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 Encinitas,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. Based on 463 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.2 stars. Price $
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Drive-through ✔️ No-contact delivery
Address:
1002 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 943-1253
Website:
Hours
| Friday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
9:30 AM–11 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday |
9:30 AM–11 PM |
Menu
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Photo Gallery
Reviews
Timothy Stern
I eat here frequently. The staff is super nice & helpful. The drive-thru line is quick & even when they are slammed busy, they get you in & out quickly and are extremely accurate with orders. The quality of the food is excellent. I will continue to go here for lunch, dinner, etc. It is fast food but doesn’t taste like it.
Ulises T
I came late from work around 7 pm thinking about juice chicken, OMG
Google TooL
I haven’t done El pollo loco in @80 years so finally decided to try a fresh salad here. I only saw Double chicken avocado as a true salad, (with out the deep-fried shell), as The 1 option but that’s too much chicken so I paid $2 extra for a replacement of shrimp and oh my. Can’t tell so much from the pics but the shrimp were skimp tiny and fried to dehydration. Also, there’s approximately 2 very thinly sliced avo. Extra salsa or dressing was imperative to keep from choking. Great service even though they were dinner-time busy.
Mark Bevington
Still some of the best tasting lean healthy cuts of chicken. Problem is their cost. Went through the drive through and service was super friendly and fast. Almost no wait. If it didn’t cost 35 bucks to get full dinners for 2, I would have given them a higher rating.
A. G.
Ridiculously overpriced… More than other locations. Paid nearly $8 for a large side of microwaved broccoli. Robbery and disgusting radiated food.. they can’t even bother to steam it.. Never again.
Chad Bordes
I love El Pollo loco. The mac and cheese is probably one of my favorite all times
Sallie Moore
I ordered the 3 pc chicken meal. It should be two legs, one thigh. They gave me two thighs and one leg. I asked to exchange one of the thighs and they gave the plate back to me with there legs! Oh well. They also forgot the salsa and I had to go back to the counter to ask. Also when I first placed my order and paid, she didn’t give me enough change back at first so I had to ask. Oh well, that’s what to expect to deal with fast food chains sometimes.
Elwood Nickerson
Very good, beats the classic fast food joint.
John Biethan
It was better the last time we were there. We’re not sure why.
El Lemus
Really good experience the service and the food was really good… Don’t forget to ask for your Chile serrano
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