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 Oceanside,CA, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
Feedback on customer service is mixed; while some customers praised the friendly and efficient staff, others reported rude service and order mistakes.
Food Quality
The quality of food received varied, with some customers enjoying the chicken and other items, while others complained about dry or poorly prepared food.
Order Accuracy
Many reviews highlighted issues with order accuracy, including missing items and incorrect orders, leading to frustration among customers.
Cleanliness
Several customers noted that the restaurant was clean and well-maintained, contributing positively to their dining experience.
Value for Money
Customers expressed concerns about pricing, with some feeling that the food was overpriced for the quality received.
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edgar abraham andrade urias
Dec 27, 2025
4.0
Es bueno pero como venimos de México el sabor no es tan bueno.
SH
Samantha Dawn Hoover
Dec 21, 2025
1.0
I went to El Pollo Loco to buy lunch for my entire family and spent close to $60. Unfortunately, when I got home, I realized they completely forgot both burritos from the kids’ meals. I didn’t check the bag before leaving (which I probably should have), but by the time I noticed, I had already driven all the way home and had hungry kids with no food.
I had to drive all the way back, wasting time and gas, and went through the drive-through to let them know what was missing. Over the intercom, they didn’t seem to care at all. When I pulled up, they tried to tell me my total — I had to explain that I was there because my food was missing. They handed me the burritos without saying sorry, without any acknowledgment of the inconvenience, and without even attempting to make it right (no coupon, no free item, nothing).
Now I’m stuck eating cold food because I had to go back just to get my kids’ meals. The lack of basic customer service was extremely frustrating. Mistakes happen, but not even offering an apology made this one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve had. It truly felt like “here you go, bye,” and that was it.
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Mike Ramult
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
Great deal!
MP
Mr. Doug Pierson
Nov 2, 2025
5.0
They’ve definitely upgraded. This new team is really fast. They’re also very good at customer service. The food is hot and I recommend this location. Also, it seems like the manager and the team are all working together really well.