At El Pollo Loco, you can enjoy a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including fire-grilled chicken meals, burritos, tostadas, salads, bowls, and family meals. The menu has options like Mango Habanero Chicken, Double Pollo Fit Bowls, and Fire-Grilled Burritos, so there’s something for everyone.
Some of the most popular items at El Pollo Loco include the Mango Habanero 3PC Chicken Meal, which costs $14.99, the Mango Habanero Chicken Tostada, which costs $13.79, and the Queso Guacamole Chicken Burrito, which costs $12.99. These are the customer favorites. They are known for their tasty combinations and high-quality ingredients.
El Pollo Loco is famous for its fire-grilled chicken and signature dishes like the Double Chicken Bowl for $14.29, the Original Pollo Bowl for $8.99, and the Double Chicken Tostada Salad for $14.49. These offerings have helped make El Pollo Loco well-known for its authentic Mexican flavors.
The first El Pollo Loco restaurant was opened in 1975 by Juan Francisco Ochoa in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. In 1980, the first U.S. location opened in Los Angeles, California. As of October 2024, the company operated 495 restaurants across seven U.S. states: California, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Louisiana.
El Pollo Loco has more than just its famous chicken dishes. You can enjoy the Chicken Avocado Taco for $8.99, Shredded Chicken Nachos for $12.99, and the Double Chicken Avocado Salad for $12.99. For sides, you can get Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Pinto Beans. Each side costs $4.99. Dessert options like two churros are available for $2.99. El Pollo Loco has a wide-ranging menu and is dedicated to quality. This helps the company provide tasty and satisfying meals to its customers.
I had lunch at El Pollo Loco in Riverside, California. I wanted something filling but not too heavy. The place was clean and had a casual, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating. I ordered the Chipotle Guacamole Chicken Burrito and decided to add two churros for dessert. The burrito was warm, full of flavor, and the guacamole added a creamy touch that balanced the smoky chipotle perfectly. The churros were crispy, sweet, and a great way to end the meal. The staff was friendly and made sure everything was cooked perfectly. For about $16, I thought it was worth the money.
JQ Louise
Here, I write about the local restaurants and dishes that capture the true spirit of our city, from beloved neighborhood joints to the latest up-and-coming spots. And, of course, I also take the time to rate them based on everything from taste to atmosphere—because who doesn’t love a good ranking?
