Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » El Pollo Loco – San Diego
El Pollo Loco - San Diego
Photo from El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco at a glance
San Diego Carmel Mountain Ranch
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#605 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#87 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
173
Reviews
54.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Grilled chicken
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- Order inaccuracy
- Rude service
- High prices
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Diego’s Carmel Mountain Ranch neighborhood, invites you to discover its flavorful menu. At El Pollo Loco, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving healthy options or small plates, this spot has you covered with its diverse offerings, ensuring there’s something delicious for every palate.
Overview: Introducting El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco offers a mixed experience, often highlighted by its flavorful grilled chicken, which many find consistently delicious. You’ll frequently encounter a clean environment and appreciate the efforts of a friendly, helpful staff member like Saul or Miguel Arroyo who go above and beyond.
However, the experience can sometimes be marred by inconsistent service, with reports of botched orders or staff who struggle with clear communication. Some patrons also find the overall value lacking, feeling that certain items are overpriced, and occasionally encounter issues with food quality like overcooked chicken.
Average
5.9
out of 10
173
Reviews
54.3%
Satisfaction
69
negative
10
neutral
94
positive
El Pollo Loco registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.9 out of 10, placing it in the average range. Customer Satisfaction stands at 54.3%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This assessment is drawn from 173 customer remarks, comprising 94 positive and 69 negative observations. Delving into specifics, Service (6.3) and Ambience (6.3) both achieve average scores, with service being a frequent topic of discussion.
The Food (5.6), despite being the most talked-about aspect, also lands in the average category, suggesting inconsistency in execution. Value (4.4) is the lowest-scoring area, indicating that many feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Flavorful grilled chicken
- Clean, quiet space
What people don't like
- Inaccurate orders, rude staff
- Overcooked, dry food
- Overpriced for portions
If you’re seeking a quick meal with the potential for tasty grilled chicken and a pleasant atmosphere, El Pollo Loco might be worth a visit. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, particularly concerning order accuracy and overall value.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.1, it suggests that while many find it acceptable, it’s not a standout. It’s a place that can satisfy a craving for grilled chicken, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding service consistency and pricing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Pollo Loco
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, many customers find some real gems! With a score of 5.6 and 48.8% customer satisfaction, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely highlights. Folks often rave about the tasty chicken burritos, delicious double avocado chicken salad, and the overall freshness and moist chicken, as seen in 40 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Out of 82 total comments, 36 point to issues like dry or overcooked chicken, bland beans and rice, and surprisingly small portions. This suggests some inconsistency in execution and quality, with some even reporting missing items.
Food
82
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
36
negative
6
neutral
40
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chicken burritos
- Moist, fresh chicken
- Tasty salads offered
What people don't like
- Dry, overcooked chicken
- Bland sides served
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodWhile it's not strictly Mexican, it definitely has a Mexican feel and is a chicken establishment. The food is good, but I'd recommend using a coupon for better value.
- chickenDelicious chicken every time
- 2 piece mealI'm usually a 2 piece meal
- Fit chicken bowlTried new Fit chicken bowl that replaces bean and rice with salad. Very good
- FlavorFlavor is great as always
- avocado salsaespecially with your avacado salsa on top
- best chickenYou have the best chicken in town
- birds are grilledtheir birds are grilled
- broccoliwith broccoli
- chicken burritoThe chicken burrito is great for lunch. Very tasty.
Frequently criticized
- chickenselling chickens that have been overcooked to the point of being near jerky
- foodit was near inedible, so dried-out it was like it would have kept for the winter unrefrigerated
- shrimpit taste soapy shrimp is burnt
- FoodFood:1
- beansshe not listen to my order specifically no beans
- beans and ricebeans and rice had very little flavor
- breastsway too expensive for breasts
- cheeseCheese wasn’t melted.
- chicken breastchicken breast served that was cut in half
- chicken saladshe made me chicken salad
If youre craving a chicken burrito or a fresh salad, you might find a delicious meal here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies with chicken dryness or portion sizes, especially if youre particular about sides or value for money.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The service here generally lands in the average range with a score of 6.3, and customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 61.4%. Many customers rave about the speed and efficiency of the staff, often highlighting individuals like Saul, Betty, and manager Miguel Arroyo for their enthusiasm and professionalism. Quick order readiness and smooth transactions are frequently praised, making for a pleasant experience.
