Freshly grilled chicken, with nice service, prepared promptly at an affordable price. It's good food at a good value and the people here are friendly and helpful! read more

I rarely review fast food places, well because it's fast food, and you temper your expectations. However, this particular El Pollo location has always stood out for me in terms of the quality of the food and service. Yesterday was no exception. I ordered a 2 piece meal with two sides. The friendly gentleman that was helping me asked me if I wanted the original chicken or the chipotle chicken, I don't like seasoning that is too sweet, and he assured me it wasn't. When I got my meal, it tasted absolutely amazing. Even my sides of broccoli and Mac and cheese tasted fantastic. Sadly, all El Pollo locations are not the same, and this is one of the only ones I know that has consistently been fantastic. I wish I had taken a photo before I started digging into it. I will definitely go out of my way to visit this location in the futu read more

El Pollo Loco - This meal tasted as great as it looks. - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I work all over Orange County and I have eaten at many El Pollo Locos. For some reason my local restaurant never seems to impress. I have eaten at some that serve the chicken tostada salad like a flower arrangement and they are always fresh. I ate at the Laguna Niguel location yesterday and my salad looked like it was made 3 days ago. And as I have noticed before the shell was in-edible, tasted like soap or cleanser. If you take notice of a Pollo Loco kitchen you will see some locations stack these tostada shells on a top shelf uncovered... gross. Maybe you are not supposed to eat them... who knows. You have to give credit to the Laguna Niguel location, they are consistent... consistently awful. read more

El Pollo Loco - This is what El Pollo Loco advertises the salad as - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Went through drive thru --- talk about Fast !! The chicken was on point ! Absolutely delicious and service was great! read more

Went thru the drive thru around 2:45 today ordered a kids meal and a pollo bowl no pico or onions. My bowl was filled with onions I couldn't eat the bowl. It was mixed in with everything else. read more

I am absolutely beyond disgusted and horrified with what I experienced at this El Pollo Loco today. I ordered my food as takeout at the counter. They brought the food in trays to dine in when I specifically had asked for the food to go. Sonia Z the general manager started packing the food from the tray into the containers. She dropped one of the chickens on the counter on a dirty used bag that had been sitting there right next to the cash register. Then she says "Oops" and grabs it and puts it back with the rest of the chicken. I was so confused and in shock that she would do that as it could be considered a health code violation because the chicken could be contaminated after touching the dirty bag and the counter. Then we drive 12 miles back to work and she had forgotten to put the tortillas with the rest of the food and keep in mind this was an over $50 order for me and my co-workers. I had to drive 12 miles back to let her know and at this point I decided I want a full refund and I didn't feel comfortable eating the food after what I witnessed. She asked me what happened and I explained everything. She offers to only give me credit for the one chicken that fell for the next time. Are you kidding me?! Is this a joke?! She didn't even apologize for what happened. Then I witness the cashier take the sauces in the cups that were in the bag I brought back with the food, and she put those same sauces in another bag for another customer. How is that safe?! She just gave our sauces that we brought back to another customer instead of discarding them. What is going on at this location?! This location needs to be investigated immediately by the health department and be shut down. They are careless, they don't care about ethics, safety, cleanliness and they have no integrity. Please AVOID eating at this location as it is not clean or safe. read more

El Pollo Loco has always been one of my favorite comfort spots, especially when I want something quick but a little healthier than typical fast food. I love that you can get individual pieces of chicken, which is perfect when I just want a light snack or something smaller between meals. The tacos al carbon and chicken avocado tacos are my personal favorites and they always hit the spot. That said, a lot of locations can be kind of hit or miss with quality, so I usually go in with low expectations. But this spot completely surprised me. The seasoning was exceptional, the chicken was cooked just right, and everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. You could tell care actually went into preparing the food. Even the packaging was clean and neatly done, which added to the experience. The staff here were also genuinely kind and welcoming, which made everything feel even better. And they're open an extra hour later than most locations, which honestly saved me since I was getting in late and needed something good to eat. And especially in this economy, I really appreciate how affordable El Pollo Loco still is. You can get a filling meal that doesn't make you feel gross afterward and won't drain your wallet, which is getting rarer these days. Because the seasoning was so on point at this location, I seriously want to come back just to try the mango habanero chicken. I have a feeling it's going to be fire here! Any bad reviews are probably just from picky or overly stingy people because this location really goes above and beyond. Juana's a real one, that other reviewer likely left out that she mistreated the employee or something, the way she wrote that review screams that they don't consider fast food employees too much. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the area. read more

