I have been here a few times generally pick up food for someone else. Each time I have gone I have gotten a hodge podge of employee personality customer service abilities. Some of them are full of smiles and act as though they enjoy servicing customers. The rest seem like they would rather be at the dentist having a tooth pulled. The food is good for fast food but sometimes it falls flat. When I get the burritos I choose the one with the chipotle sauce to give it more flavor. Otherwise the burritos seem to be a bit lacking in flavor in my opinion. They are pretty fast generally speaking however. That is a big positive on their side. And their salsa bar is usually full and clean. Oh and they have some tasty drinks, non-alcohol. read more

They started out really good with plenty of chicken in the food but now they are getting cheap! Had a burrito that had more cabbage and rice than chicken. It's called El Pollo Loco so stop being stingy with it. I'm not paying $7.19 for 5 tiny pieces of chicken and a bunch of cabbage and rice. The rice isn't even flavorful and the beans were bland as well. Not to mention that salsa bar hadn't been replenished and there was hardly anything there. Took the burrito up to the counter to complain. Was given a tiny cup of chicken, was told they're sorry but that they use a spoon to add the chicken because it's a cost savings for them! What?? I don't care. How about weighing the chicken and deciding how many ounces to put in, instead of using a spoon? Not going back! read more

I have only been here twice and BOTH times I had something wrong with my order. The first time I got the avocado chicken salad- with barely any chicken...and found a HAIR in my food but had already left so didn't go back. Why I decided to give them a second chance after that I don't know. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. The second time I got the Mexican Cobb salad. They didn't put any black beans like it calls for and forgot the salad dressing. How can I have a salad without dressing? Ugh. Needless to say I will never be returning. I suppose the one good thing is they do have nice staff but the quality is just awful. read more

I usually like to get the 2 piece combo breast & wing, today however they didn't have anywings. Luckily Jessie was here to save the day and offer me a thigh anyway I just wanted to leave a review because she had a big contagious smile on her face and left me feeling happy. Thanks jessie! read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Petaluma, California

4 stars because they dont have shrimp anymore but other than that ive never been disappointed with my food.

This location is definitely NOT CLOSED. I'm sitting here right now. It's usually much better than the other Pollo Loco is in the area. I don't know why trolls are you giving bad reviews but I've always had a good meal here and I've been here dozens of times. read more

Super upset-- ordered two tacos today on my lunch break. In both tacos, the chicken was completely FROZEN. No joke, It actually had icicles in It. The lettuce was frozen too. Which made It clear to me that the food is not fresh, as I thought It was. I work across the street at the hospital so it's super convenient to come for lunch.. but I will not be coming back. read more

Food was good, but what impressed me the most was their service. We got checked in on 3 times!! I don't even get that good service at a sit down. We ordered a mixed chicken with both dark and white meat, we have never ordered that and didn't know what to expect. To make the story short, we didn't get any white meat. When we made a comment to the staff they quickly fixed it, even without asking!!! Customer service was great!! read more

Ordered for delivery which is listed on their page but found out later that it was "pick up" and they used an outside service for delivery. We picked up our order at 6, the time it was supposed to be delivered to our home. 45 minutes later I get a text telling me that the person who was supposed to pick up our order was finally getting there. That person texted me a "cancel delivery" message but no clear idea how to accomplish that as all attempts to contact "Postmate" (I guess, it still isn't clear to me) and cancel the delivery. Somebody in the mix is kinda's sloppy about details. Food is good as El Pollo Loco usually is read more

Deliciously seasoned and well cooked grilled chicken is the star here! Way better than usual fast food. The sides are well cooked, seasoned and delicious. Lots of different and varied entrees and combinations to try. My chicken taco meal was well prepared and presented. The service was quick, friendly and efficient. The portions were generous. I was not disappointed and will be back! read more

Didn't know there was a El Pollo here in Petaluma. We went through the drive-through on Sunday afternoon and honestly was in line for about 15 minutes behind one car. Super sloooow. Ordered a chicken wrap and it was much smaller than the other location. read more

