We come here often. Decent. Our friends seem to like it. Bakery next door. Tres Leches is splendid. read more

El Merendero - Carnisada - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

My husband went to pick up food from there we ordered a few things one of those being cheese and green chili tamales, but they messed up and gave us chicken which would have been on but let me tell you when I went to open them they were stuck to the paper and the masa was rock hard and the chicken looked so old and dry it was literally the nastiest tamale I have ever seen! This place use to be so good and it got really bad I would not recommend it! read more

It's good for a quick bite to eat it gets really packed on the weekends. You can order some pan dulce to the bakery they are connected to on the way out. read more

Super good burritos they got this super giant burrito that literally feeds like 8 people! The burrito comes smothered in a tasty sauce that consist of large Chunks of beef and the inside is filled with a plethora of greatness!! Love this damn place. Located right by the fairplex! Will come here till my heart or colon gives out !! read more

The El is reasonably priced, decent Mexican fare. My esposa thought it was Americanized but good, and that's an accurate summary. My Chile Relleno was tasty but smothered under a dense layer of oily cheese. The beans (pinto) were fresh, and not overly blended (lazy man's way), so it was not whipped like some places do (yuk!). And on the table they had El Yukatan salsa, which is a very nice habenero salsa. Nice and hot! If ever we are in Pomona again, we might revisit the El, but not if there was another place to try that looked interesting from the street or on Yelp. Final Score: 3.5 rounded up. Go to Santa Ana for many, many more better, MUCH better selections. read more

I've been eating at El merendero restaurants since the mid-1980s LOL I live out of the area now anytime I have the chance to stop I go for the beef and potato burrito medium nachos with carne asada it's worth the drive. read more

I don't know why but every Mexican place I eat at.. I just have to try their tamales. It's like a make-or-break deal for me. During the time, I guess tamales weren't an expected order mainly because it depended on the season. But they had it done for me anyways. "Thank you!" Excited to eat, I took one bite and at that moment I knew it tasted too.. dry. I'm no tamale snob but I know what it should taste like and it just didn't float my boat. On the upside, their nachos were a hit! I gave El Merendero 2.5 stars rounded to a 3 for good service and bomb nachos. I may or may not be back. read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

Food is always on point. Some places make plates small making you want more. Not here. Just how grandma cooks. More than enough. That's why they catered our wedding they tailored everything to what we wanted. Check it out. read more

I've been coming to this restaurant for 12 years now and it is great. It's not very big and can get packed very quickly. Their food is fresh and taste amazing. Their salsa is always made fresh. The people who work there are friendly and talk to you like your family. read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

OK, I work in Pomona-- SO I'm here eating Lunch like twice a week. I get their veggy soup, chili verdes, and burritos. It's all delicious. Service is dependent on the how crowded it is.. and it gets standing room only around 1145-1230 pm weekdays. I've sat a dirty table to wait for it to be cleaned so I can have lunch here (self seating) during my 1 H lunch break. Once orders are taken, it's QUICK! Pay the check ASAP or walk to cashier, they seem to know who's check is which and charges also correct. Chips and salsa free. Tortillas come with some dishes. Large refills on soda/ tea/ water. Ask for a to go cup if you want and they'll hand you one. Eating here for 6 years now... getting chubbier... fat and happy as they say! read more

My husband and I have ate at this restaurant twice before some years ago, we wondered if it is still just as good. The atmosphere is not fancy but the food delicious. The bakery next door is such a treat with a wide selection of treats. Will definitely be back. read more

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The best place to stop by and grab a bite on Second Street in Pomona. I recommend the Cheese Burritos. They always provide a free chips when you decided to eat there in person. The men and women who work there are always friendly and take good care of getting your orders right. Just if you don't speak Spanish well your out of luck most of employees only speak Spanish and have poor English skills. -But I speak Spanish and understand Spanish ,so I have never have any problems. read more