However, based on 70 customer remarks, with 43 positive and 26 negative, some experiences reveal significant issues. Problems include botched order accuracy, rude cashier or employee interactions, and poor communication. Specific mentions of certain staff members being unengaged or giving dirty looks suggest an inconsistent level of customer service.
Service
70
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
26
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Quick order readiness
- Professional managers
What people don't like
- Rude staff interactions
- Order inaccuracies
- Poor communication
Often praised
- customer serviceThis location at Carmel Mtn has always been so clean and orderly. Most of the time we visit this location has been a great customer service experience, but not this time. Gladys was the cashier.
- staffstaff was extremely friendly and gracious
- serviceCaden, Brian, Axel, Azhuna, Kattya and Mel are Superstars
- drive-throughused the drive-through. Food was ready in minutes.
- managerthe manager and she was very cordial and very nice
- orderThe chicken was moist and the sides were very good. My order was ready on time, and the staff were very nice. ⚘
- BettyBetty will greet you with a big smile
- Miguel ArroyoMiguel Arroyo He Was Above And Beyond
- NormaWe have been eating here for several years and have always enjoyed our meals. We especially enjoyed Thomas when he worked there, and Norma is an awesome manager. We are eager to know when we will be able to enjoy our meal inside again.
- Saulif you are fortunate enough to have Saul working your order, things will go better than you can imagine!
Frequently criticized
- employeeYour employee was touching the Register/cash and then she went to touch the food
- customer serviceRude and bad customer service
- orderMy experience today was quite disappointing. They totally botched my order. I paid for items that were forgotten and not added to my order.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was terrible due to the service.
- Doordash menuargued with us about the Doordash menu
- acting locoI would really appreciate it if El Pollo Loco would please give receipts every time. You know what I'm talking about, stop acting loco.
- cashierWe felt so rushed when there’s no one behind us. She made us feel like we are inconveniencing her. Other than that, we love the food and other staff’s attitude.
- communicationstruggle with clear & precise communication
- customersThis isn't the first time I have been having problems since they often give me flour tortillas instead of CORN. I probably won't be back to this location for awhile until they can get people who can understand their customers.
- dirty looksgave me and my mother dirty looks
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy quick, friendly service from an enthusiastic team. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in order accuracy or staff demeanor, which might lead to a less-than-stellar experience. Its a bit of a gamble, but often worth it for the positive interactions.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides! Many folks appreciate the overall cleanliness and the pleasant atmosphere, with several comments highlighting how tidy and orderly the place is. Youll also find a large indoor dining area and plenty of parking, making it quite family-friendly and often quiet enough for easy conversation.
Out of 16 customer remarks, 10 were positive, contributing to a decent score of 6.3. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few customers noted issues like the place being extremely smokey or having a weird smell, which can definitely detract from the experience.
There were also a couple of mentions about pets, including a mutt shaking inside, which some found off-putting. These 4 negative observations contribute to a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.5%, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Ambience
16
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and orderly
- Family-friendly
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Extremely smokey
- Weird smell
- Disruptive pets
Often praised
- cleanlinessThis location at Carmel Mtn has always been so clean and orderly. Most of the time we visit this location has been a great customer service experience, but not this time.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:3
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- family-friendlyVery family-friendly
- indoor dining areahas a large indoor dinning area
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- parkingtons of parking all around
- placethis place looks very clean
- place cleanlinessthe place was so clean
Frequently criticized
- hairmy plate all of a sudden caught hair!!
- locationthis particular location is poorly run and had a weird smell
- muttSome lady brought in her mutt and the dirty thing started shaking
- placePlace was extremely smokey
Overall, the ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag. If you value cleanliness, space, and a family-friendly environment, you'll likely find it pleasant. However, be aware that some have encountered issues with smoke, odd smells, or disruptive pets, which could impact your visit.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
On the bright side, one customer felt they snagged the best deal thanks to a helpful staff member, which is a nice touch. This positive sentiment, though from just 1 out of 5 total reviews, shows that good value can sometimes be found. However, the overall value proposition seems to be a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 4.4 and a rather low customer satisfaction of 20%.