I was one of the first people to try the establishment in Petaluma out. I had the "free meal coupon" for their soft opening day. I showed my coupon to the gentleman at the entrance of the drive-thru aisle. He was a little nervous, but very kind and respectable. I pulled up to the ordering part of the drive-thru and took a couple minutes to decide what I wanted. I wanted a few of the burritos with just rice, beans, and chicken, but they said I could only get one item with my $10.00 coupon. I was a little sad that I couldn't just do 3 $1.50 burritos. Anyway, I ordered the chicken tender basket ($8.99 for 6). They asked me what dipping sauce I'd like and I said Ranch is fine. First off, why did the owner of El Pollo Loco ever give the go-ahead to design that drive-thru like that? I literally had to get out of my car to get my order. If I hadn't I swear the drive-thru operator probably would have fallen out he was reaching so far. The curve that is right before the drive-thru is absolutely ridiculous and I feel like you will lose a lot of customers with that being how it is. To add, the curb that is right next to the drive-thru window sticks out a little, so you can never get close to the actual window. I think if you cut that portion of the curb it'll solve a bit of the issue with the drive-thru. Anyway, back to the order. I got the six piece chicken tender and a small vitamin water drink with fries. I was in a rush so I took it back to work. When I first sat down and opened the bag I realized I didn't get my dipping sauce. This is partially my fault I suppose since I didn't check before leaving, but I was kinda disappointed and I'll tell you why later on. Anyway, I put my straw in my drink and tried it and it tasted like plain water. I looked at the liquid that is inhabiting my cup and the color was a light pinkish clear color. I figure either the person responsible for this forgot what I ordered and put in 1/4 vitamin water 3/4 regular water, or your machine broke. It's not a big deal anyway I mean after all it was a soft opening. Maybe they still need to work out a few kinks here and there. Next was the food. I took a bite of the first of six chicken tenders to be pleasantly surprised at the flavor and texture of the chicken. Very moist and the breading that surrounded the chicken wasn't too overpowering. Again, this would have been great with some ranch, but oh well. So, I thought to myself, "hey this is going to be a pretty good meal". Unfortunately, no. I took a bite of the second chicken tender only to be disappointed. Very dry chicken and a displeasing breading. Not even ranch could make the chicken become good. After trying the rest of the chicken and only eating 1/6 of them I realized that the other five pieces must have been left out too long and the one piece I actually ate was made fresh. Now, for $8.99 + tax you would hope to get a decent amount of fries, correct? Wrong. I received a total of fifteen fries, but that's okay because the fries were the disappointment that I didn't even need to try. I took one look at the small grease-soaked straws and said "no thanks". But, I remembered that it is El Pollo Loco's soft opening and I need to provide feedback, so I tried one of them. They taste as good as they look. They should really put "grease" as a dipping sauce selection because that's all I could taste. If it had salt I couldn't taste it. All I could taste from this one soggy piece of fry is the taste of my arteries clogging. Now, keep in mind this was the SOFT OPENING. They may have all these issues resolved by the time it opens, but unfortunately with my one experience I had there, I do not think I'll come back to see if they did. read more

Who ever is cooking the chicken is letting the chicken burn. Ordered a 12 piece and all the pieces are mostly burned or over cooked.

There have been bone fragments in the last 3 chicken burritos I've had from this place. If they don't care enough to ensure their customers don't choke on a bone, what makes me think they care about anything they make. read more

Yeah, so, usually when a new chain restaurant opens, they send in a great training crew to get things straight. This appears to not be the case in every new restaurant opening I've been to in Petaluma, as once again, I'm hugely disappointed. The place was really busy for lunch, but when we received our order, the fries were cold. Not hot, not warm, cold. The chicken tenders were worse than bake-your-own-from-a-frozen-bag. And they weren't very warm either. I'm so glad I had a $5 off coupon. I haven't had the regular baked chicken, but judging from Yelp reviews at other locations, I'm likely to be disappointed. Service was great, and there were a bazillion people working here. That's not food. Food. I need decent food. How hard is that? I'm so glad I didn't get sick. read more

Placed an order tonight for delivery. That order was placed over two hours ago. First they refused to honor the advertised price I received in an email, then the manager called me. She asked when I was going to pick up my order. I told her it was for delivery and she argued with me. Then she told me one of the employees said it had been picked up. I asked if they gave it to the wrong person, or to a Door Dasher. She couldn't answer. When I demanded a refund, she said she would have to call her boss. That was an hour ago. Guess I'm going to have to dispute the charge. read more

Disappointed. Ordered two double chicken avocado salads. Avocado was hard and brown. They forgot to give us the salad dressing and the chicken tasted like it had been sitting in a dehydrator, texture was similar to jerky. If they are going to sell salads at 8:00 at night, they should probably make sure they haven't been sitting all day long. Couldn't even eat it. Service was great (except for the missing dressing), very nice folks. read more

