All Cilantro is one of the better quick Mexican spots I've tried, and I go to a lot of small takeout places. The restaurant was clean, the staff was friendly, and the service was quick. Most importantly, the food was really good--everything was fresh and tasty. The El Matador tacos are a must-try and definitely worth coming back for. Overall, a solid spot that I'd recommend. read more

How are you going to charge $1.50 more for LESS food?!?! I used to pay a $1 for delicious tacos with the works - onion, cilantro, lime, guac. They're now $2.50 which isn't that expensive all things considered BUT they cut the guac and the lime. I ordered the same meal I usually do and got tortilla, meat, onion on half the tacos, and way too much cilantro. The service has always been a bit lacking but it's also gotten significantly worse. The women working do NOT want to work and act like YOU are an inconvenience by existing let alone being a paying customer. I probably would've rated this 5 stars a year ago because the tacos are good, it's close to home, and had decent pricing so I could over look the service. Unfortunately, this place has gone way down hill. Like others have said, there's too many other taco shops to put up with the BS anymore. read more

Taco Tuesday might actually be the best day of the week. In San Diego, where everyone claims to have the best Mexican food, it almost feels required to spend Tuesday finding the best tacos deals. I have been on the hunt for Taco Tuesday spots that balance price, quality, and flavor, and this might be the cheapest one I have found so far. We are talking 99 cent tacos. The meats included in the deal were al pastor, carnitas, pollo, buche, and cabeza. Carne asada tacos were $2.45 and lengua tacos were $2.95, which is still very reasonable. At most taco shops you are paying close to $4 for lengua alone. These are TJ style mini tacos but the amount of meat they give you is actually generous. It was busy in here. Nonstop traffic. They also have a drive thru which helps keep the inside from getting too crowded. There is some seating inside and a small patio outside. The place was not exactly clean but it did not feel dirty either. It looked more like the staff just had not had time to tidy up. The bathroom was a different story. Super disgusting. As if they haven't cleaned it in a week. I think McDonald's is cleaner. There was no sign advertising the 99 cent tacos but you can see it on the receipt. Trust me. The salsa area was rough though. The red salsa was completely empty and never refilled while we were there. Instead of a salsa bar they use squeeze bottles for small cups. Only salsa verde was available along with limes and pickled carrots. That whole area looked messy. We ordered a spread to try everything: al pastor, carnitas, buche, cabeza, lengua, carne asada, and a horchata. Our name was called for the order but the horchata was missing. We waited another 10 minutes for it because no one at the counter was free to help. A little frustrating since the rest of the food was already ready. Al Pastor This one surprised me the most. Super juicy and not dry at all. Not the cheap finely chopped al pastor you sometimes see during Taco Tuesday. These were real slices cut from a chunk of meat and the pieces were big. It also came with a little guacamole which was a nice touch. Easily one of the best tacos we tried. Carne Asada A little disappointing. Salty and a bit dry and chewy. I could see it working better on carne asada fries where other toppings balance it out, but as a taco it was not good. Carnitas Really good. Finely pulled and very flavorful. You honestly would not even need salsa. The only downside was the salt which seemed to be a theme with some of the meats. Sodium overload!!! Buche Great flavor but the texture was tough. It felt like it needed more cooking time because it was firm instead of tender. Kinda of like a jerky texture out the outside. Cabeza My standout taco. I usually skip cabeza because it can taste gamey, but this one was delicious. Super tender with a rich stewed beef flavor. It was definitely greasy which probably helped the flavor, though after a few tacos it might feel heavy. Lengua Texture was great and the pieces were big, but it lacked flavor. Usually you taste aromatics like bay leaf and onion in lengua. This one felt plain and salsa kind of took over the flavor. Horchata Unfortunately this was the worst part. I honestly could not drink it. It tasted like a birthday candle that had been burning way too long. You know that smoky birthday cake candle smell? Somehow that exact scent is what the drink tasted like. Very artificial and chemical tasting. Overall this is definitely a Taco Tuesday spot worth visiting if you are nearby. It gets busy, but it is hard to beat 99 cent tacos with this many meat options. The al pastor and cabeza were the standouts for me and I would come back for those. The carnitas were solid too. Everything else was a little mid, but at that price it is still hard to complain read more

