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 Ontario,CA, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
Numerous reviews highlighted poor customer service, including rude staff and long wait times for assistance.
Food Quality
Many customers reported issues with food quality, including burnt chicken, missing items, and inconsistent portion sizes.
Cleanliness
Several reviews mentioned cleanliness issues within the restaurant, including dirty conditions and lack of proper hygiene practices.
Ordering Experience
Customers expressed frustration with the self-service kiosks and the difficulty in receiving help when ordering.
Management Response
Some reviews noted that management was unresponsive or unhelpful in addressing customer complaints.
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Javiyan Jones
1 day ago
1.0
No rice for the bowls. But no sign up saying it’s no rice
CP
cupcake pizza
Feb 10, 2026
1.0
Worst customer service! if you don’t like working customers service work somewhere else! i had asked for help on the kiosk and rude mexican short lady said something along the lines “if you don’t know how to use the kiosk don’t touch it” extremely unacceptable behavior for a customer service worker lol! and someone else came to help after i got my order i asked the lady for some serranos (correct me if im wrong free upon request) she was charging me for them! After i left i called since i didn’t get my receipt. i was on hold for 20 min and hung up on me. After called again to ask for my receipt number to leave my review and miss erika did not want to give me my survey number and she kept apologizing and saying she would give us a 25% off. she also stated it wasn’t the first complaint about the rude cashier earlier that day. Something must be done about her. I later had to go out of my way to the store to get my receipt and still didn’t get my survey number!
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Ernest Leyva
Feb 9, 2026
1.0
They have lost another customer. I have attempted twice now to use the ordering kiosk. I do not work there and didn't expect to order on my own. I would rather a person enter it. The kiosk takes too long. Both times I have had to ask someone to help me with my paper coupon. Both times it took 15 min to get a person to help. This second visit that I had yesterday sealed the deal. I won't be returning unless they bring back a person at the counter. Disappointed to find that all locations are doing this. Im over it. I just wanted food. I like the quality, but loathe self service. If it's easy for you, I commend you and wish you the best. It seems my El Pollo Loco days are done.
AK
Adnan Karim
Oct 27, 2025
4.0
El Pollo Loco, a fast-food chain outpost on East 4th Street in Ontario, offers Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken. Their user-friendly app makes ordering convenient. I ordered a meal for two, including Small Mac n Cheese, Small Corn, Loco Side Salad, Churro, four Corn Tortillas, and two Legs & Thighs. The total cost, including tax, was $15.21 and reasonable.
In just 15 minutes, I received a notification that my food was ready for pickup. I arrived promptly and found the restaurant nearly empty. The interior was clean, with staff frequently cleaning the tables. The friendly woman at the counter greeted me warmly and efficiently took my order details. I was able to pick up my food almost immediately.
The food was delicious. The Grilled Chicken Legs and Thighs were perfectly cooked and flavorful. The Mac n Cheese, Corn, Salad, and Churro were also tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and plan to return soon to try more of their dishes.
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darlina lopez
Oct 23, 2025
5.0
The server was pretty rude and inefficient when calling me to the counter with only 1/2 of my order ready, but the manager on duty just now stepped up and addressed the issue, apologized, and resolved it while dealing with a crowded store.