El Lugarcito

This is the best authentic Mexican food ever . We love this restaurant and the service is the best !

The food is great! Service is just as good. We are family of seven and everyone was happy with their order. Atmosphere is very much a family restaurant. Highly recommend!

Their carne asada plate is my absolute favorite. It comes with carne asada that has fresh slices of jalapeños and onion cooked in it, a salad, beans, rice, and fries. Its definitely my go to. They also have the beat salsa. It's spicy just like salsa should be.

Great Mexican food restaurant! The prices are reasonable. Servings are very healthy. The atmosphere in the restaurant is nice and comfortable. Owner/cook makes excellent well prepared food.

First time here. I got camarones a la diabla. The best I've had in a long time, beans were homemade tortillas were not but not a problem.Good customer service and will go back.

Great carne asada! Burritos or plates. I personally Loved the salsa flavorings - don't know exactly what the salsa spices were but my palate loved them!

Very friendly, inviting family owned restaurant. Delicious food, one of our favorite spots to ride our bikes to from Coalinga

When coming through King City there is only fast food and gas at the freeway, and a Denny's if you call that eating (?) well for me I take a drive up Broadway (only a mile or two) and find a gaggle of Mexican restaurants, taco stands and I think a chinese food shack too. I always giggle as I pass the 98 cent store, undercutting the 99 cent stores who undercut the dollar stores - oh my competition! but back to Lugarcito - It was first recommended to me by a long time resident, and as far as King City this is the place. The service is nice, it you speak Spanish it helps, and the chili verde is smooth and goes down easy. The sauce has enough bite for me and I / We will stop again in when the travel through King City and the timing is right!

perfect.....goood food, good vibes,great price

Great food and ambience for a quick detour from the drive up north. Food came out quickly!

First time coming to this restaurant and food was pretty good. I recommend coming to this place if your looking for a good place to eat with family and friends.

This past weekend we had our rehearsal dinner out on the patio. Alejandra and her team killed it! The food was amazing!!! I forgot to get a picture of the food because we were so excited to eat. All of our guests loved it and some even returned the next day! The service was great! food and drinks were out so fast and they even played music to match our vibe. They worked with my mother-in-law who brought in decorations. We were a party of 25 and a few kids. They have a photo backdrop with a little grass patch on the ground that the kids played on. 10 out of 10. Amazing experience!

I love coming to El Lugarcito. Whenever I’m passing through King City it’s a must stop. I LOVE how it’s a family run business. I saw a review about a baby in the restaurant, yes he’s the next generation. I remember fondly growing up local restaurants playing with the owner’s kids. The food, INCREDIBLE. My favorite are the carne asada plate, Diablo shrimp, and garlic shrimp. And it is FAST. Like wow is it fast. Great service, love the food, it feels like family.

If I could leave a 10 star I would. Don’t listen to the outliers on this review section. This “little” place’s (lugarcito) food is unmatched. Some of the most amazing flavors combined together to make magic happen in your taste buds. Flexible menus that are simple and ready to go - this is a must try.

Best Mexi in a town full of Mexi restaurants! About 30 years ago when I first moved to San Luis Obispo from the bay area, my wife and I decided to find the best Mexican food in King City (It's a perfect stopping point between SLO and SF--plus you don't want to speed thru King City--it is ticket heaven). We tried them all, and hands down this little place on Broadway was the best. When we first started going there it was about half as big (the patio was parking lot!) and the owner and I had a whole lot less grey hair. The Chile Verde might be the best I've ever had, their Carnitas is top 10, and their Shrimp Dinners are awesome if you are looking for a little more food. Do yourself a favor--don't settle for fast food--drive into town and have a little local flavor.

Loved the carnitas tender and fulll of flavor this is a go too if your looking for a nice time with your family. I went with my bros and loved the food I'll try something new next time but for now thanks for the food 🙃

We stopped here last minute and it was super cute! With quick service. I love the salsa & chips.

