El Tapatio Mexican Food
El Tapatio Mexican Food
Molcajete
a plate of food
a grill with meat and vegetables on it
California burrito
plates of food on a table
steaks on a grill
a view of a street
a tray of food
Sopa de tortilla. Plenty of chicken and delicious.
Guacamole and chips
El tap food truck on palm ave
Patio Area has heaters
dessert, food
Bacon breakfast burrito
outside
Pancakes Breakfast
curry, food
food
Taco flight,guacamole Mexicano,Homemade Tamales
Shredded Beef Chimichanga
Raul C.
Aug 15, 2024
First time at El Tapatio restaurant. I ordered their chilaquiles. The cool thing is they let me pick two salsas. My waitress, Elena, recommended the mole and chipotle. They served the chilaquiles with potatoes, beans, eggs and your choice of protein. I went with the carne asada and it was cooked to perfection. The carne had grill lines and everything. The mole sauce was so deep and detailed. It was like a Mexican baskin robbins sauce. You taste 31 spices in there. Sweet but with a nice, subtle, gentle but present kick of spice. Waves of flavor just crashing in your mouth. Fuckin amazing mole. The chipotle sauce was light, creamy and never became overwhelming. Usually when I order creamy chipotle sauce on chilaquiles I never finish them because I'm overwhelmed by the creaminess. The ones here were perfect from first bite to last. They never got old. The potatoes were buttery and savory. I don't usually use the word savory to describe potatoes but these potatoes were savory. Eating them by themselves was satisfying enough. Perfect texture. The edges of the potatoes form 90 degree angles. Firm but soft at the same time. Carne asada nicely marinated and actually grilled. Carne shows grill likes. Beans taste super home made. Simple but solid. Eggs over medium. Cooked right with the runny yolk.Cafe de La Hoya... my favorite one in town so far. You know when you taste high quality. There's something different about it. You just know it's that gourmet shit. This is that gourmet shit here. They serve their cafe de La Hoya with pieces of piloncillo and a cinnamon stick on the side. This coffee will teleport you to your happy place wherever that may be. It's a piece of art. I had two cups and took an iced one to go. El Tapatio is definitely in my top 3 breakfast restaurant now. I put it right up there if not higher than Cocina 35. I highly, highly recommend it. Shout out to Elena and Andrea. They were very helpful. They created a homelike environment for me. Very pleasant breakfast experience. Thank you
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Liona H.
May 19, 2024
El Tapatio consistently delivers an excellent dining experience, and our recent visit was no exception. We went as a group of six and chose to sit on the outdoor patio, which offers a fantastic view that enhances the overall experience.The food, as always, was outstanding. Each dish we ordered was flavorful and satisfying. El Tapatio's menu is extensive, catering to various tastes, and everyone in our group was more than pleased with their meals.The service was friendly and welcoming, adding a personal touch to our visit. Although the service was a bit slow this time, the staff's warm demeanor made the wait worthwhile. It's clear that they prioritize making customers feel at home, even during busy times.El Tapatio remains a favorite of mine, and I find myself returning time and again for their delicious food and inviting atmosphere. If you're looking for a place with great Mexican cuisine and a friendly vibe, this is the spot to be. Highly recommended!
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Vanessa P.
Apr 6, 2024
What a great last minute find! We had the cheese enchilada, 3 rolled beef tacos, a carne asada taco, suiza enchilada, flan, horchata and cafe de olla. Everything was delicious! I definitely loved the cheese enchilada sauce, cafe de olla and well cooked tasty carne asada taco had no fat and the guacamole sauce was perfect! Taquitos had amazing tasting Mexican cheese! Yum! Sorry for the half eaten food on the pics but was not thinking of posting but the food was so delicious I had to share!
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Jay Z.
Jun 30, 2024
Good authentic Mexican food near Imperial Beach. Sat outside on their deck and all the food was delicious.
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Jeremy R.
Oct 11, 2023
The food is very authentic and tasty! The atmosphere is nice with outside dining and the staff treats you with kindness and are very respectful I will definitely be back here.
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Steven S.
Aug 6, 2023
I loved it! I ordered two tostadas that came with rice and beans. Flavors were great and portions were large! We sat on the patio and the cool breeze was lovely. I am sure service depends on the time of day and how busy the place is but we had no issues! If we are ever in Imperial Beach again, we will go back! Good food!
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Laura G.
Aug 6, 2023
The food was delicious, and the prices were good. Our waitress could've use a cup of coffee herself, but the food and drinks came quick. The patio decor gives the restaurant a festive flare. I will absolutely be returning. I had a chorizo torta and it reminded me of the ones my mom used to make. My husband has a green Chilaquiles with flavorful sauce.
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Larry H.
Jul 20, 2023
Walked here from my hotel. Great outdoor patio, catches a nice breeze coming off the ocean. Place wasn't super busy, but service was a bit slow.I think the patio is the highlight here. The food was good, not great. I thought the salsa was a bit thin for my liking, but the chips were good.
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Gina F.
Jun 24, 2024
Super dry, chewy tamales. We ordered to go.. 6 tamales, two of each for chicken, pork and beef for $24. It looked really good when we got it. A red sauce and cheese was drizzled on top of them. However, when we bit into each one, the meat and filling inside was so dry! It was so hard to eat, I felt like I was chewing on the meat for a long time.. The outer corn of the tamale was so hard too, it was tough to bite into and cut into. This was so so disappointing. The service was good, employees were nice when we ordered/picked up. Cute restaurant too.The tamales? Not worth the money or the trip there.
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Fernando P.
Jul 20, 2024
My wife and I have been going to el tapatío for years and this is the first time we are asked to seat in a small table or a table for 4 right under the sun and not the table we wanted because they were saving the tables under the shade for bigger crowds even though the place was half empty No coming back
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