I have never been to the actual place but I have ordered a few times through DoorDash and the pupusas here are amazing!! Not to mention super big the first I ordered I got 3 because every other place I've had pupusas they're small but here you only need 1. The breakfast burritos are great too. The pricing is great too. Definitely will order again or might no in person just to check the place out. read more

Tried this place out and thought I would like a pupusa, so i asked for the two most popular which are the pork and cheese and the chicken and cheese. my total came out to $7.40 (give or take) which i felt was very reasonable. I waited about 10-15 min for it and it did not seem to be busy. I honestly wasn't crazy about it and won't be back for the pupusas, but the service was great and the restaurant was well kept. The tortas look great so maybe I will come back for those. read more

My coworkers and I love this place, we literally get excited & look forward to "pupusa time." It is heavy food, but that's what a pupusas is, i recommend using a napkin if there is too much oil residue. The curtido is good and not spicy. Their salsa bar has a variety of salsas and the pickled carrots & jalapeños. They even have a pupusa Tuesday special- $2.20 vs $2.80. The only potential negative thing I can say it that the area has homeless people & so to use the restroom you have to ask for a key. Tip: the pupusas are a good size, so 2 pupusas should keep you full. read more

I don't know what they did to me but... I just spent 10 minutes staring at their menu, salivating over almost everything. I also just made a list of things to try next time, so I don't just keep ordering the breakfast burrito. Well done El Chinaco, you have made me a true supporter of your restaurant. I will be bcak sooner than later. I came here last night with my BF, but we called in our order. We arrived about 15 minutes after the call. I ordered the breakfast burrito with beans and bacon. When we arrived, my burrito was just ready. I dove into the burrito, it was so good. I think next time, I will add potatoes also. Make it the mack daddy of all breakfast burritos. read more

I've eaten at this restaurant a few times but I couldn't figure out why I had stopped eating there so I went last night and all the memories came back. I ordered a carne asada burrito to go. When I started eating the burrito I immediately tasted some hard rice, there was also lettuce and cheddar cheese in the burrito. The meat itself was hard to chew even though it was mostly fat instead of actual beef and the meat had absolutely no flavor. The ladies in the restaurant are nice but the food ruined the experience for me and I will not be returning. It wasn't worth the $8 I paid at all. read more

I got the pupusas and a breakfast plate, which was sheer lunacy on my part, because the breakfast plate could seriously feed three people. Or three people that eat like me anyway. I got a pork and cheese pupusa, and that was just OK. It was, in all honesty, quite heavy. If I'd known I would have just gotten the one pupusa and have done with it, but I foolishly thought to stuff my face that day. The breakfast plate's a winner. I got a sausage-and-egg plate; I posted a picture on here so you guys could see: it was loaded with food. Beans, potatoes, your choice of toast or tortilla, and a side of coleslaw to boot. Gah. I felt horrible leaving so much leftovers, but those items don't reheat well anyway. Their condiment rack left more to be desired--I like my salsas chunky with bits of tomato and onion present, not smooth and too liquefied. Overall, I'd probably still come back here; they had a ton of interesting menu items in their Salvadorean section that I'd like to try before casting final judgment. read more

El Chinaco - Sausage and egg breakfast plate. Comes with either toast or tortillas, potatoes, beans, and a side of coleslaw. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Wow, and I don't use this exclamation lightly, but - WOW! I have been a fan of El Chinaco for a few years now and I just love their food! It is a very basic Salvadoran hole in the wall in Costa Mesa. I was weaned on Mexican food (as a SoCal native) so I'm always on the hunt for a place with great refried beans, salty, savory carnitas and authentic salsas. I try to keep my expectations earthbound. Even though this place is NOT Mexican, the beans are divine -- they make me warm and happy! The carnitas are delicious, their plantains with beans and a creme fraiche-type condiment exceed my gastronomic expectations every time. Try them, they are fabulous :) I highly recommend this place, it's quick, it's very reasonably-priced, and the staff are friendly and helpful. I make a point of devouring here whenever I'm in the area. read more

Yummy & affordable. My bf & I were stuffed by $12 worth of food. This was my first time trying pupusas and they were scrumptious. They kinda remind me of a calzone, but El Salvadorian. We ordered: Pupusa Revuelta (pork & cheese): 10 out of 10. Lots of lil' bits of tender pork with cheese. Good texture, very soft, fresh dough. Cheese Enchilada: 8 out of 10. A little on the small side but served with a scoop of sour cream which helped balance the chile flavor. Carne Asada taco: 8 out of 10. Tons of meat and great tortillas. Would have liked more onions/cilantro/pico de gallo though. Great value. Bean & Cheese Pupusa: 9 out of 10. Pupusa with cheese & some kind of flower?: 8 out of 10. Pretty interesting little chunks of green that tasted a bit like artichoke or a mild green chile. Not exactly positive what it is but it was good. Good value and a good variety. Next time I want to try their El Salvadorian tamales & get more tacos! Mmmmmm read more

Best fried plantains of my life. Food came quick, piping hot, and not expensive either.

