You maybe scared by the location but if you want some great tamales and salsa you are at the right place. Its on the hood, but worth it. I was thinking about Christmas tamales and saw this place on Yelp and it did not disappoint. read more

Scammer always a scammer. I have brought lots of business to the RUDE owner in the past. Always super expensive. My son wanted to eat a plate from there so I ordered three but my son decided to buy just two. Tried to cancel one plate he didn't want to. He then got nasty and told me I always has brought him problems. Why? Then he wanted to cancel the whole thing and said don't come here anymore. Pure scammer. This was a referral I couldn't cancel. I ordered 6 tamales and then I said just give me four but wanted to charge me for 6. No more with this guy. Pure scammer. The place? Still dirty as hell. read more

Best tamales in all of El Cajon and San Diego County! Highly recommend checking them out! We got the salsa verde chicken (green salsa), pineapple, beef with red salsa, and some rice puddings. Emilio was super helpful and friendly, I'll definitely be coming back here when I have my tamale cravings! Tip: when you take them home microwave them in the corn husk to keep them moist read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Outside - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

The International tamales were the best I've had. Very good size portions of meat inside. Also, the customer service was very friendly. I will definitely be returning! read more

If you can find this place your in for a treat ! Located next to a motel with a very, very, very small parking lot ... walking may be necessary so put those waking shoes on ! Once you step into this location your first thought maybe to turn around and walk right back out ..DON'T DO IT ! Instead ..walk to the back .. there you will find a tamale cooler , salsa cooler , there is also a white freezer . Small tattered sign above explains the labeling on the tamales ( it's a bit confusing for first timers ). GC- green salsa chicken , etc . The freezer holds sweet corn tamales ( super yummy! ) This will not be a cheap adventure either ! But the price point is well worth the quality of the tamales and salsa . You won't get a breakdown of what you bought , accept the total , pay and go home and enjoy the BEST TAMALES EVER!! They also have fresh chips ! These chips were super light and salted ! Sooo good !!!Service is good , they were super busy , the man was running around , explaining things ... I bet he couldn't wait to sit down and relax . We drove an hour here , in a rain storm and it was worth the drive ! Do not miss out ! Stop here and buy tamales ! read more

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Best tamales in the world. If you can't find this place you aren't worthy enough to eat them. read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

It has a little bit of everything! The carnitas are delicious not to mention their tortilla chips are very tasty and the avocado salsa is HOT and on point. read more

Service and tamales are poor. Owners act like you are privileged to be shopping there. Use a debit or credit card they charge exorbitant fees. No thank you, next. No reason to shop here at all. Tamales are very overpriced. read more

Tortillas are NOT fresh, neither are they reasonsbly priced. You can smell the preservatives All three items I purchased were overpriced. I've had the tortillas on my counter, NOT refrigerated, and they look/feel like 1st day purchased. read more

$4/tamale? Really? I don't get the high ratings. Nothing special about these tamales is the "best" I can say. Maybe if I had gotten one freshly made? Heated pork one up in the microwave and gave it a 3 bite chance... threw the rest away. read more

BEST TAMALES!! Got beef and pork, both had excellent flavor, not spicy but had a subtle kick. Masa was moist and they don't skimp on the meat. Also bought their avocado salsa which was the best freakin salsa I've ever had and gave the tamales some extra heat and kick! Owner was so warm and friendly, you can tell he loves his business. Will be back for more of everything! read more

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TORTILLAS are the bomb! They are delicious and I will be buying them again from here. Perfect! TAMALES - SO... what didn't like about these tamales * First, they were not wrapped in a corn husk. These tamales are wrapped and cooked in a tamal parchment wrap. Not sure why. Corn husk gives tamales that authentic flavor. Too much work to prep the corn husk maybe. I get it. * Chicken tamales- tasted burnt as if the water ran out and the pot burnt a little. Just subtle but I could taste it. Maybe it was the rush of Navidad (Christmas Eve) so, I get it. * Beef tamal - sauce tasted bitter. Again, just subtle. Maybe the chiles were cooked too long or again... the burnt pot. It was Christmas Eve so again, I get it. And now, what I really liked about these tamales * The masa - was good! The texture and the glossy outside. The flavor was good and masa was moist. * Meat to masa ratio - perfect! nice chubby tamal! And the meat was perfectly shredded. No big ass chunks of meat only tender, thin shreds. Very nice! I don't mind paying $4.50 per tamal if they were cooked in a corn husk and if they didn't taste burnt/ bitter. BUT... I did eat them and I did get a food coma and they were very satisfying. I do recommend. read more