I came here cause it was near the 24 hour fitness I swim at. I love EPL and their salads. They had a limited time salad which came back from before and I wanted the pumpkin seeds in the street corn but the manager said to charge for them. Other locations do not charge for this. Also, when I was served the salad, these were all the bad ones inside. I thought the aliso viejo one was bad with their small portions, but this is even worse. The chicken was good though as always. The EPL near my house sets the bar so high it's insane how low these other locations are. read more

El Pollo Loco - Bad spinach and cilantro in my salad - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I have no idea what it is but the chicken from this location is way better than the one off La Paz. I say this because these 2 location are the closest to where I live. The service is good and food tastes very flavorful. Chicken and the sides are tasty, but the churros aren't worth buying unless you're eating in. I do take out most of the time so something like a churro wouldn't stay crunchy the trip home. As for ambiance, I can really say anything about it because I don't really eat there. Overall, I like the food and service and I always come back when my family is in yhe mood for grilled chicken. read more

I respect this specific restaurant a lot. During the day, I'll come and order, service, speed, quality is all great. However, today, Monday, October 6, at around 6:35 PM, I dealt with Cristian. Cristian jumped straight to the point through the speaker, ignoring my questions about using the app. So he essentially asked me to just "order now." So I order--and he is clearly overworked or distracted, as he needed various clarifications for a simple bowl. When I got to the window, I asked to redeem my points and he said "no, I won't do that" and I asked why? He said, "you should have told me before you placed your order." And I said "I did, you wouldn't listen." Then he reiterated, "I can't do anything, next time tell me." Then said "is there anything else?" I asked if I could at least redeem points and he said "no, that's before too." I feel like this location should train its staff on verifying if there's gonna be a mobile app used--or at the very least the ability to not punish and ridicule customers who were rushed at ordering over not mentioning it first. read more

El Carbon Tacos are 8$+ now huh ? Outside of OC it's 3.49 - DoorDash orders are always a mess from this location Like a raccoon went through the bag - Avoid this location - management doesn't care to fix it for regular families Bad for families - bad for the neighborhood read more

The young cashier, named ANABEL H at the drive thru was so amazing, everytime I go, I never have anything to say about anyone there bc they all suck and are old bitter people, but the cashier at the drive thru today 07-12-25 at 11:38 am Took the time to ask me about the rewards and asked to scan my rewards even though that takes time, and she was happy to do it! She was friendly and had a smile on her face! Hire More people like her please !! read more

Some of the employees are bringing the local political issues into the kitchen. Ordered a burrito. As soon as I started eating, it fell completely apart. It was poorly made, and it appeared to be intentionally made to fall apart. Next several hours after eight I got diarrhea.. I will not use this El Pollo Loco again. Also, it's hard to say, but if you're white, you have to be careful on some location that the kitchen staff is taking their aggravation out on the food that prepared for the customer. Be careful. They'll pull your local on Alicia Parkway. I've always had excellent service. Recommend them. read more

JUANA GAVE SPICY FOOD WHEN ASKED FOR NO SPICE TO MY CHILDREN. their mouths are still burning, their lips were swollen. and they were crying. thanks juana for laughing and putting very hot hot sauce on my children's food. you should not work in a food establishment, you hurt my children's mouth. she was laughing and she made the order very spicy on purpose. the first bite was all hot peppers to do that to children is not acceptable. she should be let go read more

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Came here because of the rave reviews; however, I ordered 2 chicken tostada salads and we received CANNED CHICKEN instead of grilled. There is a huge taste difference as well as texture and it's disgusting. I noticed something was wrong about how it looked and it almost smells like Tuna. I'm deeply disturbed and disappointed. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Friendly staff in a very welcoming atmosphere. Dr Farag was outstanding too both personable and professional! Great experience will recommend read more

