Friendly staff, food served within minutes-piping hot and delicious! Had cheese quesadillas with fresh guacamole! It was crispy with lots of melted cheese! Ate inside but there were beautiful sunflowers out our window! read more

Definitely bagged chips and store bought salsa. The food was fair enough, not great but not awful like some of the reviews. I got the carne asada burrito wet. Food was somewhat bland. The dark red sauce was a bit on the salty side for me. The place itself is in a great area but hasn't been refreshed since the 80's. It's not dirty inside or ran down but just old and dingy looking. Lastly, they got you here, where else you gonna go if you don't know the area. $23 for an average sized and below average tasting burrito. read more

We walked in and waited for over 10 minutes without anyone acknowledging us. Two guest were already waiting when we arrived, and two more came in after us. Employees repeatedly walked past without acknowledging anyone. A couple who arrived after us was eventually taken inside and seated without anyone asking who had been waiting first. There were no tables left inside, so we were seated in what appeared to be an outdated indoor sunroom area. After waiting even longer, another employee finally came over to take our order. While we were waiting, we noticed at least two other families standing around for 10-15 minutes, also being completely ignored by the staff. One family eventually became so frustrated that they left. The entire experience was uncomfortable and honestly embarrassing. The service gave us the impression that the staff simply didn't care about their customers or about providing even basic hospitality. The shrimp cocktail was also extremely disappointing. It was about half the size of a typical shrimp cocktail you'd get elsewhere, yet the price was comparable. First impressions matter, and unfortunately, this restaurant made a very poor one. Based on our experience, I would not dine here again and would encourage others to think twice before choosing this restaurant. One star is the lowest, I would give no starts if I could. read more

We had a friendly greeting and prompt service. Beautiful view of the sunflower garden and the ocean behind that. The food was delicious and the staff checked on us a few times during dinner. I highly recommend this little place. Check it out! read more

See all

A busy weekend at the central coast brought us to this cute and quiet little spot. The food was good I loved my Chili Relleno and my husband enjoyed his Chike Colorado plate. Large portion sizes too. The burrito and nachos were huge! read more

See all

We dropped by for drinks and a light bite to end my husband's birthday trip since it was walking distance from our hotel. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with a friendly smile and given the option to sit anywhere. The building and decor are a tad bit weathered and aging, but anywhere you sat had such a stunning view of the ocean. We started off with chips and salsa, a margarita, Mexican Coke bottle, chicken enchilada, and carnitas taco. Although we were eating light, we were continuously checked up on throughout the evening, asking if the food was to our liking and refilling any drinks. My husband continued with a Sea Breeze drink which was his favorite for the night. Although it was a small meal, it was still flavorful and satisfying! We ended our time there with the lemon ice cream with raspberries and wow, what a treat! What a wonderful way to end our trip! Special thanks to Derek and Rogelio for being so kind, friendly, and hospitable throughout our meal. You are the true stars are El Chorlito and we cannot wait to drop by again in the future! read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Lemon ice cream with raspberries - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

This place has really gone downhill. Lots of flies and overpriced. The salsa is strange. The waitress was helpful but I didn't appreciate getting charged additional for tortillas for a meal that normally comes with it at every Mexican place I have eaten at at over the last 50 yrs. read more

We had the place to ourselves for our early dinner and I have no idea why! The place is fantastic from the food to the views and everything in between! We were greeted right away with a genuine smile and welcome, sat outside on a gorgeous afternoon and were immediately offered drinks. The Skinny Margarita's were perfect, light and refreshing without all the sweetness! We ordered the Taquito's appetizer and they came out quickly, hot, super crispy and loaded with tender beef. Our two combination plates came out shortly after and were piping hot. I've never had such thick, rich enchilada sauce, packed with flavor and absolutely delicious! The crispy taco was fried fresh to order and oh so crispy, chocked full of the most tender pork. I got too full too fast so had to take the delicious rice home for later! Definitely a 5 star experience all around! read more

See all

Be warned, this restaurant added extra money to the tip on the bill after I had already generously tipped and signed my name. Check credit card statements and be careful dining here. I've been coming here for 15 years but will no longer be returning after this. read more

The food and service was good and authentic. We went for lunch h and everything was fresh, hot and tasty. The fish enchiladas are top notch, but if you order the vegetarian fajita burrito, make sure they include the tofu. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - On the west Paddock, overlooking the Pacific - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