Horrible service. I walked in to order. There were 2 gentlemen in front of me. They were ordering. 2 more men walked in. They knew the men ordering. They started talking. The men ordering gestured for the 2 men who just walked in to cut in front of me. The 2 men declined and got in line behind me as the other 2 men continued to order. But they also continued talking to the men behind me and started ordering for them over my shoulder. And the cashier allowed this. I was waiting in line and now I had to wait longer while the 2 men behind me placed their orders with the men in front of me. Ridiculous and RUDE! And the fact the cashier allowed this and no one else came to help at the counter, I walked out. And I will never go back. I work for a company where our employee base is 95% hispanic. And I was planning on using El Pollo Loco for catering of events for our employees, but NOT NOW. The way I was treated was awful. Like I didn't exist or count. As a company, having that kind of service ethic, they should be ashamed of themselves. They just lost not only an individual customer but a potential corporate customer as well. read more

These guys are just getting up and going so there are a few minor glitches, as there often are in a new business. But the manager and staff are doing a good job addressing any issues that arise. I definitely recommend you come and get some of their chicken as it is delicious! And we want them to stay in business over in this center or you'll have to go all the way to Rohnert Park. And we don't want to do that! So come on down for lunch! I promise you won't regret it.. read more

The customer SERVICE HERE IS GARBAGE. All teen workers who look like they can't even be bothered to make an effort to make good food and be nice. One girl in particular, has black hair and constantly has an attitude every time I come in, rolling her eyes at me doesn't she know they can get stuck like that. read more

I ordered 2 plates of food, chicken nachos- cold, dry chicken and the tamale/ chicken bowl- also cold, dry chicken and a cold tamale. Very disappointing. The food needs to be served at serving temperature. read more

I have been to this El Pollo Loco three times and their food is definitely better than the other branches. The manager or owner has stepped up and is really providing some great customer service which I was not used to getting at other branches. Keep up the good work read more

I stopped by yesterday, Saturday morning about 1115 AM, thinking oh boy, my chicken will be so fresh, after all they hadn't been open long. I ordered an 8 piece chicken to go. Some for lunch when I get home and some to take to work on Sunday. When I got home I started with a breast and a wing. So, dry!!!! So disappointing. If it's this bad out of the box, it's not going to get any better for lunch the next day. I have to wonder, did they save last nights left overs, on the grill, warming, to give out to unsuspecting customers? I have always loved El Pollo Loco. I'm done. Back to Wingstop after I play tennis. I know they cook my wings when I order. And, they are so delicious the next day. read more

I gave this place a second chance. My wife asked me to bring her a chicken bowl to work for her so I picked up 2 combos. They didn't give me my drinks. Yeah partly my fault but I was on my phone and wasn't paying attention in the Drive thru. She handed me my stuff and said have a nice day so I left. Realizing later what had happened I called the store spoke with the manager and she said she would fix my bill. Never happened. Who ever is running this insane asylum needs to sell it immediately because if you look at the other reviews also he can't manage a flee circus. read more

El Pollo Loco is about what you'd expect. Better than Taco Bell, worse than El Torito. Higher end fast food with okay prices and a decent menu. That's about all I can say. read more

My first time going to El Pollo Loco for a quick dinner. I love that they have items listed under 500 calories. I had the Whole Wheat Chicken Avocado Burrito which came with a side salad. It was delicious and the portion size was perfect. I will definitely go back, great selections, great prices and friendly staff. read more

I love there chicken but this is the 3rd time I've been told that they are out of chicken and will take a hour to cook. I'm pissed this is ridiculous and bad business. I was told that they didn't plan on it being so busy. All I wanted was 3 chicken breasts. Plus I had waited in line for nothing. read more

I went to try this place last night - I hadn 't even placed my order and thought I am not coming back here. The behavior of the staff was not appropriate and it is very open you can see everything placing your order. The young man cooking the chicken with the long fork was poking the girl, who was doing the side dishes...in the butt with the fork. She was laughing at him and everyone could see. When my order was ready to pick up..the young girl was howlering for another person to come to the counter in front of me..then just slid me my bag. Where is the Management to oversee these young people.... Disgusting....to say the least. Will patronize Panda Express....they are pleasant and professional. read more

I wish I could give this place zero stars. To start, we're not usually a fast food family; Chipotle is about as fast as it gets for us but I digress. Hungry toddlers and parents plus the healthier options available here made it seem like a safe place but were we ever wrong. I don't even know where to begin so I'll just spit it out... figuratively but don't think I didn't consider literally spitting out my food. Upon ordering, the cashier was far from helpful. A warning that the side of pinto beans we were ordering for our toddlers were a bit on the spicy side would have been helpful. Also, when I asked about a salad that looked oh so amazing on the menu, she conveniently forgot to disclose the fact that although the photo shows romaine lettuce, I would be getting old iceberg mix as the base of my salad. Next and the brown guacamole. Yes, you read that right, brown. I have fresher guacamole in my fridge from last week. Mixing it makes it worse people.... if you were smart, you'd scrape off the brown layer and serve what's below it. It could at least LOOK fresh and the customers would be none the wiser. A few other things to note: the two salads we took from the salsa bar were foul tasting, the chips were fried in old oil, two "cooks" were playing grab-ass while cooking and one wasn't wearing gloves while handling food. In closing, don't go to this place until it gets visit from the health department and corporate pulls their heads out. I get that it's fast food but that's no excuse. read more