May 24,2023 (Wed 5:01pm): The lady at the register welcomed us warmly with a smile. As we were dining, I noticed an elderly couple approaching the door. A male employee saw them and open the door and held it until they arrived. The Birria Tacos Box Meal ($9.79) and Wing Lovers ($6.29) were delicious. read more

El Pollo Loco - Birria Tacos Box Meal ($9.79) and Wing Lovers ($6.29) - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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$51 for an order from El Pollo Loco? That's right, and it's the same order I've asked for, for years, that used to cost under $30. Family dinner with 12 pieces of chicken, 3 side orders and 1 optional order and no drinks! Maybe they're charging for the tiny salsa containers...hmmm...I guess that's why there weren't other cars waiting in line, on a Sunday afternoon. While the food is certainly fresh tasting, the cups holding the side orders are now smaller than in 2021-22. At prices like this order, this will become a rare treat, indeed! Next time I'm in the mood for flavorful chicken, I'll go to Costco, buy one of their $4.99 chickens, buy some prepared salads, heat up some pinto beans, and enjoy. read more

Walking into the restaurant I was immediately amazed of how clean the restaurant was. The food was so fresh and tasty. The customer service was great as well. This location has to be one of the best pollo loco locations I've been to. read more

What a wonderful experience at this El Pollo location. Warm sincere greeting, fast and friendly service at the counter. My chicken was cooked to perfection and my sides were HOT & FRESH!! The salsa choices were great and the Spicy was Spicy and the Avocado Salsa was so Tasty. When my travels bring me this way I will return. And a quick mention of whom I feel was in charge (lady) Demaritus...forgive me for the spelling, she was everywhere assisting everyone!! Great job.... read more

I used to get the tortilla soup there a lot. It was delicious. Went and had some today for the first time in a couple of years and it tasted like crap! Actually tasted like it came out of a soup can. Nothing about it was fresh. I won't make that mistake again. read more

I ordered a chicken avocado burrito from this El Pollo Loco and found an INSECT'S THIGH IN IT. Look, I love El Pollo Loco chicken and the BRCs are legit, but finding a ROACH OR CRICKET THIGH in your food is not ok. I don't know how it happened, or why, but visible insects in food I paid for is NOT OKAY. Do better. Clean your kitchen. Check your food!! Never ever returning to this El Pollo. Providing a photo to prove the thigh find. YUCK!!!! I am DISTRAUGHT!!! read more

El Pollo Loco - Insect thigh found in chicken burrito at this El Pollo Loco on 4/15/2024. - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

The last three times I've come here I ask for red and green salsa and I get home and there is NONE!! This place is going downhill and the employees don't seem to care to provide good service!! Extremely disappointed today!! Got the chicken avocado and bacon burrito. I do not recommend and would not get again. The bacon was hard and chewy and very salty. I would stick with either a salad or their chicken pieces that they are better known for. UPDATE: Great place to come if you want a quick meal. I had a coupon so I tried the chicken and shrimp with avocado tostada bowl. It comes in a large fried flour tortilla with rice and beans. I thought it was very good for the price. The shrimp and chicken are tasty... but they definitely need to put on more chicken. I like the dressing and salsa provided and nice that they will give you extra if you ask. The staff are very friendly!!! For $5 this even included a small drink. Great deal! Will be back. read more

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Always a funky smell in there, ate some chicken on 09/28 and the chicken tasted like chemical. I don't know if it was the grill cleaner or what it was but it was disgusting. Dissatisfied and disappointed as a regular at this location. read more

I go to El Pollo Loco almost 3-5 times a week but this location earned a 5 star review from me solely for what Isabelle did for me. No, I did not get anything for free, in fact I agreed to pay more, however she was so kind to change my order on the phone and hold it for me to pick up at a later time with such pleasant attitude and a smile on top of it. That made my day and she deserves the credit for this review. Wish there were more people like her at El Pollo Loco restaurants. read more

this place is ridiculous. this is the serving I get. Mac & cheese half full. My burrito was cold with hardly and chicken inside. I got about 5 chips in the small bag. The portions were very small. I PAID $27. STAY AWAY FROM THIS LOCATION. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I just wanna say, that Michael and his team are great and cooked bomb food. If you are hungry come on by and eat good chicken read more

