The service is slow, but it's not fast food, is cooked to order. Best to order ahead online. The chicken has the most excellent grilled flavor. It is almost always too dry, but it's worth it for the taste. I love the accompaniments. The salads are fresh and awesome. read more

I have never had any issues with this el pollo loco on mission in Hayward . The location is superb and today the service was with a smile and helpful . I ordered the chicken quesadilla but it looked like a Crunchwrap. It was delicious nonetheless the combo was about $12 with chips avocado salsa and soda. Next a few clean branded hotels. Drive thru is never that busy. I like EPL they always have new items and their app always has rewards . This place is more popular in socal than NorCal for sure . For some reason I always get it confused with del taco not Mexican I guess . They cater too! read more

I wish I would have took a picture of my food but I had the Blanco chicken burrito and it was actually really good and my husband had the Chipotle chicken burrito but when I was about halfway through my burrito this is what I found. just want everybody to be careful this could have possibly been a very bad outcome abd us unexceptable. read more

El Pollo Loco - Sharp bone found in burrito Question Blanco Bought 7/5 5ish - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

I would like to personally thank the manager, Teresa for taking care of us! We had a very small problem, but she took care of it and we are very happy! We were treated with kindness and respect. Teresa went above and beyond to make sure that we had a good experience! I will be coming back again and again and if you're hungry, you have to try their crispy chicken tacos oh my gosh, they are so good! The restaurant was kept clean and the energy from the staff was awesome! read more

Great fast food. The Double Chicken Tostada never misses. I always use drive thru and the staff working the windows are cheerful. I guess the ambiance in my car while driving thru because it offers me privacy and comfort. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double Chicken Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

Somebody ate some of my food before I got home to open my Mexican Caesar salad. I guess it was me since I was the only one in the car. Laugh They ate my fresh crispy chips and my hot freshly made churro. That left my salad and a chicken thigh. I polished off when I got home. Give this place a try you will be glad you did Bon appétit read more

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Craving for a roasted chicken with house salsa? This is the place! in every bite you can taste the savory and flavor difference even without sauce. If you order with the chicken meal with 2 sides, (rice and coleslaw is my jam)! you have also an option to choose what part of chicken you like whether leg and thigh or breast and wing (it has a different price). Download their apps, and you can get a reward points every time you order and also see their full menu list (Cool!) I like this place, kinda have the quiet mood, but sometimes they're getting busy at lunch time but due to their efficiency you can never tell. Hopefully they will bring back the salsa overload outside, like before Covid days, i missed rhat. read more

If you order a chicken burrito or chicken something, it's pretty much a tiny tiny bit of chicken and rest is cheap rice and beans. You don't get much protein unless you order the individual chicken. read more

This was only my second my second time going to El Pollo Loco, there isn't one near my house so both times it's while I'm running around. It's a solid fat food spot, chicken and sides. We got a large family combo, 8 piece with corn and mashed potatoes. It also came with some salsas, limes and some corn tortillas. The chicken was seasoned really well the corn had peppers and tomatoes in it. Everything was really good. Drive through customer service was helpful but basic. We didn't go inside the restaurant but it's a fast food spot and not in the best neighborhood you can decide on your own ambiance. read more

I rarely had El Pollo Loco since it's one of the least favorite fast food restaurants to go, but the chicken over there tends to be very juicy especially the rice. My family ordered other items like mashed potatoes and tortilla bread, but didn't have any of them since I'm not a big fan of them. This fast food chain is underrated, but I think that people should recognize this brand, because they serve good chicken. read more

El Pollo Loco - Chicken Leftovers - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

First time trying, and I was not disappointed. It would've tasted better if I ate there instead of using DoorDash. I ordered the shredded beef stuffed quesadilla and churros. The quesadilla was well made and didn't fall apart after a few bites. Flavorful and a great addition if you get the salsa. The churros were nice and fresh; I could use more sugar/cinnamon, though. Can't wait to order again! read more

Good food for a fast food restaurant. I paid a little too much for my meal, but that was my fault. The chicken is tasty. The crispy beef tacos were interesting. If not, my favorite thing. At least they were unique. I really like that this restaurant has some tables outdoors. It was a nice day and made for a good dining experience. read more

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I was surprised by the freshness Of the product. Service was fine. Ambiance was a clean environment.

