Had a great dining experience at this location! Firstly, Emma was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and provided excellent customer service. She greeted me with a smile, was patient, and made my visit a great experience. It's always nice to be helped by someone who genuinely cares about customers. Thank you, Emma, for making our stop at El Pollo Loco so pleasant! :) thanks for the extra sauces and not making us feel bad for asking for more. Appreciate you all ! read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

I ordered a wing lovers special. It was not good: 1). The chicken wings were dried out/overcooked 2) for some reason I was given a chicken leg 3) the rice had zero flavor and tasted like rice with a little tomato sauce added to the water. This was a bad meal. I will not be eating here again! read more

El Pollo Loco - WTF is a chicken leg doing in a wing lover's special?! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Love this place! I could eat here5 times a week! I often eat here several times a week because the chicken is grilled and not breaded and fried. I love the sides and the Serrano chilies. Always great service!!! read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Great food, inconsistent service. Need to watch out for them giving you rat sized portions. Often forget to add things in drive-through or pick up read more

El Pollo Loco in Santa Maria has really stepped it up! Food is 100 percent better since my last visit. Neat tender, amount of lettuce not overdone, fast service, friendly staff. So much better! My food was delicious this time. Thank you for listening El Pollo Loco! read more

How mis-managed can a restaurant be? Ever asked that question? well, come to Pollo Loco on Betteravia in Santa Maria and you can see it first hand. I can't believe they place such under-experienced kids in management positions. Not a restaurant I will visit again, not sure why we ended up here anyways. read more

This is the absolutely worst chicken I have ever had. It was dry and tough. They should not have even served it! I thought about the 4 o'clock time. I should have checked the package but we were so hungry, we just took it and ran home because it was raining. I was thinking of complaining but they know they serve overdone chicken. How do they stay in business, I wonder! read more

Today I decided to grab a quick bite to eat at this location for my lunch period (which is 30 minutes). I usually look on the app to find a good deal or a coupon I could use for my meal. This time I wanted to try the chicken tostada which mind you, with the coupon on the app stated it would be $6 (not including taxes). I ordered the tostada at the register with the cashier, who then scanned my QR code on my phone for the coupon I was presenting to her. When she said my total, it was still regular price. I was a bit confused, so I cancelled the order and told the cashier I will place an order through the app instead after I find something else to choose. I decided to go for the $7.99 meal exclusively to app members. I then placed the order and waited. Almost 15 minutes passes by and no updates for my order were shown on the app. At this point I'm becoming a bit anxious since my lunch is nearing its end...So I walked up to the counter and asked the cashier politely if there were any updates on my order. Turns out my order was ready.. and had been sitting on the counter for a while now. So it seemed to me that no one cared to call my name or send an alert to my phone that my food was ready to be picked up. Okay.. at this point I'm am a bit bothered with the service... but I was in a rush to have my meal so I just brushed it off. When I sat back down and unraveled my taco I found a dark, long, disgusting string of hair entwined inside the chicken... at this point I lost my appetite and my patience. I returned my entire meal and requested a refund. The cashier notified who I assume is the manager or a supervisor that was working drive through. The cashier comes back and then hands a a me $2 and some change back??? Im not sure what part she misunderstood when I asked for a full refund but I had to explain to her a second time that I do not care for the food and what I want is my money back. The cashier didn't say much, she only handed me my money back. But while this is happening, I'm wondering where is the manager? Shouldn't a manager be notified and offer a resolution when a customer is upset? Or offer at least an apology? No one seemed to care to make things right. My time was wasted and I couldn't get the opportunity to have a proper lunch. Overall, one of the worst experiences I've had with this place, and I probably won't be coming back for a good while. read more

