Love this restaurant.. The food is authentic and delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful. My favorite dish is the shredded beef taco and cheese enchilada with mole sauce. Mmmm mmm mmm read more

Very good food !! Love the beans chips too! Salsa is great ! Great service and friendly atmosphere

My wife and I ordered a bean and cheese burrito and a Torta to go wanting to enjoy our lunch at Forrest Falls. Its been about 30 min and they haven't bothered to talk to us , offer chips, nothing. The restaurant wasn't busy. There was a family there that had already eaten. I rarely ever complain about anything but the customer service left a bad taste in my mouth even before I got the food. read more

For being in the middle of nowhere mountain town, this is some of the finest mexican food I have ever enjoyed. Perfect chile relleno, grear chile verde, and I wanted to just drink the salsa verde. So good. Worth being mauled by sasquatches for. read more

its pretty expensive for food you can make at home, but if youre on your way up to forest falls, and its all you see, then its a decent place. read more

Now I know I shouldn't "diss" on a business that is the only restaurant in a town that needs a food establishment. It would by a sad day if this place closed its doors for good. So I am not advocating NOT coming here; rather, I am trying to set the bar of expectations. Anytime I come up to Forest Falls to hike, me and the wife have a meal at El Mex in the early afternoon. Service is ok, sometimes we seem inconvenient to them. It feels at times like we are a burden. Their chips are amazing - obviously homemade. Stay away from the guacamole. It has that fermenting, sour taste to it which comes from avocados a little past their prime. Every time I order something here, I try to order something different. The wife and I joke about how all the ingredients are the same, it just is used in different forms. There is really nothing different about the "gordita" "chalupa" or "tostada." The deep-fried bread is just either on the bottom or top. She always orders a BRC, which she says is great. Overall, this place is cool and I'll always return. But for great food, not so much.. read more

This has been my favorite place to eat since I stepped foot in the door 8 years ago. The owner and the other waitresses are so friendly and the atmosphere is great! It feels homey with cute and interesting decorations and with the sweet sounds of Mexico playing in the background. Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino mountains, El Mexicano is the perfect little escape to a clean and inviting restaurant with seriously the best Mexican food you will ever have. I always recommend everything because everything is simply delicious, but my favorites are definitely #29 carnitas meal, #32 garlic shrimp, and any burrito enchilada style. The portions are huge and the food is authentic, from Michoacan, blessed with the tongue tingling flavors from old secret recipes passed down in the family from The owner's aunt and possibly someone further up the family tree who was probably given the recipes from God. I know good food and this is great food! read more

For all this way up in the mountains, you wouldn't expect this place to be as good as it actually is. After a few hours of exploring, my friend and I came here because, well, it was the only restaurant around. On the outside, the appearance of the restaurant speaks to the mountain town it belongs to. Walking in, you'll notice a colorful quirky array of decorations that you could only find a Mexican place tucked away in a secluded spot like this. After sitting down, based on the quirkiness of the place, I wasn't sure what to expect from the food. I got the taco salad with pork and my friend got the cheesy fries. The cheesy fries were, as expected, fries covered in cheese, nothing too different. They didn't skimp on the cheese at least. With the banner outside touting El Mexicano as having the "world's best taco salad," I was critical of their apparent show of cockiness. However, the taco salad was delicious. Was it the best in the world? Maybe not, but it was definitely the best that I've had. With all those ingredients packed into layers in a tortilla bowl, I definitely left full. The tortilla bowl itself was crispy and airy at the same time; it was really the perfect texture. The pork was well cooked so that it was juicy and flavorful, not dry and stringy. The only thing that I felt was missing was that I wish there had been more guacamole to tie all the ingredients together. The complimentary chips and salsa were great. The tortilla chips were warm and crisp, however of the duo, the salsa was definitely the star. Not too chunky, not too liquid, the ingredients were chopped to just the right size for dipping. There was the perfect amount of heat where it was present, but also highlighted the other flavor profiles that were present in the salsa. The service was very friendly and noticed little things that made our experience better. For example, he noticed that since I'm really short, I had to sit on the edge of my seat to reach my food, so the owner offered to push in the entire bench for my convenience. All in all for a sleepy little place like this, the food is great and the service friendly. Which is good, because where else are you gonna go? read more

El Mexicano I - Taco salad - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

This is the place to go for authentic, delicious Mexican food even if you don't live in Forest Falls it's worth the drive. The salsa is perfect, with just enough heat to make it a treat for everyone. My personal favorites are the Gordita and taco salad-yummmmmmm read more

