I was really impressed with this place, it is beautiful inside. What really impressed me was as soon as I came in the door and started walking toward the counter and people that work there saw me coming they all said a greeting of hello or welcome, As they walked by. They didn't just walk by like frazzled, hurried workers like most restaurants pushing through the crowds. They actually gave me a nice smile and said welcome, and then walked by. And then I got to the reception area found that there was already a pretty big crowd at around the 5:30 PM or so I guess a lot of early birds come to eat there on Sunday. The receptionist asked for how many and said you'd be like a 20 minute wait and there was chairs where people were waiting but it was only like a 15 minute wait. The server was fast with the chips and salsa and ice water and then soon the waiter came and took my order. He was really quick and witty, fun to talk to. What I really enjoyed was as the noise of the table Near quieted down and they left. I saw a young man cleaning up the table and getting it ready for the next group of people. He was dressed really nice and had a tie on. Having been in restaurants most of my life I said to myself, I bet you he works with the owners or something. And I said to him, are your related to people that own the place ? he said my parents own this place. He was very friendly and polite. He told me a tiny bit about the restaurant and how everything had been since 1970, much older than he was, he was only a sophomore in high school I think. I never really got his name, but I was kind of proud of him because he was working hard at his family's restaurant. I ordered probably something bigger than I could eat because I had to take leftovers home, but it was really a tasty meal, and they're coming out with more chips and salsa without being asked, probably didn't help as well as a second lemonade. It's really impressive when you have a well oiled machine and it appeared to me that the people that worked there seem to be happy so that's always a good sign of good management. Several years back, I worked in the restaurant industry doing maintenance and repairs so I went to a lot of different restaurants and saw a lot of things so I know what to look for. I'm definitely gonna come back when my brother and his wife come up from the Bay Area my friend Ivan he'll wanna go there for lunch or dinner I know. He's kind of a picky eater and was born in Mexico, but I think he'll be impressed with this place. read more

Excellent mexican cuisine! I came here last Saturday, mid-afternoon, with 5 other people for a late lunch. The decor and ambiance inside transports you to a mexican plaza. There is a lot of seating with booths that easily seat 6 people around the periphery and tables with chairs in the main floor area. Our server was good and attentive and the water glasses were kept filled. Everyone was happy with the dishes they ordered. They have a children's section on the menu with very generous portions. I loved their creamy refried beans. I ordered carnitas quesadillas and was very pleased. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

This spot is a South Sac staple and there's usually folks coming in and out everytime I've been here. They aren't open late so definitely check for hours. There's plenty of seating but it can fill up during prime hours. The place looks the same as it did when I came here as a kid and the service is always prompt and friendly. The menu is big so there are alot of options. My go to is the 2 or 3 item entree. You can pick from multiple items, meats, and it all comes with homemade beans and rice. The crispy taco, enchilada, and burrito with steak or carnitas are solid. The salsa and chips come out once you sit down and are really good. I put the salsa on everything and always end up with leftovers as the portions are large. With so many options on the menu, you will always leave this spot happy and full! read more

My go-to to-go authentic Mexican restaurant is El Novillero, and again, their 2-item combo plate is delicious. My favorite is the Chili Colorado beef enchiladas. The sauce is the best, and it's enough for a couple of meals. It helps to include flour tortillas to roll up into a burrito with the rice, beans, and enchilada sauce. You can count on knowing they do not cut back for the best ingredients and flavor. read more

El Novillero - Two enchilada combination plate with half eaten to show the chili Colorado meat inside - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

This place was a surprise to me. Clearly popular sit down mexican in Sacramento. The vibe is very traditional with a spanish colonial flare. It's clean, slightly tired but kinda in a good way. We were there at like 3 pm on Sunday and all the seat were full. There was about a 5 minute wait. Again, must be popular. Servers were friendly and water and chips refilled on schedule. The Food. This is old school Jurassic scale servings. No way i could finish a combo platter. It was all very good. They are famous for the carnitas and they deliver. Flour chips, not on menu, are the bomb particularly with some of the excellent guacamole. This is unapologetically not a vegetarian or vegan spot with lard used in beans etc. They do have a list of items that ARE Vegetarian so B for effort there. read more

