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    El Grullense

    4.1 (180 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Grullense Takeout or Delivery

    El Grullense Photos

    EL GRULLENSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Grullense

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    Melissa G.

    While I was out of town, I stumbled across this taco spot tucked away along a strip of stores--and let me tell you, it's easily in my top three taco places ever. It might look unassuming from the outside, but the flavor and quality speak for themselves. The tacos are made fresh to order, come out fast, and are absolutely packed with flavor. Each one had just the right balance of meat, seasoning, and salsa (which they already add on for you). What really impressed me was how generous they are with toppings--they give you plenty of extras on the side without even having to ask. The dine-in area is cozy but spacious enough, with around nine tables and two bathrooms available for guests. Parking isn't an issue either, since the strip has spots on both sides of the road. While I ate in, I noticed a steady stream of people coming in for takeout, and everything ran super smoothly--fast, efficient, and friendly service. They also have a nice variety of drinks. I only tried the Jamaica and Horchata this time, and both were on point--refreshing and well-balanced, not too sweet. If you're in the area, don't skip this place. It's the kind of lowkey gem that serves up top-tier tacos with no fuss, just flavor.

    Best Quesabirria ever
    Cameron S.

    The BEST Quesabirria I've ever had!! The second best was also from here lol. The consomé and the tenderness of the meat.....are PERFECT!!! The crunchiness of that corn tortilla, single layer,, the best I've ever had! I literally drank the broth. Can't go wrong with anything from this place!

    If you're looking for Carne Asada burrito this ain't the place. They got that ground beef looking stuff NOT the juicy cut up steak meat. Rice was super hard and dry tasted old. Just a warning. Been here 2x now. Same heartbreak.

    Inside
    Lu L.

    We have come here a few times and have always thought the food was great. This time it wasn't as flavorful as we had remembered. We always order burritos & they have always been delicous. Maybe the cook was having an off day We will give it another go next time we head that way.

    Asada burrito!! So special
    Lisa N.

    This is the second time we tried this amazing restaurant. Fresh, tasty, spicy, plentiful and delicious!! I have been trying burritos for years. El Grullense? Thank you!! The second my Son hit the restaurant? He was greeted with thankfulness and appreciation. He was welcomed. I appreciate that!! Thank you!! The ingredients in my asada burrito? Over abundance of asada, whole beans (cooked perfectly) and rice with flavorful hot sauce!! My heart is so happy!! My belly is full. My tastebuds are screaming more, more, more!! My Son had asada tacos with asada fries. I was too late for that picture. I have half of my burrito left for the morning. I have tried several different restaurants here in Lodi. For me? El Grullense is my preferred choice. I was also given condiments. Lemon, radishes and jalapenos. Love this!! Thank you again for this amazing food!! We will definitely be back

    Al pastor Burrito Supreme
    Saketh A.

    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I loved the Al pastor supreme burrito. So juicy and flavorful. It's pretty big so it's perfect to chow down and knock out into a nice nap. The place has sauces and toppings that are and for you to load up on your burrito for in house or take out. Staff or friendly as usual. Parking free nearby.

    Cheesy Asada Fries
    Eme E.

    I ordered food to go over the phone the gentleman that took my order was had good customer service. The place is small and had quick service took about 15 mins for my food and it was ready at pickup and food was still hot. Ordered asada fries although it didn't have nacho cheese it was still really good. The asada meat is marinated so well. And it was good portion. On Wednesday they have asada fries special with a free soda or water. I ordered a plain taco and side of rice and the rice alone did not taste that good. But definitely worth a try.

    BEST TACOS IN TOWN!!!! Been coming here for a decade! Always so delicious and authentic!

    Mohmeet C.

    Being from the east coast, we don't have any great Mexican food that can compare to this place, but I was seriously blown away. The breakfast burrito was so good, see my breakdown below: Ambiance: 4/5 - I liked their decor, but not a ton of seating here. It wasn't a busy time when i went so we were able to sit down and enjoy. Price: 5/5- Everything on their menu is reasonably priced and comparable to chipotle in terms of pricing. For the portions and quality, I'm definitely coming here over Chipotle. Food: 5/5 - The breakfast burrito was AMAZING. It was so flavorful and the best word I have to describe it is balanced. Nothing overtook anything else and the spice level was awesome for a burrito. The meat and the rice balanced each other out very well and this is now my go to when I come to Cali. Service: 5/5 - always love coming here as they are super friendly and very understanding.

    Menu 03/21
    Jon G.