The only thing I would dare here again is their Salvadorian food. It's actually a waste to go here for a carne asada burrito, it's just that kinda spot. Mexican is not their strong suit. Papusas are freshly made and delicious, if your trying for the first time get the cheese (think quesadilla bread). I called myself going for the safe bet and ordering the carne asada burrito. It came rubbery tortilla and the beef was more was more like a crispy beef burrito. Which had they advertized it as a crispy burrito I would have like it better hahaha! Papusas are freshly made and delicious, if your trying for the first time get the cheese (think quesadilla bread). But there are things that are not so great about the spot. I was expecting more with the rating it got (whatsup yelpers?!). Not an extra salty kinda guy, but everything needed more salt/flavor. Even the salsa to which I douced my burrito with. All I got was a spicy stomach.... This place has potential but they need to revamp 50% of the menu. read more

By far the best breakfast burritos in town!!!! We come back time and time again when we need our burrito fixed. Their salsa bar is delicious...and we're huge chips and salsa fanatics!!!! The food is reasonable priced. Although we haven't tried their Salvadorian side, the locals rave about their Pupusas and other menu options. We recommend this local spot to anyone hands down! ..... Update..... Since moving to San Diego, we fins ourselves driving up here just for the burritos. read more

I was out doing Saturday errands and decided to stop here and check it out. Actually i knew it would be good because the front door had a yelp sticker next to it. The burrito was amazing, pretty much exactly what I'm looking for in a chorizo and egg burrito. You get your choice of potatoes or beans as a filler... along with the chorizo, egg, and cheese. Rolled all together in the soft warm flour tortilla, and you have breakfast burrito perfection. I tried a few of their salsa and they were good.. maybe made in house? Hands down my favorite chorizo and egg burrito yet. I will defiantly come back to check out the rest of their food. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and the waitress was very nice. I disagree with robs comment, the other sister is nicer ;) read more

This place has been my fave for a few years. The papusas are made to order and delicious! They advertise menudo on the weekend. Unfortunately it was disappointing; no flavor at all! They need to stick to what they do best papusas! The prices are reasonable and the portions are satisfying! read more

El Chinaco - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had pupusas and torta cubano. Pupusas are fine to me, granted I have extremely limited experience but prefer a different spot. The torta is a munchie delight kind of endevour. Solid meat ratio of fillingness but in the end its not really the best sandwich I've ever had kind of thing. IMO read more

This place was super yummy and great service Love their red sauce and Esp the fermented veges Can't go wrong here !!! The lady who looked like she was in charge making the food was so nice too Thank u for your service ... read more

The food is good but overpriced they do not tell you prices have gone up. Prices on their board are not what they charge you.. beware!!! The girl at the cashier is rude and have been there twice both times very rude!!!They Need to have that can speak and understand English not just Spanish read more

I was craving pupusas and came across this restaurant. I noticed there was a sign that said pupusa take 20-30min so instead I ordered tacos and my boyfriend ordered a burrito. The wait was 28 minutes to be exact. The horchata was watered down. The tacos were subpar. The chips were stale, not salted, and were crumbs. Also, the salsa was so watery, there was no kick to it at all. I thought this was gonna be a good place to eat but from what I had, I don't think I want to try their pupusas. I don't normally write reviews but this called for a review. read more

Tasty tasty pupusas. Eat them fresh right after ordering, when they're at their tasty best. We tried the pork and cheese pupusas, the pork pupusas, and pork tamales. For two of us three pupusas and two tamales was a good amount of food- not enough to make you seriously full, but the healthy I-feel-like-I-shouldn't-eat-anymore full. I liked the pork pupusas a lot more than the pork and cheese, not an ideal ratio of pork and cheese to me. The tamales were amazing as well. Cheap, delicious food, very casual family friendly atmosphere, and cold beers and jaritos. read more

I had a bad craving for pupasa's one day. I just had to have it for some reason. This place came highly recommended. I checked out the reviews and ordered a shit load of pupasas. One of the best pupasas i've ever had. I ordered some cheese pupasas and pork pupasas. I highly recommend both. The slaw was phenomenal. The salsa rocked. The pupasas were soft and tender loaded with flavor. This place is located on a corner street. Only parking is in the rear. Hard to see at night. Reasonably priced for good Salvadorean food. What are you waiting for? Get your pupasas on! read more

No matter where we live in OC, we find excuses to make the drive out here. Their food is classic, delicious, and we order the cheese pupusas by the half dozen because they're that amazing! Pastelitos and Carne Asada burritos are our other regular orders. Can't go wrong w anything on the menu! The customer service is reliable and friendly. This isn't a fast food restaurant, so expect a bit of a wait that is well worth your time OR call in your order in advance. **If you come here more than once, don't forget to get the Belly customer loyalty card. read more

