Business Details
45 Years
experience
Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Mesquite-Grilled Chicken Specialists
El Pollo Norteno has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine since 1981, founded by Anabella and Salvador Corona with a commitment to excellence, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking methods. Our signature mesquite charcoal grilling technique enhances the natural flavors of our dishes, setting us apart in the industry. We prioritize impeccable service and competitive pricing while maintaining a strong focus on health-conscious dining.With multiple locations across Southern California, we offer both dine-in and catering services to accommodate diverse customer needs. Our menu features handcrafted dishes made daily, including our renowned grilled chicken, tacos, and family-style meal packages designed to serve groups of all sizes.
Services
Mesquite Grilled Chicken
Authentic Tacos
Family Meal Packs
Catering Services
Fresh Tortillas
Housemade Salsas
Traditional Mexican Desserts
Delivery Options
Dine-In Experience
Party Platters
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1981 with generations of culinary expertise
- Exclusive mesquite charcoal grilling technique for authentic flavor
- Daily fresh preparation of all menu items
- Comprehensive catering services for events of all sizes
- Health-conscious menu options without compromising taste
What people say
Amazing mesquite flavor
Authentic Mexican cuisine
Generous family portions
Fresh housemade tortillas
Reliable catering service
Services
Mesquite Grilled Chicken
Our signature dish features chicken marinated in a proprietary northern Mexican blend and grilled over real mesquite charcoal. Available in portion sizes ranging from 2-piece meals to 16-piece family combos, each order includes housemade tortillas and your choice of traditional sides like charro beans and Mexican rice.
Authentic Tacos
Double-corn tortilla tacos filled with your choice of six premium meats including birria, al pastor, and carne asada. Served with house-prepared salsas and fresh garnishes. Available as individual orders or combination platters with sides and tortillas for complete meal options.
Family Meal Packs
Specially designed meal packages serving 4-10 people featuring grilled chicken, traditional meats, and classic Mexican sides. Includes family packs with 24-32 oz portions of rice and beans, large salsa cups, and fresh tortillas for convenient group dining experiences.
Catering Services
Full-service catering for events of all sizes featuring our signature grilled meats, traditional sides, and authentic Mexican accompaniments. Available with delivery and setup options for corporate events, family gatherings, and special celebrations across Orange County.
Housemade Salsas
Five house-prepared salsas made daily using traditional recipes. Includes mild pico de gallo, creamy avocado, smoky chipotle, tangy green, and spicy red sauces. Available as accompaniments to meals or by the cup for customers seeking authentic Mexican flavor profiles.
People
Anabella Corona
Co-Founder
Co-founded El Pollo Norteno in 1981 with her husband Salvador. Brings decades of culinary expertise from traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Focuses on maintaining authentic recipes while ensuring food quality standards across all locations.
Salvador Corona
Co-Founder
Established El Pollo Norteno with Anabella in 1981. Oversees kitchen operations and grilling techniques. Specializes in mesquite charcoal preparation methods. Ensures consistent application of traditional Mexican cooking practices across all restaurant locations.
Questions
What makes your chicken unique?
We use a proprietary northern Mexican marinade and grill all chicken over real mesquite charcoal for authentic smoky flavor.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full catering with family packs serving 4-10 people, including delivery options across Orange County.
What are your operating hours?
We serve daily from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM for dine-in, pickup, and delivery orders.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, we offer vegetarian burritos and tortas with housemade fillings like refried beans and fresh vegetables.
Do you have kid-friendly meals?
Our kids menu includes smaller portions of tacos, burritos, and chicken with included toys.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, mobile payments, and cash at all our restaurant locations.