First time here. Came here searching for tamales for Christmas time and this place has a bunch of tamales . The man working the cashier was very helpful as it was my first time at his shop. Masa was moist and felt the meat to masa ratio was very good and very meaty. Highly reccommend read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Went here today to buy some tamales beans salsa and hot corn tortillas Hadn't been in over 25 years The employees were warm and friendly which made for a fun experience The food was muy bueno!! A very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all the Garcia Tortillaria employees!! read more

I was driving in El Cajon recently and saw this big sign saying crazy nachos that I've never seen before. How could I not pull in?? This food truck just opened up in El Cajon and will probably be my new go to place for my nacho craving. They had a great selection of meats to put on your nachos. Carne asada, Al pastor and chicken. They also sell tacos, fries and agua frescas. I went with carne asada and ALL the toppings. I asked for the toppings and cheese to be put separately so my chips wouldn't get soggy which they were happy to do. The give a great portion of chips and FRESHLY grilled carne asada. The only thing I'd request next time was for them to chop the carne a little better to make it easier to eat. I was impressed with the freshness of everything. Chips were hot. Toppings were fresh. Salsa was spicy and flavorful. The nacho cheese itself was still super hot in the container they placed it in. Everything was really delicious. They even put some grilled chiles and a piece of grilled pineapple with the carne asada, YES PLEASE! The service was great here and the food, even better. They let me know they'll be open until 1 am on the weekends! Not so sober Mary will definitely be back this wee read more

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Best tamales & salsa. Super helpful and easy. Hidden gem in El Cajon. Super authentic read more

Don't blink or else you will pass right on by the best spot for tamales! I learned of this spot from a friend and drove all the way over from South Bay. Totally worth it and I will definitely be back. The owner is so kind and you can feel that he values his business. There is a small parking lot that makes it easily accessible. We got a variety of tamales (beef, chicken, green pork, and queso). They are $4 each (clearly posted) but are very generous in size and meat, and the masa is the perfect texture and flavor. We also got fresh chips and salsa (oh my goodness). Please treat yourself to some goodness. Next time we will try other item he has for sale. Tip: if you buy 6 tamales, you get 1 free. If you buy 12, you get 3 free. I started with 6, but the family loves them so much I will get 12 next time. read more

Best tamales ever. The masa is moist and tasty even after I put them in the freezer. And great salsa and rice. Worth the trip from La Mesa

I don't ever find myself in El Cajon but after a hike I had an intense craving for champurrado and a quick help search led me to Garcia's. I now have a reason to make the drive here on occasion. Be aware the signage near the road isn't the best (we went after dark) and the sign on the building states "Garcia's Tortilleria". It's next to a motel but separate driveways. Plenty of parking too! Usually when I get champurrado it's already hot and from a taco shop so I was intrigued that I could grab a bunch and re-heat at home. Don't know what champurrado is? It's a hot chocolate based warm and thick Mexican beverage, prepared with masa, piloncillo, water or milk, and seasoned with cinnamon and vanilla. It's delicious and I am addicted to it in the colder weather months. This market also had Mexican candy, potato chips in flavors you'd find across the border, selection of soft drinks like Mexican Coca-Cola (only time I ever drink the stuff), Jarritos, Sol, etc... as well as produce, cheeses, homemade tortillas, chips, salsas, tamales, and meats. Oh, and some cleaning products. It's a legit market. The owner was very helpful and friendly. Can see he takes pride in the homemade items for purchase. We bought the champurrado.... Not as thick as some I've had but delicious! Also Mexican cokes, a pineapple tamale (yum), beef tamale (good), hot & avocado salsas (mmmmm), and tortilla chips (addicting). Definitely will be back! read more