Honestly, this place impressed me. The food came out - when i say fast - I mean fast. Within 15 minutes our food had arrived to our table, the food is also made to order, hot, and super delicious. They give a generous portion for a really good price. They attended me fast and kindly. The restuarnt is quite spacious with a comfortable atmosphere.

Mackenzie Codoni

This past weekend we had our rehearsal dinner out on the patio. Alejandra and her team killed it! The food was amazing!!! I forgot to get a picture of the food because we were so excited to eat. All of our guests loved it and some even returned the next day! The service was great! food and drinks were out so fast and they even played music to match our vibe. They worked with my mother-in-law who brought in decorations. We were a party of 25 and a few kids. They have a photo backdrop with a little grass patch on the ground that the kids played on. 10 out of 10. Amazing experience!

Leah Levin

I love coming to El Lugarcito. Whenever I’m passing through King City it’s a must stop. I LOVE how it’s a family run business. I saw a review about a baby in the restaurant, yes he’s the next generation. I remember fondly growing up local restaurants playing with the owner’s kids. The food, INCREDIBLE. My favorite are the carne asada plate, Diablo shrimp, and garlic shrimp. And it is FAST. Like wow is it fast. Great service, love the food, it feels like family.

DJ Takhvar

If I could leave a 10 star I would. Don’t listen to the outliers on this review section. This “little” place’s (lugarcito) food is unmatched. Some of the most amazing flavors combined together to make magic happen in your taste buds. Flexible menus that are simple and ready to go - this is a must try.

Tim Townley

Best Mexi in a town full of Mexi restaurants! About 30 years ago when I first moved to San Luis Obispo from the bay area, my wife and I decided to find the best Mexican food in King City (It's a perfect stopping point between SLO and SF--plus you don't want to speed thru King City--it is ticket heaven). We tried them all, and hands down this little place on Broadway was the best. When we first started going there it was about half as big (the patio was parking lot!) and the owner and I had a whole lot less grey hair. The Chile Verde might be the best I've ever had, their Carnitas is top 10, and their Shrimp Dinners are awesome if you are looking for a little more food. Do yourself a favor--don't settle for fast food--drive into town and have a little local flavor.

David Velasco-Ortiz

Loved the carnitas tender and fulll of flavor this is a go too if your looking for a nice time with your family. I went with my bros and loved the food I'll try something new next time but for now thanks for the food 🙃

Naazi Karim

We stopped here last minute and it was super cute! With quick service. I love the salsa & chips.

J Luis M

Honestly, this place impressed me. The food came out - when i say fast - I mean fast. Within 15 minutes our food had arrived to our table, the food is also made to order, hot, and super delicious. They give a generous portion for a really good price. They attended me fast and kindly. The restuarnt is quite spacious with a comfortable atmosphere.

This place is a great place for lunch. Fast, courteous, and bilingual. I usually get a burrito. They make it extra spicy for me which is very much so appreciated. They are quick and friendly. In and out with a lunch order for 5 in less than 15 min. That's with placing the order over the counter and not over the phone.

Very pleasant place. Burrito, guacamole, chips and salsa were all very good, as was the service. Lots of covered outdoor seating, which was nice on the warm afternoon we visited.

Their shrimp tacos are my favorite. Super flavorful and well-balanced. Their cabeza tacos are also quite tasty-juicy and flavorful. Highly recommended.

My friend & I decided to grab a bite at this location and was the best decision. Our server was quick with the crunchy chips and delicious salsa. I ordered a burrito bowl & my friend had some asada fries both super delicious. We will definitely be stopping by again. Great food and great service.

Our waitress was great. She even suggested a cooler table than the one we sat at. Tacos rice and beans for me others had shrimp and we all loved it.

I am a lifelong fanatical fan of El Lugarcitos. Probably my all time favorite Mexican food restaurant. The chile verde burritos, carne asada, shrimp tacos, camarones a la diabla, it’s all perfection 👌🔥🌯

Lauren Varian

I am a lifelong fanatical fan of El Lugarcitos. Probably my all time favorite Mexican food restaurant. The chile verde burritos, carne asada, shrimp tacos, camarones a la diabla, it’s all perfection 👌🔥🌯

Jacob Daly

Their shrimp tacos are my favorite. Super flavorful and well-balanced. Their cabeza tacos are also quite tasty-juicy and flavorful. Highly recommended.

hiedi winter

This is the best authentic Mexican food ever . We love this restaurant and the service is the best !

