Hole in the wall heaven! To look at the place, you'd never think to stop in for food b/c it really does look old and run down so I can see why others my be skeptical. Despite it's ugly step-sister look, this place has very good food! Just order it to go either by coming in or calling in your order. I come in for the menudo and the chorizo burritos or chorizo plate typically. The chicken and shredded beef tacos and burritos are very good too. I like the beans here which I am picky about. The rice isn't wildly impressive but I'm not a huge rice fan in general. They also sell other food items...sort of like a grocery store along one of the walls in case you need ingredients to make your own Mexican food. I love that sell cold Jarritos (Mexican soda) in lots of flavors! They have all kinds of specials so take your time ordering. If you do end up eating here, they have a few old style hard booths inside and 2 plastic tables with chairs outside. The parking lot is small and can easily fills up but you can always park on the little side street next to the restaurant. The BIG draw here every year is their MASA and TAMALES!! Come Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's...expect a line around the building for masa or ready made tamales by the dozen (chicken, pork, beef, cheese). I highly suggest calling in your order for these items before you just show up. They have run out before!! The workers are all bilingual so it's okay if you don't speak spanish. I know it can be initimating walking into a place that looks like it belongs in a small town in Mexico...but rest assured, they know English. The owner is actually Korean and speaks fluent Spanish and English. Crazy to witness a Korean yelling out orders to the cooks in Spanish! Very cool. Overall, stop in at least once! You won't regret it and I'm sure you'll be back!! I know I will! read more

This place has been in OC for as long as I can remember. They have been in their current location for about 30 years. The building is a shabby little run down cinder block joint, but lesbhonest you are not coming here for a fine dining experience. Expect to sit at a hard formica booth, or one of the white plastic picnic tables out front. The food is pretty darn good. Carne asada tacos are quite good, and nice sized. Just one with rice and beans is enough for my husband to eat at lunch. Their carnitas are so good! Their carnitas burrito is my favorite thing to order there, unless it is the Holidays, and then I go for the tamales. People stand in line for the tamales. Free serve yourself chips, and salsa. I like their mild salsa, but it is really very mild, like you can drink this stuff. read more

Ordered cheese tamales terrible also taquitos were bad couldn't eat them greasy and not cooked stay away

Lately, I've been having crazy cravings for menudo. And my previous go-to spot for menudo is Taco San Pedro. But my menudo-addict-ass wanted it on the weekdays as well (TSP only served it on Saturdays and Sundays), so I had to find a place that has it EVERYDAY! That's when I came across Stanton Mexicatessen. A little hole in the wall that I drove by all the time, but never gave it it the time of day. But I must say, the menudo here is absolutely delicious. Perfect amount of spice, tender tripe, fresh hominy (you can tell it's not from the can), and with a generous amount of onions, cilantro, and lime to adjust to your liking. Makes my belly happy. SM also won me over with some delicious tamales and machacas so far. And did I mention, the menudo? read more

Went here with my Mom to purchase Masa and Prepared Carne to make Tamales. We've been coming here for at least 18 years, first off the prices like everything else had gone up almost double.......ok so we made our purchase. Then when we went to shred the carne - what did we find???????????????? but potatoes :( REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so not only does the price go up but we aren't getting what we actually paid for. My Mom had called to find out why and to say that we should have been told that they had made this change (it would have been up to us at the time to say if we still wanted to make the purchase. Needless to say when she called the owner NEVER wanted to get on the phone with her, they told whom ever answered the phone to tell her that she should have specified what she wanted to make. Seriously.........since when do you have to tell them what you want the carne for, was it going to make a difference (maybe add more or less potatoes)? This will be the last time we make purchases from here. And as you can see there isn't a rating for a minus rating :( but it wouldn't let me post unless I chose one. read more

This is the best Mexican restaurant in this neighborhood. The only reason I don't give it a full score is only because the restaurant is a little too rustic and not decked for an excellent dining experience, but for the price the food is great and the variety of the menu around here is nonpareil. The food is also better than some fancier sit down places with pseudomexican fare you're prone to find in this neighborhood, too. (El Torito sucks.) Many of us have found hole in the wall Mexican places that serve very adequate lunch fare for very reasonable prices. Of this type of restaurant several can be found near here. I've visited most of them but the Mexicatessen is the only one I visit regularly. I recommend the 'huevos rancheros'. They are SO cheap and are served with a generous serving of bacon. You'll also find all the usual fare --enchiladas, tamales, tacos-- and more substantive items as well like caldos (hearty soups loaded with veggies), mole and menudo. I don't much recommend the tacos as they come superloaded with meat, not prepared in the way I prefer. To my taste carnitas or asada need to be somewhat crispy. Whatever item you order, though, it'll be served to you really fast. If you're not put off by donut shop style booths and cheap patio furniture this is the place for you. (It helps if you're not a girl, too.) read more

