Amigos, this is a review that should have been started 10 years ago. But hey, better late than never.... We have a compulsion each time we are down in the southern part of San Diego to re-discover a long standing dive of a place (or so it looks from the outside). This is the place where we fondly remembered the savory, melt-in-your-mouth Costillas (short ribs) special. I can tell you, we never remembered their name, nor exactly where they were located, but since we were in the area again, the lust for that particular dish spurred us on. And after a few wrong turns, find it we did. Chalk it up to primal instincts and a good nose. The Tijuana style, divey exterior is a ruse. You step up a forlorn cement stoop into a setting that is vibrant, colorful, friendly, and South of the Border festive. Very cute, clean, and a place you would enjoy bringing out of towners to impress. I can tell you now, there is really something special about their specials. The board placed strategically at the entry tells you about their masterpieces of the day. Pay attention before you order something more mundane from the menu. That particular day it was Tongue in Chile Verde sauce, Carnitas, and I forget what else. The eye catcher for Mr. B was the Tongue. I admit, tongue is not for everyone, although I am not sure why. He and I have no qualms about eating tongue. It is a texturally smooth, fatty (hence tasty), tender morsel of meat that elevates your mouth experience when properly stewed in a fresh, vibrant chile verde sauce such as theirs. What a delight and nearly impossible to resist...leaving you with a burning desire to lick that plate afterwards. I, on the other hand, had a singular thought. Costillas de Res. It was not on the special's board, but thankfully I discovered it on the menu. This was the same, slow cooked version we had remembered, with its deliciously developed gravy (except it also had nopalitos, sliced cactus, added to the dish). The cactus I could have done without, not particularly fond of its slimy texture, but by maneuvering my way around it, I was still euphoric. However, after nibbling on both dishes, I would come to a screeching halt if I saw the tongue dish again. I spent the better part of the meal contemplating how to swiftly fork another bite before Mr. B noticed. 4 stars simply means we are not always in love with their menu items. We have tried the more familiar fare, enchiladas, tacos, combos, and my memories of these has been iffy. This is why I will be sticking with their slow simmered dishes. Never disappointed. So, amigos, it's not like Mexican restaurants in this part of California are sparse. If you are on the fence whether or not to come, give them at least one try. We owe it to all nomad Yelpers to add enough reviews to do this place justice. My guess is you will be happy you came. read more

See all

Food and service was great! Ambiance was nice and felt authentic. Great cozy spot for a quick bite to eat.

Super yum! I got the shrimp tacos it was super delicious i love coming here with my family definitely recommend!! Great Service and Vibes read more

El Patio - Super yum! I got the shrimp tacos very delicious . Great vibes and service - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I'm here where the churro at this place is a small cool corner place nice on a chill windy day like today respectful workers a little chilly so bring warm clothes valid read more

El Patio - Horchta - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Great service and food! Always enjoy having a late lunch or dinner here. Don't skip dessert! Soooo worth it!

Great food and great customer service! Will definitely be coming back here again! Got the carneasada, shrimp plate and the margarita. read more

El Patio - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place never fails me!!! Their specialty breakfast plate is arguably the best breakfast in San Diego, and I have been to many places! I love this place!!! read more

Superb service and hospitality. Quality tortilla chips and salsa as well. Would recommend to anyone looking for a cozy Mexican restaurant. read more

El Patio - 3 rolled tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

First time eating here and the food was delicious!! Great customer service! Our waiter was very nice. And atmosphere was welcoming! My family and I will have to come back again :) read more

I went try this place because I've heard the food is delicious. The atmosphere was very nice, and the waiters are very attentive, so I had an overall good experience. I ordered the beef fajitas, which were pretty good, but I found them to be somewhat bland. I added some salt and pepper to offset that, but the fajitas still could have been seasoned better. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the food and the experience, and will be back again. By the way, their menu is a bit pricey, but that's a sign of the times I guess. read more

Amazing food! Great service by Marthita! It's definitely a gem, a hidden gem for me since I've been coming to Chula Vista my whole life and just barely noticed this place. The food tastes homemade, and their kids margaritas are unbelievably delicious! read more

El Patio - Really picturesque! Good ambiance. - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

I love this place! El Patio makes you feel at home! The workers are very friendly, the vibe of the restaurant is beautiful, and the food is delicious! read more

El Patio - Big Portions! Combo #2 Delicioso! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I absolutely LOVE coming here. They always give you huge portions for the price I practically have food for TWO days when I come here. Great atmosphere, excellent service. And I LOVE their salsa, not extremely hot but amazing flavor. I tell everyone I know to come here!! And you should too!!! read more

El Patio - Rolled tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Family owned business that worth trying . Located in South Bay ( small little business ) that has authentic Mexican food . read more

El Patio - Chorizo and papas with beans and rice and side of eggs - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I had heard a lot of good reviews about to this place that I finally gave it a shot. I ordered a bowl of pozole and some costillas tatemadas. The costillas looked appetizing but it was super salty so salty that I couldn't take more than 2-3 bites of my food. The pozole was just different from what I'm used to and looked so thick it also had a lot of bones it kind of looked like it was the last of that batch or something. I just ordered the check, paid and left. Waiter didn't even ask if everything was okay. Left very disappointed. read more

First time coming here and definitely not my last! The customer service is amazing, the food was really well done and I can't wait to come back and try some more of their dishes. This is definitely a place that I would go to to enjoy the company of friends or family and a good bite to eat. read more

