Business Details
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 Rancho Santa Margarita,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
- DeliveryAvailable
- DebitAvailable
- Accepts checksAvailable
- Drive-throughAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.3
607 reviews
5 stars
392
4 stars
118
3 stars
34
2 stars
19
1 star
44
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Several customers reported issues with the quality of the chicken, describing it as dry, overcooked, or containing scraps.
Service Consistency
While many reviews praised the excellent and friendly service, there were also complaints about orders being incorrect or items missing.
Cleanliness
The restaurant generally received positive remarks for cleanliness, with many customers noting that the environment was clean and well-maintained.
Customer Experience
Overall, customers appreciated the positive atmosphere and friendly staff, with specific mentions of employees who provided exceptional service.
- AFAlireza FarkhondehKishDec 24, 20251.0Usually, when someone orders the soup, it comes with sides. But he didn't give me anything such as tortilla strips, lime or lemon, cheese (package), or etc. Visit: 24 dec 25 @ 4:04 pm Serve ID ending: 1811
- LBLeonardo BasilioDec 18, 20255.0Sensacional 🥳
- JMJaime MagsiDec 11, 20253.0It's an OK place to go. If you are craving for chicken cooked this way, then this is the place.
- SSsusieNov 24, 20251.0I’ve tried giving this location multiple chances as it’s not always bad but between them always forgetting food items or giving me essentially what’s scraps in my burrito i’m tired. I ordered the classic chicken burrito which is what I usually get for lunch during work time, I head back to my office to sit down and try and eat what I thought would be a normal burrito and first bite i get a mouthful of old, burnt, and tough chicken.. I don’t like wasting food so I just pick out the dry tough chicken and move on, I bite the burrito again and another mouthful of dry old chicken.. I tried my best to eat the burrito as i don’t like wasting food but i could barely get through half of the burrito without picking out inedible, tough, dry, old chicken. Super disappointed. I used to work at a restaurant similar to Pollo Loco some years back and I understand things can’t be perfect all the time but is there anyone keeping things in check at this location? Food items are missing most of the times and now food with what looks like leftover scraps is being given to customers. It’s not even edible. Chicken in this state should not be given out to customers it’s not even chewable as it’s tough and i can tell it was probably sitting there for hours in the kitchen line or they probably just gave me the burnt chicken at the bottom of the container. Super disappointed. Whoever is in charge should be checking this more often. I don’t think you guys would enjoy eating old chicken either. I’m not the type of person to leave reviews like this but i just can’t believe I was given a burrito full of chicken scraps.
- EGEstela GarciaOct 4, 20255.0excellent service.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Pollo Loco
What are the operating hours of El Pollo Loco in Rancho Santa Margarita?
El Pollo Loco is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Does El Pollo Loco offer delivery services?
Yes, El Pollo Loco offers delivery services for customer convenience.
Can I order El Pollo Loco food through a mobile app?
Yes, you can order through the El Pollo Loco app available on the Apple App Store, or use their online ordering link.
What types of payment does El Pollo Loco accept?
El Pollo Loco accepts American Express, Check, Discover, and Visa as payment options.
Is there a drive-through option available at El Pollo Loco?
Yes, El Pollo Loco has a drive-through service available.
Does El Pollo Loco provide catering services?
Yes, catering services are available at El Pollo Loco.
What is El Pollo Loco's specialty and how is their chicken prepared?
El Pollo Loco specializes in fire-grilled chicken marinated in a special recipe with herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic, grilled on signature open-flame grills and hand-cut for Mexican entrees.
Are there any nearby fitness centers close to El Pollo Loco?
Yes, Prima Pilates and Orangetheory Fitness are nearby gyms you can visit before or after enjoying a meal at El Pollo Loco.
What other dining options are available near El Pollo Loco?
Nearby you can find The Doughnut Parlor for desserts, Sake Sushi for Japanese cuisine, and The Parkway American Grill for American dining.
Are there any nearby services for banking or shipping near El Pollo Loco?
Yes, Wells Fargo Bank, Chase Bank, USPS, and UPS Access Point location are nearby for your banking and shipping needs.