The food is great, but El Jacalito is also a great place to watch a World Cup game. With some elimination games starting at noon, they were timed perfect for my lunch break from work. I watched the first half of Spain/Belgium in the quarterfinals and Argentina/England in the semifinals. There are TV's where every table can see. Usually they will have a mix of movie, a novela, or a Liga MX game on. With the World Cup, they have the game on all TVs and the sound on too. The lunch crowds were larger than normal for the two games. Most of us had finished our food and were waiting for half time before we left. It isn't a bar, but for noon time futbol, it is a great atmosphere. read more

I arrived here a broken man, suffering greatly from a lack of chilaquiles. These kind, skilled people prepared me a plate of the red variety -- they also have green. With eggs scrambled, please; I'm not too much of a runny-yolk guy: a personal failing I've been told. In this sacred space these chilaquiles renewed my vigor & will to live. I emerged refreshed, once again ready to be a contributing member of society. read more

I've crossed this Narbonne and Lomita intersection thousands of times. I have always told my friends and family that I would like to try this place out. I was luckily able to bring 2 of my friends with me to try this place out! I came on a Saturday and there was only one other table that was occupied. It was pretty empty which saddened me because once I tried the food I was BLOWN away. The chips and salsa come complimentary as a starter/table finger food. that salsa... oh my. the salsa!!!! I am soooooo PICKY with my salsa. They absolutely nailed this salsa. The flavor, spice level, texture!!! It hit every single mark in my brain and taste buds. If the house salsa is good, then you know the food is also going to smack. The menu looks so appetizing, it was honestly hard to decide what I wanted to eat. I ordered some steak nachos as an appetizer with my friends based on a photo I saw on Yelp. 12/10. beautiful!!! They put a healthy portion of meat on it! Everything was just so spot on. The tortilla chips were all crunchy, no soggy nacho chips here. The sour cream, guac, pico... please order it. The meat was so flavorful, tender and had like no fatty pieces on it. Everyone needs to try it honestly. I ended up going simple and ordered a steak torta with everything on it. The waiter offered a side of jalapenos as well, which I happily accepted. 10/10. I was only able to eat half. I gave the other half to my extremely picky father and he liked it a lot. That's how you know this place is that girl. Can't forget the dessert. I ordered the flan, the waiter convinced us.. he said its home made. Which I would hope! It was a small piece and was flavorful. Creamy, smooth, just melt into your tongue. Also melts into your heart. Not overly sweet. Just the right amount of cajeta on it. 10/10. Horchata was very tasty to me. Right amount of sweetness to it. Service was good. Drinks were always filled, salsa and chip refills were always offered and filled. He took great care of us. They gave us lollipops with the check!! Omg so cute, my heart! Parking is difficult as it is only street parking. Majority of the parking also gets taken by the customers who go to the coffee shop across the street. I am def bookmarking this place to come back. It is so delicious. I plan on bringing my family here next. Me enamore de este restaurante! read more

See all

This place on a Friday around 10:15 AM was open. Had the combination plate and a coke. $25 including tip. The food for me was 3.5 very different style. I had the chicken enchilada but I could find the chicken. Sadly there was a hair in my salsa. I didn't have the courage to say anything... the beef taco hard had potatoes. read more

El Jacalito - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

See all

We came here for the first time on a Saturday early afternoon, and loved the experience. The food was incredibly delicious- very authentic and powerful flavors. We had the mole chicken enchiladas, and caldo de birria (chivo). It did not miss. We also had two micheladas, de cerveza Victoria. Overall, wonderful experience. Will definitely come back again! read more

El Jacalito - Caldo de Birria - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

This is our third time eating at this restaurant. They specialize in homestyle Oaxacan cuisine particularly mole. Many times when we do come, it is already closed. I don't think they follow the hours of operation strictly. If they are slow, they tend to close early. This time I called in advance and they said they should be open that evening until about 7:30pm. We had the Carnitas plate and the Coloraditos (mole). The carnitas were good but a bit on the dry side and my husband preferred the mole enchiladas instead of the chicken pieces. We do like coming here and from now on will always call in the advance if it is during the evening hours. According to the waiter who may be the son of the cook/owner, he said that they aim to stay open until 8pm but the evenings are usually slower in comparison to the morning and lunch hours. Parking is on the street. read more

