I recently visited El Pollo Loco in Lake Forest and needed something quick and easy for lunch so that I can head back to work. The restaurant was clean and the staff greeted customers warmly. I got their Original Pollo Bowl which cost around $6 and it was a good deal. The chicken was juicy with a nice smoky flavor from the grill, and the sides like rice, beans, and mac and cheese paired really well with the meals. I also got a side of their churros and chips with guacamole for extra yumminess. It wasn't as busy in the restaurant but my food did take a long time to cook and brought out to me. I had to wolf my food down so that I can go back to work on time. Overall good experience and great tasting food. read more

I wish I took some photos of my food, but I ate it so fast because it was so good, I forgot! Haha I drove up to this location at a little after 1pm and there was no one in line. I wish I would've gotten his name, but the guy who took my order and my payment was very sweet and kind. I ended up trying their Shredded Chicken Nacho combo with Salsa Fresca minus the Guac and a Hawaiian Punch. I drove around to the window and as I waited for my food, the guy who took my order was busy taking another order, and (i believe) the manager came and asked "Is this her food?" to him to make sure I wasn't waiting much longer. Thank you! (I should've gotten your name too haha). He handed me my food with a smile. He thanked me and I thanked him and the other guy for their help! My gosh, I can only speak for myself when I say, those nachos were good!!!! The queso topped with the seasoned chicken, tortilla chips, salsa Fresca, pinto beans was just the quick stop meal I needed on this busy day. Not only was it good but it was filling too! I'll definitely order that one again. This is my second time at this location. read more

I'm genuinely disappointed with this El Pollo Loco location. On my last visit, I received only four chips, and when I returned Today March 12, 2026, it somehow got worse. I ordered two meals and was given an embarrassingly small amount of chips again. When I politely asked for pico de gallo and guacamole just four small cups the employee acted annoyed, as if requesting basic condiments was unreasonable. For the price of their meals, you're far better off going to a real taqueria where the food is better and the staff doesn't treat you like an inconvenience. This location consistently cuts corners and leaves customers feeling scammed. Pollo Loco do Better as business. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Janeas, very smart, she actually was making suggestions on meals saving us some money. Emmy and Alicia are very friendly and nice we see them here every time. We ordered a lot of food for a group of people helping us move. read more

See all

Service now is terrible having to order mandatory Using there kiosk AI machine only. I happen to forget to my reading glasses so it was quite difficult to order. I was there before two others but since I was much slower they got there food 1st even though I was there 1st I just want a human body taking my order. So I will be going to those establishments instead read more

I wish could do less than 1 star. Waited 22 minutes for a to go order. Nobody in restaurant. That said chicken tenders take a long time!!! Won't be back read more

I've been to other Pollo Locos in the area, I must say this location is the best. They're consistent with the quality and taste of their grilled chicken! The service and cleanliness was on point as well. read more

I enjoyed El Pollo Loco before but the lack of customer service & pricing is outrageous!!. It is over $20 00 just for chicken with no sides or tortillas. Even though you could get a whole rotisserie chicken for $5.00 at Costco. I decided to give them another chance yesterday. That will be the final straw. There is all self check outs now. When I ask a question, they seem bothered. An elderly lady needed help & no one offered. ***Management*** I hope you read this. Maybe, one self check out is fine but no human interaction at those prices is not right. read more

The worst experience I ever had in went to pollo loco on bake and trabuco lakeforest I ask her if someone can help me she said no you do ur order on the screen very rude disrespectful I have glaucoma on my eyes I can't see very good iam half blind she don't even care every time I ask her for help she role her eyes her name margarita so mean and the way she talk to me rude I hope this goes to the head quarter read more

The last few times I have visited here, the chicken was so overcooked, it tasted like jerky. Aldo, how is it the chicken breasts in the grocery store are huge & here they are so tiny? 2 stars for the service: always polite, kind & attentive. Another restaurant to cross off the list. It's a shame. They used to setve a great, fast meal. read more

We got the family meal which includes grilled chicken, hot tortillas or chips/salsa, and your choice of sides. We also got the BRC burrito. Overall, I'd say the food is mediocre. It's highly seasoned (too much) yet somehow not enough salt. It's only fair to say, though, that my family loved it. read more

The taste was terrible, expensive, unable to compete with similar options (Chipotle for example)

They do not know how to wrap tacos. My tacos ended up looking so messy. Also they gave a tiny scoop of guac to replace the avocado slice was expecting more since it was end of day. You win some you lose some ig. This location is next to my work. None compare to the location near my house on Nogales unfortunately. They always go above and beyond to assist me and should be the standard for all Pollo Locos. read more

Picked up my online order yesterday on 7/24/24, and the tall teenager at the counter was very rude when I asked for additional condiments such as sauces, cilantro and onions. He provided a small portion and when I asked for extra given that I ordered a family meal, he was very rude in telling me he can't. Also throughout the entire exchange beginning with picking up my order and purchasing a side of tortillas his attitude suggested he wanted to be anywhere but here. Hate writing a bad review especially for a local El Polo Loco location that I frequently visit, however this is now the second time the staff has been rude and management should look to improve the overall customer satisfaction. Food wise, no problems. Also if management is reading this, I picked up my order around 6-:6:30pm if they want to do a deep dive of who was working the counter at that time. read more

Very good service cashier Manuel is very calm and attentive and so as the last manager. Food is fresh I love this place w good orchata

Expectation vs reality. This is wild. $4 for a Chicken Avocado taco and this is the amount of Avocado you actually get . Sadly, I think I'm done with EPL in general. Prices are rising and food quality is in the gutter. read more

El Pollo Loco - Expectation - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

See all

Never a bad tasting meal. Never! Affordable and quick. I'll stop when I see one, the aroma always draws me in! read more

