El Pollo Loco

Atlanta, United States

3.4

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 404-320-3355
Website:
www.elpolloloco.com
Address:
3979 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA, 30345
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.6 miBrookhaven
2 miChamblee
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
No
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Lunch, Dinner
Parking
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
No
Has TV
No
Waiter Service
No
Drive-Thru
Yes
Caters
No

Today

Today –
Local time (Atlanta) 15:59 Friday, 29 November 2024

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

El Pollo Loco, pronounced «L Po-​yo Lo-​co» and Spanish for «The Crazy Chicken,» is the nation’s leading quick-​service restaurant chain specializing in flame-​grilled chicken. El Pollo Loco’s long-​term success stems from the unique preparation of its award-​winning «pollo”– fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-​grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas and a wide assortment of side dishes.

Through the years, El Pollo Loco has demonstrated a strong commitment to menu innovation, introducing a wide variety of fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico. Along with meals featuring its famous citrus-​marinated, flame-​grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco favorites now also include made-​to-​order signature grilled burritos, The Original Pollo Bowl®, Pollo Salads, Tacos al Carbon, quesadillas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and more.

History

Established in 2008.

In 1975 in the small town of Guasave on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, a roadside chicken stand named El Pollo Loco (pronounced «L-​Po-​yo Lo-​co» and Spanish for «The Crazy Chicken») opened. Its signature menu item was (and remains) unique fresh, natural chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken was flame-​grilled to perfection, hand cut and served hot off the grill for the mouthwatering taste of El Pollo Loco that people couldn’t find anywhere else. El Pollo Loco quickly became a local favorite.

News of El Pollo Loco spread rapidly throughout Northern Mexico. By 1979, El Pollo Loco restaurants could be found in a variety of Northern Mexico cities. Shortly after, news of the delicious marinated chicken traveled across the border into the US. In 1980, people lined up around the block as the first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles. The rest is history.

