El Pollo Loco menu & prices
Citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken with Mexican sides and tortillas.
Full menu
Prices and calorie counts below are based on publicly listed menus and may vary by location and promotion. Tap any item for full details.
About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco is one of the most established Mexican chains in the United States. Founded in 1974 (52 years ago) and headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, it now operates approximately 500 locations across all 50 states (plus a growing international footprint in many cases). The brand has navigated multiple waves of fast-food evolution — from the original drive-thru boom, through the 1990s value-menu wars, the 2000s premium-burger and chicken-sandwich era, and the 2010s shift to mobile-first ordering and delivery.
The menu we list on this page reflects the chain's national US lineup. Some markets get regional exclusives, limited-time promotional items, and breakfast or late-night menus that vary by location. Pricing also varies by city; California and major metros tend to run 10–25% above the national average due to wage and rent costs.
For comparison shopping, this directory ranks every Mexican chain we track side-by-side. Use the category links above to compare El Pollo Loco's burgers, chicken, sides, or desserts against direct competitors in the same category.
Hours & locations
El Pollo Loco operates approximately 500 locations, headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA. Most locations are open 10:30am–10pm, with select 24-hour stores and drive-thru-only late-night service in metro markets. Hours vary by franchise and city; always check the official store locator for your nearest location.
Pricing notes
Across the items we track for El Pollo Loco, prices range from $2.99 to $23.99, with an average of approximately 703 calories per main item. Combo meals and value-menu deals typically offer 10–25% savings versus à la carte ordering. Mobile-app exclusives, daily deals, and regional pricing can change these numbers significantly.