El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco is a Mexican restaurant, chicken restaurant, and caterer that has been known for its delivery of fresh, authentic food using traditional methods since it opened its first American location in Los Angeles in 1980. The restaurant's dedication to quality can be seen in their slow marination of whole chickens with a special blend of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic, followed by expert fire-grilling on signature open-flame grills and hand cutting into favorite Mexican entrees. Additionally, El Pollo Loco takes pride in their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings. With over 480 locations across 6 states, this L.A. mainstay strives to provide customers with the best fire-grilled chicken and innovative L.A. Mex cuisine.

Recent social media posts

Happy Sidesgiving!!Whether you’re responsible for bringing a side or hosting yourself, we want to help! Now through the ...
11/10/2026

Happy Sidesgiving!!

Whether you’re responsible for bringing a side or hosting yourself, we want to help! Now through the holidays, buy 2 extra-large or jumbo catering sides and get one FREE in the Loco Rewards app! (must be signed in to redeem)

We’re also giving 5 lucky winners a $100 El Pollo Loco gift card each to help feed their favorite people this holiday season 🫶
 
How to enter:
 
• Follow El Pollo Loco
• Tag a some of your favorite people in the comments👇
• Share this post to your stories 
 
Giveaway ends November 15, 2026 at 8 PM PST.
 
 
 
Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified El Pollo Loco Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.
 

11/09/2026

these burritos aren’t going to wrap themselves 😮‍💨

I came. I saw. I conquered…
11/05/2026

I came. I saw. I conquered…

11/04/2026

but first… coffee

not gonna lie, I’m already in bed…
11/02/2026

not gonna lie, I’m already in bed…

time to snuggle up with my chicken tortilla soup 😌me every time good soup
10/30/2026

time to snuggle up with my chicken tortilla soup 😌

me every time

good soup

I swear, if someone brings me a 12pc family meal I’m going to scream
10/27/2026

I swear, if someone brings me a 12pc family meal I’m going to scream

10/22/2026

cheaper than therapy 🤷

10/21/2026

it’s nbd

what?
10/20/2026

what?

when you know, you know 🥲
10/19/2026

when you know, you know 🥲

🏈 Game Day Spread Giveaway 🏈Your team puts you through enough. Let us handle the food.We’re giving one winner a $250 El ...
10/16/2026

🏈 Game Day Spread Giveaway 🏈

Your team puts you through enough. Let us handle the food.

We’re giving one winner a $250 El Pollo Loco gift card for catering at their next game day watch party. We got you.
 
How to enter:
1️⃣ Follow El Pollo Loco
2️⃣ Tag your game day buddies in the comments👇 (more comments, the better your chances)
3️⃣ Share this post in your Stories (we will be checking)

🕒 Ends October 20, 2026 at 8 PM PST.
 
 
 
Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified El Pollo Loco Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.
 

Home is where the tamales are!
12/13/2019

Home is where the tamales are!

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 12847 El Camino Real.
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 12847 El Camino Real.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 12847 El Camino Real and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowl...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 12847 El Camino Real and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!

Slow simmered holiday tradition. Our new Chicken Pozole Verde soup is here for a limited time!
12/06/2019

Slow simmered holiday tradition. Our new Chicken Pozole Verde soup is here for a limited time!

'Tis the season for tradition. Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!
11/26/2019

'Tis the season for tradition. Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!

Your weekend plans just got more delicious. Order online and get our famous fire-grilled chicken delivered right to your...
11/24/2019

Your weekend plans just got more delicious. Order online and get our famous fire-grilled chicken delivered right to your door!

Which new Holiday Tamale Bowl is your go-to this season: Chicken Tamale Bowl, 2 Chicken Tamales Bowl or Chicken Tamale a...
11/22/2019

Which new Holiday Tamale Bowl is your go-to this season: Chicken Tamale Bowl, 2 Chicken Tamales Bowl or Chicken Tamale and Chopped Chicken Breast Bowl?

What's better than eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken? How about being rewarded for eating your favorite fire-gri...
11/20/2019

What's better than eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken? How about being rewarded for eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken! Receive a Free Original Pollo Bowl when you download our app and sign up today! Details: www.elpolloloco.com/rewards

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 12847 El Camino Re...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 12847 El Camino Real and pick up our Holiday Family Dinner, including our famous fire-grilled chicken, 3 large sides, warm tortillas and fresh salsa.

Unwrapping a holiday tradition has never tasted so good! Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today in San Diego.
11/14/2019

Unwrapping a holiday tradition has never tasted so good! Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today in San Diego.

Address

12847 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA
92130

To get to the location on El Camino Real in San Diego, you have a few options for public transport and driving/parking:

Public Transport:
1. From downtown San Diego, take the Green Line Trolley towards Santee. Get off at the Grantville Station.
2. Walk to the nearby bus stop and catch Bus 30 towards Old Town Transit Center.
3. Get off at the El Camino Real & Mission Gorge Rd stop.
4. Walk south on El Camino Real for about 5 minutes until you reach your destination.

Driving/Parking:
1. If you're coming from downtown San Diego, take I-5 North.
2. Merge onto CA-163 North and continue for about 7 miles.
3. Take the exit onto I-8 East toward El Centro and continue for approximately 6 miles.
4. Take the Mission Gorge Road exit and turn left onto Mission Gorge Road.
5. Continue straight on Mission Gorge Road for about 2 miles until you reach El Camino Real.
6. Turn right onto El Camino Real, and you will find parking options available near your destination.

Please note that these directions are provided without mentioning any specific establishment or business name, as per your request.

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+18588470285

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when El Pollo Loco posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to El Pollo Loco:

Share

What people say

El Pollo Loco, located on El Camino Real in San Diego, is a Mexican restaurant that truly embodies the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. With their commitment to delivering fresh and flavorful food, El Pollo Loco has become a go-to destination for those seeking delicious meals.

One of the standout features of El Pollo Loco is their dedication to using whole chickens that are marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic. This slow marination process ensures that every bite is bursting with incredible flavors. The chicken is then expertly fire-grilled on their signature open-flame grills, resulting in perfectly cooked and juicy meat. The attention to detail and traditional cooking methods truly set El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants.

Not only does El Pollo Loco excel in their grilled chicken offerings, but they also put the same level of care into their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings. These accompaniments elevate the dining experience and add an extra layer of flavor to each dish.

Since its establishment in 1980, El Pollo Loco has grown into a beloved chain with over 480 locations across six states. Their commitment to providing customers with fresh and innovative Mexican cuisine has made them a cultural benchmark in Los Angeles and beyond.

At El Pollo Loco in San Diego, you can expect famous fire-grilled chicken that is cooked slow but served fast. Each order is cut-to-order, ensuring that you receive the freshest meal possible. Whether you're enjoying one of their famous family dinners or indulging in their mouthwatering Mexican entrees, you can be confident that your taste buds will be delighted.

If you're searching for a Mexican restaurant that stays true to tradition while delivering exceptional flavors, look no further than El Pollo Loco on El Camino Real in San Diego. Their commitment to quality ingredients and authentic cooking methods will keep you coming back for more.

Nearby





Enable notifications