El Pollo Loco

Gotta say we were pretty disappointed this trip. I ordered via my phone for a curbside pickup as they don't allow order ahead to the drive through. 2 other people that arrived after me were served ahead of me. I ordered 2 avocado chicken burritos, my go to for the past 3 years, and they were both cold and honestly pretty flavorless. This is the only time I've ever eaten El Pollo Loco and had this issue. I don't get how there are no workers and everything costs more, takes longer and is hardly ever right anymore. The kid that brought out my food looked to be 14 years old and I had to honk at him as he was walking to the farthest point of the parking lot when I was directly in front of the door. Just had service and unenjoyable food. So sad to see that the crazy chicken has taken a dive since the pandemic. This was our favorite place to go as they were one of the only places allowing people to dine in during the entire pandemic. We ate at this establishment at least once a week throughout 2020.

Tonight’s team at drive thru need to pay attention and care a little. I ordered a double chicken bowl, no avocado with a lemonade. I drove home 60 miles to find I’d been given a double avocado chicken salad with no avocado and a strawberry lemonade. Paid ~$11 and received NOTHING as I ordered it. I ordered with no avocado because I’m allergic to it I am very fortunate I didn’t use the dressing that came with the salad. Besides, why would the team have thought I would order a double avocado salad with no avocado. I suppose people do strange things but I was super disappointed and feel ripped off.

I had eaten at El Polla Loco numerous times in the past and had always enjoyed the experience. But for some reason had not eaten there in quite some time. This visit I considered to be very disappointing. I don't want to say that El Pollo Loco has changed that much. There could be many explanations for my experience, possibly when we visited, late Easter Sunday, or a myriad of other reasons. It could even be this specific restaurant. I just was not impressed and am willing to change my rating based on future experiences. My wife ordered a three piece dinner. The chicken was dry and not very tasty. Could it have been sitting under heat lamps to keep it warm. It was not appealing. I ordered a bowl, Mexican style. Bowls must have shrunken since my last visit. It was tiny and the chicken was barely warm.