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    El Pollo Loco

    4.0 (154 reviews)
    Closed • 9:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Order El Pollo Loco Takeout or Delivery

    El Pollo Loco Photos

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    EL POLLO LOCO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Loco

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    I have dinner plans, and still stopped here for a treat
    Dominique M.

    God is good, God is great, and God could also be quite hilarious... I found myself hungry after a beach work out playing volleyball with some friends despite knowing that I had dinner plans and only a couple of hours I didn't think that I would be able to make it all the way home without getting something to eat. Today I got some thing that I normally would not get and that was the nachos cause I was in mood for something crispy salty and savory. Just as I sat in my car with window, Putting the first very loaded and hearty nacho into my mouth a homeless gentleman came to window and asked if I had anything to eat... I felt bad for the guy so I was going to give him money to enter in El Pollo Loco but he went out of his way to tell me that he was an addict and if I gave him cash he would go across the street to 7-Eleven and buy booze, well that broke my heart with his sincerity that I ultimately gave him my nachos and drove my butt home unfed. While driving home contemplating on my kind act of service while my stomach was growling I thought about all the happy moments and great quality service that I've received from this location, I am a big fan of El Pollo Loco and their "fast food" as I find it to be fresh. And despite me not having the nachos today and giving it to someone in need I wanted to give them a shout out for all the excellent customer service they provided me in the past. It's important to note that this location does not have a a drive-through, but the facilities are impeccably clean and I think that has to do with the location of Santa Monica. I always tip them and I believe that you should as well not all locations have tip jars, this one does. It doesn't hurt to go out of your way to leave a little extra something for great service.

    3 large sides and plenty of sauces
    Cathy S.

    Okay, whenever we come here, we use a coupon, but even without the coupon, it's a great deal and the food is delicious. For $25 (with a coupon), we get the 12 pc leg/thigh & 3 large sides. That's an awesome deal for healthy-ish fast food and we always have leftovers. Customer service is nice, too. Legs/thighs - 5/5 Perfectly seasoned and moist! Mac & Cheese - 5/5 My kids love this and I do, too. Maybe a little overcooked and squishy but still great. Rice - 4/5 It's good, not great. Corn - 5/5 Yum

    Looks good at first.  DOUBLE CHICKEN TOASTADA SALAD. Chicken Very Dry and Hard
    Kay L.

    DOUBLE CHICKEN TOASTADA SALAD ARE YOU SERIOUS??? This business just gave me rock hard dried out Chicken for my Double Toastada...Its early lunch what is going on??? The place isn't even packed yet. Did they just look at me and thought I was a damn fool? I drove all the way there to pick up lunch and I can't even eat it. Frustrating... On top of that I was choking for about 5 minutes on a piece of chicken. They new the Chicken was no good. What a waste of time and gas. I seriously am surprised because I even left a tip. I am taking this dish to the The local environmental health department (EHD) and to the health department. I think the chicken used for today's salad was leftover and left out for the day prior. This place needs to be shut down or staff retrained. Respectful

    Double chicken avocado salad
    Luis G.

    Great Double chicken avocado salad! For those taking care of the figure lol fresh veggies and a decent amount of chicken breast chunks. Only 350 calories (according to their menu) of pure joy. Clean place and friendly staff. Muy buena Double chicken avocado salad. Generoso tamaño y vegetales frescos. Solo 350 calorías (según el menú) de puro gusto y satisfacción. El lugar muy limpio y servidores amigables.

    The Family Mix Chicken 12 Pcs Meals with 3 Sides
    Diana T.

    Really good service and the chicken is at the highest point, the ladies working here are nice and comprehensive, I don't like the other 2 locations, Santa Monica Blvd and the one on Lincoln in front of the Ralph's this location is the best, hopefully they open until 9 soon.

    Power bowl
    Kamron H.

    Love this place. Basically a healthier and fresher version of Taco Bell, or if you feel like cheating on chipotle for not their "premium" prices on guac. Definitely going to get food here more often!

    I ordered a Nacho combo, chicken burrito and I got a Nacho with a piece of metal in my chip, which cut the inside of my mouth.
    Big O H.

    I had the worst experience with this El pollo loco. I ordered a chicken Nacho combo, chicken burrito and I received everything but once I got back to work and started eating. I was poked by a sharp metal piece in my mouth. This is definitely unsafe, all I could think about is what if I gave this to my kids

    Adam F.

    Solid. Solid. Solid. My experience today began with the lovely front ladies taking our order. They were so sweet and super helpful/knowledgeable with the menu. It was also very apparent they have many faithful repeat and "regular" customers based off of the crowd. This location in particular was very clean and ambiance was delightful for a lunchtime outing. As someone who works in the Santa Monica area, I will be working this into my weekly (or biweekly) lunch rotation. A hot tip is to use a coupon if you see them in the mail, they will definitely save you a few dollars. Another hot tip is their Ice Tea is delicious, especially the passion fruit flavor. If you go here you won't be disappointed. Enjoy your Pollo!

