I rarely give a five star rating but there was something about this spot that healed my inner child. This spot is located going into tower district and is easily missed as I drove past it and didn't realize I missed my turn. I parked out in the street and encountered the usual street peeps. Honestly this spot gives real life venue from Mexico, the decor gives my tias house. If you're Mexican you know that one tia that had Santos in every corner .. well this is our tia! The lovely ladies that were our servers were so cute and welcoming. It melts my frozen heart First. They had menudo on the menu during the week, which is unheard of.... Already bonus points there, but it was pretty darn tasty... second, they make hand made corn tortillas. I mean, it don't get better than that. I dipped my homemade tortilla in their hot chili oil and ate my menudo, happy as can be, pretending I was in Mexico and not Fresno lol . Hold on to your chonies because they are on the dash .... So if you can't or don't want to go in, click those buttons to have it sent your way! read more

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Homemade corn tortillas and the food is delicious! They charge for chips and salsa. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Mojarra - comes with beans, rice and choice of tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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This place was recommended by friends. We went today for brunch. It was a huge mistake. My husband wanted to try their menudo. He loves that. It was not what we expected. I ordered a burrito that was so dry it was sad. I will not be going there again. It's a shame. read more

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This is my first time here. I had Carnitas burrito and it was amazing. The service was great and the place was packed for lunch. This will be my new spot for authentic Mexican food! Looking forward to my next visit! read more

El Cochinito Contento - This is out front of the restaurant. - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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QUE ASCO DE LUGAR!!!! 40 min esperando comida, Cuando pedimos un agua de horchata que básicamente era puro arroz molido al fondo y se veía súper mal , y sabía asqueroso así que decidimos regresarla (de la boca al vaso con saliva obvio). Lo que más me sorprendió fue que la señora que estaba cobrando quiero pensar que era la dueña cuando le regrese yo personalmente el agua fue ella directamente al contenedor de horchata con toda la demás agua mixteandolo para revenderlo.Ella vio que yo la miré y se puso nerviosa porque la estaba viendo hacer eso y no supo que decirme sólo me fui a mi mesa para agarrar mis cosas e irme! Me pareció muy antihigiénico porque esa agua ya estaba contaminada obviamente son residuos de nosotros los clientes. Si hacen eso con las bebidas, no quiero imaginar cómo manejan la comida si también regresan la comida y revenderla. La atención al cliente igual muy mal la mesera llevo bebidas y jamás regreso. Muy decepcionante, nunca regresamos! read more

El Cochinito Contento - Una de las horchatas que pedimos - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

Delicious!!! My son and I got chili Verde burrito. The chili Verde was done perfect. It was not overly spicy the meat was tender and delicious. It is definitely worth going further West on Olive to eat. My wife had Asada Sope she said it was delicious. I got a Carnitas chimichanga comes with beans and rice. The meat is tender and smoky delicious. The beans and rice was fresh and delicious. Much better then Bobbie's for sure. We got ours to go so I don't know about eating there but it seems like it would be a good experience. The food was delicious so I know we will be back for more I definitely would like to try the carnitas!! read more

El Cochinito Contento - Oh so good Carnitas chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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My husband and I have eaten here once before a long while back and I remember it being good food which is why I bothered to give them any stars at all. I wish I could remember the specifics from that 1st visit, but really I came here to review because of our experience last night. A serious deal breaker for me is that we walked in at 7:00 pm on the dot, on a Friday night, and they refused to seat and serve us. They said they were already serving their last table and were not taking any more dine-ins. Online it says they close at 8:00 which we already thought was odd for a Friday night. It was only 7:00. I brought to the employees attention that it's posted as closing at 8:00 but he still stood his ground and refused to seat us. As a former restaurant manager here in California, I find this behavior seriously bad business. We don't do that here and it's a huge no-no. If your hours are posted to close at 8:00 pm, you take in coming guests until 8:00 pm and serve them. That is how it works and what is expected. If you want to close your kitchen or dining room at 7:00, like this restaurant did, then you need to be respectful to the community that wishes to dine there and post what you mean - In this case that was 7:00 pm not 8:00. It shouldn't be the guests responsibility to guess when you might feel like closing that night. People just won't come when you do that because they won't want to take the risk. Also, it's a Friday night in the Tower District of Fresno, CA. Restaurants typically close (take in coming guests) until 10:00-11:00 pm. Closing at 7:00 right in the middle of people's dinner time is just odd and as if this business doesn't care. I can say for certain, my husband and I will never go back there again. For the record, we left and went to Taco's Y Mariscos Tijuana on Blackstone instead. The restaurant was packed, service was great and food was delicious. Also, I'd like to note that people still kept coming in after us. As I said, dinner rush doesn't end at 7:00 pm on a Friday night. I cannot recommend El Cochinito Contento. Don't waste your time like we did. That was frustrating. read more