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20 reviews of El Pollo Loco

No registration required
Place rating: 3
Lawrenceville, GA
OK… I am a Cali girl and El Pollo Loco is one of the pretty popular spots to eat at. As a matter of fact, whenever I go to Cali my first meal when I arrive is from El Pollo Loco. You can’t even imagine how happy I was to find one here last night… I went in, and just gazed at the place. I was in heaven.
Ordered food for my family, got in my car, drove almost an hour to get home with my car smelling like heaven… And then… We opened the bags and some of my order was missing. Even the salad that we ordered that has chicken in it… was wrong, there was no chicken in it or the cilantro dressing…
My heart was broke. I called the manager and he assured me that he would fix my order. I have to wait until the weekend to go back though because it is in another county… Hope to get it right the next time. S M H…: (
Place rating: 3
Atlanta, GA
I am in love with the Chicken Tostado Salad and Churros. I can’t speak for much else at the restaurant. I have tried several other items that I have not been impressed with. I think this is a great place to get fast food that is not a greasy burger. When it comes to review for fast food joints it’s pretty much a hit, or miss. In the case of Pollo Loco, I would say it’s a hit!
Place rating: 3
Birmingham, AL
This was my second visit and by far the worst. The place was a MESS. Several tables were dirty and the floor needing cleaning. Before we had left most of this had been done. The salsa bar was half empty and in dire need of a wipe down and cleaning. The staff had some issues getting the food out and end up arguing with each other as to who was right or wrong about an order. Finally got our food which was okay. Really not all that impressed.
Place rating: 4
Decatur, GA
I have 3 words for you:
drive-​thru churros!
Ok, so maybe that is 2 words, one hyphenated. I don’t know, but I do know that those churros are magical. Warm and crunchy with enough cinnamon and sugar to satisfy any sweet tooth. And as if it couldn’t get any better, you get 2 churros for $ 1! Loco!
Place rating: 4
Atlanta, GA
Now I know these are pretty big out in Cali, I’ve never been out there and I’ve never been to the crazy chicken before either. A friend of mine had talked this place up and since my handy dandy Unilocal app told me there was one in the state we decided to take a drive & check it out. First off i’m not really a fan of chicken but I’ll eat some every now and then. The first thing you’re hit with when you walk in the door is the smell of freshly grilled chicken (yummy) I like the way they have th counter setup because you can see them grilling the chicken right there so you know your meal is practically hot off the grill. I’d recommend taking a trip out here the neighborhood is not the greatest but you’re coming here for the food anyway. :)
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
This place is pure doom. The price and convenience cant be beat. The chicken is as clean and healthy as you want it to be, but personally the skin is the best part.
Place rating: 4
Atlanta, GA
I enjoyed my experience… so im a FAN FAN FAN!
Went with my friend on a whim since we were in the buford area (I originally wanted Lee’s Bakery).
Shared some pieces of chicken & sides. The chicken was really good & flavorful, but I rem it being a little greasy/​oily/​buttery/​something – but still decided that it was healthier than fried chkn: P Sides were not that memorable, mediocre at best. and we KILLED that salsa bar! haha
Wand to try some other offerings next time – tacos, burritos, etc.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Went over to a game night party over at a friend’s place in Chamblee and we were all trying to figure out what to eat. Aaron mentioned El Pollo Loco and everyone got excited, except for me. I had no idea what this place was but everyone assured me that it would be good.
I took a look at the menu online and noticed everything was chicken. I ordered the Ultimate Burrito with a side of chips and cheese sauce. When Aaron came home with the food it looked like I had ordered Moe’s with a Taco Bell feel. I took one bite into the burrito and thought that it was good… well actually better than good! I couldn’t believe how cheap it was as well!
Someone ordered a bag of churros and they were really good as well! Now I kinda wish they had an El Pollo Loco in Midtown… I think I could be addicted to this place if it were nearby!
Place rating: 3
Tucker, GA
In a word, yum. We ordered the 8pc. dark special for him, and two breasts, for me. Sides were BBQ black beans (too sweet– what was he thinking!!!), salad (yum! LOVED the creamy cilantro dressing!), and fries (they so wanted to be good little fries but were strangled to death in a plastic bag that was actually tied up with tape leaving no chance for the steam to escape. Poor little guys!) The chicken was flavorful and not too greasy, but I did remove the skin. The salsa– wow. the avocado salsa was my favorite– really nice taste with a little bite. That alone will drive me there again! But my favorite part of the meal? the yummy tortillas. I ordered the flour and I’m glad I got plenty as I’ll be enjoying these babies in any number of ways in the days to come.
Service was very friendly and gracious– much better than expected in a fast food place like this. For a fast, semi-​homemade tasting dinner, its a great choice. We’ll be back!
Place rating: 3
Atlanta, GA
This is one of a handful of go-​to spots for me when I want a quick lunch without much fuss. I can leave the home office, hit the drive through and be back home to eat lunch outside on my deck in the sunshine, birds a-​chirpin’, in about 10 minutes flat. After repeating this ritual numerous times, I decided it was time for me to chime in on Unilocal and write up a review.
Today I had a couple of chicken tacos, one crispy and one soft. I was pleased that the crispy taco shell wasn’t your standard, factory-​churned out Ortega variety but a fresh-​made corn tortilla fried up right in their kitchen. The chicken was moist and well seasoned and the veggies were fresh. Nice little bit of spice too, which made me smile. The soft taco with a flour tortilla was nice as well, albeit messy since it was overstuffed. Not a complaint, I’ll always take more food for the buck.
