Jared D

Very tasty authentic Mexican food. Loved it here. Had the "original" taco, beans and rice, cheese enchilada. It was very good, I would go back again! Some negatives are: on the Sunday I went I waited about 15 minutes to sit at 1pm. Dim lighting.

Jim Sherman

I just found out this is the place that the Taco Bell guy ripped off...and I understand why he did. The shredded beef hard shell tacos are the best ever -- that shell is crunchy and just made and melts in your mouth. And I ate the breakfast burrito over three days, it was so huge. My heart goes out to the taco restaurant to the south, how do they ever stay in business?

+11

Shawn Hunter

Decades of experience making some of the best and most authentic Mexican dishes you'll ever try in a historic little restaurant in the IE. This has been on my list for awhile and man I shouldn't have waited so long. This place is straight 🔥. The staff is great, restaurant is clean and overflowing with ambience. I love when old school spots like this decorate the walls with news articles and relics from their past. It shows you that this family-owned restaurant takes pride in what they do and have made themselves a pillar of the community. Everything we ate here was great! No misses! I had the huevos rancheros with some beef soup and my wife tried the beef crunchy tacos with rice and beans and there wasn't anything left on the plates! Best heuvos rancheros I've ever had with amazingly tender and flavorful Chile Verde pork on top. The rice and beans by themselves will have you coming back. I can't rave enough about how delicious this food was. If you haven't been here and live within a half hour from it, what are you doing? This is the kind of place we will be returning to over and over until we've tried EVERYTHING. If you haven't had it yet, change that asap. Such delicious homemade food that will fill your body and soul. Can't wait to go back and try the relleno!

+6

Best beef tacos in California. I drove from San diego to try this place and was amazed. Ordered over the phone and did was ready quickly.

Best beef tacos in California. I drove from San diego to try this place and was amazed. Ordered over the phone and did was ready quickly.

Amazing authentic treat. Lived up to the legends. First hard shell tacos to Southern California.

The food here is amazing. Tried the tacos and some pozole. Both were a hit even down to how they make there shells! The pozole... TOP TIER!! service was also amazing. Highly recommend!

I love everything. Food, service, ambience. I got steak, eggs, papas and beans. The homemade tortillas are to die for. They serve both corn and flour tortillas. My husband had menudo and the tripe …

I love everything. Food, service, ambience. I got steak, eggs, papas and beans. The homemade tortillas are to die for. They serve both corn and flour tortillas. My husband had menudo and the tripe …

So We're Back Again To Mitla Cafe Before We Head Back Home 51/2 Hours Away To The City Of KING, CA. We Came Yesterday And Totally Enjoyed The atmosphere And Of Course The FOOD..!! We Actually Had T…

I love everything. Food, service, ambience. I got steak, eggs, papas and beans. The homemade tortillas are to die for. They serve both corn and flour tortillas. My husband had menudo and the tripe …

So We're Back Again To Mitla cafe Before We Head Back Home 51/2 Hours Away To The City Of KING, CA. We Came Yesterday And Totally Enjoyed The Atmosphere And Of Course The FOOD..!! We Actually Had T…

I love coming to meatless it's definitely an old school route 66 type cafe. With such decorations. The service is always top notch. Today I had the special combination burrito and french fries and …

Such an awesome breakfast! Everything was fast and service was good. drinks have free refills. The pancakes were good and my boyfriend ate the whole huevos rancheros plate - he said it was excellen…

First time eating here and the food was awesome. Even had secured parking across the street with security.\n\nRice, beans and salsa were delicious! Good experience, service was awesome, will defini…

Mitla cafe has been on our list for a very long time. Over the years we have seen celebrity chefs eat here, and review it. We have done Route 66 and never have hit the restaurant when we could st…

Mitla Cafe has been on our list for a very long time. Over the years we have seen celebrity chefs eat here, and review it. We have done Route 66 and never have hit the restaurant when we could stop…

Love the atmosphere lovely resteraunt friendly service yummy homemade tortillas great food I wanted the chicherones but they had that a certain time of the week so it’s a must I go back

Love the atmosphere lovely resteraunt friendly service yummy homemade tortillas great food I wanted the chicherones but they had that a certain time of the week so it’s a must I go back

Love the atmosphere lovely resteraunt friendly service yummy homemade tortillas great food I wanted the chicherones but they had that a certain time of the week so it’s a must I go back

Route 66 old school restaurant since 1937. Excellent food, great service and good beer selection. Margaritas are wine based.

Route 66 old school restaurant since 1937. Excellent food, great service and good beer selection. Margaritas are wine based.

Jase Caba

The food is okay. Nothing special. If you go during breakfast they serve a breakfast burrito. It's not the menu you have to ask for it. The place can get crowded at times. My advice is to go right when they open. It's quiet and empty for the first hour. The waiters are attentive.

Jose Mendoza Soto

Came here after watching a documentary on Netflix. Taco Bell's idea of crunchy taco came from this place. We ordered the combination plate which has a crunchy taco, a tostada, rice and beans. It came with a cup of soup. The soup was called cocido. The soup was great. It had a beef chunk celery, zucchini and carrots. The chips and salsa served were delicious. The ground beef taco from my order was good. Nothing special in my opinion. The tostada was good too. Nothing special in my opinion once again. I personally like the soup and chips and salsa better. I would come again.

