The way they handle the food is unsanitary and gross. First, they don't use gloves or anything. Second, the lady, might be the manager, named Christina I think, was using the thongs for everything. She uses it to throw the chicken around, to open lids, etc. Then as she was walking up to take someone's order (bc they are understaffed), she checks her phone first before taking my order. Phones are so dirty. People take phones in the bathroom. Then after taking my order, she goes back to cut up some chicken without washing her hands. Avoid this place!!! Nasty. I felt sick trying to eat my food. I threw it away.
(1)
K P.
I used to come to this El Pollo LocoI stopped because they did not given any meat. thought I'd try it again on September 3rd 2015 and they still give no meat. Will not be back
(1)
Philip P.
With relatively few fast late night options in this shopping center, we decided to drive through the El Pollo Loco for a late night meal. They were out of breast and wings, so we ended up ordering a family meal with legs and thighs. Upon opening our package, we were immediately annoyed that they didn't include plastic silverware with our order. Famished, we decided to just use the tortillas as makeshift utensils for the beans and sides. Upon ripping open a thigh, I noticed that it wasn't quite cooked inside. I moved onto a piece of leg, only to discover it was nearly raw inside as well. Nearly every piece we got was not suitable to eat due to being undercooked. With the risk of food poisoning, you'd think that a place that specializes in chicken would be extra careful in making sure their food was fully cooked. I threw everything in the bag and drove back to the restaurant. The only reason I gave this review two stars instead of one is because they gave us a prompt refund with no questions asked. This will surely be my last time at this location, which is a shame because I generally love El Pollo Loco as a go to place. (This was my first and Last time to patronize this particular location)
(2)
Deja K.
My mom used to take us to another El Pollo Loco (or else pillows local as auto correct keeps trying to rename it on my phone...) location when I was a kid. I never really liked it. My husband and I decided to give it a try last week and oh man... delicious and cheap. The perfect combination. I think I'll eat here tonight! Try it!
(5)
Brandy L.
Two stars since it was fast and efficient. I order the corn chowder. Too salty and Bland, hardly any corn and no corn flavor. Will not go back
(2)
Pamela R.
I love it, the two piece leg and dark is quite tasty. I will definitely go back, they have remarkably fresh salsa.
(4)
Renee H.
I think El Pollo Loco is crack crazy chicken during late hours. I ordered a kids combo and it was yummy. Prices are decent and for what is considered fast food, there wasn't anything fried!
(4)
Rylee S.
My favorite fast food! I can eat it without that gut bomb feeling you get after most drive thru's. The staff is always friendly, the food hot and spicy! Plus I love the avocado salsa and the new corn cake is yum! Never thought I would look forward to eating fast food, but I do!
(4)
Thane H.
never been done wrong at this location. the staff is always friendly and the food is always bomb. Love me some El Pollo Loco!! Keep up the good work!!
(5)
Rob C.
It was well before ten minutes before close and they had already locked doors and closed the drive thru. When we pulled up to the window they said they already put away their food and they "had" to close early. Wow. Way to follow your business hours.
(1)
Jennifer M.
I realize "this is fast food" and not fine dining.. I get it...but I feel my complaints are legit. Over the years, El Pollo Loco has earned my respect as a well run fast food place. Great food at a great value. I've even utilized their catering services throughout the years with great success. There's a huge difference between having a crappy meal and having a crappy meal at a place you know is not a bad place. Last week, my mother and I stopped at this location to bring home some dinner. First of all, the young man at the cash register was a mumble mouth. My poor hearing aid-clad mother thought she had to get new devices... I assured her it wasn't her ears... the dude talked like he had a mouth of marbles. We had to ask him to repeat himself EVERY...SINGLE...TIME...HE...TALKED... Furthermore, he clearly did not understand the menu offerings... we had to explain ourselves repeatedly and finally found something and pointed it to him so he understood what we wanted to order. FRUSTRATING. The food... the chicken we were given was way - way - WAY overcooked. We were watching the "cook" put it in the box and we were incredulous that someone would deem it edible. It was BLACK. While we were waiting for our food, two other people came up to the counter with burnt chicken. It took forever for mumble mouth and his buddy to realize that they had a pile of people building up with burned chicken. When we showed him the food, he was unconvinced that the food was even bad. I wouldn't have fed it to my dog! He tried to strike some deal - 2 new pieces for 3 burnt ones. We flat out told him "No, we think we should get all new chicken". He started throwing attitude our way. My mother, fresh off of a 3.5 hour flight almost went postal on this stupid kid. Meanwhile Senor Grillmaster was flapping his jaws behind the grill, burning more chicken. I've been to several El Pollo Locos around the valley and almost always get great food, great service and great prices. This location will not get our business again.
