El Pollo Loco is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Mexican-style grilled chicken. It was founded in 1975 by Juan Francisco “Pancho” Ochoa in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. The first El Pollo Loco restaurant in the United States opened in Los Angeles, California in 1980.
El Pollo Loco menu prices have been sourced from the official website. However, the food prices of the outlet might differ slightly depending on the outlet’s location.
It is popular for its fire-grilled chicken, which is marinated in citrus and herbs and then grilled to perfection. The chicken is used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, burritos, salads, and bowls. They also offers a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, and corn.
As of 2023, El Pollo Loco has over 500 locations in the United States. The chain is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California.
El Pollo Loco Menu Prices of all items
Starters
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Soup | Small | $2.99 |
| Tortilla Soup | Large | $5.49 |
| Chips & Guacamole | $2.99 | |
| Tortilla Roll | $1.99 |
Chicken Combos
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Leg & Thigh – Combo | 2 Pc. | $6.89 |
| Breast & Wing – Combo | 2 Pc. | $7.39 |
| Leg & Thigh – Combo | 3 Pc. | $7.89 |
| Breast & Wing – Combo | 3 Pc. | $8.89 |
| Half Chicken Combo | 4 Pc. | $8.99 |
| Skinless Breast Combo with Vegetables & Side Salad | $6.39 |
Family Meals
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legs & Thighs + 2 Large Sides | 8 Pc. | $19.99 |
| Mixed Chicken + 2 Large Sides | 8 Pc. | $21.99 |
| Legs & Thighs + 2 Large Sides | 10 Pc. | $22.99 |
| Mixed Chicken + 2 Large Sides | 10 Pc. | $23.99 |
| Legs & Thighs + 3 Large Sides | 12 Pc. | $25.99 |
| Mixed Chicken + 3 Large Sides | 12 Pc. | $27.99 |
| Legs & Thighs + 3 Large Sides | 16 Pc. | $28.99 |
| Mixed Chicken + 3 Large Sides | 16 Pc. | $30.99 |
| Legs & Thighs Chicken Only | 8 Pc. | $10.99 |
| Mixed Chicken Only | 8 Pc. | $12.49 |
3 Course Family Meal with Cheese Enchiladas
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legs & Thighs – Meal | 8 Pc. | $21.99 |
| Mixed Chicken – Meal | 8 Pc. | $24.99 |
| Legs & Thighs – Meal | 12 Pc. | $26.99 |
| Mixed Chicken – Meal | 12 Pc. | $28.99 |
Burritos
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Avocado Burrito (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Avocado Burrito (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
| Spicy Chipotle Burrito (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Spicy Chipotle Burrito (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
| Poblano Avocado Burrito (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Poblano Avocado Burrito (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
| Ranchero Burrito (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Ranchero Burrito (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
| BRC Burrito (Beans, Rice & Cheese) | $1.49 |
Tostadas
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Tostada Salad (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Tostada Salad (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
| Avocado Bacon Tostada Salad (Chicken) | $6.49 |
| Avocado Bacon Tostada Salad (Baja Shrimp) | $7.19 |
| Ultimate Double Tostada Salad (Double Chicken) | $7.49 |
| Ultimate Double Tostada Salad (Double Baja Shrimp) | $8.59 |
Quesadillas
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Avocado Quesadilla (Chicken) | $5.79 |
| Avocado Quesadilla (Baja Shrimp) | $6.89 |
Grill Master Pollo Bowls
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Fajita Bowl | $6.39 |
| Unwrapped Burrito Bowl | $6.19 |
| Ultimate Double Bowl | $7.49 |
| Mashed Potato Bowl | $6.19 |
| Grande Avocado Bowl | $6.19 |
Salads
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Mexican Cobb Salad (Chicken) | $6.99 |
| Mexican Cobb Salad (Baja Shrimp) | $7.99 |
| Classic Salad (Chicken) | $5.99 |
| Classic Salad (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
Bowls
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Double Bowl (Double Chicken) | $7.49 |
| Ultimate Double Bowl (Double Baja Shrimp) | $8.59 |