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Really cute cafe connected to the panaderia. Great stop for lunch when visiting Antique Row right there on 2nd st. Locals place, lotsa families, all ages, cozy and warm. I have had some not as fresh as I would like pan dulce. Like day old conchas pastries here so not sure if baked on premises or what. This was on a weekday. As you know, if your concha is not baked that day, its not that good. The cafe connected next door is a seat yourself, casual affair, with solid staples and serviceable mexican american food. I enjoyed my tostada, which was old school, ie. Not the huge ass fried shell bowl 'tostada', but the real deal, con luchuga, tomate, y shredded beef. Very good. Also tried the shrimp ceviche, nice but needed a little more salt and lime. Burritos are big n greasy, just as they should be. Nice service, clean and efficient. I will definitely be back. That is all. read more

Stopped by because a colleague of mine recommended this place and I do not regret coming by for lunch! The restaurant is very spacious which is great for large parties. It's located on a main street so you can either park on the street or at back parking lot. Service can be a bit slow but there were only about two workers when I stopped by on a weekday. I was feeling extra hungry so I ordered a combination plate. There was chalupas, enchilada, two hard tacos, and one taquito. The meat I chose was beef and it was oh so tender and flavorful! Honestly my expectations weren't high upon coming here but it blew me away. Compared to other places that i've been to the beef would always super dry and over cooked so good job El Merendero! The enchilada and the two hard tacos were to die for. I would definitely come back just for those items! read more

I love the food, but over $7, for two tacos is wayyyyyyy over priced. Plus, they have super small paper plates and much less food. I won't go back! This is not Beverly Hills. Some businesses go overboard and lose in the end. read more

I came here after finding out that the old Casa Jimenez down the street has closed and the new restaurant that took its place was being remodeled. At this place you sit yourself wherever you please. They were nice, and courteous to me and attended me in a timely manner. Food on the menu was a little more expensive than what I was hoping to pay (if Casa Jimenez were still open) but still reasonably priced. Food was quickly made. I mean I was surprised how fast they made it after I placed my order. I got Chilaquiles Verdes without cheese (I'm lactose intolerant) and it comes with rice and beans. Food was delicious. Definitely coming here again. (Not like everyday or anything but yeah, I'll be back) read more

El Merendero - Chilaquiles Verdes with rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

Grew up visiting El Merendero and went by for dinner with family (Sat., 05/19/18). It was horrible! I ordered chile relleno with rice and beans. First, we had to sit ourselves because no one attended to us (strike one). We grabbed our own menus because no one came by (strike 2). To make matters worse, the food was unbelievably lackluster; i.e. flavorless, dull & boring (strike 3). The wait staff wasn't rude, but they were absent, disinterested and, much like the food - lackluster. read more

Sit down Mexican restaurant with a take out feel. Most of the traditional Mexican dishes are decent some of them not very tasty like the quality of their carne asada. I only really liked their green shrimp enchiladas since the red salsa is not spicy and very chunky tomato sauce. The cheese is melted well and the tortillas are thick natural corn tortillas that withstand the green sauce they're drenched in without getting soggy. I love that they sell Mexican soda. Definitely beats Del Taco and other Mexican places in Pomona. Love that they give you free chips and salsa as a appetizer with any meal. read more

Came here on a Sunday morning the only great part was that we were seating rapidly! But the food was bland the service was bland. It was all bland. Would not return. Sorry and lady sticked her finger in menudo read more

Mernedero Bakery has a rude guy working for them. Don't plan on any help from the staff. When shopping for Cakes its supposed to be positive experience, if you are buying for a celebration of some sort you would think they would be happy to assist you. read more

Deliciousness. The breakfast burritos are pretty f-in good. People bring their own pots here to pick up pozole and menudo so you know those must be good here. read more

