Stephanie and Joanna were amazing. I came 10 minutes till closing and they were still able to accommodate me and all my requests. Amazing team. Amazing management. They got all my sauces that I needed. They advised me what was still left over and what I can order. They took care of me. Then the restaurant was super clean. Come see them They have great customers service. read more

They stop serving certain food form the menu at 8:30 because they close at 10pm. It doesn't make sense. Those women are lazy.

I'm shocked that this location has a 2 star review. I am a somewhat regular customer at lunchtime and the ladies who work there are always really helpful & friendly. They have never mad a mistake with my order. I use the drive thru. read more

I love to use the app to order. I always get a much better deal. I really love their loco salad with extra cilantro dressing. I wish they bottled and sold the stuff. I've never once had my order messed up by them and they are alway accommodating. I once came in and had an issue with my coupon but they helped make it work. Excellent chicken and sides.0 read more

El Pollo Loco - Reciept - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Placed a pick up order figured, it'd be better to do carry out. Came into the store the second I walked in you could sense the unwelcoming vibe. They gave me my food and I walked out, drove home. That's my bad I didn't check for any missing items. They were plenty missed, I decided to go back not in a Karen way but in polite way I understand people are human. Manager was a complete dick. This place is unwelcoming, their advertising is "under new management" I see nothing has changed. Come and eat here if you'd like missing items w a side of attitude. read more

El Pollo Loco - Pick up order. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Under new management, food was hot and juicy, just the way I liked it, will keep coming to this location

I have a love hate relationship with El Pollo Loco. I used to eat El Pollo Loco up until about 8 years ago. I got food poisoning years ago and my digestive system was never the same for El Pollo Loco. These Birria tacos you've been hearing about? Nawwwwwww. If you are like me, and was scrolling thru tik tok and seen a bunch of tik tok videos claiming how delicious the crunchy Birria tacos are...save yourself a ton of money and go somewhere else in southbay to fulfill your birria needs. I was one of those yuppies who saw a tik tok video with about half a million views talking about how these birria tacos slap. LMFAO someone needs to slap the person who thought El Pollo Loco could ever have the audacity to think they can make good birria tacos...while they are at it-slap me too for being fooled and buying them. I ordered 4 birria taco box combos and 3 separate a la carte orders of birria tacos, a pollo bowl...wanna know how much everything was? 85 bucks and some change. Bamboozled? Yes we were. Let's talk about my online order...says it would be done in 25 min. We got there in 35 and still was not complete. The only thing that was complete was the pollo bowl and the drinks, which by the way were incorrect and were so watered down by the ice and the drinks just sitting there, we ended up throwing our drinks away. I asked for the avocado salsa and was given green. None of the salsas were out, I was told because of COVID, so now we are still at the mercy of the staff to give us correct salsas. My birria tacos were crunchy, I'll give you that. They were not hot. I could taste the onions and cilantro...there was no cheese at all. I even opened the taco up-none. The consommé was bland and tasted like Taco Bell medium hot sauce mixed with water. They only fill the cup midway so you are legit having to slant the cup to get the taco dipped in there. They were lagging on the 3 birria a la carte tacos and made them while I was there. I could see the girl pulling them out the fryer...she didn't let them sit long enough for the oil to drip off...so when they put them in the foil, all the oil sat there. Good feeble attempt by El Pollo Loco, failed execution. I'll update this review regarding the pollo bowl after I eat it tomorrow. Would I come back? Not for the tacos. Depending on how it goes with the pollo bowl-this might be my to go place for tostadas/salads. Total Cost: $85.36 w/tax included. Breakdown: 3 Birria Taco box combo w/large drinks: $11.69x3:$35.07 1 Birria Taco box combo w/reg drink: $11.29 3 orders of Birria tacos a la charge: $8.99x3: $26.97 1 pollo bowl: $5.89 Honestly, I think El pollo loco owes me for bamboozling me regarding the tacos and for messing the drinks up. Save yourself the money and disappointment and go somewhere else. read more

El Pollo Loco - Birria Taco box combo - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is just terrible, the only thing there good at is taking your money.... Not once do they get your correct... There's always something missing or just wrong.... The best one was when they just straight told me the ran out of chicken LOL,,, really how the , do you run out of the main thing that your restaurant sells and is known for!!!! Today they ran out of salsa and no seranos another important ingredient that you must have with your pollo Loco.... I ask for the manager and all I got was accusations of others and the morning shift not doing there job.... This place is terrible wrong workers to management,,, stop wasting your money at this place.... The should shut down or just start from the bottom with new management and new employees....... Needs a good limpia everyone currently working should be gone!!!! Let me know if you need some help!!!! read more