First off after driving several hours to get up the coast we were tired and hungry And pretty close to the Sea Breeze Inn. The Ambiance is slightly dated and worn and I think there under new management. The inside seating were the worst no padding left on the hard worn out cushions in the booths and chairs very uncomfortable. Ok those were the negatives. So I ordered the Carnita plate with corn tortillas it also came with rice & beans, Pico de Gallo but No Gauamole. Tasty Carnitas tender and moist the tortillas were old and hard. The wife ordered the Chicken flautas which She thought were delicious moist and on a larger size. The price were consistent with the prices everywhere these days. The service was ok both dishes were about $49 with No beverages just water and the portions were excellent. Also chips were OK but they had the smallest salsa bowl I have in and Mexican Restaurant. So I will include 2 pictures of our dishes. We may be back after they reupholster the chairs and booths with more padding on our next trip up the Beautiful Pacific Coast Hwy SR1. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Carnita Plate was delicious - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

See all

We had lunch together on a Thursday. It seemed like a slow day, and we were seated with a great view. We ordered a chicken taco salad and a cheese enchilada. Both dishes had nice portions and were tasty. The decor was nice, and the service was excellent. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Hearst Zebra - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

See all

We have been coming here for many, many years! Today was the worst. I had an enchilada and the sauce was a bit salty and tasted like Molé. When we got the bill they had automatically added an 18% gratuity. A $72 bill was now $94. When we questioned the serve/owner she said she had to pay her staff. While unbeknownst to her, we would've tipped more than 18%. The staff were attentive and nice. We wouldn't be coming back here anymore. We will patronize the other restaurants in this area. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

We tried this place out for dinner. It was a little pricey but pretty good... I ordered the enchilada plate... I thought it would come with two enchiladas but it only came with one. It was delicious and also came with rice and beans... the hubby ordered an asada burrito... this burrito came with a red sauce that he just cannot stop talking about. This burrito was huge! We ordered a chicken tenders plate for our son it came with 5 chicken tenders and some French fries... he loved it! For a drink I had a Margarita... it was very strong but isn't that a good thing? When it was time to pay. Overall it was a good experience read more

See all

Do not recommend at all. Food was not good. Seems they go to Costco and buy their food there just defrost it. Service was horrible no politeness or anything. read more

Spent Valentines lunch here with my husband. Many aspects of our visit was poor at best. First we were placed at a table right in front of the register and received little assistance. When someone finally came to offer drinks then order food were the only times we were assisted. The salsa give was definitely from a can. Flavor was rather horrible. Worst part... we had to micheladas and a modelo. Then we received the bill and was charged for 3 modelo's and 2 micheladas. I was so confused so had to ask for clarification. They explained that for michelada it's the cost of the beer plus total separate charge for michelada. Which, by the way consisted of a dash of clamato and lemon along with tajin on the rim! I guess at this point explaining to me how that makes sense would be going in endless circles. To eat we had simple cheese quesadilla since we just wanted to go for a drink and snack after traveling all morning and wanted to have a hearty appetite for dinner. It was actually OK. Ambiance was rather all over the place. Walking in had a bit of feel of Latin vibe but getting to seating area felt more like a deli. Overall our experience was poor and we would not be returning to this restaurant. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

Don't let first impressions fool you here. Yes, when you walk in, it may look a little dated. You may be worried that it looks like only one person is taking care of the whole dining room. But do you go to a restaurant for the wallpaper? I don't. What you'll find if you give this place a chance is that one person taking care of the room busts their ass and gets the job done, and the food is DELISIOUS!! I had a macho burrito that was the best piece of food I've had this year. It was also huge. I may not have to eat again for three days. My wife had fish tacos which we're among the best I've ever tasted. If the most important thing to you when you go out to eat is that your taste buds and tummy will leave happy, then this is your place. If, on the other hand, you like to see cute things on the wall, then maybe Chili's is for you. read more

The food was absolutely delicious--this is the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to! I ordered the seafood combo for two, a beef burrito, and a soft taco, all served with generous sides like rice, soup, and beans. The portions were large and the prices very reasonable. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. This is a fantastic restaurant, and we'll definitely return the next time we visit San Simeon. read more