+15

Dan Oster

Really great food. I will always recommend their ground beef tacos. Apparently they are the ones that inspired taco bell! However the service could use some improvement as it was a little slow. Thats why I am rating 4 stars. Otherwise I highly recommend Mitla Cafe.

Carolina Solis

Went on a Sunday around 11:00 am. Waited about 20 mins for a table, understandable. The chips and salsa were great. I ordered their pork fries. The flavor was meh, the fries aren’t crispy so they are really soggy. The pork sauce was red instead of green. Their hard shell tacos are really good. My son got their cheeseburger and said it was amazing, i had a bite and it was really good.

Kdub

Rendezvous Back to Route 66 Downtown San Bernardino, California Mitla Cafe was founded in 1937, has been family-owned and operated for four generations, maintaining its legacy Mitla Cafe remains a constant, community staple on the Westside of San Bernardino, serving celebrities, local dignitaries, politicians, and people from all walks of life. Inspired Taco Bell founder Glen Bell who was a regular customer at Mitla Cafe and learned techniques for making hard-shell tacos there, which directly influenced his fast-food chain.

+1

Jon Giesel

Mitla Cafe is a wonderful historic spot and our first visit was memorable. The location has plenty of parking—we used their lot across the street. While the neighborhood is a bit rough and finding the entrance was a little tricky due to the fencing and solid door, the classic vibe once inside was fantastic. Walking through the bar to enter added to the charm. The food was delicious with authentic flavors. I had the chile relleno, shredded beef enchilada, and taco, while my wife enjoyed the taco with beans and rice. Everything was flavorful, though the chips were a bit oily. Portions were generous, and while prices are slightly high for traditional Mexicali fare, the quality and experience make up for it. Service was excellent—attentive and friendly. The bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus. Overall, a great experience

Tawny V

If you know the story about Glen Bell (Original owner of Taco Bell) then you know Mitla Café… the same café that inspired this dude to create his own crunchy shelled tacos! Since I was in the area for a show, you know I had to check them out! Didn’t find out till later but they actually have their own parking lot (100 ft on the left behind the restaurant) , there was parking in the front but people drive sooo close to the car you have to wait to get out. As soon as you walk in it’s like a mini diner with barstools and to the right is the dining area. This place really felt cozy and was already decked out in Christmas decorations. The chips and salsa were good, Ordered the special combination plate – salad, rice, beans, chili con carne, taco, enchilada, and chile relleno. Taco ala carte – shredded beef. Shared all this with my partner, it was more than enough, we even had left overs! Let’s talk about the food. Stoooooop, dressing the salad ahead of time, it wilts and taste’s terrible, everything else was bomb! Yes Yes Tacos crunchy and delish, enchilada typical, Chile relleno, big portion, rice and beans good!

+10

Overall great experience. Yummy chips and salsa with iced cold beets. Taco Tuesday so enjoyed some tacos and beer. Also tried the shrimp cóctel. It was delicious!

Overall great experience. Yummy chips and salsa with iced cold beets. taco Tuesday so enjoyed some tacos and beer. Also tried the shrimp cóctel. It was delicious!

Overall great experience. Yummy chips and salsa with iced cold beets. taco Tuesday so enjoyed some tacos and beer. Also tried the shrimp cóctel. It was delicious!

Overall great experience. Yummy chips and salsa with iced cold beets. Taco Tuesday so enjoyed some tacos and beer. Also tried the shrimp cóctel. It was delicious!

Purchased menudo which had good flavor but was disappointed they do not sell it with pata

I've heard so much about this place over the years and I finally got out there today. I don't think I've ever been more disappointed. The food was just ok, but the service was terrible. At least I …

Service was awesome, ambiance was nice, food portions and taste could be improved compared to other restaurants

We chose to get our family dinner from this resturant after seeing a program last night regarding its history and the food.\n\nWe ordered 12 beef tacos, a tray of rice and beans. \n\nThe rice and …

I love the atmosphere and authentic Mexican food never disappointed great food friendly service drinks no drinks whatever your preference, family friendly

Very friendly service. Route 66 Traditional Mexican Restaurant. Not the very best Mexican food I've ever had but they make up for it in ambiance, service , decor and reasonable pricing. It looked…

Very friendly service. Route 66 Traditional mexican restaurant. Not the very best mexican food I've ever had but they make up for it in ambiance, service , decor and reasonable pricing. It looked…

Very friendly service. Route 66 Traditional Mexican Restaurant. Not the very best Mexican food I've ever had but they make up for it in ambiance, service , decor and reasonable pricing. It looked lik…

Very friendly service. Route 66 Traditional Mexican Restaurant. Not the very best Mexican food I've ever had but they make up for it in ambiance, service , decor and reasonable pricing. It looked l…

Very friendly service. Route 66 Traditional mexican restaurant. Not the very best mexican food I've ever had but they make up for it in ambiance, service , decor and reasonable pricing. It look…

