We were so excited to finally get a Pollo Loco over here, but so far we've been extremely disappointed. The food is fantastic when we are actually able to get what we order. Three out of three times that we have been here they have been out of several menu items and one time were not serving chicken at all. They definitely need to get their stuff together!
(1)
RockAFire S.
I tend to order their avocado and chicken burrito. If you go at the right time, the food is always fresh and well made. However that's the problem. Finding the right time. The consistency isn't there on the quality. For the inflated price they charge, I expect perfection every time.
(3)
Judy L.
I have not been to a El Pollo Loco in AGES!!! Got the 10pcs meal, mac/cheese, and beans. Of course it came with tortillas (you choice: flour or corn), we got corn. I swear the chicken pieces got smaller? It still taste good. The place was dirty. Most tables were not cleaned.
(3)
Jennifer S.
Went through the drive-thru on the way home from work. This was my first visit at any El Pollo Loco. I should have checked my order before driving away. How some can order one thing, receive another and be charged for something different than what was both ordered and erroneously received is beyond me. :(
(2)
Sarah M.
Bad. Stay away. Unless you like dry chicken and empty tacos. Go elsewhere. Not worth what they charge. Better off staying hungry.
(1)
Jade W.
Went to try El Pollo Loco for the first time. This is a new location in a building that used to be a Wienerschnitzel and then Costa Vida. It was very busy and while standing in line one customer kept passing in front of me going to and from the salsa bar, which was annoying. When we got up to the counter I asked the cashier what the chicken burrito has in it. She said "Which one?" I said, "The regular one." "Classic?" "Yes." Thought that was pretty clear. She started to say creamy cilantro and then corrected herself, "pico de gallo" and then named a couple other ingredients. She didn't seem too confident, which had me a little concerned. Didn't want to end up with anything green on my burrito. I ordered that meal (with chips and a drink) and asked for no pico. She seemed somewhat inexperienced entering our order on the register. When we got our food, I cut open the burrito to verify its contents. Rice, beans, chicken, and cheese. No pico. That's good. Got some mild salsa from the salsa bar. It was very watery and had almost no flavor. The pico was just as watery but with larger chunks. Tried the fire roasted salsa which had the most flavor but I didn't care for the thick consistency. So I mixed the mild with the fire roasted. Better. The chips were lousy. Cold and... not stale, but almost a burnt taste. My friend ordered a small mac & cheese and fries so we could both try them. The mac & cheese was identical to KFC. The fries were most akin to Sonic's. Nothing special. And the burrito was fine. For my friend's meal, he did get the guac on the side as he requested, but they forgot to leave the pico off his quesadilla. The people kept coming in... there was a continuous line. I guess people like it? I will comment that the salsa bar was difficult to access because it's small and people were always getting salsa. I wasn't impressed by any means, but I would go back. I want to try the desserts (churros and cheesecake chimi).
(2)
P A.
So excited for a location in West Valley other than Buckeye. Lots of staff working but poorly trained cashiers. We had to repeat our order several times and didn't even get a receipt. The shift leader was spinning our take out bag like a pendulum as he called our number. The two stars is for the customer service.
(2)
Rich P.
Not sure what it is with this particular location but they just can't get it right here. I like El Pollo Loco overall but this location is bad. Like a lot of reviews chicken dried out over cooked. We have tried a few times since this one opened thinking it would get better but just doesn't.
(1)
Mark L.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher review rating. I like this pollo loco, it's Very clean, and the guy even gave me a $5.00 coupon just help me out on my bill. Will definitely be back for some more chicken!
(5)
Vaness M.
Whole wheat avocado burrito is .com! Close, convenient, and they have an under 500 calorie menu that doesn't skimp on flavor a good post work out bite if your too lazy to go home n cook
(4)
Manny P.
Let me start by saying that I LOVE El Pollo Loco but this location is giving them a bad name. Was there once before and I felt I had walked into a high school cafeteria. Employees with off the clock employees being just too loud and making feel out of place. Food was ok. I decided to give this location another try and I was asked if I can wait 45 minutes for chicken unless I want fried up chicken that's been on the grill for hours. That chicken looked like dry skin on bones yet it's still on the grill. Will not be back to this location ever again.
(1)
Kristofer O.
