We met our friends to celebrate a Birthday.. I thought it was going to be an awful experience because it is located in an old strip mall..but, I knew by the full parking lot that it might be a pretty good place.. The restaurant exceeded my expectations.. The place was packed with happy customers. The noise level was high, but it was packed! The servers are so attentive, my Coke Zero never sat dry for long.. Our waters were filled.. and the wait staff was cheerful and engaging! The food was ok.. I had the Shrimp burrito that came with beans and rice..I chose black beans.. The other people in our party were very pleased with their shrimp taco plate, their chicken taco and chili rellano plate as well as my sister who ordered a taco/enchilada plate.. Everyone loved their food and they all had the house margarita which they felt was refreshing. The staff sung to the Birthday Girl and presented her with a complementary flan.. We had a good time.. We will be back.. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Rice, Shrimp Burrito with green sauce and black beans...Not pictured is the complementary chips/salsa. ¡Mi comida was excellente! - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

UPDATED REVIEW! I've been to El Palmar a few times, but have never been the biggest fan. My family and I went last night and unfortunately nothing has changed since the last time we visited. I ordered a Pork Tamale and Shredded Chicken Hard Taco a la cart. The Pork Tamale was okay, but they cover it in enchilada sauce which was new for me...the Taco on the other hand, it was so bland. The chicken had no flavor and there were 4 shreds of cheese on it plus a heaping pile of lettuce. My husband ordered the Fajitas Burrito and was not a fan either. My Sister in Law ordered one of their Shrimp plates and it was super fishy tasting - she ended up sending it back. She ordered an Enchilada plate instead and the meat was incredibly salty, she couldn't eat it either. Our server was great, attentive and patient though. Overall, I do love the ambiance of El Palmar and we always free welcomed when we visit, but I feel like the food is steadily declining each time we visit. I don't see us coming back unfortunately. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Pork Tamale and Shredded Chicken Hard Taco - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

Why do they always put cheese only on 1/3 of their chimichangas. So irritating! They never put cheese on the whole thing. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

Returned to El Palmar after an absence of six or seven years. I can see that they have remodeled a bit and it looks quite nice. The place is still very busy and noisy with many happy customers. There is a lot to choose from on the menu. My companion had enchiladas and I had the Carne Asada plate. I was able to bring some home for lunch the next day. All in all we had a pleasant supper.. read more

We came here to celebrate a family birthday, and it did not disappoint! The food was awesome. I had the Grande Burrito with carne asada. My son got a kids meal with chicken nuggets and fries, and my wife got enchiladas. The staff was super friendly, and the place had a really welcoming vibe for the whole family. Everything tasted great, and we can't wait to come back. Highly recommend if you're looking for a delicious, family friendly spot! read more

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I was craving some good Mexican food and decided to check El Palmar out based on the great reviews. From the outside this place looks authentic and I had high hopes. It did not disappoint! The place was pretty busy for a weeknight (always a good sign). I ordered the cheese enchilada combo meal and my hubs ordered a wet beef burrito combo. We were both very happy with our meals. First off, salsa was great! We asked for a side of pico fe gallo and mixed it with the salsa and it was chef's kiss! The rice and beans were spot on and tasted pretty authentic which is always the test in a Mexican restaurant. The cheese enchilada had a yummy red sauce and just the right amount of cheese. Margarita was also refreshing! Service was also friendly and prompt. Will definitely return here! read more

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El Palamar was a bustling, pleasant neighborhood restaurant that I was so pleasantly surprised I had never been there before. To start off, we have peach cucumber margarita, which was to die for. Also, the margarita was so reasonably price at less than $10. For food, we ordered the chicken Flautas, which were served with guacamole, sour cream, red sauce, and cheese. We followed up with entrees of the carnitas burrito and the arroz con pollo. Both were so delicious and the portion sizes were so big that we had lunch for the next day. Also, the service was amazing and very attentive that I think they filled my water over five times. read more

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Great place and awesome environment. Very affordable and the food is delicious. The lady serving us kept us stocked up on drinks and plenty of chips/salsa. She was also very nice and sing happy birthday to my sister in law. I'll definitely be back. I recommend trying the green enchiladas or the crispy beef tacos!!! read more

WOW!!! The service at this place is like nothing I have seen in a long time ! They really take care of you , they are attentive and polite. Kid friendly and the food was great!! The complementary chips and salsa is what I expect from a traditional and true hispanic restaurant. I will be back for sure ! read more