Quesadilla barely had chicken, got no pico for the chips. Oakland location is better with the portions for sure read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

Good tacos. All 3 stars. Chicken Carnitas Shrimp The real highlight is pleasant and positive lady at the register. I ordered online and when I came in a lady behind the counter welcomed me in. She found my order then offered additional salsas. As busy as they were she was happy and focused on her customer. Keep up the great work, you'll be a manager soon. read more

Great customer service from Richard and friendly staff. complements to the cooks in this establishment, the meat was cooked to perfection. The establishment is also very clean and lots of seating for my party. Appreciated that the food was made to order and served hot Definitely will be visiting again read more

El Pollo Loco - Original Pollo Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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Nice and friendly staff. I have been here several times and the order are always correct and fast. My only complaint is that when I order a meal for two, they only give out one plate and one set of utensils. I always have to ask. Keep an eye out for the coupons that comes in the mail. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

My food was good. I wish the chicken was more grilled. I think they gave me more white meat. I preferred dark meat, The service was quick it wasn't too crowded today but it was raining really really hard so I just dined in and ate there my double chicken tostada with avocado, salsa, Fresca, and the avocado salsa, and a little sour cream and I definitely created a new beverage, Hi -C fruit punch with mango lime, Fresca by Minute Maid at the soda machine and made like a new tropical concoction. Very tasty. Oh, and a splash of strawberry lemonade. The ambience was great nice small crowd couple of families eating and then continue to rain and I devoured my dinner, it was an early dinner to be exact. It happened a long time since I had a chicken tostada. read more

El Pollo Loco - Early dinner Double Chicken Tostada Salad - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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I Love this fast food choice. Much healthier options. The grilled chicken is fresh, well seasoned and grilled to perfection. I love how all the fat has been rendered to the point of being nonexistent. The sides satisfy any additional cravings. Recommend read more

It never fails it seems like every time I get food here there's a hair in it. Only this time it wasn't in my food but my grandmothers nachos. I've literally stopped going for a few years at a time and yet it's the same thing. Disgusting I'm forever done coming to this exact location. read more

El Pollo Loco - chicken nachos that we found a long hair in - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

I appreciate the fact that the majority of their menu is gluten free. Their chicken is delicious. Sides are okay. The flan that just recently got added to the menu is AWFUL! Worst I have ever eaten. read more

This El Pollo Loco location is located in a small plaza - they have plenty of parking here as well. When I came here about 20 minutes before closing, the employees kicked me out to make me use the drive-thru instead. The food here does not taste as fresh and good as their other locations. I ordered the Classic Tostada Salad; 2 Pieces Chicken Meal with mashed potatoes with gravy, rice, and tortillas; and 2 Shredded Beef Burrito Grillers. The chicken in the salad was a bit dry, but I liked the concept - it included beans, cheese, chicken, lettuce, pico, rice, and sour cream. For the chicken meal - I asked for 2 chicken legs, which were tasty. The mashed potatoes and gravy that came with it was a bit bland and dry - the gravy helped, but it was not enough gravy; the rice was good and it was flavorful; and the tortillas were nice and warm, but a bit dry. The burrito grillers were a bit on the plain side, but it was okay. read more

I ordered food from here and the food was not cooked all the way and it was super hard to chew on and cold and extremely salty all of the food was salty, read more

The food is always good and tastes fresh from this location. The only thing is that if you go through the drive thru most likely one of your items that you order will be missing so make sure to check your bag before you leave. read more

It has been 4 years since I have stopped going to El Pollo Loco and this location has significantly assisted with it! Right before pandemic has began I used to be their typical customer ( for this location on Mission Blvd) . A Hungry local who needed its guac, burritos and chicken urges satisfied. Their service is so so but I always gave a benefit of a doubt to fast food workers since they are severely underpaid. On that day, I came really hungry hoping to get my stuff within 10 min and just eat. The line had maybe 5 people ahead. When I ordered my food, I went to sauce section and get my salsa, guac and spices filled in. Guess what! It has been past 10 min and my name wasn't called. I was like ok, they did look busy ( I kept seeing delivery guys showing and getting bags for take out. I sat down and started waiting... another 10 minutes passed, no call..... I came to check if my food was ready and was told it in progress. I was like ok... I stepped out outside to their dinning outside area to chill.... Another 10 minutes passed... my name wasn't called. I left without getting refund or food. I went straight to Giant burgers across the street and got delicious burger with fries within 5 minutes... There is absolutely no excuse to that.... Fast food wait din-in 30 min? It's a joke.... Plus their food is not the best Spanish food on the block. Adios amigos. N read more

Extremely frustrated with this place. It used to be one of our go to places for a good chicken dinner. Now, if my mom ever asks to come here, I dread it and try to avoid it at all costs. For some reason in the last year or so, they became very disorganized and nearly every online order I place gets lost and/or takes nearly 45 min to an hour to receive. I just don't understand how this happens. There are people waiting in long lines for their pick up order. When I ask about the order, they sift thru a pile of receipts and usually have a have a hard time finding it and then tell me it's coming but I have to wait a lot longer still. When you make an order online, I think they just don't put it in the que as it comes in. You need to remind them multiple times until someone takes the order and makes it finally. If you decide to come, I suggest taking the extra time to place the order in person bc it will take less time in the long run and gets out into the proper que. But beware that The staff has a difficult time knowing how to scan an e-gift card or coupons, which makes it an even longer wait. Chicken is our fav here but it's a hit or a miss. On busy days, the chicken is juicy and fresh. But there can be times when the chicken seems dry, burnt and to have been left out. The app used to be better to be able to earn points but it recently changed. Used to also have better deals but nonetheless the app does save a little here and there. Hopefully, this place will get things worked out like it had before. I would go to Livermore but it's too far. read more

Made an order for 16 piece chicken meal for $39.99 & was short not 1 piece, but 4 pieces. While we were the only non-Hispanic customers, what seemed interesting was that a Hispanic gentleman ordered the same exact meal AFTER us & he received it before us. Don't know what happened that day, but this isn't our 1st time eating at El Pollo Loco, & am a little hesitant to return. But other than the long wait for food & being short on 4 pieces, the chicken was moist & flavorful. The side of beans seemed like it was canned, the coleslaw had a nice crunch & well incorporated vinegar preparation. The tortillas were nice & warm. The sauces included were spicy sauce, salsa & avocado,cilantro spicy sauce, all of which were great! If you order, don't forget to make sure you double check to see if there is anything missing. read more

El Pollo Loco - Orders 16 piece meal & only received 12 - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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Poor service Went there yesterday after ordering with the app 12-piece family meal, guac chicken burrito, and 2 shredded chicken crunchy tacos. Service: usually I'm promptly greeted when I stand on the right side of the counter near where they put the online orders. I could see my bagged order on the cart but the cashier guy with the ponytail ignored me while taking orders. I basically had to force the issue and ask him to get my order. He just gave me the bag without even checking if I'm the correct customer. And there was NO SALSA in the bag so I asked him for some bigger ramekin containers of pico de gallo. He instead gave me 3 tomatillo and 3 small pico. So only 3 small of what I wanted - for 12 chicken pieces, a burrito, and 2 tacos! Man, that's not right, I paid almost $60. Food: - chicken pieces: why are they so small yet the price goes up? At least the flavor is good and the flour tortillas too. - guac chicken burrito: so-so but not terrible. - shredded chicken crunchy tacos: DO NOT order this! The tortilla is crunchy but the filling is only shredded lettuce and burnt dark dry chicken. I thought maybe I was eating well done carne asada but they don't have that. And you need to pay extra for tomatoes? They seemed to have forgotten to include Jack cheese and salsa, didn't have any, just a dry tasteless mess. read more

El Pollo Loco - "Shredded chicken" crunchy taco - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

I live in Hayward have been coming since I was a child , i come almost every week to this location and eat in because my daughter loves this place, today the day i decided to take the food home instead of eating in I went through the drive theough and asked for extra dressing because the one they put in the salad is not enough at all and I was charged , in the years coming i have NEVER charged for dressing until today as if prices are not hugh enough already theyre charging for dressing ihave went to a couple other locations and never get charged for dressing and i even go here every week and the lady who said was the manager made it a big deal so ridiculous i literally eat here every Week and never have been charged for it. Lost a customer for sure. read more

prices are too high but then that is the times we are in, but they are relatively lower than nearby places. service was quick but then only a few other people were in there. food tastes ok for what it is. not much ambiance other than it being what it is. it seemed clean but we only stayed long enough to get food as we ate elsewhere. read more

Food is actually pretty decent but I find it INCREDIBLY frustrating that they close at 11:30, I placed an online order for pickup at 11pm, arrived at 11pm only to be told by a woman who walked up to the locked door that I had no choice but to go through the drive through. I've now been sitting in a line of cars for 10 minutes and I'm only halfway there. Don't offer a service that defeats the purpose. I probably won't come back if I'm going to have to wait in this line again. read more

Not all El Pollo Loco locations are created equal. This one is the best in the East Bay area. They just do their pollo right. * 16 piece mixed chicken family meal. 8/10 We always order the 16 piece family meal. And it is delicious! * chicken quesadiilla: 1/10 This time, we also ordered a chicken quesadilla to eat in the car. It was served so sloppy and unappetizing. The quesadilla was cut in 3 and stacked up on top of each other. The tortilla was not warmed. And the chicken and cheese was cold. A big, sloppy mess! Service: 6/10 Next time, I will just stick to the family meal with 3 sides. read more

We got here at a busy time but the team was friendly, got the order right and the food was good.

