New to the area and was looking for Mexican food and I was not disappointed. My husband and I both got burritos which were generous in size. The margaritas were also very good. Happy with the service as well. Recommend! read more

El Sinaloense is what is known in the sleepy suburbs of San Mateo as "a good time". A fun vibe with TV's playing sports, good food, and decent/cheap drinks. If you're lucky (or unlucky depending on how you look at it), you may even catch a Spanish karaoke night. Every time we come here, hubby will usually say something along the lines of "My mouth is burning, but I can't stop it. The salsa is so tasty." And that's just to start off the meal. The seafood here is always a good bet from the ceviche or aguachile appetizers to the fish or octopus entrees. The winner here is definitely the molcajete. There's something in that molcajete sauce that just makes it so addictive. I just wish the sides the rice less salty, the beans less soupy, and the tortilla made fresh. For drinks, skip the sangria, but do get a margarita. For those looking for something a little different, there's the Michelada made with beer and clamato. Whatever you do, you'll have a good time. read more

Tonight deserved an added star.... Came for a family dinner and everything was made well. Authentic, delicious, and good tasting. Definitely do carne asada, do anything seafood, try tamales, have combos and ask for extra chips and salsa! Everyone left with a full belly and smile. Win and win and a star for you! read more

El Sinaloense - Many colors and textures of the carne asada plate! - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

I just happened to stumble upon this great hidden gem in the Peninsula right off 92 and El Camino for a quick shot of Tequila, and an AMAZING steak and shrimp burrito. The carne asada was really well marinated with a sweet, smokey char that went great with their grilled shrimp (similar preparation). Another thing that set Sinaloense apart was the refried beans in the burrito, different, but in a good way. No complaints here! read more

Went to this great find a week ago with a friend of mine. Everything was good, I got a wet shrimp burrito, and was blown away by the number of shrimp loaded into the one burrito. The place feels like when you go over to a favorite uncle's place and they make you feel at home. We went on a cold rainy evening, but it felt warm and cozy. We sat at the bar and chatted up the guys working there, they happily interjected when they could, but they also had their hands full churning out drinks for the tables. They were never really idle, I would have been upset if I felt like they were avoiding us, or didn't have something else to do, but they were slammed and making the best of the night. Kudos to you all, definitely worth checking out. read more

This place is so delicious! We have never had a bad meal here and have always been treated like family by the people that work here. Their salsa is hands down my favorite ever. read more

I actually live right next to his place and walk by it nearly every day on my daily walk... and after 2 years, decided to give it a shot. The octopus ceviche is delicious. Not the cheapest (it's octopus, after all), but certainly worth it... very tender and flavorful, which I know is hard to execute when it comes to octopus. I've also had the fish taco, but I'm really here for the octopus. Give it shot! read more

I really love this little gem off the beaten path of downtown San Mateo! It's known for seafood but not being a huge fan of Mexican seafood dishes beyond ceviche, I ordered the Chile Verde Plate (pork in a mild green sauce) and waS BLOWN AWAY. The meat was so tender, juicy and flavorful I felt like I'd died and gone to food heaven, seriously. The sauce had a nice acidity to it and a little bit of everything on the plate in a corn tortilla was perfection. Aside from my new favorite dish, I had the Shredded Chicken Enchilada Combo on my first visit-- it was juicy and flavorful beyond your typical sit down Mexican restaurant fare. The rice and beans were also above average in my opinion. The service here can be scarce but everyone is very nice! The margaritas are solid though not the best I've had. I will probably go for a Tecate on tap more often than not, but don't mind splurging for a marg if the mood is right. The salsa they serve is unique and seems homemade, it has a nice heat that creeps up on you and lingers but doesn't leave you begging for water. My one real qualm is that the tortillas and chips are not homemade, but I understand this is a time consuming task that doesn't work for every restaurant. All in all, I will most DEFINITELY be back for the Chile Verde Plate and will probably try a few other dishes, too. I'm dubbing this spot my new go-to sit down for Mexican fare, for sure. read more

El Sinaloense - Chile verde plate -- one of the best things I've eaten at a Mexican sit down restaurant eVER - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

Check out this restaurant if you are in the mood for Tex mex. they have a wide variety of of food to offer. Yes, if you want burritos and tacos they will make it. But they are known for their Sinaloan cuisine which specializes in seafood. The staff was courteous and the restaurant was clean. Plenty of seating but no private parking. read more

El Sinaloense is the real deal. Amazing seafood dishes (in addition to many other meat and veggie options), and excellent service.