See all

The food was just mediocre and a bit salty for my taste and not especially memorable. The food came out at a reasonable pace and everything was cooked properly, though nothing really stood out. Service was somewhat detached, our server checked in when needed, though there wasn't much interaction with us. The restaurant is beautifully decorated but unfortunately the service and food does not match up. The server ended up giving me the wrong drink and also gave me the wrong dinner bill..I had to bring both things to his attention and he didn't apologize or anything he just grabbed it without saying anything and had a grumpy look to his face. Unfortunately El Noviello is not somewhere I'd go to eat again, there are better options in the area if you're looking for better food and service. read more

See all

This is my boyfriend's favorite Mexican spot! We arrived when they just opened and the staff was very attentive and punctual. Served us our chips and salsa and water immediately as we sat down. The entire interior of the restaurant is filled with decorations and was very cozy. Our food arrived shortly after we ordered as well and everything tasted fresh and delicious! The portions were abundant and I could barely finish mine but no regrets :) My boyfriend ordered a super burrito and it was massive! He definitely did what he could to finish. Would definitely come back again! read more

See all

One of my go to places in Sacramento. The food is great and the staff is very friendly/personable. A classic Sacramento Mexican restaurant. So many tasty things on the menu read more

El Novillero - Colorado (Beef) Burrito and Verde (Pork) enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Took our relative who was here from New York. He wanted good Mexican food & they did not disappoint. Everyone's food was delicious. We ordered so many entrees. Our waiter was outstanding. Restaurant is huge and very nice and clean. read more

See all

At El Novillero, the portions are great, as well as the service. Even though everyone might not think about it, the majority of Mexican restaurants do use lard, so it's appreciated that they plaster this notice all across their menu. I opted to have the "create your own" three items with a quesadilla, chiles relleno, and enchilada. Everything was good, and the portion was large enough for me to have a couple more meals from it. Dimly lit, but nice atmosphere and décor. read more

El Novillero - "Create Your Own" (3 Item): Quesadilla, Chilli Relleno & Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Craving tacos so headed to one of our faves for lunch. We were promptly greeted and seated immediately. We both decided on the 1 crispy chicken taco with rice and beans. Chips and salsa were tasty as well. Definitely recommend. Please see the pic below. read more

El Novillero - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

What a gem! Food was great and authentic. Portions for the price are unbeatable. The restaurant/ambiance is beautiful, they don't make them like this anymore. And if you really want to elevate the experience, ask for George to be your server. read more

LOVE LOVE!!!! We moved to Pollock Pines and there is no comparison on chicken Tacos. Salsa is lovely. They are quick to serve your food and pleasant. Thx guys read more

Enchilada amazing - fast friendly authentic :) hubby loved the salsa. I enjoyed the pico

Always a great experience to meet my friends for a fun lunch at El Novillero. We share Nachos sometimes. I had a small salad with ground beef. It was delicious. Our waiter was so nice and accommodating. The manager was a very efficient and friendly person. A+ read more

El Novillero - Green salad with ground beef. My friend had Nachos and a green salad - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

Gosh, this place brings back so many memories during my college days! Haven't been there in years, but when their last week for a graduation dinner and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I ordered the Kearney display and it was so much food. I had a whole meal out of it the next day. Delicious food good service and the place is just so cute inside. read more

I don't know why this place has a four star average cause it's five freakin stars!! The food is sooooo darn good, the portions are generous and their chips and salsa are bomb! I've ordered several entrees and they are all delicious! I always have a hard time deciding what I want since it's all good! I just wish they would take call in orders over the phone, but when you go in to order takeout they are pretty quick with getting the order together! Thanks El Novillero for giving us true authentic Mexican food! read more

See all

I ordered the 3 item combo with a chile relleno, birria taco with crispy flour tortillia, and birria chimichanga. All of the items were delicious! Although this meal was expensive for $24, there was a lot of food. The chile relleno was delicious as it was topped with grilled veggies. The birria was very flavorful and tender. The flour tortillia chips were disappointing as they were not fried long enough so they were soft instead of crispy. Service was excellent and the staff were friendly. The cost of the menu items are on the pricier side, but the food is delicious. read more

