Stopped back in here to this, my favorite EPL in the Valley, for a bite to eat today. Friendly counter guy Octavio took my order for Chips & Guacamole and pretty soon the order was delivered to my comfortable booth in proper "Fast Casual" style. It came with 2 bags stuffed with plenty of hot, crispy corn tortilla chips and a cup of delicious Guacamole with chunks of Avocado. Once the Guac ran out I enjoyed little cups of their free salsas to finish off the last chips. This generous sized snack is priced right at $2.99. Love me some El Pollo Loco, especially at THIS store, where the staff, the dining room and the food are all just right! :-))
(5)
Art B.
What distinguishes this El Pollo Loco from most others is its spacious dining room. The staff here also does a nice job of maintaining the salsa bar, an area in which some locations fall short. Located on the back side of Arizona Mills shopping mall, near some other restaurants that have closed, the location offers a quiet break from the chaos of the mall. It's also easily accessible if you are passing by and not visiting the mall itself.
(4)
Alison T.
Despite my lack of check-ins, I've been to this location at least a dozen times in the last couple years and i really like them. I've never had a problem at this location. Let me say that again, this location! I have had food poisoning from the location on baseline and mcclintock. Anyhow, this location is always really clean and the staff are very friendly. I've never had an issue with bones like others have stated and the food is always fresh. I like the ultimate chicken bowl and the avocado burrito is really good too. The avocado salsa is good too! Plus they have cherry coke! Win!
(4)
Lanay G.
There's no excuse for such bad quality of meat for such an expensive burrito. And beware because it has bones.
(2)
j r.
Really enjoy el Pollo Loco.there tostada salads are really good. Little tip to save money. Buy a 8 peace dark meat chicken for $10 and 5 packs of flower tortilla for $1 you can make your own tacos with there salsa bar and feed 4.
(4)
Stacey L.
Great fresh food...not stingy with the salad toppings plenty of chicken plenty of avocados plenty of everything fantastic salsa bar!!! Great customer service we will be back.
(5)
Brad W.
Well, now we can make our own bowls for a variety of prices. It actually is a pretty good deal and can be healthy if you go with the right picks. There was at least five categories and at least four choices of stuff in each section of which you picked either one, two or three things to put in the bowl. Think I chose Chicken breast, cojita cheese, rice, beans, avocado and a mango salsa and a green sauce topping. It is just about 7 bucks without the drink and tortillas (extra $1.50). This location is pretty spiffy inside and looks different and better than some of the other well worn Loco's around town. There really is almost too many choices now though with a double meat menu, bowls and a 500 calories menu. I guess more is better as long as it's good. Mild salsa does have a jalapeno kick, be warned.
(4)
David G.
I've been to a number of El Pollo Loco locations and this one is about average. On the day I came is was clean, which is important, and not overly-crowded even for lunch on a weekday. For those who don't know, the claim to fame of the El Pollo Loco chain is grilled chicken, marinated in citrus and cooked over an open grill. Although the breast can get a bit dry, this is a great way to prepare chicken. You end up with crispy tasty skin and moist meat. One problem - sometimes a bird is undercooked. The wing in the one I got had a small uncooked area. It is hard to get the entire chicken cooked properly, and a lot depends on the skill of the one doing the grilling. That is going to vary from day to day and location to location. The chicken may be 4 star, but the sides are disappointing bland and just not tasty, and about all that is left are the tortillas and sodas which are ... well, they're just tortillas and sodas like anyplace else. I did notice a list of interesting desserts, including tres leches cake, but was too full to try it.
(3)
David L.
It was pretty good. The quality and the price were adequate. The salsa bar was definitely good when it comes to the options it brings.
(3)
Thomas T.
Huge dining area and food was pretty good. The salsa bar was full and clean. But the floor and bathrooms are pretty dirty. Not super dirty, but it looks old and dirty. But other than that not a bad place it's decent eat.
(4)
Kristi K.
Super speedy lunch service when you're in a pinch! Definitely try the chicken avocado quesadilla...it's the best and most flavorful item on the menu!
(4)
J A H.
