El Pollo Loco

3.8
813 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 Santa Ana,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
  • Drive-throughAvailable
  • [Free/Paid] wi-fiNot available

Location

El Pollo Loco
2501 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA
92704, United States

Hours

Reviews

3.8
813 reviews
5 stars
401
4 stars
143
3 stars
78
2 stars
48
1 star
143

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Customer Service

Many customers reported rude and unprofessional behavior from staff, particularly from management, leading to a negative dining experience.

Food Quality

Several reviews mentioned issues with food quality, including dry or old chicken, incorrect orders, and tasteless meals.

Cleanliness

Customers frequently noted unsanitary conditions, including dirty tables and sticky floors, which detracted from their overall experience.

Ordering Process

The transition to digital ordering was criticized for being confusing and poorly managed, with staff providing little assistance to customers.
  • AS
    Anita S.
    Dec 30, 2025
    1.0
    We as a group (9 people) used to go there because one of the workers was nice to us. Manager Maribel is very rude. One day one of the ladies of my group asked her if she could roll down the curtain, because the reflection of the sun was on our face, she did not wanted, I went to rolled down and as soon as she could went and roiled up. I told her the situation and she told me that one of the rules was to have it up. I asked at other Pollo locations and they told me that she was laying, that she just was being rude. We do not come back to El Pollo Loco Bristol and Central in Santa Ana anymore. We miss our friend there, but manager Maribel is rude. Plus tables were dirty most of the time.
  • CD
    Cesar Duran
    Dec 16, 2025
    5.0
    Love this restaurant, my dad comes here frequently they know who he is and they get his order prepared immediately and just how he likes it’s it. They treat him with great respect, he’s 97, Can’t say enough about this locale but I give it two thumbs up
  • NO
    Natalie Olayo
    Nov 20, 2025
    5.0
    Just went drive thru and had to come on here and thank Jesse for making our night. His customer service was refreshing and much appreciated!
  • SH
    sham hi
    Nov 16, 2025
    1.0
    By far the worst location. Every time I come here there is an issue. Dry, old chicken . Old lettuce. Drinks filled very low from drive thru. Rude workers. It’s almost as if they don’t throw out very old food, they still serve it to you to save money. Ridiculous and gross I’m not coming back here anymore. Unless they hire people who actually care about what there serving you.
  • MH
    Michael Heil
    Nov 12, 2025
    3.0
    Food, service and cleanliness are much poorer than it used to. No customer service with computer ordering, staff just ignores you. The floor was sticky and seemed like it hadn't been mopped in days, table wasn't clean either. Wouldn't recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions About El Pollo Loco

What are the regular business hours for El Pollo Loco in Santa Ana, CA?

El Pollo Loco in Santa Ana is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM and on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Does El Pollo Loco offer delivery services?

Yes, El Pollo Loco provides delivery services to customers.