Went here for lunch for the first time because we had heard from so many of our patients how good it was. Did not disappoint. Fresh made chips and salsa. Typically beans and rice are an afterthought at other places but not here. Both were really good. I had the chicken taco and cheese enchilada lunch special. Delicious! So good I forgot to take pictures. And the service is top notch. Waiter came by often to check on us and the manager even stopped by and brought us a green chili enchilada to try since it was our first time. We will definitely be back. read more

I ordered the cheese enchilada plate to go for lunch today & it was just as good as I remembered! Simple but so good! It had been quite some time since I had been here and it still maintains that amazing quality, quantity, and authenticity I remembered it having years ago. Staff were friendly and quick. I got my food to go but noticed they have also upgraded the inside as well. Will be back soon! read more

Should be a Placentia landmark. Dishing out authentic Mexican food for 40 plus years. Once you're seated the chips and salsa steal the show! I usually order the enchiladas plate and it's large enough to share. Can't go wrong with place. Employees walk around with a smile on their face and genuinely happy to see you. Family rooted business. Kids went to nearby schools and when you dine here you know it's going right back into the local economy. Decor has been consistent with the roots of Mexico tied into the community of Placentia. Dine here, enjoy their food, leave happy knowing a small business has been thriving for decades through the support of our community. read more

My family and I visited for a late lunch on a Sunday, and there was a fifteen-minute wait to get seated. There's only an outdoor waiting area, but it has chairs. We parked across the street near an intersection with a stop sign. Our table inside had a nice view of the Placentia Water Tower, and it felt somehow relaxing to gaze at it in the distance. I ordered the pork carnitas ($18), which included pico de gallo, rice, refried beans with melted cheese, and three warm tortillas. The portion size was large, and I took a some carnitas home. While the carnitas were tender, they weren't as juicy as I hoped. They provided only three tortillas that lost their warmth quickly in parchment paper. The rice had a good texture that had the right amount of firmness. I also tried the guacamole, which had a somewhat fluffy texture with a pleasantly light and savory flavor. While not affecting my review of this restaurant, I wish they served a mole dish. read more

El Farolito - Pork carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

i go there where i want great taquitos & food!! My first time eating there was over 25 years ago. Their rice and beans are amazing and taste like what my mother made!!! She made a big pot, enough for over a dozen HUNGRY people! we were lucky if we had leftovers as the flavors were great!!! especially for breakfast with a fried egg on top!!! Richard read more

El Farolito - family waiting for table at El Farolito's!!! Large Cocktail took two waiters to bring to the table!!! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Service is quick and kind here, their menu has a lot of choices, including combinations. It can get busy in the evenings and weekends. The food is okay, it's Mexican food but it's definitely gotten "watered down" over the years and catered to those who don't like spicy or tasty. The food isn't bad but it's not great. Their crispy tacos are decent but their enchiladas arent as tasty as they used to be. Their location on Harbor in Fullerton has better food, overall this spot is just okay. read more

Yum Yum Yum! The portions here are so big! The carnitas was super soft and the free chips and salsa was amazing. The food was a 5/5. The only bad thing is that the bathrooms had a gross urine smell.... read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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This is my go to place for great comfort Mexican food. I can eat here daily. The salsa has a serious bite to it. I always order the arroz con pollo. With the tortillas they give you with the plate, I make 3 soft tacos out of it and still have over half the plate to finish. The tacos rock too. And with the new seating area, you don't wait too long for a table. read more

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The place had majorly expanded so there isn't a terrible wait, even for large parties. The service continues to be efficient and friendly. Prices remain fair, which is saying LOT nowadays. Same family is serving up the real superstar, the FOOD! Cannot say enough about how EXCELLENT the food is. Never going anywhere else again. read more

Alwaysbthe best tasting food. Now the back parking lot has been converted to a full dining room. Front door is now take out, side door for dine-in. Papa's plate (3 item combo) is still available, but not on the menu. Combos (papa, mama, jr) still can order a burrito even though not on the menu. Note: you can no longer grab a beer the fridge while you wait, especially since we have stand outside. You can't read more

