Went for a margarita and was amazed how they are cranking them out in tall beautiful glasses. The place was packed! We got chips and salsa in a timely manner. We didn't even ask for them. I wanted a regular sized Cadillac margarita on the rocks. The menu had a tall double advertised. I'm a little lady, so too big for me. The bartender said no problem and made me a small one with a beautiful flower to boot. Hubs got a nonalcoholic beer. We both enjoyed our drinks and watching a busy Friday. Everyone was working very hard. Looking forward to coming back and trying some food. read more

I've lived in the Sacramento area for decades and never went to El Tapatio even though we drove passed it a number of times. On a whim, my son suggested we try it. That was three weeks ago. We have been back six times since that time It is always busy and we have had great experiences with service. Food quality was excellent, and I have a very picky family but the menu selection satisfies everyone. I can't really speak towards authenticity, but it's tasty to me and my family. We went to the Sunday Brunch today and there was a nice variety of food options. I believe it was 27 bucks a person but it was well worth the price. read more

I can't believe as many time as I have eaten at El Tapatio I am just now doing a review. I have been here for Happy hour with friends quite a few years ago and this was the very first time I found out about this place. They had I think it was $1.50 tacos on taco Tuesday. The tacos were really good and the salsa bar is excellent! The bean dip isn't too bad either. I've also come to try out their other menu options and let me tell you they do not miss. I've heard they have a really good brunch and I need to try it out lol. I love a good brunch. The service is always great and it's always busy every time I've come even have had to wait in a line that when out the doors. There is plenty of seating the restaurant is pretty big inside. There's a bar as well. Is it the best Mexican food in Sac? No. Is it delicious? Absolutely! If you haven't been here it's a must. read more

See all

This restaurant serves delicious Mexican food. I enjoy their expeditious delivery of food and a service with a smile. During the World Cup football the place became a sports bar with a terrific ambiance filled with fellow football lovers. read more

El Tapatio - Chicken dish - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

El Tapatio is a spacious and festively decorated Mexican restaurant. Beautiful. Several dining areas. Music in Spanish. Service is attentive and helpful. There is a tortilla lady in front making fresh tortillas with her own tip jar. Huge menu. You should be able to easily find whatever you're craving. There is a 11 AM to 3 PM weekday lunch menu on the back cover: Burrito specials on Mon & Fri Enchiladas specials on Tue & Wed Chile Relleno special on Thu DAILY Happy Hour menu for Bar & Patio area is 3-7 PM and after 9 PM. Complimentary corn tortilla chips, salsa, and refried bean dip with cheese. I loved the REFRIED BEAN DIP! I ordered the Steak a la Chicana. I didn't read or listen carefully enough that the skirt steak with sauteed onions and bell peppers are covered in Spanish sauce. The sauce is actually quite tasty with a little kick. I used it and the salsa to flavor the black beans. However, I really just wanted grilled steak. I should have ordered steak fajitas, a grilled steak burrito or quesadilla, or a carne asada plate. The Steak a la Chicana was a generous portion, which is definitely 2 meals for me. Cilantro rice wasn't anything special. The SWEET CORN TAMALITO is yummy comfort. Choice of beans: refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans. I suspect refried beans is the tastiest option. El Tapatio would be a great gathering place for friends and family. It's located on Sunrise Blvd in Citrus Heights near See's Candies and other restaurants. read more

See all

El Tapatio is always consistent. We really enjoy the happy hours and mango margaritas. We normally always sit at the bar and end up meeting nice people. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

See all

A packed parking lot on a Friday parking lot inspires confidence for a restaurant because it signals to me that people are choosing it as a destination for their Friday night. Let's just say it make sense why the lot is full. The service was beyond reproach. Our server was attentive and detail oriented and never felt us feeling ignored. I couldn't see the bottom of the complimentary chips and salsa and the food came out hot and delicious. The three meat molcajete with traditional salsa verde (a family recipe according to the menu), pinto beans, radish, freshly roasted jalapeño, green onions, and sautéed cactus. Topped with Monterey Jack, Cotija, and Panela cheese was the star of the show. You assemble everything in a nice flour tortilla and you are in for a delectable and savory treat. The portion sizes are generous and the price point given the amount of food is also very attractive. We shared the molcajete and had plenty leftover for lunch the next day. I always wondered why the parking lot was so full but I longer have to wonder and I'll be contributing to the busy traffic in the parking lot because I'll be back for another round of molcajete. read more

