El Puerto Mexican & Seafood

Amazing service, delicious birria taco plate and burrito. Highly recommend! Will try their weekend Breakfast Buffet next.

Ma n pop restaurant. Seats twenty people, maybe. Place was clean, friendly. I had the shrimp quesadia. It was really good and I think the ice cream was home made. We'll be stopping again!

We love coming here for tacos and just found out they’re open for breakfast! The owner is so nice and the food is so fresh and delicious. Had a great breakfast burrito and bowl.

Great little Mexican restaurant next to my favorite Laundromat. Good shrimp cocktail. Excellent burritos. Inside is exactly what you would expect from a smaller restaurant. Soccer on the Television. I hear they open the parking lot up for 2 dollar tacos some nights and serve beer until the early morning hours. Excellent food for fair prices.

Very fresh tasting! Guacamole on top of taquitos was abundant. Light, fresh shredded lettuce (usually I don't like that, but not here... delicious) topped with tomatoes too. Tortilla not greasy at all tastes home made. Even the soda I bought tasted better than my recent out and about, experiences. It was perfect combo of sweet and bubbly. Soda didn't turn flat, yummy! I would recommend this place. Owner, the guy, is very friendly

Ronn Memel

Very fresh tasting! Guacamole on top of taquitos was abundant. Light, fresh shredded lettuce (usually I don't like that, but not here... delicious) topped with tomatoes too. Tortilla not greasy at all tastes home made. Even the soda I bought tasted better than my recent out and about, experiences. It was perfect combo of sweet and bubbly. Soda didn't turn flat, yummy! I would recommend this place. Owner, the guy, is very friendly

Ted Nelson

Great little Mexican restaurant next to my favorite Laundromat. Good shrimp cocktail. Excellent burritos. Inside is exactly what you would expect from a smaller restaurant. Soccer on the Television. I hear they open the parking lot up for 2 dollar tacos some nights and serve beer until the early morning hours. Excellent food for fair prices.

My first time coming in and I had ordered to go 15 mins before closing. I ordered Calde de Res. It was pretty good. I was use to having corn on the cob inside but every restaurant makes theirs different. The only thing that I was not okay with is their advertisement online for pricing is really off.

I am in love with their Serrano Chile sauce. Omg. The shrimp, carne asada, and carnitas tacos were good, basic tacos. I prefer corn tortillas that are a bit fresher. The rolled tacos were good, but I’d ask for extra guac and cheese on them. Not much comes with it. But that Serrano sauce is the BEST.

Plentiful Mexican bites abound, including carne asada fries, menudo, and drinks like micheladas and horchata. There’s a small parking lot, credit cards are accepted, and they have indoor dining (not outdoor options) as well as takeout available during covid. Came here on a Sunday around 1pm and there was no wait. Some people did come in and out for takeout orders, but as a whole, the place was pretty relaxed. There’s a bathroom but it’s only available to wash your hands. There’s also a large screen TV that was playing soccer in the background. Food-wise, the carne asada fries were a bit smaller than I expected, but still good for two people to split. They put a lot of sour cream on it as an FYI. I’d recommend putting the green salsa provided for more flavor/spice. The burritos come with rice and beans, and I did like the adobada meat (the red salsa goes well with this one). Keep in mind the red salsa is also the spicier salsa, for those who are a bit more sensitive to eat. For the menudo, you have the option for corn or flour tortillas, and it’s a good serving size for the soup.

Great first time experience, shrimp had no flavor, ranchero plate was little watery. will try them again

Pretty Good food. The street tacos on Friday and Saturday nights are really good but do not order and sit down...wait for your tacos or they will take forever.

