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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
3 months ago
10 months ago
1 month ago
Can't get enough of this place. We go at least once a week. When you walk in, you're greeted with a friendly smile and generally seated right away (unless it's on a weekend or holiday). The dining area is pristine, super clean like you can eat a meal off the floor. The ambiance is inviting, like you're at your Tia or Abuelita's. The complimentary chips and salsa are a bonus! Never had a bad meal, everything is consistent. If you like pica, try the Chipotle or Diabla burritos or other items with these sauces. The traditional mole enchiladas are a treat! There's a difference between beef, picadillo, steak, and carne asada -- I recommend steak, whether it's the fajitas, fajitadilla, or Burrito Tapatia/Fajita Burrito (try the verde sauce atop). Combination plates are generous, the chili relleno is one of the best I've ever had. The shrimp is fresh, deveined and cleaned (I've been places where it hasn't been, yuck). The fish tacos are bright and filling. Each meal comes with your choice of Spanish or cilantro rice and refried or black beans, and a scoop of Tomalito (homemade corn masa ball, think Chevy's but way better). The food is great, but -- the service is some of the best service you'll experience -- ever! We have some favorites, you can't go wrong with any of them. We love sitting in Eduardo's section, where he makes us feel like family! Keep in mind this place is restaurant-style, not a taqueria. If you're looking for fast and greasy, this is not your place. read more
4 months ago
4 months ago
1 year ago
This restaurant is always busy. The food is delicious and the wait staff is always very attentive. As soon as we were seated we were given salsa bean dip and chips to eat while we looked over the menu. I ordered the molcajete and shared with my sister. We ordered two meats and it came with a side of rice and choice of flour or corn tortillas--both made from scratch. It was delicious. We had plenty of food and leftovers after. We will definitely be back. This place is great for large parties too--there were several when we were here and the wait staff seemed super on it running around. Love this place. read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
7 months ago
The place is crowded but for good reason. The food is delicious! Couldn't decide what to order. I ordered the mocajete and sunrise enchiladas prices are reasonable. Can't wait to return read more
Holiday weekend here as a tourist and came here for dinner. It was busy packed but took about 15min to get seated. It was very lively with live mariachi band playing at tables. The food was amazing for decent price. I got their most popular and sought after item, Molcajete (with three meats steak chicken and shrimp). It was filling enough to share among two adults. Highly recommend coming here for the best Mexican restaurant in town! read more
10 months ago
Taco Tuesday! The best! Live music, my favorite, mango margarita! Free chip, salsa, refried beans in the cantina area. read more
My go to especially when in the mood for some great Mexican food and homemade flour tortillas. Enjoyed an ice cold Margarita and ordered a few plates to share with the party of three I went with. The chicken and beef fajitas were a hit, came out super hot, and the beef was very tender along with all the fixings. Service is always great. Definitely a must try if in the area. Chicken mole plate is also good, sauce is not spicy but a little on the sweet side but flavor overall good. read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
Second time coming here and it was better than the first. Gets better every time. Lol But I had great company and the staff were very attentive and always checked in with us. The food was delicious. And the ambiance was cute and authentic. I love their designs on their chairs. FYI if you have not had their peach and cucumber margaritas, do yourself a favor and get one today! Or two!! There's always a good time had with margaritas and tacos. True classics that never get old. read more
2 years ago
This place in near Sacramento is worth the trip and the freshness of the food and the delight for ambiance that it brings to the table is superb. The food is delicious and in great quantities and the service is excellent. Very prompt and attention to your needs. read more
2 years ago
4 months ago
1 year ago
Been a few times and have always had a good experience. The food is pretty good. The service was good. It's pretty nice inside. The waiter that came and took mine and my mom's order was real nice. read more
2 years ago
Our first time visiting this festive spot. We were here on a Thursday night and it was packed, lots of big parties and full tables. The atmosphere is fun, bright colors everywhere and lots of activity. We had chips and salsa including beans and cheese which was a great start. My husband had a chile Colorado burrito and I had a carnitas enchilada. I really liked mine, really flavorful and I finished the whole thing. My husband liked the burrito but thought it had a bit too much sauce. We enjoyed our meal and would definitely return. read more
El Tapatio is alright. The first time I had it I thought it was really great but when I went again it sadly wasn't the same. Makes me hesitant to return if there is no consistency. If you dont live in the area, it's not the easiest restaurant to get to since it's in the middle of Citrus Heights with a bit of a local drive from the freeways. The times I've gone, it's been very busy. The wait for a table isn't too bad, though, as it's a large restaurant. Despite it being busy, luckily I've experienced very friendly and efficient service. I really enjoyed the complimentary chips, salsa, especially the bean dip! Very tasty, and I like how they'll keep bringing more if you want. You can definitely get pretty full off of that. I had a Red Sangria, which was really good and strong. I like their combo meals, which is a good bang for your buck, considering the amount of food you get. Chimichanga is pretty good, but I wish it was a bit more crisp and less toward the soggy side. Cilantro rice had a nice flavor but a bit on the dry side. My favorite was the little scoop of tamalito sweet corn, which was really yummy! I wouldn't be opposed to going back, but I also wouldn't go out of my way to go there. read more
1 year ago