Just ordered Drive thu at 6:30pm. The Sh**t head Kid on taking orders was RUDE ! I asked for a Classic chicken Tostada salad. I guess he has hearing problems and instead of asking POLITELY! Can you please repeat the order? He kept asking "WHAT HAPPEND?" "WHAT HAPPEND?" I was confused and thought he was talking to his co workers. I asked are u talking to me? He YELLED WHAT HAPPEND!!!!! I got to the window and was nice because i didnt want HIM OR HIS CO WORKERS TO SPIT ON MY FOOD. I ASKED for Serrano peppers and the FUGLY completely ignored me. If he hates his job. Why dont he just quit! His mom must hate him. read more

visit started with a 20 minute wait to get food Had to go up and remind them I still had an order My order was incomplete Had to substitute items Very disappointed in the new taco dip Taco is loaded with cilantro and onions. Very little cheese or meat. The dip had no flavor whatsoever Also got 2 chicken thighs, They had very little meat Flavor was there but lacking meat Employees were very loud, even ones on break yelling at people behind counter Dinning area was filthy read more

Sad they didn't have the cauliflower rice available at this location. They play their music so loud they can't here you when you order in the drive thru had to pull up to the window after several attempts. They need to step it up, there's a Popeyes right next door! read more

We are pleased this store on Palm Avenue has been given a restart. We get our lunches their most days. Today, we were sorely disappointed. The tostada shell was missing one of its sides and they did not include the entire order in our bag. We go through the Drive up. I called the manager who remember us and our order. She knew the shell was damaged but was apparently satisfied to give us a less than satisfactory product and she knew we omitted part of our order. She also insisted I ordered an item without cheese (this is how clearly she remembered us) but even after telling her that we never ordered it as such -- she maintained that was our order. It took the entire conversation to come to an end before she offered an apology. My husband is now driving back with our order and get a replacement. A huge inconvenience to us. She offered us, noted regular customers, nothing in return for being put out by their mistakes. I am reluctant to complain especially over a relatively small matter -- but if one cannot be humble and gracious with small matters, I doubt they can be for the big things. I will also add that it is hit and miss as to whether the chicken is cooked to my satisfaction. Something, usually, it's great. But other times, it's more like chicken jerky and uneatable. I trust we will get our order straightened out and service will continue to improve. But I am not pleased for the extra effort it took on our part simply to get our order. Business is all about satisfying the wants and needs of the customer at a profit. I am happy for this business to succeed. I want it to be successful but for it to be that it must fulfil my wants, expectations. Today, El Pollo Loco on Palm Avenue failed. The manager admitted this, at last but gave us nothing for the effort, energy we had to put into that to get that basic level of satisfaction. I am disappointed. Will reconsider my daily support of this establishment. read more

Regrettably went back again. This time it was just me, got the chicken nachos and a BRC burrito. Noticed an extra bag of chips, cool. Get home, I had 20 minutes to eat before a video doctor appointment. The reason they gave me extra chips is because the chips in the nachos were soggy and not fresh at all. And like I could only find 3 pieces of chicken... So gross. I ate the chips with salsa I had at home. Again there was no flavor in the 'red' sauce. I mentioned this on my FaceBook, and most friends in the area said the same for this location. Don't waste your money here. read more

Just wanted to add an update. I had a compliant earlier this month, and Arturo, one of the managers, helped me out. I really appreciate the help and reaching out to resolve the problem. Thank you read more

Got a bowl with barely any chicken and it was dry af on top of that.Then my girlfriend's quesadilla was cold as well.Over priced for sure but at least make sure your serving fresh food or at least warm. read more

Sorry, this is a short review. I didn't like the chicken tostada. The chicken in the tostada had a bad odor to it, like not fresh and going bad. I ate some of the rice and beans, and part of the tostada shell, but NOT the chicken. I ended up putting the remainder food in the recycle bin for compost. Sorry, Pollo Loco. I won't go there anymore. read more

I came here with my family at around 8:30 pm to eat dinner here and dined in to eat our food inside. We finished eating at around 9 pm and wanted to use their restrooms. However, we were declined service to use their restrooms in their exact words "if the restrooms are closed then they are closed". Confused, I checked the closing time of this establishment but online it says they close at 10 pm however, they've already started locking the doors 10 minutes before we finished eating. So again, we requested to use their restrooms politely and yet again they tell us "If they're closed then they're closed". As we were leaving and started entering our car which was parked in front of the entrance, the lady (a big lady) began to talk mad shit about us to her coworker (a younger male teenager/ adult). She visibly showed motions saying we were "crazy" and kept pointing towards our car, mind you we were the only car in the parking lot. Absolute rude customer service all over restroom usage. But what ticked us off the most was she proceeded to talk about us in that manner in FRONT of us!! I do not recommend eating at this restaurant as they lack proper manners and respect towards customers. read more