See all

Yum, Yum Yum! Seriously, come with a big appetite! I love coming here for dinner on the weekends, brunch on Sundays and on Father's/Mother's Day. Sometimes the place has a huge waitlist and people are standing around outside waiting to be called. PSA. get there early on those holidays they are having the buffets. There is a whole array of dishes to select from. I would have to say my favorite is the steak fajitas for 2 . The beef was so tender and it came with grilled veggies and sides to throw into your tortilla plus rice and beans. Staff are very attentive and are always checking to see that your water, chips, salsa & beans for dipping are always restocked. The restaurant is always packed. I have yet to see it empty. You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

The ambience and the service was 5-star+! Being a tough critic of authentic ethnic foods, I was only slightly disappointed in the fact that this Mexican food is heavy with what Americans love -- cheese and beans and extra oil. If you love "Maui-Mex" this place is perfect! I was hoping for a slightly more flavorful and less filling meal. Of course I didn't need to down my 20oz. Negra Modello so fast with my food.... My bad. The drinks were great and it is always fun to get a huge complimentary basket of tortilla chips and salsa the minute you are seated. It is a fun dinner, for sure. Great place for parties and groups. read more

See all

This place is legit! I'm from SoCal and I've lived up here about a year now and I have been trying to hit up Mexican restaurants to see what could be comparable. This place did not disappoint. The steak. Tacos were amazing. Apparently they marinate them for three days and you can tell. We sat in the bar area and had service from Amanda which she was amazing. Talk about top-notch friendly on top of it made the whole experience pleasant. We got chips, salsa, and a bean dip. I ended up ordering their bean dip with green and red sauce with cheese... so good! Also the rolled potato tacos and quesadilla. Another thing we found out is that they do happy hour seven days a week! We will definitely be back. read more

See all

We were seated immediately and the restaurant was full. The chips & salsa and refried beans were complimentary and amazing. Our margaritas were very good. We decided on the fajita for two and a queso cheese dip appetizer. We ordered the perfect patron margarita and were ready to enjoy. When our fajitas came out our rice was cold and the steak was rare. I've never had to request my steak cooked a certain way with fajitas. It usually comes out like medium well and you request if you want it well. The chicken breast was dry but had flavor. We requested a medium well steak but not well done. The first steak was literally bleeding. They brought it back out and the steak was well done. So it more than likely was put back on the grill. The chicken was drier than it was the first time. Our queso cheese was not even warm. They took it back and warmed it what looks like the microwave and half the cheese boiled over the bowl. This was not the experience we were expecting with the awesome reviews. Our waitress was Amazing and I won't say we won't try them again. We will have to go through the week when it's not so crowded. read more

See all

We have this place multiple tries. It just isn't worth all the hype. The beans are good. The salsa is good. But that's about it. Last time we went it was my birthday. We got seated right away even though they were super busy. Once we ordered though it took about 45 minutes to get the food. It was cold when it arrived. The waitress never came to check how things were or bring refills. I had to flag her down for boxes and the check. My husband's burrito tasted like it had dog food in it for the meat. My burrito had some weird chunky sour tasting sauce that did not go with the fillings. The place was super loud. We couldn't hear each other talk literally right next to each other. But for how busy they were it was expected. We'll keep looking for good Mexican food, but tapatio isn't it. read more

Terrible food for the price, service was just ok, manager stopped by to ask how dinner was, I stated the food was not good, we ordered 3 different meals, all were very bad, his response "ok, see you next time" Wouldn't recommend this restaurant for Mexican food read more

El Tapatio was the lively meal that our group needed after a long week. The mariachi band was a nice touch. The service was quick and friendly. I had a passion fruit blended margarita along with a chimichanga and enchilada. We had tons of left over for sure. read more

See all

Made reservations for a party of 9, had to change to 8 this morning. We arrived, we're seated and in line for food! Let me tell you, it's overwhelming with so many choices! Fruit, omelet bar, breakfast food, lunch foods, Street tacos, menudo, pozole,dessert and free mimosas....all for $31!!!! We tried to pace ourselves, it was hard, everything was great! read more