We have had good experiences at this location, unlike many other El Pollo Loco locations. The prices have gone up, however. Today the gal's shirt (cashier) said something about free-range chicken, so maybe that is why the prices went up. They upgraded their pop machine. Not like Firehouse Subs and BK, but still more flavors than the norm. Oh, and drinks are pricey and not included with their meal/family pack deals at any of the locations.
(5)
Chris S.
Not a great location, everything was old looking and tasting. Maybe because this is right by the mall? Either way, take the drive and visit another location.
(2)
Monica O.
Went to El Pollo Loco with some friends for lunch and saw they have new burritos on the menu, so I decided to try the Poblano, it was a good size burrito, don't really need a combo meal with it cuz it's a meal in its self, it has chicken, avocado, rice, beans, corn, cilantro, onions and cheese with salsa wrapped in a gold wrapping (um kinda like Chipotle). The flavor was good and I would have it again but looking forward to trying the other new ones in their line up! Good lunch choice!
(4)
Sheila L.
I didnt feel too good for 2 days after grabbing the tacquito's for lunch, too greasy so I prob wont go back.
(1)
April A.
I love El Pollo Loco and their food is always served fresh and hot. The service is really good at this location and I have never had any problems. They always make sure you have what you need and if not they are quick to get it. As long as they keep doing things the right way, I will remain a loyal customer :)
(4)
Heather C.
I'm surprised I had never eaten at El Pollo Loco. But Jeff Lewis seems pretty fond of it, either that or El Pollo Loco pays him extreme amounts of money to eat it on the show. And I LOVE that show, so I thought I might love El Pollo Loco, too. I went with the twice grilled chicken burrito, not sure if the twice grilled part referred to grilling the chicken twice or grilling the chicken once and then grilling the burrito. It was the latter. Anywho, filled with chicken breast, pico, sour cream, guac, and a little cheese, it was quite tasty, and probably pretty healthy wouldn't you think? I like that you get a little bag of tortilla chips with your order. Also sampled the black beans, but they were a barbeque bean, not my thing. It was fun to see strawberry soda on the fountain, too, which I had to have, much to my husband's horror. This from the man who drinks orange soda routinely. The restaurant was reasonably clean, but my shoes stuck to the floor, perhaps from someone else's sickeningly sweet strawberry soda. It was a nice change to have your order brought to the table. I hate the lingering at the counter you get at most fast food restaurants. Too bad my somewhat healthy burrito had 796 calories, and 39g of fat. While I might return to El Pollo Loco if convenient, I wouldn't go out of my way for that kind of nutrition. I would opt for a (insert name)berto burrito instead. And BTW, you can catch the new season of Flipping Out Tuesdays on Bravo. Now that's useful information!
(3)
S R.
The flavor was good but the burrito has full length chicken bones in them. The size of your finger. Beware!!!
(2)
Jamie C.
I really like this El Pollo Location. There's always some on going promotion or coupons in circulation. The service is fast and friendly even throughout lunch rush. The last time I went here it was going to take a long time for them to cook my taquito so the manager gave me a free taco so I could start eating while I waited. I love the side selection variety and the salsa bar. This place makes it easy to eat relatively healthy for cheap. Although this is a chain I would gladly welcome them into my neighborhood over a Del Taco any day.
(4)
Mindy R.
3.5 stars. I was parched one hot summer day so I stopped by for some diet coke. I've always steered clear of these places because frankly they look sketch. No one wants to eat somewhere called "The Crazy Chicken." Nevertheless, decided to get food because it's impossible to resist while you're staring at the pictures on the drive thru menu as you wait for them to take your order. The guy in the box introduced himself by name (nice touch)! They have big windows throughout the drive thru so you can see what's going on in the kitchen and watch them not spit in your food as they make it. Luis did a great job on our chicken al carbon tacos and rice, bean, and cheese burrito off the value menu. Better than Taco Bell meat pump. Also, their selection of salsa comes in plastic containers not ketchup packets. All in all, pleasantly surprised and definitely converted. I'll be back.