See all

We had breakfast Sunday morning we had menudo that was reheated from frozen a pozole that was made up with pork and red sauce because didn't have ready, terrible read more

This is a nice cozy restaurant to bring your family and friends. The service here is excellent! We were greeted and seated right away. Our dinner came fast. Food was freshly made and was good. The soft drink and ice tea were on the pricey side. Our server never came by to ask us if we needed a refill on any of our drinks not even our water. But other than that we enjoyed our dinner here. read more

See all

Absolutely delicious and outstanding service. The servers are top notch. Never, had an empty glass. We had the Enchilada Suizas, Enchiladas Mole, and the Flautas Everything was so yummy!! read more

Came here for breakfast with coworkers, there were 14 of us all together. Service was good and once we placed orders the food came out pretty fast!! I had the chilaquiles verdes, the chips were crunchy, the egg was just right, the verde sauce was good and the beans were ok. Downside it only came with 1 egg (1 egg is just not enough!!) I had to pay extra for a second egg and I had a Mexican hot chocolate but it came in a really small coffee cup. OVERALL the food was really good, the ambience is cool and I'd recommend this place to anyone!! read more

El Patio - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Muy rica comida, y lugar muy acogedor Excelente servicio, meseras muy atentas a todo lo que necesitamos. read more

First time here and so far loving the cuteness of the decor, decent customer service. Overall charming lil hole in the wall read more

El Patio - Sopes - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

great food I really like the cheese sauce on my burrito. would recommend this place to friends read more

El Patio - original famous - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Great, service and fresh food. Love the old style restaurant. My Papas tacos with beans and rice were delicious. Loved the flan too.

Good service also good food But the parking it's so small also inside the restaurant it's too dark, they need to remodel the place read more

Always drove by here and thought it was sketchy because of the bar next door after years I finely came in to try let me tell you wonderful wonderful wonderful the burrito with thier home made sauce is out of this world everthing in this place is like homemade highly recommended you won't be disappointed read more

Food was great. Service was phenomenal. Atmosphere was perfect! We'll definitely be back.

I felt like I had a home cooked meal and it was super good. The service was really nice and fast, and the servers were really nice and helpful. The ambiance once you walk in, is very homey. 10/10 recommended this place. read more

My mom had been talking about this place for the longest time . We literally waited for 45 minutes to get our Food !!! . On top of everything food was horrible . I order enchiladas so good (Shredded beef ) . Salsa was so awful. It had no flavor I try adding salt and it didn't even do nothing . My stomach is very upset and honestly felt like I wanted to throw up . Save your money people because this place isn't it . Sorry for the owners but you need to hire faster people and a better cook because your place has everything but your just missing good food and faster employees. If I put 0 for a star I would . Sorry ! read more

El Patio - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Amazing food and the staff were very nice great experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

Would highly recommend this authentic Mexican food restaurant family owned and operated great service, delicious food had the supreme tostada chicken bowl husband had menudo big serving on both orders. Mimosa with tajin and Chamoy Delish! read more

El Patio - Mamosa with tajin and Chamoy delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

What a good meal. The staff treated us wonderfully. I had one of my favorite Mexican dishes the Carne Asada. Simple and delicious. I brought a family of eight and they took excellent care of us. Everyone enjoyed their meal and left full and satisfied. read more

El Patio - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Amazingggg Flautas!!! My favorite Mexican restaurant! never disappoints! Chicken Enchiladas read more

Delicious Mexican food that tastes homemade. Servers were very kind and attentive. Had a nice cozy feel (only indoor seating).

My favorite dish is the enchiladas plate. The red or green ones are amazing. My husband loves the chorizo plate. I'd take a picture but it's gone! The waitress and waiter's are so attentive. You won't regret it so give this place a try! read more

El Patio - Cheese and ground beef Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

The food is absolutely amazing the vibe is great! Also the service is so fast and friendly. :) They make you feel right at home and the food is so fresh and yummy! Also if you are lucky enough....Gerardo is an awesome waiter he is kind, speedy, and just a great guy! Definitely recommend this Mexican restaurant it's amazing!! Oh and how could I forget there are margaritas with the salt on the rim and its for real like no other ;) definitely highly recommend oh my goodness!! read more

Honestly when I walked up I was like this place looks sketchy, but when I walked in it was beautifully decorated. Capturing the essence of the Mexican culture with brightly colored walls and artwork. The staff was hospitable and the food was amazing. I felt like I was back at my Nana Stellas house. The smells, the warmth, Familia and flavors of Mexico! I've been back 2 times since trying new stuff and NOT being disappointed! I'll be back in a weekly basis! read more

See all

Excellent spot to eat some good Mexican food. The menu has a wide range of options from the authentic to the comfort dishes. Staff is attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is always cozy. Highly recommend if you want a nice place to enjoy a meal with your family in south bay. read more

Nice music volume, food came out in Minutes. Very good. Waiter was responsive and helpful.

My husband and I are both very picky when it comes to Mexican food. This place is so delicious every time. He loves the menudo. Red & white. I had the carnitas & eggs breakfast plate. Super delicious. Tortillas are fresh. Rice is yum and beans are the bomb. We've come here about 8 times already and everything was always fantastic. Service is very attentive and polite. Ambiance is very chill and welcoming. I'd recommend El Patio if you want to have delicious, authentic, Mexican food. read more