BEWARE! This is not a restaurant you want to spend your hard-earned dollars at, once you understand that's all you mean to the owner, Alicia Gutierrez--MONEY. My family and I had the ill-fated experience of eating at El Tapatio yesterday with a large gathering. Let me explain. Our lively group was gathered to say goodbye to dear Friends from our congregation. The service was spotty and confused, perhaps because it was such a large group, but I think they managed to finally keep everything straight. In this age of health-related dietary restrictions, we had to order something off menu. Attempting to make it easy on the waitress, we ordered 4 identical simple burritos--no meat, no cheese, no sauce, no frills...just a burrito served on an otherwise empty plate. Unlike fair pricing at other Mexican establishments, mind you, nicer ones here in Porterville and down in southern California, El Tapatio's owner's policy is to either start with the "equivalent" highest priced item on the menu and add the price of avocado OR start with their base price for an "air" burrito (tortilla) and add everything you put into your burrito at a premium (whichever proves to be the higher price). When I got the bill, I was incredulous! Thinking there'd been a mistake, I asked the waitress to go back to the manager to reprice our simple order. She returned rather quickly with the same bill and said there had not been a mistake. Then I asked to speak to "Alicia" who she said she had talked to. When I did, I was already met with disdain for seeming to question a decision he had already been bothered with. I firmly but politely told him, if he wasn't willing to adjust the price [any reduction would have been seen as a peace measure], then my family and I would not be returning to his restaurant. Alicia said no and waved me off. Then, with hands filled with receipts and money he laughingly added, "Look around. Do I look like I would be hurting if you did that?" I remained calm and responded, "I'm sorry you feel that way." In a smarmy, condescending tone he retorted "Well, I'm sorry you feel that way!" Looking him pleadingly in the eye, I nicely said, "But I don't think you do, and that's what bothers me." Not one to let a woman have the last word, he hastily spewed "I've been in business for 40 years, honey. I don't need you." In this age of #MeToo and #TimesUp, did this haughty man really refer to a woman he was already disrespecting as "honey", and dismiss me like a bothersome gnat? Not to mention, I had my daughter with me. His behavior toward me is inexcusable, and sadly, I doubt I'll be the last to experience such unkindness, given the ease in which he expressed his thoughts in such a vile manner, while I remained respectful and kind. He will not be receiving our patronage in the future. You decide if he needs yours . . . After all, is a meal really worth supporting and rewarding such attitude and behavior? read more

This is always our GoTo place when visiting family in Porterville. They have awesome Margaritas. And the Super Deluxe Burrito is so delicious and big enough to satisfy even the largest appetite. The Staff is always very friendly, and the food comes out fast and Hot. Great great great! read more

We've been eating at tea pot dome location for years . Our last visit was quite different from the past. waitress was not very corgible and acted like it was a problem to wait on our group. Waitress did not come around to refill our drinks and we had to ask for the bill. Think it will be our last visit. To that location. read more

I truly wish I could give less than one star. I just spoke to an absolutely rude woman who identified herself as the owner and a manger, not sure which she decided to be. I was trying to set up a company dinner for a Friday evening that we are going to send flyers and invitations out for. The lady was extremely rude and not helpful at all, she refused to even let me prepay for a certain number of seats. She said we have to have at least 15 people there before she would even begin to look for seats for us. We needed 30 seats. She continued to interrupt me and when I was trying to ask for another option she hung up on me. Absolutely abhorrent customer service. Just because you have good food doesn't mean you can be rude to people. read more

Their deluxe burrito with the red sauce (I think it is supposed to be Mole or something but it is sweet) is just awesome! Their rice is full of flavor and really fluffy. This is definitely one of my favorite Mexican places that I have been too. I will admit the service was not very good and it is crowded but the food is great! read more

The mole sauce is incredible. My junior super burrito (plenty big) was bathed in it and I loved it so much that I bought a 32oz container of it to go. I had to pace myself to avoid devouring the burrito all at once...and I mostly failed at that. The service was incredible. My server was super friendly, returned often, and even allowed me to sample the mole sauce before ordering. She was very, very friendly and I never felt like my requests annoyed her in the slightest. A+ Service. I'm not going to get into the debate about how authentic this place is...all I know is that my tummy and taste buds left happy. 'Nuff said. read more

Best enchiladas I've ever had. Their unique sweet mole sauce is different and oh so special. Nobody has mole like El Tap!

