a cup of the poblano. I usually go for one of their salads, the Asian chicken or the spinach salad. Or I'll get a la carte street tacos, the chicken or pork. I like the salsas that come with their complimentary chips. To this day I can't decide between them. The salsa verde has more of a kick but not too much heat. The salsa rojo is milder and thicker with nice flavor. Lots of retirees in the area coming to dine. It can get busy, especially Thursday and Friday lunchtime, and then you have to be patient for your food. Lisa in the front always has a sparkle and a kind word, and Guillermo remembers my drink order.

Cenote Grill is a casual Mexican grill decorated with stack-stone pillars and lighted topiary. It…read morehas a busy take-out counter, regular table service and ample complimentary parking. The menu was varied and the food was really good. The Thai chicken burrito was large and very tasty. My husband had a combination plate and said it was the best enchilada he's ever had! Complimentary chips-n-salsa was provided with not one, but two different salsas! The service was slightly slow, but friendly. The menus were a little sticky and there was food splashed on the wall at the table and a used napkin under one table. They seem to have a loyal local following of regulars, particularly an older crowd. We drove 15 miles to exclusively visit this restaurant as it had been on our list for a while. We would return if we were in the area. If their service was a little quicker and the cleaning was a little more sparkling, they'd get the extra star. (April 2026). Helpful?

Photos
Counter
Counter
Shrimp Burrito in Spicy Sauce
Shrimp Burrito in Spicy Sauce
Chicken teriyaki bowl

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Chicken teriyaki bowl
Sayulitas Mexican Food

Sayulitas Mexican Food

3.9
(384 reviews)
1.6 mi
•$$

On Thursday (6/18/2026), I ordered a burrito without cheese and was told it doesn't contain any…read morecheese. Unfortunately, when I got home, I found that it did. As someone who is lactose intolerant, that's something I have to be careful about. I called the restaurant, and the employee I spoke with said they would remake it for me the next time I came in. When I returned on Monday, Alexis helped me. It turned out my name hadn't been taken when I originally called, so there wasn't a way to verify the order. Even so, Alexis listened to my situation, trusted my word, and honored the remake. She handled everything professionally and made the situation right. Mistakes happen, but great customer service is how they're resolved. Thank you, Alexis, for taking care of it and making things right.

This place when I moved to San Marcos would have been 5 stars a couple years ago. Was my go to…read moreprobably weekly for a long time. Customer service to this day is great, nice people. I'm not sure what changed in the kitchen but I pretty bummed on the last 5 times I've gone. I get the California every time I go and add guac for reference, I'm a simple guy. Under-seasoned meat or not enough meat, soggy or dry/stale fries, light on guacamole when added sometimes, missing cheese. The consistency has been really off unfortunately for a pretty simple burrito. My last time I went I ordered the usual California burrito no sour cream add guac, got the burrito and it had sour cream and guac.... But no meat???? It was a big tortilla with sour cream and guacamole only in it lol. I laughed at the mix up and the customer service was great getting a refund (didn't request it they just gave it to me) and replacement burrito. Still decided it was my last time going there after that as even the replacement tasted like the meat had no seasoning on it. Writing this review to hope they turn things around some time in the future, I miss coming here but can't justify spending that much $ for a burrito I'm worried to be bummed about....again.

Photos
Big burrito!!
Big burrito!!
A peek inside the CONGA (refried beans, rice, and carne asada) burrito
A peek inside the CONGA (refried beans, rice, and carne asada) burrito
Menu

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Menu
Mi Rancho Market

Mi Rancho Market

4.4
(266 reviews)
1.2 mi
•$

The food is great and at a great price as well. Love the rice that comes in the burritos.read more

I'm giving this place 3 stars for now because my first experience was genuinely great, but my…read moresecond visit was disappointing enough that I almost rated it 2 stars. The first time I visited a few weeks ago, I had a really positive experience. The location was a little hard for me to find, but once I got there, it seemed worth it. I walked in craving a breakfast burrito and was helped by a very nice, slender gentleman at the counter. I asked for a ham, bacon, and sausage breakfast burrito and also requested that it be cut in half. He was friendly, said no problem, and within minutes I had exactly what I ordered. That burrito was delicious. The salsa station was stocked and convenient with self-serve cups readily available, and the atmosphere was nice. The people around me were friendly, and one gentleman even mentioned this was the place that used to be near Peterson's Donuts. Overall, it was a great first impression and I left happy, already planning to come back. Fast forward to today, Saturday, April 25, 2026 around 10:30 AM, and unfortunately, my second experience was the complete opposite. This time there was a young woman working the register, and from the moment I approached, she didn't seem very welcoming. I told her I wanted to order a breakfast burrito but wasn't sure what kind I wanted today. She told me the only options were bacon, egg, cheese and tater tots, or egg and cheese. I politely asked if I could add ham and sausage and pay extra, since that's what I had ordered before. She immediately responded that they "didn't have that type of breakfast burrito." That response confused me because I had literally ordered one there before. I wasn't going to argue, especially because her tone and attitude made me feel like I was bothering her just by asking questions. I then asked if the burrito could be cut in half and never really got a clear response. I also noticed the salsa station no longer had the little self-serve cups available, so I had to ask for those too. The same cashier asked how many I needed, and I said two. A few minutes later, another woman called my name and handed me the burrito. I sat down and realized it wasn't cut in half like I requested. At that point, I had to go back up and ask for a plastic knife and fork just to cut it myself. Which was not a problem or issue for me. I ate half of the burrito, but honestly, it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. The taste was underwhelming, and by the time I left I was just so disappointed. I ended up throwing the other half away after I left. Consistency matters, especially when the first experience set the bar high. The food was great the first time, but the service and quality were lacking the second time around. My honest opinion: if someone is having a bad day, they probably shouldn't be the first face customers interact with at the register. I may update this review depending on how management responds, because I know this place can do better based on my first visit.

