Best food ever! The guacamole was fresh and seasoned just right. My enchilada was tasty and not drowning in sauce. The beans oh lordie.... delicious! Can't wait to go back. read more

After reading all the fantastic reviews, we just had to try La Simpatia. I was a little skeptical because last week we tried another Mexican restaurant with great reviews and found the food to be very bland. Well, not here! Everything was delicious. The menu is a little different from your typical Mexican place. It appears somewhat Americanized, but the food is anything but. The beans have flavor, the salsa is fresh ans has flavor. We ordered Chile Verde and Chile Colorado. Both were delicious, but we both preferred the former. We saw that on Saturdays they sometimes have Birria. To my disappointment they use pork rather than goat. Too bad. Service was very friendly and bilingual. We will definitely return and try some other things. read more

La Simpatia Cafe has a tasty beef soup that I would recommend if you are a soup person, it is very simple, enjoyable and filling. My companion rated the enchiladas, beans and rice as very basic. Their cheeseburgers are good for the price. One thing I didn't appreciate was the fact that La Simpatia Cafe has their corn chips sitting in open baskets on a shelf ... exposed to flies, dust, etc ... ready to serve to YOU! The service is quaint and friendly. read more

So this thanksgiving week my girlfriend and I took a road trip up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco. This was the first place we stopped on a massive food tour. I had heard good things so thought I'd check it out... Really good Mexican food. Good prices. I heard the Chille Rellenos were the BEST ever. Well....I had never had a chille relleno before, so maybe I was just expecting something different, but all it was, was a deep fried chille stuffed with cheese. A larger, less spicy, jalepeno popper. I mean, yeah it was good...but there wasn't much to it. I have no doubt in my mind I could whip up the exact same thing in about 10 minutes. How THIS particular chille relenno is the best ever, I dont know. It was good though, I'll say that. Bonus points for the geriatric japanese cowboy sitting next to us at the bar telling jokes.. Him:"What's that name of that actress who killed her husband with a knife?" Me: With a knife? Him: No! Witherspoon! HAHAHA! I'm pretty sure he tells that same joke to anyone who will listen...but oh well, made us laugh for a few seconds. He's definitely one of the regulars which frequent this middle of no where spot....I'd definitely recommend it. read more

You're right Tressi. Mama IS in the kitchen, and she knows exactly what she's doing. They should institute a "Chile Relleno test" for Mexican restaurants. "Mama" knows how to make a relleno, and does it right before your eyes - and once you've had a fresh one, you'll never want anything else. The specials - mole, birria, etc, are incredible. The service is right out of the Mexican restaurants of your childhood. This place is the real deal, and has been for many decades. Plus, the drive on old Hwy 1 from Santa Maria to Guadalupe to Vandenberg and through Rancho San Julian to Gaviota is one of the few remaining unspoiled central CA cattle country drives. It's worth making a day out of it with La Simpatia for lunch and the Hitching Post (Casmalia) or Jocko's for dinner. read more

This is one of my all time favorites. The food is so fresh and delicious. Be sure to ask for the hot salsa - the best. I love the rellano...It's made to order you can see them whipping the eggs for the batter. read more

I was so disappointed last weekend when I saw the "Cllosed for retrofitting, will re-open soon" sign of the boarded up windows. Ah, the price of being located in an old building in an earthquake zone. Damn. I try to get my cheese fix once a month here. The last time I was here, the rellenos were literally bursting with the good stuff. The sauce is a rich rusty red, full of spices (no Tapatio needed,) and it tastes of red chiles rather than tomatoes. The portions are large, too. My friend had the tamales-- chicken this time-- and he agrees with the reviewers who said, "Momma's in the kitchen." It's best to sit at the bar. That's what we did, and our basket of chips was never empty. We never lacked for conversation, either. The staff and customers ( mostly locals) were very chatty. (It helps if you speak Spanish.) The food came out quickly, and it wasn't too salty. What makes this place special is the atmosphere. It's less kitchy Tex-Mex/ Tijuana and more 1940's diner or truck stop. Something from the historic Route 66, maybe. Perhaps the ghosts of Cesar Chavez and John Steinbeck are sitting at the bar discussing politics and literature over bowls of pozole. I wonder if this place ( or a former incarnation) was around when Cecil B. DeMille was filming out in the dunes. Next time I'm here, I'll find out. Now hurry up and re-open!!!! I'm hungry for some decent chiles rellenos! read more

Went to La Simpatia Cafe and when I received my chicken special one of the pieces was a 3 inch long backbone with absolutely no meat. When I asked the waitress to change out the backbone for another piece the cook told her no. The waitress came back to our table and was obviously afraid of the blonde haired cook and told me the cook refused to trade out the backbone. The waitress was accommodating and did not charge me for my meal. The real worry is why is the waitress afraid of the cook and what else inedible is this cook serving? read more

