Rain and flooding in Quezon City pushed back my friend’s July birthday plans all the way to September, but we finally made our overdue reunion happen! We picked El Pollo Loco TriNoma as our catch-up spot.
It’s fascinating to learn that El Pollo Loco (‘The Crazy Chicken’) started as a humble roadside food stand in Mexico back in 1975 before entering the Philippines in 1991 and eventually joining The Bistro Group.
If you want a satisfying, budget-friendly meal bundle for your squad or family, check out our honest review of their sharing menu.
Rain and flooding in Quezon City pushed back my friend’s July birthday plans all the way to September, but we finally made our overdue reunion happen! We picked El Pollo Loco TriNoma as our catch-up spot.
Ambiance
Though the space stays intimate and small, this restaurant in Quezon City greets you with a warm, relaxed vibe the moment you step inside. Soft lighting sets an easygoing mood, while colorful Mexican-inspired decor spices up the dining area. It creates a cozy setting for long conversations and laid-back group meals.
My friend ordered the Bistro to Share (BTS) package, which starts at ₱1,195. The bundle packs 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 Loco Rice platter into one solid group meal.
Nachos
We ordered the nachos hoping for generous portions, and the kitchen delivered. A high pile of toppings makes this starter a great opener for the table.
Loco Rice Platter
I love that the cooks keep the rice completely non-greasy. A clean blend of tomato, garlic, herbs, and spices infuses every grain with great flavor. Because we had plenty of main dishes, one platter felt a bit light for the group—though as girls watching our carbs, we skipped the extra order!
Baby Back Ribs (Quarter)
The kitchen cooks these ribs to tender perfection. The meat pulls away from the bone effortlessly without any tough, chewy spots. A rich, sweet, and subtly smoky American-style barbecue glaze coats every single bite.
Fire-Grilled Chicken (Quarter)
This is their signature dish. Direct flame-grilling adds a charred, smoky edge that highlights the citrus marinade without overpowering it. Better yet, the chicken retains all its natural juice and tenderness.
El Pollo Frito
These fried chicken pieces impress with their massive size. The breading hits the sweet spot—it stays light and crispy without turning rock-hard or scraping the roof of your mouth.
Service
Polite and energetic staff members keep the service quick and smooth. They uphold the warm hospitality standard of The Bistro Group, letting our group relax and focus entirely on catching up.
Verdict
Waiting two months for this rescheduled birthday blow-out was completely worth it. If you want flavorful Mexican-style group platters, warm cozy vibes, and great value bundles in Metro Manila, head over to El Pollo Loco for your next barkada date.
If you want a buffet where we had our last catch-up, try strEATs at ibis Styles in Cubao.
