I have to be honest-this was not my first choice for dinner in Lafayette on a Friday night. After looking at long waits elsewhere and completely over it for the week, I Yelped this spot and it seemed it would do. For starters, if they offer you a table in the back, wait for something else to open-or walk away. I had the single most unpleasant dining experience in their back room. It was freezing cold and the small cramped space with cement walls allowed for the most jarring noise and echoes of the surrounding conversations. It was so loud back there (with only 4 other tables) I literally had to shout at the top of my lungs to speak to my boyfriend. One other couple got seated back there and then left after a few minutes. It's not the fault of the restaurant but the patrons back there were obnoxious and the space just exacerbated their noise. Even once the offending table left, it was still jarringly loud and cold back there. Now, to the food. The veggie burrito was flavorful and tasty-the grilled bell peppers were fresh along with greens and great quality. They use white rice and whole black beans. For some, the portions, may be too small, but I thought it was a great size and just enough food. My boyfriend got the chicken flautas and really enjoyed his dish. He didn't want beans so they offered him salad instead. Chips and salsa are extra but well worth it, especially if you tack on the homemade and fresh guacamole. As a starter, it was absolutely worth it! Good food, friendly service, not so great atmosphere-you decide! read more

El Jarro - Fun murals in the small back room - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Best Mexican in the area. Authentic and high quality. Doesn't look like much from the front but pretty big inside. Easy take out. Lots of parking in the back. read more

I had the steak burrito with no lettuce and cilantro in its place. I also had all the condiments on the side (Pico, guacamole, and sour cream). I ended up only eating the guacamole.....thats all it needed! read more

Came here for a late lunch cause the thai place was closed. The atmosphere is every hole-in-the-wall. Looks basic when you first walk in, but the back is beautiful. They share a bathroom with the nail place next door. For Mexican food, the price and the portions don't match up. Burritos and quesadillas are about $8, but they aren't the usual portions you might find in a taqueria. The food is average. The burrito was small, and my quesadilla was soggy. Chips are $3. They give you a tiny container of salsa with your burrito, but you have to pay for more if you want an extra container. The Horchata is $2.50. It's in a cup that's a little bigger than the water glass, but it tastes watered down. Service was alright. They didn't really check up on our water or if we needed anything else until we asked for the check. We both decided that this place isn't worth another visit. read more

El Jarro - Carne Asada Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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1st visit here last Saturday for lunch with the misses. I ordered the pulled pork burrito & the little woman order the soft taco's (1) with the marinated pork & the other with pulled pork. The food was very authentic & excellent flavor. The only minus in my opinion was the,when seated they asked if we wanted chips & salsa.Were thinking theya are complementary(as in almost all other Mexican stops we've visited). When the bill came the chips were $2.25 & the salsa was an additional $2.25. $22.10 for two items with the chips,before the tip seems a little steap,but hey the over head in Lafayette is pretty serious. Overall 3.5 stars...minus 1.5 for above stated chip & salas confusion. read more

Love this place - soft tacos, carnitas nachos, tortilla chicken soup, and the guacamole are all delicious!

Never have I been treated so badly by any restaurant. I and others will never go to this place again. As I was walking into the front door there was a Lady eating out front. I entered as I had done many times before. I asked if I could order some food to go. The person that was in charge told me that they're closed and will not be able to make anything for me. I asked what time do you close? He told me that they closed earlier than what they post. I said that I was disappointed and I may not want to come back. As I was walking away on the sidewalk, he ran out of the restaurant trying to threaten me with his fist and Flipping me off, telling me F...Y...I could not believe that he was doing this. When I went back a few minutes later to ask for the manager with another friend, we were both confronted by the owner. At which point we asked why are we being treated this way and he said that I was calling them names. That was not true and I asked the lady if I had said anything bad to them. She turned to the owner and said that I had not say anything wrong to them. The owner told us that these are good boys and one is his son. Now we know how they are getting bad manners from. As I was in shock the son was flipping me off with his middle finger, more surprising was, that the father was OK with it, and told us to go somewhere else. It didn't stop there because as were walking away the owner called us Pansy's. What else is there to say then never again. read more

Surprisingly great food in an unassuming location in Lafayette. The chips are warm and delicious, and the tortas are massive and super tasty. If I still lived nearby, I'd make this a regular spot. The only downside I noticed was that the place was a little cold. Wear an extra layer in the winter. read more

El Jarro - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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This was an easy location to get to since we were meeting clients in Lafayette. There is a parking lot close by so that makes it convenient. Food was average. I ordered a cod taco and a marinated pork taco. The marinated pork was flavorful with the quacamole on top. The cod was good but not as flaky as I would like. I would go back and try it again and maybe order something different. read more

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First time visiting this Mexican restaurant. Good choice. My better half (who's well versed in Mexican foods) ordered a super burrito and indicated right away it was one of the best she's had. And that's saying a lot! I, too, had a burrito and must say she's right on. Very good. And the wait person was very nice and accommodating. Bottom line, no complaints. read more

We had a nice freshly prepped meal mid-afternoon. Good food and service in a modest sized place. We'll be back.