Shanelle S

Plentiful Mexican bites abound, including carne asada fries, menudo, and drinks like micheladas and horchata. There’s a small parking lot, credit cards are accepted, and they have indoor dining (not outdoor options) as well as takeout available during covid. Came here on a Sunday around 1pm and there was no wait. Some people did come in and out for takeout orders, but as a whole, the place was pretty relaxed. There’s a bathroom but it’s only available to wash your hands. There’s also a large screen TV that was playing soccer in the background. Food-wise, the carne asada fries were a bit smaller than I expected, but still good for two people to split. They put a lot of sour cream on it as an FYI. I’d recommend putting the green salsa provided for more flavor/spice. The burritos come with rice and beans, and I did like the adobada meat (the red salsa goes well with this one). Keep in mind the red salsa is also the spicier salsa, for those who are a bit more sensitive to eat. For the menudo, you have the option for corn or flour tortillas, and it’s a good serving size for the soup.

Repsol Singh

Great first time experience, shrimp had no flavor, ranchero plate was little watery. will try them again

Nia Figueroa

Pretty Good food. The street tacos on Friday and Saturday nights are really good but do not order and sit down...wait for your tacos or they will take forever.

Their tacos are so good! I was here for the weekend and the sign said sustainable seafood or something and I was coming home from the bar and they were still open (till 11p) and I couldn't not stop. So I had a fried plantain and tofu taco and they were incredible. And then I went the next day and had garlic shrimp and wild mushrooms taco. They're so full of flavor! So perfectly done. Recommend.

Carol Aldrich

Their tacos are so good! I was here for the weekend and the sign said sustainable seafood or something and I was coming home from the bar and they were still open (till 11p) and I couldn't not stop. So I had a fried plantain and tofu taco and they were incredible. And then I went the next day and had garlic shrimp and wild mushrooms taco. They're so full of flavor! So perfectly done. Recommend.

Food was good (does not look like the photo). Came out fast. Small place, clean but nothing special. Good selection of foods. Carne asada was not the flavor im used too, but good none the less. Not quite a 4...3.5

The food is just ok. The staff was very nice and the restaurant was fairly clean. I ordered a mixed tostada and the filet of fish with garlic. The tostada was flavorless and the fish was LOADED with garlic (which I LOVED) but it lacked flavor also. The beans and rice were blah. Adding some lime and salt helped A LOT. I don't think I'd return.

They serve good simple food for a very decent price. I had a couple carnita tacos that I wish I could purchase again anywhere. My sons chicken quesadilla was excellent also. The decor was pretty much old guys watching TV, or a young guy watching his smart phone phone while waiting for take out.

I ordered huevos rancheros. I was not asked how I wanted my eggs and they came sunny-side up and the yolk was not warm. The topping was slightly spicy and good. Beans were delicious. The tortilla under the egg fried so hard I couldn't cut it. The service was efficient and cold in attitude and delivery. The restaurant did not look very clean and the floor could use could us a good strong brush wash with an industrial cleaning solution and/or to be redone and dirt was piled up in the corners from mopping over the years. The soups looked good, but I didn't have one. I am thinking that the meat they use would probably be of very low quality so I won't be trying and I won't be back.

I come here often for breakfast and sometimes lunch, or for their Friday street tacos. The food is pretty good, especially on Fri and Sat, where they hand make the tortillas to order. The only struggle I have here is no one ever seems happy. Every time I come in, the ladies who have taken my orders, never smile, never seem as if they want to be there, and don't seem like they want to help me out when I walk in, as if I am a burden interrupting their day. The thing is each time I'm there, there is either no one there, or just one other person there. It is never busy when I'm there, thus, no reason why I should be made to feel as if I am over working them or a burden. I hope someday to see a smile, or to be greeted as if they want me there, cause I do think the food is spot on!

James Timony

I come here often for breakfast and sometimes lunch, or for their Friday street tacos. The food is pretty good, especially on Fri and Sat, where they hand make the tortillas to order. The only struggle I have here is no one ever seems happy. Every time I come in, the ladies who have taken my orders, never smile, never seem as if they want to be there, and don't seem like they want to help me out when I walk in, as if I am a burden interrupting their day. The thing is each time I'm there, there is either no one there, or just one other person there. It is never busy when I'm there, thus, no reason why I should be made to feel as if I am over working them or a burden. I hope someday to see a smile, or to be greeted as if they want me there, cause I do think the food is spot on!

