food is authentic Mexican their breakfast is . shout out to IVAN he's one of the servers , his service is above standard. his type of service I would expect that at a Michelin restaurant. read more

My friend and I walked past this outdoor patio and it just looked like the perfect little spot near the beach to enjoy a mimosa. We decided to stop in, and to our pleasant surprise the mimosa was only $8 and consisted of a mini bottle of JJ sparkling wine. Sitting there, feeling the ocean breeze, and soaking up the sunshine while sipping what tasted like freshly squeezed orange juice, was the perfect way to catch up with a friend. At first, the service was a bit slow, but we did notice there were quite a few tables with patrons and only one server. We didn't mind it since we were only there for the mimosas and were not in a rush. Our server, Elena, was truly wonderful. She took care of us and even brought over some chips and salsa. I am usually not a big chips and salsa person, but I have to say that I am still thinking about them and how fresh and delicious they were. We will definitely be returning to actually try the food! read more

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I was excited about food but not anymore. TakeOut order was not good stall meat was so dry and old and rice was also old , very stale . The food is not good anymore . I hope they fix whatever is broken. read more

Cute little spot near the beach in Imperial Beach with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Indoor seating is limited, but there's a large patio with both covered and uncovered areas, so there's still plenty of room to sit and enjoy your meal. Service was a bit slow, and the wait for our food was longer than expected, but the food itself absolutely made up for it. The chips and salsa were exactly how they should be -- fresh, flavorful, and addictive. You can always tell a lot about a Mexican restaurant by the chips and salsa, and this place definitely delivered. Both of our meals were packed with flavor, cooked perfectly, and thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a spot we'd come back to for the food alone. read more

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This place has traditional decor that feels cozy. They play Spanish music that consists of ballads that make me want tacos, idk. Speaking of tacos, I had the cod, fried shrimp, and regular shrimp ones. The cod one could have had more flavor, the regular shrimp one was mad spicy and the fried shrimp one was just right. The pancakes were so fluffy, I would eat them. My green juice thing with the orange juice was amazing. I was not mad at it. There was really only one server but she was really nice. Overall, it was a good experience. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Not bad at all. I'm not sure it stands out enough as a burrito place around here for me to want to give it five stars, but it was good. Also, it's like down the street from Don Pancho's, which is where I'd probably go if I'm feeling lazy. And then, towards the east is Chula Tacos, which is probably the best joint in IB. So uuuhh, yeah. Well, this is definitely better than the burrito I got at Burritos Luna. The salsa had a little bit of chunkiness to it. For the burrito, they gave me a green sauce after I asked for it. read more

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3.5 stars! Review is solely based on their food provided by their catering and food truck services that I had the opportunity to try at an event. I had their carne asada, al pastor, and pollo tacos with side of rice and beans. Staff was quick and efficient, but because they were so busy at the event some orders got mixed up. Nonetheless, the tacos were flavorful and tasty, rice and beans were standard, and appreciate they provided plentiful of toppings and salsa options. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

We got catering for a work event, and it did not disappoint. They cut the meat up in front of us and put out all the condiments. It was fresh and flavorful. They had plenty of condiments from cilantro and onions to grilled chiles. The rice and beans were delicious. Rice was fresh and beans were fried well. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Catering plate: rice, beans, 2 tacos de pollo and asada. - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Absolutely Delicious! There are seven pages of this beautiful well planned menu. It has everything you could ever desire served on exquisite yet rustic tableware and crockery in the most traditional style of each delicious dishes origin. Staff is welcoming, warm and friendly. They serve traditional Mexican cafe and a wide verity of drinks. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. You could experience traditional Mexican dishes from Caldo to birria, street tacos to mariscos and tortas, Chilaquiles and more. They have a healthy children's menu and are budget friendly. Indoor dining is also available and ample parking. Easy entrance and exit driveways and handicap parking in front. I highly recommend this spot for family dining or date night. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Unique and artistic menu style - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