Today after a nice hike in forest falls my fiancé and I went to El Mexicano Restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised with great food and service. At first, I thought the prices might be a little expensive but when our food was served the portion size and the taste...I was satisfied. Definitely worth the price!The salsa was so good fresh and spicy! The server was on point with drinks and refilling our chips and salsa bowl. read more

El Mexicano I - Wet bean, rice and cheese burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

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This place is my shieeet! I used to work in this canyon teaching ecology geology and wildlife biology. I'd stop in here frequently to get literally the best burritos of my life. Miguel was always steady cracking me up. Now, I don't work the canyon anymore but I come in on occasion when I take my dog for a hike up there and I stop in for a lunch to go usually. Five stars for quality service and location but MOSTLY for the top notch food. read more

Amazing restaurant!! Phenomenal service, nicely decorated with a lot of culture and personality. Authentic and delicious food, and just a great place to be. Best restaurant in Forrest Falls :) read more

Food had great flavor. Chips and salsa were awesome too! It's a small family owned place with great service.

Hubby had steak fajitas and said they were pretty good. I had the chicken quesadilla and thought it was just ok. The salsa was HOT .. We've been here before but this is the first time it was so spicy. My lips are atill burning! read more

This restaurant was quite a find! The carnitas tacos are amazing, you can order one and it is a lot of food. In fact, the carnitas plate is great too. The salsa is great if you like it spicy, and if you order the poco de gallo, it was serranos in it so be prepared. The Mexican hot chocolate was spectacular! And weird as it may sound, their water was the best water I have ever had. They have their own well, and the water is seriously amazing. The staff were friendly and courteous. The service was decent. Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised! I lived in a small mountain town for over ten years and wish we had a place like this nearby. The portions are large, so order accordingly! read more

El Mexicano I - The Mexican hot chocolate is a splurge worth making! It is hot and delicious! In fact, it was so good, I ordered two! - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

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Manuel is amazing....and the food is excellent. This place is a hidden gem! The salsa tastes great. Excellent service and great food. This place is a must!!! Wow thank you guys this was an excellent experience! read more

El Mexicano I - Tamale chicken with red and green sauce is excellent with very traditional beans and rice cooked perfectly. - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

Nice place to go Mexican. Indoor decor was nice, and the patio area was comfortable when I was there before sunset. The prices were neither cheap, nor expensive, right in the middle and very fair for the location, amenities and food prep. Combo dinners were between 9.50 and 10.95, w/ complimentary chips/salsa, this is the going rate. Coronas less than 4. The hospitality was excellent. Had the relleno/enchilada combo. I get rellenos every chance I can, and this was the very best I've tried, including my experiences in various areas of Mex. Large, healthy chile, stuffed full with white cheese, very fluffy batter, topped with great sauce and shredded cheese. This is a great place, I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe more parking, but that's not under their control. Go eat! read more

Great food in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. We've been several times, and will go back again.

My Novell "Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow" is set in this area. My hero and heroine visit this restaurant. Order 1/2 size portions. Food is tasty and filling. There are several umbrellas and tables out back too. Visit with the locals while you are there. read more

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THE BEST PERIOD. So good. I wish i could have there cook cook for my family. This is heaven on earth for Mexican restaurants. No other can even come close to touching the EL MEXICANO I and II. MARIO and PATTIE are hands down one of the best service and food qualities combo out there. Thank you GOD for blessing this couple for creating EL MEXICANO I and II. read more

I looooove El Mexicano!! Their food is so delicious. The staff is amazing and so kind. My favorite are the bean tacos combo. Custom made for us, vegetarians. Fridays with live music. The best! read more

Quaint little place with great food, a hidden gem. The chicken tostada was loaded and the tortilla was solid enough to hold with one hand. Cheese enchilada was perfect, sauce had a great flavor and the taco was loaded with flavorful shredded beef and the right amount of lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. Terrific little find off the beaten track. read more

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We went on a busy Saturday evening and the place was packed. The food took forever to come but it was good. We will come back again and hopefully we will own a little cabin in the area soon. We love the Forest Falls area. The people that we have met and the staff at El Mexicano where great. read more

This may be the only restaurant in town but it's the best traditional Mexican food I have had anywhere. Glenn's Nachos were to die for - and so was the Fried Ice Cream for dessert. The latter is the best I have had since Carlos and Peppy's closed more than 10 years ago. L.A. people will know what I mean. Great news - El Mexicano has a sister restaurant in Oak Glen! Very busy on a Saturday night, be patient with the service. Enjoy! read more

