El Pollo Loco

7327 San Pedro Av, San Antonio, TX 78216

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Dec 1, 2025

100

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2023, El Pollo Loco has six inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 1, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around three violations compared to roughly eight violations earlier on.

“Observed missing parts of the vent hood filters over in-use stoves” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average San Antonio restaurant scores 84. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 1, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

May 12, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 4 major violations.

View 5 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(2)

Observed cold hold unit missing thermometer. Ensure cold hold unit has thermometer. 4-204.112(A) Mechanically refrigerated or hot food storage unit, temperature measuring device located at warmest part.

4-204.112(A)

Food thawed using improper method

3-501.13(B)

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

6-301.12

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures

4-301.11

Nov 26, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations.

View 3 violations

Food contacted unclean equipment or utensils

3-304.11

Food thawed using improper method

3-501.13(B)

Observed cold hold unit missing thermometer. Ensure cold hold units have thermometer. 4-204.112(A) Mechanically refrigerated or hot food storage unit, temperature measuring device located at warmest part.

4-204.112(A)

May 23, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 8 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

3-501.16(A)(2)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

No soap available at handwashing sink

6-301.11

Employee not wearing required hair restraint

2-402.11

Observed missing parts of the vent hood filters over in-use stoves. Ensure there are an adequate amount of vent hood filters for the vent hood system. 4-301.14 Ventilation hood systems, adequacy.

4-301.14

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

6-501.12

Food storage containers not labeled with contents

3-302.12

Observed an accumulation of grease on the vent hood system. Ensure all non-food contact surfaces are clean and free from debris build up. 4-202.18 Ventilation hood systems, filters.

4-202.18

Oct 17, 2023

Routine

3 major violations. 7 minor violations.

View 10 violations

Observed no certified food manager present during time of inspection. Ensure there is always at least 1 certified food manager present during all hours of operation. 228.31(b) Certified food protection manager shall be present at the food establishment during all hours of operation as required in Food Code, §2-101.11 and §2-102.12.

228.31(b)

Equipment or utensils not clean

4-601.11(A)

Observed employees without food handler certificates. Ensure all employees have the proper food handler certificate. 228.31(d) Food Handler Training criteria.

228.31(d)

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

4-501.12

Observed missing parts of the vent hood filters over in-use stoves. Ensure there are an adequate amount of vent hood filters for the vent hood system. 4-301.14 Ventilation hood systems, adequacy.

4-301.14

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly

4-903.11(C)

Observed an accumulation of grease on the vent hood system. Ensure all non-food contact surfaces are clean and free from debris build up. 4-202.18 Ventilation hood systems, filters.

4-202.18

Food storage containers not labeled with contents

3-302.12

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

6-501.12

Employee not wearing required hair restraint

2-402.11

Apr 14, 2023

Routine

3 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 7 violations

Permit holder responsibilities not met

8-304.11(A)

228.31(b)

Food thawed using improper method

3-501.13(C)(2)

Observed missing parts of the vent hood filters over in-use stoves. Ensure there are an adequate amount of vent hood filters for the vent hood system. 4-301.14 Ventilation hood systems, adequacy.

4-301.14

Employee not wearing required hair restraint

2-402.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

6-501.12

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

4-501.12

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was El Pollo Loco last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at El Pollo Loco on file is from Dec 1, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at El Pollo Loco?

Across the inspection record, “observed missing parts of the vent hood filters over in-use stoves” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at El Pollo Loco.

How does El Pollo Loco compare to other restaurants in San Antonio?

El Pollo Loco most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the San Antonio average of 84.

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

Yes. Recent inspections at El Pollo Loco have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly eight 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.

How often is El Pollo Loco inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, El Pollo Loco is inspected around two times per year on average.

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