(1)
Tommy T.
Got there about 8.30pm yesterday, ordered 8 pieces legs & thighs with 2 sides 'togo'. After i paid with the cashier he asked me again do you want legs & thighs or mixes with breasts?? I said legs & thighs please. He turned arround talked to the cook, i cant really hear what they were talking about, BUT i have clearly heard the cook said IT'S OK. Got my order legs&thighs with they lovely salsa. I was curious while im driving back home, what was that "IT'S OK" about??? Told my wife to look at the receipt & i was charged for breasts instead of legs&thighs. Came back talked to the cashier & the Manager returned $2 & she appologized. This is not about the returned money $2 only, c'mon! Its about service & BE HONEST TO YOUR GUEST! Got home 5 minutes after that, After smelling the deliciousssnesss of the chicken in the car and hungry stomach : got really dry dry dry,small legs&thighs at home :( The rice,beans was good & the salsa was bomb! Here is why i gave them 2 stars instead of 1.
(2)
Mary A.
After ordering at counter 8 piece chicken meal (that is already cooked) 2 sides (that are already cooked) Waiting 20 minutes is ridicules!!!! Never eating here again!!
(1)
Tony C.
Was so disappointed. Normally love their food, this particular place what a let down. Traveled here for business, was excited to eat some El Pollo Loco after a seven hour drive only to be disappointed by dried up chicken, tortillas were so hard my teeth could not penetrate them. I ordered the two piece chicken, breast & wing, the wing was so dried up that it was meatless. The Mac & Cheese was so old that it was discolored and looked funny. If you eat here, good luck. The staff is friendly.
(1)
Cathy S.
This is the nicest El Pollo Loco that I have eaten at in AZ. As much as I find El Pollo Loco's secret marinade so addicting, I was taking a hiatus from it because I had hit a bad run of dry chicken and super small pieces at other locations. I also thought I had to sacrifice cleanliness in order to get my chicken fix because almost every El Pollo Loco that I have been in recently has been slightly grimy with a thin layer of chicken grease on almost every surface and a messy salsa bar. Not this one! Light, bright, spacious and clean - shocking. Two piece meal with rice, salad and flour tortillas - perfection.
(4)
Cherie S.
Worst service ever!! On Monday April 27th, the shift leader waited in my daughter and me. She wasn't listening to me as I ordered so I had to repeat myself multiple times. I ordered the carne asada tostada, and she asked if we wanted chicken or beef?!! As if I didn't know what carne asada was! Really?!? There was some discussion about the tostada - it was frustrating as the carne asada was a specific selection on their menu. I also ordered a shrimp bowl, and again she asked if that would be chicken or shrimp. Seriously?!? Finally I had to tell her that nothing in our order contained chicken. After our order was complete, she followed us to the salsa bar, and stood right in the middle, moving back and forth, blocking us from getting to the selections while she wiped here and there and straightened this and that. Couldn't she wait until we were done?!?!! So we had to out wait her. When we were finally able to get some salsa, she sent one of her coworkers over. After a few minutes of generally getting in the way and reaching across us even after being asked if she could just wait a few minutes please, she then went back to her coworker and started whispering in her ear. Are we now in grade school?!? I seriously doubt I will be going back there, especially to eat in. We got our food to go and left. The food was ok but not enough to overcome the lousy service. I recommend only using the drive through if you must get their food.
(1)
Cassandra C.