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As a first-time reviewer of El Cilantro, I have to say this visit was pretty disappointing overall. I ordered birria tacos and al pastor tacos, but the order came out incorrect. The drive-thru line was also busy, and I ended up waiting about 30-45 minutes before receiving my food. By the time it was ready, everything was served cold. It looked like only a young girl and one guy were working, which may explain the slow service, but the experience was still frustrating given the wait time. From a food standpoint, the seasoning across the board was off and didn't feel well balanced or properly executed. The al pastor tacos were very disappointing and lacked quality. The birria tacos also seemed off, almost like canned ingredients may have been used, and the tortillas were soggy and cold. The pickled carrots were very bitter and hard to enjoy, and even the horchata tasted watered down and lacked flavor. Overall, the quality and consistency just weren't there during my visit. Based on this first impression, I likely won't be returning. read more

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Ordered a California burrito and it has to be the worse I've ever had in San Diego. There was very few pieces of meat. The second half of burrito had three little slices of meat. I know because the first half was so bad that I just unwrapped it and counted the meat. Would not comeback here again. read more

9 times out of 10 they get my order wrong. I've tried to look past it but it's to the point that I'm concerned about their lack of common sense. It's also pretty off-putting that when they get my order wrong the cashier chick gets excited and says she gets to eat my order that was made wrong. Today was the last straw. My order was supposed to be free because of the last visit where they messed up... and now they messed it up AGAIN and literally all I wanted was onions+cilantro on the side and they put pico on the entire meal... pico doesn't even come with it ‍ . It's really not that hard. read more

So, we've been coming here for several years and this will be our last experience here as the food was absolutely bad! We ordered a carne asada burrito and a shrimp burrito. The carne asada burrito was filled with rice and beans and lettuce and a small portion of carne asada that was hardly noticeable! To make it worse, the meat was very salty and not seasoned properly. I can't remember ever having a carne asada burrito with rice and lettuce in it! The shrimp burrito was just as bad! It also had a ton of dried rice and very little shrimp with no taste in it. We also noticed that they only have one size drink of 20oz. They either hired a new cook or a new owner has taken over...we liked coming here but too many choices in Mexican restaurants to have one bad experience. Sad :( read more

The service was so pleasant really nice girls. The food was some of the best carnitas, beans and tortilla it was so delish. Really fresh the entire meal and it was served fast for a holiday weekend ! We ate it to fast to get a great photo! read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Carnitas plate - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Overall, I'd rate this place a 2.5 out 5 for San Diego. I've been here a few times and they never give you lime or salsa with your order. Salsa is lacking and taste like they make it with canned tomato sauce. Tacos are okay, Cabeza was decent but not consistent with the meat per taco. Great price on Taco Tuesday but that's about it. read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Tacos de cabeza - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I stopped by for dinner tonight and it was a little less appetizing. I typically order the tacos only because I really like them and they are affordable but this time, I also ordered the churros and a side of fries. The fries were extra crispy (not in a good way) and almost inedible (too hard to eat). The churros were dry and the tacos almost had no guacamole on them. I come here a lot so I understand that everyone has their off days, but I just feel like I wasted money this time. :( read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Side Order of Fries - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Rude cashier and terrible service I came in today and got a dirty look and attitude from the cashier with blonde/ brown hair. She was even being rude to the customer in front of me smh read more

Tried this place for the first time. Everything I ordered was delicious. service was great. Highly recommend

Good solid taco shop. Good flavor from fresh ingredients. I love the "help your self "extras. The service is very friendly and that is good because they're very slow getting orders out. What I really like about this place is that they have Original Flavor and style! So yes this restaurant is worth your time and money read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - My Boys - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Order some chicken buffalo fries !!!..... but they should named them cut up chicken nuggets and fries with just an little little bit of ranch and buffalo sauce on them totally not worth the $16dls we paid for them really bad not the best flavor either.. read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - "Chicken buffalo fries" they should be called chicken nuggets cut up fries - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Tacos are trash! Got overcharged? But they have no flavor and the people are very rude with attitudes! Try a different one read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Hard taco shell?! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