I absolutely love El Pollo Loco. I absolutely hate *this* El Pollo Loco. Here's why: I have been there three times. The last two times, they've gotten something wrong with my order. One time, they didn't give me any cilantro dressing. This time, they gave me half the normal amount of dressing, and they didn't give me the cheesecake chimichanga I ordered. Not only this, but the drive-thru is very, very slow. Each time I've gone, it's taken quite a long time to get my food, and each person at the window has to sit for one to two minutes on average (or longer). Finally, the quality of the food I do get is subpar when compared to other EPL's standards. The chicken is overcooked and stringy, and the tortilla strips in my salad were soggy. Keep in mind that I got home within 4 minutes and the strips were still soggy even before putting the small amount of cilantro dressing I got into the salad. All-in-all, I was really excited for this location to open, but I'm horribly disappointed.
(1)
Shannon C.
Jerry is very sweet and sparked a convo with every customer! Good was fresh, hot, and amazing! The cooks could use a smile on their face, considering every customer can see them!
(5)
John M.
Since we really like El Pollo Loco we went back last night around 7pm. The staff is very friendly, and it seemed that their was lots of management around. But I just cant seem to get over the fact that the chicken the past couple of time was way over cooked (dry & deflated is the best i can describe it) I just cant recommend them at this time. So disappointed cause we really like their chicken
(1)
Victoria F.
I went through the the drive through and paid with a $20 bill. The cashier rang it us as a $10 bill and gave me change for $10 and not $20. I tried to get her attention right away but she shut the drive through window and turned away from me and left the window. She came back with my order and I asked her for the rest of my change. She insisted I had given her a $10 bill and I insisted it was a $20 bill. She refused to budge so the manager came over and said he would have to count the cash in the drawer to see if it balanced. He assured me it balanced and I must have given the cashier a $10 and not a $20. I reinforced that I was certain I had handed her a $20 bill and not a $10. Since the line of cars was backing up and I had to get back to work I left disgruntled and without my change. After I got back to work I called the restaurant and insisted it was a $20 and they owed me the $10. I know exact what I had in my wallet and I know I gave a $20 for the food. I asked the manager (Andy) to take my number and call me after he balanced the cash drawer at the end of the day. He called and admitted the drawer was over by $10 and he would give me the money back. I had to go into the store the next day and ask for him. I went in the next day and he gave me back the $10 and then I left. What bothered me so much about this is the lack of customer service. The cashier should never have said I was wrong about the denomination I gave her. She should have left the $20 on the register and had it there to confirm the correct change. The manager should not have wasted my time by disputing the $10. We all make mistakes. He did the right thing by calling me and having me pick up the $10 owed me. If the manager were in top of his game he would have bent over backwards to make it right and offered me some kind of compensation for having to come back and pick up my change. He didn't offer me anything but the $10. This is terrible customer service. Had I been offered some compensation for my time and energy for being inconvenienced I would not be writing this review. Good good!! Really?? Was it worth the $10 for calling a customer wrong and even after admitting fault and paying the customer back, the damage is done. I'll never go back. I don't care how good the food might be, if the management is quibbling over $10 and not trying to go out of their way to make it right then this place needs some education in customer service and public relations. Sorry El Pollo Loco, don't think I'll be back when there are other options. Thanks for realizing your mistake and paying me back what was mine. The old saying "the customer is always right" should be taught to your employees and management. My degree is in Hospitality Management and I know I could teach the management and employees something about customer relations. Funny how a simple little "coupon" or "free dish" would have prevented this review. I do not recommend this restaurant.
(1)
Kay G.
These people who believe this place is reasonable in price is nuts. You get salty chicken and greasy fat for $20 definitely not worth a trip back? I remember El Pollo loco being tasty and healthy with lots of wonderful fresh salsa to choose from. Now the salsa is watered down and the guacamole taste like crsp. Hope they lower the price and stop ripping people off.
(1)
Rob L.
S'okay Was happy to see the old Costa Vida place get a new lease and the chicken concept sounded good. Have visited their drive-through twice now-- tacos once and burrito the other time. Okay on both visits. Nice service staff, though a bit slow. The meats are moist enough but are bland to my taste. The big turn-off for me are the avocado and cabbage/lettuce mix they use. Neither taste fresh. I saw that they have chicken basket type meals. Will try one of those if/when I go again and update my review.
(2)
Irma O.
Very dissapointed!! Went through drive thru picked an 8piece meal of charcoaled chicken. Completely burnt. I do not reccomend and will not return.
(1)
Laura S.
Decent food and price. Chicken pieces are small but have good flavor. Got the family meal. I like KFC better but this place is cheaper
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Amie J.