Wow! A definite hole in the wall restaurant that is obviously well known to locals and for good reason. The restaurant was full and staffed to the hilt. There was no waiting for drinks or service of any kind. Employees were all polite and helpful AND the bathroom was spotless. I highly recommend you try this restaurant. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the food was authentic and the best I've had in a long time. I had the combo fajitas and honestly everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled delicious read more

Absolutely love this place. I live only a few minutes down the road from it so it's a go-to spot for us and they nail it every time. There's never anything to complain about. Compared to other restaurants, the prices are extremely reasonable while still being good sized portions. I always have leftovers to eat the next day. Even when they're busy, such as last night when we went (a friday night), the service is just as fast and responsive as always. We got our drinks fast. The strawberry margarita was good. Our food was fast, hot, and delicious. My favorite thing is the chicken flautas and my boyfriend loves the chimichanga. 10/10 recommend this place to anyone. super cute atmosphere as well and just overall great service and yummy food! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

Generous portions, perfectly cooked shrimp, and flavors that hit every note, pure magic! This restaurant is my mom's favorite (she and her bestie are regulars), and I was lucky enough to catch them before they left so I could place a to-go order. My go-to test at any Mexican restaurant is the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (garlic butter shrimp), and I was thrilled to see it on the menu here. Ordering takeout is always a gamble since you're not at the restaurant if something isn't right but I believe quality should be consistent whether dining in or taking food to go. Thankfully, this place delivered in every way. The shrimp were succulent, large, not skimpy, and cooked perfectly. The garlic butter was rich and flavorful without being overpowering, and the sautéed onions balanced it all out. Even the refried beans stood out (something many places surprisingly get wrong). The rice was fairly standard...on the drier side but when mixed with the beans and that delicious garlic butter from the shrimp, it turned into a whole new level of flavor. That's how I made my burritos (that's how I eat this plate). I have to wrap it all up in a flour tortilla. Let me tell you, it was absolute magic! Portions were generous, I could tell the meal was thoughtfully prepared, and every bite was pure satisfaction. The only downside was the styrofoam packaging (I'm not a fan of that), but it didn't take away from how incredible the food itself was. This restaurant easily earns my seal of approval. I'll definitely be ordering from here again because when I say the food was amazing with a capital A, I mean it! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Camarones al mojo de ajo combo - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

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Delicious food, caring attentive servers, family oriented environment (not so noisy). We drive 35 minutes from home to El Palmar. Worth the drive through 107F on 80! Jorge the Güero. read more

My now fav place for chile relleno! Delicious. Very organized and professional, prompt!! Family place where many regulars are welcomed time and time again. Friendly. Handicapped friendly as well. Fun vibe. read more

After many visits, we sat at the bar for the first time--and loved it! As always, the Mexican food was consistently excellent, and the service was absolute perfection. Whether dining at a table or the bar, El Palmar never disappoints. A longtime favorite! read more

Wife and I stopped for lunch. We were seated immediately, and chips & salsa was delivered and our drink orders were taken. The restaurant was clean and very nicely decorated inside and out. Wife and I both ordered a Chimichanga which is kind of our "Go-To" meal at Mexican restaurants so we've sampled lots and lots of them. The chimichanga was cooked about as perfectly as you could ever do it. Soft on the inside and the slightest crunch outside. The inside had plenty of meat (shredded beef for my wife, carnitas for me) but it was a bit on the bland side. Not a lot of flavor or seasoning. The refried beans were also on the plain side, not bad, just plain. The rice was better. It's been quite a while since we've been here, but I seem to remember the food being a bit more memorable than today's experience. We'll probably give it another try next time we're in our old neighborhood. read more

Food is excellent and a very fair price. Very clean and the service is well above average. My wife and I will definitely be back. Thank you for the great experience. read more

I've been going to El Palmar for years, and it remains one of my favorite neighborhood, family-friendly spots. It may not look like much from the outside, but inside it offers a warm, authentic, and genuinely lovely dining experience. The food is consistently excellent, the service is kind and efficient, and their house margarita is fantastic. I've never been disappointed with a meal there and always look forward to coming back. read more