El Novillero - Birria taco, chile relleno, chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

First time coming here and just giving my honest opinion. Is there any other Mexican places in sac or within the area as good as El Novillero? In my opinion, no! I have eaten from a handful of Mexican restaurants that are great don't get me wrong, however they can't compare to this place. Servers are extremely nice and frequently check on you for refills on drinks chips/salsa. Prices may seem kind of high for the meals but trust me, WELL WORTH IT. If you can spend $17 at a drive thru you can fork out $8 extra for a fresh large plate of Mexican food. I ordered a build your own plate with the 3 item option ($25). I was amazed when they brought out the plates. All the plates were STACKED. The quesadilla I ordered was not what I expected and I mean that in a good way because the size of it and how stuffed it was with chicken and cheese. Didn't take long to bring out the food either was about 10 minutes or so. I thought it was amazing. Flavor was on point no issues or complaints from any of us it was definitely 100/10. Even though it was a huge portion I somehow managed to eat the entire plate (big guy that is starving). With that being said I almost had to call a tow truck to drag me out of there haha. But no seriously I was stuffed I waited 10 minutes before I left. My folks (not as big as me) were full and basically took home what looked to be a whole complete meal in their to go box. What I mean by that is you can spend $25 on a meal here and eat 1-3 times depending on your size and hunger. That's how big the portions are. All in all, GREAT food, great people, great atmosphere as well. Nicely decorated I would say. I enjoyed my time there as a customer. They also have pictures of their family up on the wall which I thought was pretty neat. Whether you're in the area or not, check this place out it is worth the drive wherever you're coming from. I come from the opposite side of sac and I plan on coming here often or hell maybe even once a week that's how damn good this place is. read more

El Novillero - Chicken Quesadilla, 2 enchiladas, rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

I haven't been in awhile but I have been meaning to go! Their food is really good and the ambiance is great!!!

I'd been wanting to try El Novillero for a while, and it was definitely worth the wait. I visited on a Thursday night with my parents, and we were seated right away, which was a pleasant surprise. From the outside, the restaurant looks relatively small, but inside, it's massive, complete with an extra waiting area. I can imagine how crowded it gets during peak dinner times, but we got lucky! As soon as we sat down, we were served chips and salsa. I ordered the #24, which is their carnitas enchilada dinner. My dad went with the chili verde plate, and my mom opted for the two-item plate with a crispy taco and a soft taco. I really enjoyed my enchiladas, but the portions were so generous that I only managed to eat one. The carnitas were flavorful with a rich, lardy taste, and it's clear they're a specialty. However, I was a bit surprised that you can't choose your type of beans. My dad's chili verde was also excellent, but my mom thought the tacos were just okay. The chips were decent, though it was clear the oil used could've been fresher. The salsas were mild, which was nice for those who prefer less heat. The ambiance was warm and family-friendly, though the service was a bit slow. Our waiter seemed unsure about some of our questions regarding the spice level of the dishes but was helpful in the end. I'd definitely come back to explore more from their massive menu and enjoy another sit-down meal here. read more

El Novillero - Carnitas Enchilada Dinner (#24) - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

I heard about El Novillero through a fellow yelp and we decided to eat here for dinner. I ordered the enchilada dinner and it was so delicious and the servings a huge you will definitely have a good amount of leftovers. The service was great the waiter answered all our questions. The interior is nice and the have plenty of seating. I will say it was a little bit of a wait but is well worth it. I have been back since this review and I highly recommend coming by and trying them out. read more

See all

I have came to this restaurant since I was 6 years old. I usually order the chefs special (best price dish) but lately I have been really into this plate. The ambiance is fun. It's like you step into a museum of Sacramento history. It's always clean and the service is always great. My glass of water is always full. read more

El Novillero - Chili verde - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

I don't understand why some reviews are so bad. Besides maybe an off night, the food here is generally very good. And yes, they use real lard in their recipes and you will gain a few pounds the next day if you consume one of their meals. Their chile verde is outstanding although i would prefer a less leaner cut of pork but the spice level really depends on the chile's available as they prepare their recipes - but generally it is just a little spicy but i also eat jalapeño's and Serrano chile's raw. Their tamales are also very good ( i only had one bad experience with their tamales) but the tamales here are very moist, flavorful, and delicious. Their quesadillas are also very good filled with your choice of meat melded together with cheese and with fresh avocados if you order the version with carnitas. My only reservation is the chips/salsa as you are seated. the chips do taste old and stale and the salsa doesn't taste homemade. But i patronize this place for their entrees and not the free house chips/salsa. read more