Come here for the pupusas and only the pupusas. Stay away from the cole slaw though it is not what you are looking for, parking can be limited at times. read more

I spotted this place about 6 years while driving down 19th street and though I'd give it a try. I am so glad I did! It is way better than Albertos (or whatever they are calling it these days) that is further down the street. The pupusas are great! My favs are the pork&cheese. (revuelta). The carne asada tortas are very good too. They dont skimp on the carne asada and there is a decent amount of avocado. Be sure to grab one of the roasted jalapenos at the counter when you pick up your food, mmmm spicy with a hint of sweetness! read more

Get the pupusas....cheese and squash or cheese and pork. Call in your order ahead or be prepared to wait since they are made fresh and it takes about 10 minutes to grill them. The Salvadorean tamales are pretty big and have a different consistency than Mexican tamales...a little moister and soft maybe? The Mexican food I've had here is okay, but not their strong point. read more

El Chinaco - Tres pupusas - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

My gf and I stumbled across this place one night when the line was waaay too long at Taco Mesa. We ordered two combo dishes: one with the pork tamales and the other with chicken taquitos. We were both impressed with the size of the two entrees; the taquitos were packed like a huge cuban cigar. The tamales were wrapped in banana leaf, which made the tasty masa very moist- just the way it should be. We finished the meal off with the fried plantain banana balls that were filled with hardened milk, which had the consistency of mashed potatoes. Can't wait to check this place out again and try their pupusas. read more

This is a nice little friendly place. I had a craving for pupusas, and I am lucky to find one so nearby. They are not what I can get in South Central, but for O.C., they were pretty good, and the facility was clean. They get 4 stars for pupusas. I had nachos. Don't order it. It was more of a ballpark Velveeta nachos. read more

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We travelled all the way from Palm Springs just to have their famous pupusas. They were delicious!

This place is great and the people are very friendly due to the fact that most Spanish derived cultures are more family oriented and about love, unlike non-culturized sturn American Society. Great place with great food, highly recommend you try the "Torta Cubana". read more

El Chinaco - Torta Cubana, delicious but bad shot from myself. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Fresh made carrots in vinegar you know it's the real deal when everything is made fresh! read more

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The popusas are the best you can have here , just never the menudo it was the worst menudo i have tried in OC , the people who work there are always nice , salsas are good read more

The pupusas are delicious and so filling! I thought I needed 3 but you really only need 2 if you're hungry. The Aguas frescas are all fresh. My favorite is the horchata! read more

Bad customer service, I went there today, and got home when I realized they were pupusas missing, called and they responded, next time you check your food when you are here at restaurant, being a customer for many years, and after this will start looking for another place to go! read more

Worst experience ever never going there again they use the same rag to clean the stove unsanitary rude cashier . Mendez.

Amazing food and the service is outstanding! Chinaco tacos are a freakout. i love this place. read more

Okay, so I'm applying for a job in Costa Mesa and before going in to take a 100 question written exam, I decide to put something on my stomach so I can do good on the test. I see this place across the street from the Neighborhood Community Center and I go in for some tacos. So glad I went in there. The carne asada tacos were soooo good, NOT GREASY AT ALL and very filling. The salsa and chips just complimented the delicious tacos. Stephanie assisted me with her friendly and outgoing demeanor. I let her know if these tacos gave my pallet a smile, I would put a positive post on Yelp...so here you go Stephanie! I was suppose to go back and grab a few more tacos after my exam, but I just couldn't do it...there was no more room in my belly. I do look forward to going back on my follow up session (I passed the exam...yeah!!!). So El Chinaco and Stephanie...thank you for giving me another place to grub on delicious GREASE-FREE tacos, salsa, chips and a friendly atmosphere...all at a reasonable price!!! read more

Pupusas=heaven in your belly! The gal at the front ringing us up is also the cutest dang thing on earth, so friendly and so sweet. We also had a tamale and a veggie burrito, but they won the award with the delightful tortilla filled with deliciousness. read more

I like most of the food here. My favorites are: 1) pupusas (they make them fresh when you order, so takes 20 minutes) 2) salvadorean tamales (they are very tasty, and fresh) 3) Horchatas (authentic) 4) Their roasted tomatoes salsa. (busting with flavor) haven't tried other stuff but it looks pretty decent. read more

My husband and I with kids went to El Chinaco Restaurant and we all ordered different plates. Everything we had was delicious! I had the popusas with beans and the chicarron both were awesome! We are definately planning on going back!!! I highly recommend it! read more

This place was delicious...salivating! I would totally recommend this place. The only reason why it didn't score a 5 was because I had to order at the cashiers box while people were ordering food to go. read more

I love El Chinaco. Best popusas ever.! Their food is high quality and their salsa bar is always clean.

I like ordering online here during lunch. The salsa bar is great. Good customer service too.