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Looks like a neighborhood place, extremely busy, attentive and enough room that you can still be comfortable. They can also accommodate large parties. Where can we start when it comes to the food, selections and presentation. There were (4) in our party and we managed to try chorizo and eggs, carnitas plate, Carne asada plate and Tostada Salad with shredded beef and we were do pleased with our choices. The portions were ample, hot and extremely delicious. Even the salsa and chips were a step above. The staff were very friendly, polite and professional. They communicate via a headset so when we asked for anything we received it immediately. This was our first visit and we will be back!! Hats off to the entire staff.... Great Job..... read more

I stopped by for dinner with my family. We ordered some jamaica, several fish tacos, and a burrito special. The service was amazing and our food came out very quickly. The food was delicious. There were a lot of tables available and the place filled up pretty fast. It was a great place for a family dinner at the end of a long week. Would highly recommend and will be coming back in the future. read more

El Farolito - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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The service was great, friendly staff, sweet environment and nice atmosphere . The family friendly environment is inviting . The food was warm and delicious. We will definitely return soon!! read more

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Why not stop by the best Mexican food spot in Placentia, right off Bradford in Old Town near Center Street? Once you try El Farolito, you won't want to go anywhere else--excellent food every time read more

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This is still one of my favorite Mexican restaurant here in Orange County and my go to place whenever I crave good chips and salsa! Currently their new patio is under construction but it should be open at any moment now and I can't wait for it. Bon Appetit. read more

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El Farolito is a cute spot with fast, friendly service and seriously satisfying food. The horchata was smoother than a politician's empty promise and not overly sweet, one of the better horchatas I've had. Portions are generous, and the table chips come out warm with an addictive spicy salsa. Ingredients taste fresh, and the flavors are super comforting across the board. Solid place for a casual, reliably good meal. read more

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DANNY IS THE BEST!!! Thank you for the incredible service sir! This was our first time and he made it great!! Been looking for an authentic Mexican place since moving to OC and this place IS IT! The enchiladas are hands down is what they're known for so it's MUST!I love their tortillas chips too! You can tell they make them in-house! And Rice is sooo so good! It is hard to find parking but once you do, it is WORTH IT! Inside is definitely lively! So many tables and a lot of people they're all filled! The food is why! The price is pretty affordable compared to high end places with the same quality so if youre nearby, EL FAROLITO IS IT! Give them a try! read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Quesadilla & Enchilada Plate w/ Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

I finally had a chance to eat at the original. It's amazing to me how consistent the base flavors are at each farolitos restraunt. The parents have passed on a tradition that lives on in all three farolitos restaurants. Fullerton, East Raymond St and Placentia all three have that distinct farolitos flavor that you can only get at these three locations. To me keeping these flavors and recipes consistent is an art form that I truly appreciate and worth the visit. read more

The best enchilada spot must try!!! I've been passing by this place for a while and always noticed a long line outside, and now I totally understand why. I got lucky with no wait, but about 15 minutes after I was seated, it quickly filled up. The service was great we were greeted right away, and our server Alex was amazing. He recommended the chilaquiles with carne asada, which were definitely worth trying, but the enchiladas truly stole the show. They were absolutely delicious. I could be wrong, but it looks like they may have added more seating because the restaurant feels much bigger now, and it's really nice inside. Would 100% come back! read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

WOW!!! My husband said this spot was good, but I wasn't ready for how good! From the outside, it looks small, like a hole-in-the-wall type of place. You wouldn't think anything of it, looking at the outside. Even inside, it's nothing fancy. Very casual place. Not very big. Boy was it PACKED though. People love this place! I guess if you live in the area, then you know about El Farolito. It's a local favorite. It is now one of my favorites too lol I had the best cheese enchilada plate here! It was super cheesy and comes with rice and beans. The plate was big! I loved it. Ate every bite. I also wanted to try the potato taco. That was just alright. I'd skip that next time. The enchiladas are where it's at!!! My husband got the Chile relleno plate and scarfed it all. Yeah, this place blew my mind. It's great Mexican food! Service was good too. They make the food so fast. read more

