El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco, located in Riverside, CA, is a Mexican and chicken restaurant as well as a caterer. They pride themselves on their fresh and authentic food, starting with whole chickens marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic that are expertly fire-grilled to perfection on their signature open-flame grills. Alongside their famous fire-grilled chicken, El Pollo Loco offers handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings daily. Established in 1980, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 480 restaurants across 6 states while always dedicated to providing customers with fresh and innovative L.A. Mex.

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 2200 University Ave.
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 2200 University Ave.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 2200 University Ave and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 2200 University Ave 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 2200 University Av...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 2200 University Ave 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 Riverside.
11/14/2019

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

Address

2200 University Avenue
Riverside, CA
92507

To get to the Mexican and chicken restaurant and caterer located on University Avenue in Riverside, there are several options for transportation.

Public Transport:
- Take the Bus: The closest bus stop to this location is located on University Avenue, directly in front of the restaurant. Buses that stop here include Route 1 and Route 10.
- Take the Train: The closest train station to this location is Riverside-Downtown Station which is approximately 3 miles away from the restaurant. From there you can take a bus or a taxi/rideshare to reach your destination.

Driving/Parking:
- If traveling eastbound on University Ave., turn right onto Spruce St. or Main St. and look for available street parking near the restaurant.
- If traveling westbound on University Ave., turn left onto Lemon St. or Lime St. and look for available street parking near the restaurant.

Please note that these directions have been provided based on the information provided and may not be accurate without further research or verification of the exact location of "El Pollo Loco".

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 10pm
Tuesday 10am - 10pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 10pm
Friday 10am - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 10pm

Telephone

+19516827543

Alerts

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What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant atmosphere. El Pollo Loco on University Avenue in Riverside, CA is no exception. 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 using whole chickens that are marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic is evident in every bite. The chicken is expertly grilled to perfection on their signature open-flame grills and then hand-cut into your favorite Mexican entrees. The result is juicy and flavorful chicken that will leave you wanting more.

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

What sets El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants is their dedication to providing customers with fresh and innovative L.A. Mex cuisine. Their menu features a variety of Mexican entrees that are sure to satisfy any craving. From family dinners to individual meals, there's something for everyone at El Pollo Loco.

Overall, El Pollo Loco on University Avenue in Riverside is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Mexican food with a twist. Their commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor. So why not stop by today and experience the taste of real food cooked over real fire?