Ive been coming here for years with my mom to buy tamales and also masa to make tamales and now that she has passed I carry her tradition and I still come and get my masa for my tamales. Over the years the food itself has gone down but the masa remains the same its always fresh soft and hassle free (I Get prepared). On the other note I think Asians own the place but The women at the counter (Who's Hispanic) is always so unfriendly and looks like I'm bothering her or she doesn't want to be there. Dont let the outside fool you (whole in the wall place) food ahh but MASA is on point!! No other place id rather get it from! read more

For those who want to review this place based on atmosphere/decor... don't. Yeah, they have a couple of tables, but it's obvious this is a low overhead no thrills place meant for take out. OK, I ordered the carnitas burrito lunch plate. Beans and rice were good, but nothing extraordinary. To my surprise, the burrito was only stuffed with carnitas. No beans, no onions, cilantro, etc. I guess you have to order the burritos with other stuff in them. Anyway, the quality of the pork was very good... moist and flavorful, and with added salsa, I enjoyed the burrito. Good salsa is really all you need if the pork is good. The lunch plate was only $5.99, so it was an above average value. I will be back to try the pozole I hear so much about. read more

Yes, it's a hole in the wall. Take-out is a good plan. I first started coming here for their mole. That was back around 2002-2004. They had the best mole I've had (excepting expensive white-tablecloth restaurants). Honest-go-goodness mole, from scratch. They made it as good as I could, if I wanted to spend 1/2 a day in the kitchen. I really missed this tiny joint when I moved away. Fast forward to 2014. We'd moved back to the area, but had gotten away from take out foods (i.e., my husband and I were dieting). But some days, something's just got to give. I broke down about a year ago called for take out. No more mole. Truly a bummer. I ordered the Chile Colorado and the Chile Verde instead. They were both very good. Not as good as their mole used to be. But for this level of restaurant, it's the best quality meat we've had. We hope to not eat take-out too often, for the sake of our waistlines. But when we do, it will be here. read more

I've been coming here for the past 10 years and I always get the same thing. Pozole!!! I have yet to find a better bowl of pozole than what's served here. Very hearty, pork is tender, and very filling. It maybe a little on the salty side, but to each their own. I remember trying a bean and cheese burrito back in the day and didn't fall in love w/ it but it was decent. You obviously don't come here for the atmosphere so like the other reviewer said, don't bring a date! Lol read more

Their tamales are ok. Good in a pinch but nothing like a Mexican traditional tamale. I've been eating them since I was knee high to a grasshopper. JFK was in office when I was born. read more

Best place to reserve masa for tamales and order foid to go large variety friendly staff and good food

I've read the reviews about dry tamales, I had to see for myself. indeed , it was very dry. The flavor was good,I can imagine how great these would be if these were fresh. Sooo sad there is no pride in what you serve read more

I have been coming to the wonderful place since it very first opened when I was around 10 years old or so. We lived in the housing complex behind them and used to save our allowance to buy enchiladas! Although they have changed hands, I think, a few times since the original woman opened the restaurant the recipes have always stayed the same. No better mexican food out there if you ask me! read more

My mom used to bring me here 30 years ago when I was a kid. We moved out of state and I recently stopped in to see if they still made their sweet tamales, and they do!!!! And they are as delicious as I remember. My hubby had their Posole and it was also VERY good! We will be back. read more

Horrible experience!! If I could rate them 0 stars I would. I placed an order for masa for tamales in the morning knowing they close at 2. I had my sister pick up the order and when she arrived she told them she was there to pick an order of masa for tamales in her name and they confirmed the order so she proceeded to pay. When they brought the order she saw it was actually masa for tortillas. She brought it to they're attention that the was incorrect and they started claiming we placed the wrong order so she asked for her money back but the owner came out arguing it was our fault all rude and he didn't give us the money back. SO unprofessional !! I have been coming to this place for a long time for them to do me like this! It's so disappointing. I would not recommend this place. read more

