I was nearby at a meeting when a colleague asked me to bring back some tacos. I immediate said, Taco Bell? She chuckled. I went to El Sinaloense based on her recommendation. I must admit that I only eat Taco Bell and Rubio's. I've ordered plenty of Quesadillas from American joints, I'm not too familar with restaurants like this, especially when I can't pronounce the name with confidence. There was free street parking spots, but they were scarce. When I walked in on a weekday, it was a weird vibe. It looked like I was walking in at sunset. There were a few patrons hanging out at the bar area, watching TV and drinking. There was one person ahead of me at the counter to order pick up, and a few diners at the tables. What country am I in? All of the sudden, time seems like it was slowing down as if I'm not rushing back to work. I wasn't expecting much, because I eat Mexicans but I don't really know what's good and what's bad. As a matter of fact, I eat it, but it's just blah to me every time. This visit, however, changed my view of Mexican food. I've never had Quesadillas where chicken was juicy. The Quesadilla wasn't dried out like I was expecting. My other colleagues also enjoyed their chicken tacos, and she said she doesn't even eat tacos. I'd definitely come back again! read more

I was fine until I got the bill... My margarita at first was too sour so I asked him to fix it but the way they did that was by upgrade to get to a Cadillac margarita without telling me. I thought I was so gross in the standard stuff that was just made better so I ordered two of them. Only to find out it was at a much higher price when I came to pay! Not happy. I originally ordered a chalupa thinking that the shell would be crunchy and it came very soggy and thick so I returned it and got a tostada instead. Same price and much better. When I pointed out the air on the margarita as I was leaving, they proceeded to tell me that the only way that it could be made not so sour was to make it sweet by turning it into a Cadillac margarita which it was only a dollar more. I protested that the amount I saw online was different than the amount they charged me. They argue the point and then told me they were going to honor it but to never come back! It's a shame. read more

I wish I could give them a better review. For starters, I was getting food to go and was concerned about the high price, but figured it must be a lot of food and really good; but the disappointment began when the cashier actually asked me if I wanted my change! (about a dollar change was owed). They were not waiting on me, so why would I not want my change?? Then I had to wait for 40 minutes, more disappointment. When I got home, there were no tortillas as stated on the menu and (yes I counted) only 10 tortilla chips! The food I got tasted very good (which I why they got 2 stars), however the refried bean were very runny and it was approx about 4 - 5 tablespoons of runny "beans." Not at all worth the expensive price. If I knew it would be this way, I would have gone to La Fonda on El Camino. Sadly, I won't be returning. read more

I went to El Sinaloense today for lunch with a party of three, and once again, it did not disappoint. We started with the Ostiones en su concha as an appetizer--fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to kick off the meal. Each of us ordered a different main entrée, and everything was absolutely delicious. You can really taste the authenticity and care in every bite. The customer service was excellent--friendly, attentive, and welcoming. This was my second time visiting, and I'm already looking forward to coming back again to explore more of their outstanding Sinaloense cuisine. The location is great, with a nice atmosphere and easy parking, which makes the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this spot if you're craving high-quality Mexican seafood in the San Mateo area! read more

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in the vibrant and delicious offerings at this Mexican restaurant, and let me tell you, it was a fiesta for the senses that left me craving more! From the moment I walked in, the lively ambiance and mouthwatering aromas transported me straight to the heart of Mexico. The menu was a treasure trove of Mexican classics and innovative twists. The tacos were an absolute highlight--each bite bursting with authenticity. From the perfectly seasoned carne asada to the tender and flavorful carnitas, every protein was a testament to the chef's skill. The guacamole was made tableside, ensuring its freshness, and the salsas provided an array of heat levels to suit every palate. read more

