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Inside
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Outside
4 photos
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Review Highlights
“I ordered a Chicken Tostada which was very tasty and it came with some kind of green sauce that was delicious.” in 2 reviews
“I'm always on the go so I mainly use the drive thru and I never wait for long.” in 2 reviews
“The chicken is nice and moist (a mix of dark and white chicken) in a tasty broth with carrots, corn, and possibly celery.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
Amenities and More
About the Business
While some things have changed over the last few decades, El Pollo Loco's commitment to fresh, authentic food has not. Everything starts with whole chickens that are slowly marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. The chicken is then expertly fire-grilled to perfection the authentic way - on our signature open-flame grills - then hand cut into your favorite Mexican entrees. We put that same dedication and care into our handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. At El Pollo Loco, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
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Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
85 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
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1 star
- 10136135Feb 24, 20242 check-ins
Food was delicious and fresh tasted homemade and it definitely has that fire grill taste.
We got the avocado chicken burrito and the bowl which was amazing.
The manager behind the counter didn't hear me order the first time and we had to order twice.
Very strange but the place is clean and I loved the food especially the delicious shrimp!!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Rizwana B.
Feb 26, 2024
Thank you for the review Abigail.
- Feb 20, 2024
Got a BRC burrito via drive-thru while visiting Oceanside and there was no line. The staff was friendly and gave me a large cup of ice as requested. This El Pollo Loco was located in the plaza with Walmart and is a quick and easy stop.
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Olivia R.
Feb 21, 2024
Thank you so much for your 5 star review, Carmen! We will share this with the store team to let them know to keep up the amazing work.
- Mommy D.Oceanside, CA01416Mar 20, 2024
Once again... El pollo loco disappointed me with my order. It was not busy when I went . As a customer I expected employees to be familiar with their menu. How many types if salsa are on the menu? I hate spicy but love their new version if salsa fresca which I ordered 12 of with 12 pcs chicken meal. And of course... I was given 8 GREEN hot avocado salsa
Look at the order!!! How hard is it??? Dont employees know the difference? Are you intentionally giving out wrong salsa to save for yourself ??? Unbelievable!! You just ruined my dinner!!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Rizwana B.
Mar 21, 2024
We're sorry you had an issue with your order. We're confident we'll do better next time, so we hope you'll consider ordering from us again.
- Jonescarp J.Oceanside, CA110115Feb 3, 2024Updated review
Once again, the chicken was completely shrunk and dried out. My assessment? If there's no line, there's a good chance the chicken has been sitting too long and is dried out. My suggestion? Go when they first open. I got the juiciest chicken and the largest pieces by doing that. Their pico de gallo is as good as any you get out. Come on El Pollo Loco. Don't keep serving dried out chicken. It does not help your reputation.
PS the cashier is very nice!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Rizwana B.
Feb 5, 2024
We're sorry to hear about your issue. We understand your frustration and will look to improve so we can provide a better experience for your next time.
Mar 17, 2019Previous reviewAte there yesterday. It had been about 5 years since the last time.
Don't know what it was but the flavor didn't seem the same as it was 5 years ago. On a percentage basis, I'd say it was 70% of what I remember. In other words, I wasn't looking forward to the next bite.
I also thought the chicken overall was DRY.
The green sauce was new for me. Interesting avocado base. Very similar to Senor Pancho's Grill.
Okay but not great - Ana N.Vista, CA44158115Mar 9, 2023Updated review
PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE FOR A BURRITO!!! They will give you a taco size burrito and charge you full price. I already sent an email to corporate. The burrito was so small, the chips were all broken, half of what they usually give you and the salsa was old. Like who does this? I can't believe this used to be so good now it's going down the drain. MANAGERS, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION.
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Rizwana B.
Nov 22, 2023
We apologize for the experience. We highly value our customers' feedback and we hope to continue to doing business with you.
Oct 9, 2019Previous reviewI love El Pollo Loco!!!!! Never fails!!.. and the salsa are just the right amount of vegetables and spice. I use my app rewards very often and the last two times I got free meals. How can you beat a Nachos meals ( chicken nachos and drink) for $5.00.
- Assad S.Escondido, CA7425230Oct 30, 2023
I went here and ordered two burritos and it took so long waiting in the drive-thru, I asked for my money back. Then it took a long time to get a refund. I love El Pollo Loco, but the service here was very slow. Almost 20 min. only to drive away with no food. Hopefully things change.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - Judy P.Oceanside, CA028Apr 10, 2023
I enjoy me some El Pollo Loco and have been enjoying the double chicken tostada but recently I purchased a double chicken tostada and was so dissatisfied. The lettuce was so disgusting. It looked like it was from the bottom of the tray (see photos). The manager needs to do some quality assurance on the vegetables
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Rizwana B.
Nov 22, 2023
We apologize for the experience. We highly value our customers' feedback and we hope to continue doing business with you.
- Flor E.Val Verde, CA01Jan 10, 2024
out of all the Pollo Locos I've been to, this location has the best staff and service. They greet you when you walk in and the food was fresh for my family and I to enjoy. Everything was completed under 10 minutes. I definitely recommend coming to this location.
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Olivia R.
Jan 10, 2024
Thank you so much for this great 5 star review, Flor. We really appreciate your business and helping to spread the word about El Pollo Loco!
- Mary R.Riverside, CA823036May 30, 2023
Love their Double Chicken Salad!! It's delicious!! Order on the app and by the time I arrive, it's ready!
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Olivia R.
May 31, 2023
We're so happy to hear you had a good experience at El Pollo Loco, Mary. We look forward to serving you again soon!
- Yamen M.Pomona, CA12622Oct 19, 2022
Pink chicken my girlfriend is pregnant they could kill some one
This place is crappy three order not one is right guy has attitude they didn't put any chips salsa forks
Beside the wrong order he was playing on his phone that Covid employees for uHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Rizwana B.
Nov 22, 2023
We apologize for the experience. We highly value our customers' feedback and we hope to continue to doing business with you.