Are you kidding me? This is authentic Spanish mexican. All the way! This is what your grandma spent hours slaving in the kitchen over. I had the combo taco ( outstanding ), chili Reno ( superb with lots of cheese) chicken enchilada( outstanding) and homemade tamale (yummy) this is my new favorite mex restaurant. Prices were very reasonable and atmosphere was casual. Service Was great. I will be back. ! read more

Went there today with my husband and son. Saw this place featured in a KCOY Channel 12 news story, and really wanted to try it. I ordered a combination plate that had a tamale, a chili relleno, a chicken taco, a cheese enchilada, along with beans and rice. What a nice treat, I recommend this place. read more

Great place and good. I had a tamale which was very good. This place has been here for generations and hope generations too come. Half the experience are the people and history. read more

This is the worst place to eat. The waitress is so rude and disrespectful. I am a Guadalupe resident and i am so disappointed that we had this experience especially when we want to keep business in Guadalupe. read more

This place was WOW. I had the best chili relleno I have ever had in my life. That is saying a lot. First of all I watched the cook beat the eggs and make my relleno fresh. The flavor was incredible. I could bathe in the sauce, just sayin! The chips were fresh and the salsa... yum! This is authentic all the way. Don't go for ambiance go for the food! read more

Really great food!! However on a Friday night it can get busy!! I understand when you have to run around taking care of every table, but to bark your words is not a friendly environment. We had a blonde lady bark "no we don't do soft tacos!" When we asked, "do you have oil and vinegar?" (For specific dietary restrictions) we got a very stern "no!" To make matters worse, she helped a table that came in after us when we all clearly were ready to order with our menus closed. I just like to feel like my business matters to them. read more

La Simpatia not only serves Mexican food but "California style" Mexican food. You won't find this style anywhere else. Their fried beans "chinito beans" are like our grandparent used to make before Canola oil came in existence. Their Enchilada is served with onions and delicious, their chili relleno is great - I like mine wet, their taco is delicious- have it with their salsa and add some beans to every bite. I walk in and it smells like my moms kitchen. The service is great and everyone is friendly. It's vintage looking inside. On Sunday's is Chicken Soup and that is delicious, served with beans on the side and I've yet to try their Mexican Style chicken, one day. Oh and they have their bar and sound box in the back- plays great music. This place is famous to the locals. read more

See all

My family and I were a little disappointed with this restaurant we waited a few months and several tries to eat here and it was a complete let down. Don't get me wrong I ate here back in the 90's loved it but to come back to it now was a little bit of a let down. The menu was the same the prices were high for what you got and the service was eh. read more

La Simpatia Cafe - Combo #1 $9.65 - Mexican Near Me - Guadalupe, California

See all

Amazing food but the waitress (the old blonde lady) sucks! Due to her I don't go there and I don't recommend this place. Every time I've gone I've had a bad experience because of her. I would tell myself "hopefully this time she's nice or is having a better day" but nope she is always rude, complaining, and talking about how much she hates working at La Simpatia. One: why are you working in a place you hate, two: how hard is it to be nice, and three: why hasn't the owner done anything about this. Last time I had gone will be my last time I will ever go (unless for some miracle she's fired). She was upset because my husband and I came in while she was on her break...yeah, she made it clear. We ignored her and ordered our food. Once she place it on the table she welcomed herself to pick off my plate!!! Like what the fuck!!! Who does that? I don't know her nor did I let her or welcomed her to eat my food. Any who I got this problem resolved. I just hope the owner gets a better waitress. read more

A white lady was racist towards my boyfriend who spoke English clearly when he was trying to order two burrito over the phone. She kept making excuses and telling my boyfriend that she doesn't understand him. So he goes to the restaurant and tries to order there instead over the phone. She was rude as heck when he asked if he can order a burrito and she tells him they don't sell it here and goes on that she can't really understand of his "Spanglish". Besides that, he then ask the lady who is the cook if they sell horchata and she said yes and the white lady was like oh yeah we do. Overall, he had a very bad experience and didn't order anything due to the fact that lady was being seriously rude and racist for no reason. read more

Best Mexican food on the central coast!! Fresh ingredients and super clean. Food is prepared in front of you and their chefs are so talented! If you want real Mexican food ya gotta go to La Simpatia!! Yummy! read more

If you are starving, on foot and have no other choice in life choose this place. Otherwise, even if you have to walk five miles on bare feet over glass, get to the taco truck down the street. My dog eats better than the food we got here. Stay away unless you have more money than GOD himself and no taste buds. The Relleno was so f'd up, how do you even consider that Mexican food? Seriously, it sucked. Like Chipotle sucks. Even drunk, it won't taste good, so don't even stagger in there unless it's straight back to the bar. read more

How awesome is their authentic food. Building is from the 1940's. And so is the interior, but boy, can Marguerite cook. The absolute best chili relleno ever. Coating is so light, not as you will get everywhere else. Guacamole is delicious as well as asado tacos, enchiladas, etc. Everything is made to order and tastes like homemade. They are the best. read more