This place is tragic. Ordered/paid @ 6:48. Now 7:17 still no food. Cashier said cook was busy & so was the manager. Unacceptable!
(1)
Michelle A.
I have eaten at this El Pollo Loco ever since they opened back in 2008. I like this location much better than the one that is off Thomas Rd (4102 E. Thomas Rd) . The Mesa location is much bigger and newer which means it is cleaner. The staff during the day is friendly and your food order is called out within 10 minutes or less after you order. I enjoy a restaurant that serves up fresh bbq chicken that is not fried. I recommend the avocado salsa which is mild in heat but is packed full of flavor. It adds a nice touch to the charbroiled chicken!
(4)
Tom E.
EPL, as I call(ed) it back home, came to Atlanta as only a tease. It opened 3 locations that offered healthier, more inspiring dishes than what say, KFC has. Then out of the blue, all 3 locations closed. WTF!?! I need my crunchy chicken tacos! This had been a crushing blow to my love of Mexican fast food. So as we were driving around Dobson Dr. near Mesa, I saw a logo that looked familiar. It was time we met again- I saw an EPL! Of course we went in. I didn't even look at the menu- I told the friendly cashier I wanted 8 tacos and 2 drinks- she looked at me like a glutton- but she didn't understand where I was coming from- as I tried explaining, she just laughed. The dining room- a decent size. The salsa- more flavors than I had seen! The drink machine- served coke! Now, to perfect the experience, I just needed the tacos... And then they arrived! It was like finding a long lost love and being reunited. It was that wonderful. I should have asked if they deliver across the US- I would even consider it! It was just so wonderful to be re-united again...
(5)
Tyler M.
My wife and I frequent this El Pollo. The quality of food is always very high. The service is quick and courteous. When we are in need of some flavorful grilled chicken and fresh made salsa they do not disappoint. If you have not tried the stuffed quesadillas, they are full of chicken, avocado and amassing sauce.
(4)
Mya T.
2nd time at an El Pollo loco, 2nd time I got sick. (Different locations, too) DON'T go here.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Drive-Thru : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Otis D.
The way they handle the food is unsanitary and gross. First, they don't use gloves or anything. Second, the lady, might be the manager, named Christina I think, was using the thongs for everything. She uses it to throw the chicken around, to open lids, etc. Then as she was walking up to take someone's order (bc they are understaffed), she checks her phone first before taking my order. Phones are so dirty. People take phones in the bathroom. Then after taking my order, she goes back to cut up some chicken without washing her hands. Avoid this place!!! Nasty. I felt sick trying to eat my food. I threw it away.
(1)K P.
I used to come to this El Pollo LocoI stopped because they did not given any meat. thought I'd try it again on September 3rd 2015 and they still give no meat. Will not be back
(1)Philip P.
With relatively few fast late night options in this shopping center, we decided to drive through the El Pollo Loco for a late night meal. They were out of breast and wings, so we ended up ordering a family meal with legs and thighs. Upon opening our package, we were immediately annoyed that they didn't include plastic silverware with our order. Famished, we decided to just use the tortillas as makeshift utensils for the beans and sides. Upon ripping open a thigh, I noticed that it wasn't quite cooked inside. I moved onto a piece of leg, only to discover it was nearly raw inside as well. Nearly every piece we got was not suitable to eat due to being undercooked. With the risk of food poisoning, you'd think that a place that specializes in chicken would be extra careful in making sure their food was fully cooked. I threw everything in the bag and drove back to the restaurant. The only reason I gave this review two stars instead of one is because they gave us a prompt refund with no questions asked. This will surely be my last time at this location, which is a shame because I generally love El Pollo Loco as a go to place. (This was my first and Last time to patronize this particular location)
(2)Deja K.
My mom used to take us to another El Pollo Loco (or else pillows local as auto correct keeps trying to rename it on my phone...) location when I was a kid. I never really liked it. My husband and I decided to give it a try last week and oh man... delicious and cheap. The perfect combination. I think I'll eat here tonight! Try it!
(5)Brandy L.
