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.

19300 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, United States
3.8
1,047 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

El Pollo Loco in Torrance, CA, offers a vibrant taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with a special focus on fire-grilled chicken that’s both fresh and flavorful. This fast-casual restaurant excels in delivering bold, zesty flavors that make each bite a delight. From their signature Original Pollo Bowl®—featuring perfectly marinated, fire-grilled chicken breast atop slow-simmered pinto beans, fluffy rice, diced onions, and fresh cilantro—to the refreshing Grande Avocado Chicken Bowl crowned with ripe avocado and cool sour cream, the menu reflects a harmonious blend of wholesome and satisfying ingredients.

One of the standout dishes is the Classic Tostada Salad, a crisp flour tostada shell layered with citrus-marinated chicken, shredded lettuce, pinto beans, rice, and shredded jack cheese, finished with a dollop of sour cream and pico de gallo salsa. The creamy cilantro dressing on the side adds a tangy contrast that brings the dish to life. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner, the menu offers customizable options that cater to a range of preferences and appetites.

Dining at this location is marked by an upbeat and efficient atmosphere. Guests often find the staff friendly and attentive—customer feedback highlights employees like Carmen, whose warm smile and eagerness elevate the overall experience. Though lunchtime lines tend to get long, it’s a testament to the quality and popularity of the food. The hustle doesn’t diminish the speed of service, and you’re encouraged to make a pit stop at their salsa station to load up on fresh, tangy salsas, freshly chopped onions, and zesty lemon wedges that perfectly complement the grilled chicken.

El Pollo Loco stands out not only for its delectable menu but also for delivering excellent value. As one satisfied customer observed, an entire chicken dinner with tortillas and unlimited salsa is an unbeatable deal—perfect for sharing and savoring without worrying about breaking the bank. The food’s authenticity, combined with the courteous service and inviting ambiance, makes this spot a top contender for anyone looking to enjoy a fast, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fast food.

For those who appreciate the art of grilled chicken done right, El Pollo Loco’s Torrance location is a must-visit. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a casual meal, the perfectly balanced flavors and quality ingredients will leave you feeling both satisfied and uplifted.

03 Notes from regulars

1,047 notes — the real pulse of the room.

3.8
Based on 1,047 verified notes
5 519
4 215
3 107
2 53
1 174
All Drive Thru Tostada Salad Employees Pollo Bowl Grilled Chicken Tamales Fresh Chicken Curbside Pickup Fresh Salsa Sides
Martin Mendoza.
3 month ago
Long lines during lunch, I read similar complaints. They probably have to staff one more person. The chicken tortilla soup is the business though
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Mark Anthony Cooper.
3 month ago
Out of all the fast food restaurants out there "El Pollo Loco" is perhaps the best. This is chicken that is marinated and then fresh grilled right in front of your eyes. While the staff is serving up your food make a quick visit to the salsa station to get all the salsa, onions and lemon you gonna need. The crew at this location were super quick and the food was delicious.
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Henry Hananya.
3 month ago
What a dinner and what a deal .whole chicken with tortillas and all the salsa you can eat dinner for two and less price than two burger meals .Excellent food .very good and courteous group of workers .special thanks to the cashier and the cook .
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sam travis (samtravis).
4 month ago
The food is great for a fast-food lunch place. Tastes great, cooked fresh, and healthier than most other fast options. Price is also decent for the amount and quality you get. I really like this place. Compared to Taco Bell or McDonalds the food you get here is so much better and you get it for a lower price. If you want a fast lunch option you should try it.
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LaNise Hoyt.
4 month ago
I received excellent service from Carmen. She had a smile on her face and was eager to help me. Good customer service is so hard rare nowadays, so thank you Carmen for a positive El Pollo Loco experience.
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Adriana Zapien.
4 month ago
Overall good food, didn't take long, I order online so I didn't have much interaction with the staff, place seemed clean, just too cold for my liking, but that seems to be the norm anywhere around
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Debbie Labeaux.
5 month ago
You can't go wrong with the Pollo Bowl. It's $5 with senior discount. The service is fast, staff are kind and helpful. Enjoy. Blessings.
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Miranda Zhang.
5 month ago
This location is very nice and clean. It's also quiet, perfect for eating alone to relax and decompartmentalize. The food is really really fresh too!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday (today) 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Finding the door

19300 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • 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
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
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Parking
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