El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco is a chicken shop, chicken restaurant, caterer, and Mexican restaurant located in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh and authentic food made with whole chickens marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic. The chickens are fire-grilled on signature open-flame grills before being hand-cut into customers' favorite Mexican entrees. In addition to its famous fire-grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco offers handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings every day. Founded in 1980, El Pollo Loco has since grown to over 480 restaurants across six states while still maintaining its dedication to providing customers with fresh and innovative LA Mex cuisine.

Recent social media posts

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀 It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀 It’s a...
09/04/2026

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀

Get that protein 💪

DON’T MISS THIS ONE 🔥 (sign up before you show up)

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀

It’s a big month for grilled chicken. And Loco Rewards 👀

If you’re not a Loco Rewards Member, what are you even doing??

09/03/2026

Grilled chicken this good deserves its own holiday. So, we made it official! And for the FIRST EVER National Grilled Chicken Day on September 9th, we’re giving you a FREE 2 Piece Leg and Thigh Meal with the purchase of ANY drink with Loco Rewards.

Sign up before you show up! 🔥

 

Valid 9/9/26 only. Free 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal w/ purchase of an a la carte drink, for Loco Rewards members. Excludes combos & delivery apps.  Limit 1 per person. Tax extra. Valid at participating locations/channels only. While supplies last. For full terms and conditions see elpolloloco.com/offers.

things are looking up this week☀️
09/02/2026

things are looking up this week☀️

09/01/2026

National Chicken Month just got more Loco.

Welcome to the Loco Hall of Flame. Stay tuned for contests, prizes, offers, merch, and more, all month long!

08/31/2026

Get a FREE 2 Piece Leg & Thigh Meal with the purchase of ANY drink with Loco Rewards on National Grilled Chicken Day, Wed., Sept 9!! 🔥🍗

Valid 9/9/26 only. Free 2pc Leg & Thigh Meal w/ purchase of an a la carte drink, for Loco Rewards members. Excludes combos & delivery apps.  Limit 1 per person. Tax extra. Valid at participating locations/channels only. While supplies last. For full terms and conditions see elpolloloco.com/offers.

08/27/2026

☕️ GIVEAWAY ALERT ☕️

Need a little pick-me-up? We got you! Our new ChataCoffee drinks are the perfect caffeinated sweet treat. So, we’re giving away a lotta chata!

20 lucky winners will score a $20 EPL gift card to fund their next much-needed ChataCoffee break for the back-to-school season. How to enter:

• Follow El Pollo Loco
• Tag your coffee date in the comments
• Share this post in your Stories (we’ll check)
 


Your Instagram profile must be public. Sweepstakes ends on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8 PM PT. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be contacted via DM from the verified El Pollo Loco Instagram Account. See full terms in the link in our bio.

I love you but…
08/25/2026

I love you but…

sorry guys… can’t hangout today 🤷
08/24/2026

sorry guys… can’t hangout today 🤷

08/20/2026

the love of ur life is just around the corner👀

08/19/2026

tbh i’m here for the cilantro dressing🤤

life is just so beautiful and full of joy
08/18/2026

life is just so beautiful and full of joy

u won’t believe what’s at the end🫣
08/17/2026

u won’t believe what’s at the end🫣

08/17/2026

“Imagine pairing Trader Joe's dip with El Pollo Loco’s quesadillas. New life hack unlocked?”

let’s go.

Street Corn Loaded Quesadilla X Everything and the Elote dip.

Article by PARADE Magazine

Home is where the tamales are!
12/13/2019

Home is where the tamales are!

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 22381 Antonio Pkwy.
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 22381 Antonio Pkwy.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 22381 Antonio Pkwy and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls ...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 22381 Antonio Pkwy and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!

Slow simmered holiday tradition. Our new Chicken Pozole Verde soup is here for a limited time!
12/06/2019

Slow simmered holiday tradition. Our new Chicken Pozole Verde soup is here for a limited time!

'Tis the season for tradition. Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!
11/26/2019

'Tis the season for tradition. Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today!

Your weekend plans just got more delicious. Order online and get our famous fire-grilled chicken delivered right to your...
11/24/2019

Your weekend plans just got more delicious. Order online and get our famous fire-grilled chicken delivered right to your door!

Which new Holiday Tamale Bowl is your go-to this season: Chicken Tamale Bowl, 2 Chicken Tamales Bowl or Chicken Tamale a...
11/22/2019

Which new Holiday Tamale Bowl is your go-to this season: Chicken Tamale Bowl, 2 Chicken Tamales Bowl or Chicken Tamale and Chopped Chicken Breast Bowl?

What's better than eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken? How about being rewarded for eating your favorite fire-gri...
11/20/2019

What's better than eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken? How about being rewarded for eating your favorite fire-grilled chicken! Receive a Free Original Pollo Bowl when you download our app and sign up today! Details: www.elpolloloco.com/rewards

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 22381 Antonio Pkwy...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 22381 Antonio Pkwy and pick up our Holiday Family Dinner, including our famous fire-grilled chicken, 3 large sides, warm tortillas and fresh salsa.

Unwrapping a holiday tradition has never tasted so good! Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today in Rancho Santa M...
11/14/2019

Unwrapping a holiday tradition has never tasted so good! Pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls today in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Address

22381 Antonio Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
92688

Directions for public transport:
Take the local bus to the Antonio Pkwy stop, then walk a few blocks south until you reach the intersection of Antonio Pkwy and a nearby street. Look for the restaurant on the corner.

Directions for driving/parking:
From the 5 Freeway, take exit #87 and merge onto Santa Margarita Pkwy. Turn right onto Antonio Pkwy, then drive a few blocks until you reach the intersection of Antonio Pkwy and a nearby street. Look for available parking near the restaurant on the corner.

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 10pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 10pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 10pm
Thursday 9:30am - 10pm
Friday 9:30am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 10pm

Telephone

+19498584446

Alerts

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant colors. El Pollo Loco in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is no exception to this rule. This Mexican restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional dishes by using fire-grilled chicken as the star ingredient.

El Pollo Loco's commitment to delivering fresh and authentic food is evident in every dish they serve. The chicken is marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic before being expertly fire-grilled to perfection on their signature open-flame grills. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken that is cut-to-order for each dish.

In addition to their famous fire-grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco also offers handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings that are made fresh daily. These accompaniments add an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious dishes.

What sets El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants is their dedication to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. They have been serving up their famous fire-grilled chicken since 1980 and have grown into more than 480 restaurants across six states.

If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant that delivers on taste and authenticity, look no further than El Pollo Loco in Rancho Santa Margarita. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods will keep you coming back again and again.