Van de mal a peor No salsas ,,,,la comida fria Pedi una tortilla soup y me dieron solo caldo de pollo ,,,,,,bueno caldo porque ni pollo tenia read more

They were painfully slow, and closed 2 hours early. They said they are out of everything. They didn't know what I ordered at the speaker so I had to tell them my order again because they lost my order. The person at the window didn't know how to use the order screen. I was in line waiting from 7:55pm and didn't get my food until 8:33pm and there were only 3 cars in front of me when I arrived. After arriving home, found out the chicken skin was burnt and the chicken was overcooked. I ordered two 2-piece meals, but one was a 3-piece meal. They also didn't give us and utensils or napkins. read more

El Pollo Loco - Burnt chicken - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Incredibly slow. We were the only ones in the drive through and had to wait 20 minutes. The restaurant was empty too. Incompetent and badly trained employees. read more

Careful with the online ordering, I've never experience such a hassle over fast food. Definitely not worth the headache of not receiving the food and having to wait days to get the money they charged you for it. Turn off the online ordering if youre sold out of everything. read more

Really want to love this place, but the inconsistency they have is very frustrating. First, they were NEVER opened and couldn't have consistent hours. Now, the kids working the window are just terrible. He for sure cares more about his belt buckle showing with his dirty fingernails more than customers. This is the second time in the last 2 months that I've ordered extra tortillas (that I paid for) and get home and have 0 tortillas. On top of that, I had to ask if the order was complete because they handed me food with no eye contact, or even a single word. Turns out my order wasn't complete and doubt we will be back anytime soon. Hopefully they figure this out because I surely loved the el pollo loco concept. Guess I'll be driving to Chula for my next family deal. read more

I love everyone here very nice and kind hearted always offering the best of offers and discounts when needed really have helped me feed my family at my lowest with these coupons read more

It was my first stop when arrived in town on 6/22/2020 @ 12:30 pm My sister and I drive 117-miles and wanted lunch and use the potty. My sister first used the potty then went to counter to see what she wanted to order. When I came out with fresh washed hands and revealed I could hear my sisters upset. The cashier Yarltza told my sister she must first order before using the bathroom. she explained we couldn't wait. The counter girl told her rudely we must be customers first to use the bathroom. We just walked out and my sister upset. I called 949 878-2642 to notify the person in charge, but he was worse. Now I understand why this location and idiots ruining the place. This is not a way to represent the brand El Pollo Loco. The man just hung up on me as well. read more

Placed order on App. Received confirmation and order number. Showed up and they decided to close early. Incredibly irresponsible and inconsiderate to their patrons. it is now X~Patron. Just read a post 2 days ago on a friends Facebook about the service at this location. Should have headed his advice and stayed away. read more

El Pollo Loco - Receipt copy - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

The workers are a lot friendly then the past and service is a lot better too. Chicken Leg Kid 's Combo read more

Service was great and I was greeted what I came in, that felt good and dinning smelled and was clean.

I always get their double chicken and Avocado salad. Very filling and always tastes really good. I've tried their burritos too and they're good too. read more

Food was delicious, chicken was fresh and service was great as well and lobby was clean

So I use the mobile application for ordering lunch at work and I always get great service, but tonight was a different experience. DOOR DASH was the delivery method applied from this location and they never delivered my order. I tried calling the listed number and no one answered. It doesn't even fo to voicemail. The location at Palm and 16th in my experience today is the worst. Door Dash is the worst delivery service. I am a very dissatisfied and disappointed customer who is out the dinner and the money. read more

El Pollo Loco - Here is my order number, date 9/24/2021 Location phone number which they do not answer. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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If there was a zero star option that would be a it... I wish I took a photo of how my chicken nacho's looked... it looked like the entire container was flipped upside down and shook together. I was starving and ate a few chips anyway, the plate was barely warm. The few chips I did eat were all grissle and I even spit out two bones! I ate like 4 chips, gross! It's in the trash. I live a mile away and this was my first and LAST time ever eating here. read more

El Pollo estaba muy jugoso y el lobby muy limpio y excelente servicio y los empleados muy amigable