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The new dining room is spacious and roomy, meeting the locals and their appetite for this local gem. The menu is pretty dialed in, with fair prices for large portion sizes. We came in for brunch on a Sunday and the entire place was packed, so it was a bit hard to flag down our waiters - but they got the food out fast and hot. All the plates tasted about the same, they lean very heavily into their Tomato Machada for the base of both their rice and chicken. It's good, but got repetitive. Personally I wish there was a bit more veg available either with the plate or on the menu to balance out the meal. read more

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I was in town for a basketball tournament and decided to explore the local food scene -- so glad I stumbled across this hidden gem! First off, the fresh flour tortillas deserve their own spotlight. Hands down some of the best I've ever had from a restaurant. They're not the traditional thin tortillas -- these are slightly thicker, soft, and incredibly flavorful. I'll definitely be ordering a dozen to-go next time. The chicken enchilada plate was equally impressive -- comforting, well-seasoned, and perfectly portioned. I also tried the menudo, and let me just say... absolutely phenomenal. Tender meat, rich broth, and layers of flavor in every bite. Quite possibly the best menudo I've ever had! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the overall vibe was relaxed and inviting -- the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. This spot is the definition of a hidden gem and worth every bite! read more

El Farolito - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Ordered catering for 20people and everyone enjoyed it all! This food is delicious and authentic! read more

This restaurant is such a staple for Old Town Placentia. It gets really busy on week nights for happy hour and on weekends. Make sure to try to come at a non peak time or else you will be waiting. But trust me, it is well worth the wait. Also, parking is a bit hectic so you may need to drive around a couple times or just find something on the street, even if you have to walk. Every time I have ate here, the staff is great and loves serving. It is family owned so I feel thats why they have so much heart. The restaurant isn't too big but definitely gives off an authentic experience. As for the food, it is amazing. I have tried their sopes, tacos durados, enchiladas, and taquitos. Everything is well made and there is so much flavor. I love the way they make their rice and beans too, very authentic. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the area where you can find authentic Mexican food. If you are celebrating something, going on a date night, or hitting up happy hour with friends, I definitely recommend this place. You're welcome in advance. read more

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Food is amazing. Their weekend menudo is definitely worth trying, and dishes like the chilaquiles or enchiladas with the green sauce are always delicious. They also remodeled the back area, which looks great and makes the restaurant feel much more inviting. That said, I do want to mention something we've noticed during our last few visits. For context, we've been coming here since 2018. We saw the temporary space they set up during COVID and watched the construction progress over time, so by now we can usually tell which servers have been there for a while and which ones are newer. Everyone is always friendly and polite, but lately it feels like we're not receiving the same level of service that other tables around us get. To be clear, my family doesn't expect to be recognized or personally welcomed by the owner like some regulars are. However, when the owner takes time to greet the table right next to us, it would be nice if the surrounding tables were acknowledged as well--it only takes a moment to say hello. We've also noticed that some of the servers who have been there longer only check on us once or twice during the entire meal. Since we have a toddler, we sometimes need extra napkins or water refills, but we rarely get checked on the way neighboring tables do. During our most recent visit, our waiter only came by to take our drink and food order. I had to flag him down later to ask for an extra spoon and bowl for my toddler, and it took about 10 minutes for it to arrive. In the meantime, I had to improvise with a small plate and the spoon from our salsa. I hate to make assumptions, but it's starting to feel like tables that don't speak Spanish receive more attentive service than those that do. My family and friends genuinely love this place and we plan to keep coming back. We just hope the service becomes a bit more attentive and consistent for everyone. read more

El Farolito - My toddler finished her food by the time they brought her a bowl for her menudo. Like us she truly enjoyed their food. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Hands down the best Mexican food...we have been coming here for many . We were seated in a timely manner even though we were a big group. The green chicken enchiladas is the dish that I always order. Their homemade chips and salsa are WOW! The best refried beans! Our servers were super attentive even when they were packed. We're already planning our next visit! read more

El Farolito - Everyone enjoyed their meal Thx El Farolito‼ - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Grabbed a quick bite and the nacho supreme was the perfect plate to split for two. Wonderful customer service and ambience. Ask for Danny the server, he'll treat you right. read more

El Farolito - Nachos Supreme w/ Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Super big with a ton of seating, but surprisingly not that great. Maybe it was what we got tho. The chips & salsa were alright. And the potato taco combo with beans and rice was decent and a good price. My friend got the chicken tacos though and thought they were pretty bad, unflavored. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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I went to El Farolito to try something new and I was beyond impressed with the service and the quality of the food. I would recommend everybody to come and try this amazing restaurant. read more