ee with everyone else the food is good. I especially like the enchiladas and the chili rellano. They have really good homemade tortillas.. I have. Been going there for years until recently I realized they were overcharging me. A friend of mine went there during our lunch break and got exactly the same thing I did.. The guy at the register is the owner.. My friend is Hispanic and he charged her at least a third less of what I paid. I decided to test what I thought was happening and asked another friend of mine who was Hispanic to go buy the same thing. So I choose not to support that kind of racism. I should give him 2 stars.! Go to Kalins market just down the street about 2 blocks. The store is clean. They have a salsa bar, a meat market. All the vegetables, you would need and lots and lots of homemade tortillas and prepared food.. They also have a bakery. read more

Let me tell you from a guy born mid city/ city heights area .. these tamales are THEEEEE BEST !!! The Chicharrón and Pork are to die for . The queso con jalapeños amazing . I loved to east county about two years ago and this place makes me feel like I'm home all over again . Best tamales in the city baby !!! read more

Obsessed with this find! Their homemade salsas are so delicious. Best "green" ones I've had in San Diego, and possibly ever! Guacamole was perfect. The owner was super friendly and helpful, giving us fresh warm corn tortillas (which were amazing) and giving us a complimentary chicken tamale with his famous beans and salsa. He warmed it up, plated it, and everything! Also best tamale I've had. Super moist, flavorful and paired great with the salsas. We got a ton of marinated carne asada and chicken for tacos. Good quality meat and delicious. Apparently they're also going to start selling cakes and desserts soon too, yay! Everything about this experience was excellent and I'll definitely come back again. read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Excellent variety of fresh salsas to choose from! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Customer service by the owner is horrible. The owner is rude and the store looks dirty. They failed to pass health inspection for rodents and insects among other things. Eat at your own risk LOL read more

I went last week to try the tamales, but are ridiculous expensive, just ok nothing special and refrigerated ones, $4 each is too much!!! Average price is $2-$3, and just made. Be aware that everything is expensive and don't show any prices. I realized until got home that the owner charged me $26 for 6 tamales even when I paid cash, what a scammer.​ read more

Some of the best tamales I've had hands down so much flavor and spice definitely recommend the beef and chicken

The tamales are super good I recommend and they are international style they are one of the best Ive had and I'm Mexican I truly recommend and price is good read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

well im new here in El Cajon, I have been looking for a mexican restaurant were they serve a good menudo, I have tried several other places but this is far the best I tasted, and the tamales are really good also, and Carne Sada tacos are good also. They treated me really good, the reason I gave it 4 stars is because a lot of there stuff don't have prizes, it seems like they just guest on the prices, the place needs to more clean and organize. read more

Excellent tacos. Authentic little market. We tried the carnitas, asada, and pollo. All was delicious.

Today was my first time trying out this place and it didn't disappoint. It's a small mercado with just the right things. The tamales are what brought me in but the carne asada tacos is what made me a fan for life. I'm picky AF with my carne asada rarely do I eat anything else besides the one my dad makes. I believe the owner is who greeted us and treated us like family. I highly recommend this place. The food, the generosity, and humble workers I encountered made the whole experience great. This place has been opened for 23 years and I hope it sticks around for generations. Don't judge a book by its cover, the set up is basic but the food and workers brighten up this place. My family and I will definitely be coming back. Humble place, give it a try. read more

The owner has a new style of tamales that he calls international tamales. You can have them for breakfast lunch or dinner. They are delicious. I bought three and a meal and some hot sauce. The place is amazing and the people are super friendly. I would suggest this place to anyone. If I could I would rate it ten stars. Also many of the products can be bought with ebt. Including the tamales. You got to check them out. I am going back in a few days once I get paid and getting more. read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Castilliria c/ salsa verde - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

the tamales here taste delicious. the masa is always moist/seasoned and completely filled with the protein of your choice . make sure to grab a container of salsa (they're all delicious) and some chips! the nice man working there will take care of you and make you feel welcomed right when you walk in. we travel pretty far just for their tamales. try them and you won't regret it! read more

