I would like some roasted chicken and called but I was told that they don't take orders by phone. I went to the restaurant and easily found a parking spot. I ordered from the kiosk which is very easy! A lady, probably the manager saw me and gave me coupons which I was able to use with my order. Saved me about 30% of the cost! The food came out quick and hot. It's been years since I had Pollo Loco and everything tasted great. The chicken was perfect cooked, rice was delicious and the salad was great! I also love the salad dressing, salsas and tortillas! I can eat this all week restaurant was nice and clean but I took my order home. read more

The food in the Watsonville has always been good, we lean towards salads and burritos. However, we always pick it up. Last week we went into the store to order, huge mistake. All the kiosks were down and no one was helping anyone at the counter, only drive through. The dining room was messy and no one but the kitchen people would make eye contact with us. We ended up ordering from our phone for pick up to get service. I highly recommend for food, but order before you go or use the drive-through. This fast food chain is a sleeper, the food is so good, really beats Chipotle for quality, servings, and price. read more

I've eaten at El Pollo Loco in LA hundreds of times always making sure to get the pinto beans. This was my 3d time in Watsonville and it was inedible. The beans were half falling apart and half undercooked so they made a pinging sound when I spat them back out, which is quite an accomplishment on plastic. It's sad. The woman in charge was really nice even when I asked for a corn tortilla because this one had what looked ... well let's just say a little gob of something... hanging inside. But she couldn't find any address to address my complaint. Oh well I'll air it publicly. read more

El Pollo Loco - Undercooked beans - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

We wsere returning home from a production by El Teatro Campesino of La Pastorela, https://elteatrocampesino.com/lapastorela/, see my review. But, let's get to the topic here. I had a hankering for some roast chicken so we stopped at El Pollo Loco in Watsonville. This is a typical fast food enterprise, well lit and clean, with a large menu posted. There were 2 touch screen "kiosks" at the counter. We had some difficulty navigating them, and one of the staff members saw our difficulty, came out and helped us get our order going. These are tap screens and we were pressing them too long. She was incredibly helpful and stayed with us through our order's completion. I didn't think to look at her name tag but I want to say a hearty "THANK YOU" to her. The food was delivered quickly and we wound our way home. We ate a sort whille later and everything was delishous. read more

So I ordered a double chicken bowl- I got this avocado and well I like my avocado fresh and I expected "fresh ingredients" I asked the front if they could kindly provide fresh avocado. They brought out the remains of the same avocado that looked awfully worse and said "thats all we have". I'm humiliated to have stood there and not be worth a fresh avocado. I came on July 22, 2024 at around 7:55pm. Please advise. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double chicken bowl - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

I drive thru probably once/week and always had a pleasant experience and my order has always been correct...maybe because I only order a couple things. I have nothing to complain about! read more

Double chicken avocado salad is my go to here.. Service is great.. I usually come during lunch time.. Clean place, inside & out.. pretty fast service compared to other locations.. My complaint is that there's always issues using my barcode coupon of $3 off next $10+purchase.. read more

Service at this restaurant is atrocious. Dining area is dirty and trash bins overfilled. I waited for 25 minutes for a simple meal that never appeared. Absolutely never coming back and not recommended. read more

I'm from Orange County, where el pollo loco's are everywhere, and I definitely make the 20 minute drive to Watsonville to come here. It's wholesome, relatively healthy, easy Mexican food, that isn't particularly authentic-- but I still think it's yummy. The service is quick, and the restaurant is typically clean. I recommend the 5 dollar pollo bowl with their creamy salad dressing. It's cheap and yummy!!! read more

Service was slow due to one customer who took at least 15 minutes (the customers in front of me left before he had finished with his order). I don't fault the El Pollo Loco for the slow service and the cashier did offer to help me first but I wasn't ready to order. Food was good and cashier recommended the 10 piece family dinner instead of the 8 piece I originally wanted (because it was a better deal). I thought the 10 piece dinner only came with beans and rice sides but you can pick from any of the other sides. My order was correct and the chicken was good (a few pieces were a little dry but not that bad). The mashed potatoes and gravy were yummy too! Haven't tried the salad but looked good. My only complaint would be that they didn't ask what types of salsas I wanted. They had included both the red and the green but no pico de gallo. I didn't mind but my husband was bummed about the lack of PDG because he likes to put it in the tortilla with his chicken. I would definitely return to this location bc it's the only location near me haha read more

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My favorite El Pollo ever. The food was fresh and tasty but the main reason for this was review is the cashier who took my order. I had to make some substitutions and subtractions with my double chicken tostada and she was really helpful and funny at the same time. I had worked a long day and she really put a smile on my face. Gracias Lupita! Give this girl a raise! read more

Look, it's not horrible food. It still tastes a little bit like fast food, but the basic bean, rice, cheese burrito is tasty. I recommend asking for pico de gallo on the side. I would order from here when it gets late because the hours are pretty flexible. It's also conveniently located to stores. It still wouldn't be first choice, but it's an upgrade from taco bell. read more

First time i went to pollo loco yesterday and dont know what to think. The chiken seem a little burn or maybe thats just the style. Overall is was ok nothing impressive. read more