If a manager or owner can explain the way the prices have changed so absurdly at this location it would be great.... How do you explain that a small side... a LITTLE BOWL of beans/rice/salad/cole slaw etc is now 4.99 While a BRC burrito is $3.50, and there is arguably the same amount of beans and rice in that burrito as there would be in two sides?? The Prices at this specific location have become absolutely obscene in the 2 years that I've worked in this area. Would also like to add that the chicken the last two times I've been here was almost completely dried out and almost inedible, which is why I didn't even want chicken today... but even the price of a small side salad being more than a little burrito led me to get that today.... And also enough to not have me come back here ever again. read more

Ordered the chicken, rice, mashed potatoes & gravy, beans, tortillas, and churros. Chicken would have been good if it wasn't dry, sides were good but churros didn't have any sugar or cinnamon which is probably why they sell it with sauce. Churros should be good on their own though. Overall if the chicken wasn't dry it would be a healthy option compared to most fast food. read more

Food is great most of the time. I have noticed it can be a hit or miss sometimes, as the portions on their bowls and salads can vary greatly. I have purchased bowls that end up having more rice than anything else and hardly any chicken. Has happened multiple times. Also in the drive thru they overfill the drinks and as a result the cup has some drink content on top and sides which ends up on my car. Also has happened to us many times. In the dining room there have been numerous times that the tables are really dirty. Also numerous times as we are sitting there eating the workers will start sweeping and they do not do it in an adequate way, which should be in a way that dirt is not kicked up since people have their food there. Management should train them on how to clean and ensure they do so adequately and not be sweeping full force! read more

Oh El Pollo Loco, it's been a while... This was my most recent visit to El Pollo Loco. I haven't been to a location from this chain in over a few years. And boy, did it come in clutch! The staff was friendly and service was quick! The restaurant was clean and had a nice atmosphere with various patrons eating their lunch at the time I arrived. I decided to order something different than what I usually get. I ordered an El Pollo Loco bowl and a BRC (Beans, Rice, & Cheese) burrito. The bowl was hearty. At only $5 I was very surprised that they did not skimp out on the portions. To be quite honest I was pretty full from the bowl alone. The bowl came with pinto beans, rice, pico de gallo, cilantro, and of course, their famous chicken. The beans and rice were simply seasoned, nothing too fancy but enough to really taste the simple and clean cooking. The chicken had that original "El Pollo Loco" flare and flavor. They did not skimp out on the chicken. It felt like there was enough chicken to make up two chicken breasts worth of protein. To some people cilantro can give off a "soapy" taste; however, I am not one of those people and I enjoy it from time-to-time. Have no fear, if you don't enjoy cilantro, these bowls are made fresh and they can just make one without it for you. The BRC burrito is a classic El Pollo Loco staple. Mine, indeed, had the beans, rice, and cheese. A simple and clean ingredient burrito with no frills. No complaints on food quality and flavor here. The only recommendation I'd give is to roll the burrito so that you get a little bit of each ingredient in every bite. My burrito wasn't rolled that way and it ended up being mouthfuls of each ingredient at a time. It felt like a bean burrito, then a cheese burrito, and finally a rice burrito. In conclusion, this El Pollo Loco was full of flavor, had friendly staff, and served their food quickly, hot, and fresh. Worthy of a quick stop for a fulfilling bite! read more

El Pollo Loco - El Pollo Loco Bowl & BRC Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

The food was awesome. We both ordered the double chicken tostada bowl. Plenty of yummy chicken, pinto beans, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and that delicious cilantro dressing. Service was fine for a fast food restaurant. However, we have eaten here twice, and both times, most of the tables were dirty. We had to visit several tables before finding a clean one. read more

Dry dry dry chicken jerky is what we got. You guys use to have the best chicken in town but no more. I ordered chicken meal for 2. I received leg and thigh attached and both were so dried out that you could see the leg bone with dried crispy chicken on it. The thigh wasn't much better, and since when did you start sticking the chicken in a bag. I hope this isn't the new norm as I won't be back. Service was ok. read more

