El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco is a Mexican restaurant, chicken restaurant, and caterer that has been delivering fresh and authentic food for decades. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of whole chickens marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic, which are then expertly fire-grilled on their signature open-flame grills and hand cut into delicious Mexican entrees. In addition to their flavorful chicken, El Pollo Loco also takes pride in their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings. With over 480 locations across 6 states, this Los Angeles-based restaurant has become a cultural benchmark known for its famous 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.
 

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.

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 692 W San Marcos Blvd...
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 692 W San Marcos Blvd.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 692 W San Marcos Blvd and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bow...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 692 W San Marcos Blvd 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 692 W San Marcos B...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 692 W San Marcos Blvd and pick up our Holiday Family Dinner, including our famous fire-grilled chicken, 3 large sides, warm tortillas and fresh salsa.

Address

692 W San Marcos Boulevard
San Marcos, CA
92078

To reach the location on W San Marcos Boulevard in San Marcos, you have a few options for transportation:

Public Transport:
1. Bus: Take the bus to the nearest bus stop on W San Marcos Boulevard. From there, walk towards your destination.

Driving/Parking:
1. From the north: Take Interstate 15 South and exit at CA-78 E/San Marcos Blvd. Continue on San Marcos Blvd until you reach your destination.
2. From the south: Take Interstate 15 North and exit at CA-78 E/San Marcos Blvd. Continue on San Marcos Blvd until you reach your destination.

Parking:
There are various parking options available near W San Marcos Boulevard, including street parking and parking lots/garages in the vicinity. Please refer to signage and regulations for specific parking instructions.

Please note that these directions are provided without mentioning any specific establishment at the location mentioned.

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) 744-2999

Alerts

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What people say

El Pollo Loco, located on W San Marcos Boulevard in San Marcos, is a Mexican restaurant that truly embodies the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. With a focus on delivering fresh and flavorful food, El Pollo Loco has been a staple in the community for decades.

What sets El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants is their commitment to using whole chickens that are marinated in a special blend of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic. This slow marination process ensures that every bite is infused with rich and savory flavors. The chicken is then expertly fire-grilled on their signature open-flame grills, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender meat.

One of the highlights at El Pollo Loco is their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings. Made with care and dedication each day, these accompaniments elevate the dining experience to new heights. Whether you're dipping your chips into the creamy guacamole or adding a dollop of tangy salsa to your tacos, these homemade condiments add an extra layer of deliciousness to every dish.

Since its inception in 1980, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 480 restaurants across six states. This expansion speaks volumes about the quality and popularity of their food. They have become a cultural benchmark for Los Angeles-style Mexican cuisine.

At El Pollo Loco in San Marcos, CA, they believe that real food cooked over real fire results in exceptional taste that keeps customers coming back for more. Their famous fire-grilled chicken is cooked slow but served fast so you can enjoy your meal without any unnecessary delays. What's even better is that every order is cut-to-order, ensuring freshness and satisfaction with every bite.

If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant that stays true to tradition while offering innovative flavors, look no further than El Pollo Loco on W San Marcos Boulevard. With their commitment to delivering fresh and authentic food, it's no wonder they have become a beloved destination for those seeking the best in Mexican cuisine.

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