Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    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

    Business Info

    From this Business

    EL POLLO LOCO ATMOSPHERE

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

    Recommended Reviews - El Pollo Loco

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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

    See all

    Photo of Tommy L.
    1065
    220
    810

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S S.
    0
    24
    0

    5 months ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Alex K.
    316
    86
    18

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kay L.
    29
    262
    372

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luis G.
    0
    39
    130

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of O O.
    0
    21
    4

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kin W.
    0
    14
    8

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessica B.

    Jessica B.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Adam F.
    23
    25
    11

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eli W.
    10
    61
    108

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessica B.

    Jessica B.

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessica B.

    Jessica B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessica B.

    Jessica B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Annabell M.
    401
    72
    152

    3 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

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

    Business owner information

    Photo of Olivia R.

    Olivia R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peijean T.
    1279
    1605
    8498

    9 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    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

    Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

    Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

    4.3
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    I was craving a burrito, had never been to this place, and had it delivered…read more The burrito was SOOOO good AND it was massive. Every ingredient in there was perfect. I was worried I was going to get something small for the price but you get a huge portion for what you pay for. This is the kind of burrito where youre saving some for lunch for the next day. I also got a churro (which is something I never get) and it was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I will absolutely be ordering from here again

    Stopped in around 10:45 on a whim. I was driving through Santa Monica, got hungry, saw the sign and…read moreswung around the block. They'd been open maybe an hour and there was one other person there picking up an order. First time here. The guy at the counter was very friendly, asked if I knew what I wanted, and I told him no and asked what's popular. He recommended three tacos so I went with that. He never asked about tortillas so they came out on corn. I'm not the biggest fan of corn tortillas, but after I sat down, I looked at the soda cup, and saw "handmade corn AND flour tortillas." Would've gone flour if I'd known that was even an option. My bad for not asking, but also a great opportunity to let a new customer know it's an option. Food came out fast. Three tacos, chips, a couple sides of salsa. All the meat was cold. Not fridge cold, but noticeably below room temperature. I'm sitting five feet from the kitchen in a place that opened 30 minutes ago. How is that even possible? The non-beef tacos were seasoned well, both of them, that part was fine. The beef was where it fell apart. Every single bite had pieces I literally couldn't chew through, and I kept pulling chunks out of my mouth. After my second bite I just stopped going back for more. For over $4 a taco, that quality is atrocious. Very fast if you need something quick to eat. First and last time for me.

    Photos
    Front counter and menu
    Front counter and menu
    Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
    Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
    Front counter & ordering kiosk

    See all

    Front counter & ordering kiosk
    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    3.8
    (250 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
    Inside
    Inside
    Prima Cantina & Tacos
    Tequila bar

    See all

    Tequila bar
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    My wife and I by chance walked by Casa Martin and loved the ambiance so decided to stay. From the…read moremost friendly welcome by Fernando to the Amazing tacos and refreshing margaritas we were happy we stayed and enjoyed the pleasant experience. Casa Martin is a must stop for us whenever in Santa Monica.

    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.

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

    See all

    Skinny margarita and sangria!
    El Cholo

    El Cholo

    3.5
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    While El Cholo is a go-to for fabulous dinners in the main dining room, don't overlook it for…read more**Happy Hour**! They run great food and drink specials from **3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday**. The open bar area and lounge, featuring large community tables, make it one of the best spots in the area for large gatherings and a lively atmosphere. **Staff Spotlight: Kathy** I want to leave a well-deserved 5-star shout-out for **Kathy**. Even during the slower parts of the day, she is incredibly friendly, warm, and attentive. She has a genuine way of making you feel welcome the moment you sit down. She is a seasoned professional and a true asset to the team. **A Note on the Experience** One thing I noticed during my visit was how focused the staff is on the entrance. I realized the entire team is trained to greet every single person who walks through the door whether they are heading to the bar, the host stand, or leaving for the day. While the management's dedication to hospitality is clear, it can feel a bit unnatural to have that constant distraction during a conversation. Every time I've ever been into the restaurant, the host always has always said hello and goodbye. The veterans here, especially Kathy, are the fabric of this place; their natural ability to care for guests is what makes this location special. **To the Owner:** You have an exceptional team. I have been coming to this restaurant for many years and so many of your staff members, including Kathy's service is exactly why people keep coming back. It's wonderful to see a staff so dedicated to the El Cholo standard! Here is a revised version that emphasizes the space's utility for networking and professional events: **Recommendation:** If you are planning a holiday party, a large corporate gathering, or a networking mixer, this is the perfect spot. The layout makes it easy for everyone to circulate and connect, and the pricing is very reasonable for the incredible authentic quality you get. Be sure to stop by the bar and ask for **Kathy** she'll make sure your group is well-taken care of!

    Went to dinner here with coworkers after hearing several recommendations, and unfortunately, I was…read morevery disappointed. The guacamole was salty and tasted more like a salty avocado paste. My sister and I ordered a shared platter, a greasy mess. Everything on the plate seemed soaked in oil, and the different items had blended together into one unappetizing pile. We picked at it for a few minutes but ultimately left most of it untouched. The only highlight of the meal was the strawberry margarita. It was strong, flavorful, and easily the best part of the experience. Other than the margarita, nothing stood out, this place just wasn't for me.

    Photos
    Back patio
    Back patio
    Chicken Fajitas
    Chicken Fajitas
    L.A. lemonade

    See all

    L.A. lemonade

    El Pollo Loco - hotdogs - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...