    I don't know why this place gets so many positive reviews. Aside from friendly service and quick turnaround, the food itself is really low quality. I came here a while ago to try them out. Got a chicken super burrito. Like most places in Lodi, the chicken was the usual "pink" chicken, meaning low quality cuts, chopped up and set to simmer in a marinade in a steam tray. Super low quality. But it was a huge burrito, so maybe people care more about the size than they do about what they put in their body. The beans are whole beans, no refried beans. Their salsa roja is only available if they apply it, or you can ask for some to take home, but it isn't at the salsa bar. It's more like a hot sauce than a salsa though. I decided to come back and try something else. Everyone says their Asada fries are the best in town, so I tried them. The fries were skinny and dry, and seasoned with a chili powder and lots of salt, and the Asada is not cut up steak, it's that dry, over cooked, over seasoned stuff that most other places around here have. I have yet to see anywhere in town that serves read carne Asada or chicken that isn't basically dog food. I want to support the small businesses but until their quality gets up to edible, I'll have to pass.

    Menu as of 06/29/24

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    6 months ago

    Been eating here for decades. Glad they are back on top. The small space inside makes you eat quick and bounce. Nice folks at the counter.

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    9 months ago

    This spot has some great tacos. The service was quick as well. If you're in Lodi and want a low key spot for some great tacos, this is it.

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    10 months ago

    Best carne Asada burritos, and asada fries! They give very large portions , and Everybody's so nice and welcoming when we walk in!

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    Quick stop for lunch. Friendly and the proce was great. Perfect spot downtown if you wanna eat and then see a movie.

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    2 years ago

    Gross carne asada tacos meat was old do not go! Drove from sacramento to lodi but dont let reviews trick you.

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    2 years ago

    best carnita corn tacos in 50 states. We stop here as much as we can. They catered our party at our apt building as well. Love it!

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    1 year ago

    Great tacos and burritos. Service quick. Reasonably priced. Closed on Sundays. Some inside seating. Great for take out

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    3 years ago

    Best burritos and tacos in town. They have it all. Al pastor, asada, birria, pollo, everything. No cash on you? You can pay with your card.

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    4 years ago

    Really great tacos and friendly service.. love their pricing on there taco day yum yum yum

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - El Grullense

    Yelp states vegan options available, however my past experience there was none, has this changed?

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    La Mexicana Restaurant Y Birrieria

    La Mexicana Restaurant Y Birrieria

    4.5
    (78 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I'll get right to it... This place is great! However, if…read moreyou're a bit of a food snob - maybe a little particular (like I am...), you might not think so when you first walk in. I had hesitations. It was pretty empty, all eyes on sports, no one greeted me for a while, the table needed a dust-off. I had expectations - like that the vegetarian burrito should have vegetables (this one is just rice, beans, onion and cilantro...). I thought that maybe since they have shrimp and enchiladas, that they would make a shrimp enchilada - they won't. The have beer, no wine, no margs. I was a hungry pescatarian, getting more anxious - but I stuck to the plan, and I'm glad I did. What I didn't understand was the authenticity. The rest doesn't matter. Yes, I was having a minor melt-down, so I kept things basic. Just cheese enchiladas. I was resolved to be disappointed. I was NOT. The enchiladas were EPIC. I asked for more sauce because I wanted to take a bath in it. I usually skip rice, I ate it all - so much flavor. The beans too - too delicious to be vegetarian - so I didn't ask, and I'll never regret. This place is legit - and I am sorry I ever doubted. I also tried my companions chile relleno, which I usually don't care for - and I LOVED IT. My other companion had carne asada, which I did not sample - but he said it was delightful. Yeah, I've got some LA attitude from time to time, but this place beats most of my LA haunts on flavor. So stick to the basics, don't be a snob, and you'll be in for a real treat.

    We have eaten here for breakfast, lunch and dinner , they were all really good , big parking lot ,…read moreplenty of seats, chips and salsa are delicious and fresh , the food is fresh and flavorful The music that plays in the background is authentic, the staff is friendly the food is fresh ! Recommend

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Flour tortilla
    Flour tortilla
    Outside

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    Outside
    Tequileros Cantina

    Tequileros Cantina

    4.0
    (206 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    I believe this restaurant deserves 5 stars instead of the 4 stars it currently has on Yelp--but you…read morecan decide for yourself. On our first visit today, we tried four different drinks and four menu items, and every single one was a work of art for both the eyes and the palate. The Shrimp Ceviche appetizer was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, especially paired with the Mexico Lindo - Salsa Pan Negro sauce. The Aguachile Negro was incredible--a beautiful presentation worthy of butterflies, featuring fresh shrimp in a perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet black sauce. And let's not overlook the fish tacos--crispy fried fish topped with slaw, but it was the sauce that truly took them to another level. Each dish was unique in its own way, yet equally delicious. The drinks were just as impressive. The Entre Espinos was refreshing, blending cool lime with the subtle heat of jalapeño and agave. The Tequillero Mucho tasted like a berry mojito, the Mango Tequila Shot was fantastic, and you can never go wrong with a classic shot of Tres Generaciones. This was an outstanding first visit, and we'll definitely be back!