We haven't been here since before pandemic but have been missing it. We got the milanesa platter, fajitas Sinaloense, and pollo en mole. We ordered lunch on a weekday and then food was ready in 15 mins. The order came with a giant bag of chips and salsa. All the portions were very generous. The mole was a bit sweet for my taste and was also kind of cold. The fajitas were delicious and extremely flavorful. The milanesa was also huge and delicious. I love their salsa too. I'm sure the food would have tasted better at the restaurant so we look forward to coming back one day. read more

Pretty disappointed in my meal here last night after all the good reviews. Got the Octopus Shrimp coctel (warm, per their rec on the phone) and it was drowning in flavorless tomato water. And even worse, the didn't devein the shrimp which was quite unappetizing. The combo plate was ok - the beans, chile relleno and chicken enchilada was solid. The chalupa was pretty bad so don't recommend that. Also they asked if we wanted chips and salsa with our order so we said sure but note it's not complimentary, it is $4. The food is also over salted read more

FIVE STARS for our first dine!!! Service was great, drinks were delicious and the food was great! Definitely returning!!! Probably our new go to Mexican sit down! UPDATE: we continue to come back... everything bomb read more

El Sinaloense - Chicken tamale, beef taco dorado... and of course a spicy, mango margarita !!! - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

See all

First time here and was pleasantly surprised. Great customer service and delicious food.

I love Mexican food but I was shocked at how horrible my meal and service was. I ordered an single tamale and Margarita. The waiter took forever to take our order. And the Margarita was undrinkable they used too much sour mix. The tamale was dry and the sauce was mediocre. read more

I can believe it pass 1hr and I have not received my food it looks they care more of their friend then their guess

This restaurant has changed, negatively, over the past two years. There are long wait times to get drinks and food. More recently I ordered take out through Grubhub and they did not have record of my order when I went to pick up. The worst part is that they were very rude and unwilling to help you. Will not come back again. read more

Food not that good this place is over rated is just whatever nothing special, but it is super disgusting! Very duty the floors, bathrooms, walls is just a nasty place you can see the grease and dirtiest everywhere I don't want to imagine how is inside the kitchen or at night with cucarachas and mouses! The owners needs to clean this place specially because they put the customers health in danger with so much bacteria everywhere. Never coming back. read more

It's a solid neighborhood spot. Food is always good. Drinks are too. I've been a number of times and it was always great. Prices are reasonable. Jump in for a meal and enjoy! read more

I got food to go, which can be risky, and isn't always the same quality. This was my first time trying El SINALOENSE and everything was amazing. I LOVED the Molcajete, fajitas Sinaloense, and chips and salsa. The salsa has a really good flavor and a lot of chunks of onions, which is my favorite. Honestly might be my favorite new place. Will definitely return to dine in and get a few margaritas as well. 10/10. read more

The food here was really good! much better than I expected for a hole in the wall type restaurant. The prices are pretty on par with other authentic mexican places I've been to but the service was a bit lacking, they were definitely understaffed and we really didn't get attended to much. If they had a bit better service this place would be a 5 star read more

Absolutely delicious fajitas. Great service, and the best mechilada!!! I highly recommend read more

Folks if ya haven't been here ya need to come. If you're a seafood lover ya need to come! Did someone say Molcajete? Omg It's absolutely delicious! It's one of those specialty dishes you can't just find everywhere. And they do a great job. Can you say delicioso? Cocktails, why yes please. They also have a full bar. So add a Margarita, Sangrita or Pina Colada to the tab. Win win... The owners and employees are all very friendly. So get on down there and give em a try! read more

Came here spontaneously on Valentine's Day and it was packed with folks and a mariachi band! The space is pretty cute and cozy and service was very quick once we were seated. We had the octopus ceviche, aguachile, and carne asada. Ceviche was packed with seafood, though potentially slightly overcooked. The aguachile was delicious- tangy and spicy and fleshy, I could have easily eaten a whole plate myself! The carne asada was flavorful but not as tender as I would have liked. We down two margaritas, so beware they are easy to drink! read more

See all

I enjoy eating at neighborhood type restaurants. Staff, menu selections and food are excellent! You will not be disappointed.

