El Pollo Loco — Restaurant in Sandy

I hadn't eaten at an El Pollo Loco since the early part of the 2000s, but when my neph suggested it, I figured it'd be a good time to get reacquainted. Plus, my bro-in-law really likes El Pollo Loco, so I think my wife wanted to see what all the fuss is about. This location wasnt too busy on a Tuesday eve round 8pm. The restaurant area is pretty large and airy with plenty of seating available. It was very clean and bright inside. The menu is easy to read with many chicken dishes to choose from. I hadn't seen their menu since my last visit, so I was unfamiliar with their bowls and salads. Maria, Asst Mgr, was very helpful and offered suggestions. My neph had 2 Holiday Tamales and my wife had one tamale and chopped chicken plate. I went with a breast and wing plate at Maria's suggestion. We all ordered pinto beans, rice with the tamales, and corn and broccoli with my plate. Three drinks and green Pozole soup also. The price was reasonable. Our order were incorrect though, as I went back to the counter twice -- once to exchange the chips for corn tortillas and a second to pick up my wife's forgotten plate. Each time, I asked Lita for help and each time, Lita graciously asked the back counter for my missing items. The chicken was somewhat juicy with tasty seasoning, maybe a lil on the dry side; the tamales were good (not quite as good as Aunt Emmy's); the beans were a lil firmer than how I like 'em, but good; chips were bland but corn tortillas were better; corn had a lil spicy kick to it and broccoli was firm with a very slight crunch to 'em. The green Pozole was tasty but couldve used less cole slaw/cabbage (ask them to hold the cabbage), more hominy and more tender morsels of chicken. If it wasnt for the slaw and hard piece of the tail end of a wing, the soup would've been very savory. Nice friendly staff, clean restaurant, lots of space, delishish Diet Coke and a fresh salsa bar with green Chile peppers, red and green sauce, lemons and cilantro make me look forward to...

I Went through the drive thru August 28th, at 9:45, The young lady at the drive thru, Molina, who happens to be the manager, told that I couldn't order any chicken breast or wings, because they didn't have any. Then she told me I couldn't order fries or a churro because the fryer was broken down and being cleaned, but I still did my best to remain cordial, I don't like posting reviews, and I certainly don't like it when employees suffer at my behest, however, when I decided to scrap my meal and order two large Diet Cokes, she told me I couldn't order soft drinks, and I will admit I can't remember the reason she cited, I was too angry at that point. So, in essence, Molina told me that because it was a quarter till ten, most of their menu was no longer available, and as I drove by, I could see that they were cleaning the kitchen a little prematurely. Molina, I have been a customer there since the inception of the restaurant, and when your closing hour is ten o'clock, I expect you to serve me your full menu until ten o'clock. Telling me, "I'm sorry, sir, its a quarter till ten," because you want to get home early, and I am speculating here, is contrary to company policy. What time is okay? 9:30? 9:15? At what time can I expect you to provide me, your customer, your full menu. I really wanted a churro last night. They are delicious after all. Instead I had to settle for a churro from Del Taco, ugh! You ran out of chicken...Fine. I can live with that, but leave the damn fryer on, and you can't wash down a delicious churro with water, so please leave the damn Coke machine on. I will be back, hopefully you can do better next...

Man, I gotta say I was really disappointed with El Pollo Loco. I've eaten there three different times now tryin' to give them a fair shot, but they just don't deliver on good flavors.

I got the chicken meal last time, and even doused in sauces, the chicken was still bland as can be. The rice and beans were just okay, nothin' special. I added some extra salsa to try and liven things up but it didn't really help.

Previous times, I tried their Birria Crunchy Taco (A La Carte) but same deal - everything tasted flat with no excitement. The only decent part is the fresh chicken if you get a good batch. But the sauces and sides there are total snoozefest in the flavor department.

I really wanted to love this place for a good Mexican chicken joint, but after three lackluster experiences I don't see myself going back. Maybe I just caught them on off days, but I gotta spend my money where the food pops with seasoning, ya know? For me El Pollo Loco needs way more flavor punch to satisfy.

So that's my take! I gave them some chances but their food consistently underwhelmed my taste buds. For real Mexican flavor that packs a punch, I'll be takin' my appetite...