We found this place when we were craving Mexican and everything else was closed on the 4th of July. Great find! The Cadillac Margarita was delicious but quite strong. Be careful with that one. Definitely recommend though. I had camarones à la diabla. They were cooked perfectly and the sauce was super flavorful. I ordered a side of guacamole which was also yummy. The service was great as well. read more

Dined in for two we ordered: Two shredded beef Tacos (Crunchy) plate and Two shredded beef Flautas Plate with a side of French fries, One soft drink and one large beer. Our server was so kind, friendly, welcoming and attentive. The ambiance is pretty decent, they should probably take down all the old dollar bills off the walls, but I guess it's kind of fun to look at while you're waiting/eating. Overall a very cozy experience. The food was very good. Although the free chips in the beginning had some stale ones rooting around they were still good. The shredded beef tacos were very good, as well as the beans & rice. The Shredded Beef Taquitos and fries were amazing as well. Prices are reasonable and portions of food are just right. Thank you Ocotillo, we love you. read more

(+) service was great, seemed like servers knew everyone and the vibe was very local and welcoming. the food was great too. some of my favorite pancakes i've ever had. their steak ranchero was also sooo good with their salsa in the bottle you can ask for. always a plus for free chips & salsa lol (-) nothing really. can be very busy? but only because it's great. read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - breakfast combo + steak ranchero - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

Had a Custom order tonight!! Carne Asada covered with a Chili Rellano and sauce. !!! Delicious. If you can think of it they might make it for you! read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Carne Asada with Relleno chopped up on top. Yum. - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

This is a true mom & pop restaurant, serving superior authentic Mexican food and traditional American breakfasts and burgers. Ambience is casual cantina, you're with family here. Sign your dollar bill, find a spot. The first weekend we tried to go, we could not fit into the parking lot. Ok that's a good sign, so we tried again another day. Another good sign - fresh hot chips & salsa out the gate. Our server Jocelyn was especially welcoming & hospitable. She seems to enjoy her job & took good care of us. The food- Chorizo & eggs excellent, Menudo FABULOUS because especially tasty broth and garnishes were well done. Also tried biscuits & gravy. My husband tries them everywhere we go " in search of" the best. The biscuit was fresh A+. Gravy great. It was year-end, tamales for sale by the dozen. We took home a dozen ( pork / chicken). We were pleased to receive a green and a red sauce, didn't expect that! At home, tried both types, with both sauces. We recommend their tamales for sure, especially pork with the red sauce. read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

Wanted to try this place we kept passing by and finally decided to go. It was a Sunday not as busy when we first got there but man it filled up really fast and now we know why. My bf got the chimichanga which is actually huuugeeee and deep fried, he opted for both salsas. I must say the green sauce takes the win!!! I went with the chilaquiles in medium spicy red sauce and topped it with carnitas. Amazing!!!!! And of course we had to try their michis, did not disappoint. Our server was very sweet & attentive. There's so many other food options we want to go back to try. read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Half & half chimichanga & chilaquiles con carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

Well Went there for the first time We driven past this place many times and was referred by a friend.. Guess what we were not disappointed. The first thing I look for at a restaurant is this. I walked into the bathroom and see if it is dirty. It was super clean. I even had to tell the manager of this. The place was very clean. The people serving us were very friendly and polite. The other people working there were also friendly. The food was great. They offer many different kinds of food. The coffee was great. The prices were very reasonable. They had decent parking. They have outdoor seating. We went on a weekend so the parking was easygoing. We will definitely be back. I highly recommend it. They have Mexican food and other kinds. They had a good breakfast special at 7.00 I even had the chance to meet the cook/owner, very nice guy. read more

I wanted to bring my wife somewhere new and surprise her.. and she loves Mexican so I thought.. let's try it! It was AMAZING. When you first drive up you kinda think ummm am I in the right place? Oh.. we were. We told Ellie it was our first time there and she was so excited!! She explained how the menu worked and what was good (everything is good) and made suggestions. She was so nice and friendly and welcoming. I ordered the carnitas chimichanga wet with green sauce. I think every bite I took I closed my eyes and swayed in my chair. The flavor was great! My wife ordered the chili verde omelet and she absolutely loved it. There was again.. so much flavor And we can't forget the chips and salsa that are served! They were hot and made fresh and my wife almost got full on those because they were so good! We will absolutely be back and will be bringing our family read more