We were going to chow down at Aranda's and noticed they didnt have mimosas. The nice gal Lucero told us go next door to El Tapatio where they offer that. We thanked and departed to make our way over there. When we arrived there was a lovely lady named Elena who was waiteressing the patio and interior. She greeted us as she saw us. We opted for indoors as it had been raining. We had our heart set on a California burrito since hubs hasn't never had one. I was surprised they have cheese crisp as you only find it in Arizona. I ordered hot chocolate Ibarra and loved they also have cafe de la olla. A plus is mimosa and micheladas. Hoping we can move down here and def will be my to go spot. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - I barra chocolate caliente. Perfect for the weather. - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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I've been coming here for years!!! Today was a disappointment! I understand you get backed up but at least keep us entertained with chips n salsa. Waited 1 hour and no food! For two chicken flautas and a quesadilla! You really need to hire better staff! We walked out! NEVER COMING BACK! It wasn't that busy either! read more

Cute place and good food but service is just getting slower and slower each time we go along with the portions getting smaller and smaller :( read more

Was sat quickly. Wait was minimal. The food was amazing and great service. The dining area is smaller but plenty of room outside. Street Tacos are the way to go. The Al Pastor was incredible. Fish tacos were on point and plenty of options. Definitely worth the visit. Will be back. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Surf and turf taco - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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I wish I could give this family a 10 star review. I met the Dad at Restaurant Depot and he went out of his way to offer to hold my place in line when I forgot something AND then take my cart to go find the water I was looking for AND load it. After having a challenging day it made my day. He in no way had to go out of his way but he did. Even after 2 days, I still can't stop thinking about his kindness. It restores my faith in humanity, and will do my best to pass that on. read more

Off Palm avenue in Imperial Beach. Just drove in and so glad we did. Seriously the best food we've eaten in San Diego area. Had no idea it was more than a taco "shop" prices reasonable. The picture included is what's left of my combo platter. Meal for another day too!! My better half had fajita burrito and it was to die for as well. Came with small salad. Bueno. Muy Bueno!! read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Chips salsa - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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I love this place and the people who work here. This is a family restaurant and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I've been here twice while biking the strand to Imperial beach. You need to explore this menu and look at items other than tacos. The tacos are ok (fish was the best) but the ceviche and tamales are excellent! If you get a taco be sure to get the fish taco as that is the best protein. There are a lot of choices on the menu and I look forward to coming back to try more. My advice is to try items beyond what you are used to ordering as I think there are hidden gems of menu items that are family recipes- and those are always the best! I've had two great experiences here now and the staff shines here. Such a nice experience and good food. Oh the horchata is excellent too so don't forget that. I look forward to coming back. Be sure to ask the staff what to get as they give great suggestions! It's a cute place with nice decor and primarily outdoor seating- but all covered so you won't roast in the sun while eating. I recommend coming here ! read more

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The taste of the food was very close to authentic Mexican cuisine -- NO Tex-Mex here at all! The portion sizes were excellent, and the prices are absolutely awesome. Unlike most restaurants, you won't find inflated, high costs here. Service was EXCELLENT, very kind and very attentive to our needs. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. It's also very close to the beach, making it perfect for a relaxing walk after your meal. read more

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I have been here several times before and always enjoyed the food. i have been craving a tamale for the past month, so I finally stopped here to have a meal with a tamale. They serve a plate that normally includes two tamales but I only wanted one with rice and beans. they only had a pork tamale , so I ordered that and I have to say it was delicious. it was nice and hot and it was covered with a cheesy sauce. The rice was perfect for my liking.Probably some of the best rice i've had in a while. The beans looked very good, but their taste was a little bit off., like maybe it was leftover or mixed with some leftover beans. Overall it was very satisfying. I we'll continue to eat here often as I think it is very good and the prices are very reasonable. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - tamal plate - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Been sitting here an hour. Four other tables have also been waiting a very long time for food. When we asked if they were short-handed tonight they gave us some excuse about a large crowd. As if 5 people at one table is a large crowd? The other tables have pairs of two. This is the slowest service ever! We're thinking about leaving cause this is just too long. I hate having my time wasted. We did wind up leaving. We told them it was just too slow. I couldnhave gone to Denny's and finished a meal by now. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - No food yet - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

arrived at 7:50 took our two babies out the car told us they can't let us sit down only can get take out, but they are open until 9. apparently no table service for the entire last hour they are open. extremely rude especially since it says they are open until 9. don't waste your time going there especially with kids. not family friendly. read more