Pamela Martin

I ordered huevos rancheros. I was not asked how I wanted my eggs and they came sunny-side up and the yolk was not warm. The topping was slightly spicy and good. Beans were delicious. The tortilla under the egg fried so hard I couldn't cut it. The service was efficient and cold in attitude and delivery. The restaurant did not look very clean and the floor could use could us a good strong brush wash with an industrial cleaning solution and/or to be redone and dirt was piled up in the corners from mopping over the years. The soups looked good, but I didn't have one. I am thinking that the meat they use would probably be of very low quality so I won't be trying and I won't be back.

Food was decent, not phenomenal. Horrible customer service! Also, the restaurant has no A/C, and it’s dirty and dark. Lourdes across the street is better all around. Plus, you won’t get E.Coli from eating their food.

Extremely Disappointing Catering Experience I've been a loyal customer of this place for over 8 years, primarily for their delicious street tacos. So, when my husband and I decided to use their catering service for our baby shower, we were genuinely excited. We live just 5 minutes away, and the idea of having their taco tent at our event seemed like so much fun - a way to show our appreciation to our guests. However, our excitement turned into absolute disappointment and devastation. Despite confirming the catering arrangements both in person and via text messages, they failed to show up at our baby shower. To make matters worse, I was 8 months pregnant, and we had relied entirely on them for the food, leaving us with nothing prepared. What was even more disheartening was their complete lack of responsibility. When we reached out to them for a solution or any form of resolution, they offered nothing. The person we spoke to suggested we leave our own baby shower to pick up tacos as takeout! It took them 30 minutes to even propose this, with no offer of an extra discount, delivery, or any effort to make amends. The situation was incredibly embarrassing, especially because we had stated on the invitations that the event would feature "El Puerto Taco Tent: Unlimited Tacos - Come Hungry." This experience has left a sour taste, and we have decided never to rely on them for catering services again. Furthermore, my husband, who often uses their services for work events, has also decided to take his business elsewhere. I genuinely regret having to leave such a negative review for a small business, but the complete lack of effort to rectify the situation left me with no choice. I hope this review serves as a warning to others. No one should have to go through such an unfortunate experience, and I hope the business takes this as an opportunity to improve their customer service. After taking an hour and a half away from my baby shower to make other arrangements LOURDES off Carlsbad village drive pulled through and was able to make excellent food for everyone within an hour. I will be forever grateful!!

The shredded beef tacos were ok. The crunchy taco shell was very good, not over cooked or greasy, unfortunately the shredded beef was very dry and tough. The salso they delivered to table was old, did not taste good and smelled sour.

I had lunch at the Windmill Food Hall location. I ordered the Carne Asada burrito, and it was really bad. I am not sure there was any meat in it. The carne asada burrito was all pico de gallo and BEANS. I took a few bites and tossed it. The watermelon agua fresca was really good though.

Had lunch here over the weekend. The most mediocre tacos ever. I heard the shrimp was good though. They charged over $5 per taco and don't make there own tortilla. After a few bites it was dry and bland. the cashier was arguing with customers in front of me. This review is not to discourage but to motivation owners to do better.

pat wilson

The shredded beef tacos were ok. The crunchy taco shell was very good, not over cooked or greasy, unfortunately the shredded beef was very dry and tough. The salso they delivered to table was old, did not taste good and smelled sour.

A Riingen

I had lunch at the Windmill Food Hall location. I ordered the Carne Asada burrito, and it was really bad. I am not sure there was any meat in it. The carne asada burrito was all pico de gallo and BEANS. I took a few bites and tossed it. The watermelon agua fresca was really good though.