    Make your own tacos

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    Photo of Tommy L.
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    1 year ago

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    Olivia R.

    We appreciate you, Tommy. Thank you for your continued support!

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    2 years ago

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    Olivia R.

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    8 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Food, service, and staff are exceptional! Parking can be challenging. They give a discount to seniors!

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    Olivia R.

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    11 months ago

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    Olivia R.

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    1 year ago

    Fantastic food and service at a reasonable price. Awesome employees and quick. Chicken is always juicy and hot.

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    Olivia R.

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    2 years ago

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    Olivia R.

    We appreciate you, Kristen. Thank you for your continued support!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Olivia R.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Amazing service. Food was made perfect! Thank you to the men and women working there.

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    Olivia R.

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    6 years ago

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    Jessica B.

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    3 years ago

    It is one of the dishes that my family and I like very much and we were always satisfied

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    Olivia R.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Jessica B.

    Lizette, We’re so glad you had a great experience at El Pollo Loco!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Photo of Annabell M.
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    4 years ago

    Order the chicken avocado street taco! You won't be disappointed Great atmosphere & friendly staff

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great customer service, the employees are super nice the food tastes fresh it's delicious.

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    Page 1 of 4

    El Pollo Loco Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Pollo Loco

    Review Highlights - El Pollo Loco

    “I'm hooked on the Double Protein Bowls because they're only 10 net carbs and super clean and tasty!”

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Sol Agave - Asada y Papas Taco Tuesday

    Sol Agave

    4.4(884 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    •$$

    I drove from SGV all the way to SaMo to meet with friends for dinner. I haven't been to this area…read morein almost a decade, so it was a nice refresher to get away from the suburbs. A friend recommended this spot since she works nearby and speaks highly about the queso. A reservation was made for the four of us. It wasn't busy when we arrived, but service was amazing. Staff here are very attentive and patient with us because of how much yapping we were doing. Chips came with complimentary salsa and refried beans. It was delicious. We ordered queso for all to share and it was superb! Then came our entrees. I went and got the carnitas and it was a lot. I couldnt event finish it! It came with other stuff like rice, beans, and tortillas, so you will get stuffed. We ended the night with some churros and it was great. Splendid place overall! This is within walking distance from the pier. I was able to find street parking along Main near the park. I can see myself returning.

    I stopped in for lunch on a Tuesday expecting it to be a little busier, but it was surprisingly…read morequiet. With only two people manning the floor, I honestly wasn't expecting the level of service I received, but both people were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to care about making sure I was comfortable. They even made sure I was set up with a spot to charge my laptop while I ate, which was such a thoughtful touch. My server, Felix, was fantastic. His recommendations for both food and drinks were spot-on, and everything I tried absolutely blew me away with how flavorful it was. I started with the mixed ceviche, and the taste and textures were on point. No fishiness whatsoever, just incredibly fresh, bright, flavorful seafood. I also ordered another mini steak appetizer that I could have eaten about five more servings of. The steaks were marinated in a tamarind sauce and cooked to perfection. Seriously, I wish I could have eaten more but I was on a tight timeline (which Felix paid extra attention to and made sure to get me out right on time)! For a drink, I tried their Sol Agave Old Fashioned made with tequila. I'll be honest, I don't even like old fashioneds, so when Felix suggested it I was hesitant.. BUT I LOVED IT. The tequila was so smooth, tasted perfectly balanced and fruity even, and watching them make the drink right in front of me made the whole experience feel extra special. Top-tier presentation and execution. And of course, I had to finish with the flan because it's one of my favorites. It did not disappoint~ absolutely excellent. Between the food, drinks, service, and overall experience, this was such a memorable meal. I genuinely can't believe this place isn't getting more traction during lunch. Everything was so thoughtfully done, and the people working there clearly care about what they're serving and the experience they're giving their guests. I'm def dragging everyone I know back here for seconds and thirds. Absolutely worth a visit!

    Photos
    Sol Agave - Premium flavor vodka seltzer

    Premium flavor vodka seltzer

    Sol Agave - Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken Fajitas

    Sol Agave - Shrimp Taquitos

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    Shrimp Taquitos

    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    3.7(252 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    •$$

    Oh the places I go...this ride took me to Brentwood, yes LA Brentwood...I needed a splash, I saw a…read morePete's managed to park and it was closed, ok its 730 so...I'll walk up the street (Montana st.) I saw folks sitting st a Bistro table on the sidewalk and yes a decent looking Mexican restaurant, perfect Good menu, hum...Oh Short Rib tacos with R&B add a bottle of soda water. The chips came first after the water, The chips were house made as was the delicious salsa. Then three short ribs taco's, rice & beans. Ya know everything was flavorful, the rice not your usual orange colored stuff and the pinto beans were actually cooked from dry beans. WoW I was impressed, great dinner. Short ribs perfectly tender and not the fatty bits either Great place, I'd as I watched other entrees walked by me If you're in the hood stop in for a shot or a taco or both Thanks Lad's Foodguy-Martin

