Carne asada burrito was gross. Too much fat on the meat and I paid $18! Never again going back read more

Salmeron's El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I learned about this place by some 70- 80 year old guys who grew up in Santa Ana their entire live. Theyve recently passed but we still go here because it's incredible and they would have liked that. We have had this place cater the funerals too. I didn't take pictures but it's good. We normally order tacos and burritos or plates of asada/carnitas. so I can't speak on everything else but it's all great. Beans and both salsas are a must on the side. order large sides and you get a giant cup. it's fantastic read more

I have been dining here for more than 10 years. This is exactly the right combination of authenticity and dependability for terrific Mexican food. The real benefit is the Great and friendly service. It is enough to make an enthusiastic weekly lunch for our staff and our visitors read more

Came here with my coworkers for lunch. Imagine, walking in with a group when the waitress leads us to a dark room. She turns the lights on and there's a bunch of long tables and a huge hand painted mural. In the corner, a large old school TV and a karaoke box. On the other side of the room, is a mini bar area with an old school fridge and some mysterious stairs. Definitely felt like you just walked into the basement of someone's home that they use to entertain guests. Anyways onto the food: Complimentary Chips + Salsa: chips weren't stale and the salsa had a nice kick to it. Carne Asada Tacos: would not recommend. The meat is kinda tough although they do give you a large portion. Chiliquiles served with beans and rice: I gave my coworker the rice and beans and she did not like them one bit. Said they didn't taste very authentic. The chiliquiles though were very flavorful, albeit they were pretty soggy and mushy. It was also on the spicier side! Note: We had a split check so when I came up to pay my portion I tried using their check-in for 10% off $10, but the lady said they can't use the check-in after the checks have split already. It would have to be used for the whole check before splitting. read more

Family owned restaurant, my family has been coming here for years for an early Sunday breakfast. I don't come as often because I am usually trying to sleep in on a Sunday morning. But lately I've been up at the crack of dawn and I get to make it for the sunday meeting breakfast with my families friends. The food is good here, the Pozole is pretty good. We usually order beans and cheese with salsa and chicharones for a our little appetizers. I've tried their torta once, It was good. read more

Salmeron's El Tapatio - Pozole, menudo, cervesa in the morning - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Thanks to my yelp buddy, Dan, I tried this place out. It's actually walking distance from one of my company's locations so, when I suggested it, my coworkers were all, "yeah, dude, we are here every week.". OK...so much for sharing. Anyway, I love dives like this. The gringo in me used to never even give a place like this a second look. Really scary street in a kind of stanky part of Santa Ana. Knowing about the good reviews certainly helped. It looks tiny from the street but they have this huge room in the rear that could fit 100 people. They do private parties back here and my coworkers have had their Christmas party right here before. The chips were fresh and hot but unsalted. I took care of that myself. The salsa was unbelievable. Just perfectly hot. Nice kick. I always go for a combination meal if I can at a brand new place so I can try a few things out. I had the chile relleno, tamale, rice and beans. Pretty basic Mexican fare but quite tasty. The relleno was much better than the tamale. I tell you what, the carnitas my buddy ordered looked amazing. I'll be checking out those bad boys next time. The service was good, the food was authentic, the place was clean, the price was right. A very solid neighborhood place. read more

I started going to this place solely to buy the carnitas platter which is massive and is supposed to feed four. However, the platter can actually feed 6-8 and the quality is really good. I have also eaten at this joint in person. The coctel de pulpo is huge, but so is the price. Overall, this joint has pretty authentic food (I lived in Mexico City, DF for a year) and the prices are reasonable. Not a good place for a date though. Not in the best neighborhood but I have seen several famillies bring children in. read more

Been coming here for about 20 years. I think owners changed recently and it shows. I called for their famous menudo to go. Service was fast and friendly so that's the 3 stars. The menudo is 2 stars. It was super oily and had many chunks of straight fat. I also had asked for extra hominy and I could count how many kernels there actually were, hardly any at all. I'd be willing to try it for lunch once more but disappointed in the once famous dish. read more

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." That's how I look at Mexican food -- at ALL food, really. While it may not be the most authentic or best-prepared dish, if it tastes good to me it's a winner. This is how I feel about El Tapatio. I've been coming here for years since it's near my work, and I've never been disappointed. Their combinations are great. I personally like the burrito especial. You can choose any type of filling, including lengua, but I usually go for the chile verde or colorado. The chile rellenos, tacos and tostadas are good, too. The salsas they bring you come in mild and hot. The last time I went with coworkers, one of them mentioned that his carnitas were on the dry side. Other than that, it's the only downer I've ever heard about the food here. Really, everything I've ever eaten here has been good. If you go, don't be confused with the seating arrangements. When you walk in, there are a few booths along the wall to the left. You can sit there or go to the right and enter a large eating area with long tables. Pick a spot and sit down. If you're lucky, they sometimes have novellas or futbol games playing on the big-screen in the corner. If not, there's a juke box. Overall, El Tapatio may not always be my first choice for lunch spots, but it's certainly one of the most reliable. Sort of like an old pair of jeans. You don't wear them too often, but when you do, you're glad you put 'em on. read more

