El Pollo Loco

3.8
612 reviews

About

Mexican RestaurantCatererChicken RestaurantFast Food Restaurant
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 La Quinta,CA, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.

Details

  • Drive-throughAvailable
  • [Free/Paid] wi-fiNot available

Location

El Pollo Loco
78621 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA
92253, United States

Hours

Reviews

3.8
612 reviews
5 stars
299
4 stars
112
3 stars
68
2 stars
37
1 star
96

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Many customers reported issues with overcooked, dry, or poorly prepared chicken, with some expressing disappointment in portion sizes and freshness.

Service Issues

Numerous reviews highlighted poor customer service, including long wait times, rude staff, and incorrect orders.

Cleanliness

Several customers noted unsanitary conditions in the restaurant, including dirty tables and bathrooms.

Positive Experiences

Despite the negative feedback, some customers praised the food quality and service, particularly mentioning specific employees who provided excellent service.
  • MG
    Melanie Guralnick
    Dec 27, 2025
    5.0
    I was super surprised to see so many negative reviews for this El Pollo Loco. I have only had fantastic food and service at this location, and on top of that it has a chic decor scheme going on. It has a station where you can order on a touch screen (which I never use) and if I order from a human I never get shade from them for not using the kiosk. (yes, this is a thing at many fast food restaurants) The food is freshly prepared and always in uniform quantities with all my other visits. Honestly just a quality restaurant all around. I highly recommend this El Pollo Loco store!
  • JL
    James Lyons
    Dec 20, 2025
    5.0
    Convenient when you’re in the mood for chicken and you don’t feel like cooking and they have great avocados
  • BM
    Bodhi Marvin
    Dec 1, 2025
    1.0
    Worst service ever!!! Walked in and stood at the counter. Not one person acknowledged my existence. I was not able to put an order in so I left
  • GN
    gary nitowski
    Nov 12, 2025
    4.0
    I used to go to this El Pollo a few years back and it went downhill. But now I have to say it was absolutely excellent now. There's no more chopping up old chicken and putting it in the plates they actually throw the old chicken into a bucket.
  • DH
    Daniela Hernandez
    Nov 6, 2025
    1.0
    Ordered two pollo bowl combos, asked for green sauce and jalapeños. When I picked up my order at the front the manager already had an attitude when i asked for my chicken to be fully chopped i mean please its all still whole,picture is after i cut it up with my fingers theres still some meat together i just put to the side since it was fat. When i opened the bag of jalapeños they were rotten. I hesitated to go up front once again because i just didnt wanna deal the manager’s attitude but i wanted to bring this to her attention because this is a health hazard i walked up showed her she didn’t say a world went down and grab another bag of jalapeños i kindly said to her its ok i dont know if they are from the same batch they also may be bad. She didnt say a word again. if your a manager atleast apologize for the inconvenience and check the rest or throw them away you didnt apologize at all like if it was my fault for even asking for them in the first place. Sad you would treat a customer like that . Pollo loco location is really nice , its unfortunate that it has a manager that does not care for their customers well being.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Pollo Loco

What are the operating hours of El Pollo Loco in La Quinta?

El Pollo Loco in La Quinta is open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Where is El Pollo Loco located in La Quinta?

El Pollo Loco is located at 78621 Highway 111, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA.