Even late on Thursday night I got a Double Tostada and the breast was actually good and juicy, not dry like it usually seems to be.

I spent $15.39 on the chicken Caesar salad. A total rip off. I love El Pollo Loco's chicken BUT not when it's a day or two old. This salad had what I can only describe as petrified pieces of chicken. They were rock hard, no moisture, dry, and mostly burned. It really seemed like a day or two old unused chicken they put in it. Never again a total waste of money. read more

El Pollo Loco - El Pollo Loco's petrified chicken Caesar salad - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Terrible! Look at my food. A glob of tomato (was not diced and di not look like pico), a bad avocado and dry chicken. Why would they serve the avocado this way, they had to of seen it. Although it is fast food, please remember that you are serving to humans. read more

El Pollo Loco - Double chicken pillow bowl. A glob of tomato, bad avocado and dry chicken. - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Terrible, from the regular staff to the rest of the employees. The chicken is not flavorful like the El Pollo Loco on Murrieta Hot Springs (I only went to this one because it was close and I was pressed for time). They forgot half my order, gave me the wrong items from my sides to my tortillas, they forgot my churros and the guy at the window some blonde dude that has a ponytail and crescent moon tattooed on his hand "who is white can't even understand plain English" I asked him for an horchata and had to repeat myself over 5 times and he said what's that? The whole staff from lead to the rest are on a slow roll like they're stoned or st*pid! The manager Lisa told me to go back and she would make good on previous order and the second visit was worse than the first. She didn't even write what happened or put me down for the wrong order. And she said she would compensate me and nope, I still had to pay and the food was even worse the second time. Chicken half cooked, they gave me the wrong tortillas "again" and didn't even give me the churros I asked for. The beans weren't cooked either, they were hard. The staff from manager all the down are all incompetent. I asked for napkins and salsa and they didn't even want to give me two salsas of each. They gave me like 5 napkins which are single ply and there were four of us dining in. Ridiculous. The staff rolling their eyes. Excuse me? Is it coming out of your pocket? Personally? They must really hate their jobs by the way they treat people. I would recommend staying away from this establishment and the staff regardless whatever shift any one of them is working because I've been there several times and each time the service is worse and worse. And I waited to review them to give a fair review. They are HORRIBLE! Beyond HORRIBLE! Food uncooked I am beyond dissatisfied and disappointed! I'll make sure to stay clear of that place due to the food and the workers! read more

I have a coupon for eight pieces, family meal $20.00 I didn't check that it was expired and they didn't want to honor my coupon. read more

El Pollo Loco - A coupon for a $20 egg pieces, 8pc Family Meal - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Finally, the chicken breast started being juicy and good. Also on Saturday around 8:40 PM, the chicken was bomb.

TAKE OUT, FLAME OUT My wife picked up an order, and we enjoyed it at home. Since I didn't dine in, I can only comment on the food itself. First impressions were promising--everything was neatly packaged and looked appetizing when we opened it up. Unfortunately, the experience went a bit downhill from there. Portion Sizes: The mac & cheese and broccoli cups were... let's just say "child-sized." They set the tone to adjust my expectations early on. CHICKEN WAS TOO SCARED TO SHOW UP WITH FLAVOR ON IT Needed some serious TLC--no noticeable fat, herbs, salt, pepper, or seasoning of any kind. The skin was shriveled, not crisp or taut, which was disappointing. While the meat looked good, it was about as flavorful as boiled water. Even the leg and thigh portions seemed to be sized for a toddler. CHEESELESS AVOCADO STUFFED QUESADILLA (WAIT, WHAT NOW?) True to its name, it was stuffed with avocado--no false advertising there. Cheese? Nowhere to be found, visually or taste-wise. The tortilla looked golden and inviting but didn't deliver on flavor. The chicken here was slightly better than the standalone leg and thigh but still lacked any Tex-Mex flair. Overall, it all just tasted like... bland. In summary, the food gave off "institutional cafeteria" vibes--functional, fast, but missing the heart and soul that makes a meal memorable. Arnold Rating: "Hasta la vista, baby!" This one's not for me. read more

The chicken quesadillas are better here than the EPL close to my house. (Murrieta) I kind of hate going through the drive-through here though, because there is no trashcan outside. I use a drive-through so I don't have to go inside the restaurant. How hard is that to understand? I guess it saves them money. Whatever. I'll go where it's more convenient. I mean isn't that the point of drive through? Convenience? Buh bye, Winchester location. read more

Travelled from AZ back to CA and decided to grab some el pollo loco for a group of 12. We ordered online 40 minutes prior to arrival on the freeway. Arrived under the assumption it would be ready. We were wrong. We waited another 15 minutes for the order to be completed. Drive thru was completely empty as well. Apparently they usually don't get that big of an order. I can understand the frustration and negative reviews of this establishment... read more

I work across the street and visit this location often. It was pretty terrible But it looks that they have new management And there are kicking butt Fast service friendly hot food read more

FYI....I Ordered chicken guacamole burrito and I found the chicken neck bones in it , uggh a little shocking and felt horrible , I'm not sure if it's laziness or just don't care attitude , however this place could face a law suit if someone actually ends up in the hospital for chocking on chicken bones in the food. read more

Ordered online got here 15 minutes later, the work said it will be 30 more minutes for my 8 piece meal. After waiting the 30 minutes he said it will be 30 more minutes all while continuing to serve the drive through drivers. Wasted my an hour and won't give me a refund or gift cards to give me my money back. Left with no food or refund. Ridiculous read more

"Every time I visit this El Pollo Loco location, Ryan working the window truly stands out. He's consistently courteous, always gets my order right, and has a talent for suggesting great options when I'm unsure. He even goes the extra mile by occasionally bringing my food out to the parking lot and apologizing for any wait. He's an exceptional employee and the main reason I keep coming back to this location." read more

Very disappointed! I ordered from a kiosk and not one employee said hello, they just put your order on the counter, no eye contact, very cold. Then my tostada was horrible, two big chunks of fatty chicken that wasn't even cut up so not surprised after the staff seemed not to care about much. read more

Wow! What happened? Terrible service. I guess they put automatic ordering in and since then nobody seems to care. Too bad. I used to like El Pollo Loco. I'm done. read more

Place is ok, but I think somebody is living in one of their restrooms as it was locked from Inside for over half an hour, lol read more

One star because 0 stars isn't an option. Eat here from time to time but never go inside. Today the drive through was closed so went inside. Big mistake. Had to use a touchscreen to order food. Lady behind the counter acted like this was her first day. Cooks seemed to be having fun laughing among themselves using headsets instead of making food. My burritos were easily the worst I've had at an el pollo loco. Chicken was nonexistent. I will not be back. read more

Ok enough is enough. I know times are hard for some people. But this restaurant has definitely hit rock bottom. The famous pollo bowl with a sprinkle of chicken. RIDICULOUS. People please don't eat here. WHAT A FUCKING RIP OFF. I'm sure the place is making lots of money. BUT WHERE IS THE CHICKEN ?????? I guess this is what AMERICA has come to. GEEZUZ CHRIST ON ROLLER SKATES. I guess the chicken was hidden under all that ice and beans. No sauce given. No napkins. No fork or spoon. Don't you just think this is disgustingly horrible. Think I'll call Corporate on Monday. I think chicken sprinkles are the newest fad. read more

El Pollo Loco - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Now I can see why this place only gets two stars. I ordered a two piece breast and wing and I got two wings and a tail, no breast at all. What kind of shady place chopps off a piece of backbone and a tail and calls it a breast. Totally screwing over the customer. read more

El Pollo Loco - Does this look like a breast in a wing to you? - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

No contact for 5 minutes I was standing by the registers.. thought maybe the screen set up was a self order kiosk since nobody acknowledged me. Finally got someone to take my order and apparently there was no chicken for more than 2 kids meals. Woman handling the chicken gave the cashier a cranky face when she asked if there would be any anytime soon. Cashier was nice but the chicken lady seemed so unhappy to be there lol ... ‍ read more

I do like El Pollo loco however this location has horrible customer service skills. The franchise owner obviously doesn't care cuz it shows in his workers, several times I have ordered food and it has been not up to par. They are not a corporate location and it shows!! Get it together franchise! The manager man is ridiculously rude he actually said he didn't care! read more

Tim was very nice and respectful Got our order right and did a lot to satisfy the customer in drive thru read more

I went through the drive thru at 4:10pm today 4/4/2025. I ordered the 3tacos al carbon combo and a burrito. When I got back to work the taco dish was upside down with the burrito on top. Horrible. Noticeable that they rushed my order and threw it into my bag read more

El Pollo Loco - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Food was good, cleanliness of establishment is very good. Service was not the greatest as they forgot to include the pico de gallo that came with the chips. No issue with getting five small cups over one big cup (as shown) but the other issue was that tgr guy was very nonchalant about it, no apology at all but the quality of the pico was poor. Tomato's were pink, bland and mushy with little to no onion. read more

Worst El Pollo Loco i've ever been too! Manager is NOT customer friendly! Don't use their self-ordering machines. They just take your money without submitting your order and the manager will not refund you! (Even though i showed him my apple pay receipt indicating the transaction was made 1 minute ago at that venue). Sketchy business practices and super rude employees! Do not go to this franchise!!! I will never return to this El Pollo again!!! This franchise ruins the El Pollo loco name! Sadly, the manager there hates his job, and makes others hate it too! Seems like a very miserable man. read more

Came in for lunch. Simple order; bowl and brc. Took 25 mins. Asked an employee and they just said they were waiting? Got the order and it was missing items. Other customers were asking for refunds. Ordering off a board with an employee right there sucks. read more

Pretty terrible customer service. I decided to try something new and the employees forgot the main component of the item I ordered. It was slow and there just wasn't any care or concern. Extremely disappointing experience. read more

Just picked up our orders. First they forgot to give us our drinks so I had to get down and get it to find out it taste like water. By the time I got to the office they also forgot to give us our Chips and avocado. Can someone reach out to me because I tried to call the restaurant and no answer read more

Not what it used to be. Avocado salad was "watery." Very disappointed. Restroom had no soap for hand washing.