| Grande Avocado Bowl (Chicken) | $6.19 |
| Grande Avocado Bowl (Baja Shrimp) | $6.99 |
Classic Combos
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Original Pollo Bowl | $5.00 |
| Mexican Caesar Bowl | $5.00 |
| Ranchero Bowl | $5.00 |
| Classic Chicken Burrito | $5.00 |
Tacos
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Grande Chicken Avocado Taco | $2.79 |
| Grande Shrimp Avocado Taco | $3.49 |
| Loco Street Taco | $1.49 |
| Chicken Taco al Carbon | $1.29 |
| Crunchy Taco | $1.99 |
5 Under 500 Calories
| Items | |
|---|---|
| Two Shrimp Avocado Tacos | $6.49 |
| Shrimp Tostada Salad | $6.99 |
| Shrimp Avocado Burrito | $6.99 |
| Ultimate Double Shrimp Bowl | $8.59 |
5 Under 500 Calories
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| Double Chicken Avocado Salad | $6.99 |
| Chicken Black Bean Bowl | $6.19 |
| Chicken Mango Grilled Tostada | $6.39 |
| Whole Wheat Chicken Avocado Burrito | $5.99 |
| Skinny Chicken Quesadilla | $6.19 |
Specialties
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tamales | 1 Pc. | $1.99 |
| Chicken Tamales | 4 Pc. | $7.49 |
Desserts
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Churros | 2 Pc. | $1.39 |
Sides
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Corn | Small | $1.89 |
| Corn | Large | $3.59 |
| Broccoli | Small | $1.89 |
| Broccoli | Large | $3.59 |
| Rice | Small | $1.89 |
| Rice | Large | $3.59 |
| Pinto Beans | Small | $1.89 |
| Pinto Beans | Large | $3.59 |
| Mashed Potatoes | Small | $1.89 |
| Mashed Potatoes | Large | $3.59 |
| Black Beans | Small | $1.89 |
| Black Beans | Large | $3.59 |
| Cole Slaw | Small | $1.89 |
| Cole Slaw | Large | $3.59 |
| Loco Side Salad | Small | $1.89 |
| Loco Side Salad | Large | $3.59 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Small | $1.89 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Large | $3.59 |
Kids’ Meals
| Items | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 Legs | $3.99 |
| Mini Pollo Bowl | $3.99 |
| BRC Burrito | $3.99 |
Drinks
| Items | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drink | Small | $1.69 |
| Soft Drink | Medium | $1.89 |
| Soft Drink | Large | $1.99 |
| Bottled Water | $1.59 |
Here are some of the reasons why El Pollo Loco is so popular:
- The chicken is delicious. Their fire-grilled chicken is juicy and flavorful. It’s the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and citrusy.
- The food is affordable. Their meals are reasonably priced. You can get a full meal for under $10.
- The restaurants are clean and modern. The restaurants are clean and well-maintained. They’re a great place to take the family or grab a quick bite to eat.
- The service is friendly and efficient. The employees are friendly and helpful. They’re always willing to make sure you have a great dining experience.
Here are some of the favorite foods that people order at El Pollo Loco:
- Fire-Grilled Chicken Tacos: These tacos are made with fresh corn tortillas and filled with fire-grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and your choice of sauce.
- Chicken Burrito: This burrito is made with a large flour tortilla and filled with fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and your choice of sauce.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: This salad is made with fresh greens, grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, cucumber, and your choice of dressing.
- Pollo Bowl: This bowl is made with fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your choice of sauce.
How to Order Online From the Outlet
To order food from the nearest El Pollo Loco outlet in the US using their official website, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Visit the El Pollo Loco website: Open your web browser and go to www.elpolloloco.com. The website is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate.
2. Enter your location: On the homepage, you will find a search bar where you can enter your location details. This will help the website identify the nearest El Pollo Loco outlet to you.
3. Choose your preferred outlet: After entering your location, a list of nearby El Pollo Loco restaurants will be displayed. Select the one that is most convenient for you.