See all

I came here for a weekday lunch with my husband. The place was pretty quiet with only one other diner. It's a very casual spot near a busy intersection. I've driven by many times and I never knew this place was here! I got the enchiladas de mole negro which came topped with lettuce, onions, avocado, and queso fresco. I really enjoyed the mole here! It was delicious and had that amazing smoky flavor. I love Oaxacan mole negro in general and this one did not disappoint. It was a well balanced dish that was rich in flavor yet with fresh and light components from the avocado, onion and lettuce. The portions were huge and I couldn't even finish my plate. Washed it all down with a cold and fizzy Mexican Coke. So good! There was one guy running the whole show doing all the seating, taking orders, and cleaning. Wouldn't be surprised if he was also helping in the kitchen because he disappeared after he took our order. He did a great job! Friendly and efficient. If you want to try Oaxacan food in the South Bay, I recommend this place! Authentic and delicious. Parking: street read more

El Jacalito - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

I pass by this place all the time and finally got around to checking it out. It's deceptively big and there are a ton of tables. I came for lunch and it wasn't crowded at all - it's a mom and pop place and it always feels good to support local business. I got the mole negro chicken enchiladas and thought it was decent. The mole had a little kick to it which I appreciated but thought the chicken was mediocre - a little on the dry side. Yes, you can mask the dryness of the chicken with mole but I was hoping it would be great on its own. read more

El Jacalito - Enchiladas de Mole Negro - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

Overall the food was absolutely delicious, flavorful and filling. I got a side of rice and beans which was enough for two. First time coming to this location and I will definitely be visiting again. The service was great and the vibe in the restaurant made me feel like I was in my grandma's kitchen. read more

El Jacalito - 4 Enchiladas Verdes de pollo, with a side of rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

El Jacalito is an absolute gem in the South Bay. If you want authentic Oaxacan food, this is the place. The menu is vibrant and full of regional specialties you don't often see, with rich moles, fresh handmade flavors, and dishes that clearly come from family recipes and tradition. Beyond the food, what keeps us coming back is the atmosphere. It has that rare family coziness where you instantly feel welcomed and comfortable, whether you're there for a casual lunch or a big family dinner. The staff treats you like guests rather than customers. South Bay has plenty of Mexican restaurants, but El Jacalito stands out for bringing the flavors of Oaxaca to Torrance with heart, authenticity, and warmth. A local treasure. read more

It's been so long, since I've been here!!! A family owned restaurant for authentic Oaxacan food, made with love. I had the pleasure of ordering the asada nachos. Everything was GREAT about my meal. Tortilla chips handmade, asada seasoned perfectly, tomatoes, avocados and sour cream with fresh diced onions. Sooo good. My better half ordered Buenos ranchero with nopales. Oh and mexican squirt sodas in the glass bottles! Jose the owner, took our menu was very nice and went over items we had questions on. Quaint restaurant with authentic flavor and a feeling of eating with your family! That's what I got from dining here. So if you're in Lomita, pay this restaurant a visit for homemade food with family appeal. read more

See all

Had lunch here today. The Mole Negro was outstanding. Service was excellent. Owners are wonderful. We will be back. Our friends brought us here today. read more

Chips and salsa are very good. I don't think any other place compares in terms of chips and salsa. I also really liked the enchiladas verdes. It reminds me of that saying, picoso pero sabroso. They also have a record player, tho i think u have to request it. Overall, tasty & chill vibe. read more

My weekly treat! Cheese enchiladas. Amazing mole sauce. Real food. Chips and salsa A+.

Food was really good. Prices are super reasonable. Definitely will be back. It's like a whole in a wall but definitely a good one . read more

El Jacalito - Wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

We've been coming to this restaurant for years, but the service keeps getting worse. The food is still good, but the experience is consistently ruined by poor service. The waiter, a short man who often serves guests, is extremely rude and makes it uncomfortable to even ask for basic things like chips or silverware. During our most recent visit with a group, his behavior was shocking. When my meal arrived, his mother--the cook--kindly brought it out. A few minutes later, the waiter came back, picked up my plate without asking, and said his mom had given me too much food. He literally took my plate to the back, removed part of my meal, and returned it with half the portion missing. It was humiliating and completely unacceptable. The cooks are kind and the food tastes good, but the service and cleanliness are terrible. The menus are sticky and dirty, and the rags used to wipe tables have a strong, unpleasant smell. It's disappointing to see a restaurant with good food ruined by such rude service and poor hygiene. read more

El Jacalito - Empanadas de pollo - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

Authentic, rich, familiar, and intentional. The pipian has been a standout and the amarillo was also sumptuously prepared. Personally might skip the guacamole, as I tend to favor a denser preparation that packs a bit more flavor punch. Then again, this isn't the sort of place where I come to seek out guacamole. Their homemade salsa is divinely smokey and addictive though. Service is warm and attentive. The elders here serve meals with sincerity and make it feel like you're eating in their home. read more