I would hate to give this place a one star it seemed like as soon though no owner stick over the cashiers are unprofessional always busy on the phone when a customer comes. They took a while to serve customers and it's been happening the last 34 times and they got my order wrong couple times I didn't say nothing about it. The second time they didn't complained the cashier. She didn't even say nothing about it. She shouldn't even apologize but what topped it off yesterday I was there around 10:57 last night and I handed money to the cashier. She gave my change back instead of putting in my hands the way I did she put it on the counter like you got your money and walked away from me and took her phone out of her pocket stop playing with her phone. That is a sign of disrespect and the right way she wouldn't sit down on a chair playing with her phone that is unprofessional. I hope the owner step up take responsibility and teach these young ladies the duties because he's gonna lose a lot of customers well sad to say he just loves me and I'll go to the dame there every day read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - This is the receipt just in case if the management wanna check the cameras - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Comí aquí y mi familia pidió tacos de adobada que no tenían sabor. El arroz estaba durísimo. Se notaba que probablemente eran sobras y los frijoles estaban cubiertos de grasa. ate here my family ordered adobada tacos didnt have flavor. The rice was extremely hard. You can tell it was probably just leftover and the beans were covered with grease. read more

Absolutely disgusting!!! Spent $96 on some bean and cheese burritos (asked for rice in there), 2 sides of fries, fish burrito, and shrimp fries. Most burritos had zero rice, one had a piece of plastic in it, only gave us one side of French fries, and the fish burrito had barely any fish. Even the bean and cheese burritos tasted odd and the girls attitude at the window was pretty stale. She was acting like giving us some hot sauce was some huge production. Even though we live close by, never again! read more

I truly enjoy visiting this place for a late dinner. The employees are consistently pleasant, the food is genuinely authentic, and the ambiance is quite agreeable. read more

***LEMON GROVE LOCATION*** This is our 2nd time visiting El Cilantro in Lemon Grove grand opening. Located right next to Mariscos & a smoke shop. It's the little strip right off the hwy 94 E exit college Ave exit on your right. There's a Yum yum donuts & Hinta Japanese restaurant as well. The food & drinks are basic like bar food not bad though. Good drinks & there's a also live bands some nights, like tonight 9/30. Fight was playing on the TV. The cost of the food is reasonable as with the drinks. Full house but if you just want food can order to go at counter near the entrance. Art decor on the walls is beautiful. The place is clean. Downside is the parking in this mall can be pretty scarce & tight. However, twice I found good spots not too far from the restaurant. Service is pleasant most of the ladies seem very nice. With the exception of one. read more

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I never leave reviews but when I do I really mean it.. they charge 17,69 for a carne asada fries that comes half empty literally 10 bites and I'm done I wasn't even full and when I asked the cashier specifically to take care of my plate because I'm feeling a bit hungry and tipped her they should at least look out. That's almost 20$ and I'm half stomach rn read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - If I ordered carne asada why am I getting pork in there ? That's insane man - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

La comida esta horrible y apesta ese lugar por problemas de la tuberías . Y el menudo te ponen mas maíz que menudo todo lo que pidas save mal.. read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food was very good but the service was awful. There is a very rude girl who works on Thursday night. Just horrible. We asked her if she could clean the table. She came by with the cleaner and towel in hand and said, no, the table is clean and walked away. She needs another place to work. read more

Food quality went down, meat tasted old and oily and greasy. Cashier didn't know basic math gave incorrect money back and got an attitude about her own mistake. Supervisor/cook didn't even know basic math, couldnt remember what change and money was given and input wrong. Held food and asked to give back my money to verify there wrong. Once they figured out they were wrong still gave back wrong amount plus more money in return bundled money up n very rude returning money, I gave back extra money, she must not know about balancing register at end of shift. I wouldn't recommend this place anymore. No apologies for being wrong and food quality not good female only cared about appearance than knowing how to treat customer. read more

I used to really like this place. Was surprised when i pulled up, menu looked a little different and cashier was a little rude but no big deal. Got some tacos and they were not good, meat had no flavor, tortillas were dry and overcooked, too much guac, on top of that no napkins and 1 hot sauce. ​ read more

I like their salsa and great for parties or get togethers the way they pack their tacos individually.