Only reason I am here is to let the poor employees know we notice how bad they are being mistreated, I went to this location today and I asked for paper plates but since my order was to-go the employee had to ask his manager since plates are only given to those who eat inside the restaurant (the manager was a 50-60 year old lady with red hair and wears glasses) and she was completely rude to the whole staff and yelling at the poor kid at the register while we can ALL hear. To the poor kid at the register, sorry dude. To the red headed manager, I hope you trip and fall. Chicken was fire though, that's all. read more

I went to the El Pollo restaurant at around 3:30 today on Palm Avenue in I B and I noticed that the drive-thru was closed so I I decided to go inside the restaurant to purchase some food ,and when I walked in ,I was told that it was closed. W HY ??? read more

Last visit for 2 Double Chicken Tostadas on March 1st wasn't the best experience (we order these quite a bit for dinner, especially due to the app coupons). Although the service was pretty good (employee brought the food out to our truck as soon as we pulled up to park at the curbside stahl) , she forgot to pack our utensils (as requested via the app order), as well as our cilantro dressing (only one half full cup in the bag‍). We did appreciate the fact that they gave us a few of both the pico de gallo & avocado salsa, so at least this saved not having enough dressing for both salads. Our main issues with this order was that tue chicken was only chopped into very large chucks (hard to eat in a salad), & they forgot the sour cream on one. At least this time the avocado slices were green & edible. Quality control would definitely benefit this establishment since food is very inconsistent, especially at the price point these days. We used our $5 earned discount this visit, which still puts two tostada salads now at $21+ so you'd expect great quality. The company is good at luring you back with their app promotions & earned rewards. read more

I have been to countless El Pollo Loco location in several statues and this location has the worst customer service of any of them I have visited. They always forget the dressing when I order the loco salad and often forget to include any salsa for my orders, even after they assure me that they included it in the to-go bag. The servers are typically emotionless, but that it is to be expected in many restaurants during the pandemic. The icing on the cake is that tonight they asked me for my name when I told them I had a mobile order and didn't accept that I showed them my order number on the app AND told them my name. The cashier made me show her my name on the app as if I was going to steal order instead of verifying the order number. This ordeal was far more insulting than the many times they have forgotten items in my orders. It's a shame that I will not return to this location since the food is consistently good and it is conveniently located near me. read more

If you are allergic to flour - and tell them 3 times- they'll throw in some flour tortillas in your bag for fun! Good luck. I consider them homicidal. read more

I'm getting a little nervous after reading the last review from Portia K. I came into this restaurant because I wanted something healthier than the usual fast food, which is one of my New Year's resolutions, to eat healthier. I ordered a 2-piece combo and all was good...until I took one of the last bites of my chicken thigh without paying attention. Something tasted a little off, so I looked at what I bit into and almost vomited. The chicken was not cooked all the way and it was obvious. Blood red. Just hope I don't end up with food poisoning. read more

El Pollo Loco - Yuck. Took another bite of my chicken thigh and tasted something awful. It wasn't full cooked and looked like road kill! - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Came to El Pollo Loco to pick up some chicken for my Mom and the rest of the family for lunch for Mother's Day. They didn't open until 11 am on Sunday so we got there 5 minutes before they opened. I parked right in front of El Pollo Loco. My husband walks in right at 11 am. I wait in the car while my hubby and daughter go inside and order. My husband orders the 16 piece chicken that comes with drumsticks, thighs, etc. The family pack comes with tortillas, rice, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, and an array of salsas. I liked the chicken, but it was pretty burnt on the outside. I did enjoy the sides. I enjoyed the warm tortillas and the rice. Mashed potatoes were okay. It was too soft. Gravy was a little clumpy. The salsas were pretty good. I just wish their chicken wasn't always burned on the outside. I don't really care for this place, but they offer other combo meals which I have tried and taste better than the chicken. There is plenty of seating inside. There is also a private parking lot in front. I don't know if I would come here again unless my family request chicken from here. read more

El Pollo Loco - Parked right in front of El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

Huge fan of El Pollo Loco until today's fiasco. Ordered: 2 small sides of chicken breasts 1 small side salad 2 side of avocado 1 chicken avocado quesadilla The portions of chicken were insulting. The avocado was disgusting. No refund offered. Expressed disappointment to employees they didn't care. Advised corporate would be contacted. Their body language said "I don't give a f*ck" Call to corporate initiated. Conversation of complaints and frustration expressed. Magically a overflowing container of chicken appears. Still no refund. Continued call with corporate. Finally a refund appears. Corporate had excuse after excuse for why the service was subpar. read more

El Pollo Loco - Be advised 2 cups were the served chicken. - Mexican Near Me - San Diego, California

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