I wish El campeón would invest more time and money improving and maintaining the restrooms. I love the food and staff. read more

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AMAZINGGGGGG, authentic Mexican food. Hands down the BEST I have ever had in my life. I went with my dad tonight and we shared chicken tacos, a steak quesadilla, and an order of the taquitos....they were all incredible (the steak quesadilla was my personal favorite, however). The chicken tacos were VERY big, I came hungry and I have a large appetite to say the least and one of those tacos itself was pretty filling. Both salsas on it were delicious (they offer a red and green one)! I also threw on a little bit on onion, cilantro and rice and it was even better. Easily the best taco I have ever had. The quesadilla had the best chew on it that is hard to describe in words.....it was slightly crispy on the outside yet a little soft and the flavor on the cheese that was so perfect. The cheese even had that melted and chewy feel to it that just makes your head want to explode because it can't comprehend how something could be so good. The taquitos were so nice and crispy and had such a pleasant blend of all the flavors it packs in its shell, you really get all of them in each bite. They are so generous with their portions in it and fill up the tray all the way to the top. This place is a gift, run here don't walk. read more

Whenever I need to supercharge at the Tesla chargers I get to get some food here at El Camperon. The store does not have seating inside and so you will need to sit outside. The store is split between savory and sweet. I ordered a few tacos (carnitas, cabeza, and lengua). The full size tacos are quite large and filling. I have to remember to order the street taco version. The flavor is good and with the salsa it hits the spot. I also ordered the menudo to dip my tacos in. Paired the food with some horchata and agua fresca. The service can be a bit slow, maybe because it is usually busy. One thing to note is that you will need to order the drink with your savory order but pick up is on the other side with the sweets. read more

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I really wanted to like El Campeón because the food is actually pretty decent. Unfortunately, everything else about the place brings the experience down. The biggest issue is the environment--it feels very hostile and uncomfortable. The atmosphere alone makes it hard to enjoy your meal. On top of that, the condition of the place is rough. Basic things like lighting don't seem to get fixed, and the whole place feels like it's falling apart. It also comes across like management just doesn't want to invest back into the business. When an owner cuts corners like that, it shows, and customers notice. It's disappointing because the food has potential, but the poor upkeep and negative environment make it hard to recommend. With better management and some real effort put into maintaining the place, this could be a much better spot. read more

A friend was showing me around San Juan Capistrano and this place is a hidden gem for good tacos. Each taco is about $4-5 unless you get street tacos (smaller) $2-$3. This has existed for about a decade according to my friend TB. She says it was cheaper back then, but inflation and the development of the San Juan Capistrano area has really increased the prices. The two tacos I got today: (1) El pastor - the spicy marinated meat lit a fire in my stomach in the good way (2) Carne asada - the meat was generously provided I was asked whether I wanted cilantro and onions with my tacos and I said a resounding yes! I was incredibly full with just two tacos. It's a filling meal. TB and I came around 10-11 am which is a bit early for lunch hahaha but this place opens at 6 am! We still had to stand in line for 10 min. That's how much of a consistent presence of customers and service is provided. There are a lot of people working to prepare the food for you, so I've been so blessed. You'll be provided a receipt and a number. In a sense, it reminded me of a pastrami sandwich store I visited in NYC except this time it's for tacos in Southern California. Hone in on your Spanish so that you'll be able to recognize your number when they call it out too! There's much to look around and explore just within the restaurant. I was so tempted to order a juice and pastries, but God knew I wouldn't be able to handle everything. I can't wait to come again another day. There are tables outside that you can sit to chat with friends, which is what TB and I did. God bless you all! read more

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Delicious fruit salad I had! The other pastries and food looked incredible! Very busy location, I sense it's a reflection of the great food? read more

El Campeon - Fruit Salad - Bakeries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

This place is great. Always busy. The combos are a good size. The number 17 Barbacoa beef is better than the carne asada. The menudo has a good flavor, according to my Mexican husband (I don't like menudo) but there were no corn (hominy) which was strange. There are some seats outside but better to get it to go as sometimes there are random people outside shouting at the walls. read more

The food is ridiculous here. They don't cheap out on the servings. Check these tacos out. I buy a few different ones because my eyes are bigger than my stomach but it end up being two or three meals. read more

El Campeon - Fat ass tacos! - Bakeries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Every time I'm in the area I make sure to spot by here! Their tacos are huge and flavorful! Line always goes by quick and staff is always friendly. A must try! read more

The tacos are so delicious. The price is not bad, it's affordable. I love their tacos. So yummy.