We were so excited to finally get a Pollo Loco over here, but so far we've been extremely disappointed. The food is fantastic when we are actually able to get what we order. Three out of three times that we have been here they have been out of several menu items and one time were not serving chicken at all. They definitely need to get their stuff together!
(1)RockAFire S.
I tend to order their avocado and chicken burrito. If you go at the right time, the food is always fresh and well made. However that's the problem. Finding the right time. The consistency isn't there on the quality. For the inflated price they charge, I expect perfection every time.
(3)Judy L.
I have not been to a El Pollo Loco in AGES!!! Got the 10pcs meal, mac/cheese, and beans. Of course it came with tortillas (you choice: flour or corn), we got corn. I swear the chicken pieces got smaller? It still taste good. The place was dirty. Most tables were not cleaned.
(3)Jennifer S.
Went through the drive-thru on the way home from work. This was my first visit at any El Pollo Loco. I should have checked my order before driving away. How some can order one thing, receive another and be charged for something different than what was both ordered and erroneously received is beyond me. :(
(2)Sarah M.
Bad. Stay away. Unless you like dry chicken and empty tacos. Go elsewhere. Not worth what they charge. Better off staying hungry.
(1)Jade W.
Went to try El Pollo Loco for the first time. This is a new location in a building that used to be a Wienerschnitzel and then Costa Vida. It was very busy and while standing in line one customer kept passing in front of me going to and from the salsa bar, which was annoying. When we got up to the counter I asked the cashier what the chicken burrito has in it. She said "Which one?" I said, "The regular one." "Classic?" "Yes." Thought that was pretty clear. She started to say creamy cilantro and then corrected herself, "pico de gallo" and then named a couple other ingredients. She didn't seem too confident, which had me a little concerned. Didn't want to end up with anything green on my burrito. I ordered that meal (with chips and a drink) and asked for no pico. She seemed somewhat inexperienced entering our order on the register. When we got our food, I cut open the burrito to verify its contents. Rice, beans, chicken, and cheese. No pico. That's good. Got some mild salsa from the salsa bar. It was very watery and had almost no flavor. The pico was just as watery but with larger chunks. Tried the fire roasted salsa which had the most flavor but I didn't care for the thick consistency. So I mixed the mild with the fire roasted. Better. The chips were lousy. Cold and... not stale, but almost a burnt taste. My friend ordered a small mac & cheese and fries so we could both try them. The mac & cheese was identical to KFC. The fries were most akin to Sonic's. Nothing special. And the burrito was fine. For my friend's meal, he did get the guac on the side as he requested, but they forgot to leave the pico off his quesadilla. The people kept coming in... there was a continuous line. I guess people like it? I will comment that the salsa bar was difficult to access because it's small and people were always getting salsa. I wasn't impressed by any means, but I would go back. I want to try the desserts (churros and cheesecake chimi).
(2)P A.
So excited for a location in West Valley other than Buckeye. Lots of staff working but poorly trained cashiers. We had to repeat our order several times and didn't even get a receipt. The shift leader was spinning our take out bag like a pendulum as he called our number. The two stars is for the customer service.
(2)Rich P.
Not sure what it is with this particular location but they just can't get it right here. I like El Pollo Loco overall but this location is bad. Like a lot of reviews chicken dried out over cooked. We have tried a few times since this one opened thinking it would get better but just doesn't.
(1)Mark L.
I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher review rating. I like this pollo loco, it's Very clean, and the guy even gave me a $5.00 coupon just help me out on my bill. Will definitely be back for some more chicken!
(5)Vaness M.
Whole wheat avocado burrito is .com! Close, convenient, and they have an under 500 calorie menu that doesn't skimp on flavor a good post work out bite if your too lazy to go home n cook
(4)Manny P.
Let me start by saying that I LOVE El Pollo Loco but this location is giving them a bad name. Was there once before and I felt I had walked into a high school cafeteria. Employees with off the clock employees being just too loud and making feel out of place. Food was ok. I decided to give this location another try and I was asked if I can wait 45 minutes for chicken unless I want fried up chicken that's been on the grill for hours. That chicken looked like dry skin on bones yet it's still on the grill. Will not be back to this location ever again.
(1)Kristofer O.