Clean place with good food and great service. I had the barbacoa and it was tender and tasty. Love the homemade corn tortillas. They have the best beans. I will return and I reccomend that you give it a try read more

This is one of my favorite spots for carnitas in town! Coming here feels like coming home- always welcomed warmly and our order is always remembered from shrimp tacos, to carnitas, to the chimichanga and the BEST beans in town- do not skip out on this place! read more

My husband and I have been dying to come to El Cochenito Contento (The happy little pig) for quite some time. I read from my friend, Lorraine that they had really good fried fish so my husband said let's go to dinner at El Cochenito since it is Friday during lent and we can't have meat. We've eaten at places that were popular and hyped up before and did not enjoy them so we honestly did not know what to expect. It is in a sketchier area of town for all the scared fancy pants, but honestly since buying our home, I've come to truly love all that Tower District has to offer. We got there after the dinner rush. Service- 5/5- Our cashier was sweet and bubbly. Ambiance- It looks like a small Mexican restaurant that has been here for decades which it has. Cute Saint Patrick's Day themed tree, an altar of Mary and just an overall hole in the wall vibe. Very clean. Food- 5/5 Chips and Salsa were good- I liked that it was chunky, had notes of citrus and a hint of spice. Husband got the fried tilapia with rice, beans and homemade flour tortillas. The tilapia was huge! Portions of rice and beans were good. Fish was tender and flavorful. Skin on it was beautiful. Every time my husband gets a fried fish dish, I tell him, my grandpa who has already passed always used to tell me you have to learn to cook fish for your future husband. I would tell my grandpa, I am not going to marry anyone that likes fish. I married the biggest seafood lover of all. When my husband has a fried fish dish, he gets nostalgic about my father in law who has already passed who used to take him camping in Huntington where his step grandpa who has also now passed would take him fishing. Another memory is of him camping at Morro Bay one time and him and his stepsisters got to choose a fish to cook at their camp site. Funny, how one dish can bring up so many memories for the both of us. I ordered the shrimp diablo and omg, the flavor of the Diablo sauce is the best I've ever had. The homemade tortillas were huge. A little thick for my preference, but doesn't make it any less delicious. Rice and beans were some of the best I've had. Shrimp was cooked to perfection. I've had shrimp diablo at Don Pepe, El Mariscos and El Patio and El Cochenito Contento is my favorite. I definitely will be returning! read more

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El Cochinito Contento has been around quite some time now, but the last time I visited I was still in elementary school. My partner and I had originally picked a different spot for dinner on this night but that place was closed so I Yelped the nearest place to get fried fish because for 1 I was hangry and for 2 we were fasting from all meat except seafood. Anywho, we arrived and upon opening of the door aromas of Mexican goodness entered my nostrils. We were really greeted, but overlooked it because they were busy; I even made a joke that usually when the service sucks it's because the food is good. Well I was right because the service was 5/10 but the food was 9/10. I wish I could have just recorded the when I devoured my fish because that alone would tell you how delicious is was. The diabla sauce was solid. It had the prefect heat and perfect consistency. It was definitely a sauce and fish to remember. Pricing is fair. Service gets a thumbs down. Location is sketchy at night, so be safe. read more

Came here on a recommendation. What stood out for me was the decor inside the establishment. Everything about this place just felt culturally right and you can feel it. The service from the staff was phenomenal. She was a very nice and sweet lady. As for the food hands-down, you have to try the Diablo shrimp...To me that was a 9/10. Also, the tortillas were amazing. Let's say their homemade tortillas are the best that I've had in my opinion. Will definitely come back whenever I'm in Fresno. read more

We ordered huevos rancheros and huevos con nopales and the food was not only authentic but super delicious. Chips and salsa was also tasty especially the pico de gallo which was very spicy. We also tried the habanero salsa which was also tasty. But, be careful the habanero salsa is extremely spicy. Overall I will be returning. read more

Absolutely love this place, my family has been coming here for years. If you want some real authentic Mexican food look no further read more

El Cochinito Contento - Chile Verde Special - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

Hands down our favorite basic Mexican restaurant in Fresno. Great food, good prices, and read more

El Cochinito Contento - The cute little pig on the mug is as happy as we are when we eat there! - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

