Recent social media posts
09/24/2026
Clear the runway. New El Pollo Loco menu items just dropped! 🔥
09/23/2026
is this heaven?? 🥹
09/22/2026
Consider this your sign to finish that remix ‼️
kaelin ellis. is checking out the entries. Head to our pinned post and submit yours before the contest ends in TOMORROW!!
09/22/2026
FREE chicken for LIFE could be yours! 🔥 Submit your remix TODAY for your chance to win.
Head to our pinned post to enter.
09/21/2026
would you try this?? 👀
$1 small side of BBQ Black Beans reward right now in the app 🔥
09/18/2026
send this to someone, the cover reveals everything 👀
Get early access to the new ChataCoffee flavor 9/22-9/23 with the Loco Rewards App 🔥
09/17/2026
NEW Menu items coming 9/24 👀
Get early access to these new items through the Loco
Rewards app 9/22-9/23 🔥
09/16/2026
Happy National Guac Day!
national guac day happening during national grilled chicken month is honestly everything to me 🥲
09/15/2026
You might know Marissa as our viral drive-thru singer. Now she’s passing the mic to you.
Get Loco over this beat for a chance to win FREE CHICKEN FOR LIFE.* 🔥
How to enter:
1. Use this audio to make something amazing! Show that El Pollo Loco love and get Loco: could be a pic, video, duet, remix, stitch, AI video - let that fire-grilled chicken be your muse. But all entries MUST include this banger of a beat/audio.
2. Post it on your public social profile with in the caption and tag El Pollo Loco
3. Must be following
Check out ElPolloLoco.com/HallofFlame for more info and FAQs.
Contest ends September 23, 2026 at 6 pm PST. Winner will be contacted on or about September 24, 2026 via DM from El Pollo Loco.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Ends 9/23/26. Open to legal U.S. residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+. For rules, eligibility, methods of entry, judging criteria, and prize details: ElPolloLoco.com/HallofFlame Sponsor: El Pollo Loco, Inc. Link in bio for more info. This contest is in no way sponsored by Meta.
09/10/2026
CONTEST ALERT🔥Welcome to the Loco Hall of Flame Challenge. Get Loco over this beat for a chance to win FREE CHICKEN FOR LIFE!* Here’s how to enter:
1. Use this audio to make something amazing! Show that El Pollo Loco fire-grilled chicken love and get Loco: could be a pic, video, duet, remix, stitch, AI video - let that fire-grilled chicken be your muse. But all entries must include this banger of a beat.
2. Post it on your public social profile with in the caption and tag El Pollo Loco
3. Follow so we can be friends, duh
Check out ElPolloLoco.com/HallofFlame for more info and FAQs.
Contest ends September 23, 2026 at 6 pm PST. Winner will be contacted on or about September 24, 2026 via DM from El Pollo Loco.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Ends 9/23/26. Open to legal U.S. residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 18+. For rules, eligibility, methods of entry, judging criteria, and prize details: ElPolloLoco.com/HallofFlame Sponsor: El Pollo Loco, Inc. Link in bio for more info. This contest is in no way sponsored by Meta.
09/09/2026
We’re celebrating National Grilled Chicken Day the only way we know how: with FREE CHICKEN*!!
Loco Rewards members get a free 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal with the purchase of ANY drink. A deal so good, we had to put it in the Loco Hall of Flame. 🔥
*Valid 9/9/26 only. Free 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal w/ purchase of an a la carte drink, for Loco Rewards members. Excludes combos & delivery apps. Limit 1 per person. Tax extra. Valid at participating locations/channels only. While supplies last. For full terms and conditions see elpolloloco.com/offers.
09/07/2026
feeling whimsical ✨
09/04/2026
It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀
It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀
It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀
Get that protein 💪
DON’T MISS THIS ONE 🔥 (sign up before you show up)
It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀
It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀
If you’re not a Loco Rewards Member, what are you even doing??
09/03/2026
Grilled chicken this good deserves its own holiday. So, we made it official! And for the FIRST EVER National Grilled Chicken Day on September 9th, we’re giving you a FREE 2 Piece Leg and Thigh Meal with the purchase of ANY drink with Loco Rewards.
Sign up before you show up! 🔥
Valid 9/9/26 only. Free 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal w/ purchase of an a la carte drink, for Loco Rewards members. Excludes combos & delivery apps. Limit 1 per person. Tax extra. Valid at participating locations/channels only. While supplies last. For full terms and conditions see elpolloloco.com/offers.
09/02/2026
things are looking up this week☀️
07/08/2022
!-Hour Left! Stop by El Pollo Loco Poway east of Pomerado for the Coke Music Studio Experience before 3 today for music, fun, and $5 2pc Combos. Today until 3pm only at El Pollo Loco 12427 Poway Rd.
07/08/2022
Today only! Join us from 11am-3pm at El Pollo Loco on Poway east of Pomerado for the Coke Music Studio Experience and get a 2pc Fire-grilled Chicken Combo for only $5. Today only! El Pollo Loco 12427 Poway Rd.
12/13/2019
Home is where the tamales are!
12/11/2019
Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 11895 Carmel Mountain Rd.
12/09/2019
Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 11895 Carmel Mountain Rd and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!
12/06/2019
Slow simmered holiday tradition. Our new Chicken Pozole Verde soup is here for a limited time!
11/26/2019
'Tis the season for tradition. Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!
11/24/2019
Your weekend plans just got more delicious. Order online and get our famous fire-grilled chicken delivered right to your door!
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?
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
Address
11895 Carmel Mountain Road
San Diego, CA
92128
To reach the location at Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego, you can take the public transport by using either Bus No. 56 or 921, which will stop at Camino Del Norte & Carmel Mountain Rd bus station. From there, it's a short walk to reach the destination.
Alternatively, if you are driving, follow these directions:
- From the north: Take the I-15 S and exit at Carmel Mountain Road. Turn left onto Carmel Mountain Rd and continue straight until you see the destination on your right.
- From the south: Take the I-15 N and exit at Rancho Penasquitos Blvd/Carmel Mountain Rd. Turn right onto Rancho Penasquitos Blvd, then left onto Carmel Mountain Rd. Continue on this road until you see the destination on your left.
There is a parking lot available for customers to park their cars free of charge.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
10am - 10pm |
| Tuesday |
10am - 10pm |
| Wednesday |
10am - 10pm |
| Thursday |
10am - 10pm |
| Friday |
10am - 10pm |
| Saturday |
10am - 10pm |
| Sunday |
10am - 10pm |
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.
What people say
When it comes to Mexican restaurants, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh, authentic food. And that's exactly what you'll find at El Pollo Loco on Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego. This restaurant is a true gem for those who love delicious, fire-grilled chicken and other Mexican entrees.
At El Pollo Loco, everything starts with whole chickens that are marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. The chicken is then expertly fire-grilled to perfection on their signature open-flame grills. Each order is hand-cut into your favorite Mexican entrees, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
But it's not just the chicken that makes El Pollo Loco stand out. They also put the same dedication and care into their handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. And with over 480 locations across 6 states, this restaurant has become a cultural benchmark for L.A. Mex cuisine.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a family dinner, El Pollo Loco has something for everyone. Their famous fire-grilled chicken is cooked slow and served fast - always cut-to-order. So if you're in the mood for some delicious Mexican food that will keep you coming back again and again, head over to El Pollo Loco on Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego. You won't be disappointed!