I am very happy with my food today! I had the Chicken & Baja Shrimp Tostada it is soooo good. The chicken and shrimp are so well cooked. Great job! Thank you to the cook today! Service was good as well! read more

El Pollo Loco - Double Chicken Tostado - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

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I love love LOVE El Pollo Loco. The fresh charbroiled chicken marinated in delicious spices, the crunchy not-too-sweet coleslaw, and the Spanish rice that isn't clumpy or gloppy. Fresh salsas from the salsa bar. I love both the pico de Gallo and the avocado salsa, with a little but not too much heat. Super friendly staff, food served fresh... what more could you want?? This location is quick, clean and well run and I look forward to visiting it every time I am in the area. read more

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Whoever was doing the food at 1240 today Jan 5 needs to learn how to wrap a burrito my burrito was ripped in half once I got it all the beans and condiments came out never coming here again read more

El Pollo Loco - Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Did us dirty. Husband and I made a trip to el pollo loco for some dinner. We settled on burritos because their burritos are pretty good. We go back to our hotel and begin consuming said product. To our disappointment we discovered we paid nearly $20 for what's basically a bean and rice burrito and a bean, rice and avocado burrito. We were suppose to get the chicken chipotle burrito and the queso burrito. What a shame. read more

I went to try the food for the first time today. The person taking the order needs to pay more attention to customer. The chicken was not that great. Did not have much chicken on the plate for the price. Went to find a seat to sit down with family. Every single table in the restaurant was DIRTY. the floor was not swept. I had to ask an emoyee to clean our table. They did not send anyone to sweep the floor until we started eating. At the time of arrival we were the only people in the restaurant. VERY DISAPPOINTED. DO BETTER. One star because the girl that wiped our table was actually nice. I will not be returning to this restaurant. read more

I have eaten at this restaurant many times before COVID-19, on my most recent visit I was wholly disappointed. The ONLY thing that was correct was the quality of of product, however they must have been having a bad day. The service was subpar, the presentation of Food was less than Subpar. I will visit again them again and give an update. Every restaurant should be allowed to have an off day, very rarely, with the exception of Sanitation read more

El Pollo Loco - a person standing in a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Remember to add salsa caliente to your order.El Pollo Loco es primo Tacos Newly installed EV chargers nearby. read more

El Pollo Loco - Stop here to get your box, then dip, eat, repeat. More hot salsa por favor!! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

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Good food; good service; order was less expensive than DOOR DASH... Will order again thank youuuu... read more

I should have checked the yelp reviews before I ordered via door dash. Door dash rating was 4.7 so I thought great, good score so it should be great. I was so wrong. I ordered the chicken combo meal, with breast and wing. The breast was over cooked. Totally dry and awful. The top of the breast was like hard shell. The beans and rice were fine. The chips were stale, not even crunchy, just hard and stale. Totally disappointing. read more

Just went for churros. These things were hard as a rock this visit. Win some lose some.

Great food, love the pollo bowl combo. Best deal in town!!! At least once a week or more depending on how much we need to head into town!

I rarely come here to a Pollo Loco but I had to make it easy for me and the wife to pickup plus I just had surgery so I needed something not to greasy for pickup at a fast food restaurant. It is a little pricey but it was okay. I've always thought the pieces of chicken we're small so maybe that's where I think it's pricey. The chicken is great tastings so no complaints there. The beans are okay, and Spanish rice is good, but the rice has a lingering smell that I can't describe and it irritates me. The flour tortillas are a hit. Customer service is good and they help you order or give advice on what to order. I had a coupon for a free Signature Avocado Tostada and that looked good but couldn't eat it today because I was full. I think if a hungry family comes to order a family dinner, they may want to double it because I ordered the 8 piece chicken meal and I say 2 pieces of thighs and 2 pieces of drumsticks would not be enough for 2 people if we were hungry people. read more

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Food was nearly cold. No napkins at drive thru. I love El Pollo Loco. Very disappointed and no one was there on a Saturday at 1:00!!!! I saw the bad reviews but gave it a shot. read more

Good food at fair prices. Service is fast. A little too noisy at times. Staff is polite and friendly.