    This place is just a traditional type of Californian taco shoppe. They have a great bar menu and…read moreplenty of choices for food to go with. We arrived early before they opened for lunch so we waited at a table outside. Since they opened a few minutes late, we were not sure about the employee situation so once inside, we chose to sit at the bar since we were the only ones at the restaurant. The bartender pleasantly greeted us and asked for our drink order. I went traditional with a skinny margarita and my husband had a screwdriver which pairs very well with Mexican food. The kitchen was just getting started so we waited a few minutes to order. The menu had so many great choices, we were excited to order our food. I went with the Shrimp Ceviche which was so fresh and delicious. I loved that there was so much shrimp and not a lot of onions and peppers filling the bowl. The fried crunch tortilla was also great for scooping the ceviche. My husband is more of a burrito naturalist so his chicken stuffed burrito was great. It had all the fresh ingredients neatly wrapped tight for easy eating. The service was very good and the restaurant did get quite crowded shortly after opening. I also enjoyed their homemade hot sauce that was just spicy enough when mixed into the complimentary mild salsa that came with the complimentary chips. I would definitely return to check out the other menu items.

    Photos
    Prima Cantina & Tacos - Inside

    Inside

    Prima Cantina & Tacos
    Prima Cantina & Tacos - Tequila bar

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    Tequila bar

    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant - CHIMIFLAUTAS APPETIZER

    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$

    We celebrated a high school milestone yesterday with a group of seven at Casa Martin in Santa…read moreMonica, and the experience was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, Sandro and Fernando, the hosts and owners, greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the perfect tone for the evening. The ambiance is vibrant yet comfortable--ideal for a celebratory gathering. Service stood out as much as the food. Sandro and Fernando went above and beyond to ensure every detail was just right, checking in with our group, accommodating dietary preferences, and offering thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the experience. The menu offered a wonderful balance of flavors, with dishes that were beautifully presented and crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each course arrived at a perfect pace, allowing us to savor the evening without feeling rushed. The staff's attentive but unobtrusive service contributed to a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that our group will remember for years to come. A special shout-out to the chefs for delivering standout plates--creative, well-executed, and clearly made with passion. The wine and beverage pairings complemented the meal perfectly, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. If you're planning a group event or a special occasion in Santa Monica, Casa Martin is a stellar choice. The team, especially Sandro and Fernando, will make sure your celebration feels personal, festive, and absolutely unforgettable. Would highly recommend and we're already looking forward to returning soon.

    As a native of Mexico City, I found the food to be just okay. We came to watch a World Cup game,…read moreenjoy a few drinks, and share some appetizers. Our waitress was friendly, but throughout our visit we felt rushed to finish our food because the restaurant had a reservation coming in. I completely understand that restaurants need to accommodate reservations, but it would have been helpful if they had informed us before seating us. We would have been happy to find another place where we could relax and enjoy the game without feeling pressured to leave. Unfortunately, the food did not make up for the experience. The salsa served with the chips was not good at all, and overall the meal was disappointing. While the service was polite, the combination of average food and feeling rushed made for a less enjoyable visit than we had hoped.

    Photos
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant - Skinny margarita and sangria!

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    Skinny margarita and sangria!

    El Cholo - The said this is the best steak they have you won't be able to chew it

    El Cholo

    3.5(1.4k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    •$$

    My first visit and I was very impressed. The food (Santa…read moreBarbara Enchiladas) was truly quality, you can taste the handmade tortilla and fresh sauces. Coconut margaritas were right on point. The restaurant itself was beautiful with the atrium, trees and historic artwork. You can tell this place has been cared for. Tami was so friendly, fast and had a great smile! Every staff member I came in contact with was friendly. The manager, Bryan, also came over to check on us - very pro! Perfect lunch, dinner, or casual special occasion spot. I'll be back to try about 10 other dishes that caught my eye.

    Parking: This location has limited street parking available…read moreor you can pay $10 for valet parking. No free provided parking. 1 stars. Host stand: Friendly and listened to me talk. Seated immediately. 4 stars. Server: This guy was HORRIBLE. He was older, so I expected him to be very experienced and good, but No. Waited and waited for a refill, Never got one. Server walked by several times and helped other tables, but never mine. All plates were cleared from my table by busboy and still server never filled my drink or asked if I wanted the check. I had to go to the front desk and ask to pay my bill. 1 star. Food: Meal was mid. I only eat out once a week, because fitness goals, so it's frustrating when my cheat meal is not amazing. Everything was just okay. 2 stars. Ambiance: Light music playing in the background. Overall volume made it easy to have conversation. The building has dust all over and needs to be cleaned. 2 stars. Overall: I wanted to like this place, but my friends warned me it was bad and they were correct. (1+4+1+2+2)/5 = 2 stars.

    Photos
    El Cholo - Back patio

    Back patio

    El Cholo - Chimichangas

    Chimichangas

    El Cholo - L.A. lemonade

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    L.A. lemonade

    El Pollo Loco - hotdogs - Updated September 2026

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