I absolutely love El Pollo Loco. I absolutely hate *this* El Pollo Loco. Here's why: I have been there three times. The last two times, they've gotten something wrong with my order. One time, they didn't give me any cilantro dressing. This time, they gave me half the normal amount of dressing, and they didn't give me the cheesecake chimichanga I ordered. Not only this, but the drive-thru is very, very slow. Each time I've gone, it's taken quite a long time to get my food, and each person at the window has to sit for one to two minutes on average (or longer). Finally, the quality of the food I do get is subpar when compared to other EPL's standards. The chicken is overcooked and stringy, and the tortilla strips in my salad were soggy. Keep in mind that I got home within 4 minutes and the strips were still soggy even before putting the small amount of cilantro dressing I got into the salad. All-in-all, I was really excited for this location to open, but I'm horribly disappointed.
(1)Shannon C.
Jerry is very sweet and sparked a convo with every customer! Good was fresh, hot, and amazing! The cooks could use a smile on their face, considering every customer can see them!
(5)John M.
Since we really like El Pollo Loco we went back last night around 7pm. The staff is very friendly, and it seemed that their was lots of management around. But I just cant seem to get over the fact that the chicken the past couple of time was way over cooked (dry & deflated is the best i can describe it) I just cant recommend them at this time. So disappointed cause we really like their chicken
(1)Victoria F.
I went through the the drive through and paid with a $20 bill. The cashier rang it us as a $10 bill and gave me change for $10 and not $20. I tried to get her attention right away but she shut the drive through window and turned away from me and left the window. She came back with my order and I asked her for the rest of my change. She insisted I had given her a $10 bill and I insisted it was a $20 bill. She refused to budge so the manager came over and said he would have to count the cash in the drawer to see if it balanced. He assured me it balanced and I must have given the cashier a $10 and not a $20. I reinforced that I was certain I had handed her a $20 bill and not a $10. Since the line of cars was backing up and I had to get back to work I left disgruntled and without my change. After I got back to work I called the restaurant and insisted it was a $20 and they owed me the $10. I know exact what I had in my wallet and I know I gave a $20 for the food. I asked the manager (Andy) to take my number and call me after he balanced the cash drawer at the end of the day. He called and admitted the drawer was over by $10 and he would give me the money back. I had to go into the store the next day and ask for him. I went in the next day and he gave me back the $10 and then I left. What bothered me so much about this is the lack of customer service. The cashier should never have said I was wrong about the denomination I gave her. She should have left the $20 on the register and had it there to confirm the correct change. The manager should not have wasted my time by disputing the $10. We all make mistakes. He did the right thing by calling me and having me pick up the $10 owed me. If the manager were in top of his game he would have bent over backwards to make it right and offered me some kind of compensation for having to come back and pick up my change. He didn't offer me anything but the $10. This is terrible customer service. Had I been offered some compensation for my time and energy for being inconvenienced I would not be writing this review. Good good!! Really?? Was it worth the $10 for calling a customer wrong and even after admitting fault and paying the customer back, the damage is done. I'll never go back. I don't care how good the food might be, if the management is quibbling over $10 and not trying to go out of their way to make it right then this place needs some education in customer service and public relations. Sorry El Pollo Loco, don't think I'll be back when there are other options. Thanks for realizing your mistake and paying me back what was mine. The old saying "the customer is always right" should be taught to your employees and management. My degree is in Hospitality Management and I know I could teach the management and employees something about customer relations. Funny how a simple little "coupon" or "free dish" would have prevented this review. I do not recommend this restaurant.
(1)Kay G.
These people who believe this place is reasonable in price is nuts. You get salty chicken and greasy fat for $20 definitely not worth a trip back? I remember El Pollo loco being tasty and healthy with lots of wonderful fresh salsa to choose from. Now the salsa is watered down and the guacamole taste like crsp. Hope they lower the price and stop ripping people off.
(1)Rob L.
S'okay Was happy to see the old Costa Vida place get a new lease and the chicken concept sounded good. Have visited their drive-through twice now-- tacos once and burrito the other time. Okay on both visits. Nice service staff, though a bit slow. The meats are moist enough but are bland to my taste. The big turn-off for me are the avocado and cabbage/lettuce mix they use. Neither taste fresh. I saw that they have chicken basket type meals. Will try one of those if/when I go again and update my review.
(2)Irma O.
Very dissapointed!! Went through drive thru picked an 8piece meal of charcoaled chicken. Completely burnt. I do not reccomend and will not return.
(1)Laura S.
Decent food and price. Chicken pieces are small but have good flavor. Got the family meal. I like KFC better but this place is cheaper
(3)