Well in the good ole town of stanton, lies this quaint mexicatessen for years just drove by,,, always wanted to try,,, always see cars parked in front,,, so off to the food,, when you crave down home bomb ass mexican food,, this is the place,,, reasonably priced,,, and hella good food havent had anything bad from the menu,,,, but this is my go to place if i am just want a quick bite,,, but always wanna order everything in the menu,,, tamales like your grandma makes it,, enchiladas,, Burritos. Tostadas,, cant het enough oi read more

Stanton Mexicatessen - Best tamales in town!!! - Mexican Near Me - Stanton, California

It's hard to say if I've experienced better or not because they were CLOSED. This Yelp page says they should be open. But they aren't and there are no operating hours posted on the building. There's a review from just a few days ago, but seriously, please update the page to match your operating hours. I was really looking forward to some homemade tortillas. read more

BEST EFFIN NACHOS EVER! Great restaurant, outstanding people, bomb food! If you never been here try the chicken nachos! Promise you, you won't be disappointed. read more

My favorite place to come for carne asada nachos! Been coming here since I've been a child. Stanton pride read more

Stanton Mexicatessen - Mexican Near Me - Stanton, California

I like the masa have been coming here since 1998. But as other reviewers have stated the owner (the asian guy... im guessing he is the owner because he acts like he is) is very rude!! his employees are fine but he is a jerk that i guess thinks he doesn't need your business and will treat you accordingly. They are not the only place that makes it so i guess its time to move on. Good luck with your business Sir. read more

So I'm thinking... tamales, fresh as in home made. Then I rememberd having seen this restaurant many times and the big sign out front reading TAMALES! So I get there and I'm reading the menu up on the wall, I'm starving and everything is sounding great. Then I notice a small sign that reads: "you can purchase fresh masa by the pound to take home and make your own tamales"! The next thing I read on the sign is, " If I happen to purchase TOO much masa I can return it"! (WHAT) Sign continues: However, you must return ANY UNUSED PORTION on the same day. Also, we ask that you please keep it refrigerated, especially on hot summer days"! OMG! And I never use OMG til today! Here's the sinereo in my head. Maria purchases 10 lbs of masa from stanton Mexicatesson on 4th of July. She sets the masa on the kitchen table as she plans to begin right away. Her husband Jose comes home after eating Pop-eyes chicken and complains of having explosive diarrhea. He tells Maria that he was in the port-o- potties all day at work and they were all out of hand sanitizer. Maria says thats ok just start helping me make tamales. After they have finished Maria realizes she has purchased 4 lbs too much and remebered reading the sign at the delicatesson that said she could return it. She ask Jose to please scoop up the remaining masa and take it back so they can use it again. Needless to say I've called the SAFE FOOD HOT LINE and reported the restaurant and their sign. I also didn't purchase any tamales and suddenly don't feel much like eating one. read more

What a nice surprise. I didn't know what to think with the name and all but had a tamale and I don't care what the olace is called....Mui delicioso! read more

I've been feeling under the weather, and really wanted some Pozole. After glancing few a few pictures, everything looked good so I called in my order. Medium Pozole with 1 of each tamale (some for lunch tomorrow). The soup was packed perfectly for taking it home (anyone that's had a bad experience knows what I'm talking about). Even if it tipped over there would be no mess in my car. Getting home and taking a look at the food, they exceeded my expectations! Pozole had huge chunks of pork (most places I go to put all fat). I broke open the beef tamale, and again. HUGE chunks of meat. Regardless of eating the rest of the tamales for lunch tomorrow. I still plan on going back for dinner to explore there menu. read more

This is my go to place to eat pozole it has it 7 days a week. Is you're looking for fancy or waiter service stay away from this little place. It appears that it has been here since the 50s perhaps. Many people that live in the area buy masa and fresh made tortillas from here. I love this old place with plastic tables and mismatched chairs out in its parking lot! Don't be surprised by the Korean owner taking your order cuz she is fully bilingual & 100% Mexicana grandma is back making the food with love! This is a manly place so if you aren't comfortable in a OG environment stay away. read more

I'm Bummed this place only has 3.5 stars and 6 reviews. I am giving them 5, not because they are Super amazing, but they are pretty pretty good! and super affordable!!! i love tamales and their tamales were 1.59 and definetly fabulous. Not too dry, not to moist, the seasoning was fabulous. For walking into a whole in the way, pretty empty, looks like it may be infested with bugs market they definetly exceeded my expectations. read more

This hidden gem of a place we happened upon during the holidays for tamales has the yummiest champurado. I love it & the sweet tamales I recommend too. read more

The best price for quality Mexican food in town is here at the Stanton Mexicatessen. Delicious frijoles, arroz,y tacos de pollo. Clean. The way it should be! Over the past decade, this place has changed management several times. Right now, it's the best! An extra courtesy they offer to every customer is a self service chips and salsa bar. After a long, busy day treating myself to a dinner to go from here was a special treat. read more

Excellent authentic Mexican food! I usually judge a Mexican food place by the quality of their chili rellenos! The ones here are excellent, but several times , they have been out of them for some reason or another , and I get really bummed out! read more

It's old inside....they have good pan n if you eat there they give fresh chips and OK salsa!