See all

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery was just okay, nothing outstanding. Signage - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=OuVDf9CaTHuUotcCHN5ubw Our order: Uno Combo Plate - Enchilada w/pork; chile relleno ($24.50) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=xAyMAWKVhtFbJY0r5OzW5A Coffee x2 ($7.50) Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=gkxIMzq2hzhAqobH48HRTw Total: $35 (+tip) It was a Thursday afternoon; AR & I had an hour and a half before our scheduled tour of Hearst Castle. We stopped by El Chorlito Mexican Eatery because it simply was there - and convenient. I ordered the pork enchilada and chile relleno combo for us to share since neither of us were very hungry. The presentation was nice, and the portion size, generous, but unfortunately, the taste didn't quite hit the mark for me. The pork enchilada itself was decent - tender pork with a decent cheese filling but the sauce was noticeably too salty, which really threw off the balance of flavors. The saltiness was distracting and made it hard to enjoy the dish as a whole. Pork enchilada detail - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=bFE94YHfdn-zlPIBrpw9lw The chile relleno had a good texture, with a nicely fried exterior and a mild filling, but it also suffered a bit from the overpowering sauce. Chile relleno detail - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=Gm-FVVY9ISAZRJevcuSgGQ However, the chips and salsa were good! Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ&select=5x5BrrcgaHpSEbSNm0gvtQ Service was friendly and the atmosphere casual and comfortable, making it a decent spot for a quick meal. However, with the sauce being too salty, the overall experience felt just average. El Chorlito Mexican Eatery presently has a three star rating and it's right on the money. If you're craving Mexican food and happen to be nearby, it's worth a shot but don't expect anything spectacular. As I've said in another yelp*view; like many spots in small tourist towns, the prices here felt a bit inflated for what you actually get. You're not paying for culinary creativity or memorable flavors - you're paying for proximity to your hotel and the ocean. It's the kind of place where convenience trumps everything else. Manage your expectations, enjoy the view, and know that you're mostly paying for convenience. After all, you're in San Simeon, where your choice of restaurants are limited. - Big Aloha! Overall rating: 3 Stars Food: 3 Service: 4 Ambiance: 3 Value: 3 read more

See all

We stopped here before camping overnight. Service was terrible, food was meh, atmosphere was tired. Only high point was the homemade salsa. Do not recommend. read more

People these days are apparently difficult to please? My husband and I were here in 2015 and thought it was great. Now 2024, I was very grateful I and my sidekick pup could visit again. It's even nicer. Sat at the gorgeous outdoor patio and enjoyed a lovely meal and a glass of wine listening to waves crash along the coast. What's not to love?!? Solid pollo fajitas. Overall, it was a very enjoyable afternoon! read more

See all

wine margaritas. okay service. got nachos that weren't too hot. beautiful succulents in their garden. walking distance so so-so.

Really surprised by the mixed reviews, we loved this place. The ambiance is warm and friendly, casual and relaxed, and our server was lovely. The views are gorgeous! The food is not super fancy but it all tastes great. Especially dessert!! I would recommend this place, especially because they're not a lot of other Mexican restaurants in the vicinity. read more

See all

This was a beautiful spot for a lunch after a Hearst Castle visit. The food was delicious and the service was very friendly. We came on a warm day and enjoyed the sun on the patio. The tilapia and kids enchiladas were the best enjoyed meals at our table! read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Menu - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

See all

Beware this restaurant is out here robbing people! They will make you buy water to use their bathroom and then go and charge you an insane amount of money. This was the most insane expensive bathroom I've ever had to use. I would never go here again! read more

See all

Driving down from Monterey Bay and stopped bc we were starving. Food was out so incredibly quickly and tasted AMAZING. I cannot stress how great the shredded beef is. Ambiance was amazing and the service was great too. I would definitely recommend this to anyone in the area looking for great Mexican food. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

The food taste is lower grade. The food cost is higher than normal. Inside the carpet is very worn. Outside the tables are very old and rusty. I would save my money and drive back down south to Moro Bay and go to Taco Temple read more

beautiful location but SO EXPENSIVE. a burrito, coke, and scoop of guac and sour cream came out to $33, minus tip. it wasn't even good enough to warrant that price. guac was not good. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

Great salsa and chips. The rest of our meal was luke cool at best, beans right out of a can?? bowl of tortilla soup was slim pickings with no tortillas and some kind of chicken sprinkled on top. Avoid. Sorry. read more

Delicious! My husband ordered the chimichanga, and it is delicious. This was the chilli verde. We often take road trips to this restaurant, and it is perfect every time! read more

We stopped for dinner last night on our way to San Francisco. The food was great: everything that needed to be fresh was fresh; everything that needed to be homemade was homemade. We ate soup and shrimp fajita, excellent shrimp. The atmosphere is nice, and the place smells good despite all the seafood they serve. The waitress was helpful and friendly. We wish we had this quality of Mexican restaurant closer to our home. read more

Lovely service. Good view of ocean. Average decent Mexican fare. Nothing special but met all our needs in a pinch. We did not want to drive far and it was perfect. read more