Two stars since it was fast and efficient. I order the corn chowder. Too salty and Bland, hardly any corn and no corn flavor. Will not go back
(2)Pamela R.
I love it, the two piece leg and dark is quite tasty. I will definitely go back, they have remarkably fresh salsa.
(4)Renee H.
I think El Pollo Loco is crack crazy chicken during late hours. I ordered a kids combo and it was yummy. Prices are decent and for what is considered fast food, there wasn't anything fried!
(4)Rylee S.
My favorite fast food! I can eat it without that gut bomb feeling you get after most drive thru's. The staff is always friendly, the food hot and spicy! Plus I love the avocado salsa and the new corn cake is yum! Never thought I would look forward to eating fast food, but I do!
(4)Thane H.
never been done wrong at this location. the staff is always friendly and the food is always bomb. Love me some El Pollo Loco!! Keep up the good work!!
(5)Rob C.
It was well before ten minutes before close and they had already locked doors and closed the drive thru. When we pulled up to the window they said they already put away their food and they "had" to close early. Wow. Way to follow your business hours.
(1)Jennifer M.
I realize "this is fast food" and not fine dining.. I get it...but I feel my complaints are legit. Over the years, El Pollo Loco has earned my respect as a well run fast food place. Great food at a great value. I've even utilized their catering services throughout the years with great success. There's a huge difference between having a crappy meal and having a crappy meal at a place you know is not a bad place. Last week, my mother and I stopped at this location to bring home some dinner. First of all, the young man at the cash register was a mumble mouth. My poor hearing aid-clad mother thought she had to get new devices... I assured her it wasn't her ears... the dude talked like he had a mouth of marbles. We had to ask him to repeat himself EVERY...SINGLE...TIME...HE...TALKED... Furthermore, he clearly did not understand the menu offerings... we had to explain ourselves repeatedly and finally found something and pointed it to him so he understood what we wanted to order. FRUSTRATING. The food... the chicken we were given was way - way - WAY overcooked. We were watching the "cook" put it in the box and we were incredulous that someone would deem it edible. It was BLACK. While we were waiting for our food, two other people came up to the counter with burnt chicken. It took forever for mumble mouth and his buddy to realize that they had a pile of people building up with burned chicken. When we showed him the food, he was unconvinced that the food was even bad. I wouldn't have fed it to my dog! He tried to strike some deal - 2 new pieces for 3 burnt ones. We flat out told him "No, we think we should get all new chicken". He started throwing attitude our way. My mother, fresh off of a 3.5 hour flight almost went postal on this stupid kid. Meanwhile Senor Grillmaster was flapping his jaws behind the grill, burning more chicken. I've been to several El Pollo Locos around the valley and almost always get great food, great service and great prices. This location will not get our business again.
(1)Tommy T.
Got there about 8.30pm yesterday, ordered 8 pieces legs & thighs with 2 sides 'togo'. After i paid with the cashier he asked me again do you want legs & thighs or mixes with breasts?? I said legs & thighs please. He turned arround talked to the cook, i cant really hear what they were talking about, BUT i have clearly heard the cook said IT'S OK. Got my order legs&thighs with they lovely salsa. I was curious while im driving back home, what was that "IT'S OK" about??? Told my wife to look at the receipt & i was charged for breasts instead of legs&thighs. Came back talked to the cashier & the Manager returned $2 & she appologized. This is not about the returned money $2 only, c'mon! Its about service & BE HONEST TO YOUR GUEST! Got home 5 minutes after that, After smelling the deliciousssnesss of the chicken in the car and hungry stomach : got really dry dry dry,small legs&thighs at home :( The rice,beans was good & the salsa was bomb! Here is why i gave them 2 stars instead of 1.
(2)Mary A.
After ordering at counter 8 piece chicken meal (that is already cooked) 2 sides (that are already cooked) Waiting 20 minutes is ridicules!!!! Never eating here again!!
(1)Tony C.