I've been telling my friends it's like the OG Chipotle. Fresh juices on the right side near the breads. Not just the horchata, FRESH blended papaya, watermelon, etc read more

This place is legit for truly authentic Mexican Food. I recommend going in "off" hours, like10-11AM for lunch, or 1:30-2:00. For Dinner, think Early, like 4:00-5:00. If you can't go in off hours, be prepared to stand in a looong line. When you get to the counter, you tell whoever is helping you what you want. *Note* Speaking even a little Spanish helps speed up the process, otherwise they have to get one of the few other employees who speak English * You then take your slip of paper to the Cashier, pay, they give you a number, then you wait again for your order to pick up at the other window. However, you can go into the connected Bakery, and pay separately from them for any yummy pastries and order an Agua Fresca. Tons of fresh fruits and of course, Horchata made fresh from scratch. Worth the wait in the maze of lines! Best Authentic Mexican food in town! read more

I came after a frustrating experience at El Molino De Oro since they messed up and gave away my order of enchiladas. I found this experience to be far more orderly and customer-centric. The line to order and pickup via announcement by ticket number were much clearer. The workers spoke English. The cashier was friendly and apologized for my enchiladas taking so long to cook (which I was fine with since it takes time to heat those up). I appreciated competent customer service after El Molino. As for the food, I wanted more cheese over the enchilladas. The sauce could be more chile-tasting. The sides of beans and rice are not throwaways here and have a good salty flavor. I got a horchata which was fine, but I would've wanted more grit at the bottom. I will be back for my authentic Mexican fix. The prices are hard to beat! read more

El Campeon - Enchilada plate - Bakeries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Food quality is average at best Prices are 30% above market for similar food. 5 dollars for a taco ? 14 dollars for carne burrito . read more

El Campeón was a mixed experience for me. I ordered a carnitas burrito and while it was filling, the carnitas themselves were just okay and a bit dry, maybe it was the time of day. The service is where things really fell short. After placing my order and getting ready to pay, I asked for an agua and the girl at the counter visibly got upset and even rolled her eyes. Maybe I should've asked for an agua de Jamaica earlier, but as a customer it wasn't very clear and ordering here feels a little tricky. In terms of authenticity, it's decent but not anything that stands out. The surrounding area was also kind of dirty, with tables not being cleaned and not many people maintaining the space. Overall, it's okay, but there's definitely room for improvement in both service and cleanliness. read more

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Ordered pan dolce and tres leche and it turned out wonderful. Note: it's helpful to know Spanish when ordering. The staff was very kind. read more

Pretty great prices! I ordered my large fresas con crema for less than $5. My friends ordered líquados and a large fruit platter with tajin. Oh, so good. The service was swift, especially considering how packed it was. Also, lots of pan dulce to choose from and cakes too! read more

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OMG WORSE PLACE EVER!!!! the customer service is so disrespectful! they kept me on hold for so long and talked crap about me with co workers!!! never again plan to get food here again or bother , the employees are so rude i spoke to to 3 random of them but yet still talked rudely in professional!!!!! read more

Staff is always nice, quick and orders are always right. Food is amazing. I love the verde enchiladas plate but really anything is great. The restaurant is fast casual and has a great inclusive atmosphere. read more

I just went to grab pick up dinner and was rejected at the door. They said they were closed. It was 730 and the website said they closed at 8:00. This was my first time trying this place obviously didn't need my business. I went down the street and just dropped $100 bucks on takeout. They had multiple customers in line the staff was obviously closing early. Super rude I'll never be back. Even if they do close, their doors were still open with customers. The website said 8:00 That's a sidenote, the place look filthy probably did us a favor read more

El Campeon - Said they were open to 8/00 pm can see the screen shot it was 7:30 - Bakeries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

What a horrible experience. The owner was so rude. Treated the customers with complete disrespect and arrogance. This establishment is not clean and I would not recommend. Food is not worth the money. read more

OH NO this place is the new love of my life. If we lived not 2 flights away, I would be here like once a week. Amazing tacos and amazing menudo. The tacos are generously filled with flavorful meats. The menudo tripe had the perfect texture. Good portion sizes, great price! The service was efficient. The seating is outdoor, serve-yourself style. We were megahungry when we came, but even if we hadn't been, I think this would still be my all-time fav Mexican place. I'm mad we don't live closer. read more

Great food with fast and friendly service. Small seating area outside makes it a perfect stop for lunch.