Service is good, drive through is fast. I like that the food is never greasy. I would NOT recommend the churros though. read more

El Pollo Loco - The food is great & I really like that it's never greasy. The churos though aren't good. Would not recommend the churos. - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

I'm unsure how this place doesn't have 5 stars. Service, cleanliness and the taste of the food are all phenomenal. Prior to coming here I avoided el pollo loco because the location where I used to live always gave bland tasting food. Idk what they're doing here but it's great. read more

We door dashed food and it was amazing especially the nachos would eat again! Food didn't take long to come overall it's good nothing wrong read more

El Pollo Loco - Shredded chicken nachos Double chicken tostada - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

Chicken was extremely dry seemed like it was overcooked. One chicken breast had meat on it the other three were mostly all bone and skin no meat. Mashed potatoes I am gravy were actually pretty good. The salad was really playing though basically just lettuce with some tortilla chips sprinkles on it. read more

It's been 6 months since we had a Tostada Salad and was super bummed at what we received. The shell is now half the size they used to be so half the ingredients. The double chicken was smaller amount of meat than the single from before. Very disappointing, especially since they raised the price to $13 for 1/3 of the ingredients they used to give you. Last one I will buy. Bye bye Polo Loco! read more

I paid extra for chips & guac. Obviously they forgot. Just like they almost forgot my drinks. To top it off, I found this piece of plastic in my food. The ladies in there did not know what they were doing clearly & now customers are eating plastic?? read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

I came here today to try their Holiday chicken Tamales .I got the combo which came with rice,pinto beans, chips and a soft drink.Everything was fresh and tasty.The Tamales were yummy.The employees were very nice and my order came out fast read more

El Pollo Loco - Holiday chicken Tamales with rice and pinto beans - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

I've never thought I had to review El Pollo Loco The food is always been average but after going today i'm not going back I ordered eight items and was given 4 The girl that brought it out of the restaurant brought it to my car never seen a word but yet talking to her friend on the phone I didn't look at the bag till I got home didn't go back because I'm 45 min drive back into town at 5:00 very disappointed. I was just looking at other reviews no wonder I hardly see any cars up there anymore thanks and Wattsville seemed to end up going down the toilet pretty damn fast read more

I just got home from the drive thru. I ordered the grilled chicken nachos with the toppings on the side and just the chicken cheese and beans on the nachos. Wondering where the chicken is? The girl also didn't give me my receipt (or a smile, a thank you, or a have a good night) so now I'm wondering how much I was even charged for this sorry plate of "nachos". Not thrilled nachos read more

El Pollo Loco - Chicken nachos? - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

We discovered the Original Pollo Bowl. Wow! Just $5 and you get a great, somewhat healthy meal that includes tortillas and a drink. Nice meal when you don't feel like cooking. Love the salsa that is also included. read more

I went through the Drive-thru on March 27, 2021 around 3pm. And yes, I did mention the date because I'm leaving this review regarding their whole staff working today! The girl taking my order at the drive thru was super rude. I couldn't pronounce one of the choices on the menu and she laughed out loud as if I didn't hear her then passed the microphone to another person. I'm not a super sensitive person, but that was so rude and unprofessional. She didn't understand what I was trying to order. I had to repeat myself 5-6 times! Each time she laughed and didn't take my order seriously. All I ordered was 3 tacos el carbon, 2 regular cherry cokes, and a sprite. How difficult was that? She must've been slow. Anyway, when I drove up to the window their whole staff was messing around acting like little kids. I assume that their supervisor wasn't present. The guy at the window didn't even pay attention to me and acted careless. It's obvious that they don't care about their jobs. No masks on, some not even wearing it correctly. They got my whole simple order wrong and I didn't bother to drive back to complain because I was ready to snap. Never coming back to this location again. Horrible service. I hope they all step on a lego! read more

One of the best fast food restaurants in Santa Cruz County, a county where fast food options are generally limited compared to neighboring counties (I wish we had an In-n-Out). I remember initially being disappointed years ago when Del Taco closed, but now that I'm more conscious about carbs, having an El Pollo Loco in this county is absolutely amazing! What I like about El Pollo Loco is its many low-carb options, making it rather unique among fast food restaurants. Service during the COVID pandemic has been quick and safe. The prices are quite reasonable: you pay fast food prices for fast casual quality. It's worth the drive from Capitola where I live. read more

25 min drive thru line. Woman working the window was rude and took our card out of our sight for 2 mins, rather than swipe it in front of us like other fast food places. read more

My order on line was suppose to be ready at 6:41p.m. It is now 7:09 and Im still waiting

Great first time I've had here at this location. Been always wanting to try this joint around the area even when I lived in San Jose but always hesitated because it felt like it was just another Mexican/Americanized fast food place that could be pretty average overall, I was wrong! The staff was pretty friendly & helpful, the wait wasn't too long, and the food came out great! I didn't know they had a tea side orders you can ask for into your meal and everything felt fresh in taste. They even have their own table for salsa! The chicken taste just as great. The whole building is still new on the inside so it seems pretty clean and not where on side of the restaurant get too nasty of built up trash,So sitting in felt quite comfortable and sanitized. Much seating everywhere and the drive threw seems finely functional. Will come back! read more

El Pollo Loco - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

Great food, very friendly service, these folks do a very good job. Thank you so much for being there through everything we're going through.