Was so disappointed. Normally love their food, this particular place what a let down. Traveled here for business, was excited to eat some El Pollo Loco after a seven hour drive only to be disappointed by dried up chicken, tortillas were so hard my teeth could not penetrate them. I ordered the two piece chicken, breast & wing, the wing was so dried up that it was meatless. The Mac & Cheese was so old that it was discolored and looked funny. If you eat here, good luck. The staff is friendly.
(1)Cathy S.
This is the nicest El Pollo Loco that I have eaten at in AZ. As much as I find El Pollo Loco's secret marinade so addicting, I was taking a hiatus from it because I had hit a bad run of dry chicken and super small pieces at other locations. I also thought I had to sacrifice cleanliness in order to get my chicken fix because almost every El Pollo Loco that I have been in recently has been slightly grimy with a thin layer of chicken grease on almost every surface and a messy salsa bar. Not this one! Light, bright, spacious and clean - shocking. Two piece meal with rice, salad and flour tortillas - perfection.
(4)Cherie S.
Worst service ever!! On Monday April 27th, the shift leader waited in my daughter and me. She wasn't listening to me as I ordered so I had to repeat myself multiple times. I ordered the carne asada tostada, and she asked if we wanted chicken or beef?!! As if I didn't know what carne asada was! Really?!? There was some discussion about the tostada - it was frustrating as the carne asada was a specific selection on their menu. I also ordered a shrimp bowl, and again she asked if that would be chicken or shrimp. Seriously?!? Finally I had to tell her that nothing in our order contained chicken. After our order was complete, she followed us to the salsa bar, and stood right in the middle, moving back and forth, blocking us from getting to the selections while she wiped here and there and straightened this and that. Couldn't she wait until we were done?!?!! So we had to out wait her. When we were finally able to get some salsa, she sent one of her coworkers over. After a few minutes of generally getting in the way and reaching across us even after being asked if she could just wait a few minutes please, she then went back to her coworker and started whispering in her ear. Are we now in grade school?!? I seriously doubt I will be going back there, especially to eat in. We got our food to go and left. The food was ok but not enough to overcome the lousy service. I recommend only using the drive through if you must get their food.
(1)Cassandra C.
This place is tragic. Ordered/paid @ 6:48. Now 7:17 still no food. Cashier said cook was busy & so was the manager. Unacceptable!
(1)Michelle A.
I have eaten at this El Pollo Loco ever since they opened back in 2008. I like this location much better than the one that is off Thomas Rd (4102 E. Thomas Rd) . The Mesa location is much bigger and newer which means it is cleaner. The staff during the day is friendly and your food order is called out within 10 minutes or less after you order. I enjoy a restaurant that serves up fresh bbq chicken that is not fried. I recommend the avocado salsa which is mild in heat but is packed full of flavor. It adds a nice touch to the charbroiled chicken!
(4)Tom E.
EPL, as I call(ed) it back home, came to Atlanta as only a tease. It opened 3 locations that offered healthier, more inspiring dishes than what say, KFC has. Then out of the blue, all 3 locations closed. WTF!?! I need my crunchy chicken tacos! This had been a crushing blow to my love of Mexican fast food. So as we were driving around Dobson Dr. near Mesa, I saw a logo that looked familiar. It was time we met again- I saw an EPL! Of course we went in. I didn't even look at the menu- I told the friendly cashier I wanted 8 tacos and 2 drinks- she looked at me like a glutton- but she didn't understand where I was coming from- as I tried explaining, she just laughed. The dining room- a decent size. The salsa- more flavors than I had seen! The drink machine- served coke! Now, to perfect the experience, I just needed the tacos... And then they arrived! It was like finding a long lost love and being reunited. It was that wonderful. I should have asked if they deliver across the US- I would even consider it! It was just so wonderful to be re-united again...
(5)Tyler M.
My wife and I frequent this El Pollo. The quality of food is always very high. The service is quick and courteous. When we are in need of some flavorful grilled chicken and fresh made salsa they do not disappoint. If you have not tried the stuffed quesadillas, they are full of chicken, avocado and amassing sauce.
(4)Mya T.
2nd time at an El Pollo loco, 2nd time I got sick. (Different locations, too) DON'T go here.
(1)