Great salsa bar, great food, great service!! You can sit inside or outside on the patio Mostly Hispanic customers always the best sign that it's going to be delicious bakery is also top notch read more

El Campeon is a must any time I'm in town visiting. Their tortillas are homemade and on the thicker side. I forgot how big their tacos are and they come loaded with meat. I shared a bean and cheese burrito with my husband and it hit the spot after a long day at the beach. Their guac is so good! read more

A legit and affordable Mexican joint in South Orange county. There are a lot of ready-made dishes as well as your usual antojitos: tacos, tortas, quesadillas, etc. I came in with 4 adults and a child. There was a little bit of a line but line moved fast, waiting for the food is what takes the longest. After you order at the food counter, you wait for your number to be called. Once called, you get all your items and you can order drinks if you want to. We were hungry so we over ordered. This is what we had: 1. Pozole: the soup was so tasty! They provide you with a small container of dry red peppers and oregano. Use it. It gives a nice kick to the soup. The meat was tender and the homini perfectly cooked. The ratio of homini to meat was just right. 2. Pork tamal: the masa was not the best I've had but it was still tasty. I like my pork tamales to have chunks of meat but the one I got was more like a meat mush. 3. Lengua plate: delicious! Came with a side of rice and beans. 4. Cabeza tacos: needed a little salt but cabeza usually does. The meat was very good. Try them with the green salsa. 5. Carnitas tacos: if you like different textures, get it mixed (cuero included). The mix of different parts of the pig is a lot tastier than regular maciza meat. 6. Drinks: horchata and Jamaica. No package drinks here. Horchata tasted home made and Jamaica was solid. Two of the adults had regular coke from the soda fountain (nothing special). 7. Dessert: flan and arroz con leche. Both very delicious and not overly sweet. Desserts can be paid for in the bakery area so no wait here. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of any of the food we ordered. We were so hungry that we started eating right away. The best part of this place was the affordable prices. For everything we ordered we paid ~$70. Not bad considering we had a lot of food, drinks, and desserts. There's counter siting available inside and some tables outside. Bathroom is on premises but I didn't go in so I'm not sure how clean it was or if it was gender neutral. read more

Comida esta buena el servicio incosistente Una vez ordene 12 tacos de tripas y de otras carnes me preguntan con todo? Contesto si llego al trabajo y los tacos sin cevolla sin Cilantro y un taco de tripas sin eso no es nada ya ustedes saben. La siguiente vez vez ordene 10 tacos y solo me dan 9 llame para atras y me dicen si kiere el otro taco vuelva para atras. no tuve tiempo para eso le digo para la proxima vez que vuelva me lo da vuelvo a ir otro dia Ordene 3 burrito 2 tacos de tripa y le menciono del taco que me que me deve y me dice trai su recivo. claro que no lo tengo quien aguarda . Recivo de tacos. pues no hay credito sin recivo no son los 5 o 6 Dolares es la cortesia So perdi 5 dolares mas tax Aun sigo llendo por la comida no por el servicio!!! read more

I have been coming and supporting your restaurant for decades, I had suggested your restaurant to my friend who came from out of town. The middle age server was rude! He needs to be taught courtesy and customer service, I am not sure if he was having a bad day, if so stay home and sleep more or REST! I did tell the manager on duty if I can do something for him. We are your Loyal customers, who ever is the owner please teach your employees to smile and have some class in serving. I am shocked by your cleanliness, your restaurant is not like before. Your place has low energy. Except the Sweet lady who was collecting money and calling out the order. Please call me up, I will come and help you clean your Restaurant... read more

The two times I've been there I've tried the carnitas tacos and cabeza. The workers and service was great and everyone was very friendly and cool. It's a very casual environment. More of a market, and you can eat at some tables outside... maybe a better place for to go orders. The cabeza tacos are very tender and fatty. I would maybe add some salsa or hot sauce that has some salt to it. The carnitas tacos.... Epic. I need to find out what makes the meat pink and gives it that amazing savory/salty flavor. All the tacos are loaded with meat, cilantro and onions. Simple but awesome. I will go back for the carnitas tacos alone. I also had the agua Fresca ... watermelon flavor and banana... super fresh... it's straight up watermelon and banana. Simple and awesome. I love this place. read more

