This place is good, especially the deal on the tacos for taco Tuesday, but however, I feel like the waiter that has the moustache and beard discriminated towards my fiance and I... At first we sat across from each other and a few minutes later, I sat next to her and then the guy comes and told me that I ha e to sit across from her because of the social distancing, so I got up and sat across from her again, so a few minutes later, other people started to come in and they were sitting next to each other and that waiter didn't make them sit apart or tell them nothing. So I feel that was discrimination against us lesbians. read more

They have Karaoke every Thursday which starts at 7:30 pm till 11 pm. During Karaoke only, they offer three large tacos for $5.00, your choice of shredded beef, ground beef, chicken, and/or pork, any combination. I enjoy singing karoke so I usually come here every Thursday. read more

Love this place. The food is so good and the price is decent too. Been coming here for years 10/10.

I want to give them more than 2 stars, but I can't based on their service. I come here very often and it can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to be acknowledged once you sit down. If you go during Happy Hour it takes anyone from 10-15 minutes to get your drinks. I've sat at the table for 30 minutes without anything to drink before anyone notices and sometimes I have to track the waiter down myself in the dining room over. It's just very frustrating because I love their food! read more

I've been coming to El Sombrero Mexican restaurant on an on-and-off basis over the many years that I've lived here in the city of El Monte. However, El Sombrero has never really stood out to me except that it's just always been there on the east side of the road driving up Santa Anita Ave towards Valley Blvd (kind of like a friendly neighbor that's always there, waiving, waiting for you stop by for a chat)... That is, until now. I honestly don't know how long this $7.99 lunch buffet has been going on for, but this hits the sweet spot in terms of pricing and quality. Food was fresh and delicious when I came here today. Waiter was busy, but on top of things. Let's see, food options for my Monday visit at El Sombrero's buffet were tortilla chips by the entrance of the buffet room, a salad bar: Salad, fruits, chocolate and lemon cake, flan, ceviche, tostadas. Adjacent to the salad bar are the hot items: beans/rice, potato slices (sort of like potato wedges, but flat), pork rind, chile relleno, green enchiladas with chicken, red enchiladas with cheese, chicken fajitas with a sauce next to it, chile verde, soups and so on! Excellent deal!!! read more

Ran in for their lunch buffet, my dr is in the same shopping area. I considered El Pollo Loco but I figured I could get my protein fix better here at the buffet. I could load up my plate with different meats and skip on the carbs. That's exactly what I did! Most of the meat dishes were to my liking, very flavorful. I think I like the Chile Verde best. Service was very speedy, almost to speedy. Kinda rushed but maybe because ppl come in at lunch on a thirty min break and they try to get you in and out. I guess if I were on a lunch break I could appreciate that. My only gripe would be some of buffet food was not hot. They need better temperature control. I enjoy really hot food. It's also kinda of old and run down, dreary looking. It's okay tho. Good price and good food. read more

Buzzing after microbrew made this place the most ideal for sobering up for the drive back home. I have to say that this place was just OK in my book. I ordered the combo plate with chile relleno and a taco. First off, I was really craving a soft taco and thought this was what I was getting. I got a hard taco and it just rubbed me the wrong way. The chile relleno was good, but not superb. I've had better. The service was kind of slow too. It took forever to get our drinks and after drinking beer for hours under the sun, we were starved for water. Didn't they see how shit-faced we were? Overall, I give three stars for a mediocre experience. I'd give less but I do have to admit, we stuffed our faces and probably licked our fingers. We got home stuffed and safely. Plus, I'll probably end up there again after the next Microbrew. read more

There buffet is the best! So goooooood! I'm honest when it comes to reviews so let me tell you that this is a buffet you need to try! Brought my boyfriend for the first time & he loved it too! read more

El Sombrero - Albondga soup... yummmm - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

Today we tried el sombrero el monte drive up buffet 10 dollars a plate food you choose items tasted excellent beans rice perfect chicken fajita cheese enchilada tasted so good they need to give the cooks a raise 5 stars in jesus name impressed menudo good I got 5 plates they gave us alot of food people there very nice hard working my family was very happy chili verse excellent give them a try u wont regret it I'm a cook I know good food best price for your money all are welcome thank you father in jesus name holyspirt amen read more

