El Pollo Loco

    Claimed
    $ Mexican, Fast Food, Chicken Shop
    Closed10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    From This Business

    Menu

    What's the vibe?

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    Inside

    7 photos

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    Outside

    4 photos

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    All photos

    70 photos

    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

    Map

    1004 Mission Ave

    Oceanside, CA 92054

    Horne St

    Mon

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Tue

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Wed

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Thu

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Fri

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Closed now

    Sat

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    Sun

    • 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    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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    Overall rating

    85 reviews

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    • Photo of Abigail P.
      Abigail P.
      Oceanside, CA
      10
      136
      135
      Feb 24, 2024
      2 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!!

      Tostadas chicken and shrimp
      Chips salsa verde y Salsa Roja
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      Business owner information

      Photo of Rizwana B.

      Rizwana B.

      Feb 26, 2024

      Thank you for the review Abigail.

    • Photo of Carmen C.
      Carmen C.
      Monterey Park, CA
      19
      21
      50
      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.

      BRC Burrito (beans, rice, cheese) & Large cup of ice (free)
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      Photo of Olivia R.

      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.

    • Photo of Mommy D.
      Mommy D.
      Oceanside, CA
      0
      14
      16
      Mar 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!!

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      Photo of Rizwana B.

      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.

    • Photo of Jonescarp J.
      Jonescarp J.
      Oceanside, CA
      1
      101
      15
      Feb 3, 2024
      Updated 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!

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      Photo of Rizwana B.

      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 review
    • Photo of Ana N.
      Ana N.
      Vista, CA
      44
      158
      115
      Mar 9, 2023
      Updated 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.

      Helpful 1
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      Photo of Rizwana B.

      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 review
    • Photo of Assad S.
      Assad S.
      Escondido, CA
      742
      52
      30
      Oct 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.

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    • Photo of Judy P.
      Judy P.
      Oceanside, CA
      0
      2
      8
      Apr 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

      Lettuce is disgusting
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      Photo of Rizwana B.

      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.

    • Photo of Flor E.
      Flor E.
      Val Verde, CA
      0
      1
      Jan 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.

      Helpful 1
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      Photo of Olivia R.

      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!

    • Photo of Mary R.
      Mary R.
      Riverside, CA
      82
      30
      36
      May 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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      Photo of Olivia R.

      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!

    • Photo of Yamen M.
      Yamen M.
      Pomona, CA
      126
      22
      Oct 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 u

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      Photo of Rizwana B.

      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.

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