El Campeon - Cabeza taco, carnitas taco, watermelon agua Fresca - Bakeries Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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I feel this place is all hype and the food here is just so-so. For you first timers, this is how it works; first you need to decide on what you want like a chicken burrito or a carne asada taco or whatever. You tell the person and then you keep moving. There was so many people confused like what do you do after? Apparently you just wait for your order to be called by the cashier and that is when you pay as well. It's not like chipotle where they make it in front of you. Whatever they are making in front of you is just the start of it. The place is basically like a to-go hot bar area of a supermarket. This place is a really long building and it's compiled of this restaurant part, a bakery, and a super market. The vibe is very fast and there isn't much of a place to sit and enjoy your food. Most people just sat in their cars. The food itself, like I said earlier, was just so-so. Ordered two burritos, one was carne asada and the other was chicken. Both of the meats were really dry and one of the worst tasting burritos I've had. It didn't have much meat and the meat was all stuck together with tendons. Bleh. Overall -- overhyped and skip the place. read more

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This place is a DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH! I love campeon so much! You can find anything and everything here! From aqua Fresca to bread to cake to already made food and fresh food. Just EVERYTHING! They have been around for a while and it's proven! read more

This place is amazing. Went in on a Sunday and it was very busy so mentally prepare for that. There was a lot going but half is the warm food and the other half is the bakery. The food was delicious with outdoor seating on a first come first serve basis. read more

This place has been a family favorite for years! A definite stop whenever I am in the area. The staff are friendly, efficient and work well as a team to provide the best service. The food is the ultimate comfort food that brings back great memories. The aguas frescas are freshly made, my favorites are the banana and watermelon! Once you're done with your meal make sure to check out the bakery to get fresh bread to go! Obviously the name matches the theme as you can see a couple of framed soccer jerseys up along the walls! read more

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We love El Campeon! The carnicería, panadería, and grocery are so awesome. The food is fresh and well made, and the staff are to the point, but know their menu and that what they are selling is great. It's a great spot for an affordable breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and I can't wait to go back. read more

Food it's always delicious. But I noticed the portions of the pozole container it's reduced to a smaller size. They're always very busy so service could be a little slow at times. Could be better. The only bad thing really is that I don't understand how can they have the tables and the floor outside "SO DIRTY" trash cans to the top and no one bothers to fix it. I asked if someone could wipe the table and a girl handed me paper towels so I can clean it myself. MANAGEMENT WHERE ARE YOU? Keep it clean, it's part of good sanitation. If it was clean I'd give them 5 stars but they don't deserve it. read more

Delish food for any time of the day. The staff is always welcoming and make sure that your order is correct. I come here at least twice a week either after work or after college classes food always taste fresh and their pastries are absolutely amazing. I highly recommend you get this place a try above all else. read more

Best food ever. I'm hungry just thinking about it! And they have kept prices reasonable. Thank you!

Their tacos are so good. A simple, authentic, and so full of flavor. You can also get their street tacos if you want some smaller ones. There's a reason why construction workers all the way to culinary enthusiasts come here. read more

Food was disappointing. The chicken in the tacos was extremely dry and had almost no flavor, and the carne asada tacos weren't much better. Honestly, I'd recommend trying somewhere else... read more

My company used to cater from this place all the time, so much so, that I was sick of it right up till before the pandemic and all the parties stopped. From what I remember, the taco guy was good, the proteins, salsas, and chips were outstanding. So it's been about 4 years since I've eaten the food here and recently discovered it again. I've never actually stepped foot inside the restaurant since everything was catered. So it was a complete surprise to see this type of establishment in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Let's just say all the employees here barely speak a lick of English. Prepare for a lot of finger pointing might as well brush up on your numbers from high school Spanish class while you're at it. Any way, all good signs. Another plus is all the customers are straight up Mexicans: the gardeners, the blue collar workers, older mexicans, there is no question as to what race these customers belong to. Then while I'm standing in line to order, one customer after another are walking away with trays. This was my first in-person visit and everything from the ambiance to of course the food surpassed my expectations. Under $9 for a quality and good sized burrito in south county? Total bang for your buck! Howwweeevvvaa, my 2 most recent visit were total duds and I would bring this score down to 3.5. The food is still tasty, prices are good, but the consistency needs a lot of work. I still recommend this place for a cheap and really tasty mexican food. read more

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