Decent tortillas that are made fresh, the cash register female was annoyed that I used so many bags. Okay place to get your Mexican fresh tortillas. Don't buy the Mexican bread it's stale and not fresh read more

TAMALES!!!! We've been on the hunt for GOOD tamales all over SD, and we've been so disappointed... until we found Garcia's. Picked up a dozen on 12/23 to have for Christmas Eve dinner. The masa, filling ratio and flavor was on point! We got a variety of green chicken, red chicken and beef- the red chicken were my favorite! Do yourself a favor and take the time to steam them in a pot to re-heat, makes a world of difference! We will definitely be back for more tamales and this place will be our new tradition for Christmas Eve dinner. read more

Best tamales I have had in a very long time. The service was speedy and very friendly. Thank you mr.Garcia . read more

Have had a hard time finding a place with better carnitas. The carnitas are moist, flavorful, and crispy. The carnitas are our favorite and we've placed a large orders a few times for different gatherings we've hosted. You can't just go there and get carnitas, though. While you're there make sure that you pick up their yummy guacamole, rice, beans, and tortillas. If you're hosting don't forget their chips and salsa! I'm not lying when I say they have the BEST chips. We use them to make nachos because they're crunchy enough not to get soggy. Check them out, you won't regret it. read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Garcia's Chips, beans, and Guacamole - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Amazing hospitality and the tamales are to die for. Especially the vegan ones . Highly recommend. Freshest tortillas in town read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Tamales - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

I highly recommend Garcia's for their masa and /or the tamales. They never disappoint . This family business is always so gracious, Generous, and delicious! read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Beef, red chicken and green chicken! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

Definitely recommending this place! We tried their food, the tamales in specific and they were delicious. They also had a vegan option. The service was amazing, Don Evodio was very nice and helpful in trying to decide on what to get. We were also able to find tortillas, flour and corn, and some other Mexican products that we needed for our Christmas celebration. FYI, it is a small shop and it's kind of hidden. read more

Food: We didn't sit down here, so this review is based on the food we got "to go". First off - my wife is a big fan of good salsa. We will come back JUST for that! The guacamole salsa was the best we have ever had! And trust me, we try lots of salsas. Also, I love a good tamale and theirs did not disappoint! The red chicken is my favorite, the pineapple one is weird, better as a desert with coffee and whip cream. But the biggest thing is their corn "dough" is very moist. Lots of places, the tamales are dry and you have to smother them with salsa to make them edible. This place was the first I can ever remember eating the tamale plain and it was still delicious! We also picked up some carne asada which was cut super thin and very tender. Red salsa - good. Chips - delicious. Everything we got that was made at Garcia's was delicious! Service: The guy up front is a hoot! He kept getting us to try his food... and it worked because we then BOUGHT the food! It's like Costco but Mexican style. You can tell he is really enthusiastic about getting his family recipes out to the public. It's great to see someone so involved in his business. Price: Probably the biggest downside, it is a little expensive. But I'm willing to pay for good food! 10$ for the salsa is not something we should be affording all the time, but I think my wife and I are going to figure out how we can work it into our budget. The tamales are $3+ a pop, so a little pricy but again... you want good food, you're gonna pay for it. You want Taco-Bell soy-meat tacos for $.99 be my guest. You want a bomb tamale for $3...? So yeah... it's a little pricy, but worth every penny. Atmosphere: We went late at night, so it was a little dark inside. With the lights on, it is probably fine, but it does look a little cramped inside. They should probably give the place a good scrub down and reorganization...? Overall: We are immediate fans, will be back for sure. You gotta try the tamales, the homemade salsas... we are going to try more and HOPEFULLY are not disappointed but if it is based on what we had so far, we will be back soon! read more

I had the green Chile pork tamale yesterday and it was super delicious. The owner was super friendly and truly made me fall in love with this place. I will be a regular here from now on. The carne asada, beans and rice were to die for!!! The owner has been there for 21 years and they are not Mexican tamales the owner called them international tamales! I have been telling my friends about this place. It's worth the stop. They also make homemade tortillas that are warm until they sell out! His sauces he makes are delicious! read more

Garcia's Puebla Mercado - Carne asada with rice and beans! - Grocery Near Me - El Cajon, California

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