El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco El Pollo Loco is a Mexican and chicken restaurant in San Clemente, CA that serves fresh, authentic food. They marinate whole chickens in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic before expertly fire-grilling them on their signature open-flame grills. Their dedication to real food meeting real fire results in great taste that keeps customers coming back again and again. El Pollo Loco is also a caterer for events. Founded in 1980, this LA mainstay has grown into more than 480 restaurants across six states known for their famous fire-grilled chicken cooked slow and served fast always cut-to-order.

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 963 Avenida Pico.
12/11/2019

Traditions are best shared around the table. Enjoy our Holiday Family Dinner tonight, available at 963 Avenida Pico.

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 963 Avenida Pico and pick up one of our Holiday Tamale Bowls to...
12/09/2019

Your favorite holiday tradition just got better. Stop by 963 Avenida Pico 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 963 Avenida Pico a...
11/18/2019

Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love this holiday season. Head over to 963 Avenida Pico 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 San Clemente.
11/14/2019

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

Address

963 Avenida Pico
San Clemente, CA
92673

To reach Avenida Pico in San Clemente using public transport, you can take the train and get off at San Clemente Pier Station. From there, you can board Bus 193 towards Oso/Rancho Santa Margarita and alight at Avenida Pico/La Pata. Walk for about 5 minutes to arrive at your destination.

If driving, take the I-5 S freeway and exit at Avenida Pico heading east. Follow Avenida Pico for about 2.5 miles until you arrive at your destination on the left side of the road. There are plenty of parking spaces available in a nearby lot or on-street parking.

Please note that these directions are not exclusively for El Pollo Loco but are for any establishment located along or near Avenida Pico in San Clemente.

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+19494982060

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when El Pollo Loco posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to El Pollo Loco:

Share

What people say

Mexican restaurants are known for their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant colors. El Pollo Loco in San Clemente, CA is no exception to this rule. This Mexican restaurant has been serving up authentic food for decades and has become a staple in the community.

What sets El Pollo Loco apart from other Mexican restaurants is their dedication to using whole chickens that are slowly marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices, and garlic. The chicken is then expertly fire-grilled on their signature open-flame grills to perfection. This attention to detail results in juicy and flavorful chicken that is cut-to-order for every dish.

But it's not just the chicken that makes El Pollo Loco stand out. They put the same dedication and care into their handmade guacamole, salsas, and dressings every day. These sides perfectly complement the main dishes and add an extra layer of flavor to every bite.

El Pollo Loco's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods has made them a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a family dinner, El Pollo Loco has something for everyone. So why not stop by their Avenida Pico location in San Clemente today and experience the taste of real food cooked over real fire?