The best Mexican in Lafayette. Tortas are delicious. Prices are a little steep and service can be spotty but worth the wait and $. The place is small but clean and spacious enough. One of my favorite places in town! read more

El Jarro - Puebla torta and a corona. Definitely two meals! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

EL Jarro is always delicious! This is our family's go-to Mexican restaurant in Lamorinda. We love it! It has never disappointed! And the people who own it and work there are warm and kind. They remember our regular order. read more

We've gotten take out here several times and it's always very good. Definitely will continue to go back.

Best deal in town!! The food/price ratio is unbeatable.

This is now my favourite Mexican place to eat, food taste delicious and fresh, very authentic, the place it's small but cute and cozy

Had the Torta Mexicana and it was delish! Burritos are good too. Service was spotty since we were there during the Wine & Arts festival. Chips are very thin, only slightly greasy with just little sprinkling of salt. I think they're made onsite which goes far with me. Good salsa. Not great but good! Will come here to if I'm in a mood to support a local business. Will go to Baja Fresh across the street instead to save a few bucks (but will miss the tortas!). read more

I frequent El Jarro as often as I can. I can't get enough of their tortas (sandwiches)! Occasionally the ingredients aren't as fresh as they could be and the waitperson is a little gruff, but I continue to come because I love their tortas. I have to give a shout out to their chips too! While the salsa is all over the map (depends on the chef of the day, I suppose), there's always the chance it could be excellent, so I order the chips and salsa. read more

Been going here since they opened and the food has always been outstanding. our Favs....any taco, chicken Caesar salad, chicken burrito, Chile rellenos, flautas, anything with carnitas, the great tortas and the guacamole and tasty chips! read more

Amazing authentic Mexican, way better the El Charro! Unfortunately they will charge you for CHIPS and SALSA which is ridiculous they don't tell you! They will also charge you for EXTRA salsa if you run out, and even charge you for anything "extra" you ask. Other then that the food is incredibly delicious. read more

As a Mexican is always hard to find authentic Mexican food and El Jarro provides you with that. I have tried Mexican food in the area of Lafayette and there's no comparison around the area, everyone that I had invited to this restaurant in the past, always I mean always comes back because of it's delicious food. Starting with service always on top of things and truly, I have no words of how to describe how good this restaurant is. I highly recommend this family restaurant. read more

Was looking for some quick and decent Mexican in the vicinity of Lafayette. That's just what this is. We had the crispy chicken flautas, vegetable enchiladas Oaxacaquenos, and a huevos plateros dish. My friend said the flautas were decent but lacking in flavor. I didn't care for the sweet flavor of the enchiladas (filled with potato?) but CR loved it. The huevos were two sunny side eggs with corn tortillas, refried black beans and some queso fresco. Nothing too spectacular, but it satisfied our craving. Chips and salsa were on point. Margaritas were decent, nothing fancy, with a good kick. They had a TV and put on the Warriors game for us, which was appreciated! Service was otherwise okay. There was an extra menu item on our bill that we didn't order but it was quickly removed. read more

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this place is so good they literally slayed the carne asada burrito and the chips were like "yasss" and i literally was like "omfg this meal is so scrumptious like yas el jarro it's giving major bad b vibes" read more

Keep in mind... those chips and salsa they offer you when you sit down? They'll be on your bill at the end. Not cool. read more

Excellent chiles rellenos. Their taco salad is also very good and the have Mexico coke! The absolute best in the East Bay!

Go to spot - the salsa is ridiculously good and the service is incredible! Their burritos have always been a staple of mine.

I work in Lafayette so I am here a lot. Other mexican restaurants in the area don't have horchata so that is a plus for me. I love their tortas, burritos and mexican caesar salad. I have never encountered any issues with the staff being unfriendly on any take out or dine in experience. read more

Recommended by my wife, so I gave it a try. Well worth it! Tasty food, great service.

Such good and fresh Mexican food. 10/10 would recommend. My wife and I went here all the time when we lived in Lafayette. One of our favorite places to eat. read more

I called this restaurant last evening to see about their hours of operation. They said they were open until 9 PM. Tonight my husband and I tried to enter the restaurant at 7:25 and were denied service. They said they closed at 8 pm do to Covid. So interesting because every restaurant on that street was open for business and doing well I'm upset because it wasn't even 8 when we got there. But still they refused to serve us. I will not returning to this establishment ever again. Very poor way to treat customers. Very insulting. I hope the owners read this review and try a little harder to accommodate people especially when they arrive before closing. Btw their posted sign reads open til 9pm! read more

Mind you. . . It was 8:15pm when we walked in... however, to be severed what seemed like "scraps" was very disappointing.

Stopped by after a baseball game and was pleasantly surprized. Obviously authentic Mexican fare with fresh ingredients.

The carnitas torta was amazing!!! So glad I found this place. I prefer my carnitas crispy and usually have to ask to have it cooked that way but forgot this time. The carnitas was cooked to perfection. Also loved the hot chips. I will definitely be back soon! read more

Best Mexican food in the area hands down! I come here all the time and the staff is always super friendly and quick. Every single thing on the menu is good. Can't be beat. read more

Just the VERY best. Love the Prawns Agave and the Tuluca sandwich, just can't be beat!!!