Had a urge for menudo...found this place on yelp..one of the better menudo. No smell all good...giant size drinks to wash down read more

Salmeron's El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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I ordered menudo to go and it did not have homony in it, so I called and was told it was extra if you want homony, and the meat was full of fat. The prices are two times more then Sarinanas Restaurant and Garcia's Restaurant "No Bueno". read more

OK, I love you Yelpers and most everything about Yelp. But....................... What frustrates me is that here behind the Orange Curtain most Yelpers aren't very adventerious. Know how I know? Not one of my Yelp buds have done a review of this place. Know how else I know? I did a review of a birriería place across the street (http://www.yelp.com/biz/birrieria-nochistlan-santa-ana#hrid:feIG_P4PJFHMhlQQqJrK-w/src:self) over 9 months ago, that even garnered a bunch of compliments, but my "1st to review" is still the 1 and only review. WTF? Look at all the reviews for taco asylum (no capitols) and all of their creative creations but no one wants to venture into the heart of OC's Latin community for the real stuff? At a fraction of the price? OK, Gramps is through lecturing. The motivation for my lecture is that I hesitated to write a review of this "rare gem of a hole in the wall." I figured no well scrubbed young Yelper will venture near this neighborhood much less cross the threshold to a Mexican Restaurant as authentic as this. Wanna make me eat crow? Please allow me, and make it mole. They have about the most authentic Mexican comida this side of the border. Served by some very friendly and hospitable ladies. Our server was the daughter of the owner and was hilarious. She kept insisting we have some cervezas. When I told her we were working she smiled and said "I've got gum". "I've got cologne too, mens and ladies." My lunch buds had been here before and raved about the chili rellenos. The server looked at me and felt compelled to make sure that I knew that these aren't the kind I may have had elsewhere. You mean like El Torito? She wasn't being insulting, just me being an old gabacho she needed to be sure that I knew that these may be different. You mean like authentic? And yes these rellenos are like you'll get in Mexico. A wonderful spongy batter on the outside with the cheese stuffed chili peppers in the inside. A nice mild but flavorful, almost clear sauce, poured over them. My buds thought they were lacking in spice but I enjoyed the subtle flavors. The rice and beans were both excellent as well. Noteworthy tidbits: they serve menudo 7 days, take all credit cards, and serve Margarita's but they aren't made with tequila, as they only have a beer and wine license. They also serve breakfast too. So Yelpers, get outta Irvine and Costa Mesa, at least in daylight hours and enjoy some comida authentica in the heart of Santa Ana. It will def be worth the adventure. read more

This place rocks! Friendly service, great salsa, and cheap prices. Authentic Mexican food. They have really good lunch specials/prices. The soups are really good here and i like the combo plates. I've had the chili rellenos, enchiladas and albondligas (meatball)soup. Don't be intimidated just go in and enjoy yourself. Why yes, in fact, I did grow up in Santa Ana. :) read more

if you're into Authentic food...Mexican food....and don't want to drive to Mexico...well this is the spot =) Everything on their damn menu is Dahh-li-cious! I've been here numerous times, different occassions and it never fails. Tacos, tortas, chile verde, tostadas, birria, waters, desserts, just to mention a few! The owner is awesome and has great service along with price! read more

Forgettable; average at best. Vinyl table cloths and garish murals... sure signs of authenticity but cannot make up for bland food. Their salsa is watery and will drip all over you if you try to get any amount on your tortilla chip. I had chile verde, which was well on the bland side. There are too many better Mexican restaurants nearby to ever want to come back here. Service was friendly but not very attentive and screwed up my co-worker's order. read more

Definition of hole-in-the-wall. Also the definition of fantastic and authentic Mexican. This is not TGI Fridays...so don't expect to be blown away by a corporately cheerful hostess....but expect to have every box ticked in the taste bud department. I got the Molè and did not regret it. This is a hidden gem that needs to be revisited. read more

I agree this is one of the best AUTHENTIC mexican food places in OC. I've been coming here since i was a kid. they have everything you can think a mexican place has. however, i've never tired any of their seafood type stuff. all the burritos, tacos, sopes etc are delicious and the salsa is very spicy. but you can ask for a milder salsa which is nice. also, their fountain drinks are the shit and its FREE refills in a HUGE glass. read more