See all

maybe it was a slightly day. chips were stale, carnitas dry and tough. However, beans, rice and super burrito were top notch. the chili relleno and chimichanga combo was deemed good. Tortillas ok, nothing special. The waiter took our cash and never brought back the change assuming it was his tip.We would have left that tip but he didn't give us a choice. Bad form! read more

Great, authentic Mexican food in a pleasant, sit down environment. Good value for money. You will likely be bringing home leftovers. Excellent service and piping hot food. Nice place to meet with a group. Definitely get the flour tortilla chips and excellent guacamole for an appetizer. The free chips and salsa are yummy also. Recommend the enchiladas (cheese or chicken), rice/beans and salad plate. read more

See all

I have been hearing great things about this place over the course of about 30 years. Today I finally decided to try it and, WOW, have I been missing out! In my reviews I talk alot about Chile Verde and how I am always on the hunt for anything close to what my buddy's mom used to make. Well, after all this time I have finally found it! I had a 3 item combo with Beef Taco, Cheese Enchilida, and a Chile Verde Burrito. Everything was absolutely fantastic but you honestly will not find better Chile Verde in the Sacramento area. Period. Our server was super friendly and offered to replace anything we didn't like. He might as well have saved his breath, though, as there wasn't any chance of that happening. And the decor of this place is outstanding! Any words that I might say would honestly fall extremely short. You should absolutely try this place. You can thank me later read more

No reservations, and they close at 7PM now! They have their own fenced parking lot across the street if the one behind their restaurant is full. Got a booth, party of 4 around 5:45PM on a Wednesday evening. Must order the freshly-made basket of fluffy flour tortilla chips ($5.95 each basket) which are far superior to the default basket of corn tortilla chips and salsa provided. Note that they do cook most everything with lard; check the menu for specific vegetarian items though. I got the Choose 2 Items plate ($17.95), with a carnitas (their specialty) chimichanga (small) and a verde pork enchilada. Certain meats do have an upcharge, like ground beef. This comes with rice, refried beans and cheese, and shredded lettuce salad. I didn't get the pickle and olive garnishes like before, but did get the lone corn tortilla chip, guac, and sour cream. You can also ask for guac/sour cream on the side, extra rice sub for salad, etc. Because we started with not one but two baskets of flour tortillas, I could only finish one of my two items in that sitting. The verde pork enchilada was yummy...the chimi was leftovers to take home. Next time I might try the tamale, quesadilla, or crispy taco! read more

See all

Everything was a nice experience here. The decor was beautiful , Food was great, along with the friendly staff. read more

El Novillero - Going to this restaurant for the first time ever and seeing my husband's winner circle picture on the wall! Small world. - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

The food was very good with huge portions. The plates came out hot, just like I remember from years in the past. Our servers made sure that our drinks were never empty, nor were or chips. I would DEFINITELY come back again. read more

This is my favorite Mexican food restaurant, came here for my birthday lunch, everything was so good & delicious. Had enough to eat for dinner & the next day. Service was great!! No complaints read more

El Novillero - Small pork chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

This is a Sacramento institution, and there's a reason why! The ambience is amazing, and even if you need to wait for a table, your eyes will be feasting on all the decor. The menu has a ton of variety; old standbys and new favorites all exist on the same page. And you'd better come hungry, because the portions here are huge! read more

It's actually heartbreaking when a place with many fond memories of family and good food enjoyed in a great atmosphere takes a nose dive. Service is fine. Can't complain. Its management. Store bought tortillas, Pace canned salsa, I'm gonna even say, canned refried beans. The food was booty. I wanna love you El Novillero but you need to get your kitchen back to the way it was 20-30-almost 40 years ago, cause right now, I can get almost the same at Jimboy's down the street. read more