Mexican Cheese Whiz. It's almost for certain your meal is going to suck, once you see this on top of your cheese enchiladas. "see picture" It's 6pm, and I'm looking for a Mexican Restaurant. I'm in the heart of downtown El Monte this should be a pretty simple task to do, it wasn't. I saw El Sombrero, did a quick illegal U-Turn on Santa Anita Ave, thank god, I'm hungry as hell, thirsty and tired, I can seat down and relax for awhile. I was a little in shock, this place was empty, I saw a group of people seating in the back, I asked if the place was open, I'm pretty sure it was a couple of cooks, a waiter hostess and the owner with his kid. Great I just gave them all something to do, I ordered an ice tea before i got to my seat, chip and salsa and the ice tea was on the table within minutes. It's looking good so far. The chips and salsa was nothing special, basically bagged tortilla chips under a hot lamp with store bought salsa, which was OK. As noted by a another reviewer, it's most likely La Victoria, Salsa Ranchera Hot. I ordered the #1 Combo, Cheese Enchilada and Taco with rice and beans. I also ordered a cup of Cocido Soup, it's vegetable soup with chucks of beef. Cocido Soup, this was good, very good, it was the really the only eatable dish on the table, chucks of meat, most likely asada meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, cilantro. It was seasoned good and flavorful. I wish I had just ordered this it was worth the extra $2.95. 4 Asada Taco, same meat as the soup, but it wasn't as good, wasn't as flavorful and a little over cooked, with lettuce, tomatoes and a crappy guacamole sauce. It may of been cilantro dressing then a guacamole sauce, with one corn tortilla, the bottom was covered in the enchilada cheese sauce. I picked it up and the bottom dropped out, had to eat it with a fork. 1 Cheese Enchilada, no real cheese in the enchilada, it was just the cheese whiz stuff as a filling and a shot of it on top of the enchilada, it's not really hard to fuck up a cheese enchilada but El Sombrero does pretty damn good job at it. -1 The rice and beans was equal to the enchilada but a step, it maybe what you would find at a Hometown Buffet, no flavor, no seasoning, pre-made Mexican food. Easily a 1 star restaurant, I gave it 2 stars because the soup was very good ad the ice tea was cold. $18.00 with tip. Don't waste your money go to Alfredo's it's in the same parking lot. read more

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This restaurant is one of my all time favorite places The service is always good. They restaurant is spacious with lots of booth seating and a very nice bar. My favorite meal is the Shrimp Rancheros. By far the best in SoCal!! read more

Went for a quick happy hour drink. It was not so quick. Seriously thought nobody was working here. Its a ghost town! I could have set up behind the bar and fixed my own drinks. Had to phone the place to get service! Don't you know I'm from Zagat! Lol Geez Louise! read more

El Sombrero - Ghost Town! - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

I've been coming here since I was a kid. Their service has ranged from Great to OK. Their menu, however, has remained consistent. This is one of those "old school", "old fashioned" Mexican restaurants. Authentic flavor with a restaurant presentation. The staff are friendly and the portions are just right. I've ran through most of their menu and basically stopped when I tried their Mom's Burrito. I can sum up this thing in 3 words...Stuffed but YUMMMM!!!! This burrito fills the entire plate and is about a foot long with nothing but seasoned shredded beef inside. That's it!!!! Meat lovers rejoice!!! But that's not all! The outside of the burrito is smothered in red sauce, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream and then they throw an olive and a couple of diced tomato bits to give you the feeling that there's something healthy there. I get it every time I go there now. Overall, clean place with a bar/lounge that you can choose to sit at with a game on the TV or you can sit at the restaurant side if you prefer conversation with your meal companions. A decent size banquet room is also available. Great family style restaurant with something for everyone. P.S. My mom loves their menudo. It's served on weekends. read more

Maybe it's 2.5 stars. I went here for a birthday party with a buffet type setting. I got there 30 min late. A lot of the food was cold. Rather quick for turning off those heaters, no? Their chile rellenos are really good. I really did not like the vegetarian enchildadas. They had too many onions in them. Like, CRUNCHY raw onions. 80% onion, 10% spinach, 10% cheese. Service was so-so, but maybe the guy who waited on us was overwhelmed. Either way, I totally hate onion enchiladas. Beans and rice were not very flavorful. Ohwell. Its old school. Bar service was good. Bathrooms were clean. Parking was easy. They have a lot of old school 80's video games set up around the place, but SADLY they arent working. BOO. That would have bumped this place up to five stars if I could have played Dig Dug to pass the time. read more

I have gone to this Mexican place several times and I am NEVER let down. I get the Chicken Fajitas Salad and this is the BEST i have ever had. I now order that every time i visit. Another amazing item is the Strawberry Margarita. A+ Not only is my thirst quenched and my stomach in heaven...The prices make me SMILE. Wish i could post the pics i have. :-( read more

Love the mole and crunchy tacos! Best Taco Tuesday deal...3 big crunchy tacos for $5. Out side dinning available.

