I love El Pollo Loco and used to go there very often, but stopped going so much once I realized they were serving either raw(pink) chicken or burnt chicken. My daughter and I had the leg and thigh combo about a month ago for dinner and got very sick the next morning after eating it. I knew it was from the chicken because my boyfriend didn't eat any and he didn't get sick. The chain is awesome, but this location needs to pull it together. I've seen them run out of chicken, I've seen hair in my food, and I've had rice and chicken that were burnt to a crisp. The manager might want to go out to Concord, Hayward, or Stockton and check out those locations and how well they run their restaurant. I'd like to come back to this location, but I don't want to get sick again, so I'll stay away :(. read more

El Pollo Loco was my go-to spot for my chicken cravings but recently it's been nothing but bad. I ordered using their app and clicked delivery & it placed it as pickup but I was like whatever its only a few blocks away, but already having to go pick up my order, it was packed & I came nearly 30 minutes after I placed the order which it said it would be ready by then. I asked if it was ready they said no so I had to wait until they cleared out everyone in there just for them to prep my order which was nearly an hour! I had also ordered horchatas using the app & when they handed me my food & said "Thanks" I said wheres my horchatas & the guy replied "We don't sell that here" what the heck! I ended up having to get some of their nasty sodas instead. I gave it a second chance since that's the 1st time I had bad service with them & so I ordered again, this time I did get it delivered by DoorDash but they didn't send the tamales from the order so I called them & they said to call DoorDash then DoorDash said to call them, big mix up & after weeks of back & forth I still haven't even gotten compensated, does it really hurt them that much to refund the 10$ worth of tamales like holy crap you guys are some how always packed but the service is terrible! So avoid using the app & get ready for horrible customer service! read more

This isn't the first time I went to eat there and there was hair on the food. At first the workers did not want to give me the managers number .Their customer service sucks I called to complain and asked for the manager I called she was very rude and asked to talk to her supervisor she said she did not have one that she was the owner then she said she was not. I am still waiting for a call back from her manager . And the place is dirty would not recommend read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, California

My first impression when I walked in was, "this place is immaculate." It really is really really clean. Good because I'm not about to dive into a salsa bar if a place is filthy [well, I might.] I got the two piece [- should they call it a bikini? -] and although the beans were too sweet, the corn was soggy and inedible, and half the tortillas were dried and crunchy - the chicken was killer. That almost made up for everything. Next time I'm just getting the chicken. El Pollo Loco is seriously the only fast food joint I think I really enjoy... (considering that innout isn't fast food, it's heaven) Auf. read more

This is the only location I've frequented, but I really love that EPL grills all of their chicken and better yet, their "bowls" are prepared with skinless chicken, which is good even if you're not on a diet. It's always pretty busy when I arrive, no matter what time, but the lines move fairly quickly. This location has tons of families with kids because of the great deals on entrees for families or large groups. The salsa bar is the best and perfect to get what you need before your order it ready. This location is pretty clean and there is always at least one person restocking everything constantly. The employees are nice and friendly. There are lots of combinations to choose from and many other tasty items. I love their bowls, which feels like they way about 2+ pounds, are filled to the brim with fresh ingredients and piled high with chicken. They are similar to a huge burrito, with all the toppings, only in a bowl. I think the prices are very fair and the portions are pretty damn generous. I pass this place to and from work, so it's very easy to stop and get my meal. The drive thru is also VERY busy at times and the line is awkward with cars that block the exit for others. I feel walking inside is faster and easier. I also like the fact that the person who is the franchisee of at least 6 locations in the LA area is an activist for and hires many transgender employees. How cool is that? El Pollo Loco serves some of the best food, with clean ingredients, for a fast food place! read more

El Pollo Loco never disappoints when it comes to freshness of their fire grilled chicken. You can tell their chicken was marinated well, see the chicken being cooked and served hot. The assortment of salsa is a plus and there is no restriction on on how much salsa you can take home. They have really good deals on combo meals ad family meals. The restaurant is not fancy at all and if you don't mind cleaning your table so you can seat right away, then its a good place to eat. Personally, I don't care much about its ambiance anyway because the quality and taste of the chicken is what I go there for. read more

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OK for fast food The chicken is better than what supermarket delis sell. The chicken leg on the $1 menu is a deal. I like the churros. When they have it, the tortilla soup is good. loaded with good-quality chicken and veggies. It comes with a little cup of cotija cheese and cilantro and a bag of their tortilla strips. AVOID the Al carbon taco on the $1 menu with spongy mystery meat that may or may not be chicken. I've ordered the Fiesta Salad more than once. It is probably one of the better fast food salads. The tri-colored chips give the salad a good crunch. Good mixture of Chicken , Lettuce, Cheese, Chipotle Dressing, Cotija Cheese, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Corn Poblano, and Pico de Gallo. Of the sides, I like the mashed potatoes and mac & cheese the best. Flan is OK, but I like those churros better. read more

When I want Mexican food and fast... THIS IS THE PLACE!! I love their food and will continue to come. They were helpful the place was clean!! I'd come here again!! read more