Food is always good. I love their enchiladas with coloradito mole. Sooo good. My husband ordered the shrimp chipotle plate. It was delicious too. We love this place. Family owned small business. Great people will be back read more

We ordered a tlayuda, mole enchilada and cantaloupe flavored water.. it was delicious... you need to stop by and try these food!!! The owner is really nice and the food is sooo good!!! We have been craving it sooo bad.. read more

Our first time here and definitely not our last. Food was amazing . I got the enchiladas verde and my husband git this amazing meal too read more

See all

Great Mexican food had the breakfast and it was amazing for just breakfast.. tried the enchiladas with mole.. definitely gotta come back for the mole with chicken .. great little whole In the wall. Great service aswell. read more

Went with a few coworkers last week for a go away lunch. The food and service and ambiance were awesome. The price of food is definitely worth how much you get for it. A good spot for some good food! read more

Food was great and service was great! Recommend this please! Repair to park in the street. read more

Nice guy working the front... but man that was NOT a $20 burrito. Sadly that was more like a $6 burrito.. and even if it were $6, I'd still never get it again. It was 80 percent lettuce, and totally bland. What a bummer. read more

My absolute favorite place for memelas (which are basically sopes) and the wet burrito! The service is always consistently great and I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Was excited to try this place since Oaxaca is one of my fave places I've visited. Got the chicken with black mole, but unfortunately it was a miss. The portions are small and the mole is a bit bitter and lacks flavor. The chicken was a bit dry as well and not garnished with sesame seeds. Go to Madre in Old Torrance for bigger portions and a more authentic flavor. :/ read more

Good food and ambiance. Only thing I don't like is that they don't pick up the phone to place a phone order for me to just pick up. It's an inconvenience when you are on a timed lunch. Other than that definitely recommend. read more

Super annoying... Arrived for dinner at 5:45PM on a Saturday evening and were told, "We're closing at 6PM and only taking "to go" orders." Huh? I live 20 minutes away and did not plan on standing around with my family for 20 minutes to get take out, only to drive home another 20 minutes to eat. I told the guy his hours on Yelp were wrong and he shrugged. C'mon, are you serious? :/ read more

Honestly this place is one of the best Oaxacan restaurants I've been to in LA. Had the 3 meat combo. All was flavorful. Even the rice and beans were well seasoned. I'm used to Mexican restaurants in LA treating the sides as an afterthought. Not this place. And like any good restaurant, they close way earlier than they should, so you gotta plan your visit accordingly. read more

Could not recommend for young couples or young group of friends. I live down the street. I use to come often with my family. But even my mother had bad energy from the male waiter. Always has an attitude and is not welcoming. 2nd bad experience was on a date with an older woman I knew. The waiter just kept looking at me with envy and checked my id 3 separate times for ordering 2 beers. Even the woman I was with was bothered with the way he was being. 3rd. Bad experience was with my brother and a coworker. We went to go get wet burritos. The burritos are good just the meat needs a bit more flavor. But the worst part was I decided to take a nap after devouring the big wet burrito. I took the nap parked on the street infront of the business. Well the male waiter again. Decided to call the police and told them a suspected robber was infront of there building. Mind you I had just ate there with my brother and coworker. The police pulled me over harasses questioning why I was parked infront of the building. Never going to jacalito again. They lost business from a real Lomita local. read more

The mole negro is the best I have tasted in the South Bay and beyond. The service is quick and efficient? But e mole.... They have no beer/wine license. The Horchata is great either way the mole. Go visit. You will love it. read more

Liked Everything! Best service! Best tasting! Best of everything from start to finish! Chips, salsa ... friend had the Chuletas de Ahumadas: smoked pork chops; I had the Enfrijolada: handmade tortillas smothered in blk bean paste with tasajo: marinated tender slice of beef steak with fresh stawberry agua frescas!!! Ended with Kansha's ice cream for the month of June. Thank you for a most wonderful experience! Not a die-hard fan of Mexican food ... this is certainly my fav Oaxacan styje! Thank you, Kansha! Thank you El Jacalito!! Recomm'd cos of Kansha's parnership for the month of June! read more

El Jacalito - Enfrijolada: hand-made tortillas w/Blk Bean sauce, topped w/thinly-sliced raw onions; rice, thin slice of marinated beef steak - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