$17 for 2pieces of chicken microwave mac and mash and some s**ty service even though they're automated. Make it make sense. Never eating here again. read more

Not very sanitary. Did get a welcome gesture but felt super awkward as they took a solid five minutes to take my order while nobody was in line. read more

Inconsistent with know quality of El Pollo Loco. Extremely small breast in conparison the other breast they gave me, see pictures for yourself. I need you to go to El Pollo Loco 3 or 4 times a week because it's chicken, healthy and just get. I pay extra on the four piecemeal to get to breasts. And specifically pay extra $4, see you receipt for yourself. I got one good size breast, and another breast with almost no meat on it. Are you going to go to the Irvine at Pollo Loco which is really good. This store is disappointing. Not only did I have to wait too long, almost 15 minutes, I asked for a meal in the store I got it as to go. This store is a shame to the El Pollo Loco brand. Go to the other one in Irvine, they're much better. read more

See all

Hello this is the best Pollo loco! The personal os great! They are very friendly, make you feel like a family operated restaurant. Is the best healthy fast food restaurant whith mani options to choose! read more

I don't believe it's the location, I just think EPL has sacrificed speed for quality. Food was already, but no way near as good in the past. Service while quick, does not make up for using an additional taco shell to cover up the broken one. Food did not taste like it was fresh off the grill. The decor is dated and worn, however, everything was very clean. read more

I needed some fast food quickly and was pleasantly surprised by the ease of ordering and execution of takeout. Although they don't have drive-thru, there's good parking in the dedicated lot. Just watch for diners hankering for Japanese in the same lot. There seems to always be a wait during peak hours. The pollo street tacos satiated my picky 10 year old, and my carb loathing husband received more chicken when the clerk said he could sub the included small sides for another breast. We did not care for the fiery hot sauce... will make a note to stay with the tried and true chunky salsa next time! Will add to my healthy fast food rotation! read more

See all

Food is good the chicken always good and not dry. Workers there are great and friendly. I go around dinner time and Armando has a great customer service and helps out his team. Definitely recommend and will be back 10/10 read more

Service is good, ambiance..this place is run down. Food.. got tacos El Carbon and the classic burrito both the chicken way over cooked and the chicken cubes are mixed with shredded chicken. I don't remember that being the norm.. more like 2.5 stars. read more

I usually love el pollo loco but this experience has ruined it for good. I was wrung up wrong for one, excusable she fixed it. However, going home and finding a nose or facial hair in/ on my chip is traumatizing. read more

El Pollo Loco - Hair on chip - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This place is the worst. I'll never eat el pollo loco again because of this location. I ordered a 16 piece meal with rice tortilla and cole slaw. Yet I only got 9 pieces and no rice or tortillas. The lady even checked the order before giving it to me. So I had to go back to find so many customers waiting and all the employees looking lost. Now the food. Dry . Not good. Hard pass on el pollo loco read more

I love coming to this location especially seeing how quick they are with their service I usually wait 2 minutes for my order to be called, their food is very delicious great taste juicy. I love how this location always is happy and giving good vibes since the moment you walk in definitely worth the drive to come to this location! read more

Sergio the manager is super respectful & attentive every visit I do to this location, chicken is always on point

My favorite pollo loco location ! Employees are always friendly. They were a little busy and still got my order out quick !! read more

The food in the el polo loco location is definitely one of the best quality restaurants I have been to near by. Must stop by and try their service is exceptional read more

Horrible experience. Had to wait nearly 10 minutes before they took my order. Very unorganized. 3 registers and nobody cares to take my order. Ran out of ice tea and notified the supervisor and with the most unpleasant attitude,her response was "sorry we're out if you want to wait it's going to take 15 minutes". You would think after paying over $3 for a medium drink they will care to at least have ice tea avail. What is happening to M most Pollo loco stores? Seems like this organization is going to crap! read more

Good delicious food. The chicken is cooked to perfection very welled seasoned. I definitely recommend this Pollo Loco. Staff is fast and friendly. Restaurant and restrooms are exceptionally clean. Enjoy!! read more

The bowl had a good portion of tender and flavorful meat. I like that they include avocados without an extra charge. The meal was filling and decent for a good price. It's a good Mexican American place if you want fast service. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Love the salads here. My go-to when I cannot think of a place to go! The service is always wonderful.

Excellent customer service!!! The food was amazing and the vibe was the best of all. I will be returning for sure.

Specifically for this time and location. I lost my phone here and I was able to recover it several hours later. Service was super pleasant. Since I'm posting... Chicken nachos are good. Service was good, always a bonus when they smile :) Slightly disappointed there was no salsa bar due to covid but understandable. Place is clean as usual. Been here a few times within the last year. read more

My closest location and the best around the city in my opinion. Every time I visit, I'm greeted by the staff and the food service and quality always on point! I love how management is keeping the store clean and good selection of music. read more

Double chicken salad.i asked for no pico, they gave me no pico, very little salad and no avocado. Just a pathetic salad. They really missed the mark this time. Absolutely horrific salad. Sad when you ask them to deviate from the norm they always screw if up. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double chicken tostada - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

This is such a great fast food place that serves healthy food! It's one of the very few fast food places where you can get a meal in So Cal for under $10! If you download the app you can get a meal for free for up to $7 with any food or drink purchase. Their chicken is excellent and they have plenty of sides to choose from. They even have a healthy skinless breast meal. Their chicken is gluten free and any of the sides are gluten free also making choosing your meal easygoing. The people at this location are very nice and the booths and tables are clean. The parking lot can be a challenge because they really don't have enough spot for all the businesses in the shopping center so at peak hours of lunch it can be tough. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California