4.2 – 546 reviews • Mexican restaurant
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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 Carlsbad,CA, we believe that when real food meets real fire the result is great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.
Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
Hours
| Friday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–10 PM |
elpolloloco.com
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Find an El Pollo Loco location near Carlsbad. Get directions and enjoy fresh L.A. Mex style cuisine for dine-in, takeout, delivery or drive-thru.
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Reviews
Jennifer Petricca
Delicious food and great service. From order to drop our front server was so nice and respectable! Atmosphere is genuine and has patio seating. What a lovely place to grab food with my son!
… morePatricia Naranjo
We ordered thru Grubhub. We were missing the Original Pollo Bowl and the ranch dressing ordered for a Tostada. But what was unacceptable was that the Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl had raw chicken. We know the difference between white and dark meat and this was raw. Several pieces had so much red that we didn’t dare eat it. Very disappointing. The quesadilla was the only good thing.
… moreXavier Island
This has got to be The dumbest establishment I’ve ever tried to eat at. I called to place a to go order because I’m on my 30 minute break and they said that they don’t accept Phone orders except for catering. What about the people that have work but want lunch real quick I don’t get it. I just never went. I’ll take my service elsewhere.
… moreHawaiiangrl
This place used to be really crowded but when I came in tonight it was pretty empty. Atmosphere was so so. I was disappointed with the food especially the chicken because it tasted bland. There was no salsa bar or limes. I cannot recommend this place to eat.
… moreJuan Matias
Came in today around lunch time (4/8/25). I ordered 3 burritos and a large mac. I was eating my burrito and almost dang near swallowed a chicken bone. Scared the crap out of me. Luckily I got the bone and not my kids. Pollo loco you guys gotta do better. This could of gone very wrong.
… moreTim Autrey
My first at an El Pollo Loco, and I wasn’t disappointed. The service, food, and atmosphere were all great. I highly recommend.
… moreIG Amado
I recommend the Tacos al Carbon! The chicken is great, I enjoy eating here with my family. The workers here are very friendly and clean. God bless.
… moreGeoff Osowski
Love this place. We come here every time we come to California! If I lived here, I’d eat here twice a week. Great quality at a great price. And, I don’t eat fast food…this is not typical fast food in my opinion.
… moreJenny M
This is one of the best El Pollo Loco’s from all around So Cal! Amazing food and service!
… moreSimon Chung
Good and cheap eats. Very friendly and efficient service. I’ve been to other locations before but this location’s chicken seems a bit drier. I like that fact that you can go back and get more salsa. Overall, good choice if you want grilled chicken.
… more