Alfredo Silva

Had lunch here over the weekend. The most mediocre tacos ever. I heard the shrimp was good though. They charged over $5 per taco and don't make there own tortilla. After a few bites it was dry and bland. the cashier was arguing with customers in front of me. This review is not to discourage but to motivation owners to do better.

Eugene Ramey

Food was decent, not phenomenal. Horrible customer service! Also, the restaurant has no A/C, and it’s dirty and dark. Lourdes across the street is better all around. Plus, you won’t get E.Coli from eating their food.

Aly Richards

Extremely Disappointing Catering Experience I've been a loyal customer of this place for over 8 years, primarily for their delicious street tacos. So, when my husband and I decided to use their catering service for our baby shower, we were genuinely excited. We live just 5 minutes away, and the idea of having their taco tent at our event seemed like so much fun - a way to show our appreciation to our guests. However, our excitement turned into absolute disappointment and devastation. Despite confirming the catering arrangements both in person and via text messages, they failed to show up at our baby shower. To make matters worse, I was 8 months pregnant, and we had relied entirely on them for the food, leaving us with nothing prepared. What was even more disheartening was their complete lack of responsibility. When we reached out to them for a solution or any form of resolution, they offered nothing. The person we spoke to suggested we leave our own baby shower to pick up tacos as takeout! It took them 30 minutes to even propose this, with no offer of an extra discount, delivery, or any effort to make amends. The situation was incredibly embarrassing, especially because we had stated on the invitations that the event would feature "El Puerto Taco Tent: Unlimited Tacos - Come Hungry." This experience has left a sour taste, and we have decided never to rely on them for catering services again. Furthermore, my husband, who often uses their services for work events, has also decided to take his business elsewhere. I genuinely regret having to leave such a negative review for a small business, but the complete lack of effort to rectify the situation left me with no choice. I hope this review serves as a warning to others. No one should have to go through such an unfortunate experience, and I hope the business takes this as an opportunity to improve their customer service. After taking an hour and a half away from my baby shower to make other arrangements LOURDES off Carlsbad village drive pulled through and was able to make excellent food for everyone within an hour. I will be forever grateful!!

Cheese enchiladas. There burnt. Took only one bite can't eat more. Rice are cold and taste really old. Beans cold taste like there turning already.. I didn't even ask for my money back. I'll just won't come back

The chicken is nearly all bones and carcass. Nearly gagged seeing it. Dry and flavorless. I don't know how my family thinks it's amazing. I'll stick to cooking it myself....

They sure know how to steal money, ordered pozole and it came with no pozole, ordered tortas but they didnt have it so they substituted, no flan after ordering and then coming to the store and person multiple times, truly just a waste of money

This places is HORRIBLE!! Please don’t waste your money, I order camarones ala diabla and right away I knew it was just Tapatio sauce 🤮. The place it’s so dirty and customer service is bad too.

Recently Ive been coming to eat here with no issues , but just today I received a fish burrito with spoiled rotten fish , it smelled and tasted awful. I had evidence to show the restaurant but refused to accept. It took me one hour and thirty minutes to get my money back. they couldn't accept that my food came contaminated so they fought to keep their money. The point is that my food was contaminated , and therefore a restaurant should be able to give back a full refund no matter how much you ate from the meal or dinner.🤮🤮🤮

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!! I do not recommend this place at ALL!!! I ordered a breakfast burrito and they made a mistake on my order. After arriving home, I called them immediately and made them aware of it. They told me I would get a refund for the mistake. When I went back to get my refund, they said they could not do it, or make me a new burrito which is the right thing to do. Instead, the cook started arguing and started screaming that he did not make a mistake on my burrito. He left to the back of the kitchen screaming which I could hear from the front of the restaurant. I was very confused as to whether the cook was the owner of the establishment due to the way he was acting. The customer service was very disappointing and unprofessional. I used to come here on a weekly basis with my coworkers and now they have lost a very loyal customer over a BURRITO. I will make sure to spread the word to ALL my friends and family members about this place and my experience.