Way over priced. I bought 3 large (12 oz is not really a large in my opinion) menudo's , a breakfast plate (two medium pancakes, two fried eggs and two pieces of bacon) my bill was $45. When I questioned the waitress about the serving size of menudo she very rudely told me " I know other local places serve more and people have a choice where they want to go". The menudo was very bland and not worth the crappy service. She's right I have a choice and I choose to never be a customer of this restaurant ever again. read more

This place is really good. When we walked in it was very clean and welcoming. The help was very friendly and sat us right down. The menu was very simple and easy to figure out. I ordered a combo with a taco, tamale, an enchilada and rice and beans. My kids we're happy with their food too and they are pretty picky. Overall it was a great dining experience read more

Food was not seasoned and over priced. Not the traditional Mexican food you would expect. There's only 1 choice of meet for most of their food read more

I would go out of my way to eat here! It has the look of a 50's diner but is a gloriously delicious Mexican food place! We sat at the counter and watched the ladies cook! I ordered a Chile Relleno. She took the roasted chile from the fridge and I watched her beat the eggs, gently drop and turn the chile in the egg mixture... then lovingly fry it in a cast iron skillet that has been well used! These ladies cooked with fresh ingredients and preformed a dance of chefs that have spent long hours preparing delicious food for their guests! We will return and you should experience it for yourself! Let the gal who takes your order guide you on what to choose! read more

Horrible! It was my first time there and 8 can't even tell you how the food was because I didn't even get to try it. We waited 15 minutes after arriving and not a single person attended to us. Me and my friends were ready to unwind after a long week. Worst experience ever read more

This is serious, authentic Mexican....the best I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I think Mama is in the kitchen.....very old school! I want it now! Too bad I am 3000 miles away.... read more

I don't even know where to begin. Nobody greets you upon entry, the rude blonde with long nails finally came around but instead of greeting us immediately began to complain about how busy it got and how everyone had come at once. After looking around the room I wasn't sure where all these people were as only one other couple were there at the same time. She cursed, she was loud and rude to every single table. We saw other people just walk out because of her. Then the food. Bland. Greasy. Bland. And more grease. Never again. Loved the historical aspect of the place, but nothing else. Skip this and go to El Tapatio down the street. read more

Food no good, service was worst. I will never go back. I did not recommend this place for no one!!!

Great Food! If you don't get the enchilada in your combo.... oh man you missed out. The bar, super friendly say hello to Vera and Rosa! Prices are real low so go eat and get a margarita! read more

Stopped in for lunch on our drive down to Santa Barbara. Small neighborhood restaurant w/ cocktail bar in the back. Specializing in Mexican food for the hungry folk. I ordered chile relleno, enchilada, and tamale a la carte. Food was overall above average; tasty and filling. Ordered a side of rice and beans and the rice was very flavorful. The salsa was less impressive and did not have much heat, nor did the homemade hot sauce they brought out upon request. Friendly and speedy service. read more

I agree the food is good however it's not as reasonable as the $ rating. Fairly expensive for a small portion of food. $5 for a Dos Equis bottle of beer, outrageous. Especially for the central coast region where alcohol is much more reasonable. The beer was almost 50% of the meal. read more

Just had lunch on Mother's Day - disappointed! Right from the chips (cold) & salsa to getting served! My husband's food came out well before mine! My chili Relleno came out cold in the center (stick of mozzarella in center???) with so so refried beans, extra order of guacamole which was bitter & no taste. Whole experience was disappointing, poor service plus too $$$! Waited for this place to reopen:-) read more

Lived up to the reviews. Food was excellent. Watching her make everything by hand is a show in itself. Well worth the wait. She actually uses an old hand mixer to beat her eggs for the rellenos. We will go back. Good homemade rice and beans lead to good everything else. read more

Went to go have breakfast and it was the poorest customer service I've ever had. Rosa the owner was very rude we walked out 5 minutes after walking in. We decided to go to a block down to another restaurant which was great food n awesome customer service... read more

This is by far some of the best mexican food I have ever had! If you havent had it before, youre in for a great treat!

Glad this place re-opened the food here is so good! Do yourself a favor and eat here ,doesn't matter what you order it's all good

Had a great dinner there, they did a awesome job on the rebuild of the building. You think that the place had never changed.

My wife and I had lunch there today and It was great. Started out with a margarita (they are good), we had Chile Rellenos, beans and rice, my dish was the Chile Verde also with rice and beans. The flavors of the food there is the best. I have been going to this restaurant since 1975 and it is always good. And in my opinion this restaurant is the best Mexican restaurant this side of the border. Tom Wahweotten read more

Read about this place reopening after quake retrofit. I went there just as they close for a few hours in the afternoon, but waitress let me stay as I said I was there to eat. Sat in back area as front was full, not enough belly room at counter. Service was a little slow but freindly. I ordered one of the combo plate (enchilada (add chicken), chile relleno, taco, tamale, tostadas rice/beans). Tostadas came first, pretty good, but the main dish, WOW! Incredible flavor of everything, even the rice was excelente'! It was a LOT of food even with the enchilada and tamale being normal size. I am definitely coming back! Wish I took picture of platter. read more