(4)
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Address :5009 Arizona Mills Circle
Tempe, AZ, 85282
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes 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.
Rand H.
Stopped back in here to this, my favorite EPL in the Valley, for a bite to eat today. Friendly counter guy Octavio took my order for Chips & Guacamole and pretty soon the order was delivered to my comfortable booth in proper "Fast Casual" style. It came with 2 bags stuffed with plenty of hot, crispy corn tortilla chips and a cup of delicious Guacamole with chunks of Avocado. Once the Guac ran out I enjoyed little cups of their free salsas to finish off the last chips. This generous sized snack is priced right at $2.99. Love me some El Pollo Loco, especially at THIS store, where the staff, the dining room and the food are all just right! :-))
(5)Art B.
What distinguishes this El Pollo Loco from most others is its spacious dining room. The staff here also does a nice job of maintaining the salsa bar, an area in which some locations fall short. Located on the back side of Arizona Mills shopping mall, near some other restaurants that have closed, the location offers a quiet break from the chaos of the mall. It's also easily accessible if you are passing by and not visiting the mall itself.
(4)Alison T.
Despite my lack of check-ins, I've been to this location at least a dozen times in the last couple years and i really like them. I've never had a problem at this location. Let me say that again, this location! I have had food poisoning from the location on baseline and mcclintock. Anyhow, this location is always really clean and the staff are very friendly. I've never had an issue with bones like others have stated and the food is always fresh. I like the ultimate chicken bowl and the avocado burrito is really good too. The avocado salsa is good too! Plus they have cherry coke! Win!
(4)Lanay G.
There's no excuse for such bad quality of meat for such an expensive burrito. And beware because it has bones.
(2)j r.
Really enjoy el Pollo Loco.there tostada salads are really good. Little tip to save money. Buy a 8 peace dark meat chicken for $10 and 5 packs of flower tortilla for $1 you can make your own tacos with there salsa bar and feed 4.
(4)Stacey L.
Great fresh food...not stingy with the salad toppings plenty of chicken plenty of avocados plenty of everything fantastic salsa bar!!! Great customer service we will be back.
(5)Brad W.
Well, now we can make our own bowls for a variety of prices. It actually is a pretty good deal and can be healthy if you go with the right picks. There was at least five categories and at least four choices of stuff in each section of which you picked either one, two or three things to put in the bowl. Think I chose Chicken breast, cojita cheese, rice, beans, avocado and a mango salsa and a green sauce topping. It is just about 7 bucks without the drink and tortillas (extra $1.50). This location is pretty spiffy inside and looks different and better than some of the other well worn Loco's around town. There really is almost too many choices now though with a double meat menu, bowls and a 500 calories menu. I guess more is better as long as it's good. Mild salsa does have a jalapeno kick, be warned.
(4)David G.
I've been to a number of El Pollo Loco locations and this one is about average. On the day I came is was clean, which is important, and not overly-crowded even for lunch on a weekday. For those who don't know, the claim to fame of the El Pollo Loco chain is grilled chicken, marinated in citrus and cooked over an open grill. Although the breast can get a bit dry, this is a great way to prepare chicken. You end up with crispy tasty skin and moist meat. One problem - sometimes a bird is undercooked. The wing in the one I got had a small uncooked area. It is hard to get the entire chicken cooked properly, and a lot depends on the skill of the one doing the grilling. That is going to vary from day to day and location to location. The chicken may be 4 star, but the sides are disappointing bland and just not tasty, and about all that is left are the tortillas and sodas which are ... well, they're just tortillas and sodas like anyplace else. I did notice a list of interesting desserts, including tres leches cake, but was too full to try it.
(3)David L.
It was pretty good. The quality and the price were adequate. The salsa bar was definitely good when it comes to the options it brings.
(3)Thomas T.
Huge dining area and food was pretty good. The salsa bar was full and clean. But the floor and bathrooms are pretty dirty. Not super dirty, but it looks old and dirty. But other than that not a bad place it's decent eat.
(4)Kristi K.
Super speedy lunch service when you're in a pinch! Definitely try the chicken avocado quesadilla...it's the best and most flavorful item on the menu!