I bought a variety of meat tacos on a Friday evening outside the restaurant in the EZ tent they serve on Fri-Sat. Unfortunately my family and I have been experiencing food poisoning laying around all day with a sever headache and stomach pain. I did see the woman making the handmade tortillas taking nibbles of food while cooking it grossed me out a little bit I let it slide. Big mistake I pray this pain goes away soon. It was a glorious sunny Saturday was suppose to volunteer at my Church for Easter basket sales. I ordered to go the following meats: Lengua (tongue), Cabesa (head), tripe (intestines), carne asada and pastor (pork).

Order rolled tacos which were burnt so bad they were inedible. We threw them out and made Costco flautas instead. Win some, lose some

Never got my drinks after purchasing, Got a la Diabla Shrimp plate which tasted like plane vinegar.And, Seriously had 5 shrimps Really upset for my first time trying there food and just took a first bite and couldn't eat just thru away. Food is Horrible will never eat there again, just my honest review.

Staff is awful. Go across the street to Lourdes instead.

Terrible food. I used to eat here all the time. It has gone way down hill. Used to be my go to place. The caldo de res was awful. The meat seemed to be corned beef. Who makes caldo de res with corned beef? And there was hardly any broth. The meat in the carne asada quesadilla was not carne asada and on the cusp of going bad. The enchiladas sat at the window between the kitchen and the register for 20 or more minutes... so they were cold. The woman taking the orders barely spoke English so getting any information beyond the menu was impossible. Won't be back. There are several excellent Mexican restaurants in the same vicinity... I'll even drive further for caldo de res made properly.

WORST place EVER! The "cashier" didn't speak English well, didn't listen to our order, over charged us for the food, and was rude. I ordered a California burrito - typically they come with meat, cheese, potatoes, pico, guacamole - this had none of the above. The carne burrito came with meat only and was $8.80.. not to mention it was SMALL more like two tacos rolled into one. Not to mention the tortilla was raw. Are you kidding me?? After we order, three others order. The "cashier" then goes in the back and starts cooking the food.. over 20 min. later all three behind us have eaten their food and left while we are sitting; still waiting. Don't eat here, its not worth the time or money.

Really bad shrimp cocktails!!!! Hardly has anything in the cocktail. I ordered a large, gave me a very small cup with very little of anything. Not any good either. Now I understand why the place was empty when I arrived.

Had carne asada tostada. The carne left for something to be desired,…. like Meat! Tiny, thin gristle. No bueno. Not a soul in the restaurant so they could’ve afforded to offer sweet portions that will otherwise be thrown out and customer service was not so great. at all.

This place used to be good. Now they just in a hurry. Raw egg

Miguel Santana

Really bad shrimp cocktails!!!! Hardly has anything in the cocktail. I ordered a large, gave me a very small cup with very little of anything. Not any good either. Now I understand why the place was empty when I arrived.

René

Had carne asada tostada. The carne left for something to be desired,…. like Meat! Tiny, thin gristle. No bueno. Not a soul in the restaurant so they could’ve afforded to offer sweet portions that will otherwise be thrown out and customer service was not so great. at all.

Cruz Tony

This place used to be good. Now they just in a hurry. Raw egg

If I could rate this place zero stars I would. We brought our parents here, who are both elderly might I add, to get a bite to eat and a drink due to the reviews being semi decent. Our mom was overheating as it was almost 90 degrees and humid outside so my husband pulled out a chair at a very long bar of about 9 chairs so she could rest while we stood in line to order. She took a seat as we went to stand in line when we heard a man's voice yelling that she couldn't sit there. Confused we turned and told him that we were in line and that we are paying customers waiting to purchase food. Thinking it was probably a misunderstanding. BOY WERE WE WRONG this large man got more aggressive and very rudely said "you can't sit here until you buy your food. We tried to explain that it was just our mother and she has a heart condition but do you think he cared. He continued to yell "well the people in line before you might want to sit here" so my husband got mad and tried to reiterate that our mom has a heart condition and this large angry man just kept yelling the same thing. DO NOT COME HERE If you or your family are elderly and need to have a seat while ordering food. To have this large man and some lady not knowing the issue run out after us yelling was insane!! WORST customer service we have EVER experienced.