I've visited this restaurant on plenty of occasions, as an experienced diner of authentic mexican restaurants this is still on my list of top spots. I've attended wedding dinners, retirement dinners, birthday parties, etc and the service has been nothing but good. The food has never been less than the best. A Big Kudos!!! read more

I honestly can't believe this place had only 3 stars. I live in Norcal, but any time I am in the Los Angeles area, this is one of the first places I HAVE TO GO TO. Probably this restaurant, fathers office and phils bbq in san diego lol. first and foremost, the food is ridiculously good and it has large portions. There are only two things I get here, because I honestly never get sick of them and are good every time. 1. Mom's burrito: its pretty much just like a wet burrito, but the meat is always really nice and tender, and the the cheese, and sauce and everything just seem to work so well together. 2. BEEF TACOS. It's actually surprising how many mexican restaurants don't get hard tacos right. Sometime the sauce of the meat is so wet that it makes the shell loose and damp. Or sometimes places will not pack that much meat at all. But this place probably has the best beef tacos i've ever had. Everything just seems really fresh, from the meat all the way down to the lettuce. The service here is really great too. Its a family owned restaurant and they really care about how your meal is and that you're getting a great experience. Also this place is absolutely gigantic, so i've never had any problem getting a table, even during the busiest times. read more

I'm here with a friend attending a Bridal Shower for her friends daughter. First time here. They have a nice room in the back that fits about 8 round tables. They have a buffet with enchiladas, fajitas, salad, beans, rice and fruit. Food was good. Table service is great. Staff very attentive and personable. It's a hot day today and the temperature inside the restaurant is nice and cool. read more

My favorite place to come on the weekends because they serve Menudo without the tripe. Enough said!!! xoxo read more

This place has been here for years. The staff is friendly and quick to assist your needs. The food is always great and tasty, you will not be disappointed. Got to come for menudo breakfast as it is well worth the wait if you come during the crowded hour. Get there early so you can enjoy the food and atmospher. read more

Whenever your in El Monte you have to stop by! The buffet 7.99 Mon-Fri 10:30-2 is spot on delicious! This place is awesome. Sat mornings for breakfast is the best! read more

El Sombrero - El Sombrero!! Yum!! - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

I don't want to be unfair, so I'll keep my review objective and balanced. I met with a friend for lunch, so we had the lunch buffet special. It wasn't bad actually. My reason for the three stars have to do with my high expectations of Mexican food. However, as stated, it was a lunch buffet, so that wasn't the best gauge of their food. I will say that their service was attentive and excellent. Our server made sure we had everything we needed and was super polite. The restaurant itself was a little dark, but maybe that's the atmosphere they're going for. The place has an "Old School" feel, that I kind of like actually. The buffet consisted of several salad "build your own" ingredients, and imitation crab ceviche. I didn't try any of those, so can't speak on that. I did try their Beef Picadillo and Chicken Picadillo, not bad. The buffet also had Chiles Rellenos, Spanish Rice, Pinto Beans, Green & Red Enchiladas, and Menudo. It had a decent variety for a buffet. The price range was on the mark though, so excellent. Again, I don't want to be too critical, or full of praise, because I didn't get to try other food during normal dinner hours. Because of that, I'll give this place another shot when I have the time in the evening. Parking was easy and there was no waiting time, so yay. read more

Loved everything food was amazing are waiter was also amazing great place to go . Very welcoming enjoyed are selfs. It Is a 10 star for sure. Ericka was also amazing read more

Best mole rojo (red molo)! Seriously just like grandma use to make it. The prices are a little higher for mexican, service is slow, ambience drags, but the food is solid. They are an ipod and an extra server away from 5 stars imo read more

