El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco is a popular restaurant in San Diego, CA that serves fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine. They specialize in fire-grilled chicken that is slow-marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. In addition to their famous chicken dishes, they also make handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. El Pollo Loco has over 480 restaurants across 6 states and has been serving delicious food since 1980.

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.
 

!-Hour Left! Stop by El Pollo Loco Poway east of Pomerado for the Coke Music Studio Experience before 3 today for music,...
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.

Today only! Join us from 11am-3pm at El Pollo Loco on Poway east of Pomerado for the Coke Music Studio Experience and ge...
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.

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 11895 Carmel Mountain...
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 11895 Carmel Mountain Rd.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 11895 Carmel Mountain Rd and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale ...
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!

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

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

Telephone

+18584511884

Alerts

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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!

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