El Pollo Loco

  4.1 – 767 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 Lake Forest, 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 El Pollo Loco 92630

Hours

Friday10 AM–10 PM
Saturday10 AM–10 PM
Sunday10 AM–10 PM
Monday10 AM–10 PM
Tuesday10 AM–10 PM
Wednesday10 AM–10 PM
Thursday10 AM–10 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 20163 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Phone: (949) 581-5499

Website: http://elpolloloco.com/locations/store/3970?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=yext

Menu Photos

Order and Reservations

Order: Order online

elpolloloco.com

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Reviews

Jay Honey
I am currently pregnant, and this experience was really concerning. My husband and I ordered a 3-piece chicken meal, and we were already in the middle of eating when we realized something was wrong.

Parts of the chicken were raw and slimy inside. Mine felt slimy and my husband’s was the same. We didn’t notice until after we had already eaten some, which made the situation even more upsetting. They also didn’t give my husband the correct dressing for his salad.

I love El Pollo Loco and know this is not normal, which is why this was so disappointing. Raw chicken is a serious health risk, especially during pregnancy, and now I’m left hoping I don’t get sick. Internal temperatures should be checked consistently before serving food.

I hope this is taken seriously so it doesn’t happen again.
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J G
It was busy, 12 pm on a Tuesday, the line to order was almost to the front door.

Even during that time, it only took 15 minutes from when I walked in, to when I had my food on my table. That’s fast food lol.

Parking is a bit crowded, trying to find close parking is a bit challenging during peak hours, but that would be at any restaurant.

The cashier was really quick, working two registers to get customer’s orders going. She was still friendly and funny. Zero complaints here.

Food was good, my chicken nachos were tasty, the chicken was juicy.

Today they did run out of black beans for some reason, so they gave me pinto beans. The cashier told me when I was ordering, definitely not a huge deal.

Drive-thru was also busy, but the staff was moving quick, they were moving!

Good atmosphere, I sat down and ate in peace! Lots of tables and chairs available inside.
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Den RJ
The chicken was a real joke I ordered the family meal but the chicken pieces are extra small. I would have been better off ordering an order of wings, maybe I would have had better luck and I would get more meat.
I don’t recommend this place anymore.
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Juan Garcia
There is one outlet in the dining area, which they purposely started covering in order NOT to use and charge your phone. Really, I give Apollo loco business and I can’t get juice for my device. Lame
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Frankie Writez
SEPTEMBER 25th, 2025:
When I first arrived, a kind gentleman held the door for me to let me in and he allowed me to place my order before his. THEN, gracefully I was greeted by Emma (I’m not sure if she’s the manager or front-line employee but either way I know that she is such a light, a kind soul, a wonderful spirit and a fantastic person!!

Much more than an El Pollo Loco employee, she’s an Angel in my humble opinion. She not only helped me to place my order for the NEW Queso Crunch Burrito Bowl, she gave me a discount coupon which granted me $3.49 off of my order! She said that’s “her favorite magic trick”: Being kind and offering her kindness to those who she serves and in her life. The warmth in her conversation and spark in her spirit truly brightened up my day and lifted my heart!!

I’ll spare her personal business, but I’m thankful that Jesus brought us together this day!

She even blessed me with more coupons to take with me and to use in the future. I hope nothing but kind and wonderful blessings for you, too, Emma! What a great gift!

Now as far as the bowl goes, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. It’s a nice chicken bowl with an added crunch from the tortilla strips and the seasoned rice adds a great flavor to it as well!

I do know that it’s a limited time item but I would order it again. The bowl may have earned 3.5 stars, but partnered with the Exceptional Customer Service I received from Emma on this day, it bumps my overall rating to a 6/5 stars!!

Thank you El Pollo Loco and Emma for this wonderful and blessed experience. I’m looking forward to stopping by again soon!!

AUGUST 15th, 2025:
I wish I took some photos of my food, but I ate it so fast because it was so good, I forgot! Haha

I drove up to this location at a little after 1pm and there was no one in line. I wish I would’ve gotten his name, but the guy who took my order and my payment was very sweet and kind. I ended up trying their Shredded Chicken Nacho combo with Salsa Fresca minus the Guac and a Hawaiian Punch.

I drove around to the window and as I waited for my food, the guy who took my order was busy taking another order, and (i believe) the manager came and asked “Is this her food?” to him to make sure I wasn’t waiting much longer. Thank you! (I should’ve gotten your name too haha) He handed me my food with a smile. He thanked me and I thanked him and the other guy for their help!

My gosh, I can only speak for myself when I say, those nachos were good!!!! The queso topped with the seasoned chicken, tortilla chips, salsa Fresca, pinto beans was just the quick stop meal I needed on this busy day. Not only was it good but it was filling too!

I’ll definitely order that one again. This is my second time at this location.
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Carlos Vazquez
I want to love El Pollo Loco and sometimes I really do, but this last visit capped off a run of poor service. I went through the drive through and order one of their “limited edition” chopped chicken salads only to receive a shrimp salad. The food was servicable but it wasn’t what was advertised. Their “chopped salad” was just their normal salad with slightly different ingredients. It was not chopped, just normal greens. Disappointing.
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Fred Currie
Good marinated BBQ chicken. I like the new touch screen order kiosks. I find it quicker and easier to go inside instead of the drive through.
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Daniel Âchë
First time here for lunch brake. Ima have to give them a 7 /10 reason being : veggies are “old”
Over all the chicken was good per usual .
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Ali Raza
I had heard so much about this chain of restaurant. Finally decided to try it but unfortunately found the chicken to be completely bland. There’s no seasoning or any kind of spices used on it. It’s purely just fire grilled.
Perhaps it caters to people 2ho can’t handle any spice at all.
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Tushar Nikalje
Every time I walk into El Pollo Loco, Gilbert greets me by name with a warm smile. Even before I order, he already has my drink cup ready and he always makes sure I get my spicy sauce without me having to ask. It’s the little things like this that make a big difference.

Gilbert’s service is always fast, friendly, and thoughtful. He truly goes the extra mile to make customers feel valued and remembered. El Pollo Loco is lucky to have someone like him and so are the regulars like me!
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