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Mi Rancho Market
Carnitas with creamy mild green salsa, Adobado in the middle with no salsa needed, and Asasda with hot chile, which it needed.
Carnitas with creamy mild green salsa, Adobado in the middle with no salsa needed, and Asasda with hot chile, which it needed.
Ordering counter

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Ordering counter
Mi Guadalajara

Mi Guadalajara

3.6
(723 reviews)
1.9 mi
•$$

I've been to Mi Guadalajara in Escondido a handful of times now, and my wife and I keep coming back…read morebecause, overall, it's a solid spot for Mexican food in North County San Diego. It's got that classic, welcoming family-owned vibe that's been around since the '80s, and we always leave feeling satisfied--even if it's not always perfect. The interior is pretty cool and distinctive. Think big, spacious dining areas with vibrant traditional Mexican decor: colorful murals on the walls (some really elaborate ones that give it almost a resort-like feel), solid wood furniture, chandeliers, and that open, multi-level layout that makes it feel grand without being stuffy. It's large enough that even on busier nights, you rarely have to wait long for a table, which is a huge plus. Service is one of the consistent highlights here. The staff is friendly, quick, and chatty in the best way--they remember little things, keep the chips and salsa flowing, and make you feel like regulars even if it's just your third or fourth visit. No complaints there; it's fast, accurate, and genuinely warm. Now, the food: it's always fresh, which I really appreciate--no skimping on ingredients or anything that tastes like it's been sitting around. Portions are generous, and when it's on point, it's really good. We've had some great meals here that make us think, "Yep, this is why we come back." But I'll be honest--there's some inconsistency from visit to visit. The flavors don't always match what I remember from previous times. Sometimes the seasoning is spot-on and bold; other times, it's dialed way back. Our most recent dinner was a perfect example of that. I ordered the chicken enchiladas, hoping for that rich, comforting flavor, but they came out pretty mild--almost under-seasoned, lacking that punch I was craving. The rice on the side was a bit tough and dry, like it had overcooked or sat too long, which made it harder to enjoy. It wasn't terrible by any means (nothing was inedible, and the rest of the plate was fine), but it just didn't hit the high notes we've gotten before. It's frustrating because we've had better enchiladas and fluffier rice here on other trips. That said, the inconsistency hasn't been bad enough to turn us off. The highs are high enough, the atmosphere is enjoyable, the service is great, and it's a reliable option when we're in the mood for Mexican without venturing too far. My wife and I still enjoy it and will definitely be back--we're hoping the next visit brings back that memorable flavor we love. If you're in the Escondido area and want a big, festive Mexican spot with friendly people and usually tasty food, give Mi Guadalajara a try. It's worth checking out!

Gave this place a second try during happy hour and didn't change my mind…read more Service was decent. We were at the bar area this time. Again liked the decor, they need to curate it down a little. Music and better lighting would elevate it so much. We got two different menus and got confused but apparently one was the old menu. Drinks... 6/10. My mangoneada needed more mango and tajin, it needed more flavor. My friends thought their drinks were also just ok as well. One had to ask for more hot sauce for her michelada, they only had tapatío. She said it was bland. Foods also just ok. The birria tacos were the best part, def would order again. Tortilla didn't split, good portion and the consomé was good. Cheese dip tasted like velveta. Nachos with beef were decent. Fried ice cream was not good. I've had this dish many times and it was stale and didn't taste fried. Idk if the cereal was stale or the ice cream was so frozen but it was not good. The salsa that comes with the chips is more of a tomato based and we weren't offered other salsas. We asked and got two others but the flavor was just not there. Paid about 60 bucks with tip for two happy hour items, a mangonada and dessert. Again, if the flavors were there, it would be worth and I would be back. It's such a unique space, easy to get to, plenty of parking, beautiful art in the center portion, they are so close to getting it right.

Photos
Main circular dining area above.
Main circular dining area above.
Sunday Brunch Buffet
Sunday Brunch Buffet
Shrimp dish

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Shrimp dish

El Pollo Loco - hotdogs - Updated July 2026

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