Parking- There is plenty of parking in their private lot. If you can't find any parking out front look out back. Ambiance- There is lots of ambiance. It's a very Mexican restaurant and decorated accordingly. Very bright and festive. Last time and this time they had live music, both times there was a mariachi group playing in the room we were at. With out the live music it's a very loud restaurant as the sound really carries through the various rooms. The restaurant is made up of smaller rooms divided by arches. Next time we're going to pick a quieter restaurant as it was really hard to hear as we were trying to catch up with friends. Service- Service was spot on. The servers came back several times to check on us before we ordered. They got us drinks and waited till we were ready to order. They were also very attentive during our meal. Food- Not so good. I ordered the quesa Birrias. I pointed to the menu when I placed my order. Three corn tortillas filled with beef birria, melted Oaxaca cheese onions and cilantro served with rice, pinto beans, spicy salsa and consume on the side $19.99 was the description. The picture in the menu showed them all laying flat oozing with melted cheese. When brought out it they were in a taco stand. No melted cheese, just birria tacos. It was nothing like the description and the picture. I was so disappointed. I don't recommend this dish and wouldn't order it again. My husband ordered the tilapia. It was a bit on the overcooked side, way to crispy and not meaty enough. Our friends ordered the shrimp tacos which were done really well and he liked them. His wife ordered another dish with simmered meat in a sauce with bell peppers. She gobbled hers up and is the only one at our table that finished her plate. To our disappointment we will not be returning. read more

See all

9/10 started rocky others after 15 min of waiting for chips and water before us but the food is amazing. sahara made Guacamole right at table it was mazing FOOD and Drinks 10/10!!! still recommend. Sampler is a must no entree needed it's a meal! read more

El Tapatio - The food and the vibes! - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

I've been hearing about this place all throughout social media and was excited to get the chance to go. We came as soon as they opened for their brunch buffet because that's apparently when the food would be fresh and wouldn't have a wait. We were seated immediately and our server was great, he was very attentive and seemed to be a favorite amongst the guests. Coming in, I was really excited to see the options and try every dish available. However, for the price, there wasn't much options to choose from. I feel as if some of the food lacked flavor or it was cold. Same went for the drinks. I'm willing to give it another try some other time though read more

El Tapatio, the best place for birthdays. They have live music, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. When coming you can enjoy yourself for longer than normal American time at a restaurant and watch a football game. They have a chips and salsa bar in the bar, lots of drink, beverages, and Several TVs. I ordered the combo meal with a chicken burrito, black beans, and cilantro rice for $14.99. It was very yummy and filling. Can get a couple meals from it. They have every flavor of margarita if you're looking to celebrate your day in that way. Overall, a great experience every time. read more

El Tapatio - Birthday hat - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

See all

Truly the best we've had in sacto since Albuqerque, Flagstaff, and Santa Fe NM, we have had the best of the best, and this is right up there, we'll continue to be a good customer unless they change, for now we'll enjoy their delicious meals read more

El Tapatio - This was "take out", so much easier when you don't want to "go out" - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

We came here for brunch which includes UNLIMITED mimosas for $30 ! The bar was showing 3 football games on the big screens so there was a 20 minute wait which was well worth it. The buffet was fresh + hot. The omelette(s) were made to order. The place has a warm hacienda feel to it. I recommend this place to visitors & locals. read more

See all

I came here Saturday afternoon for lunch with two friends. I will say that I'm giving this place three stars because the food and my drink were great. The service was not on point and this is before it got busy. Our server Eddy seemed like he wanted to rush our party of three while he was super attentive to the patrons next to us, which was a party of two. I would say that the people who were busing tables were more attentive than our main server. However, the food was great. I had the chicken flautas and a cucumber and margarita. The chips and salsa were on point as well. I might give this place another try in the future just for the food alone. read more

See all

Very authentic Mexican. I love chili relleno and they are the best. You can get 1-3 entrees with rice(choices) and beans(choices). Their margaritas are also excellent. Free chips and salsa. Excellent service. And very nicely decorated in Mexican tile. My favorite place read more

El Tapatio - Yum chili relleno and enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