You couldn't ask for a better place to get a Michelada on an unusually hot spring day in San Mateo. Mario, the owner/bartender listened to my request for a vodka based cocktail that was slightly sweet, but not too sweet. I don't know what he did, but what I got was a light and refreshing juicy cocktail that was more fruity than it was sweet. Mario then suggested we try their shrimp ceviche. My boyfriend is from Sinaloa and he was happy when our chunky fresh ceviche was served with a side of mayonnaise. The restaurant is clean, friendly, and the food is very fresh. It's a wonderful celebration of the regional cuisine of Mazatlan. We highly recommend this awesome restaurant. read more

Love it! This is the fist time I had an authentic Mexican food with "$$"! The restaurant is located in resides coal area. Street parking. Chips are served warm and tasty(not salty) and salsa is amazing - complex flavor and sweetness of onion, (and not salty) added a little of spice. I couldn't stop eating while I wait for my dish! It took 15-20 minuets to be served since we ordered. Glad we had the chips because we were starving! Dish was very flavorful and well cooked! Fish was tender. We'll come back! read more

It's a family restaurant and great Mexican food. You can taste the freshness. Just taste the guacamole... Most people are heavy on the salt for flavor, they didn't, it was fresh and just smooth. Great stuff. And they have lots of things I haven't seen in other Mexican restaurants. Molcajete in a traditional stone serving bowl. Some might think gimmicky but when it's accompanied by fresh authentic food, I think it's perfect. read more

I have been in search of decent mexican/latin american food... which is probably why I eat so much asian in these parts!! But El Sinaloense is tasty- especially if you're looking for authentic mexican-seafood dishes. You can usually judge a good mexican spot just from the rice and beans... and this place passes! Great service and cute restaurant. Came here on V-day and they had an awesome mariachi band playing! read more

perfect food and drinks....................................................................! perfect service......................................................................................! perfect ambiance.................................................................................! make el sinaloense great again....................................................! read more

Had a great experience here on Saturday May 4th-- I brought my sister here for lunch, the menu was extensive and emphasized on seafood. We enjoyed our food, my sister ordered grilled prawns and steak, and it looked amazing. I ordered a deep fried red snapper came with salad and delicious mexican rice. The food was delicious and the server was great! We will come back. read more

A good friend of mine recomended this place, she knows my love of seafood.I ordered the camarones enpanisados, and my man ordered the shrimp kabob. The food was ok, expected alot more, althoght my oysters were nice and cold(delicious), and my Modelos also nice and cold. I came here with high expectations and left full, but I would not drive back here from Oakland. read more

Three times I've been here and three times left super happy. Great service, nice owner and good food. And they have karaoke on Thursday and Saturday!! They pour drinks that are strong and give you samples of different dishes to encourage you to eat a variety of their goods. I love it here and will be back again and again. read more

The staff was nice and the food was good. We were with Europeans who love fish and we had Mexican fish dishes for the first time in my life. They were actually good! We had the Combo Starter and Ceviche for appetizers. The Combo Starter was great, all classic Mexican dishes: quesadilla, taquitos, nachos, guacamole. read more

Too the family here for dinner last night (Friday night) The food was fantastic. I had the shredded beef chalupas and my son had the wet burrito. Both were fantastic. However, It took a long time to get service and the chips and salsa were horrible. I will be back however, because the food WAS terrific. read more

Great Mexican food. We will come here again. I had the steak and prawn super burrito wet and it was spectacular. We had to wait a lot today because of a very large group that entered just before us. Servers were in full stress mode but still friendly and helpful. read more

The food is great!! i feel like i am back at Sinaloa! Of course, you can never compare the freshness and richness of the shrimp from here and Mexico, but it is well made and pretty good!! Oh, and the waiters are awesome!! especially the tall cute one :) read more

Good cheap tacqueria. Nothing fancy, but a good relaxed vibe for a quality taco and a cold beer. Good service, good atmosphere. Caught them during the dead time before dinner rush and service was still quick and the food was good. Decently priced. read more

I noticed that it's been four years since my last review, so I wanted to provide a short update. In short, El Sinaloense is as good as ever. Still our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Bay Area - 100% recommended. read more