Their portions are so small, their chickens are the size of pigeons. Tacos and burritos are tiny. By the time you order enough to get full, you've spent as much as you would at an authentic Mexican restaurant. read more

i went to get a chipotle chicken burrito and the service was good and the food was amazing really quick too and a good price

It's a chain franchise cheap eats place. Taste the chicken, Listen, I mean really critically taste the chicken. It's greasy, Slimy greasy. It ain't a nice organic hormone free chicken. This is fast factory cage raised medication injected chicken. They fry it on a grill with cheap oil. They could do better, and you can eat better someplace else. read more

Be aware! Had a side of guacamole & pico degallo, both very spicey, I had to toss it, taste like it had lots of jalapenos, never been this spicey. Also, pico degallo has always been mild now it's very hot. read more

I was introduced to Pollo Loco in L.A. when I was about 10 years old on a road trip. 10 years later I moved to the East Bay and I was re-introduced to El Pollo Loco. Their food is consistent, I've had maybe one bad experience in over 3 years. I get the usual Pollo Bowl and Taco Al Carbon. I've tried some of their other items, but the calorie count is too high for my liking. I stick to the 500 calorie Pollo Bowl. The ingredients are always fresh, the chicken is tasty and is reasonably priced. They have a great selection of salsas and have just introduced a new item, A STEAK TACO!! El Pollo Loco and In -N- Out are the only two fast food chains I support. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, California

WOW!!!! No lettuce and a 30-45 min wait on chicken????so what are you selling? So you just don't want the business. This is just poor customer service. It's a Tuesday not even a busy weekend. Come on management get it together. read more

If I could give a negative star, I would... OK, so with the current health crisis going on, you think a FULL staff would address this emergency with more care? Went to get a chicken burrito this last weekend and Everyone was wearing their masks on their chin, including the chic in back; except for the choppy chicken guy. Nose and mouth exposed like they didn't even care!!! Not going back until they take the Covid Crisis SERIOUSLY!!! read more

I definitely think that Pollo Loco has improved their taste and their service. I hadn't been to a pollo loco in a very long time. Maybe 5 or more years. I have started to go back again and it is much better. I specially like the chipotle burrito. Pollo loco's chicken is cooked right there and then and it is very juicy. I think it has to among the healthier fast food choices that there are. But then again, fast food is fast food, right? read more

I visited yesterday July 19th 2017 around 10am in the drive thru I looked down to put the straw in my daughters sprite and found 3 dead 6 legged friends (ants) in her drink I go so I go back to ask for the manager just to be told she's not there and the supervisor is to busy to come talk to me I was offered a replacement soda and a churro really still haven't been contacted by management and wasn't even offered a refund or even a sorry read more

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Located a few blocks away from Casino San Pablo, this fastfood place is our favorite place of the month. It's a great deal for those who are trying to find a decent meal at a low cost. For under $20, my husband ordered a 3-piece chicken with a side of pinto beans and tortilla soup, soda, and extra corn tortilla while I got a cheese quesadilla, 1-pc chicken leg, 2 chicken tortilla rolls with cheese dip, soda, and 2-pc churro... unbelievable deal! more importantly, the chicken's crazy good :) read more

Always wanted to try one of these ever since I saw them but there's not too many in the regular roads I travel so I've just tried it this one time and maybe it will be my only time.... Not saying that it's bad. It's decent but I won't go out of my way to try it again. Decent but not great... But glad I finally tried it. Otherwise, I would just keep wondering and wondering... Now I know.... read more

Only come here for the chicken-legs and thighs. The few other items I've tried (salad, stuffed quesadilla) are over priced. The salsa always seems fizzy, not a good sign. Sides are small. But the chicken is a reliable, tasty choice. Have only done drive thru, which works well. The coupons are good too. read more

I swear to God, if my test comes up positive for E Coli.... this is just nasty and my doctor has taken a report and we will be contacting the health department read more

El Pollo Loco - Took a bite of my salad and almost puked from a sticker!!! - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, California

I love this chicken, although I must admit it is a bit on the dry side at times. I also like the mac and cheese they serve very much, but lately I go for "chicken only" and I make a green salad to go with. I go to this location which is more convenient to me than the one in Oakland. It's spotless, never busy, and the servers are bored but friendly. read more

As chicken is what it promoting, it is a healthier alternative. They have a variety of items on the menu, and I do have my favorites. The staff is friendly and my orders don't take too long with very few mix-ups. When I'm there I usually see someone replenishing the bowls with fresh salsa. 4 stars, but they lose a star for panhandlers that seem to frequent the place. I've seen them come in and load up on the free salsa and leave. Although the last time I saw this the person's hand were filthy and I refused to eat the salsa on that occasion. I'm sure it happens when I'm not there, but to actually see it well... Still a good place to eat a quick meal and not break your wallet. read more