Very good place. The food was very delicious. Thank you for the very good service. The restaurant was very clean and welcoming. read more

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The food here is good and I love stopping in for a bite to eat with family and friends. Unfortunately, today the service was a little off and the food wasn't as good as it usually is. We all had a really good time, walked away full, and the prices are better than you'll get at any beach restaurant. El Tapatio is a local favorite to enjoy good Mexican food and cold beer on a sunlit patio in a quiet, laid back beach setting. read more

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Great food Excellent service Nice environment Sure we are coming back Great experience read more

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If I could give a place 0 stars, I would. The ambiance has charm. However, the employees have attitude. A waitress goes on break, doesn't say anything, no one else checks on us for a long time. It took 1.5 hours to get our food after we ordered. They cook the food 1 table at a time. We received our appetizer at the same time as the food, so what's the point of calling it an appetizer...The food itself was passable. The meat and chicken lacked seasoning, but it made up for by being drowned in sauce. My chicken came out undercooked, I complained about it, my waitress argued with me about it. I've cooked chicken for 30 years, I know what undercooked chicken looks like. It didn't require arguing with customers. On top of it, they charged a 18 % tip for a large party, when half my party arrived 1 hour before me, go their food 1.5 hours before me, and just sat together. I would never return to this restaurant again. read more

The food delivery to our table for a table of two took at least 20 minutes and the costumer attendance was low. Two, the rice and beans were literally saltless. (No-miss dishes.) Three, the Tony burrito was bland. Its signature sauce was a slightly thick, transparent "topping " slipped to the side with dashes of white and yellow (fake and inauthentic in Mexican cuisine) cheese making a quick impression. The table chili sauce was a mix from a can of tomatoes (like most eateries do now). Where are the genuine Mexican fondas? read more

This food was Amazing! Our favorite was the Surf and Turf Nachos.! Also the queso was so fresh! Stayed warm the whole time! Service was great! read more

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I don't know what happened to this place , but I've been going to over 20 years and we just had the worst meal we've ever experienced anywhere. Breakfast scramble of eggs and bacon which was burnt, potatoes which were ice cold and the tiniest cup of beans I've ever seen. One bite and they were really bad anyways. We spoke to employee - Betty on way out who was very kind and wanted to hear about our experience. We explained everything and she offered to take care of our bill but we had already paid $50 for food we could not even eat. A shame because we really like the ambiance and close location to us. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Scrambled eggs and bacon which were scorched - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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What a great last minute find! We had the cheese enchilada, 3 rolled beef tacos, a carne asada taco, suiza enchilada, flan, horchata and cafe de olla. Everything was delicious! I definitely loved the cheese enchilada sauce, cafe de olla and well cooked tasty carne asada taco had no fat and the guacamole sauce was perfect! Taquitos had amazing tasting Mexican cheese! Yum! Sorry for the half eaten food on the pics but was not thinking of posting but the food was so delicious I had to share! read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Flan - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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This is the second time I come here with the family. The service from the people is great, the food, in my opinion, was bad. Again. This time, the rolled tacos were small and the meat so overcooked (fried) that it was burnt. The Chimichanga that my fiancé ordered, it was made with what tasted like canned meat, bland with no flavor other than canned meat. My daughter ordered the street tacos with rice and beans. The meat was so bland that she had to drown it with lemon juice and salsa. The beans also tasted bland. I gave this place another opportunity, but the food failed us again. read more