After moving here from L.A. Two years ago, we are in search for our "GO-TO" Mexican Restaurant. We saw this place when we visited Teresa's Nails and made a note to stop in next time we want Mexican Food. We came in the early evening and the place was very busy. This is a popular place. There was a short wait and we were seated promptly. It's comfortable inside. There's a bunch of windows and booths and plenty of room between tables. We were greeted at the table quickly and ordered our beverages and Taquitos Rancheros Appetizer. They came by and delivered our chips and salsa to munch whilst we waited for the appetizer. The taquitos came soon and they were okay. They were hot and fresh and the guacamole was fresh as well. The presentation was good and food prepared well. But the flavors were bland. No spiciness. For dinner, I ordered the two taco plate with rice and beans. Wifey had the enchiladas verdes. Again, presentation was great and preparation was great. But again, the flavors were bland. The service was fast...too fast. I felt rushed. We had barely started eating the appetizer and the food was delivered. The place is clean and atmosphere is okay. Restrooms were clean. Doesn't look like this is going to be our place. read more

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Clean comfortable and great food at a reasonable price. My go to is the Ala Diablo Shrimp. Can't beat it.

It's a good sign when you walk in at nearly 8pm and see the restaurant is bustling. The restaurant is bright and welcoming. The staff were friendly and attentive, a pleasant reminder of how customer service once was. This was the best Mexican food I have had hands down. My only regret is that we didn't try this place sooner. read more

Came here for the first time last night with the fam. Super impressed! Loved their ranch dip, pico, melon margaritas and their enchiladas! The service was fantastic and we had a party of 10. The prices are so reasonable as well. This will be our new go to spot for sure. Can't believe we had never been here before. read more

Service! ***** Chips & Salsa ***** I asked for the spicy salsa and it is awesome! ***** Drinks and table cleanliness ***** Ordered a Margarita and it's doing the job. Authentic ***** Atmosphere ***** Food ***** Fajitas were great! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

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I love everything about this place. The food is delicious and so incredibly priced for the amount you are served. What is stellar about El Palmar is the staff. They are all so welcoming and nice. I always order their huge bean & cheese burrito that is slathered in an amazing sauce for $5.99. Chips and salsa are complimentary. Do yourself a favor and try this place if you haven't already. They have outdoor seating during Covid if you are hesitant to sit inside. All the staff were masked and read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Bean & cheese burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

Great place to go for Mexican food. Their food is light on the sauces and seasoning. If you prefer mild, that is what you will get. You can always add more chili powder. The service is beyond real. There is a server at your table every few minutes just in case you need something more. And the prices are moderate. They have been around a bit more than 25 years and they certainly have their act together. read more

Been here a few times and the food and service has always been very good. Portions are pretty big and perfect for leftovers. They were very attentive and always brought refills and extra chips and salsa. read more

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Was suspicious as so much Mexican food is mediocre but El Palmar surprised me. 1 item chile relleno with beans and rice for $10.00 with complimentary chips & salsa was very tasty. Beans has an authentic taste that can only be replicated with love. The chile relleno was very tasty. Marking this place on my come back with friends list! Service was excellent too! read more

Cute ambiance! Friendly quick service! The food was delicious! I will definitely be back!

I hope this review helps others decide better. I would say ambiance is good and welcoming, but the food and service is not. I think most of the food is frozen and or canned. The beans were blended and tasted like it had came out from a can without any authentic flavor. The shrimp was perfectly breaded like it had been taken out of a frozen box. My wife had carnitas and got food poisoning and had stomach issues all night long. The waiter was rude and I tried to speak to him in Spanish and he ignored me. I understand that this area is less diverse, but there's no reason to pretend you don't speak Spanish when I am at a Mexican restaurant. Overall I would never go back, not even for a drink at the bar. Not authentic Mexican food, more like fast food. I would take Taco Bell any day over this place, definitely not worth the money. read more

My family and I have been coming to this restaurant for years. They are always kind and happy to see us walk through their doors. The food is always amazingly prepared, the service is always quick and efficient, and the staff always have a smile on their face. They work hard to serve us and keep us happy and we forever and always appreciate it! Whether we dine in or out, we're always treated like family. Thank you for memories of good times with family and friends and here's to many, many more! We love our El Palmar family! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Beef Taquitos Rancheros with Rice and Beans (always love the black olives!) - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