I heard a lot of great things about ET, so since we were in the area, we decided to stop in. This use to be El Torino's back in the day. It still has all the same decor and rustic Mexican ambiance. Us and our friends came here for lunch. We all decided on the lunch special which was Enchilada plate w/your choice of meat. My hubby got the carnitas enchilada and I had one chicken, one cheese enchilada plate. Our server was great and we enjoyed the complimentary chips n salsa. Our food came out quickly. Now, we all agreed that this was the most unusual enchiladas we have ever had! It was corn tortilla folded over like a taco lol. No sauce but topped with Cotija cheese and pickled onions? We really wanted to like our dishes but we didn't. We didn't even want the leftovers. So maybe it was an off day and cook was new? read more

El Tapatio - Complimentary chips, salsa and beans - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

Excellent Mexican food. The atmosphere is bright and lively! Customer service is excellent. All the staff that I came in contact with while I entered, while I was seated and as I was leaving were all so friendly and personable. Excellent place for groups, families and even solo diners. The food is great! I ordered the carnitas plate. My order arrived in about 15 minutes. In the meantime I started filling up on the warm chips, salsa and creamy bean dip. The portions of food are very abundant (enough for a second meal). The hand made corn and flour tortillas are hot and so delicious! Overall, everything was delicious! It is my understanding they also have an excellent Sunday brunch! I will be returning again. read more

See all

The all you can eat breakfast is awesome. The servers are very courteous and they check on you for your needs frequently. The atmosphere there is very nice and pleasing to the eye. read more

Great selection of food and their buffet also includes all you can drink mimosas. The servers constantly come to your table to check up on you and refill your flute. I wish I was able to try more of the dishes out but the dishes I had were good. I will definitely need to come back next time. Recommend coming here when they open because they will get packed later on during the day for their AYCE. read more

See all

This place is amazing, my wife, her sister, and I went her for lunch this past Sunday and it was absolutely fantastic. There was about a 30 minute wait as there was a brunch all you can eat buffet style happening as well. We had no clue they even offered this as we were from out of town and going to a concert later that night, but we were so happy we tried this place! I had the fajita steak burrito, the sister in law had quesobirria tacos, and the wife had enchiladas. The horchata was amazing, the enchiladas were good, the fajita burrito was excellent, but I'll try the chipotle burrito next time, I had the chipotle sauce on the side and it was the best I've had anywhere. The quesobirria tacos were incredible! They all were served with rice and beans with were fantastic. Also, when you sit down you are served chips, salsa, and refried beans and cheese for a starter. Great place, great customer service, and a beautiful building as well! read more

Ample parking. Massive restaurant, I mean these owners had to have put hundreds of thousands into the decor and design! It's beautiful inside. Seated immediately, zero wait time. Very low key so massive inside. Ordered the potato tacos and my fiancé ordered a burrito. He said it was delicious. I tried a bit of the green sauce, so good! The potato tacos were delicious!! As were the rice and beans and small scoop of sweet corn maza.. what a great combo. The only thing I wasn't feeling, was the gentleman who was going around asking to take pictures. That's a weird thing.. maybe leave out of the restaurant- it's like solicitation while eating!?? Otherwise, great customer service, great food.. 5/5 read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

See all

I ordered the fish tacos at El Tapatio and was satisfied with the amount of food that came with the meal -- three generously sized tacos, rice, beans, and a side of sweet corn. Everything was tasty and filling. The service stood out, too. The staff was super attentive and constantly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. On top of that, there was a mariachi band walking around taking song requests from each table, which made the whole experience even more fun and lively. Overall, great food, great vibes -- I had a really enjoyable time here and would definitely come back! read more

El Tapatio - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

Let me say out waiter Felipe was exceptional. He was so nice and attentive. Felipe recommended I get the Shrimp Enchilada Mazatlan. The restaurants has the town Mexico feel I really like it. It's a really big restaurant, it's average noise level as to be expected. My food was delicious I give it a 10 out of a 10. The salsa was very good. The guacamole was good. You have to make sure that you tell them if you like hot salsa, to being you some hot verde salsa which is spicy and it's delicious and also they have some amazing bean dip. read more

El Tapatio - Poblano Mitzalan it has shrimp in it. - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