We get their quarts of taco meat and Colorado meat to go. LOVE IT!!! Perfect in spice and flavor. Totally brings your build-yourself buffet of tacos/burritos up a notch! read more

I remember going here as a little girl. They used to have a great selection of Mexican breads and pastries back in the 70 and 80. I move out of the are in the late 80's and the food was delicious. My husband and I relocated to cypress a few years ago. Our first visit since 1988 was sooooo disappointing! Change of owners, no more pastries and the food is not the same great quality. So sad to see another great business go down the drain. RIP read more

Dropped by to get some Carnitas and something for breakfast. Our breakfast burritos were really good, as were the beans. However the jalapeño and cheese tamale we got were terrible. The masa was so dry and lacking in flavor that the tamales were ruined. Since we took them home I couldn't even tell them how terrible they were. The Carnitas are very good but again not great. Will have to continue my search for the perfect Carnitas and tamales! read more

I lived around the corner back in the early 70's when they opened up, used to be a 7/11, went there every chance I got. The food was always great. I left California in 1975 and have been back every few years, always making sure that I stop by for some food, never disappointed. I am very surprised that they have stayed exactly the same over the many decades now, haven't turned it into a top end restaurant or anything like that. It is mostly take-out, but they do have a couple of tables just in case someone wants to gobble it down right then and there. read more

The food here just tastes fresher than other Mexican restraunts (with the exception f one time, I'll let it slide)an is always my choice when I'm in the area and in the mood for Mexican. Yea, the place looks kinda raggety but this is a place you go to for the food, not the ambiance. The one lady that I always see up there is always friendly and has a smile on her face and only once did I have to wait in a long line. I've only tried the burritos, but I can't imagine the quality would drop. read more

Great place for tamales. I've been going here for 21 years now. We get our tamales for Christmas here every year. The tacos are great too. My hubby loves their menudo. He swears by it. I highly recommend this place for yumminess! Your taste buds will thank you! read more

I have visited this spot many times throughout my life, when I was a girl growing up locally. I came here for tamales to serve guests for my daughter's birthday. The tamales were so bad and poorly made that my guests chose to not eat! How disappointing t7hat a local staple is making poor quality goods that were greasy, unevenly filled , mis-shapen & undersized. read more

Good prices for the portions. Great burritos and they make ok tamales. The service has always been great, and this is one of my favorite places to go for Mexican food. read more

I'm being nice, even giving 1 star, no joke. After my experience here, i felt robbed . I ordered asada tacos for the whole family, as well as asada burritos and tamales . Meat tasted disgusting and burned . Low quality fatty meat . Seriously tasted like the asada was cooked a couple days before and then refired . The masa was gross, nothing like i have ever tasted. Tamales tasted dry and not fresh . I know home cooks who cook better. The salsa tasted like ish . Honestly, if you think this place is good, you have no clue what real, authentic mexican food is !!!! None of my family liked any of the food. That's a first in my house . All food went to waste . Even after becoming heavily intoxicated, nobody touched the food . WASTE OF MONEY, SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT !! LONG WAIT !! EXPENSIVE !! NO QUALITY OR TASTE ! THE PEOPLE WHO ENJOY THIS PLACE HAVE A SOUR PALETTE . P.S. I HAVE NEVER RATED ANY ESTABLISHMENT BELOW 3 STARS ! = ) read more

This is my go-to place for masa. I used to drive into LA where my family had gotten their masa for tamales for years. But found this place when I started working in OC. Been coming here for decades and never have been disappointed. They also carry the ojas that are clean and whole, not pieces like we have found in other places. They carry a good variety of dried chiles for making sauce and like their source for ojas, is also concerned about the quality of their product. Clean, whole chilies, and right-on in their labeling of heat level. Lunches are satisfying, generous amounts, and full of flavor. They carry brands of canned goods not often seen in regular stores. read more