Staying at the hotel next door, we decided a nice walk across the way to this restaurant would be a good choice. As we approached the restaurant, three kitchen staff were outside fighting. One of them had some sort of metal pole and hit a nearby car with it while being restrained by other staff. They could have been playing as all 3 went inside within a minute, but it was not w welcoming sight. We were seated immediately, which was nice, considering within 10mins a queue of guests started to form and had to wait. We then had the "privilege" of spending the first 15mins of our visit watching and listening to two employees arguing over tips and wages right in front of us. It was distracting and extremely unprofessional. We sat there eating chips and salsa and "watching the show". This restaurant had a whole section blocked off that they could have gone to and used for this employee issue. Finally the female employee swore and said she was quitting. Just bizarre! Food was really good, no fault there, which is why I'm applying at least 3 stars. The flavor of the taco shell was perfect. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

See all

Right when we walked in it didn't feel friendly. Because we had dogs we were seated outside where they are nonstop heaters but the restaurant is pet friendly?? No menudo even though that's the reason I came here :/ Shouldn't have assumed I could trust 3+ year old yelp pics lol They don't have diet soda or any kind. I'm assuming no soda machine because they only offered bottled beverages. That's a huge disappointment. The enchilada dinner only comes with ONE enchilada for the price of $23 you'd think you'd get a little more than that. Lol that's a bit of a joke. I ordered the number 4 combo meal which came with a tamale and an enchilada....i was given the wrong kind of tamale. And the cheese enchilada is just cheese inside of a tortilla ...not an enchilada at all. Save yourself the headache and spend your hard earned money elsewhere. read more

So good! You can't beat the view from the back patio. Food was great and fairly priced. Service was top notch and they were attentive but not annoying. The margaritas were great. That view though, the garden, the water, it's gorgeous! I'm hoping they will cater my wedding next year! read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - The view - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

Been coming for years and still love it. The service is great, location perfect and newexico enchiladas delish. Appreciate this place always

I'm not sure what happened to this place but I kind of went downhill. Salsa tasted like jared salsa. No flavor. Taquitos also had absolutely no flavor. I was a little sad, this use to be our go to spot, but nothing seemed fresh anymore. Servers were friendly. read more

My wife and I met our good friends at El Chorlito a few years back. They knew of the restaurant's food and we were happy to try it. It didn't disappoint. I thought that I had reviewed the establishment at that time but I hadn't. We were meeting our friends there again this evening and I thought to check the latest reviews. Some of the reviews weren't very positive but I didn't let that influence our decision to dine there. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the place was busy and the staff of two hustling to accommodate everyone inside and out on the sunlit patio. I ordered the chili verde with rice and beans as did the wife of our friend. He ordered carnitas and my wife had the chili relleno. We were all satisfied and pleased with our meals as we were several years ago. This is New Mexico style cooking and their chili verde is exactly how my grandmother made it. She lived most of her youth in New Mexico so that is why this chili verde is so familiar to me. It's not spicy but flavorful. Their rice is good but their beans are delicious and just like Nana's. This restaurant is a place to gather and enjoy good food. I don't need music blaring to make me enjoy the food. We were able to dine and have a great conversation. I'm glad that El Chorlito continues to serve good food and drink and we will be back. read more

El Chorlito Mexican Eatery - Chili relleno plate. - Mexican Near Me - San Simeon, California

See all

I should have trusted all the negative reviews. The hostess was extremely friendly and helpful and the beer was good, so no one star review. The music was Mexican and the walls were dark blue. The waiter was quiet and did his job. But to call this food Mexican? I have never eaten such bland food. We had two varieties of fajitas and they were the worst we've ever had by far, including chains like Chili's. The cook needs to learn to add some zest and spice and flavor. If you're hungry and don't care about flavor then this might be the place for you. read more

Stayed in San Simeon and El Chorlito was walking distance from our hotel. It is also one of the few restaurants in the area and you'd have to drive 10-15 minutes out to get to anywhere else. The restaurant itself is in such a beautiful spot. You can see the ocean from inside and the way everything is decorated is very homey and nice. The servers and waiters were all so nice as well. There was a girl being trained with who I am assuming was the manager and he was so patient and kind to her and to us. We ordered to go since we wanted to rest up in our room after a long day and got the pollo con mole enchilada plate and the beef chimichanga. The pollo con mole enchilada came with two enchiladas with mole sauce, rice and beans. The mole sauce was ok and not as flavorful as I've had at other places but was tasty enough with the rice and beans. Could use another enchilada as the portion was a little small. The chimichanga, however, was absolutely delicious. It was a monster of a burrito filled with beans, cheese, stewed shredded beef and topped with sour cream and guacamole. It's fried so it was super hot even though we trekked back to our room with it. Also they give you a huge bag of chips and some salsa! The prices are to be expected being one of the only restaurants in the area but it was tasty and comforting and put us right to sleep hehe read more