Oh man.... if only I lived closer- this place would become problematic for me! I was visiting and saw this restaurant online- as we drove up to the place, we could tell it was happening spot! Great service, chips and salsa- oh yes-, and the choizo breakfast (!!) devoured it! It was fresh, hot, and all kinds of goodness. Very authentic and a great family spot to eat Sunday morning breakfast together :) So so soooooo good! read more

The food has a sweet taste to it some like it but it's not for me. I ordered the chili verde enchiladas and was charged xtra for the sauce and xtra for them being flour tortilla. I just thought that was to much cause the plate was 15$ to start with it ended up being a 20$ enchilada plate .... the chips and salsa are good though read more

Not authentic Mexican food, canned sauce chips and salsa are delicious though. I also enjoyed the strawberry daiquiris, but food is not good. read more

They have these enchiladas to die for. They are spicy like expected. They are sweet. The vinaigrette they put on there tacos is amazing. And the beans. Oh o have never had beans like these before. I high recommend this place for sure. read more

We are frequent customers. We joined family at El Tap for our nieces birthday and everything was great until we got our ticket to pay. Mind you we all paid for our own meals (my party was 5 people). They took it upon themselves to add a $8 tip and told us we had to pay it because we were a party of 9 or more. My ticket was 5 people. But because we sat with our family a tip was added. Now I was gnna tip our waitress anyways because she was a great waitress but adding it for me I don't appreciate it. They did this to each family members ticket. My sister In law ticket had a $25 tip added to it! I approached the manager, I no she wasn't the owner because I know the owner. And I told her I didn't appreciate her adding the tip when my party was 5 people not 9. She told me that I must pay it. She was extremely rude! And instead of saying I'm sorry about that and explaining the situation she was the opposite. I told her and my other family told her we would not be back she said "that's fine". I don't mind tipping our waitress but don't add it to my ticket with out asking or explaining. They also had little kids in there restaurant busting tables. If they wouldn't of added my tip for me my waitress would of gotten a $20 from me instead of the $8. She probably would've got a $100 out of everyone if they didn't do that to everyone's tickets. The menu states a party of 9 or more . How is 5 people a party of 9?? read more

I'm mainly a fan of the sweet mole sauce that they use for enchiladas. I get a bowl to dip my tostada chips in. The drinks are good here. Big and decently strong. I recommend the barbacoa plate. Rice and beans are good too. This place packs in the customers, but the wait time isn't too bad. read more

I came here bc there's not much else in porterville, and while i'm here for three months I shall try the cuisine. I got the enchilada with the sweet sauce and tamale. The enchilada was okay, it was filled and topped with cheese, delicious the cheese, not everything else! I was not a fan of the sauce. She did warn me it was sweet and not spicy, but I just went for it. If you prefer spicier foods, dont get the sweet red sauce. The salsa and chips on the other hand were pretty good! I ate the whole basket by myself. Prices were reasonable, $9 for the enhilada and tamale plate with rice and beans. They give you so much, it is basically 2 meals for 10 bucks. Will try again and give an update! read more

Im not a fan of this place but my wife and kids are so that's why I still give them 5 starts. The only thing I like here is the tosdsda de pollo and tge Tostada mixta you should give them a try they are good. The service is good and the waitress are very friendly and kind read more

El Tapatio - Tostada de pollo. - Mexican Near Me - Porterville, California

Was impressed. Food is very good and we had enough from lunch for dinner that nite and a snack the next day. Plenty of food. Service was right there. Not to often but when u need refills on ur tea u get ur own pitcher of ice tea, without asking. Food will be fresh, as we set there for over an hour and the crowd changed constantly, and they r there to eat. Will be back again read more

They always deliver my food on time. The food always comes the way I order it. They also deliver for a good price.

I used to really love this place but I don't know what happened with them. I recently went on Mother's Day. I wanted to take my mom she requested to eat here on Mother's Day because it was her favorite. They told me it would be 40min wait ..which is understandable it was Mother's Day . When I got there they didn't know what my order was . I had to repeat it to them several times. The staff was really RUDE!!! Such Horrible customer service! The lady behind the counter was making a scene. They told me I would have to wait another hour for my food after I was already waiting an hour and a half for my food. The lady was Yelling at everyone because they didn't have orders ready. It was ridiculous!If they couldn't handle the service on Mother's Day they should of stopped taking orders! Thanks to them my moms Mother's Day was ruined. Such a horrible experience and the worst costumer service I've ever seen! Don't go here unless you want a bad experience. read more

The food here is amazing! By far the biggest burrito I've EVER seen!!! Great tasting Mexican food. read more

El Tapatio - HUGE burrito!! - Mexican Near Me - Porterville, California

Always leave here stuffed. Had two tacos and an order of nachos. Did not finish the nachos. My son, Max, and I split the nachos, too! read more

El Tapatio - Max attacking the nachos! - Mexican Near Me - Porterville, California

Dirty restaurant, rice was dry...plate was hot as fuck and no warning so I burned my hand...good salsa.

Really busy but seated right away. Food was amazing as well as the service. Have had good luck with the good in this town.