This was a go to spot for my family and I for a while especially for the all you can eat brunch on Sundays. The all you can eat brunch is a really good deal because they have a ton of options to choose from. Beans, rice, fish, chicken, tamales, sweet corn, menudo, pozole, omelets, fruit, dessert etc. and different drinks too. A good salsa bar with chips. I don't have any pictures but the restaurant is beautiful and spacious. Outside of the Sunday brunch the menu is extensive and has lots of options. I love that they bring you free chips, salsa, and bean dip. I've always had good meals here and the drinks are also very tasty! A great margarita menu. Friendly staff and they are attentive even when they are busy which they do get busy a lot! Will definitely be coming back in the future and hopefully take some pictures to share. This was a go to spot for my family and I for a while especially for the all you can eat brunch on Sundays. The all you can eat brunch is a really good deal because they have a ton of options to choose from. Beans, rice, fish, chicken, tamales, sweet corn, menudo, pozole, omelets, fruit, dessert etc. and different drinks too. A good salsa bar with chips. I don't have any pictures but the restaurant is beautiful and spacious. Outside of the Sunday brunch the menu is extensive and has lots of options. I love that they bring you free chips, salsa, and bean dip. I've always had good meals here and the drinks are also very tasty! A great margarita menu. Friendly staff and they are attentive even when they are busy which they do get busy a lot! Will definitely be coming back in the future and hopefully take some pictures to share. read more

El Tapatio - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

We went in during the holidays and it was super busy. I got a salad and my son got a kids enchilada. I ordered a strawberry margarita on the rocks and it came blended so I was a little bummed. The chips and salsa were amazing! They had a lady taking pictures in front of the Christmas tree for $20 with a frame so that was neat! Definitely try this place out if you like basic Mexican foods. read more

See all

Food and ambience are great but the in-house mariachi band is extremely pushy and loud. Prepared to be harassed by their lead singer. I've seen him try to shame and bully people in tipping even when people say no thank you to their very loud music. Good luck if you are on a first date! I hope the owners realize that the band is hurting not helping the business. read more

El Tapatio - This man is a menace. He will hound you for tips. Borderline harassment. - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

Delicious food and quick service when we go at lunchtime. We went once for the Sunday brunch and there was SO MUCH FOOD! When we dine on weekdays, I always order my favorite -- Enchiladas Suiza which are meaty enchiladas with their sweet tomatillo sauce and their tasty cilantro rice and their refried beans which I add some hot sauce to. Yum!!! read more

El Tapatio - Tom, the Birthday Boy! - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

It's been a while, so I wanted to do an update here. Happy to share that this place is still great. Once again, atmosphere cannot be beat. I was born in the 70s and I miss the days when restaurants had legitimate themes. Almost every place looks generic and bland these days. Not the case here. Inside and out, you know you are in a Mexican restaurant. We went with the combo meals (1-three item and 2-two items) and a few drinks this trip. The prices are incredible. Before tip we were still under $100. That just doesn't happen much anymore. Service is great and they check up often. One of the nice things here are the chips and salsa also come with a warm bean dip. It's nice but you just got to be careful to not eat too much before the meal arrives. Meal presentation is standard, but plenty of food and delicious. Same with the drinks. Wonderfully priced and plenty to boot. This is our favorite Mexican restaurant and the only reason we don't visit more often is it's about a 40-minute drive for us. It's well worth it though and I strongly recommend a visit if you've never been to this location. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

Love the decor, service is excellent and my FAVORITE item on the menu are the potato tacos! Mmmmmmm also love coming here for Taco Tuesdays and their buffet! read more

My friend and I stopped in for a quick lunch and we're seated immediately. The decor in the restaurant is beautiful. From the paintings sculptures everything. It really feels like you stepped into a fiesta. The menu is reasonably priced and the food was delicious. The chips taste so fresh and the bean dip and salsa were excellent. My chimichanga was smaller than expected but that's ok it was still good. Would definitely go back again. read more

See all

Great Mexican restaurant. Food was flavorful. Portions large. Service was good. Ambiance was nice. Definitely a hit.

Beautiful, great vibes, and excellent service. The food is delicious and fresh, the portions are perfect. read more

See all