Javiers in Newport has nothing on this place. Service is still excellent, food is still great and prices can't be beat! This last go around I had Shredded Beef taco and a sope de asada. DEEEEE LISH. Sit in the back area, they have a huge scree TV w/the current sports or the juke box playing some Ramon Ayala at 10 in the morning ! Nothing beats a hangover like the food at this place ! read more

You know me. You know I love Mexican food. With that being said, I love Salmeron's El Tapatio. I had the pleasure of having their carne asada burrito today for lunch and I was incredibly delighted. Lots of meat, perfectly seasoned and a really good size. Not to mention the price was extremely reasonable. Apparently people drive quite some way for their menudo (I'll be trying that next) and other dishes, and I don't blame them. The place is a a little out of the way for me, especially with no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Costa Mesa, but you can bet that I'll be bypassing all those and making my way to Salmeron's El Tapatio again. Above all else, the service was impeccable. Very attentive, warm staff - even the owner came by to ask how everything was. That's the mark of someone who truly cares about the experience within a restaurant, and something I'll never overlook. Go here now. read more

A must Mexican restaurant to go to! Not only is the food authentically delish but the service was top off the line. I felt like i was at my aunt house with the friendly staff especially Gloria! Totally sweet and tends to your every need. This place is truly authentic Mexican food with big portions and a cheap price. It has been a hit since 1940ish, and those amount of years in business don't lie. I am renting the hall they have attached got my dad 50th and it's is like a hacienda in Mexico, no decor needed. Got a package with the restaurant catering through Gloria , the owner not the waitress,and way cheaper than any other . You can bring your own food and drinks if you want, super flexible. I can't wait because i know everything has been up to part thus far. A must go place for authentic Mexican food, great service and extra services if needed. read more

The best place to eat real authentic Mexican food try the Menudo with some brews n don't forget the deep fried tacos n for the best service ask for Gloria B to be you're waitress u can't go wrong..... read more

Salmeron's El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Was in the Santa Ana area for a work seminar and decided to go eat with the family after. More of the traditional feel of mexican food. Immediately after going in they brought chips and salsa and got our drinks. Decor and tables could do some updating but i was there for food not decor. :) had 2 milanesa tortas 1 chicken taco 1 carne asada taco 2 carnitas tacos and guacamole and chips. Everything was very good. The tortas were HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!! I only ate a small part and my husband ate the rest. The other torta we had to bring home. Lol. I loved that the girl was very attentive and even gave my girls balloons. If im in the area again i would Definetly go back!!! read more

The carne asada is very tasty, very good. The service is also very good, they are very nice. I've also had their menudo which I enjoy. I absolutely adore their chips and bomb ass salsa. Check it out Yelpers!!! read more

Too long of a wait for someone to take our drink order. Had to order food twice, because first server didn't get it right the first time. Order came incorrect ... no one checked on us to report and the one server on the floor was rarely around to flag down. Person working the register didn't know how. And that is the last visit. read more

Reasons you should go: decent, authentic Mexican food with very good prices and the portions aren't stingy. The service is friendly and attentive with the penchant to sell up dishes and drinks. Still, I wouldn't go back unless someone persuaded me. It's decent but not crave worthy. For the area, it's appropriate. read more

After reading reviews on yelp I decided to go try this out last Saturday at 7:30am. We got there and were greated by a waitress with a big smile and friendly attitude. After awhile I finally asked her if she was "Gloria" and she grinned and said yes. She said she has been there 28-years and the other Gloria is the owner. Anyways, she is very nice and even gave me a tour of the whole place. Back to the food...if you want authentic Mexican food then this is authentic. Now, I have to say it's not really my taste/style of food but to each his own. I ordered the Albondiga's and I have to say that was the best part of my meal. The chips were a little hard but the salsa was good. I also ordered the Chile Colorado and it was different then what I am used to. It was kinda like cut up steak with a tomato-like sauce instead of red chile sauce, the rice was different and had a funny taste that I couldn't put my finger on. My boyfriend said: Teflon? Anyways, he ordered the green chile omelet and that was pretty good. Overall I guess I would say I really didn't like my red chile so I guess I'll have to go back and try something else next time. I gave this review 4 stars because of Gloria's excellent attitude and personality, the albondigo's, salsa and my boyfriend's plate. Also, Gloria sure likes to offer alchol at 7:30am....lol. I took a pic of her too but when she found out I was going to put it online she said: NO, please! My husband will get mad. So I deleted them out of respect for her. Give this place a try because maybe it's your style/taste of Mexican food. Say Hi to Gloria from Caroline. Oh I almost forgot! Gloria said she had something to give us before we left and she came back with a sample of Menudo for me but I don't like tripe so I gave to my boyfriend. He loved it and ordered some to go home with. So if you like Menudo with tripe (Gloria said you can get it without tripe too and just hominy) I would recommend this place. There is also a take-out area where you can go in just to order stuff to go. read more

