While some things have changed over the last few decades, El Pollo Loco's delivery of 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 in Gilbert,AZ, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
Customers reported inconsistent food quality, with some experiencing dry or overcooked chicken, while others praised the freshness and flavor of the food.
Service Issues
Several reviews highlighted poor service, including rude staff, incorrect orders, and long wait times, particularly in the drive-thru.
Pricing Concerns
Many customers felt that the prices were too high for the portion sizes and quality of food received.
Cleanliness
Mixed feedback on cleanliness, with some customers noting dirty conditions while others found the restaurant clean and well-maintained.
Positive Experiences
Despite the issues, several customers expressed satisfaction with the food and service, indicating a loyal customer base.
BR
Bri Rojas
5 days ago
1.0
Locking doors because its busy it wild
RZ
Russell Zigler
Feb 12, 2026
3.0
I only bought rice, flour tortillas and pinto beans. I love their pinto beans. The employees behind the counter seem to be nice. I asked the one young man with my pinto beans. Please don't put too much liquid in there. You know give me a good amount of beans too and he did. He did a good job. There was also a young lady that was helping me after cash registers. She was very nice. I always get the Red pico de gallo. The food I got was great. I got two large containers of the pinto beans and two large containers of the rice that lasted me I believe 3 days.
MM
matthew mades
Feb 1, 2026
1.0
A-Z Reviews from an AZ native.
I hate to do this but you deserve the truth and its out therr so let drop some knowledge on El Pollo Loco.
Ill say this they get the Loco part right they just forgot to add En La Cabeza at the end...
Ok so if youve read any of my reviews Youll know that I have a bit of a problem with out of touch pricing so this is gonna apply to all el pollo locations. One evening after I was done driving a ride share shift I was hungry and had a liilte over 40 bucks for food. I saw the El there an decided to stop by and went to the drive through now keep in mind I was not only trying to feed myself I had someone at home waiting on food too so ok first it took a very long time for someone to answer the drive trough but when they did our conversation was not great I said hello Im looking for an 8 piece (traditional mix) but what I wanted was instead of the thighs which I hate I was hoping to get 2 extra legs or even wings because those I would eat and not throw out... here was what she said back well ok the r e g mix is 12.99 Which was fine with me thats a bit more than the grocery store but thats not why Im giving 1 star the reason is because to meet my request of less chicken in weight her mix n match 8 piece went from 12.99 to 22.99 so that would have been 25 with tax way more than half my budget for less chicken?
I literally said naw ya'll can keep it and backed out the and went to my local frys and not only did I get my 8 piece without legs One of the breast pieces I got had sone skin missing and the girl at the counter felt bad about that so she gave me 8 pieces plus 4 extra wings and 3 extra legs then she still felt bad and gave my the whole box for just 5 dollars even. I was able to feed my family that night and still have gas money for the next night so the moral of the story? El Pollo Loco has Loco pricing and could not careless about who you are.
Hope this helps
JW
Jack Whitworth
Jan 18, 2026
5.0
Food was delicious and the service was excellent.
Restaurant was clean
TV
Tony Vergara
Jan 9, 2026
2.0
Fui por una ensaladay me lo mandaron con un pelo . Me lo intercambiaron pero an asi la segunda orden tenía la ensalada todo quemado . Que estafado me sentí definitivamente ya no regresare a este lugar