Awesome food! This place serves authentic Mexican food. Chips and Salsa are always on point! This is my 5th visit. read more

El Mexicano I - Carne asada burrito and chicken taquitos. - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

The BEST restaurant in town!!! No one can attest to that!! No one in town has better service or better tasting food. If you're in FF, this is your very best choice. I'd say, either eat here, or leave town!! read more

Great food ! Great atmosphere ! Friendly good service. Small but cozy indoor outdoor seating. Surrounded by nature. Food taste like made from home. read more

Love this place!! Great food from scratch, family owned, friendly service and a very relaxing place to enjoy family time. I have tried pretty much everything on menu and all is great ( wet burritos, tamales, fajitas, chili relleno.... read more

I was excited to try this place because I love the one in Oak Glen. So we ordered mitcheladas and they brought out the glass with just the rim barely seasoned and my beer, nothing else. I asked where the rest of the drink was and I was told thats how they do mitcheladas, but I look over at the other table and see that the other group had proper mitcheladas. Then It came to ordering, we ordered two tacos each... it took over an hour for two tacos, mind you that the restaurant was not packed. The servers rather wanted to smoke and drink in the parking lot behind the cafe then work. Luck would have it that right at the point my girl and I were about to just get up and leave and to say the hell with this place the server brought out our food. One bowl of chips, no waters, small serving of salsa. Honestly this place is garbage and the obvious bias to clientele is disgusting. The only thing that is saving this from a one star is that the tacos were good.... But thats expected, never again, skip this joint! read more

The food is pretty decent.... The price is just a little high, but the quality was good... I recommend the fajitas... The salsa was very good... Overall I rate 3/5 due to price and taste read more

El Mexicano I - Great amounts of guacamole and sour cream!!! - Mexican Near Me - Forest Falls, California

Great Food Fajitas are my Favorite ! And I love the Tea ! Manny and Glenn are so nice I moved here a couple years go and love to go down and eat . Like to see Brad perform every now and then when we get the chance ! I can only go once in a while to stay in a budget but nice and friendly service !Thank you El Mex ! read more

I'll get right to the point- GO! You can't beat the location tucked away in the Valley of the Falls. This restaurant is well worth the drive for us flatlanders. Beautiful views and the food is delicious! They make their own chips (few places do these days), salsa is freshly made on the premises and complements anything your put it on. Absolutely addictive! Lots of winners on the menu, my favs; are Carne de Puerco for spicy, Carnitas...YUM, and the Chicken con Mole is full of flavor. The taquitos are huge and made to order, and much, much more........ The staff is friendly and always makes us feel at home.( No I am not a family member, just a big fan for 20 yrs+.) read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the hills! We always come on the weekends to enjoy a pitcher of beer, massive burritos and good people. Absolutely the best food in Forest Falls! read more

Salsa great! Beef enchilada awesome! Nice musician playing some fun music. Wish they knew they could use 40 proof tequila with a beer and wine license, because the wine margarita isn't happening, but after hiking the tallest peak in SoCal, anything liquid is OK. We will be back again. read more

Good food in the middle of a small village on the mountain. Prices were normal when they could have jacked them up and portion sizes were nuts. Funny mountain/mexican decor. Young super aggressive waitress kept my wife and I laughing. If you need some good sit down Mexican food, hit this pace up read more

I came here for my birthday and I had a really good time. The food was delicious. I had the steak sandwich, which was tasty but the steak was a little tough. Very friendly staff. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in Forest Falls! Of course, it is the only restaurant in Forest Falls. That being said, the food is great. The salsa is spicy and the service is good. It is just like your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint but its up in the mountains. Cash only. read more

Food was expensive and I'd give it 7 out of 10 for taste.... but the service was really good. Only thing is the fried ice cream that they sell isn't really fried ice cream. It's a ball of ice cream rolled over Frosted Flakes put in a tostada and covered in can whip cream with some drizzle chocolate sauce. Not a bad desert for two ppl but not really fried ice cream. read more

I used to live in Big Bear and would go here once a month. I can still taste the refried beans. I crave this type of Mexican food all the time. I don't know how they cook their beans, but they are delicious. I live on the East coast now and I've never had anything that even comes close to the food here. The wine margaritas are a plus, too! If the owners ever read this review, will you come out to Boston and cook for me? You guys rock! read more

They really do have some of the best burritos ever! Delicious! The cashier was super nice, and even though my order was to go they still included some chips and salsa, and that salsa was so good! I will definitely be back here. read more