El Farolito - Green Enchiladas with beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

On multiple occasions, I was recommended to visit this establishment, and I finally took the plunge. I visited for breakfast on a Tuesday, and the place was quite lively. I ordered the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. The green sauce was so tasty, I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely be coming back. read more

El Farolito - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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I've been coming to El Farolito for nearly 30 years (yes we are old but we stay cute) so by now this place isn't just a restaurant, it's a staple in my life. Through every trendy restaurant and social media frenzy, El Farolito has remained undefeated. I've yet to find another Mexican restaurant that could come close to replacing it in my heart (and trust me, I'VE TRIED. My go to's have been the huevos rancheros, machaca de carnitas, and the enchiladas rancheras, which are my forever favorite. Also can't beat complimentary chips and salsa, which is always not too spicy. What I love most is the consistency. El Farolito has always felt like home -- comforting, warm, and never trying too hard because it doesn't have to. The food speaks for itself. The prices may change because thanks inflation, but that feeling of coming back doesn't read more

El Farolito - Enchiladas Rancheras - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN TOWN! We live right next to farolito jr in Anaheim but haven't checked it out - wanted to try out the original location first. And I can say, it did not disappoint. Hubby and I came on a weekday for lunch around 11:30 am and there was already a 5-10 minute wait. We started with some complimentary chips and salsa and my hubby said it was the best chips and salsa he's ever had. The salsa was actually spicy and the chips seemed homemade. He ordered the lunch special pollo con arroz while I got the 2-item plate tostada asada and chicken enchilada. Our first bite of that pollo con arroz... our eyes were wide open, shocked at how delicious it was. That, with the warm handmade flour tortillas... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Oh and the two entrees fed us both for lunch, and dinner for us and our kiddos. It was a lot of food! And, all for like $32 or so? $40 including tip! My husband and I both keep talking about how we want to go back. I'm sure we'll find a reason to come back soon! read more

El Farolito - Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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It was good service, ok food, margaritas were really good. Not sure if I'd go back. Place is pretty full but wait wasn't long.

Went there for a dinner date with my husband. The atmosphere and footy were amazing and the service was incredible. Definitely made us feel welcomed. That just made everything better. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

The food is still good. However, due to the restaurant remodel. Prices half gone up and some menu items have gone down in quantity. It appears there might be new management and they are not making it a happy visit. I will try it again just to see if the attitudes have changes. read more

There isn't a bad selection on the menu. Our family favorite is some combination of the Mama's Plate with some additional cost add-on such as a Chile Rellenos. The chile sauce they serve with the taco chips (free) makes for a perfect seasoning for every dish they serve. I end up asking for another so often they bring 2 automatically when they see my wife & I are seated. There are other El Farolito restaurants in Orange County but this is the original one and the best one. Their success story is impressive. Many of the family live in the the same neighborhood hood....in gorgeous houses, by the way. Their food is delicious, the staff is friendly and helpful. A new annex just opened to make the experience feel even better. read more

In town for work and went to lunch. Found this little gem Short wait to get table but that's always a good sign right. I had the mama's combo. Taco and enchilada. Delicious. And their salsa best I've ever had read more

El Farolito - Taco enchiladas combo - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

arroz con pollo plate is seriously the best thing on the menu. thats all i have to say. read more

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Super down home Mexican food. All fresh and homemade like an abuelita is cooking. Warm chips. Sweet helpful server, fast service. We enjoyed our lunch very much. We got there early and did not wait. Guacamole, enchiladas, chile rellenos, rice, beans, hard shell tacos... Totally delicious. Price point is exellent for the amount of food and quality. Breakfast sounds divine too! Looks like they're expanding, currently located in a smaller, casual space that is bustling inside. Can't wait to return- a gem! read more

El Farolito - Homemade delicious chips! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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This is a wonderful family owned restaurant. The atmosphere is warm, festive and friendly, The people are always welcoming and have good service. The food is always fabulous. This is a great place for families or large groups (please call ahead!). You'll love the food and become hooked! read more