El Pollo Loco Thanksgiving Hours: 2025 Update (Updated 2025)
Planning your Thanksgiving feast at El Pollo Loco? Knowing their holiday hours can save you time and hassle on the big day. Whether you’re craving their famous flame-grilled chicken or sides to complement your meal, it’s important to check when they’re open.
El Pollo Loco often adjusts its hours during holidays like Thanksgiving, so you won’t want to assume they’re open regular hours. Getting the latest info ensures you can enjoy your favorite dishes without any surprises. Let’s dive into what you can expect this Thanksgiving and how to plan your visit accordingly.
El Pollo Loco Thanksgiving Hours Overview
El Pollo Loco adjusts its Thanksgiving hours annually, making it essential to verify the schedule before your visit. Knowing these changes helps you avoid inconvenience and enjoy the menu on time.
Typical Holiday Operating Hours
El Pollo Loco often opens later and closes earlier on Thanksgiving Day than usual. Locations typically operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but hours may vary by store. Checking specific store hours online or by phone ensures you get accurate information for your area.
Differences From Regular Hours
Regular hours usually span from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM or later. During Thanksgiving, reduced hours support staff availability and customer flow management. Expect shorter service windows and limited menu options compared to normal days. Confirming these differences prevents scheduling conflicts on the holiday.
Locations and Their Operating Schedules
El Pollo Loco’s Thanksgiving hours vary across locations, reflecting regional differences and local demand. You can expect most stores to adjust hours but verify specific details before heading out.
Major Cities and Regional Variations
City locations in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Phoenix often follow the standard 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Thanksgiving schedule. Smaller towns or suburban areas might open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM or close entirely. Coastal and interior regions may also differ due to staffing logistics and customer volume changes during the holiday.
How to Confirm Local Hours
Use El Pollo Loco’s official website or mobile app for up-to-date store hours. Calling your specific location directly ensures you receive accurate and immediate information. Checking social media channels or local listings can also provide timely updates, especially on holiday changes.
Tips for Ordering on Thanksgiving
Ordering from El Pollo Loco on Thanksgiving requires preparation to ensure a smooth experience. Planning your order early helps you avoid long wait times and ensures menu availability during the holiday.
Best Menu Items for the Holiday
Choose El Pollo Loco’s signature flame-grilled chicken for your main dish, as it’s a popular and reliable bestseller. Add family-sized sides such as Mexican rice, mashed potatoes with gravy, and fresh salsa to complement the meal. Consider combo meals that include chicken, sides, and tortillas, offering convenience and variety without additional orders. Keep in mind that some seasonal or limited menu items may be unavailable on Thanksgiving, so check the menu in advance.
Ordering Online vs. In-Store
Ordering online through El Pollo Loco’s website or mobile app offers convenience and reduces wait time on Thanksgiving. You can schedule pickup times, customize your meals, and glance over real-time updates on menu availability. Ordering in-store provides flexibility to make last-minute changes but might involve longer wait times due to holiday crowds. If you order online, avoid requesting too close to closing hours as limited service periods could affect order fulfillment.
Alternatives When El Pollo Loco Is Closed
Finding El Pollo Loco closed on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to disrupt your meal plans. You can explore nearby restaurants or create quick homemade dishes that capture El Pollo Loco’s flavors.
Nearby Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Restaurants such as Denny’s, IHOP, and Applebee’s typically operate on Thanksgiving, offering broad menu options and consistent hours. Mexican chains like Chipotle and Moe’s Southwest Grill often remain open, delivering customizable meals similar to El Pollo Loco’s style. Local diners and grocery stores with prepared food sections offer additional alternatives if you prefer dining close to home. Checking their holiday hours online or calling ahead ensures they’re open when you need them.
Quick Homemade El Pollo Loco-Style Recipes
You can recreate El Pollo Loco’s signature flame-grilled chicken at home using simple ingredients like chicken thighs, garlic, lime juice, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Grill or bake the chicken for smoky flavor. Prepare Mexican rice by cooking long-grain rice with tomato sauce, garlic, and chicken broth. Serve with side dishes such as fresh salsa, guacamole, or beans to complete the meal. These homemade options allow you to enjoy El Pollo Loco’s iconic taste without waiting for restaurant hours.
Conclusion
Knowing El Pollo Loco’s Thanksgiving hours helps you plan your holiday meal without any last-minute surprises. Checking local store times ensures you get your favorite flame-grilled chicken and sides when you want them.
If the restaurant’s closed or hours don’t fit your schedule, you’ve got plenty of other dining options or quick homemade recipes to fall back on. With a bit of planning, you can still enjoy a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving feast.