Ordered 4 ala carte tacos to go for me & my wife. 5 minute drive home and they were "COLD"! read more

When we walked in, we stood there for 5 minutes, as no one was at desk and bartender had her back to door and was on her cell phone. Had to walk into bar to get her attention. The food wasn't great, but wasn't bad. I don't think a 8 in quesadilla is worth $10.95. Service was ok, the two guys were attentive. The place was pretty dead, 3 tables including us at dinner time. read more

I am really surprised that this restaurant received some bad ratings. First off, I will start out by saying that I am Asian and not yet a connoisseur of the Mexican cuisine. With that said, this place was so friggin good! I came here for lunch and had Mother's Wet Burrito. Damn, Mother El Sombrero treats me so well. Never met her, but as I wolf down this gooey cheese and beef, I already feel so close to her... like family. I am going to come here again when I am ready for another gut buster. Note to self- wear stretchy pants. Very stretchy pants. read more

Love this place! Been coming here for years. It's family owned and over the years the quality has not diminished. My favorite are the enchiladas rancheras. You get a choice of chicken or cheese, choose chicken! I always ask for extra green sauce, DELISH! Other great dishes include the small beef chimichanga, their flautas, and tacos. Their combination plates are served with the best beans and rice! Their prices can't be beat as well! read more

I have been coming here for over 10 years and will still continue to come for many more to come. The food is great and the staff is awesome they all Remember us and we always feel welcome. The chips and salsa are the best. We have never got a plate of food we didn't like. Highly recommend!!! read more

Omg the best Mexican food I've had in a min! I've had my share of shrimp cocktails and I'll say this one was delish. I'm from mid-city and it was worth the drive. And such good service!!! read more

Customer Service SUCKS!!! Had to speak to THREE persons in order to find out one small request.

Love this restaurant and the customer service is the best. The food is so good ,I have my favorite dishes. I've been coming here for years and bring family and friends and they continue to go. You feel so welcomed here. 5 Years ago my mom passed and she loved it here so we had her celebration of life here, My family and friends loved the service and the food. All the staff is welcoming. Give it a shot and try for yourself. read more

My family & I love this restaurant! The food is delicious & the staff is very friendly! To start Their chips and salsa are so fresh! They also have delicious tortilla soup! You do need to add some salsa to it & a pinch of salt for some extra flavor. I love their fajitas! I have had chicken & combo & they were both delicious! Full of fresh veggies with beans and rice on the side & some warm tortillas! My Husband always gets the enchiladas with green sauce! So good! Lots of flavor! All in all, we always have a wonderful time when we come here! They also have a great happy hour & taco Tuesday special! read more

I love this place! I've been coming here for years. The food always comes in generous portions for the pricing. Now they have Taco Tuesday where you can get three tacos for $5! I had the street tacos with Al Pastor, Carne Asada and Carnitas. The avocado green sauce is spicy and flavorful. They also have a large beer selection. I strongly recommend this place. read more

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best food in el monte !!! i had the best mole enchiladas!!! the waiters were so kind and curtious, the restaurant was clean, had great service, and so beautiful!!! will go back again!! read more

Ugh....for some reasons businesses like to come here for lunch. I have been here 3 times, but never again. Food is very average or tasteless , the best thing here is the chips and salsa. read more

Food okay margaritas on the rocks was more rocks and service sucked and not that busy

Service was good, food was good. Ordered 3 flautas (2 shredded beef, 1 chicken) combination plate. Also ordered a bacon cheeseburger with a side salad. It was good food, but don't feel like it's a place I need to return to. They provide chips and salsa. Waiters were readily available and checked in multiple times. read more

El Sombrero - 3 flautas combo plate (2 shredded beef, 1 chicken). - Mexican Near Me - El Monte, California

Held my Mother's 60th birthday here in their banquet room and it was amazing. They took care of everything from set up of the room to handing out both cake and toast drinks. They provided our own private bar and the food was amazing. We had around 100 people and everyone had plenty of food which itself was delicious. The food was as good as if only one person ordered. Typically at some buffets the quality of the food diminishes but not here. The Melody and the rest of her staff was beyond helpful, always making sure everything was running smoothly. I had no worries throughout the night that everything was taken care of. I would highly recommend people to hold an event here or even just come eat and watch a game in their bar area. read more