Was visiting Bay Area this weekend and a friend recommended this place. Staff was friendly and the ambience was cozy. The chalupas (sopes) were the best I've had since my mom's. The masa was perfectly made and would definitely return for this dish alone. I had a few bites of the carne asada tacos which were also perfectly cooked and seasoned. read more

Our go to for dinner with our favorite friends, we love Mario and his staff! Everyone is always so happy and welcoming, food is delicious. We have almost tried everything on the menu between our family and friends and we are never disappointed. Food is always fresh and authentic, service is also on point. Looking for a new, fun and delicious experience for a casual Mexican lunch or dinner look no further. El Sinaloense Por Vida!!! read more

Off the main area, I come here for ceviche and mocajete! It's close to work so a great place to meet friends. And then afterward you'll have to take a nap somewhere. Mocajete! Ceviche! read more

My dad's girlfriend wanted Mexican for her birthday, so my dad looked up El Sinaolense on Yelp and told us to meet there last Sunday. When we were seated and still waiting for just my brother, they provided us with two bowls of chips and salsa. The chips tasted store bought, not sure about the salsa, but we all appreciated the kick in it and the fact that it wasn't watery. They took about 15 minutes to take our order after my brother arrived. Service remained spotty. Waters took awhile to arrive, my husband's and dad's entrees both included tortillas but they made them share one container of them, and when my dad asked for his, the waiter just told him that they want to keep them warm, which doesn't explain still why he didn't get his own. They shortly had to ask for more tortillas after that. I haven't had a chalupa since my middle school and early high school days of Taco Bell. And honestly, Taco Bell is gross, but my chalupas here were decent at best. The steak was chopped so small, not seasoned, poor quality and some of it was really chewy. The queso fresco wasn't appealing to me and the corn tortilla was very dense. Honestly the best part of this dish was the avocado slices and rice. I knew I should've got something else. His chicken fajitas were really good though. The chicken was moist and flavorful and the onions and bell peppers caramelized. My dad got some kind of special with shrimp, steak and chicken in a cast iron pot which was almost $30. My brother got an octopus plate and I think he thought it was fine. On first appearance I told him it looked so healthy and then he told me it had a ton of butter. Dad's girlfriend had a three combo plate. We told our waiter that we were full but he upsold us on the churros for dessert. While we were waiting for the dessert, these group of three girls came in with a small ukuele and said they were volunteers for some hospital or something and started playing the ukuele and singing. At the end of their performance they were walking up to a few tables asking for money. I think they were targeting certain tables who "looked a certain way." And my dad was a sucker and gave them a $10. I was astounded. That is so rude! There's a time and a place, and who's honestly to know if they were credible. I thought this was more messed up then those annoying street vendors who approach people eating al fresco in Rome. The churros finally came, no individual plates or anything, but just plopped in front of us. They were freshly fried and hot served with chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honestly, this was the best part of the meal for me. This place is definitely expensive and for no real reason. With bad service, the awkward semi guilt trip to contribute to charity while trying to enjoy a meal, high prices for mediocre to sub par food I won't be back. My dad on the other hand said he would, but we only agree on food about half the time. read more

El Sinaloense - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

See all

My fav Sam Mateo spot for Mexican! Love all of the seafood options (a speciality, completely recommend!), tasty margaritas, chips, salsa, and friendly service. We are always greeted warmly with, welcome back! I love how we feel like family. Can't wait for indoor dining to return, but for now will happily be ordering to go! read more

Great food and ambience. Love the free salsa and chips, too! Would have given them four stars if they didn't give us plastic straws for drinking water since we care about our already plastic-polluted planet. Thanks! read more

El Sinaloense - Please don't give out plastic straws by default. We don't need them especially for drinking water. - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

Great service outside and tasty food with margaritas. Great place for a chill yet fun evening dinner.

Excellent food, margaritas and service. Fun vibe inside too. Everything we tried was delicious and we will definitely be back to try more dishes! read more

One word: Molcajete! It's my favorite dish here... actually my favorite dish out of all the Mexican restaurants I've ever been to and that's saying quite a lot. It's chicken, shrimp, beef, melted cheese and cactus all in a spectacular sauce. Their margaritas are pretty good too (get the fancy one... it's definitely worth the extra money... you can even get them to go!) They've got great chips and salsa and the staff is always kind. The place is cute enough but the food, drinks and workers are what really make this place special. Thanks for being so great!! read more