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The place was ok,nothing amazing. The tacos are huge,but very plain. We had a large party and the whole night very few people came in on a Saturday night. The service was ok, we had to repeat things a few times. I wont be back. read more

El Tapatio has been a long time Family Restaurant. Food is still delicious waitress is a little slow but the food is worth the wait

I'm not sure how authentic it is, but it certainly was delicious. We came into a nearly empty restaurant recently, which made sense as this is really hard to find. We started with Horchata, one of my new favorites. So delicious! For our meals, I got the 2 enchilada special--one chicken, one cheese. My friend got the mole chicken. We were given chips and salsa to start, and the salsa was a bit spicy. The meals came with a side of refried beans and rice. The rice seemed like the kind that came from Lipton's, that's why I don't think it's all that authentic. The beans were really tasty as were the enchiladas. Our meals, with the horchata, came to be $25 with tip. Not bad at all! The service was fine and it was a clean restaurant so I'd be back for a nice dinner again. It is hard to find though; be prepared with the GPS. read more

This little hidden gem has the best menudo & pozole I've ever had. My family and I had dinner here tonight for the first time and all three of us were more than pleased with our meals. I had a small pozole & a small menudo... the broth in both soups were so flavorful and I couldn't get enough. My 5 year old son had chicken and rice and ate more than I've ever seen him eat for dinner ever. The husband got a chicken burrito half wet with green sauce as well as an asada taco and he devoured his food! The server was friendly, attentive and you can really tell she enjoys her work :) Highly recommend if you're looking for some authentic Mexican food!!!! Count us in as regulars from now on! read more

Lupe the waitress es a toda madre...best service ever...food is good, service is good...needs more parking but overall great food read more

Salmeron's El Tapatio - Have great conversations with her - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Usesuly i love it there but lately enchiladas don't have enough cheese told her about. It went again asked for extra cheese she did not have it put on sent my plate back told her even if she charge me extra I wanted extra cheese they needed to put a little bit of extra cheese not a lot then today I went again ordered some menudo soup was very good albondiga soup f for my daughter was very good but my daughter noticed in the bowl of the cilantro there was a worm I showed her and look like she got mad the waitress and didn't even say sorry or apologize I went and paid for my food told her about it again and i said they need to wash the cilantro good she ignored me i might just search for different restaurant for breakfast I've been going here for many years and does not look good that they're changing their ways of how they make their food and their cleanliness read more

Hands down one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in all of Orange County. Very authentic Mexican food, always a favorite for breakfast.

I have been her twice. Both times for pozole, first time the pozole was ok. It was good enough to make me want to try it out once more. The second time it was amazing . Chips and salsa were fresh. I ordered to go each time. They pack every thing up nice and neat. So far my favorite place in the oc to order red chili pozole any time of the week. Usually i can only find it on weekends and when i usually find it at other restaurants its green chili and im not a fan. BEST Red Chili Pozole. read more

Very good Mexican good. Menudo is very tasty and not bad for the price. Location is hidden but once you locate it you won't regret it.

so much good food for a really low price. I had the carne asada burrito and my hubby had a torta. loved it my gramps had the carne de puerco en salsa Verde. he gave it two thumbs up. I will be coming soon. read more

This is the best mexican food in Orange County. I highly recommend the beef taco and Chile rellenos. Can't wait to try their breakfast.

If anyone one could dare name a better hidden gem in southern OC,- dont be an A hole,-share! But that is a good goddamned challenge. For six years I've been a loyal customer. The first few years were mainly as a morning-noon patron. After a recent drag of months completley without, i started coming at night knowing full well I would not be dealing with the exact beautiful crew from day. How can i say this?...the place basiclly flips from an insanley busy-while- very- well- managed morning, into a super low key, kind of dark get away after the lunch rovers trickle out. I didnt expect the food to be as good as it is during the day. Excellent dishes and cold beer from morning to close.You dont need a date for this place. Your date is the food (said the fatman). Highly recommend the chicken enchiladas among so many others that im sure other yelpers have covered. read more

This restaurant doesn't even deserve 1 star...through the years,this place has been going down hill.The main fact is,THIS IS NOT THE BEST AUTHENTIC MEXCAN FOOD IN O.C!!! Went there today for menudo and they tried to charge me for extra chips...who the hell charges for extra chips??? Watch out for hidden extra charges on your bill that they don't let you know about!!! Service sucked today,left no tip after I got my money back for the charge of extra chips! Bottom line...search for a alternative...don't waste your money and don't mess up your occasion by going to this restaurant! read more

Bomb food, super nice service. The Mando, chicharones en salsa roja is very good. Never had a problem with my order or anything. I highly recommend. read more