Ronald Raade

Great food, Mom and Pop vibe, staff is nice. At least 4 times a month. Friends like it.

Idealize

Our waitress was great. She even suggested a cooler table than the one we sat at. Tacos rice and beans for me others had shrimp and we all loved it.

Hevher Mendez

My friend & I decided to grab a bite at this location and was the best decision. Our server was quick with the crunchy chips and delicious salsa. I ordered a burrito bowl & my friend had some asada fries both super delicious. We will definitely be stopping by again. Great food and great service.

peter krottje

Very pleasant place. Burrito, guacamole, chips and salsa were all very good, as was the service. Lots of covered outdoor seating, which was nice on the warm afternoon we visited.

Mike Ulloa

This place is a great place for lunch. Fast, courteous, and bilingual. I usually get a burrito. They make it extra spicy for me which is very much so appreciated. They are quick and friendly. In and out with a lunch order for 5 in less than 15 min. That's with placing the order over the counter and not over the phone.

I found this place only because I asked a local where he would suggest I have lunch. This was the only place that he suggested. Boy was I glad I walked in those doors. Immediately I felt like I took a step back to old Mexico. A well-established place perhaps unchanged much since the 60s with delicious food to offer. I knew immediately I was in for a treat when I tried the chips and salsa. Beware it's a bit on the spicy side but a cut above. I ordered ceviche and a Carnitas burrito. Both were delicious... especially the carnitas, tasting of smoked Pork and brown sugar and it was simply yummy. I look forward to going back and bringing a friend

Best carne asada I've ever tasted! The prices have gone up steadily over the years to the point where it's a bit overly expensive (which is why 4, not 5, stars). But the flavourful and high quality food keep me coming back!

Excellent food. Staff seems to get pre-occupied too much and you have track someone down to get a refill and then again to pay. Most the friendliest group either.

Solid restaurant in town. Had the Carnitas plate which was huge! Two of us could not finish it. Came with rice, French fries, regrows beans, lettuce, avocado, tomato and of course, big chunks of yummy carnitas. Washed it down with a sprite. Yum!

Marcus K.

Solid restaurant in town. Had the Carnitas plate which was huge! Two of us could not finish it. Came with rice, French fries, regrows beans, lettuce, avocado, tomato and of course, big chunks of yummy carnitas. Washed it down with a sprite. Yum!

Fast friendly service. Very unique tasting cabeza. You really get the meat flavor and the seasoning was perfect. If I am ever in the area, I would definitely go back to try more food from here.

Patrocinio “Pat” Salas

Fast friendly service. Very unique tasting cabeza. You really get the meat flavor and the seasoning was perfect. If I am ever in the area, I would definitely go back to try more food from here.

Came here after a long day of hiking in Pinnacles National Park. We were all in the mood for a good hearty meal after eating trail food most of the day. I would say that we didn’t quite get what we were expecting. Menu options were limited. Most plates were $18 and up. We weren’t looking to spend like we were at a nicer restaurant, but rather fill up on some good tacos or burritos. Those were categorized as a side meal, and we were informed they were small burritos (they ended up being about the size of a frozen burrito from a grocery store). They were just meat and beans. No substitutes, no other options. Meat was good, but just not the burrito I was hoping for. I noticed some of their meal plates had fries, so I asked if I could get a California burrito. Nope, not an option. Two pastor burritos it is. The staff was super friendly. No issue there, and our waitress was very attentive and pleasant to interact with. And to be fair, none of us in the group ordered a meal (we just didn’t want to spend that much), so maybe those are better than the burritos and tacos