(4)J A H.
We have had good experiences at this location, unlike many other El Pollo Loco locations. The prices have gone up, however. Today the gal's shirt (cashier) said something about free-range chicken, so maybe that is why the prices went up. They upgraded their pop machine. Not like Firehouse Subs and BK, but still more flavors than the norm. Oh, and drinks are pricey and not included with their meal/family pack deals at any of the locations.
(5)Chris S.
Not a great location, everything was old looking and tasting. Maybe because this is right by the mall? Either way, take the drive and visit another location.
(2)Monica O.
Went to El Pollo Loco with some friends for lunch and saw they have new burritos on the menu, so I decided to try the Poblano, it was a good size burrito, don't really need a combo meal with it cuz it's a meal in its self, it has chicken, avocado, rice, beans, corn, cilantro, onions and cheese with salsa wrapped in a gold wrapping (um kinda like Chipotle). The flavor was good and I would have it again but looking forward to trying the other new ones in their line up! Good lunch choice!
(4)Sheila L.
I didnt feel too good for 2 days after grabbing the tacquito's for lunch, too greasy so I prob wont go back.
(1)April A.
I love El Pollo Loco and their food is always served fresh and hot. The service is really good at this location and I have never had any problems. They always make sure you have what you need and if not they are quick to get it. As long as they keep doing things the right way, I will remain a loyal customer :)
(4)Heather C.
I'm surprised I had never eaten at El Pollo Loco. But Jeff Lewis seems pretty fond of it, either that or El Pollo Loco pays him extreme amounts of money to eat it on the show. And I LOVE that show, so I thought I might love El Pollo Loco, too. I went with the twice grilled chicken burrito, not sure if the twice grilled part referred to grilling the chicken twice or grilling the chicken once and then grilling the burrito. It was the latter. Anywho, filled with chicken breast, pico, sour cream, guac, and a little cheese, it was quite tasty, and probably pretty healthy wouldn't you think? I like that you get a little bag of tortilla chips with your order. Also sampled the black beans, but they were a barbeque bean, not my thing. It was fun to see strawberry soda on the fountain, too, which I had to have, much to my husband's horror. This from the man who drinks orange soda routinely. The restaurant was reasonably clean, but my shoes stuck to the floor, perhaps from someone else's sickeningly sweet strawberry soda. It was a nice change to have your order brought to the table. I hate the lingering at the counter you get at most fast food restaurants. Too bad my somewhat healthy burrito had 796 calories, and 39g of fat. While I might return to El Pollo Loco if convenient, I wouldn't go out of my way for that kind of nutrition. I would opt for a (insert name)berto burrito instead. And BTW, you can catch the new season of Flipping Out Tuesdays on Bravo. Now that's useful information!
(3)S R.
The flavor was good but the burrito has full length chicken bones in them. The size of your finger. Beware!!!
(2)Jamie C.
I really like this El Pollo Location. There's always some on going promotion or coupons in circulation. The service is fast and friendly even throughout lunch rush. The last time I went here it was going to take a long time for them to cook my taquito so the manager gave me a free taco so I could start eating while I waited. I love the side selection variety and the salsa bar. This place makes it easy to eat relatively healthy for cheap. Although this is a chain I would gladly welcome them into my neighborhood over a Del Taco any day.
(4)Mindy R.
3.5 stars. I was parched one hot summer day so I stopped by for some diet coke. I've always steered clear of these places because frankly they look sketch. No one wants to eat somewhere called "The Crazy Chicken." Nevertheless, decided to get food because it's impossible to resist while you're staring at the pictures on the drive thru menu as you wait for them to take your order. The guy in the box introduced himself by name (nice touch)! They have big windows throughout the drive thru so you can see what's going on in the kitchen and watch them not spit in your food as they make it. Luis did a great job on our chicken al carbon tacos and rice, bean, and cheese burrito off the value menu. Better than Taco Bell meat pump. Also, their selection of salsa comes in plastic containers not ketchup packets. All in all, pleasantly surprised and definitely converted. I'll be back.
(4)