Experience was great from start to finish! Ambiance is great, very vivid, fun decor. Our server was very nice and very attentive. Food, wow 10/10. I got a torta ahogada and it was the perfect amount of spice and portions were just right! The salsa here is incredible as well for the tacos and just chips. Definitely will be coming back!! read more

delicious Menudo and Birria with fresh hand made Tortillas. they have nice and friendly staff and whoever the chef is my regard. I believe Has delivery with Grub. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good and delicious homemade meal. Good music playing in the background makes it feel close to home. read more

El Cochinito Contento is a Mexican restaurant in the Tower District. It is a small, comfortable space to dine. The service is excellent. Very friendly and helpful. We ordered menudo. It is a traditional Mexican soup that is made with tripe, hominy, garlic, and red chile. It is a favorite and special soup in Mexican culture. I typically do not order menudo because I am very particular about how it is cooked. In my opinion, I do not like fat floating in the soup. Also when I make menudo I clean and remove fat from the tripe. It is traditionally served with fresh chopped onion, cilantro and lemon or lime. Depending on the chile that is used it can be very spicy (New Mexico Chile) or mild spicy (California Chile). I prefer California Chile. Sometimes I use half of each type of chile. It is often cooked with small pieces of pig feet. We ordered through Door Dash. The menudo arrived still hot and ready to eat. One special treat is the restaurant makes its own corn tortillas. (Make sure you order corn tortillas). They are delicious! We were very happy with the menudo. We can't wait to order it again. We have tried many other dishes at this restaurant. Everything has been excellent. It's a great place to eat Mexican food. Enjoy! read more

Overall I'm unfortunately rating only with 3 stars. Chips and salsa were not a complementary snack before the meal. The service was instant, not much of a wait time. There were two sizes a large bowl or small, well I decided to order a small thinking it will have enough but I was very much disappointed it was more water in the bowl then any food. The flavor was about the only part that made me pick 3 stars. Piece of pork meat that took most of the room. I left feeling unsatisfied. Not full and just pure disappointment, money wise, not worth it. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Posole Soup - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

I love supporting small owned businesses! This place is easy to miss but a hidden gem! Famous people have been here and it's a small hole in the wall. It's pretty quiet in here but they turned music on later. People started complaining about the level of music but it was a good level but whatever!? The service was average and the owners seemed sweet. I tried the quesobirrias and they were $2.75 I think. I tried one first and the server was suprised I only wanted one but I just wanted to make sure I liked them. Turns out they're so delicious! They let you add cilantro and onion in the amount you would like. I added all of it and some lemon. Best quesobirria tacos I have eaten in awhile. Thank you for the amazing service and food! read more

El Cochinito Contento - This is the seating and there's a small patio to sit outside. - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

Service was quick, people are friendly, food is delicious. My husband did say his chili rellano wasn't hot hot, but i think they premake them and keep them warm. It was still good imo. The carne asada fries are superb. Other than that, there were 2 other tables being served and that's always a good sign to me that people do frequent this place. No music was playing but there was a juke box machine, so they prob want people to pay for that. But i didn't mind the prices, especially since this place has been around for decades. Very clean. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Menu 2024 - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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This is a little, authentic Mexican restaurant that is definitely worn for wear on the outside. I ordered garlic shrimp with corn tortillas to go and as I was sitting waiting for my food began reading the recent yelp reviews realizing things haven't been that great for them lately. But I didn't have that experience. Service was quick and friendly, food came out faster than promised and it was delicious. Good portions and the homemade corn tortillas were thick and warm and soft. Very yummy. Glad I gave it a try. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Garlic shrimp plate with corn tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

Called in an order for carnita tacos at 1208 hours and they had run out. Their theme is pork so what's up? So I ordered 3 asada 3 adobada and a small cocido de res soup which should of been 17.00 or so according to the menu but was charged 27.17. I thought maybe it was my fault in checking the prices or that they had recently changes their prices but still 6 small tacos and a small soup? My order was ready 40 minutes later instead of the 20 minutes they estimated. When I got home there was no soup instead a small cup of rice? I didn't have time to drive all the way back and have to wait again so I cut my loses. Rice was good, tacos meh no seasonings in the meat couldn't tell which were which tasting the same Lots of cabbage. I gave them 2 stars because their ambiance was authentic with a good vibe but the food, service zero stars. read more

