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    La Esmeralda

    4.1 (20 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican

    La Esmeralda Photos

    LA ESMERALDA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Reviews With Photos - La Esmeralda

    the interior of a restaurant
    Nick A.

    While not necessarily the best Mexican food in Fresno, it gets major points as the only "sit down" restaurant in the area for miles (other than a Denny's on Jensen,) with the only others being miles north downtown, or miles south in Easton. The only other lunch options in the area would be the Alberto's on the corner of Elm and Jensen, and the numerous fast food chains on Jensen, as well as the aforementioned Denny's. While there are numerous taco trucks in the area as well (that YELP refuses to add on here despite me trying numerous times,) all are pretty limited in selection in comparison to the rather large menu here. That's not to say this place is only good because there's no where else to eat around here- it'd still be a solid 4 stars if it were located anywhere else (well, except North Fresno/Clovis, where it would jump back up to a 5) and since I've been eating here from day 1 since it opened, I've learned what to get and what's better at the taco trucks. Speaking of eating here from day 1, the first time I came in, they didn't have their debit card system set up yet, and it was cash only. I didn't know this when I ordered, and kinda embarrassingly told the cashier I only had 2 bucks in my wallet so I'd come back some other time. He told me that was fine and let me have my order anyway. THAT is customer service and how you get repeat customers- hope all you business owners that publicly (and privately) BLAST your customers take note. Anyway, as far as what to order... I'd stay away from tacos and burritos here, they're kinda boring and you can get them at any taco truck. My personal favorites are the sopes, huaraches, and (surprisingly) the quesadillas. I'm not a big beans and rice eater, so I stay away from the larger combination plates. Oh, I forgot to mention that the prices you see are the prices you pay- tax has already been figured into the price. Nothing cleaner than just handing over a $5 bill and walking away ;) Would I recommend you dropping whatever you're doing and coming way the fuck out here? No, probably not. It is however, literally the definition of 5 stars- "as good as it gets" around this part of town.

    3 tacos de adobada and Torta de asada

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    so good my friend told me about this place and it was yum definitely go and order from here :)

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

    This place can use some help in the prep work. Food tasted good but nothing to write home to Mom about.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Fresh, hot and homemade. Give this place a try. Excellent chicken burrito. Terrific service.

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    11 years ago

    Fresh food. They prepare it fresh, wtf more do you want? Don't want to spend all night in the john, come here.

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    This is one of our to go places when we crave asada tacos or quesadillas…read more Their meat it's so tasty, and very flavorful. They put plenty of cheese in the quesadillas. Their portions are big and very satisfying. We always get the same thing because we love it. Asada tacos, shrimps tacos, quesadillas, and vegan torta. The tacos like I mention before asada meat it's very tender and very tasty, so flavorful. The shrimp tacos come in flour tortilla and they have Mexican rice and cheese. My husband live them. Their asada tacos are with corn tortilla and some beans. Then you add your choice of salsa. I get the torta which they add the refried beans, avocado, and onion and fresh tomato. It is very good. They have Mexican bottled drinks and fountain drinks. Also they have horchata and Jamaica aguas frescas. They salsas are good too. They have red spicy, red mild, green mild and pico de gallo. They have 4 locations now. This place is very popular. Highly recommend.

    Being that this order was placed online despite me not wanting to I was unable to interact with any…read moreof the staff, and I don't know about the parking situation or what the vibe of the restaurant is. Multiple attempts were made to call the restaurant including at other locations but no one answered/call wouldn't go through. Prices are fair and portions are as expected. Food is solid. Salsa are yummy.

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    Menu
    Menu
    Taqueria Don Pepe
    Not Taco Tuesday but still got carnitas and pastor tacos  . Asada super nachos

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    Not Taco Tuesday but still got carnitas and pastor tacos . Asada super nachos
    La Mexicana Bakery & Taqueria

    La Mexicana Bakery & Taqueria

    4.7
    (127 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $

    We had tacos, a torta and a burrito across our family of four and everything was delicious. We…read moreordered carne asada for the tortas and tacos and they literally threw it on the flattop seconds after ordering. Everyone who was working there was kind and attentive. As we were finishing our food they checked in on us to make sure everything was to our liking. There was no bakery aspect but they 100% delivered on fast, fresh and delicious food. Would absolutely visit again to get to try more of their menu! Gracias!