After dropping my daughter off at a friends house in Lafayette, i stopped in to pick lunch up for my husband and I. Upon walking in, I was treated very kindly and shown the menu. Since I was taking food home, some of my options were limited so I went with easy travel food-burritos. I got one with carne asada for the husband and one with carnitas for me. Both with the refried black beans they have, rice, salsa, cheese and guacamole. His also had sour cream and I had a few jalapenos put on the side. I also ordered chips and salsa to and those were the highlight of the meal as each batch of chips is fried to order. They were light and crisp and a great vehicle for the salsa. The extra side of guacamole we go had a lot of lime juice and wasn't blended quite right to find the balance needed for guacamole perfection. When I arrived home with lunch, the husband and i dug right in. My carnitas was moist but lacked flavor-namely salt. The beans and rice were fine and once i hit the mecca (cheese and guacamole and salsa) the flavors all blended nicely. Husband enjoyed his burrito a lot and not surprisingly, finished the whole thing! I no longer have to feel guilty about driving by this place as there are always people sitting at tables outside. Once inside, there is an open kitchen and more seating than I expected. Since this was a 3.5 star place for take out, I'm going to come here again but maybe do the whole dine-in experience. read more

Yum! After a great bike ride along the Lafayette-Moraga trail, this delicious little spot was the perfect place to stop in to sit in the sun and enjoy some quality, authentic Mexican. The menu at this place isn't as expansive as some Mexican joints but I was happy to see a wide range of tortas and plates. The guacamole and salsas were top notch. There was a variety of salsa to choose from but I was pleased with pico. While the chips and salsa aren't free like some places, they do have unlimited free refills. I enjoyed the vegetarian burrito which was perfectly sized for a post-ride meal and my buddy who is a regular chomped down on some delicious tacos. The tacos looked excellent--lots of meat and well seasoned. I'll have to try them next time! My veggie burrito was well stuffed with beans, rice, veggies and a healthy serving of guac. We came around 4 pm and while the service was a bit slow, they did it with a smile. To their credit, it looked like they weren't expecting an early dinner rush. read more

way too much rice in the burritos. i guess thats how they make their money. disappointing...

UPDATE 8/29/06 - The owner appears to be doing something right as the restaurant seems to be consistently getting more customers. I have tried the chile rellenos and these chile's are bigger and tastier than other restaurants who serve them. Very flavorful! The newest thing I have tried here, which I believe in no time will become the signature dish of El Jarro, is the flan. OK...this is no ordinary flan. This is a hybrid recipe that seems to be a mix of flan and creme brulee and it is like 3.50 on the menu (big enough for two...not to be eaten without fresh coffee). This is such a rich dessert and absolutely PHENOMENAL...NOTHING BUT OOH'S and AAH'S of delight will be heard from you and your peers sharing this treat! This restaurant is a small cafe that holds a lot of punch! The owner is serving food authentically as he is Latin and appears to know how to run his restauarant. The owner/chef can be found here as the head chef and he clearly takes a lot of pride in the delivery of the food as well as the preparation. The artwork on the walls are subtle with a mexican flair. White linens on the tables and a very clean environment. Service is quick considering each dish is made to order from beginning to end. Lots of hustle and bustle in the kitchen area and surprisingly with little noise. Remember this is a cafe, so it is a bit small, but it is a reasonably priced place that is quaint and clean to eat at. I have eaten here twice. I think the chips are made to order as they arrive piping hot with fresh salsa and the freshest guacamole ever! I think the guacamole is also made to order. One time I ordered the fajitas...they are not served sizzling. My friend ordered a Torta Mexicana torta which is a mexican sandwich with tomato, light onions, avocado, mayo, beef steak with chorizo and oaxaca cheese. that she said was amazing. I saw an entire table of people order the same thing -- Taco Salad and as they were eating it they were raving about how it was the best taco salad they had ever eaten. Although I haven't eaten it the salad looked phenomenal. I have also ordered the chicken taco on a corn tortilla served with cilantro and onions. Very fresh and very tasty. The mexican caesar salad has marinated prawns (garlic and tequila) with a cilantro vinagerette dressing. This salad is now my favorite salad...so tasty and fresh. In the rear of the restaurant is a nice patio area, where you can also dine. There are a couple of tables in front of the cafe on Mt. Diablo blvd and make for great people watching! The owner/chef is charming and humble and wants to make your experience the best --- its just obvious the way he notices and acknowledges his regulars with a nod, smile or wave of the hand. read more

Muy delicioso! Tiny, little, hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint. I wish I could take the food from El Jarro and give it a better location like El Charro. (El Charro's food sucks, but they are much larger with outdoor seating.) Downsides of El Jarro: No liquor license = No margaritas. (I'm sorry but wine margaritas don't count!) Crowded seating. Upsides: GREAT food. The carnitas tacos are tasty little bites of pork heaven. They're only $3 each!! The service is also great. I've been their a number of times and always seem to have the same server. Poor guy works all the time! Very attentive. read more