El Cochinito Contento Mexican Restaurant, is located in the historic Tower District of Fresno, CA, and it is located near such landmarks as downtown Fresno, and the world famous Chafee Zoo. The restaurant is owned and operated by a local family, and has been serving authentic, amazing Mexican cuisine at their location on Olive Ave. for over 20 years. As you enter the restaurant, you'll get a peek into the first of two dining rooms. The larger dining room is located to the right, and you pass through a wall to enter it. I love the tile floor, the warm colors, and the "funky," earthy decor. No, the dining isn't fancy, but it's colorful, clean, a lot of fun, and it serves to enhance the delicious cuisine offered at El Cochinito Contento Mexican Restaurant. The menu at El Cochinito Contento is extensive, and includes all of your Mexican favorites and the "Breakfast Menu" is quite extensive. El Cochinito is serious about breakfast, as breakfast is served any time the restaurant is open. If you prefer to go "American," many "norteamericano" favorites are offered on the breakfast menu. In my case... there is nothing more that I love than an authentic Mexcian breakfast, so I went with the "Chilie Verde Breakfast Plate," at the top of the breakfast menu. All meals, including breakfast, include a complimentary bowl of fresh, in-house made salsa cruda, along with a basket of tortilla chips. Refills aren't a problem, as all you have to do is to ask your friendly server to bring you more. It's still morning, but a Corona beer sounded good, as I'd been up for nearly four hours, and I was in a "relaxed" mode. Unlike other restaurants who keep their chips under a heat lamp for days, the tortilla chips I enjoyed were fresh, crispy, flavorful and perfectly cooked. The salsa cruda was simply amazing, as it was chunky, fresh, perfectly seasoned, but not excessively spicy. Such a great way to start off breakfast! From the "Breakfast - Served All Day" section of the menu, I started at the top, which happened to be the "Chilie Verde Breakfast Plate." As the name implies, the breakfast features chilie verde, and refried beans, fried potatoes, two eggs, and tortillas are included on the plate. How many ways can you say "muy sabroso???" My breakfast started out 20 minutes earlier with a bowl of fresh, in-house made salsa, known as "salsa cruda," along with a bowl of tortilla chips, and a cold Corona beer. That made a good start to the breakfast, but when Lulie brought this delicious "plate" to my table, I was both dazzled and amazed! The breakfast features the restaurant's in-house made chilie verde, which is lovingly made by dedicated chefs who use a family recipe that's been passed from generation to generation. The pork is tender, cooked to perfection, flavorful and spicy - but not hot - and is covered with rich, green chilie verde sauce. The pork is the showpiece of the meal and is simply amazing! I can't think of a better side dish for breakfast than refried beans, and El Cochinito Contento definitely provides refried beans, as the perfect "comfort food" for this amazing breakfast. These aren't you "fast food" variety of refried beans, as you can TASTE the lard, which gives the beans an earthy, "nutty" flavor, just like the beans you'd be enjoying at a loncheria in Mexico. The deep fried potatoes worked as well, as they were deep fried to a golden brown on the outside, a tender white on the inside, and along with the beans, made a perfect side dish. Since it's breakfast, the meal includes two eggs, cooked either over easy, or scrambled. As per my usual routine, I ordered my eggs cooked over easy, and they arrived perfectly cooked, over easy, just the way I'd ordered them. Rounding out the breakfast was a stack of corn tortillas - you could order flour tortillas if you prefer - which arrived hot, moist, and ready to scoop up the goodness of the beans and the eggs. Such an amazing breakfast! El Cochinito Contento Mexican Restaurant is serious about breakfast, as the menu offers breakfast anytime the restaurant is open, and not only are they serious about breakfast, but they serve a world-class breakfast plate. If you love breakfast, check out this fine restaurant! I absolutely ADORE Mexican cuisine, especially when it's served with love and dedication by a local family, made from locally-sourced ingredients, and prepared by chefs, who cook using recipes passed down from one generation of family to another. When you're enjoying your fine meal at El Cochinito Contento, close your eyes, savor the smell and the flavor, and if you didn't know better, you'd think you were in Mexico. Folks, it's THAT GOOD! Ratings? A solid 5 star in every respect, including delicious food, friendly service, and "funky" yet friendly dining. El Cochinito Contento is a Tower District "gem" of a restaurant, and truly a credit, and an asset to Fresno. read more

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This place is absolutely trash. I've seen so many photos that made this place seem like it would be some legit authentic Mexican food. Let me just say, first and last time at this dump. I got the posole which looks amazing in pictures but was the worst I've ever had. My daughters rice was damn near raw. No lie, hard and crunchy!! Disgusting. Just look at the picture in my review and know that it doesn't taste anything as good as it looks. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Wouldn't this picture make you want to try it?? - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

This place has the BEST salsa in the WHOLE CENTRAL VALLEY!! A MUST HAVE!! they're food is amazing and service is top notch! We even had the owner come by and follow up with our table after his awesome waitress was already doing a great job! read more

Never coming here again. I got over charged and I got charged 1.50 for onion and lemons . Who does that? The food wasn't that good either.