Sit down, you're home! This hole-in-the-wall is a bit of a dive in a good way! Like you'll feel right at home. The servers and everyone there is great and the COOKING IS SO FLAVORFUL!! I told my server, "tell the chef this tastes amazing and send him my compliments" and she's all, "tell him yourself, mamas, he's sitting right behind you" and sure enough, there he was with his family in the booth and he turned to smile when she got his attention and I relayed my compliment. There's dollar bills taped to the walls with sharpie marker writing on them. It's a violation to deface currency with the intent to make it unusable, but how can you be mad? You can't! It is stapled to the wall! So silly! You know what else is stapled to the wall here? A neon green poster board with the employee work schedule written in ink! We were kind of staring at it and the servers all "he he people ask us about that, like which one are you?" and we all laughed because no, you just couldn't forget your shift there, right?! Another anecdote: I could not open the door to the place, so a guy gets off his ladder to help and it opened right up! We laughed because how weak can a person be, right?! I immediately texted my whole family and my neighbors to come eat here because the food was so satisfying it hit the spot. Love this place and I'm putting it on my list of "I will die if this place closes!" read more

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I ordered the Camerones ala Diabla, margarita and chimichanga burrito. Food was delicious. Service was excellent. Cozy place. First time going there. I will definitely be back. read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

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Stopped in on a Friday night for dinner, drinks, and Karaoke. Was very pleasantly surprised how nice everything is. Food was great, margaritas were great, and karaoke in the patio was also great. read more

Went for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it! It was early on a Friday evening & the front parking lot was full but we found plenty of extra parking up behind the restaurant. Warmly welcomed as we entered. Inside was packed, so we stepped out onto their patio which was shady with lots of tables. They were setting up for karaoke. Our waitress brought the best margarita I've had in a long flipping time & chips & salsa while we waited for our food. When our food arrived, we couldn't believe the size of the portions...FANTASTIC if you have an appetite or like to save some for lunch the next day. We had so much fun with the karaoke and even got up to dance. A fun, very relaxed, no frills, wonderful place. Absolutely one of our favs! read more

Food was good and not expensive! Kinda dive bar vibes but hey it's close by and local

Well, we've been hearing lots of good reports about this place and decided to give it a try First impression was that it was really clean and organized, second impression was the menu, it listed so many items that it took us a half hour to decide Gracie had the chorizo scramble and I had the Machaca and eggs Both were delicious and the portions were big The service was exceptional, she knew how each item was prepared and what the ingredients were We will be back again read more

Interesting place, mostly dirt parking lot, very rural older building and setting but overall it was a cool place to hang out. The service was really friendly and they had quite a few people eating there. We went for breakfast, the chorizo and eggs were very good. Looking forward to returning for dinner. GO CHECK EM' OUT! read more

I've always been interested to try since I drive by it everyday off the 74 and it always looks packed. Here's how my experience went. Ambiance: it does give off the small cantina vibe. The decor is as such but they have a cool set up where you sign a dollar and tape it to the wall. Nice touch since it's not a modern look place. The ambiance is cool for families or hanging out with friends. Service: great service. There was ONE person there but she greeted everyone and made sure everyone was taken care of. You got the sense she knew everyone who walked in or at least made it seem that way. We felt taken care of and never needed to wait for things. This is where they thrived as a restaurant. If the rest of the staff is like this, you'll never have a bad experience. Food: we went strictly for the menudo this time as my kids and I love it. As for how it was, it was good. The large bowl typically doesn't feel me up but this one did. Nice meat to hominy ratio. Not the best I've had but solid and would get it again, though I'm actually wanting to return to try more items. Would I return? Absolutely. Would I recommend? Yes, as well. If the next time I come, the food hits. I'll up this to a 5 star. read more

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Nice little place between Hemet and Menifee on Hwy 74. Came here due the reviews and it was not disappointed. Food portions and quality were exceptional. Great to hear the fajitas sizzling as they are brought to the table. Server was friendly and service was fast. Support local businesses! read more

Food was awesome.. I've seen this place from the highway but never stopped til we needed dinner The ambiance was quaint and something you will never see anywhere. They were working unstaffed and we were ok with it, I work in the service India's I get it , they weren't that behind with our food and we enjoyed it very much. And yes we will definitely be back. read more

Do not judge a book by its cover! Amazing food! Amazing service! I will return again and again!

I didn't take pics which is so unlike me but I had to come on and say that this place was such a cute place. The food was so good and the margaritas were huge. The waitress was super cute and helpful. This place is a dive Mexican place with so many locals. read more

We retired early (due to severe health problems) and moved to this area in 2020. We immediately began to explore our new neighborhood for the best healthy shopping and eats. We were a bit nervous about the appearance of this place from the outside the first time we saw it (in February 2020 it had a pitted dirt parking lot, sketchy paint on the building exterior and a side street with pot holes big enough to swallow a pickup truck), so we drove past it for several months before we got brave enough to give them a try. But finally, the consistently full parking lot convinced us to look into it... Once we did, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendly service (they treat us better than our own families!), the FABULOUS food (both the Mexican AND the American dishes are absolutely amazing and come out of the kitchen looking EXACTLY like the pictures in the menus! Absolutely unbelievable!) and the work ethic of every single employee in the place! They demonstrate a level of hospitality that is beyond anything we've ever experienced before! It's an amazing place to eat, yes; but more than that, it's a fabulous place to spend time with people you care about! Enjoy a conversation, a visit, or a dance over a cold beverage, an epic appetizer, a light snack or a fulfilling hot meal with someone you love; or even just met! This is a comfortable place to just relax and be yourself among friends you'll want to keep forever! We're regulars here now! You can find us in and out of here at LEAST four days a week! This is our home away from home and we know you'll love it too! Our props to Elizabeth (the manager) who does an INCREDIBLE job keeping things running smoothly! read more

wow ! absolutely the best authentic mexican food in so cal !!! the drinks are over the top, the service is fantastic!! a well kept secret!! read more