I don't know why this place doesn't have 4+ stars. The staff and workers are always polite and friendly. The food is always so fresh and tasty! They NEVER forget my salsas and dressing which happens to me all the time at other places. I always get my food really fast even when they're busy. I hope this place is around for a long time because it's a family staple In this household! You guys are doing amazing. Great food and fast service every time. read more

There seems to be a management problem here or lack of a manager! People waiting for their food. No system. Pretty bad experience. My first and last visit to this location! I already have issues with them not selling Black beans anymore! read more

This grilled chicken food chain if they last I will be totally shocked. There's not been a time that I've gone in there and gotten a half a chicken with sides and take home that I was able to eat it because it was completely overcooked.. I'm grilling chef I cook chicken all the time and I can tell you when I take my tongs and take it off the grill the juice squirts out of it. The breast is so tender and juicy. It melts in your mouth, but I have a grill that works.. this chain uses an open grill and there is no possible way for you to cook chicken on an open grill and have it be moist and tender. There is a segment of our society that well done I'm not in that segment. I predict that this restaurant will close just like all the others because they have people working in there. They do not care. They do not follow the recipes. They're there for the money and the money only. When you're in the food business, you're in food business because you like to give food to people and have them like it and feel good about the meal. They just had this chain along with KFC. They are not that kind of companies they don't care their employees don't care, and I guess if I'm gonna add anybody to this list, it would be Popeyes another location that overcooks the chicken and doesn't care. read more

El Pollo Loco - This is my grill and it puts out the best chicken you'll ever have because I can control the heat. This chain can't do that.. - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

I love El Pollo Loco, but I will avoid this location at all costs because of the poor service. I've encountered "Sug" at the window twice now and both times they answer the window without a word, just looking at you. I have to say "how much do I owe you" and they mumble it like they do when you're ordering. Then they just hand you the food without a word. Like not one word, flat affect. It's the weirdest transaction and makes you feel like something might be wrong with the food then too. My burrito had charred bits all over it and even more inside. I love a little char taste and appreciate how they cook the food at el pollo loco but this was like they sprinkled charred bits as an ingredient. Gross This location also doesn't seem to give chips with burritos like the others, as they haven't done it both trips there recently. Manager- please do something about "Sug", they seriously seem like they hate their job and DEFINITELY shouldn't be working in the service industry. As I said before, will avoid this location from now on read more

El Pollo Loco - This is a small example of the charred bits on the burrito, they were also inside too - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

We always have good food and service here. Our meal of choice are the chicken combination plates. The drive-thru gets busy so be prepared to wait. on our last visit the seasonal tamales were very dry. read more

El Pollo Loco - Holiday menu - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

I've never left a review for fast food before because I don't expect much. But we got 2 chicken guac and queso burritos and they're horrible. Literally watery, got one piece of chicken in the whole burrito and there was no queso in it. We aren't big on fast food but love El Pollo Loco, this location is horrible. read more

Forgot fork and portion on the double chicken avo salad terrible. Initially asked to park outside and wait for our order from drive thru and forgot the salad when it came out this portion. Please improve... quite possibly my first negative review but all things can be improved w better management training and some standards enforced read more

El Pollo Loco - Ridiculously less than every other epl I've been too and forgot the salsa and fork. Poor - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Poor management. Walked up just wanting my missing cup from my order and the lady at the register couldn't be bothered to be asked a single question. My husband was trying to see if he could get am item we've gotten at other locations, cashier didn't know how to ring it up and when she asked the manager she was rude about it just saying "no". Customer service is part of your $20/hr minimum wage. Figure it out. read more

Service is terrible. Been through the drive-thru like 4 or 5 times now. They're never busy, but somehow always slow to even respond. Today i drove up to the intercom a little after 8pm, they didnt even have the lights on for the menu. So i was a little confused, there was no response for about 15-20 seconds, so i said "hello...?." a female responded with "let me know when you're ready to order." I immediately said "oh im ready, can i just get a classic chicken tostada." then just radio silence for about 2 minutes. I said hello a few times through out the wait, then a dude responds after the 3rd time i said hello. His response was something like 'give me a second.' I said "uhh alright." and then i waited for another 3-4 minutes for him to finally take my order. I pull up to the window, he takes my card and the entire time he's just laughing, and yelling to someone in the kitchen. No greeting, no confirmation of price or the order. Hands me my card back, then hands me the food while he's joking around with whoever in the back. Just an absolute awkward, drive-thru encounter and clearly no attempt to care about customer service. read more

If I could leave a zero I would. I went there to buy a12 pc meal when I went in no one at register. Others came in and used kiosk while I stood there no one working there paid any attention to me. finally I flagged down a lady whom I believed was the manager for help she told me to use screen I replied I didn't now how can anyone help she relied the cashier was injured. very unfriendly she helped. then gave me dirty looks. note not one employee smiled and all appeared unhappy. this was maybe the worst restaurant experience of my life. please avoid this location. read more

HORRIBLE product and service every time. They were "out of tacos" at 4:30 in the afternoon...or just didn't want to make them.