Mexican restaurants

El Pollo Loco

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

31550 Grape St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532, United States $10–20
4.1
608 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

El Pollo Loco in Lake Elsinore, CA, stands out as a vibrant Mexican restaurant and chicken fast-food hotspot that brings bold flavors and freshly grilled goodness to the table. Nestled conveniently at 31550 Grape St, this location serves up authentic Mexican-inspired dishes with a specialty in succulent flame-grilled chicken and exciting menu options that keep patrons coming back for more.

The moment you bite into their Shredded Beef Birria Tacos, you’re greeted with a perfect harmony of textures—the crunch of the crispy taco shell balanced with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef birria, melted cheese, and fresh bursts of chopped onion and cilantro. Accompanied by fresh tortilla chips and a warm, savory consomé dipping sauce, every bite delivers layers of deep, rich flavor that linger satisfyingly on the palate.

For those craving something even heartier, the Stuffed Birria Quesadilla Box is a delightful indulgence, filled with tender shredded beef birria, melted cheese, and fresh avocado. The creamy avocado adds a refreshing contrast that perfectly complements the smoky, savory meat.

El Pollo Loco also thoughtfully caters to younger diners with their kid-friendly meals. The 2pc Chicken Leg Kids Meal offers juicy, fire-grilled chicken legs paired with classic sides and a drink, presenting both nutrition and flavor in a package that kids love. Meanwhile, the BRC Kids Meal combines rice, pinto beans, and shredded jack cheese inside a soft flour tortilla, making it a balanced and tasty choice for little appetites.

Planning an event? Their catering service is equally impressive, offering meals designed to feed groups with ease. Whether it’s the 24-piece meal serving up to 12 people or the larger 48-piece spread, each option comes complete with generous sides, warm tortillas, and fresh salsa—perfect for sharing the unmistakable flavors of El Pollo Loco with family, friends, or colleagues.

The atmosphere here effortlessly blends fast food convenience with a commitment to quality. Guests have often praised the friendly and attentive team that works seamlessly even during busy lunch hours. Customers like Prisiliana Alcala highlight the consistent freshness and well-portioned meals, while loyal visitors such as Ms. Clay admire the unwavering commitment to quality regardless of the crowd. It’s the kind of place where hospitality meets authenticity, making you feel genuinely valued as you enjoy your meal.

Service is clearly a priority at this Lake Elsinore location. Wesley Borner notes the attentive staff who assist with ordering kiosks and the welcoming spirit that ensures everyone feels looked after. Liz Vasquez’s enthusiastic experience of sharing multiple delicious boxes with friends truly conveys the contagious joy found in every bite. Even when external factors like parking can complicate visits, as mentioned by Bill Martin, the food’s freshness and flavor continue to impress.

El Pollo Loco isn’t just another fast-food spot; it’s where carefully crafted Mexican flavors come alive through vibrant, fresh ingredients and passionate service. Whether grabbing a quick bite, feeding a hungry family, or hosting a gathering, this beloved local gem consistently delivers memorable meals full of heart and zest.

03 Notes from regulars

608 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.1
Based on 608 verified notes
5 331
4 148
3 62
2 28
1 57
All Chicken Tostada Salad Helpful Workers Drive Thru Crispy Tacos Grilled Chicken Salsas Discount Sides Healthy Food Burritos
Prisiliana Alcala.
3 month ago
This location has definitely stepped up there game, quality service is hard to find in fast food and I was in the area willing to give them another try. Location was clean and ready for lunch hour, management and team member were working together and ready for rush hour. My food was done just how it needs to be, well portioned, and most importantly FRESH!
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Bill Martin.
3 month ago
The new EoS gym is going to ruin this shopping center. There was no parking for El Pollo Loco or any other store. Food was fine, a little dry but fresh.
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Ms Clay.
4 month ago
Love this location! Regardless of how busy they are the quality is always there.
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LIZ VASQUEZ.
5 month ago
FIRST TIME TRYING THIS AND OMG!!! POLLO LOCO U GUYS ALWAYS UP ON THE LATEST!! LOVE U GUYS!! SMELLED SOOOOOO GOOD I COULDN'T EVEN WAIT TO GO UPSTAIRS TO EAT IT SO I STOPPED RIGHT THERE IN MY GARAGE ON TOP OF MY WASHING MACHINE TO EAT IT AND IT WAS SO GOOD I WENT BACK AND GOT A BUNCH MORE BOXES AND DIVERED THEM TO MY FRIENDS TO ENJOY AS. WELL!!!! AND I GOT ALL 3 TOO!!! The crunchy tacos the burrito and the quesadilla! Thank you POLLO LOCO and thank you to all the workers at the Grape Street restaurant you guys are awesome! You all DESERVE a raise!
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Wesley Borner.
5 month ago
I love this location. They’re always nice and greet me. Everywhere with a kiosk ignores you but they always ask if you need any assistance with it. I appreciate that they give you as many salsas as you want. I went to the menifee location and they charged me. Even the app shows $0. Foods always right and I’ll keep coming to this location.
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gabriela.
6 month ago
We love coming to this location because of Angie, she’s very sweet and professional when it comes to helping us, 10/10 will keep coming only here.
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THEROCK73.
6 month ago
Service was quick and friendly, food better than expected. Place very clean and kept up
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Aaron.
6 month ago
Everything is just excellent here. Chicken tortilla soup my favorite when it cold out. The double chicken avocado salad my weekly other favorite.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday (today) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Finding the door

31550 Grape St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Drive-through
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • No Table service
Amenities
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Quiet
Crowd
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Checks
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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