El Pollo Loco

5009 W Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85035
Mexican / Latin
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Oct 9, 2025
95
Score
Low Risk Grade: A

El Pollo Loco has been inspected five times since 2024. Inspectors last stopped by on Oct 9, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about three violations before that.

Looking across the full record, “outer openings, protected” is the recurring theme, flagged two times.

Compared to the broader Phoenix restaurant scene, this is about average. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 9, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Outer openings not protected against pests
6-202.15
95
May 21, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Sanitization method does not meet required temperatures or concentration (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee washing dishes and utensils did not sanitize the equipment. PIC instructed the employee to properly wash and sanitize the equipment. Ensure that equipment/utensils are exposed to chemical sanitizer for proper length of time according to manufacturer’s directions
4-703.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: No paper towels or hand drying device available at the rear hand wash sink. PIC provided paper towels. Ensure that all hand wash sinks have paper towels or hand drying device available at all times
6-301.12
Warewashing Equipment, Cleaning Agents (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee washing dishes and utensils did not wash the items with soap or detergent. Dishes were rinsed and returned for service. PIC instructed the employee to properly wash the dishes. Ensure that proper ware washing is followed and items are properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized
4-501.17
70
Mar 19, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outer openings not protected against pests
6-202.15
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
4-501.11
Physical facilities not in good repair
6-501.11
86
Aug 12, 2024
Food Advisory Inspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 9, 2024
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures
4-301.11
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Pollo Loco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Pollo Loco on file is from Oct 9, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Pollo Loco?

Across the inspection record, “outer openings, protected” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at El Pollo Loco.

How does El Pollo Loco compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

El Pollo Loco most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is about the same as the Phoenix average of 97.

Has El Pollo Loco's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at El Pollo Loco have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at El Pollo Loco means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.