This place used to be my fav; it's been 6 months since I visited this establishment the last time and had realized they raised up the price on everything so badly- for instance, carne asada fries used to be $9.99 and now it's $14.99. Dang, $5 difference is insane:/ Tacos used to be $.99 but now $1.99. Still very economical but the quality has gone down I feel like. Service is always great- also the restaurant is always kept super clean. No AC though so it can get hot as FU**. I don't think I'll be going back, unless I'm in the area :( read more

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Horrible. Did not have fish tacos which they advertise. Paid $18 for shrimp nachos. Had about 6 tiny shrimp. Did not add beans. A huge pile of hard chips with cheese and sour cream. This place is a rip off. read more

It was my first time here, I did not know what to choose based off the large variety menu, the cashier itsel helped me out alot and was very nice. I went with the adobada tacos and they were pretty tasty. read more

Worst customer service ever! First they mess up my order and when I called the lady from the front desk she admitted the coworker gave out the wrong order so they sent somebody to deliver the correct order, at this time it's about to be midnight and the food hasn't arrived I called back and they get upset with me because they didn't have my number to call me once they were onsite. Mind you they are upset because they messed up my order and didn't come prepared. Such a lack of communication with their staff and customers! Highly disappointing service, they had a terrible attitude towards my son and i. They need better management and supervision at this location , first and last time I ever get anything here. Don't recommend. read more

great food excellent service the cashier was a great person I will 100% recommend this restaurant to my friend and family read more

3 tiny cold tacos 30+ minute wait tattoo girl in there is VERY rude she doesn't even know what day it is this taco shop sucks !!! Don't waste your time here you will be there a hour for shitty tacos shitty service and shitty attitude beware !!!!!! read more

Very bad costumer service by drive thru cashier I believe her name joselyn, was very rude when ordering, rude when i asked for one more salsa, this worker gives a bad reputation to cilantros in El Cajon. read more

I love Mexican food, this restaurant has the best food, specially Carne Asada, I highly recommend this restaurant, excellent food and great service read more

Worst rolled tacos ever! They were excessively covered with cheese and sour cream, they were soggy, had no flavor and hardly any meat. I also ordered a side of beans, they were salty and runny. For such a simple Mexican dish, I was surprised and disappointed. The staff was friendly, but I went there for some good food and unfortunately I did not get that :( read more

2 stars because the Al Pastor was tasty. Don't get the Agua de Piña, it looks radioactive (see pic). Definitely not natural. Service was bad. Took over 20mins with one car in front of us in the drive thru. Woman at the window, didn't greet us, stared at me when I asked if they have Apple Pay (apparently I was supposed to somehow know that I had to give her my cell phone to carry to the register inside)...With all the competition, it's inconceivable to me how the ownership is not more concerned about the pattern of terrible service here. read more

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Bomb! The Carne Asada Plate Is Fire!!!! Make Sure To Try It!!! Make Sure To Come Try Out!!! read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - Carne Asada Combo - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

This place used to be good but it is terrible now. They had burnt bits from the grill in my food. Took about 15 mins for a drive thru carne asada chips. Won't be coming back here. read more

Came here multiple times, every-time I come and get carna asada fries it's always soggy, I always see this place being busy only because they have hot females that work there, not very professional with how they dress, the food is not good would not recommend!! read more

Literally the WORST customer service! Food is okay at best! They have messed up my orders consistently but I kept going back for convenience. I will NOT be going back this time for the way the girl handled my call politely asking her why my carne asada plate that costed $15.99 only had meat rice and beans! No tortillas (which I had to remind her of), no guacamole, no lettuce and no pico! She literally hung up on me and when I called back she said "I don't have time for you, we are too busy!" Now, this is not the first time they have given me a sad looking carne asada plate missing ALL SIDES! My daughter always asks for pico on the side and we end up with NO SIDES AT ALL!!! This time I decided to write this review because when I called to let them know of their mistake the girl was so incredibly rude and did not even try to rectify the mistake! Instead she said I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR YOU!!! So done with this place! Trash customer service and not to mention the meat/food quality has gone down significantly as you can see in my photo! That meat tasted worse than it looks! read more

El Cilantro Mexican Grill - I paid $15.99 for THIS AND ONLY THIS!!! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California