Many felt the price was too high, especially for items like rotisserie chicken, with 3 out of 5 reviews noting concerns such as almost no protein for the cost and portions being too expensive.
Value
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best deal possible
- Helpful staff value
What people don't like
- High price points
- Expensive chicken portions
- Poor protein value
Often praised
- best dealthe gentleman who helped us got us the best deL
Frequently criticized
- priceToo expensive for 4 pieces of legs and thighs
- rotisserie chickenget a rotisserie chicken (whole) from Costco for much less
If youre looking for a great deal, you might get lucky with a helpful staff member, but generally, be prepared for prices that some find steep. Its a place where you might need to pick your items carefully to feel like youre getting your moneys worth.
How are the prices at El Pollo Loco?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 44 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right in this sweet spot, with a clear cluster around the $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Pollo Loco
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Inconsistent El Pollo Loco Experience
My experience at El Pollo Loco can be a 50/50 proposition. When they are good, the chicken is phenomenal. However, some locations have a habit of selling overcooked chicken, to the point of being near jerky.
This is particularly frustrating for drive-thru customers who often don't realize the issue until later. As a result, I don't eat there as often as I might. Last night's 12-piece family dinner from this particular restaurant was near inedible; it was so dried-out it seemed like it would have kept for the winter unrefrigerated.
The food quality was rated a 1, while service and atmosphere were rated a 2 and 3 respectively.
- Service2
- Atmosphere3
- chicken1
- overcooked chicken1
- family dinner1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing food and friendly staff!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! The staff were super friendly, and the food was tasty, as always. I will definitely be coming back!
👏🏻
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Chicken, Great Parking & Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The chicken was delicious every time I visited. The location offers a large indoor dining area, tons of parking all around, and a convenient drive-through.
The staff has always been really helpful, and the overall service was excellent, rated at 5. The food also received a perfect score of 5. It's a very family-friendly place with plenty of parking and a quiet atmosphere, making it easy to talk.
They also offer customizable meals for dietary restrictions.
- chicken9
- indoor dining area8
- parking9
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Experience: Undercooked and Burnt Shrimp
My experience at this restaurant was the worse experience ever. The shrimp was initially undercooked. When I returned it to be remade, the replacement shrimp tasted soapy and was burnt.
Additionally, the place was extremely smokey.
- shrimp1
- place1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Service and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely outstanding! The entire team, especially Caden, Brian, Axel, Azhuna, and Kattya, are true superstars. We dine here regularly, and Caden consistently gets everything right, processing transactions with incredible speed and professionalism.
Brian and the rest of the crew work seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring everything flows efficiently. Brian, in particular, is a leader who is quick-witted, keen, and a total pro. The entire operation is fast, friendly, and exceptionally efficient.
The food is fantastically delicious and super fresh. Even our drive-through orders are ready with amazing speed; we pick them up on the other side of the building, and they're ready when we arrive. WOW!
Everyone here consistently exceeds our high expectations. They are all apex pinnacle top representatives of El Pollo Loco!
- service10
- transactions10
- enthusiasm and professionalism10
What El Pollo Loco offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What service options are available at El Pollo Loco in San Diego?
At El Pollo Loco, you have a variety of convenient service options. You can choose from drive-through, no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. Outdoor seating is also available, and delivery services are offered for your convenience.
Does El Pollo Loco in Carmel Mountain Ranch offer parking and accessibility features?
Yes, El Pollo Loco offers convenient parking with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. You’ll also find full accessibility, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
How does El Pollo Loco generally perform?
El Pollo Loco holds an overall score of **5.9** with **Customer Satisfaction** at **54.3%**. While **Service** (6.3) and **Ambience** (6.3) score adequately, **Food** (5.6) is average, and **Value** (4.4) lags behind.
What do customers appreciate most about the food at El Pollo Loco?
Many customers consistently praise the **chicken** for its delicious flavor, noting that the birds are well-grilled. The **avocado salsa** and new **Fit chicken bowl** also receive positive remarks.
What are common concerns regarding service and value at El Pollo Loco?
Some patrons report issues with **customer service**, including incorrect orders and perceived rudeness. Additionally, the **price** for certain items, like chicken pieces, is often considered too expensive compared to alternatives.