Crangis McBasketball

Came here after a long day of hiking in Pinnacles National Park. We were all in the mood for a good hearty meal after eating trail food most of the day. I would say that we didn’t quite get what we were expecting. Menu options were limited. Most plates were $18 and up. We weren’t looking to spend like we were at a nicer restaurant, but rather fill up on some good tacos or burritos. Those were categorized as a side meal, and we were informed they were small burritos (they ended up being about the size of a frozen burrito from a grocery store). They were just meat and beans. No substitutes, no other options. Meat was good, but just not the burrito I was hoping for. I noticed some of their meal plates had fries, so I asked if I could get a California burrito. Nope, not an option. Two pastor burritos it is. The staff was super friendly. No issue there, and our waitress was very attentive and pleasant to interact with. And to be fair, none of us in the group ordered a meal (we just didn’t want to spend that much), so maybe those are better than the burritos and tacos

No taste in the meat. Rice was mush. Too much salt and lard. The girl in the kitchen had her finger in the deepest part of her mouth. Then handled food. The older lady was eating and handling food. Neither washes their hands. Salad was good. Canned soda was 2 bucks each. No refills, obviously. Even though the taco size was larger than most, the double layer tortillas didn't help the matter but made it worse. Not worth the 3 bucks. There is a taco stand caddycorner chat had a huge Line. We should have hit that first.

Honest opinion, not worth going to. It was really expensive. Total ended up being 5 dollars more than what they sponsored. Customer service was ok. Horchata Drink ended up lasting like 4 min..

I don’t eat menudo to often, a few weeks ago I had company on a Sunday, so decided to order. It had a horrible texture, pretty nasty 🤢 we called to tell them, not once did the owner tell us to bring it back, or compensate us, and it’s not cheap there, never again going back for seconds!

Food was ok service is really bad here wouldn't go back.

I got oysters to take out and once I was home I realized one of them had such a horrible smell the smell of fish was so strong I knew it wasnt good to eat anymore

I wasn't a fan of the salsa at all. Could be personal, but it had a weird spicy green beans taste to it. Menu was a bit limited for a mexican restaurant. My horchata didn't come out until I was already done with my food. Orders were mixed up. Overall, not the worst experience in my life, but I'll never come back here again.

This place was terrible. The pictures and reviews for this establishment are pretty old. The food was bland. I ordered a mango margarita, which was premixed and it had so much Tajin mixed in it I couldn't enjoy it at all. I went with two other people whose food was also bland and dry and they were disappointed as well. Once we received our food, we were not checked on again; we had to call the waiter over multiple times.

The food was horrible and our service was done reluctantly. Our server had a baby in the back of the kitchen, which seemed really unsanitary. I order a Sangria and the beverage was flavorless due the amount of ice they added. As well as the mojarra was extremely dry and flavorless. Overall, I wouldn’t give them a single star if I could. This is by far the worst restaurant I ever gone. :/

Issac M

The food was horrible and our service was done reluctantly. Our server had a baby in the back of the kitchen, which seemed really unsanitary. I order a Sangria and the beverage was flavorless due the amount of ice they added. As well as the mojarra was extremely dry and flavorless. Overall, I wouldn’t give them a single star if I could. This is by far the worst restaurant I ever gone. :/

This is the worst Mexican food I’ve ever eaten! Absolutely no flavor. Hardly no beans on my tostada & what was there had no flavor. Rice had canned mixed veggies in it .. WTH??? No sauce at all My $6 tostada had more lettuce than anything else. Husbands tacos, rice & beans had no flavor either. The owners need to come to SoCal & learn what real Mexican food taste like. I stopped 2 people that were going in to eat & told them how terrible it was…. They left.

Ordered a super burrito more like a cold mini burrito. I do not recommend this place. The flavor was worse than the cute size it was.

Jann Perkins-McCarthy

This is the worst Mexican food I’ve ever eaten! Absolutely no flavor. Hardly no beans on my tostada & what was there had no flavor. Rice had canned mixed veggies in it .. WTH??? No sauce at all My $6 tostada had more lettuce than anything else. Husbands tacos, rice & beans had no flavor either. The owners need to come to SoCal & learn what real Mexican food taste like. I stopped 2 people that were going in to eat & told them how terrible it was…. They left.