El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco, a Mexican and chicken restaurant located in La Mesa, CA, offers authentic food that starts with whole chickens marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. Expertly fire-grilled to perfection on their signature open-flame grills, the chicken is then hand cut into your favorite Mexican entrees. El Pollo Loco puts the same dedication and care into their handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. Founded in 1980, the chain has grown to over 480 restaurants across 6 states--becoming an L.A. mainstay beloved for its famous family dinners to Mexican entrees.

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 4990 Baltimore Dr.
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 4990 Baltimore Dr.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 4990 Baltimore Dr and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls t...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 4990 Baltimore Dr 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 4990 Baltimore Dr ...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 4990 Baltimore Dr 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 La Mesa.
11/14/2019

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

Address

4990 Baltimore Drive
La Mesa, CA
91942

For those taking public transportation, you can take the Orange Line Trolley to the Baltimore Drive Station. For drivers, take the 8 freeway and exit at Baltimore Drive. There is plenty of street parking available in the area.

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+16197971956

Alerts

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant colors. El Pollo Loco in La Mesa, CA is no exception to this rule. This Mexican restaurant has been serving up delicious food since 1980 and has become a cultural benchmark in Los Angeles.

One of the standout features of El Pollo Loco is their famous fire-grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic before being expertly grilled on an open-flame grill. This slow-cooking process ensures that the chicken is juicy and flavorful every time.

But it's not just the chicken that's worth raving about at El Pollo Loco. They also put the same dedication and care into their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings every day. These sides perfectly complement the main dishes and add an extra burst of flavor to each bite.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a family dinner, El Pollo Loco has something for everyone. Their menu includes classic Mexican entrees like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas as well as salads and bowls for those looking for something lighter.

Overall, El Pollo Loco in La Mesa is a must-visit Mexican restaurant for anyone who loves fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With their famous fire-grilled chicken and handmade sides, it's no wonder why customers keep coming back again and again.

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