Great spot for lunch, El Merendero is located in the heart of Down Town Pomona, the service is fast and the quality is up to par. I love the ambiance here, really makes you feel like you stepped into a busy restaurant in hip and happening city in the heart of Mexico. I have been here a few times now and tried a variety of the meals that they offer and if you love Mexican food this is the joint to go to. My recommendations are any of their burritos, you really cant go wrong. The fish filet is extremely refreshing, it comes with salad, rice and beans. Most dishes are accompanied by these sides. The super combo enchilada is massive and pretty good as well. They serve Mexican coca cola, couple that with the amazing complementary chips and salsa, and you have yourself a fulfilling meal that will keep you full until the next day. I really recommend this place, parking is available on second street and on the street. If you cant find parking really close by, there are plenty of other spaces 1 min walking distance. They also have multiple TV's that air the popular sports, today they were showing the FIFA 2014 Uruguay vs England game. Cheers, hope you all stop by and try this place. read more

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I've mainly gone for breakfast and ordered/ recommend menudo and green chilquilles. People even bring their own pots to take menudo home! If you sit down there is an option of a small or large with or without "granos." You can add a "pata" on the side for $3 more. I'd recommend skipping tortillas and asking for a bolillo made in the panaderia located in the same building. With chilaquiles, it's all about the chips. Their chilaquiles are made with quality use-these-to-make-your-bunker-i-can-depend-on-you chips. Then, if you're still hungry, walk next door for great pan dulce. read more

I grew up eating at their other location. This one is just as good! Ok I gotta go, my burrito is getting cold! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! read more

El Merendero - Breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese and beans. $6.53 including tax. SO tasty!!! - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

I usually love going to the restaurant located next to the Pomona Fairplex, but did not enjoy my experience at the downtown Pomona location. First off, there was nobody seating anyone, yet the sign was out to wait to be seated. Second, there was only 1 waiter on the floor that spoke english and they were not serving my table so the language barrier was pretty bad. Our food came out wrong on two different plates and one of the plates was returned twice and still came out wrong the third time and by that point I just wanted to leave. Then the second wrong plate, which was only a salad, took 20 more minutes to come out and by that point we were ready to leave and just tried to cancel the order but the waiter would not let us. Third, we never got silverware and my father had to get up and get his own. Plus we were never offered a refill on drinks. Lastly, to top off the whole experience there was a big roach in the bathroom. ... that just finalized the experience. I will only be going to the one next to the Fairplex from now on. That place usually only has two waitresses on the floor and them two are on their A Game! read more

They have outdoor seating during the Pandemic. Ordered a green chicken enchilada and a shrimp a la diabla burrito. I didn't like the chipotle salsa on the burrito it was overwhelming, I couldn't taste anything other flavors. The green Chile is amazing!! I would just order everything with the green chile. read more

Mexican food restaurants, this is so awesome it's my second favorite and very affordable . Right next door is a Pandaria. Baking oh, the agony read more

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The food is delicious. The place is always SO BUSY! They are under staff for the amount of people the usually have. They are very unorganized on the sitting of tables and on what waitress gets what table. Kind of annoying. Love that they have the bakery next door, and the bread looks super fresh! Menudo is excellent! read more

My boyfriend, his family, and I came here on recommendation from a friend. My boyfriend and I have purchased pan dulce from the bakery that it's connected to, and since the pan dulce have been delicious, we were hoping that the restaurant would be the same. FOOD: Sadly, the food is average. My boyfriend ordered the hard taco and taquitos. He commented that the meat tastes low quality. My boyfriend's dad ordered a cheese and chicken enchilada and he commented that there was nothing special about it. My boyfriend's mom ordered the chilaquiles and she said that it was too spicy and couldn't eat it. I ordered a pork tamale and ceviche. The ceviche was alright but the poke tamale was tasty. If I return, it would only be for an order of tamales. PRICES: Prices are affordable. There's a list of side orders where everything that would get in an entree is $2-5 a la carte. For example, a side order of a hard taco or soft taco is $1.50 and a tamale was $2. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Our waitress was friendly. It seemed like they are a bit understaffed because each time we tried to get her attention, she was always busy with someone else but she did check in with us a few times. read more