First time here, looking for a tasty option where I can drive through quickly. No one at the drive through, several cars parked for walk-in. Service was fast and polite, my double chicken avocado salad is awesome! I work down the street and there's always a long line at the other fast food drive through, so I'll be back! read more

Terrible pollo loco location. Any other pollo loco location is better than this one. They ran out of chicken and had me wait 45 min for my order. The chicken was extremely burnt and super salty. First time I've had bad chicken at a pollo loco. Never coming back here again! read more

I go to this El Pollo all the time as it is close to my work and I feel like there are some halfway healthy options on the menu. The food is always what I expect, however, there seems to be a couple of service issues in the drive thru that I often experience: 1. they never tell you your order total when ordering in the drive thru. They always say "i'll give your total at the window". One time I was charged for someone else's order, which cost more than mine. I wasn't aware of this at first, as they never gave me my order total, just ran my debit card. Once I discovered this and mentioned it, the guy tried to just hand me my food and say the orders were the same. After a couple of minutes the guy gave me a dollar out the register, which was most of the difference. I took it just to get out of there. 2. they don't give you a receipt unless you specifically ask for it. I've never been to a fast food joint that doesn't give a receipt...plus, I like to scan the receipts into the rewards app. Seems like a no brainer to provide the customer with a receipt. 3. they have no idea how to redeem a gift card, or rewards in the phone app. Twice I've had this store somehow erase $25 gift cards when trying to use them They come back with an excuse that the card is invalid. When you call the number on the card to check the balance, the card "does not exist". The manager told me that "that happens all the time with the $25 gift cards that aren't purchased in store". Well that just seems sketchy af. I've had a card with a partial balance erased as well. In addition, when earning $10 in rewards via the app, they don't know how to scan it when trying to redeem. I will continue to frequent this place, however, I now know that I have to ask for a receipt everytime, and NOT to use any gift cards or they'll just wipe out the balance. read more

This location used to be Del Taco. Great to see this site was revived by El Pollo Loco. Came on a busy day. The location had great employees, very attentive. Food had a great presentation. My dad was ecstatic to have his chicken. The tostadas were great. read more

El Pollo Loco - Open faced chicken tostadas, under 500 cals. - Fast Food Near Me - Watsonville, California

This review is for COVID era delivery only. We had been looking forward to treating ourselves to EPL delivery during lockdown so, when I got hit with a migraine on June 3, I ordered ~$50 worth of dinners. The order completed online at exactly 7:00pm and the ETA was over an hour. It seemed like an awful long time for some tacos but we just tried to take our mind off it and wait it out. Each time I checked Postmates delivery portal, the time kept getting bumped out to 30-40 minutes from the current time. I called EPL (the # provided & only # found online) and it rang for 5 full minutes!!! Finally a recording said to enter your authorization code - no ID of EPL or ability to leave a msg. Since EPL hours were stated as open til 10, delivery orders til 9, my migraine & I had to scrape up something to feed my people after 9. The worst was the text from the Postmates deliverer at 10:14 telling me "They are closed" - after receiving the order 5 minutes earlier. I was just too mad to write a review at the time. I remembered now that I noticed that EPL resubmitted the charge to my credit card 2 days later and now I had to file a dispute. read more

I get in the drive through, now trapped, and they tell me they only have legs and thighs. I now have to sit in line and wait to get out. When does a chicken place run out of chicken? read more

This place has terrible customer service. I went here for first time in watsonville and I went thru drive thru and had to park and wait for my food. Then girl lady comes out with my food and just gives it to me. Doesn't say anything. I look inside my bag and there is no dressing. So I have to go inside and ask for some dressing. read more

Ordered in drive thru and was told to park and wait for my order. Observed several people who ordered after I did receive their food so I went inside to ask. Noticed one of their staff behind the counter WASNT WEARING A MASK and decided to get a refund but couldn't because I wasn't given a receipt. Will not be going back to this location and I'll be sure to let my friends and family know about my experience. read more

Good place to visit for a healthy fast lunch while your Tesla charges. Polo bowls are the best

I was very disappointed in my food. I opted for a chicken salad, which came in a plastic container, rice, some black beans chicken and broccoli. Yea, broccoli, bleh and no lettuce. My bad for not reading the ingredients but I had assumed, wrongly, that it would include lettuce. The whole dish was tasteless with absolutely no seasoning added. Very blah. I also added an order of chips. Nothing special here. Sea salt? Eh, could have fooled me, but they should try adding some to the rest of the food. My overall impression? Sorry, mediocre to poor fast food and will not be going back again. The commercials definitely oversell the quality. read more

So bad. So, so bad. Salad not fresh by at least a couple of days & no dressing included. Chicken over-cooked, taking on a jerky-like texture & tasting singed. They forgot to include the salsa. Some of the chips were fresh, some not. I'm sure this is the "how not to do it" store. read more