This restaurant discriminates against people with service dogs! I have been in this restaurant many times that they have harassed me about my service dog. I went in tonight with my have dinner and the first thing they did is start harassing me about my dog. They asked me to put my dog under the table which I can not do because my dog helps me with my seizures. He is a 6 Chihuahua who has his certification to help me. I showed them his accreditations and they still said to put him under the table! My husband has been going to this restaurant for many years and we will no longer go back and we will tell all of our friends and family and coworkers never to step foot in this restaurant again because they discriminate. !!! read more

I would give this place more stars for sure..I have been coming to this spot for over a decade..The parking here is always plenty,the restaurant stays super clean,the service is fast and the food is hands down delicious...The tables are cool because there are so many table by windows so it feels huge.. My wife got the chicken Chimichanga yum, who doesn't like a fried burrito with beans and rice.. I ordered the burrito and tamale yum..so so so much food wow I was full, but at the same time comfortable with the bill..The price is so awesome and the food is great...I hands down think this is a hidden gem..You have to eat here ..yummm read more

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i had some really high expectations for this place. saw recent reviews and thought we found a gold mine. But what we encountered was an abandoned mine shaft. Warm chips and very mild salsa arrived on our table. The tamale was not homemade and tasted like it was reheated in the microwave because the edges were hard and dry. the tamale sauce was also too sweet. The shredded beef burrito also had a very hard tortilla and was too saucy- with the same sweet sauce. the rice was ok but the refried beans were bland and milky- weird. The chile verde was flavorless. The one star was for the handmade corn tortilla. i immediately had to use the facilities (which were very clean) after having a few bites. This place is not very good. why such a bad review? My comparisons are with El Novillero on franklin blvd and other taquerias in the sac area. Would i come back. doubt it. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - shredded beef burrito and pork tamale - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

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The food was great! I always compare my Mexican dining experiences with El Palmar . I haven't dined here in a long time . When I walked in I was surprised to remodel . with all the wooden stables . Very dark and closed in feeling so I was not digging the ambience. The service was sub par from usual. Had to wait for the chips and salsa . Then beverages . All in all it was not the El Palmar experiences I have had . The waiter was very impersonal. I felt it was a bother to wait on our table read more

I hadn't been to El Palmar in over a decade, but my husband was wanting Mexican food one night and we turned to Yelp to find a great recommendation. El Palmar showed up and I remembered that I always enjoyed going there years ago. We have a 1.5 year old so we showed up to the restaurant around 5:30pm and were seated pretty quickly in a booth (with a high chair) since most of the tables were available. Immediately a server brought us waters and chips and salsa. My son decided that he wanted to claim the salsa bowl to himself and we were easily able to flag down another server who brought us more chips and salsa. The serving sizes are pretty large and it's very reasonably priced! My husband and I both got the enchiladas verdes which tasted exactly as expected and it was served with a large portion of rice and beans. My dad got the tortilla soup which was a massive bowl that he couldn't finish. They also have a great kids menu with lots of options. When you pull up the restaurant you might be surprised by the area. The restaurant is located near a huge vacant old grocery store. There are a few other storefronts but since the grocery store is empty, there is more than enough parking. By the time we left around 6:15 the place was packed! There was even a few people waiting. I think this is our new favorite family friendly place! read more

Nice ambience, kid friendly, great food. Nice family restaurant. I would recommend it.

This is a great place! El Palmar has become our go-to Mexican restaurant, as well as a bit of a tradition for having a family meal together. The food is delicious! I especially like the Basil chicken. Portions are good sized without being overwhelming. The service is always great. It's fast and friendly. El Palmar is a neighborhood restaurant, and it really has that vibe of a local, small business. As a proud native of Sacramento, when I come here, I feel like I'm at home. Overall, I would highly recommend El Palmar! read more

This place is solid and very consistent. I always order the burrito a al carte with Chile Colorado. The perfect amount of food for a big boy lunch or dinner. This place can get crowded for dinner with all of the local families. Free chips and salsa and they serve beer and alcohol. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Burrito a la carte with Chile Colorado - Mexican Near Me - Carmichael, California

When visiting family who live near this restaurant we always come to this restaurant as often as possible. Great food, management and staff are exceptional. read more

Pretty bland. The carne aside plate came with no lime slices, onion slices, cooked jalapeño, or avocado slices(like every other place does). It came with a single green onion lol, and bland guacamole. The salsa had literally zero spice. Not terrible by any stretch, but just super basic and boring. read more