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El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco in Vista, CA is a Mexican and chicken restaurant that offers authentic, fire-grilled whole chickens marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. Their dedication to fresh, flavorful food extends to their handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings. With a commitment to great taste that keeps customers returning for more, El Pollo Loco also offers catering services. Located on S Melrose Drive.

Recent social media posts

06/04/2026

still not enough sauce 🔥

which one is your favorite?

06/03/2026

Summoning pollo loco ✨

let us know 👇👇
06/02/2026

let us know 👇👇

home is where the heart is 😌
06/01/2026

home is where the heart is 😌

05/29/2026

There is still time to enter our ValedicTENDERan Giveaway! We’re giving away $100 gift cards to 10 lucky graduates every week until June 15.
 
Do you know someone who is graduating and loves El Pollo Loco? Send them this post!
 
How to enter:
🎓 Follow El Pollo Loco on Instagram
🎓 Tag in your Graduation Day pic or video and   in your caption (or story)
🎓 Share this post in your Stories
 
We’ll be randomly selecting 10 winners to receive a $100 e-gift card every Monday through June 15.
 
Good luck, grads!   
 
 
Your Instagram profile must be public. Sweepstakes ends on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 12 PM PT. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified  Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.

I circle you 🌖
05/28/2026

I circle you 🌖

I don’t know if you all have heard the news…
05/21/2026

I don’t know if you all have heard the news…

Why is this so accurate? 😭
05/20/2026

Why is this so accurate? 😭

GRAD GIVEAWAY 🎓🔥Not everyone can be a Valedictorian… but anyone can be a ValedicTENDERan! Commencement season is here an...
05/14/2026

GRAD GIVEAWAY 🎓🔥Not everyone can be a Valedictorian… but anyone can be a ValedicTENDERan! Commencement season is here and with the launch of our brand-new Loco Tenders, we’re giving away 50 $100 gift cards to fuel your future.
 
Here’s how to enter:
🎓 Follow El Pollo Loco on Instagram
🎓 Tag in your Graduation Day pic or video and   in your caption
🎓 Share this post in your Stories
 
We’ll be randomly selecting 10 winners to receive a $100 e-gift card every Monday through June 15, plus EVERY ENTRY will receive an exclusive catering code for your grad party.
 
 
Good luck, grads!   
 
 
Your Instagram profile must be public. Sweepstakes ends on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 12 PM PT. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified  Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.

05/11/2026

Last year, we kicked off National Chicken Month with our Loco AI contest where anyone could create AI fire-grilled chicken content for a chance to win free fire-grilled chicken for life.

Here is our winner.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for how we get loco for this year’s National Chicken Month ❤️‍🔥

05/07/2026

Available at select test locations listed here 👇 (check locations and availability in your Loco Rewards App)

8245 East Santa Ana Canyon Rd Anaheim Hills CA 92807

18571 East Chapman Avenue Orange CA 92869

12909 Harbor Boulevard Garden Grove CA 92840

110 West Ball Road Anaheim CA 92805

2990 Bristol St Costa Mesa CA 92626

2500 E. Imperial Hwy, Ste.186 Brea CA 92821

3502 Cerritos Blvd. Los Alamitos CA 90720

451 S. Vincent Avenue West Covina CA 91790

12530 Beach Blvd. Stanton CA 90680

3131 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626

969 S Euclid Ave. Anaheim CA 92802

05/06/2026

Reaching flow state in this El Pollo Loco ✨

05/04/2026

The chicken is strong with this one

Some things just have that effect on you 🥲
05/04/2026

Some things just have that effect on you 🥲

05/01/2026

$20 Off $100+ Catering - Now thru May 5th!

Festival Season ☀️
04/30/2026

Festival Season ☀️

MERCH PACKAGE GIVEAWAY The merch went fast at our Tender Reveal Party last week… but we saved some for you 👀Enter to win...
04/24/2026

MERCH PACKAGE GIVEAWAY
 
The merch went fast at our Tender Reveal Party last week… but we saved some for you 👀
Enter to win the full merch package featuring our limited-edition Loco hat, tote, pins, and more.
 
How to enter:
1️⃣ Must be following and signed up for Loco Rewards
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments (each tag = extra entry)
3️⃣ Share this post to your story
 
10 lucky winner will be chosen (contacted through DM).
 
Good luck ❤️‍
 
 
Your Instagram profile must be public. Sweepstakes ends on Sunday April 26th, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.

04/23/2026

THE WAIT IS OVER 🔥

LOCO TENDERS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE NOW!!

You the birthday 🎂
04/21/2026

You the birthday 🎂

04/20/2026

Not but really… rolled or bowl?

04/19/2026

Best weekend ever ❤️‍🔥

Thank you for having us

FESTIVAL MERCH PACKAGE GIVEAWAY 🎡 Enter to win an exclusive festival merch package featuring our custom Let’s get Loco t...
04/17/2026

FESTIVAL MERCH PACKAGE GIVEAWAY 🎡
 
Enter to win an exclusive festival merch package featuring our custom Let’s get Loco tie dye shirt, custom Loco inflatable couch, and more 🔥
 
How to enter:
1️⃣ Must be following and a Loco Rewards member (link in bio to join)
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments
3️⃣ Share this post to your story (we’ll ask for proof)
 
1 lucky winner will be chosen (contacted through DM).
 
Good luck ❤️‍
 
 
Your Instagram profile must be public. Sweepstakes ends on Sunday April 19th, 2026, at 10:00 PM PT. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.

04/16/2026

The world is about to change. Humankind will soon make contact… with dipping sauce.

4.23.26

04/13/2026

we out here

Visit any five locations in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoy our fantastic street tacos.
01/11/2023

Visit any five locations in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoy our fantastic street tacos.

Address

495 S Melrose Drive
Vista, CA
92081

Directions to S Melrose Drive in Vista can be reached via public transport by taking the bus heading towards Vista Transit Center and getting off at the S Melrose Dr & Vista Village Dr stop. From there, walk south for approximately 5 minutes until you reach the destination.

If driving, take the S Melrose Drive exit off of CA-78 and head north. The destination is on the right-hand side. Parking is available in the lot in front of the building.

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 10pm
Tuesday 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 10pm

Telephone

(760) 643-0600

Website

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant atmosphere. El Pollo Loco on S Melrose Drive in Vista, CA is no exception. This Mexican restaurant offers a unique twist by specializing in fire-grilled chicken that is marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic. The result is tender and juicy chicken that is bursting with flavor.

The menu at El Pollo Loco features a variety of Mexican entrees that are made with the same dedication and care as their signature chicken. From tacos to burritos to bowls, there is something for everyone. And let's not forget about their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings that perfectly complement each dish.

What sets El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants is their commitment to using real food cooked over real fire. This authentic cooking method results in great taste that will keep you coming back again and again.

Overall, El Pollo Loco on S Melrose Drive in Vista, CA is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Their fire-grilled chicken and handmade sides are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

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