4. Browse the menu: Once you’ve selected the outlet, you will be directed to the restaurant’s page. Here, you can explore the menu options available, which include a variety of flame-grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, salads, and more.
5. Customize your order: Click on the items you want to order and customize them according to your preferences. You can choose the quantity, add extras, and select any specific options or modifications.
6. Add to cart: After customizing your order, add the items to your cart. You can continue browsing the menu to add more items if desired.
7. Review your order: Once you’ve finished selecting your items, proceed to the cart or checkout page to review your order. Make sure all the details, including quantities and customizations, are accurate.
8. Place your order: After verifying your order, you can proceed to the payment page. Enter your payment information and any required details. Once you’ve completed the payment process, your order will be placed.
Find the Nearest Outlet From Your Location
The steps on how to order online from El Pollo Loco:
From Google Play Store app:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Search for “El Pollo Loco” and tap on the app icon.
- Tap on “Order Online”.
- Select your location and choose your desired items.
- Enter your payment information and submit your order.
From any other platforms:
- Go to the El Pollo Loco website.
- Click on “Order Online”.
- Select your location and choose your desired items.
- Enter your payment information and submit your order.
From the official website:
- Go to the El Pollo Loco website.
- Click on “Order Online”.
- Select your location and choose your desired items.
- Enter your payment information and submit your order.
You can also order online from El Pollo Loco through third-party food delivery services, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Here are some of the benefits of ordering online from El Pollo Loco:
- It is convenient. You can order your food from the comfort of your own home or office.
- It is fast. Your food will be ready for pickup or delivery within minutes of placing your order.
- It is easy. The online ordering process is simple and straightforward.
- It is affordable. El Pollo Loco offers a variety of discounts and promotions for online orders.
Outlet Operational Hours
The operational hours for El Pollo Loco outlets:
Regular hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 10:30am-10pm
- Friday-Saturday: 10:30am-11pm
- Sunday: 11am-9pm
Special holidays:
- Thanksgiving: Closed
- Christmas Eve: 10:30am-8pm
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year’s Eve: 10:30am-11pm
- New Year’s Day: Closed
Please note that these are just the general operational hours for El Pollo Loco outlets. Some outlets may have different hours, so it is always best to check with your local outlet before visiting.
The reasons why El Pollo Loco has different operational hours on special holidays:
- Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States, and many people travel to be with their families. They close on Thanksgiving so that their employees can spend time with their families.
- Christmas Eve is a busy day for El Pollo Loco, as many people are looking for a quick and easy meal before Christmas Day. It stays open late on Christmas Eve to accommodate these customers.
- Christmas Day is a quiet day for them, as many people are spending time with their families. They close on Christmas Day so that their employees can spend time with their families.
- New Year’s Eve is a popular night for going out to eat, and El Pollo Loco stays open late to accommodate these customers.
- New Year’s Day is a quiet day for them, as many people are recovering from New Year’s Eve. They closes on New Year’s Day so that their employees can rest.
Breakfast Menu and Timing
Here is a brief overview of El Pollo Loco’s breakfast menu and timing:
El Pollo Loco does not serve breakfast. Their breakfast hours are from 10:30 am to 10pm daily.
Here is a list of some of the breakfast items that El Pollo Loco used to serve:
- Breakfast Burrito: This burrito is made with a large flour tortilla and filled with fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and your choice of sauce.
- Breakfast Tacos: These tacos are made with fresh corn tortillas and filled with fire-grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and your choice of sauce.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: This quesadilla is made with a large flour tortilla and filled with fire-grilled chicken, cheese, and your choice of sauce.
- Breakfast Bowl: This bowl is made with fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your choice of sauce.
El Pollo Loco used to offer breakfast from 6am to 11am daily. However, they discontinued their breakfast menu in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some of the reasons why El Pollo Loco discontinued their breakfast menu:
- The pandemic caused a decrease in demand for breakfast food.
- They wanted to focus on their core menu items, which are their fire-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired dishes.
- The did not have enough staff to operate their breakfast menu.
Deal and Coupons
The special ongoing deals, coupons, and guarantees at El Pollo Loco:
Deals:
- Buy One, Get One Free Chicken Tacos: Every Tuesday, they offer a buy-one-get-one-free deal on their chicken tacos.
