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 National City,CA, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
Customers frequently praised the delicious and fresh chicken, though some noted occasional issues with dryness and portion sizes.
Customer Service
The staff received high marks for friendliness and helpfulness, with specific mentions of employees like Pedro, Marlene, and Isabel providing exceptional service.
Cleanliness
Many reviews highlighted the cleanliness of the restaurant, contributing to a positive dining experience.
Operational Issues
Several customers reported problems with incorrect hours, missing items from orders, and inconsistent service during busy times.
AC
Alejandra Cisneros
Feb 24, 2026
5.0
Delicious chicken š š
LM
Lourdes M
Jan 25, 2026
5.0
THE BEST POLLO LOCO IN SAN DIEGO!!!!!! Hands down!!! They hook you up with salsas and the pollo is so fresh and juicy!!!!!
What are the regular opening hours for El Pollo Loco in National City, CA?
El Pollo Loco in National City is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Where is El Pollo Loco located in National City?
El Pollo Loco is located at 1710 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950.
Does El Pollo Loco offer catering services?
Yes, El Pollo Loco offers catering services for events and gatherings.
How can I place an order at El Pollo Loco?
You can place an order online through their website or via the El Pollo Loco mobile app available on the Apple App Store.
What types of payment does El Pollo Loco accept?
El Pollo Loco accepts payments by check and Visa credit cards.
What is El Pollo Loco known for in terms of food preparation?
El Pollo Loco is known for their fire-grilled chicken marinated with a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic, grilled on open-flame grills, and handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings.
Is there a drive-through available at El Pollo Loco?
Yes, this location features a drive-through for convenient service.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at El Pollo Loco on Highland Ave?
Nearby you can visit Karina's Mexican Seafood for more Mexican cuisine, Plaza Donuts for baked goods and coffee, or the US Post Office for mailing servicesāall within a short distance from El Pollo Loco.
Are there other dining options near El Pollo Loco?
Yes, other nearby fast food options include McDonald's, Jack in the Box, and Wienerschnitzel at 1825 Highland Avenue if you want to explore different tastes.
What nearby amenities are available around El Pollo Loco?
You can find convenient amenities such as ARCO gas station and convenience store, National Coin Laundry for dry cleaning and laundry, and Highland Barber Shop for grooming services near El Pollo Loco.
Brand Certified Facts from El Pollo Loco
This information is certified by El Pollo Loco and published from the brand's official system of record. Data is distributed through an enterprise-grade knowledge management platform. Learn more about our data sources
Certified March 01, 2026Yext Knowledge Graph
Address
Categories
Geo coordinates
Legal business name
Hours of operation
Phone number
Official website
Syndication Network
Approved business data is pushed to 100+ publishers, including: