El Pollo Loco - $5 Shredded Chicken & Cheese Bowl Anytime I'm out driving around and don't have time to sit down for lunch, I grab one of these $5 bowls from here. It's fast, cheap, and honestly a solid bang for your buck. You get a big serving of white rice, pinto beans, and a generous scoop of shredded chicken. They throw on some cheese and top it with salsa, and somehow, all the flavors come together just right. It's super satisfying when you're on the go. For just a dollar more, you can add a drink, and there are two other bowl options if you want to mix it up. So yeah... if you didn't know, now you know. read more

El Pollo Loco - $5 chicken and cheese bowl - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Good food and fast service Very clean restaurant someone is always cleaning Bathrooms were super clean that's always something I look for Well managed and friendly staff read more

Do not come here spend your money somewhere else horrible service instead of the employee explaining how the coupon works she laughed and gave us attitude read more

El Pollo Loco - Horrible do not come here - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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. read more

El Pollo Loco - I have dinner plans, and still stopped here for a treat - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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

Quick and efficient service. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The restaurant was clean and brightly lit and the food was very good. The chicken was crispy and moist. The coleslaw was delicious, but the mac and cheese was too cheesy and not enough macaroni. The rice was good and the same as usual. We will go back again. read more

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

Been going to different locations for years,,, back when someone in a chicken suit stood outside dancing.. ( did I dream that?) on Lincoln BLVD in Santa Monica. A nice quick simple meal for lunch...I usually take out and eat in my car. Good fresh fast food your kids will eat too. read more

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 read more

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As a chicken enthusiast and, in particular, an El Pollo Loco veteran, I am amazed at this location each time I come. I've been to many El Pollo Loco locations all over the state and this one stands out. And it's not even close. Before even walking in through the door, you can see how spotless clean the kitchen is from the open concept and squeaky-clean windows. The ordering process is as good as it gets -- the service is top notch -- and every employee enthusiastic, as if they really enjoy serving the customer, a rarity in our city in this age. Most importantly, the food. The chicken is prepared just after ordering, and it comes out piping hot, and I kid you not, you literally can see it steaming fresh off the grill. The chicken is absolutely fresh, juicy, and moist unlike the typical dry and overcooked meat that is served at other El Pollo locations. Truly, you wouldn't be able to tell this is a fast food joint if you remove all the El Pollo branding. Almost feels like this is the flagship store based on the quality of the chicken and the outstanding service. Whatever you guys are doing, please keep up the good work! read more

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 read more

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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. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double chicken avocado salad - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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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. read more

El Pollo Loco - The Family Mix Chicken 12 Pcs Meals with 3 Sides - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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It's hard to find a pollo loco place this good. Good service and clean restroom. Not stingy with their sauces. read more

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

Best EPL. Cooked just right, not too dark and not too dry. Not too salty, so the salsa can be enjoyed. Most friendly staff of all locations, and accepts coupons. Also very efficient, as the the orders are done on time. read more

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! read more

El Pollo Loco - Power bowl - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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

Very dirty looking when I went in that day but I honestly thought they where probably just busy that day , went again and seem just very not clean inside , very rude staff at register when u ask for more Roja sauce it seems like they get upset , also they don't accept ebt that sucks too read more

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 read more

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They do not take EBT cards but they are on the states list. This is descrimination. Economic inequality and injustice. Some stores do accept EBT but families should not have to drive all over town to find a store that says yes. Forget Santa Monica. read more

Let's be honest, not many people look on yelp for a review of Pollo loco. The restaurant is what it is with a little to no variation upon locations. Having said that, I frequent this location quite a bit. I always always order with a couple modifications and they're always happy to accommodate, always do it with a smile and 100% perfect. The staff are we seem happy after work and it's a nice place to frequent. Highly recommended, read more

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! read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This place isn't good. Rude manager wanted to charge me for cilantro dressing when all other pollo locos give complimentary. Sandra manager has poor customer services skills then I got number to owner she said your going to report me. Geez read more

El Pollo Loco - This place isn't very good Sandra the manager was rude wanted to charge me for the cilantro dressing - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

El Pollo Loco is sometimes a fun and healthier choice over the many available burger joints. The chicken appears to be prepared over an open flame. The meat is marinated to perfection and is grilled just right. Tender and juicy! It is extremely affordable to eat here and the menu options are very diverse. I never go wrong with the three piece meal for under $10. I cut up my 2 chicken breasts and thigh, then add lemon and lightly salt. I get corn tortillas with my meal and make myself personalized tacos with all the condiments I enjoy. I sometimes have enough left over to eat later too. I really love the value and the quality at El Pollo Loco compared to all the fast food alternatives. read more

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I've been to many many many el pollo loco locations and I'm not even lying this was the best location I've ever been to. They had everything organized from the line to the service. Guy at the cashier was soooo nice! But the guy who gave me my food???!!! He was soooooo nice!!! MOST IMPORTANTLY MY FOOD WAS PERFECT they weren't stingy at all with the chicken in my tostada salad read more

This location is a great place. The people are friendly the food always comes out fresh. Sometimes I crave this place the best part of my day is arriving to have some delicious chicken. In the same parking lot used to be a ranch with cattle and horses 50 years ago. I am building a AR app soon people will go to this parking lot to see a rodeo while they have some delicious chicken. Stay tuned. The app is called VR POP ICON follow us. read more

This is the second Pollo Loco that I went to today and it was an big improvement from the first one. The restaurant was really clean and the bathrooms were too. We got a family deal and all the food was good. The food was given to us really fast and the staff were really nice. They greeted us when we entered and was able to change the drink I ordered. Overall amazing experience. read more

BRC burrito and chicken avocado burrito are awesome. Three stars mainly for the odd service staff and the way they operate the Sepulveda (Manhattan Beach) store. read more

I've bought food at the El Pollo Loco Santa Monica location on Lincoln Blvd. for many years. Haven't been there in about 2 years. I went in around 7 pm tonight to order takeout. To my surprise, almost no one was there. It used to be there was a line for dinner at this time of night. I got my order, four pieces of chicken, and left. I come home and discover they never put any red sauce in my bag--even one cup would have worked for me. Additionally, the chicken didn't taste marinated, and it was too undercooked to eat. I tried calling them--not for a refund or anything--just to let them know they need to be more careful. Despite it being an hour before closing, they didn't bother picking up, even after about ten rings. read more

Best pollo loco I been through food was done quickly and everyone was supper nice love it here great workers read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My favorite chicken to go place. If you haven't tried El Pollo Loco; you're missing out. I find the seasoning to be almost perfect and there salsas are fantastic read more

I love coming here and have been coming for so many years. My kids went to Santa Monica High School in the early 2000s and thats when I first discovered this place. Their delicious food and cheap prices are why I keep coming back. The parking lot often gets full so thats a downfall however if you wait a bit you will find a spot. The chicken always tastes fresh and I love getting a side of coleslaw, corn or mac n cheese. They also have great quesadillas that I get sometime. Another great thing is they often have coupons and also have a rewards program making their meals even more affordable. read more

El Pollo Loco - 3 pcs meal - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Great place to go if you enjoy fresh grilled chicken with reasonable price. When you order your food at the cash register, you get to see the behind the scene where they grilled the chicken. They have great option of sauces to go with your meal. I came here with my brother and his volleyball friends after their beach volleyball practice from the beach. We got the family mix chicken meal. Dont remember the exact price but it was around $25 or less. We got corns and salad as our side dish. Their chickens was moisture and had the right amount of seasoning. It has the fresh grilled flavor. Will definitely come back whenever i visit LA again read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came here twenty minutes to 10 and the place already was closed. Doesn't make sense to me. Wouldn't have driven all the way out here if they remained open like they're stating so online. read more

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

As far as El Pollo Loco goes this is one of the few locations I will actually visit (probably because the one in Burbank makes everyone sick). The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and go out of your way to make sure you order your meal in the cheapest way possible. I thought that was cool. The salsa bar tends to be suspect the later in the day you go, but that's my only gripe. Also, make sure you check in on Yelp with your smart phone for a free Taquito. read more

El Pollo Loco - Remodel time - Fast Food Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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

This is definitely one of the better EPL locations in LA. The customer service is excellent. I was offered extra salad dressing for my side salads, even though the salads already have dressing mixed in. Also the cashier made an error when I used a coupon and both the cashier and the manager were very nice about fixing the mistake and refunding the over charge. If you go around dinner time the chicken is extra fresh and perfectly cooked, not dry or hard like at some locations. The salsa bar was also very fresh. They have horchata in the self-serve soda fountain at this location which is an extra plus. You get a free churro with your Yelp check-in. Plenty of parking in the private parking lot of this mini mall which also houses Starbucks and Yogurtland. read more

Your driving down Lincoln and hungry but you have no idea where to stop then you see the sign for fatburger. I could just image eating my chili cheese fries with a side of ranch. I pull into the parking lot but guess what. Fatburger is still under construction :(. I look around and see the sign for el pollo loco and a juicy chicken is where my mind goes. I go inside and I'm wowed by the cleanliness of the restaurants and the open fire on the chicken right across from my face. I check in on Yelp and there is an offer for a free churro, well this place just won me over. I order the family meal which comes with a salad and let me tell you the bacon salad is to die for. The order took less than 15 minutes to be made. It would have taken me a couple of hours to make dinner so this was definitely a good choice. I go home and dig in. The mac and cheese is super cheesy and cooked to perfection. The mash was soft and the gravy was delicious. The chicken was falling off the bone from how tender it was. The salsa bar was a serve your self option so I stocked up on my favorite salsa verde. The servers were friendly. The food was cooked perfectly. The free churro was warm and perfectly sugared. The parking was easy and free. The paper wear came along with my meal - NO DISHES. What else can you ask for. I will definitely be back :) read more