So I loved this place back in the day like 7 years ago... just got chicken soup my lady was stoked on it although it had 2 big carrots and 2 slices of potato it it an 2 chicken legs bone in. It was just ok. The bean and cheese is good white cheese but super small and tortillas are always under cooked although not bad. Got a melinasa torta it was ok... but the BIG DEAL was the green hot sauce tasted like fish... it was why I came here back in the day and it was un edible....so bad 👎

I used to love this place. But I was in today, place my order..articulatly I might add. I asked for a breakfast burrito w/ sausage, egg,cheese,potato & guacamole. All I was given was egg, potato and sausage.😳 But I was definitely charged for everything I ordered!! VERY DISSAPOINTED. And this has happened once before. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, though. Mixed feelings for sure. I don't want to have to open my burrito and check it to make sure it's been made correctly.🙄 Proceed with caution at this establishment. 😞

Used to come here all the time but it has gone down hill significantly lately. Gave them a final chance today and safe to say I won’t be coming back. The staff is rude, the cook is rude, the entire store is dirty and the meat is chewy. The street tacos they do on the weekends are good. But it is an entirely different cook and staff that do the tacos rather than the restaurant. If you’re not getting the street tacos, do not come here.

Ned Bangers

Used to come here all the time but it has gone down hill significantly lately. Gave them a final chance today and safe to say I won’t be coming back. The staff is rude, the cook is rude, the entire store is dirty and the meat is chewy. The street tacos they do on the weekends are good. But it is an entirely different cook and staff that do the tacos rather than the restaurant. If you’re not getting the street tacos, do not come here.

Joann Bethancourt

I used to love this place. But I was in today, place my order..articulatly I might add. I asked for a breakfast burrito w/ sausage, egg,cheese,potato & guacamole. All I was given was egg, potato and sausage.😳 But I was definitely charged for everything I ordered!! VERY DISSAPOINTED. And this has happened once before. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, though. Mixed feelings for sure. I don't want to have to open my burrito and check it to make sure it's been made correctly.🙄 Proceed with caution at this establishment. 😞

Robert Call

So I loved this place back in the day like 7 years ago... just got chicken soup my lady was stoked on it although it had 2 big carrots and 2 slices of potato it it an 2 chicken legs bone in. It was just ok. The bean and cheese is good white cheese but super small and tortillas are always under cooked although not bad. Got a melinasa torta it was ok... but the BIG DEAL was the green hot sauce tasted like fish... it was why I came here back in the day and it was un edible....so bad 👎

Angil

If I could rate this place zero stars I would. We brought our parents here, who are both elderly might I add, to get a bite to eat and a drink due to the reviews being semi decent. Our mom was overheating as it was almost 90 degrees and humid outside so my husband pulled out a chair at a very long bar of about 9 chairs so she could rest while we stood in line to order. She took a seat as we went to stand in line when we heard a man's voice yelling that she couldn't sit there. Confused we turned and told him that we were in line and that we are paying customers waiting to purchase food. Thinking it was probably a misunderstanding. BOY WERE WE WRONG this large man got more aggressive and very rudely said "you can't sit here until you buy your food. We tried to explain that it was just our mother and she has a heart condition but do you think he cared. He continued to yell "well the people in line before you might want to sit here" so my husband got mad and tried to reiterate that our mom has a heart condition and this large angry man just kept yelling the same thing. DO NOT COME HERE If you or your family are elderly and need to have a seat while ordering food. To have this large man and some lady not knowing the issue run out after us yelling was insane!! WORST customer service we have EVER experienced.