Speaking of bucks… this crazy chicken is pricier than a run to the border (bong!) at Taco Bell, but the quality is much better and worth a few extra bucks.
Place rating: 3
Portland, OR
Pretty good marinted and grilled chicken.
Stay away from bowls and burritos and get just the chicken wtih tortillas.
If you get the breast and wing combo, you get 2 breasts and 1 wing, plus two sides. The sides are so-​so, get the rice and salad. The creamy cilantro dressing is pretty good, and they have a light version.
If you want to, you can eat fast and relatively healthy. Get the breasts and remove the skin…
Place rating: 4
Atlanta, GA
The latest ride on the Crazy Chicken train warrants an updated report back to you all. At first, I thought it was going to be to sadly inform you of a downgrade and loss-​of-​star, but am pleased to report victory snatched from the jaws of near culinary defeat!
Last week, the Boy, dog and I all concurred that EPL sounded just delish and perfect for dinner. He ran for take out despite the bad time of day (smack dab in the middle of rush hour) and pouring rain. I hadn’t eaten all day and was muy hungry and trying to ward off the crankies big time.
Unfortunately, when we opened up all the bags, the order was totally wrong. The full chicken combo meal was all dark, and an odd combination of numbers of thighs and drumsticks. Instead of mashed potatoes and rice, we got rice and two bags of tortillas. We did get about thirteen containers of various salsas, though. Huh?
The Boy, being more level-​headed in such situations than me (ie when he’s hungry he doesn’t get totally cranky and irrational, flinging himself onto the couch crying «oh, just forget it! I just won’t have dinner»), called the restaurant. Not only were they totally apologetic and helpful, but said please come back right away for a whole free meal. We got all white meat, so it actually was an «upgrade,» they threw in a free drink and replaced all the sides (the corn was SO good, by the way– perfectly cooked, NOT at all mushy like to-​go can often be) and added a really nice mixed green salad.
And just like that, the Chicken saved the day, and dinner!
Place rating: 4
Atlanta, GA
Muy rico. Better than el norteno. The chicken is cheap and a great idea if you are a meat head on a protein diet, or if you like to have chicken that actually has flavor.
Place rating: 3
Atlanta, GA
This place is like the Mexican version of KFC — except maybe a slight step up b/​c it’s healthier (rotisserie vs. fried). The customer mix here is about half Hispanic, half non-​Hispanic which is nice to see, too. My friend & I got the 2-​piece chicken combo for $ 6.09, which also includes 2 sides & drink. I got the cole slaw & Mexican rice which were ok. The chicken was tasty, esp. the skin — I know, it’s not good to eat the skin but like KFC chicken, the skin really is the best part :)
I still think DC’s «Crisp & Juicy» has the best rotisserie chicken though.
El Pollo Loco also has a salsa bar which I didn’t see until after I finished my lunch — definitely worth visiting if you order their Mexican dishes. If you think you’ll come here often, ask for their «Loco Savings Pass» keychain card so you can take advantage of their special offers (e.g., $.99 chicken tacos).
Place rating: 4
Moreno Valley, CA
I love This Chicken… I just wish there were one closer to my house.
I am from Cali and this chicken place is usually my first stop from the airport. I was excited when I was driving home from an appointment and noticed it on Buford Hwy. I love the BBQ Beans with this flame broiled chicken and some mango salsa.
Yummm!
Place rating: 3
Atlanta, GA
My family likes to dine here often and I don’t complain about it. The chicken is very good. The problem I have is that is isn’t the best or the cheapest deal around.
I feel like every time I go to the counter to order, the counter staff tries to up sell by pushing some special deal that isn’t really a great deal compared to their regular menu prices.
The salsa bar is decent but somewhat corporate sanitized. Truth be told, I like El Norteno better, and I liked the old — now defunct — Pollo Tropical better too, but mom and gram like it, so I guess I will settle.
Place rating: 1
Atlanta, GA
Hispanic KFC-​like.
They really plug their «grilled» chicken all over the place, so that’s what I got. It’s really rotisserie-​like, but not as good. And it’s not even cheap! It’s like $ 7.50 for a breast, wing, and two sides! You’re much better off going to eats or Publix for a better product for less money. And if you’re in the Buford Highway area and you choose to dine here (like my dumb ass), well you’re neglecting some Atlanta’s best cheap eats.
Place rating: 3
Highlands, NJ
Fast food Mexi-​chicken. Spicy for sure. However, the beans and rice were bland! I wasn’t too impressed. The rotisserie chicken at Publix and Kroger are just as good.
This was ok, I tried it once and probably won’t be back again.
Place rating: 3
Atlanta, GA
After hearing many buzzing accolades of El Pollo Loco, I decided to head there after a long day of playing in the pool with my friend. Now that I came, saw, and conquered, I’m somewhat disappointed.
Not that my meal of a twice grilled chicken burrito wasn’t satisfying, it was just the hype of the place didn’t meet the liking of my taste buds. The chicken and cheese were tasty, however the portion size of the burrito was somewhat small. Maybe it is the size of the burritos at Moe’s that jaded me. Speaking of which, their flour tortilla chips appear to be made fresh, but are lacking the pizazz of salt, and well, corn, leaving my tongue screaming «blah» at the end.
If I’m craving chicken, I’ll just make it home, if I’m craving a taco or a burrito, I’ll just go to Taco Bell.
Place rating: 4
Atlanta, GA
.. . just makes Taco Bell look sad. Chainy fast food, but as a El Pollo virgin, my first time was somethin’ to write home about. Table service to bring your order out, friendly staff, and super clean (though just opening two weeks ago during my visit, not much time to get dirty). Not to mention the awesome salsa bar.
Aside from tacos and the gang, strangely enough they also have things like mashed potatoes and corn on the cob (well, mini cobs appropriately called ‘cobbettes.’). The crispy taco I had was mucho bueno and the side of rice was decent too. Of course, to go all out authentic, there’re plenty of places on Buford to go — but if you’d like to see what all the Loco is about, it’ll make a good visit — or at least a trip through the drive thru!