Santa Maria location does a good job, food cooked well. Not all locations do as well. (Paso Robles location not as good.)

I ordered the family feast they not only forgot my corn in the bag they also forgot my my churros . They manager looked overwhelmed , the service was mediocre the food was good read more

I ordered the street corn double chicken chopped salad. I came to work and eat it only to find absolutely no corn in my salad. I was disappointed to say the least. Let the customer you ran out of something and give me the option to order something else.... read more

El Pollo Loco - Street corn salad but they didn't add any corn. Disappointing - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Not good - chicken was too dry. Flavorless side dishes and worst thing was salsa. Nothing tasted like Mexican. Sad.

I haven't been here in over a year and thought I'd see if their customer service and food quality improved. It hasn't. The drive-thru speaker was not working correctly. So I could not hear anything after I place my order or when I arrived. So of course they didn't hear my whole order and Litzy was so rude to me at the window. The food still doesn't taste good like at all the other Ell Pollo Locos I've been to. I will not ever return here again. This location needs to be shut down. read more

I got the $6 snack combo. Two crunchy tacos and a side, and regular drink. They gave me two avocado salsas in addition to regular, and although the tacos were very basic (chicken, lettuce, cheese, shell) the flavor was really good. I got beans for the side and they too had great flavor. Real food, not factory. read more

This El Pollo Loco location is horrible. I don't know if everyone there just hates their job, but the lack in food servings and cooking are horrible. I spend over 65 dollars, every single time and I always come out disappointed. I just went through the drive thru and purchased a big family meal with 3 large sides of cauliflower rice, two of the large sides were filled half way and my third side of cauliflower rice was brown and completely burnt . Who ever is packing the food knows very well that the rice is burned, the audacity to even serve it , knowing that the customer is going to be disappointed. Horrible!! read more

El Pollo Loco - 2 sides of Cauliflower Rice. One cooked well and the other is burned. Who ever packed this, know exactly what they were serving. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Maria, California

The chicken has increasingly shrieked over the years. Today I had the smallest chicken thigh in history counted as part of my 16 piece meal I ordered. This thing was about two inches in size. Wow! read more

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Food is good dining room is always dirty. Watch the door as you enter you may need PPE. Zoom in on pics. Clean your dining room El Pollo!! And your front door and the bathrooms. Why don't you close and dump gallons of bleach in the restaurant and let it soak. Just because covid isn't the thing right now doesn't me you shouldn't clean. read more

I always get the Pollo Bowl with no beans and extra rice (no extra charge) and it always comes out tasty! Sometimes the bigger chunks of chicken breast are a bit lackluster in flavor but that can be remedied with the pico de gallo and creamy cilantro dressing they provide for free. They also have a military discount which is nice as well! Sometimes their pico de gallo is 100% diced tomatoes. Not sure what's up with that. read more

Worst experience that I have had in a while, nothing in stock. Ordered something with avocado and they told me they had none and could give me extra sour cream. Employee working register said the owners decided to change things and no longer carry ranch. Paid for water bottles and didn't get them, when asked they said they are out of that too. Floor and restrooms were a mess, understaffed is an understatement, whoever is managing or owns this location needs to be revoked. Save yourself the burden of eating here read more

Nothing worse than a company that takes advantage of its customers during a pandemic. The Santa Maria El Pollo Loco is using "corporate policy" to not give a complete order and if you order for a family you will be happy to know some of the family can have sides. Not all family members though. This location hides behind "corporate policy" as an excuse to not serve complete meals during pandemics. Don't waste your time calling and trying to speak to a manager. It's a pandemic crisis after all and that is the excuse when corporate policy can't be explained. Thanks for the lousy experience El Pollo Loco! read more