Chicken Avocado Burrito
El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco

2200 University Ave, Riverside, United States

Lunch • Wings • Mexican • Chicken


"To begin my visit, I chose to arrive just as the restaurant opened at 10 a.m. I got there a bit early and noticed the area outside. The smell of old grease hit me as I drove into the parking lot, which was concerning. At exactly 10 a.m., I walked up to the entrance and found an older man and an employee waiting outside. The manager, or franchise owner, eventually let us in about five minutes later. Regarding the most significant issue—rude staff—I believe they've made improvements. The manager who opened the door greeted me warmly, and the employee invited me to go in first. The woman at the counter who took my order was very friendly, and I noticed at least three people from the kitchen thanking me when I picked up my food. My experience with the staff was positive overall. Another frequently mentioned complaint was a terrible smell, reminiscent of sewage. To test this, I intentionally sat near the bathroom, and I didn't find any unpleasant odors inside. The only undesirable scent was the old grease, which was only noticeable outside. I even checked the salsa bar, and it smelled fresh. Regarding pricing, while many reviews suggested they charge more, I didn’t personally verify this. I spent $11.53 on five Tapatio wings and a drink. The overall decor was somewhat dated and could use some minor repairs, but I understand that maintaining a business in California is expensive, and many restaurants operate on slim profit margins. I wasn’t bothered by the condition; it felt acceptable. However, I did note that one of the two bathrooms was out of order, and the other was locked. As for my order, it was accurate. Considering I was one of only two customers, the chances for error were minimal. During busy times, mistakes can happen, as humans work in the kitchen. It’s also the responsibility of customers to check their orders—just like you would inspect a car before buying it, you should verify your meal! As for the loud noise mentioned in reviews, yes, there was a noticeable sound, but I likely wouldn't have paid attention to it if I hadn't read those negative comments prior to my visit. This isn’t a five-star restaurant; it’s a fast food place, aptly named "The Crazy Chicken," not "The Delicate Rooster." The service was not particularly fast, but it wasn’t slow either; it took about eight minutes for me to receive my order. The chicken was fresh and properly cooked, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The interior temperature was comfortable, and as someone who tends to feel warm easily, I appreciated that. While the establishment wasn’t spotless, overall, my visit was better than I expected."