I make sure to come here every time I'm in town visiting family. The tacos and salsa are delicious, and everyone who works here is super nice and friendly. read more

we have been going to this place for years. food and service has been excelent.went there monday lunchtime,wifesfood was good . I decidedto order fish and chips ;fish came out as breaded fish sticks ,fish was flavorless and dry,no amount of tarter sauce would help! THIS ITEM SHOULD NOT BE ON MENUE read more

Literally the best Mexican food!!!!! The staff are so nice and the food is amazing! It's always fresh. The tamales have a ton of meat in them. The chips and salsa is sooo good and they are super generous with this. We drive 30 mins to come here. Thanks for the service and yummy food!! read more

Love small Mom and Pop's with great food, reasonable prices and friendly service. This is your spot. Chilie Colorado is my go to.

Food was good but I ordered the nachos it was the special that day. When the check came it was more than expected so I asked the waitress why and she said the special was way smaller than the regular nachos I asked her why do they call it the special of the day. She said I got the regular nachos when I asked for the special, whatever. I will never go back I feel like I was hustled for a few dollars by the waitress. Not the cleanest or nicest place that's for sure, read more

Good Food and close to Home. Nice Spot to grab some Pretty good Mexican food in Hemet. Good Drinks too!! The Owners Son Christian is Helpful and Pleasant. Stop by and get some Tacos and a very Cold Beer.. read more

Excellent service, hospital, friendly. Inexpensive prices, strawberry margarita is to die for. WOW the pork green chili breakfast with potatoes, and beans outstanding. Will be coming back read more

We were treated wrong. NOT trying to get anyone in trouble. But the way the waitress refused to explain the way the meal was priced, is wrong. We never expected to pay over $52 dollars for a meal that we could've got $20 less down the street. ​ read more

Great restaurant with authentic Mexican food. Love their menudo and breakfast plates. Our go to every weekend

A diamond in a rough! The food was better than your average Mexican joint. Big portions and the flavor is on point. The service was great, and the restaurant was very clean and comfortable. I'll be coming here again for sure. read more

This place is such a gem! Amazing service and fantastic food. An old school vibe to the restaurant- no frills, but all perfect. This is our go-to spot for Mexican. Fair prices and impressive dishes. Everything we have ever ordered is great- from the chips and salsa to the HUGE chimichangas. read more

I love this place! The food is sooo good. Authentic Mexican Food. The atmosphere reminds me of some of the restaurants I've been to in San Francisco. Non-commercialized, which I love. The music is awesome (if you love classic rock, which I DO). The people who work here are great nd so hospitable. I highly recommend this place. read more

Best, Authentic Mexican food around! Such great food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend this place. Delicioso!

This is the place for beverages and great, authentic Mexican food. It's a staple for us when out here for 4 months. Large variety of food. Music on always. Hoping the parking Iot gets cured, but the place is a 9.9. read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Friends for a fantastic lunch. - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

We have searched for a good Mexican restaurant for many years and finally found the best. My wife is very picky about Mexican food, it must be perfect. We had a large to-go order, so we expected issues, there were none, and everything was perfect. Everything was ready when I arrived. We support small businesses so there was even more reason to try. The staff here are very friendly, courteous and care about your experience. Every entrée was prepared to perfection and had its traditional flavors. This is a nice Cantina-style restaurant. This is the perfect place for a date night or a family meal. We wanted authentic cuisine and found it here. Now that our search is over, we will be dining here often. read more

Chiles Rellenos are the absolute best here!! The servers are wonderful here, as well....often remembering you on site!

Found this place just driving by and decided to give it a try. The food was really good and the atmosphere welcoming, warm and friendly mainly because of our waitress/Bartender Ely. I had the Chilaquiles and my wife had the Menudo all delicious and Ely makes a mean Bloody Mary. Definitely recommend trying this place read more

Ocotillo Restaurant and Cantina - Chilaquiles, Menudo and a Bloody Mary - Mexican Near Me - Hemet, California

Food is excellent. I really like their chile rellenos, fish tacos, omelets, pancakes, French toast and pork tamales. Service is friendly and fast. Great place for any size party and kids will enjoy as well. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant and prices are affordable. Authentic Mexican atmosphere and the small full service bar make Ocotillo a complete experience. Waitresses know me as the older guy who loves chile rellenos! On a scale of 1-10 this is a 10 read more