If you know the story about Glen Bell (Original owner of taco Bell) then you know Mitla Café… the same café that inspired this dude to create his own crunchy shelled tacos! Since I was in the are…

If you know the story about Glen Bell (Original owner of Taco Bell) then you know Mitla Café… the same café that inspired this dude to create his own crunchy shelled tacos! Since I was in the area fo…

Hometown family restaurant. Good atmosphere, very clean, and followed guidelines put out by CDC. Our waitress Aranxa was very friendly and attentive, we came to try the original taco that inspired …

Hometown family restaurant. Good atmosphere, very clean, and followed guidelines put out by CDC. Our waitress Aranxa was very friendly and attentive, we came to try the original taco that inspired …

Ratchamroen Kheng

The famous Mitla Mexican restaurant. Food was ok. Ordered the steak and eggs was expecting a FDA grass fed ribeye 12oz but got hit with a carne asada flap was little disappointed but it was decent. The bean was good. Combination plate is serve with no bean and rice was a surprised to me,then it shouldn't be a combination correct? I just feel certain things and expect high expectation for a place everyone talks so highly bout and got hit with a eh. It is what it is.

Carla Harris

Immediately walking in me and my husband were greeted by not only staff but also customers too, which I always love. Let's me know the atmosphere and customer service is great. We were seated right away and the decorations of the restaurant were magnificent, it was cozy and I believe the the benches were hand painted, they were beautiful. The guy that took our order had nothing but his memory (no pen or pad) to take down our order. He took the order, which was combination plate w/ 1 ground beef taco, 1 chile rellano, rice, beans and soup or salad (I ordered Albondigas soup), and a steak and eggs breakfast with homemade fries and beans (but my husband substituted beans for rice) and 1 Churro, which the guy asked if I wanted it to go or when the food came, I requested the Churro with the food, so he then went to go put it in. He came right back and asked what was the other item I asked for on the combination plate (chile rellano) and went to go put in the order again at that time. While waiting for the food, they brought freshly made tortilla chips and salsa. The food came out in a timely manner. The ground beef tacos had no seasoning, chilie rellano was very soggy, the crust on the outside and the chile on the inside, the homemade fries was great and the steak was juicy and cooked to perfection. After finishing my food I then realized I was missing my soup that came with the combination plate that I ordered with the gentleman that had the good memory. They brought it to go instead since I was leaving, not sure if I only received 1 meatball in my Albondigas cause I HAD to get it to go, or if that's how it would've came if I got it served at the table also. We finished up and asked for the bill, the lady let us know she would take our card to pay the bill. I had no understanding on why they would just bring the bill so we could see it, but I trusted them, my total was $50 and some change. Upon leaving and making it home, I noticed I never received my Churro that I also ordered with the guy that had the good memory. Overall the customer service was still great, before leaving me and one of the other waitresses exchange some good cooking tips and secrets because the beans (I dislike beans, but I will try them) was a 10/10 I'll go back just for the beans, I thought I was eating meat 🤤. Will be back again for the beans and customer service, 5/10.

+2

Tom Bowlby

My GF knew of this place as it was what inspired Taco Bell.. or should I say 'Bell's drive in and Taco Tia' It's definitely historic, but the food isn't that good and it's sad, it could be so good. It seems the employees are about in the same place as the food.. just there for the paycheck.. Sorry to say this, but with all the history I'd think the place would be a bit more of anything.. but it was just kind of blah..

+5

Favorite Things

Terribly disappointed! Had to come for the history, but just because you're the first to do it, doesn't mean you're the best. Probably would have gotten more flavor from eating the menu then the food. Took quite a while to take our small order in a good sized restaurant with only five other tables filled. Then all the food was so bland, even the rice and beans I tried pouring salsa on everything to add flavor, but that didn't help too much. If you're driving from LA, save yourself the trip and don't come here

I have been eating at Mitlas cafe for over 60 years. Today and my most recent visits have been a big disappointment. The food used to have a consistently great taste. That is not the case anymore. …

Today is my birthday and I love coming to mitlas so I came for lunch today , an food was great but the service was trash our meal got messed up then we didn’t get refills when I asked for one the server brought me something I wasn’t even drinking . Then I had to ask a whole different waiter for to go boxes because I didn’t see our server at all then we asked if we could have To go drinks and they said yes and never came back out with them. Then we see our server and ask for the check and he says ok he then proceeds to go behind the register and wave the receipt in the air at us instead of bringing it to the table like he did for everyone else . Food is great atmosphere great but today service was trash seems like all the good restaurants service is all going down hill. Sucky way to start off my birthday .

I was disappointed with the hard shell shredded beef combination plate. The meat was old and over fried. The service was not good either. One of the waitresses seen me multiple times when she would pass me by waiting and didn’t bother to check on me if I needed anything. I finally got up after about 10 minutes of waiting and went to the front to pay my bill. . (2) hard shell shredded beef tacos with beans and rice not worth the $23 plate. Straight up disappointed with the meal and the price was not worth it. I highly recommend Tolteca Mexican restaurant in Azusa for shredded beef hard shell tacos.