The most popular Mexican restaurant in Downtown Pomona. And truly it deserves its title. Their delicious food is served in large portions and their complimentary chips and salsa are one of a kind. Cash and card are accepted. Restrooms are cleaned regularly Service is contingent on the amount of people, but usually speedy. Food: PLEASE try the chilaquiles verdes.. thank me later. Their wet burritos are wonderful And for those breakfast goers, their hot cakes and chorizo eggs are to die for. All with champurrado or horchata any time of day is perfect. The only thing holding this place back from a perfect score is their parking. The lot is shared by many, many other businesses, so finding one is nearly impossible at peak hours. read more

The nachos and carnitas burrito is BOMB. Service is meh. I always order to go and I'm always waiting 15 minutes. Not too bad. The bakery is superb! They have an awesome custard turn over and pumpkin empanada. All their other goodies are delicious too but I haven't had any cakes other than the tres leches. Mmmmm tres leches... read more

I've been coming here since I was in HS. I love this spot in my hometown. El Merendero has the best and my favorite Potato Tacos with a side of green sauce! This place has an Awesome atmosphere! The staff is great! welcoming, attentive and polite. I love the bakery that is attached to El Merendero, the sweet bread is always fresh! They have my favorite Bolillos!! If you're ever in the area this is a must visit spot! read more

Good food, but horrible at getting your order right... I always ask for No Cheese due to food allergies & nine times out of ten it has cheese. Today my husband ordered me a wet burrito with No Cheese. He checked the order before he left. And of course it was smothered in cheese. Got the second burrito back no cheese. He got home, I cut in to the burrito & what do you know ... It's filled with Cheese...! Ugh so frustrating... So now I have a burrito that I can't eat & cant take it back to get the right order because my husband went to work... Wasted time, money & food! Will not be going back there again. read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

Food was really good. Prices were fair but the only thinknit stops me for the five stars is their salsa.. way too salty. And the restrooms need a little love but food was good read more

I come here here for their ceviche tostadas. Very tasty as are the chips and delicious salsa that they serve. I would love to come back and try the bakery that is attached to the restaurant and get a slice of their tres leches cake. read more

El Merendero - I love their ceviche tostada! - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

So very disappointed with this. Will never use their pick up service again. The container was one open area. Did not use container with dividers. This turned into a soup. Eggs ordered were not over hard. Were runny. Potatoes looked like mashed potatoes. Beans mixed with everything. Would you eat this? read more

El Merendero - Runny eggs. Chili verde. Potatoes mashed. Beans. - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

I used to love their food and they had good prices. Their service was never good but I went for the food. However, lately the food has been poor quality. I ordered tamels to go and they were disgusting. They were super dry, the chicken was overcooked, and there was a drop of sauce. Wowzeers I was disappointed! I was really looking forward to some delicious tamales. Instead they are in the trash. read more

El Merendero - The chicken was soooo dry. The masa was hard masa was hard and crunchy. Did they microwave them????? - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

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So this place is clean with nice decore and you're greeted with complementary chips and salsa, the salsa is ok but hey it's better than nothing So this place is delicious almost everything here is a homerun the #21 Super Wet Burrito is one of the best things I've ever eaten and I recommend it with green sauce BUT! too bad the cook that makes their signature pastor doesn't work there anymore, sucks because I'm a pastor expert and it was the best I've ever tried so it's kinda of a let down every time I ask with pastor and they don't have it so PLEASE! HIRE THAT COOK BACK! If you order a torta make sure you tell em to toast the bread idk why they don't do that that happened to me once here that's the only bad time I had The service here is ok as well they're understaffed so you might be waiting for a min for a refill and depending on what waitress As well because I've had excellent and ok service here But this place does mexican food right read more

El Merendero - The #21 aka the Super Wet Burrito with green sauce is one of the best things I've ever eaten. - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

Good food don't go on a Sunday if you don't wanna wait and you hungry.... they get pretty busy I would definitely order to go..... but good food read more

El Merendero - My cousin comes to this place when she comes down from Vegas.... - Mexican Near Me - Pomona, California

I've tried the food once and it was pretty good, but the bakery side twice now and disappointed me both times. It's not fresh by any means. When I found this place I was so happy because it was closer to my job. I could run in and be on time for work, but I rather go a little further on Holt to Spikes. (Where I know it's going to be fresh) read more