Let me start by saying that I LOVE THE FOOD AT EL NOVILLERO! We have been coming here for many years, and every time I order the same thing -- the Chile Colorado dinner. It has always been top-notch... until our most recent visit. My wife and I both ordered the Chile Colorado, and after the first bite, we looked at each other in shock. "Did they change the recipe?" I asked. She replied, "Yeah, this tastes totally different." The meat was strips of beef instead of chunks, and the flavor was off -- way too much cumin and not enough California chile (or whatever the usual seasoning blend is). Neither of us finished our meal. We took the leftovers home but never touched them and ended up throwing them away. What made it worse is that our server never asked if something was wrong, even though we barely ate anything. It almost felt like they knew there was an issue but didn't want to address it. I truly hope this was a one-off situation. If this was a permanent recipe change, unfortunately, we won't be returning. I would really appreciate hearing from the restaurant to understand what happened -- if it was just an isolated occurrence, we will absolutely give it another try. read more

I haven't been here in years. This was a restaurant that my family used to take me to when I was younger and let me say it never disappoints. The portions are still huge. The quality of the food is still amazing. I can say for me. This is the best Mexican restaurant in Sacramento. I always has been The flout tortilla chips. You have to get they do give you free corn tortilla chips, but you have to order the flower tortillas. I got an enchilada, a beef, taco and beans and rice. It was so delicious my friends and I couldn't even talk and don't even get me started on the delicious margaritas. We had The best service ! Top notch! Ambiance is like you stepped into another town to enjoy your favorite meal!There was a little bit of a weight because you cannot make a reservation but definitely worth the weight. read more

El Novillero - Our amazing waiter ! - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

The ambiance & food here is outstanding & delicious & this is our " go to" place for authentic family style Mexican food. The portions are huge, selection is amazing & the food always comes out piping hot & fresh. We have been coming here for many years & the food & service is always consistently great. There's plenty of parking both behind & across the street & the entrance & exits are handicap accessible. Highly recommend! read more

Ok first of all let me say this is the first time we have been to this place. When we were in South Carolina ( Myrtle beach ) we have a uber driver say his family is from this area and he loves the food here!! He said the carnitas were the best he's ever had!! And honestly I'm saying this also!' I've eaten Mexican food all the way from Cancun to Chico cal and this was the best!! I rarely give 5 stars the first time but everything about this place hit high marks!!' Service was excellent!! Jorge Garcia from tepa did a great job! Made us feel like family!!! Ambiance was excellent!! The place had a lot of family history and beautiful inside and out!! You need to come to this place!! It is worth the drive!! Guarantee to be a great experience!!i will put pics up so you can check it out!!! Thanks to everyone there and we will definitely be back again!! read more

See all

I have eaten at this restaurant for over twenty plus years. And the food was absolutely delicious every single time. Unfortunately I was there about a month or so ago. I went in after church to order takeout. I ordered two tacos (ground beef with corn tortillas). The order also consisted of two carnitas with rice. For a lack of a better word, that whole meal tasted like slop!!! The tacos had so much lettuce and the bottom a little trickle of ground beef. Very under seasoned. The carnitas were awful with a thick nasty tasting sauce. I don't know what has happened to the cooks but I will never eat here again!!!! Sad because El NOVILLERO was the authentic Mexican restaurant in Sacramento!! read more

We came on a Sunday night, there were 3 of us. Chips weren't very good, salsa was okay. My husband's food came out a long time before ours, he sat and waited until ours came out-even though we told him to start eating. Ours came out and everything was good, but not "oh my gosh it's so great!" Plus, the waiting at the beginning was really uncomfortable and weird, they were not super busy, just mid busy. No offer for a drink or a discount off the check. Decorated inside nicely with holiday decorations still which were cute. It's been about fifteen years since I've been here, maybe this was why? read more

El Novillero is a South Sacramento staple. My family has been coming here for years and I always look forward to when we get to go! I usually get a 2 item combo--pictured are the chimichanga and burrito, but you genuinely can't go wrong with anything on their entire menu! Everything is great! I have absolutely no complaints about this place, the food is amazing and the staff is very kind and friendly. read more

El Novillero - Combo with chimichanga and burrito - Mexican Near Me - Sacramento, California