    I don't think I've ever felt betrayed by Yelp reviews...until now…read more During a recent road trip we stopped here to picked up some lunch/dinner because tacos are quick and easy and their Yelp rating is high. Location/services: Upon entering the building I immediately noticed the heat. It was a hot 98 degree day and the restaurant felt like an oven and was maybe 3-5 degree cooler than it was outside. I then quickly noticed this was a very simple operation (almost like a food truck), and not much to the menu, but there were folks sitting and eating and a few others waiting to order, so I assumed the food must be great. We ordered 4 meals (tacos with rice/beans) which was meant to be eaten there but after waiting in line and feeling like we were in a hot box, we decided to make it to go. We sat and waited for our food (about 20 mins), we chatted and observed our surroundings and it became very apparent the restaurant was not maintained with basic cleaning because it was very grimy and just plain dirty. I then used the restroom and it was absolutely disgusting. Our ordered was called and the staff was very nice. The food: As I mentioned, we got 4 orders of tacos (all carne asada) with rice/beans, and we asked for salsa and limes. We got grilled jalapenos, lemons and one sandwhich baggy filled with red salsa. Not a big deal. The meat was fine but the tortillas were inedible. They were tough, flavorless, and greasy. The bean and rice were ok. We ate enough to curb our hunger but none of us finish our food. Upon my best judgement, I had convinced myself that the food was gonna be great because their Yelp rating told me so. I was so wrong! One last note, there was nothing here that resembled a bakery/panaderia. So if you think you could also grab a treat here, you are wrong.

    Photos
    Attractive food photos above the open kitchen stove & grill.
    Attractive food photos above the open kitchen stove & grill.
    La Mexicana Bakery & Taqueria
    Inside

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    Inside
    Miguel’s Salsa

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    4.5
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    My wife and I stopped in here hoping to grab a pastrami sandwich from the business that used to be…read morein this location, only to find out it had closed and Miguel's had moved in. What could have been a disappointing surprise turned into one of the best local dining experiences we've had in a long time. We had the pleasure of meeting Miguel himself, and his hospitality immediately stood out. He took the time to introduce us to several items on the menu and encouraged us to try a little bit of everything. I'm glad he did. The red beans and rice were absolutely phenomenal, and every single thing we tasted was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with pride. You can tell Miguel genuinely cares about both the food and the people he serves. What impressed me most wasn't just the food--it was the atmosphere. Miguel has a gift for making you feel welcome. His heart for hospitality is second to none, and it's obvious that serving great food and creating a great experience are his top priorities. If you're looking for a hidden gem in Clovis, this is it. Whether you're stopping in to catch a game, grab a meal with friends, or enjoy a simple flip-flop date night with your spouse, Miguel's is worth the visit. We'll definitely be back, and I can't recommend this place enough.

    Had a bacon breakfast burrito. Came with eggs and a small amount of bacon, a small amount of…read morepotatoes and onions and cilantro, a little cheese, and a LOT of beans. Needed a little more bacon and potatoes and LESS beans! Taste was good. Thank you Lisa I will ask for less beans and more potatoes next time.

    Photos
    Lisa's bbq available wed-Sunday
    Lisa's bbq available wed-Sunday
    Miguel’s Salsa
    Trivia night on Thursday! 6-8pm first prize is a 25$ gift card

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    Trivia night on Thursday! 6-8pm first prize is a 25$ gift card
    La Enchilada

    La Enchilada

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    This enchiladas reminded how my grandmother used to make them . Definitely recommend if you're…read morelooking for a good place to eat .

    Enchiladas Michoacanas! That's all I need stepping into…read morethis restaurant. My sister introduced me to this place, and I'm actually waiting on her to come back to visit so that we can take another trip back together (it's been a minute)! It's got diner vibes to me. Booths, seats at the front counter facing the kitchen, and a few more tables in the center. It's not the most aesthetic restaurant but... it's on the corner of Blackstone & Dakota-- lol I didn't expect it to be. Friendly staff. Great chefs. Service is always good/quick. We've never waited long to have our orders taken or to receive our food. Now... those enchiladas! They're the closest thing to the type of enchiladas my best friend's mama makes (she's from Michoacan)-- she makes the best, most authentic Mexican food! SO, when I can't get them from her... I know where to go. They are cheese enchiladas-- served with lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and sour cream.. sprinkled with cotija cheese. They also come with some bomb potatoes and your choice of chicken or steak-- we always go steak. Sooo good and the flavors are always on point! + They give complimentary chips and salsa-- very good. We use that same salsa for the enchis. Pair it with a crisp coke, chef's kiss! If it wasn't obvious, it's a yes from me. This little hole-in-the-wall family-run business needs more recognition!

    Photos
    Sunday brunch! Come on down!
    Sunday brunch! Come on down!
    Chicken Torta w/ chips n a Dr Pepper
    Chicken Torta w/ chips n a Dr Pepper
    Most recent menu 9/4/22

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    Most recent menu 9/4/22

    La Esmeralda - mexican - Updated August 2026

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