You might go here for the complimentary chips, salsa, and bean dip but it's really the service that makes this place feel so great. From the host, the ladies making tortillas, to the person that brings chips, the server, the manager, and the food runners every person is so kind and helpful. The staff really is what sets this place apart from other places. The sense of urgency and genuine customer awareness is top tier. The food is always good as well. Typically I get the carne asada and it's seasoned and cooked great. The taquitos paired with the jalepeno jelly is incredible! The ambiance is bright and colorful. Sometimes it can be really loud so if you are sensitive to noise I would suggest not going on the weekends. -plus size seating -Pepsi products - :( no Coca Cola products -easy parking read more
2 months ago
2 years ago
3.31.24 Easter Sunday- *Christ is Risen* Hope everybody had a blessed Easter! My family and I came here after church service with a reservation (highly recommended bc it gets very busy on Sundays for their brunch buffet). It's phenomenal with so much variety. Here's just some to mention: -Chicken mole -sweet corn cake (pastel de elote) -different meat dishes -fruit and salad station -omelette station with vegetables and meats -camarones con vegetales -a fresh tortilla area with these sweet little ladies making them -the soup area with 4 diff kinds: Albondigas, posole, menudo and another beef with veg one (my fave is the posole) and there's a station where u can add lettuce/cabbage, spices, lime. -dessert area: arroz con leche, galletas, gelatina, flan -waffle station There's also a nice juice table with: Jamaica, pineapple, mango and I think mango. I was looking for horchata or mango but these were good too. Overall, our experience here was wonderful! They also have live singers who came to our table and sang one of my aunt's requested song. With a tip they will sing your song for your table. The place was packed with so many people, no table was left un-sat. If you're looking for a fun, delicious, colorful and energetic Mexican brunch buffet come and check out this place! read more
2 years ago
We came on a Monday evening for dinner. Greeted upon walking in. We had 2 servers helping us. Very friendly. If you like spicy ask for the spicy salsa when they bring your chips. Food was hot when it came to us. The homemade flour tortillas are delicious! Portions are generous. If I'm craving Mexican food this will be my go to place! read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
5 months ago
6 months ago
The BEST Mexican restaurant in Citrus Heights!!! Hands down. The chips, salsa and beans start the meal off amazingly. The steak fajitas are delicious as heck. The margaritas are outstanding. The service is excellent. I haven't had an item that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes mariachi bands walk through and play music! The ambiance is very colorful and authentic. I can't say enough good things about this place! GO TO EL TAPATIO! read more
5 months ago
This place kills it every time. There is a little wait usually but it's always popping inside. The service is attentive , quick, helpful and friendly. My waitress sam was ON IT. She has my drink refilled before half way. Same with yeh chips and salsa. Our food came out in less than 15 minutes. Recommend to anyone and I'm very picky read more
5 months ago
6 months ago
2 years ago
We stopped here for some lunch during the holiday season. It was surprisingly better than it was over a year ago. The chips and salsa were good and the menu item I had was pretty tasty. The service was okay, but I considered the time of year as a factor. The price was decent for the portions. Really enjoyed the mango chicken. I will definitely be back again. Maybe next time for a margarita! read more
5 months ago
2 months ago
More info about El Tapatio
5637 Sunrise Blvd
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Directions
(916) 967-2900
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Visit Website
https://eltapatioca.com
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Ask the Community - El Tapatio
What is the Sunday buffet price?
I think it's about $35 per adult. Not sure what price is for kids.
What is the wait time on Friday night at 6:30?
It really varies. I've gotten in/been seated in a few minutes, and there have been times that it's…
Is this a buffet or does it have a buffet? I saw an article which had the restaurant and buffet area. Is it true?
There is a Sunday brunch buffet
Is this restaurant still open? I've heard it's been closed.
Rumor mill is telling you lies. I'm sitting in the cantina for $2 taco Tuesday 2-22-22 and it's a full house on national margarita day. To my knowledge, other than mandatory shut down during Nov to Dec 2020, this place hasn't been closed.
Are they still doing the Sunday brunch during covid?
I'm pretty sure they are! We were there for brunch in May and it was delicious.
Has the Sunday Brunch reopened? If so, what is cost and hours?
Yes, they are now offering a full Sunday brunch.
Do they take reservations?
its a simple place, you walk in, order the food, take a table. due to covid restrictions, there is very limited seating. get your food and go home. Not too complicated.
Does the Mariachi play weekend nights?
No not nOw!! Till all this Covid ends.... 😷 When know one knows yet😢But they have good music on the weekends!! Come and enjoy the gOod fOod and music 🎶 and great services see you there😷😄
Do their dishes contain lard?
I don't know, I don't usually get anything that possibly could. They offer pinto (non refried beans). Many options to keep things healthy.
How much is sunday brunch?
As of 7/20/25 prices for the Sunday Buffet Brunch: Adults-$30 (bottomless mimosas included) Children…
Looking for a place for a wedding rehearsal dinner for about 30 people. Would they be able to handle that?
Yes!! Call and speak with Jorge and tell him exactly what you were looking for. He absolutely will take care of you
Do they have gift cards and where can I get them?
Yes! They do offer those. You can drop buy or purchase them over the phone.
Do they have mariachis at sunday brunch?
Not on Sunday brunch but Sunday evening at 5 pm.
Is Taco Tuesday only available if you get a seat in the bar/cantina area? Or can you also do Taco Tuesday at the regular table/booths?…
Our server told us it could be done at the regular table / booths, but there was some kind of catch. I think you needed to tell her how many tacos you wanted beforehand. We didn't go for it in the end so I don't know all the mechanics.
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El Tapatio - mexican - Updated July 2026
Best of Citrus Heights
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