We went today as has been several months since we stopped in. They had changed menu and most prices were doubled if not tripled. This would have been all right if the food was still good. Unfortunately this was not the case. I ordered Huevos Rancheros and a fish taco, my daughter a Chimi Chunga no meat and a carne asada taco. We were not served chips and salsa without ordering them. My fish taco was pasty and gooey, my eggs cooked hard when I ordered sunny side up, and they tasted of grill brick, my potatoes were not cooked. My daughter thought her food was passable but served cold. The table next to us complained her food was cold and was told to get new plate would have to pay extra. I did not see if she had eaten enough to be the issue. Our bill was 67 dollars for 2 people Thank you for reading read more

Service was horrible super slow to serve us food was ok I ordered eggs an beans, they forgot the potatoes. When asked she said that it's not included, but was on the menu. Didn't wanna argue. So when I left I gave em a 5$ tip anyway ,but older blonde hair lady said I didn't pay her all the money. So I gave them a 50$ an took back what I had gave her which was 49 $ but a 20 was missing. told them to keep it ,hopefully she needed it more than I did for burning me.i will never go there again straight crooks.or maybe she's just to old to be working the cash register read more

Tried this place for the first time. I ordered the pasole,eggs with chorizo it came with potatoes and beans and tortillas, and huevos rancheros. They had forgot my side of sour cream and the tostadas. The potatoes looked like they were cooked the day bfore and they were hella salty.Pasole was good, everything else besides the potatoes was average. read more

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I LOVE IT HERE!!! The Food is Great and the Micheladas are BOMB!!!! I try to go weekly Thank You read more

"The Content Pig" The translation of this establishment best fit my mood after my morning burrito to help deal with a beast of a hangover. Who doesn't like a big greasy burrito after a night debauchery? If you answered, "no" to the last question. You my friend, are scary. El Cochinito is located in what looks an old house that was converted into a small food establishment. This place is seriously like the land that time forgot from the old wood paneling on the wall to the rod iron gate that welcomes to burrito heaven. This place best resembles your or your friend's mexican grandma's house who hasn't updated anything since 1982. The food is here is your standard mexican fare; tacos, burritos, and pozole. I enjoyed a ham and potato burrito along with gallons of hot sauce and it was just, OK. Nothing that really blew my mind, but it did exactly what I needed to do. Filled me up and soaked up some that craft beer from the night before. The rest of my party also enjoyed burritos and the slow recollection of the evening before. Not a bad morning breakfast club. This place is perfect for a quick bite with friends or family, but definitely not first date location unless you're dating a frat boy or down a*s chick. PRO-TIP: This location does accept CC and they also have to go boxes available for your convenience in case you can't consume your forearm sized burrito. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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Great little place and great food. Had the carnitas and their salsa and homemade tortillas are fantastic. Loved the vibe and music. Very reasonable and great staff. read more

El Cochinito Contento - Carnitas!! - Mexican Near Me - Fresno, California

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Outstanding Barbacoa dish. Wonderful salsa. Good service. A good hearty meal for your dollar. This is a bit of Mexico way north of the border. Many locals eat here. The building reminds me of construction I've seen in Mexico. So, based on the food and unique atmosphere I would definitely give this place 5 stars. read more

This place was so busy but we're very nice and hospitable. The food was delicious. The owners were so kind and shared stories.

I jave eaten here a total of three times amd thebone thimg that is consistent is that the food is horrible, they do not care about there community, I have called on multiple occasions for them to lower there music, I live down the street on the other side of olive and I can still hear their music over the traffic and my TV. I would think they would have consideration about their surrounding neighbors and neighborhood. They tell me they can't control the volume but when I tell them I'm going to complain they magically find the volume knob. I truly do not understand how they are still in business and why people still eat there as there food is disgusting read more

Haven't been in here in years Honestly I don't know how they are still in business Ordered a caldo de pollo to go Only got half of red potato, a piece of carrot and 2 pieces of chicken, side of rice and 2 corn tortillas that needed to be cooked a little more Needless to say I'm really done with this place read more

Their chicken enchiladas come with MOLE sauce.... Very nice service.. Their fajitas are also great... they can serve 2. read more

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but once inside you know there isn't another place like it in Fresno. Came here for breakfast, which is served all day. We started out with some freshly made chips (they were hot temp wise) and salsa which was delicious (hot spicy wise) - perfect. Believe it or not, coffee actually goes great with this combo. The huevos rancheros came out and that dish was delicious also. If you want some good authentic eats, come here. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is quick and friendly, and they have a touch tunes jukebox to boot. read more

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This is without a doubt the most authentic Mexican food I have ever eaten and I am 69 years old.