    Service and location was great. My family ate here for dinner. Out of four of us, my son got food…read morepoisoning after eating the Carne Asada Super Burrito. It took him 3 days to recover from his symptons. Guess we are not chancing it anymore with any of the Tequileros restaurants (Tequileros Cantina and Tequileros Taqueria).

    Photos
    Hanging with my primos and primas at the best Cantina within miles!!!
    Hanging with my primos and primas at the best Cantina within miles!!!
    Al Pastor super burrito
    Al Pastor super burrito
    Mango slushie margarita and regular slushie margarita

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    Mango slushie margarita and regular slushie margarita
    Las Islitas Lodi

    Las Islitas Lodi

    4.0
    (274 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    This is such a good place for mariscos/ seafood, specially during the summer when the temperature…read morecan get real high in the 209 area. Food: they have a vast variety of seafood plates and options. The mariscos/seafood tastes fresh and they are open to work with you for special request on your plate of choice. Location: there is plenty of parking space. The place is kind of small in my opinion, it get crowded over the weekend. My recommendation is for you to get there early. Ambiance: the music was loud, therefor be aware of possible complications to have a nice conversation without feeling that you gotta turn up your voice volume. The place could benefit from a little extra cleanliness, I understand it's a seafood place although it does give a sense of needing extra cleanliness. Team/staff: they are were attentive and ready to assist when needed. We had a little complication since two of our family members did not get their place fast, three of us had our plate ready and the other 2 waited a good 10 extra minutes. Maybe more organization over how to distribute table tables as a group. Nice experience and they also have alcoholic drinks which seem tasty and fresh. Their aguas frescas were delicious and super refreshing. Highly recommend visiting them ASAP! :)

    Recently visited with 4 other family members. It was PACKED! When we arrived I asked if there was…read moreanything available and they offered a booth. The lady that assisted me seemed hesitant to offer me the booth but we didn't want to wait too long and we were able to squeeze ourselves in the booth. I had the ceviche (cazuela). It tasted good but not as good as the ceviche they give you when you arrive so you can snack while you wait for your food. My family members had clams, momias, aguachile, and fajitas. They said their food was fine. Surprisingly, out of all the meals we ordered the ceviches took the longest to get to us. We were seated when the soccer game started and my mom and I got our ceviches close to the halftime, that would be about 40 minutes waiting. The reason I'm giving 3 stars is because of the time it took to get the food. Plus, when my dad tried to ask one of the waitresses for assistance she pretty much ignored him. I dont come here very often because it is far for me. Despite the time it took to get our food I would still visit if im in the area again. Just need to make sure it is not on a holiday.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Special fajita with chicken, shrimp and steak. So huge!! Very good
    Special fajita with chicken, shrimp and steak. So huge!! Very good
    Las Islitas Lodi

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    Carnitas El Rincón

    Carnitas El Rincón

    3.9
    (27 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Came to lunch in Lodi and first time trying this location. We got the Combo #4, 2poujds of…read morecarnitas, 16oz beans, 16oz rice , 4 drinks for $40.00. Also got 4 quesabirria tacos. It was really good and a clean location with friendly staff.

    I went in here for the first time, for lunch. Service was efficient and rapid. I've recently gone…read moreto various places to order tacos. A new one selected each time. This place did not disappoint. They serve mainly pork for meat options, different types of prepared pork and chicken is available. No pastor to be had. Sadly, no beef or Steak/Carne Asada either. They do pork very well, it was delicious. I ordered a super taco with Carnitas on it and a regular/street taco with chicken. They do not skimp on the meat portions. The actual Carnitas (shredded pork) on the super taco was grade A. Was not greasy, stringy, or crispy. It was tender and tasty. I could tell it was freshly made. They have three different sauce to choose from and all are above average. I got the green avocado salsa. This restaurant is sizable, and has a large seating area with a lot of chairs. There is a bar in the corner too, but nobody was sitting there at all. I'm thinking the crowds are packed in at nighttime here. The customer service was swell. Nothing negative to speak of. I want to give this place five stars, because I really did like the food. I won't do so because on a hot day, some ice in my drink was necessary. The fountain soda machine was not dispensing ice cubes. Nonfunctional. Not okay. Everything else was practically fine though. The price points are not low. Spendy menu items across the board. The store was very clean, with an atmosphere more welcoming than not. I'd return for more.

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Carnitas tacos and a cold IPA
    Carnitas tacos and a cold IPA
    Seating

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    Seating

    El Grullense - mexican - Updated July 2026

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