Lock your doors, kids. We're going to El Pollo Loco! For some reason there isn't a location near me that isn't semi-sketch. The people who hover around the outside.. hm. Still, the drive is worth it to grab some grub from this joint. "Fast food".. eh. Health wise.. .nope. better than that. taste wise? nope.. better. Much better than Gordos for chicken or mexican anything. So much better. (my half-ass comparison) read more

The food was alright it had pretty good flavor. Not authentic Mexican food tho...... Lol read more

They gave me my food really fast and i love the varieties in the menu. Everytime i buy here the chicken is really fresh its what i like the most from this place read more

Seriously.. this place is AWESOME for cheap, fast, chicken and steak in various forms.. I dont get all the low reviews or complaints.. I understand what they are saying, but seriously.. this is fast food and not a 5 star restaurant. What would you expect? $5 Food = $5 Service (can be slow crappy service and underpaid people.. oh well) I rate this place based on 'Fast Food standards'. This place is near a ghetto casino, ghetto neighborhood, ghetto people so I dont really care about the "ambiance". I just care whether or not the food is good for my $5. The chicken and steak is very well flavored and there tons of combos to choose from that are fairly cheap. The service is also usually very fast. And to those who got sick and got tape worms.. dude. Should I tell you how McDonald's stick their chicken nuggets with pink butt paste and their meats ground from ass crak.. El Pollo is much better.. read more

I recieved a great customer service thank you pollo loco member great food clean restaurant

Great food. Great service and Katherine is the best! Katherine has excellent customer service skills and has full control of the restaurant . Makes it a super nice place to eat. Keep up the good work, it does not go unnoticed by my wife and myself. We eat here 3-4 times a week. Always excellent quality food. 5 stars. I wished they had wifi. Signed, Randy & Francie. read more

Today I was waiting an hour for my order and they never attended me. A lady who works in the restaurant asked her colleagues for cut chicken to complete my order and they never paid attention to her. Bad service read more

The only thing that I usually get from here is the chicken avocado tostadas. They are soooooo good. I can eat that everyday. This place does get pretty packed. I have seen long drive thru lines in weekends and evenings in weekdays but it's worth it for the tostadas. There is parking available. Server did seem friendly, restaurant is clean as well. read more

Place is trash. Spent almost 30 min waiting for drive thru service, had to ask me 5 times what my order was. Only ordered three things and 2/3 were totally wrong. Ps, you've got weeds so tall in your drive thru you can't read the half the menu. read more

Hey. I just pick up an order of 10 pc rice and beans . I asked 6 green salsas and nothing!!!! Ordered a doble chicken salad no sour cream and they put it . OMG what a service. Now I'm gonna eat half of my salad and my chicken without salsa. So disappointed read more

Sorry, my first visit was not a good experience. The chicken was spoiled and I got an upset stomach for a couple of days. I hardly eat out for that reason alone. My stomach is very sensitive to bacteria in food. I have eaten at other El Pollo Locos in the past and I was fine. The rice and beans were flavorless. Sorry for the bad review. Im being honest. read more

The chicken is well seasoned and juicy. I just wish they keep the new items on the menu. Great place if you don't want to spend a lot of money on your lunch break. read more

Of the fast food restaurants in the east bay area, this is one of the restaurants that we visit at least once a month, but it can get busy due to the Casino next door. Overall the prices are kind of expensive and prior to 2014 was worth it, but since then the food has declined in comparison and on the last 3 of our last 5 visits the chicken was dry, but certain items like the BRC Burrito, Crunchy Tacos, Tostada Salad, to the Churro's smooth's out my concerns of food quality with their chicken in these last couple of years. read more

They forgot the chicken in my double chicken salad..wtf..why would I bother going to a place that has chicken shells chicken and opt for a vegetarian salad ?? read more

I couldn't even tell you how many times I've come here and bad enough that it's only walking distance from my house. It's like crack to me, I swear! I've never had a bad experience and the staff always gets my order right. They're always friendly and the inside of the restaurant is always kept clean and the salsa bar replenished (at least every time I'm there it is). They usually don't take very long unless there's a really long line during "rush hour"/dinner time. I order inside if the drive thru is too long. read more

So disappointing! I have visited other El Pollo Loco restaurants that have great food. However this on is not one of them! I sent the following email to the company and never received a response. Tonight, we visited the location in Richmond CA. It is a distance from our house in Oakland but we really felt the drive would be worth it. We were so disappointed in our meal and the whole filthy environment in the restaurant. The chicken pieces were so small and the Ultimate avocado chicken salad was also small. The salad did not even closely resemble the pictures on the wall. My wife found a hair in the salad dressing. The sodas did not taste like Coca Cola. They tasted watered down. We had to clean our own table before we could sit down. While sitting there eating we noticed the guy behind the counter cooking the chicken sneezed over the chicken. I am truly disappointed in El Pollo Loco. I don't think I will visit another El Pollo Loco again. read more

This is my favorite fast food restaurant. I can call ahead to order on my lunch and when I get there it's ready. My favorite thing that I order is The Wing Lovers you get 4 wings 2 sides and the price is not bad $5.99. You need to call and see if they have wings because they run out... read more