I always love eating my favorite chicken place wish was next door or walking distance could eat this place everyday.

It's a better alternative to McDonald's or Taco Bell. They use real chicken, fresh veggies, and actual avocado. I ordered a double chicken toastada salad online for curbside pickup. It was around lunchtime, so it was REALLY busy. My confirmation email stated my order would be ready by 12:32 and that I needed to walk in to pick up my order. I had no idea where to stand or who to ask for curbside pick up. I asked an employee, and they only spoke broken English. Which is fine, but there was definitely a language barrier there. I had to wait another 15 minutes for my food, which was really inconvenient for me. I eventually received my food and drove home. When I finally sat down to eat, I was severely disappointed in the quality and presentation. Everything was thrown in the toastada shell haphazardly and looked terrible. Like I stated previously, it was busy, so they had no choice but to throw everything in and call it a day. It was great that they threw in a LOT of chicken, but it was so dry. To add more flavor to the already flavorless salad, I added red salsa and more dressing. The red salsa lacked flavor and tasted like watered down tomatoes. The dressing was okay, way better than the red salsa. I hated the rice. It tasted like plastic and had no flavor whatsoever. The beans had more flavor than the rice! They used fresh avocado, sour cream, and fresh lettuce, which was the only pros for this salad. El Pollo Loco is not that great. It's best to skip this place altogether. I will not be coming back due to the lack of flavor, poor app instructions, and poor time management. read more

What does a burrito say when it finishes doing something? That's a wrap. Did you know El Pollo Loco made 119.9Million dollars in revenue in 2021? I wouldn't consider this as fast food more like comfort food, if you find a location near you.... This location in Hayward the employees that work here are super friendly and nice. My to go order is Chipotle Chicken Avocado Burrito, because I love AVOCADOS. Also one chicken avocado Taco, with a small corn and Large Chips and guacamole. you always have to add the Pico de gallo and avocado salsa. It's always super delicious and freshly made. you can taste all the chicken and avocado inside of the burrito and taco. Highly recommend ordering ahead, so when you arrive you pick up and leave. read more

Estoy completamente decepcionado de este lugar, no solo decepcionado sino asqueado por la calidad de empleados que tienen. Estuve cenando alrededor de las 7:40 PM y uno de sus empleados claramente no mexicano estaba hablando de una manera altanera, racista, despectiva y llena de odio hacia sus propios companeros latinos. Esto me lleno de coraje y tristeza, quise hacer un comentario pero note el desconforme de otras personas dentro del restaurante, no recuerdo su nombre, pero el hombre tenia aretes, moreno y su cabello era largo y lo tenia dentro de su gorra y de regreso portaba un head set. Espero que se haga justicia y chequen la calidad de empleados, pero sobre todo que asco. read more

Well I guess it was just a matter of time. The thrill is gone! As well as the quality, I bought the 8 piece thighs & legs family feast. I never knew a restaurant chain could get away with selling such tiny pieces of chicken. This meal also came with broccoli that was brown around the edges and an avocado salad that was also not very fresh. How it's prepared is with 1/2 tsp of mushy pico de gallo that may have been made the day before and three very thin slivers of avocado, well two of the slivers were brown and I had already picked them off. If I lived closer I would have brought all this food back and asked for a refund. This is not the same place anymore. read more

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I tried the Double Chicken Tostada Salad from El Pollo Loco today. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised with how good it tasted. The last time I visited this restaurant, I had a terrible experience, but I decided to give it another chance. The taco salad comes with Fried Taco Salad, rice, pinto beans, shredded lettuce, Monterey jack cheese, shredded and chopped chicken, salsa fresca, and sour cream. This time, the double chicken tostada was so delicious that I wanted to have more, and I finished it all in no time. In my opinion, I would rate it a 10/10. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double Chicken Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

It's been a while since we came back here due to a bad service last time, received a special on family meal, so we went to get it last Sunday, it was raining in Hayward so the place was packed, the drive through line was almost a block long with cars, the walk-in and mobile orders filled up the house and the outside waiting area. It did take a while for the service people to prepare the foods. This group was very professional, working quickly together with all these orders. I asked for all thighs after I ordered which was promised but wasn't delivered when I picked up my order, I know they're busy and I should've asked while ordering. Everything was given without any problems, the server was quite efficient and pleasant. We did enjoy our dinner and everything tasted perfectly, the chicken, the mash potato, rice, corn, tortillas and pico salsa. Will come back again. read more

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