El Pollo Loco - I just wanna say, that Michael and his team are great and cooked bomb food. If you are hungry come on by and eat good chicken - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE BY DRIVE-THRU PERSON, KHRSTTNYA ( however she spells Christina)! Just went through the drive thru to get food and there was nobody in line and YET the person on the other side of the speaker was UNBELIEVABLY RUDE! When I kindly asked her to tell me what the sides are for the kids meal I was ordering for my small Child - she answered "it's on the menu- can't you see it!" Upon getting our food - she was talking trash on me for asking that in Spanish to her coworker - she didn't realize "the white bitch" could understand Spanish. Then when I suggested she be more careful about who she talks trash on in Spanish - she replied " F*** you" with my small child in the car. Well if I was her manager I would fire her disgusting and trashy mouth today! I'm sure she's not their Employee of the Month! Good luck to that poor child finding their way in this world! read more

I go to this El Pollo Loco all the time and I get the Queso Blanco. It's always the same consistency and they always know what I want. Great service always and restaurant is always clean! I will always go to this r it and recommend this place to family and friends. Cheers read more

Been coming to El Polo loco my entire life. First time I had El Polo Loco I was still in pampers. Ever since then over 30 years I been enjoying this crazy delicious food! Always great service! read more

I always loved Pollo Loco and noticed the difference between one last food and another. I couldn't believe the chicken tosada which is one of my favorites. The lettuce was in huge pieces, terrible quality, and so skimpy on the ingred that were in it. It was pathetic. No comparison to the one on Alicia pkwy. or mission Viejo. Will never go to that one again. I'll just drive a little farther to get better quality. read more

This is one of the nicest EPL I've been to. Nice and clean, warm food was good and fast. read more

El Pollo Loco - Inside - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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I ordered a shrimp tostada salad and it was so tasty. I'm a pescatarian so I love when they have shrimp on the menu! Definitely recommend it with the cilantro dressing and the green salsa. I love going to this location because the service is alway fast and the restaurant is clean, not to mention the staff they are always so helpful and kind. No matter of it's the drive thru or inside the restaurant, they are always consistent. 5 stars always!!! read more

Great food!! Excellent service. I came in yesterday for the new street corn pollo bowl, and I'm back today for the same. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I got ripped off after ordering a chipotle chicken avocado burrito. There was absolutely NO chicken in it and it was the smallest, most pathetic-looking fast food burrito I've ever seen. This goes beyond shrinkflation. Whoever made this thinks I'm a vegetarian with a stomach the size of a pea. I used the contact link provided by the manager responding to other comments here, but have yet to hear back from them. I want my ~$9 back, but I doubt I'll get it given how much of a dumpster fire this location seems to be. read more

El Pollo Loco - Chipotle chicken burrito with NO chicken - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

I just bough 12 pieces family meal thighs and legs. All thighs are messed up. Chicken meat not present, showing a lot of bones, skin separated. Looks like somebody took a bite on there ir messed up in the grill. Why i was given these chicken that way? I was told by the manager that i have to bring them back in order fir them to believe me. I cant drive all the way there again. So, I am posting these pictures because they refuse to give me credit for these pieces and they don't want to give me a email address to send these pictures. I was told that I need to drive there and show these pictures next time and maybe they will replace my 12 pieces family meal. read more

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People are so nice, and friendly, and the food is delicious!!! Very clean inside, and parking is easy. But they even have drive through! I will definitely come back! read more

Thanks for your excellent service. Always enjoy going to this location. The food is delicious!

El Pollo Loco is amazing. A worker name Damaris was the kindest person ever ,she even came to my table to see if everything was okay. The food was also so good. Of course we had to ring the bell. read more

I value service, ambiance, and the food but don't care for the main guy (portly) who takes order. Has a terrible bedside manner . The rest of the staff is great. Oh and the food is great as long as the chicken isn't dry which can be. Old chicken? This is meant for the La Paz location read more