Well, this place IS NICER than the Rohnert Park location, in RP the music is blasting and the place is gaudy. Petaluma looks fine, first time we went was OK, the second time the chicken had been sitting around, it was too dry and overdone - I guess from the heat lamps or whatever. Oh, and it's not too big of a bird, kinda skimpy. Not too busy at all, they need to do better or they may end up closing like Togos and Dickies BBQ down the street, and Panera in the Target shopping center. Really a lot of new eating choices in Petaluma in the past couple years. read more

Every frikn time I go through the drive thru either I am given the wrong stuff or they don't give me condiments. I'm done. I gave them 3 chances and they can't get it right. I don't blame the people I blame management for not training them correctly. read more

I'm not really a fast food person but I've had El Pollo Loco in another town and loved the healthier options. Needless to say, I was excited we finally had one in Petaluma. My visit today was the ultimate disappointment. I ordered 15.00 worth of food and got half raw chicken, one wrong side and wilted cole slaw. No condiments or plastic-ware was given either. The tiny bit of chicken I could eat didn't taste anything like the flavors at any other location. I debated about driving back and asking for my money back but it just wasn't worth the time. Quality control and better management of assuring people get what they want most likely will keep people coming back. With the short lines I see every time I pass by, you would think you want to get it right each time. Common folks we need this better healthier option!!! Get it together! read more

Note to self: Chipolte chicken avacado burrito comes WITHOUT avacado. Maybe they should let you know before you lay down eight bucks for a tortilla with rice, beans, and a little chicken. read more

I went in last night, a Saturday, at 7:35. I noticed they were serving tamales - one of their "for a short time only" offers. Tried to order them and they were out. Asked for the Double Chicken Tostada Salad. Kid behind the counter took my order and then, as an after thought, told me they were out of lettuce. Really?!?! They did have a notice posted in an obscure spot that they wouldn't have lettuce due to the E.coli outbreak until they secured a new supplier. Fine - how come every other restaurant in Petaluma seems to have the "lettuce crisis" solved? So I'm asked if I want cabbage instead. What a nauseating sounding substitute. I told him I was good without the cabbage. After they start making it he comes back and tells me they're out of avocado. A Mexican restaurant out of avocado - that's hilarious! At that point I just wanted something to eat so I told him I'd take it anyway. My expectation was that since they had no lettuce and avocado they would make up for that by increasing the amount of rice, beans, etc. Nope. It was pretty pathetic. The salsa bar was completely trashed. I was going to take some with me but after looking at it there was no way I was going to touch anything in it. Was really hopeful when this location opened. It seemed to start out strong. But the decline has been drastic. I guess I should have been wary when I saw I was the only person in the shop and nobody was in the drive-thru. It's painfully obvious management doesn't give a damn about what the customers think. They have a sign on the door encouraging you to give feedback on your way out. I've read all the Yelp reviews for this shop. Management hasn't responded to one review - good or bad. If you look at quality, well-run businesses management responds to customers. What a novel idea. Clearly, El Pollo Loco is neither quality or well-run. read more

Gave it one "star"because it was open. Raw food, wouldn't refund or replace. Friday night nothing available. 30 to 45 min. wait. Kids running the program. Strike three!! read more

Been here about 4-5 times. The chicken isn't as good as the one in Rohnert Park (maybe a lesser quality but it's always over cooked). The worst time was when they ran out of cooked chicken and told me it would be a 20 minute wait. WTF? All you do is sell chicken... read more

Tried again and thought I'd try to resolve the tiny sizes by going with the 'grande' option. Hmm. Basically a JITB soggy taco that's still small. Tiny amount of protein again so i think this is it for me no matter what. It just isn't good enough to bother. read more

The chicken was good. The white meat a little dry. The dark was perfect. A little upsetting that two of the side dishes had run out. We were there about 6:30 on a week night. read more

We have been to this EPL about five or six times since it opened. It was again a great experience. The food has always been delicious and properly prepared.The staff was friendly and helpful. We got the individual meal; one chicken breast was quite small so they automatically gave us two! The salsa bar was fully stocked and kept clean and wiped of all foods. Manager came and chatted with us. read more

Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and they were out of chicken breast. How does a chicken place run out of chicken?