Good location, as it's only a few mins walk to the beach. Food quality was okay. Service was okay. We sat outside and it was a pretty chilly day but their heaters could be barely felt. Some of my friends ordered hot chocolate because of how cold they were. One girl didn't get hers for what seemed like 15 mins. I ordered their California burrito. Was filling but nothing super special. Their free chips and salsa were good. I also tried the guacamole which was chunky and fresh. I think if I came here again I'd order some tacos or their molcajete (my friend got that and it looked good) read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - California burrito - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

The food is very authentic and tasty! The atmosphere is nice with outside dining and the staff treats you with kindness and are very respectful I will definitely be back here. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Taco flight,guacamole Mexicano,Homemade Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Very quaint little restaurant. The server was very hospitable. She had a pleasant sense of humor. The food was delicious and pleasing to the eye. This has become one of my favorite spots in IB to eat at. I really enjoyed the cute way they serve Cafe de la Olla. read more

I loved it! I ordered two tostadas that came with rice and beans. Flavors were great and portions were large! We sat on the patio and the cool breeze was lovely. I am sure service depends on the time of day and how busy the place is but we had no issues! If we are ever in Imperial Beach again, we will go back! Good food! read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

The food was delicious, and the prices were good. Our waitress could've use a cup of coffee herself, but the food and drinks came quick. The patio decor gives the restaurant a festive flare. I will absolutely be returning. I had a chorizo torta and it reminded me of the ones my mom used to make. My husband has a green Chilaquiles with flavorful sauce. read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Walked here from my hotel. Great outdoor patio, catches a nice breeze coming off the ocean. Place wasn't super busy, but service was a bit slow. I think the patio is the highlight here. The food was good, not great. I thought the salsa was a bit thin for my liking, but the chips were good. read more

We have been coming here for 7 yrs. Always with a big welcome and always with the best service and always always the best food ! read more

El Tapatio Restaurant - Lola and Tom - Mexican Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

First time at El Tapatio restaurant. I ordered their chilaquiles. The cool thing is they let me pick two salsas. My waitress, Elena, recommended the mole and chipotle. They served the chilaquiles with potatoes, beans, eggs and your choice of protein. I went with the carne asada and it was cooked to perfection. The carne had grill lines and everything. The mole sauce was so deep and detailed. It was like a Mexican baskin robbins sauce. You taste 31 spices in there. Sweet but with a nice, subtle, gentle but present kick of spice. Waves of flavor just crashing in your mouth. Fuckin amazing mole. The chipotle sauce was light, creamy and never became overwhelming. Usually when I order creamy chipotle sauce on chilaquiles I never finish them because I'm overwhelmed by the creaminess. The ones here were perfect from first bite to last. They never got old. The potatoes were buttery and savory. I don't usually use the word savory to describe potatoes but these potatoes were savory. Eating them by themselves was satisfying enough. Perfect texture. The edges of the potatoes form 90 degree angles. Firm but soft at the same time. Carne asada nicely marinated and actually grilled. Carne shows grill likes. Beans taste super home made. Simple but solid. Eggs over medium. Cooked right with the runny yolk. Cafe de La Hoya... my favorite one in town so far. You know when you taste high quality. There's something different about it. You just know it's that gourmet shit. This is that gourmet shit here. They serve their cafe de La Hoya with pieces of piloncillo and a cinnamon stick on the side. This coffee will teleport you to your happy place wherever that may be. It's a piece of art. I had two cups and took an iced one to go. El Tapatio is definitely in my top 3 breakfast restaurant now. I put it right up there if not higher than Cocina 35. I highly, highly recommend it. Shout out to Elena and Andrea. They were very helpful. They created a homelike environment for me. Very pleasant breakfast experience. Thank you read more

Service was awesome! Betty made sure we had everything we needed in a timely manner and checked on us frequently. She certainly made up for the terrible service we had at Arandas. read more

Great relaxed ambiance ! Outdoor & indoor seating , felt like I was in Cancun . Great well priced food with friendly service

The food is very poor quality (think fake guacamole), the kitchen is slow, and the service is inattentive.