See all

Two words, Coloradito Mole. Trust me, you won't go wrong at this hole in the wall with this delicious goodness spread all over your desired carb or protein. The waitress suggested this one over the others, the least sweet in the bunch. I had mine with the chicken enchiladas. It was the best mole I'd had in a while, even better than Quidalyn's in culver city. Chips and salsa were very good as well. Service is very pleasant and quick. On a random weekday, mine was the only table occupied inside. Price is very reasonable, and great amount of food for the price. Totally recommend this homestyle restaurant to any fans of authentic Mexican mole. read more

A great find in the South Bay after a surprise birthday at the Torrance airport. Was craving Mexican and was way out of our neighborhood, so went to Yelp who was spot on again. Food was awesome. Very authentic and delicious. Tried a carnitas taco, Chile relleno plate, a milanesa torta and menudo for later. The taco was good, but everything else was on the exceptional side. Just really good home style, with restaurant quality good. Service was also top notch. Due to Covid we decided to call in our order and got there so quickly we were parked up front before we ended the call. They must have had some mix ups before because they were wanting to make sure we knew their address. We told them we were calling from the car our front which they thought was pretty cool. We went in for our order and paid hit part of the order wasn't ready so they gave us the option to take what was ready to the car. We were starving so we agreed and they brought the rest of the order to us when It was done. Nice car side service! If your in the neighborhood, give them a try and you won't be disappointed. Pro tip: menu says menudo on weekends only but we were there on a Wed and they took care of us. read more

See all

Amazing homemade and authentic Oaxacan food! I live out of town and whenever I'm in the area, I have to visit. The service is always great and the food is always delicious. So far I've tried the tacos de barbacoa, enchiladas de coloradito, huevo con nopales and the Tlayudas - all have been great. Definitely give it a try. read more

Ive driven past this place 10000000 times and always wanted to try it. What better time than cinco de Mayo. We ordered a chicken mole burrito, grilled lemon butter white fish plate, fried cheese, salads and Guacamole. All the food was really good. My mole burrito was big, easy two meals. Im a mole snob, but they had really good mole. A+ The fish was good and the guac was fresh and tasty. Great place for take out, but once this covid thing passes by, ill go dine in. Staff guy was super nice. Prices were good for amount of food. Ill be back!! read more

El Jacalito - Garlic butter fish - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

First time coming to El Jacalito, it was wonderful. The chorizo and the El Oaxaqueno had a great strong flavor. Can't wait to return! read more

El Jacalito - Menu back 2024 - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

See all

Read the rave reviews and sent my niece to pick up my phone order for me. I love Mexican food. So, the idea of a delicious local spot had me excited. Well, not once I received the food. All together we ordered an asada burrito, 3 asada nachos, 1 chicken nacho and 1 chicken quesadilla They do not have a menu online or a website. I called to ask and was directed to FB but could not find their page. I relied on the person who answered the phone to give me all pertinent information. I wish he had told me their burritos were full of salad. My carne asada burrito had carrots, peas and corn in it, as well as lettuce, all of which was shocking. I was sharing the burrito so we cut it in half. Imagine my surprise when the portion on my plate had absolutely NO CARNE ASADA. I immediately called the restaurant, thinking that they had given me someone else's veggie burrito. Nope! Jose (said he's the manager) said that he was sure that he had put meat in the burrito. My sister looked in her half and sure enough she had ALL of the steak. Okay. Well, Jose could not have cared less about my displeasure. When I said that I was bringing it back for a refund he said "bring the burrito back". As if I wanted to eat it! . NOT! The nachos they sent barely had cheese. I had to open a pack from my fridge and grate it over the nachos. When I took them out of the tray to put the cheese and put them in the oven the styrofoam container was full of holes. Maybe the kitchen was out of aluminum foil. So, I will NEVER return. Except to get my refund and take Jose his burrito back. My niece threw her asada nachos away and went to buy tacos at the stand down the street because the nachos had so little content. I'm calling BS on these reviews. I think they had their family and friends write them. read more

See all

I had the chili vetde enchiladas they have absolutely no flavor. Enchiladas usually come with rice and beans a lot of cheese. They barely sprinkled any on. I will never come here again. read more

El Jacalito - Green chili enchiladas they did not come with rice and beans I had to come home and open a can of beans big disappointment to not come here - Mexican Near Me - Lomita, California

Eat at El Jacalito yesterday for the first time and LOVED it! The food is like your Abuela made it! The restuarant isn't fancy but the waiter was warm and helpful. Our order: Ensalada Nopales, Carnitas, Mole Negro - FABULOSO! read more