- $5 Fire-Grilled Combos: Every day, they offer a $5 fire-grilled combo meal. This meal includes a choice of chicken, rice, beans, and a drink.
- Free Chips and Guac with Loco Rewards Sign Up: When you sign up for the Loco Rewards program, you’ll get a free order of chips and guac.
Coupons:
- 15% Off for Military Personnel: They offer a 15% discount to military personnel and their families.
- 10% Off for Seniors: They offer a 10% discount to seniors 60 years of age and older.
- Free Delivery with a $20 Order: They offer free delivery on orders of $20 or more.
Guarantees:
- Freshness Guarantee: They guarantee that all of their food is fresh and made to order.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: They guarantee that you will be satisfied with your meal. If you are not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
Cost of the Franchise for the Outlet
Here is an overview of the cost of a El Pollo Loco franchise:
Franchise Fee: The franchise fee for El Pollo Loco is $40,000.
Initial Investment: The initial investment for an El Pollo Loco franchise ranges from $500,000 to $1,100,000. This includes the franchise fee, as well as the costs of real estate, equipment, inventory, and marketing.
Royalty Fee: Franchisees pay a royalty fee of 6% of their gross sales.
Marketing Fee: Franchisees pay a marketing fee of 4% of their gross sales.
Other Costs: In addition to the franchise fee, initial investment, royalty fee, and marketing fee, El Pollo Loco franchisees may also incur costs for:
- Permits and licenses
- Insurance
- Training
- Uniforms
- Utilities
- Maintenance
- Repairs
Process of Getting a Franchise: The process of getting a franchise for El Pollo Loco is as follows:
- Contact them and inquire about franchising opportunities.
- Complete an application and submit it to them.
- Interview with El Pollo Loco.
- Receive a franchise agreement.
- Sign the franchise agreement and pay the franchise fee.
- Complete training.
- Open your El Pollo Loco restaurant.
El Pollo Loco Franchise Requirements: To be eligible for an El Pollo Loco franchise, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a net worth of at least $1 million.
- Have liquid assets of at least $300,000.
- Have at least 5 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
- Be willing to sign a 10-year franchise agreement.
FAQs
Q1: What comes in the El Pollo Loco 3 piece meal?
A: 3 pieces of fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, and a tortilla.
Q2: How much is a lunch box at El Pollo Loco?
A: Lunch boxes range in price from $5.99 to $8.99.
Q3: Why did El Pollo Loco change their menu?
A: El Pollo Loco changed their menu to appeal to a wider range of customers. They added new items, such as salads and bowls, and they also removed some items, such as the Pollo Asado.
Q4: Where does El Pollo Loco chicken come from?
A: El Pollo Loco chicken comes from a variety of suppliers, including Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride.
Q5: Is El Pollo Loco chicken healthy?
A: El Pollo Loco chicken is a good source of protein and low in fat. However, it is important to note that all fast food restaurants have high sodium content.
Q6: What happened to the Pollo Asado?
A: The Pollo Asado was a popular item on the El Pollo Loco menu, but it was discontinued in 2019. The reason for the discontinuation is unknown.
Q7: Which is the highest priced lunch box?
A: The highest priced lunch box at El Pollo Loco is the Pollo Bowl, which costs $8.99.
Q8: How many chickens does El Pollo Loco cook a day?
A: El Pollo Loco cooks over 1 million chickens a day.
Q9: What comes in the birria box at El Pollo Loco?
A: The birria box at El Pollo Loco comes with 2 pieces of fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, a tortilla, and a cup of birria sauce.
Q10: Does Pollo Loco have mashed potatoes?
A: No, Pollo Loco does not have mashed potatoes.
Q11: What comes with a two piece chicken meal?
A: A two piece chicken meal at El Pollo Loco comes with 2 pieces of fire-grilled chicken, rice, beans, and a tortilla.
Q12: What is a Pollo Loco side salad?
A: A Pollo Loco side salad is a small salad that comes with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing.