Love the family atmosphere here!! The staff is always cheerful & treat you like family!! Best chips & salsa!! Love their Tostada Mixta!! My kids love the Shrimp Tacos and Sopes!! Their variety of mixed drinks is awesome!! Can I get a Jumbo please!! read more

This restaurant is not the cleanest. The interior is dated and he seats aren't comfortable. First impressions are important. I did enjoy the margarita I ordered. Tacos were disgusting. I seriously think they use ground beef and packaged taco seasoning. With such a dense Hispanic population and so many authentic Mexican options, this is unacceptable. I think they get so busy because of the large dining room. The servers are all over the place. It didn't seem like they were in sections and it was chaotic. The price was totally outrageous for the quality. If you sit me in a 1990s cheap dining room with no investment into aesthetic or ingredient quality, don't expect me to pay $16 for a few tacos, rice and beans. We got some crappy tacos, rice and beans, and an order of tacos to go for well over $60. I prefer Taco Bell. Go to one of the awesome food trucks on the east side in porterville. You will not be disappointed and you will be stuffed for under $10 read more

Best mexican food I had in days Love the service from the point I walking in... Definitely coming back here... read more

My oh my tamale fans! This place is the spot. And the michelada con Negra Modelo, too good! Great portions of rice and beans for the side. Great place to bring the family for a special event. They offer food to go and have a small bar. Clean restrooms and friendly staff, too! read more

El Tapatio - Michelada con Negra Modelo - Mexican Near Me - Porterville, California

States its mexican, not even.... i ordered fajitas, reheated, shreddes chicken??? Vegtables were soo soft, they came apart. I asked to beans from the pot, they smelled. My husband ordered shrimp diabla, the shrimp was old, and soft.. yuck. My mom had a sope, it was soo thick, that the middle was raw, they put soo much "stuff" over it, to hide the nasty tasting, old meat. My dad had the barbacoa, he said the meat was good, it just had no flavor at all. Service was ok. Coffee, chips, and salsa was good. $88 for this meal not worth it. Never coming back. read more

Wow what a pleasant suprize "a must return place indeed". We were just passing through from Springville and needed a late lunch/ early dinner so I found this place on Yelp and we were overley impressed with the food and exceptional service. As we were between lunch and dinner there were no crouds and by the looks of this place that can and do handle large amounts of local patrons. Within just minutes we felt like one of there best customers. Sadly we live over 100 miles away or we would become a consistent local patron. Mike form Alhambra read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE, this place...always awsome service, a great relaxed atmosphere, the food is so good, wish I could cook like that

So good!! I've been coming to this restaurant for years and I'm never disappointed. The Chips and salsa are bomb, which is important to me!

The salsa here is amazing, but that's about it. The Mexican food is a let down to almost anyone who grew up in a Mexican household and has gone to Mexico and eaten authentic Mexican food. The food is ok, but is not presented nicely or that good for the price. My family only recommends the salsa, but we avoid eating anything else here because it tastes much better home made. read more

This restaurant is one of my all time favorites! My family and I have been going to El Tap for years now, and I have never had a bad experience. The customer service is great, and the waiters are always so polite and patient. The food is top notch, and in my opinion the best Mexican food in town. The atmosphere created in this restaurant is definitely one you want to be a part of, and it truly makes the experience great! read more

El tap has the best micheladas and the shrimp tacos are to die for very fast and great service there always making sure you are comfortable and the make great suggestions always a great experience there read more

Good rice and beans. The red sauce is legit. It's a sweet and savory sauce. You either love it or hate it. Not all Mexican food is spicy folks. read more

The food is delicious, I'm not going to say it's not. I love the enchiladas & micheladas. (The micheladas the waitressYamily makes are the best!) Some of the other waitresses aren't so friendly though. I found a hair in my enchilada plate and when I told the waitress she got upset.... read more

El Tapatio - Found this hair in my food and the waitress got mad when I brought it to her attention. - Mexican Near Me - Porterville, California

Have been eatting El Tapatio since I was a kid now I am always visiting when I am back in town. I love the family style it offers and the food is so amazing so fresh and tastes are to die for! read more

From SoCal went to visit family for the holidays. Had some breakfast here with my sole family everyone's food was bomb, authentic food! Food was served fast and hot! Portions are large enough for leftovers lol. Pozole was bomb huevos rancheros was on point, simple breakfast of eggs bacon rice and beans was bomb! Chilaquiles my brother has been raving about! Highly recommend as there are not too many options in porterville. Hopefully you enjoy! read more

The chicken had flavor at all I ordered the taco salad and it was more sour cream and guacamole than anything one big scoop of each. There nothing appealing about the way the food was presented. Never again read more

Chips and salsa are ok but nothing special. The only thing I like here is the beef tacos (shredded) as they put a vinegar type dressing on their lettuce, it's really good. The enchilada sauce is sweet and not my taste. It's an ok place to eat due to not much else to choose from that's safe to eat in Porterville. read more

Horrible service. You never know which server is yours. Food is mediocre. Really not my cup of tea. Beans taste reheated. I would much rather drive to Delano and eat taco factory. read more