El Sinaloense is definitely not a taqueria so you're better off somewhere else if you're looking for burritos. It sort of reminds me of a Celia's or El Torito with the futbol playing on the tv, the margarita bar, but only more authentic. The Sunday lunch crowd consisted of Mexican families - so you know this stuff is legit. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/UdMCqro5KyzsxrActTRxcw?select=i8Yednf83PR5H2KWdd_SeA) Sinaloa, a coastal Mexican state specialiezes in seafood. So. their menu offers ceviche dishes as well as a ton of pulpo (octopus). Those dishes looked good until I saw nopales (prickly pear cactus) on the menu. Nopales has been on my "bucket list of things to eat" so I was pretty excited to try and get a thorn stuck on my tongue. The nopales reminded me of a green pepper but succulent. It was used as an ingredient in the molcajete which is this stone mortar that came out sizzling and smoking. It was filled with shrimp, chicken, and grilled steak in this red garlicky semi spicy sauce with freshly grilled green onions. I liked how cheesy it was and I can't say I've had anything like it. It's enough for two people. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/UdMCqro5KyzsxrActTRxcw?select=hRSJBDMbAhGq53eq-OfVyw) I'd come back to try some of their octopus dishes or maybe a happy hour? read more

See all

I have to admit. I don't really have a lot of love for Mexican food since I dislike beans, rice and too much cheese. El Sinaloense might have converted me. As many have mentioned, this is not a taqueria. Although they have burritos and tacos, you are still better off somewhere else if you are just looking for fast food or a quick meal. El Sinaloense has really great seafood dishes. Try their octopus and you will understand. Ceviche con Pulpo has these super tender octopus chucks with lovely flavored ceviche. Molcajete is one of their signature dish and it did not disappoint. The chicken and shrimp were all cooked to perfection and the sauce was very addicting. Everything on the side were great too. The rice, the baked beans, the tortilla and the steamed vegetables were all nicely prepared. Let's not forget about their salsa. It has quite a kick. I really couldn't have enough of it. read more

See all

I always feel like I'm biased when it comes to Mexican food because I lived in SD for 7 years, but I have to say that this is the best place that I've tried in the Bay Area (so far...) I only had fish taco and the shrimp taco and both were pretty good. For the fish taco, there was a good filet of fish that was cooked well and had just a light breading, and I thought the shrimp taco were just okay. Both were filled with toppings and were flavorful (and if not, their salsa that comes with the free chips is really good). Surprisingly, just two of them kept me full and it better have considering it was somewhere between $4-$5 each taco!! I miss "Taco Tuesdays" and 99 cent fish tacos down in SD, but if I'm ever craving, at least I will have a good go-place to go now to get my fix. read more

El Sinaloense - Shrimp and fish taco - Seafood Near Me - San Mateo, California

How to know when you've become a super fan of a restaurant: 1) When you make it your Friday night go-to spot for a hot date... That's right baby, meet me behind the Safeway. 2) When you don't go there for one week, and you wonder, "Did I forget to take my Prozac? Oh wait, no, I just haven't been to El Sinalonese in a while" 3) When you are forced to go to other Mexican restaurants due to circumstances out of your control, and it triggers your PTSD of eating gruel from the insane asylum. (the doctor said I was sane, I swear!) Anyhow, what I am trying to say is El Sinaloense is pretty tasty. It has become the standard in which all other Mexican food is judged. My go-to Mexican dish, chile rellenos is absolutely to die for. Their green sauce is like crack that I'd like pumped directly into my veins. And their refried beans? Like butter. Everything there is good. Only downside is that service is slow on the weekends. It's almost like they are surprised by their own success and haven't built up their staff to accommodate. But still, even with this flaw, I give it 5 stars. Plus they are quite nice, so we try to be patient with them. If there were an award for "Best hidden gem behind a Safeway" - El Sinaloense would definitely get my vote! read more

Food and restaurant vibe was good. Not a favorite Mexican food place but fair. Might return for experience of what I grew up going to with parents on nights out. Drinks are nice but not memorable. Recommened for a check in but not a must visit. However, I have eaten a lot of Mexican food, so good is good enough in this situation. read more

Here's my Mexican food history: El Farolito, La Tapatia, Taqueria Guadalajara, Celias, La Morena... basically enough to explain my love for Mexican food. I was here with a bunch of friends and everyone loved what they got. Portions are huge and prices are decent. The service is great here as well. The menu is extensive and have many choices from little kids to adults and senior citizens, haha. I ordered a super fish taco. Oh myyyyyyy.... ghschs;luitwsc. It's super good. Trust me. The fish used was super soft and flakey. The fish is grilled as well and the flavors were just blasting in my mouth like heaven. I definitely recommend you try it out. Easy to find and easy parking on the street! read more