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El Carbonero
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El Carbonero
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El Carbonero

American · Santa Ana

Savor American comfort in Santa Ana's heart

3.6 · 689 reviews Google

El Carbonero Opening Hours

Monday 12:00–23:00
Tuesday 12:00–23:00
Wednesday 12:00–23:00
Thursday 12:00–23:00
Friday 12:00–23:30
Saturday 12:00–23:30
Sunday 12:00–22:00
Yelp 2.5 (262)

About El Carbonero

At El Carbonero, we're passionate about crafting an authentic American dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Nestled in Santa Ana at 803 Main St, our restaurant stands out as a cornerstone of the community, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where every dish tell...

At El Carbonero, we're passionate about crafting an authentic American dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Nestled in Santa Ana at 803 Main St, our restaurant stands out as a cornerstone of the community, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where every dish tells a story. Our menu reflects a blend of classic comfort foods and innovative twists, all prepared with fresh ingredients to satisfy your cravings. With various dining options available, from cozy lunchtime treats to hearty dinner selections, we aim to elevate your culinary journey. We pride ourselves on maintaining a 3.6/5 rating based on 689 reviews, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Join us and experience the unique flavors that make El Carbonero a special spot in Santa Ana.

What Customers Say About El Carbonero

El Carbonero is known for its authentic Salvadorian food, especially the pupusas. Customers rave about the flavor and generous portions. Service can be slow, especially when busy, and some have noted issues with customer service and order accuracy.

Popular Dishes

Papusas (14) horchata (5) platanos fritos tamales cebada water

Best For

Locals Quick Bite Casual

Tip: Bring cash, as it's a cash-only establishment. Be prepared to wait, as pupusas are made fresh to order, or call in your order ahead of time.

What to see nearby

Southern Counties Gas Co.
Heritage
A 934m

Southern Counties Gas Co.

edificio

View details

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about El Carbonero

El Carbonero is located at 803 Main St, Santa Ana.
El Carbonero offers american cuisine.
El Carbonero has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
The most recommended dishes at El Carbonero based on customer reviews are: Papusas, horchata, platanos fritos, tamales, cebada water.
El Carbonero is ideal for locals, quick bites, casual dining.
El Carbonero is known for its authentic Salvadorian food, especially the pupusas. Customers rave about the flavor and generous portions. Service can be slow, especially when busy, and some have noted issues with customer service and order accuracy.
Bring cash, as it's a cash-only establishment. Be prepared to wait, as pupusas are made fresh to order, or call in your order ahead of time.
689
Reviews

El Carbonero Santa Ana Reviews

3.6
20
5★
50%
4★
15%
3★
5%
2★
5%
1★
25%
Reviews (40)
J
Jennifer Hoeger

So delicious! We tried 3 different types of puposas and a plantain dish ( I think )😊. The cabbage slaw is the best part!

R
Rudy Ornelas

Probably one the most authentic popusa, for sure. The combo with a popusa with rice and beans is a steal. I add an extra popusa to the order though. You can eat for two for about $20. Oh yeah, and make sure you bring cash. They have ATM but just to be sure you know. Also expect to be there for at a minimum 30min waiting for your food. It's not cause they slow the popusa takes a little longer.

S
Susana Picon

My favorite place for popusa, people dislike their Service but I learn that they make them fresh per order. I learn not to visit if I'm in a rush !!!! But you could call in your order ...Anaheim spot is just as good.

J
Jose Tanchez

You looking for real authentic Salvadorian food, I definately recommend this spot. Please be advise they only accept cash only but they do have a ATM available.

Jennifer Hoeger
Jennifer Hoeger

So delicious! We tried 3 different types of puposas and a plantain dish ( I think )😊. The cabbage slaw is the best part!

Rudy Ornelas
Rudy Ornelas

Probably one the most authentic popusa, for sure. The combo with a popusa with rice and beans is a steal. I add an extra popusa to the order though. You can eat for two for about $20. Oh yeah, and make sure you bring cash. They have ATM but just to be sure you know. Also expect to be there for at a minimum 30min waiting for your food. It's not cause they slow the popusa takes a little longer.

Susana Picon
Susana Picon

My favorite place for popusa, people dislike their Service but I learn that they make them fresh per order. I learn not to visit if I'm in a rush !!!! But you could call in your order ...Anaheim spot is just as good.

Jose Tanchez
Jose Tanchez

You looking for real authentic Salvadorian food, I definately recommend this spot. Please be advise they only accept cash only but they do have a ATM available.

O
Otilio Espericueta

My mom used bring here at kids every time Iam in town I have too stop by for my pupusa and horchata salvatrucha voz

S
Steph Escobar

Some of the best pupusas I have ever had and good portions. Martina is always very nice and gives the best costumer service

I
I

Top Salvadorian authentic food! Service was top noch! And because of my bad spanish, the waitress was able to switch over to English so that they could take my order correctly. Price was just right!

V
Vianey Espino

Papusas are delicious, sides are delicious, Curtido and salsa are the BEST!!! Service is always great and courteous. Atmosphere is positive. Restaurant is clean and well maintained. I've been coming for 17 years and I will only come here for Papusas! FYI: Cash only! 💵

M
Me You

Pupusas super good for all santaneros. Service is super nice friendly environment. Orchata water 🔥 Jamaika water 🔥 Pin̈a water 🔥 Thank you Alejandra and the crew definitely coming back

X
Xanthi

The star rating for El Carbonero doesn’t reflect how solid this place really is. I would easily give it four stars. While it may not be home-style cooking, it’s a great first taste of Salvadorian food. The pupusas were flavorful, the portions were generous, and the atmosphere was welcoming. What stood out most was the fantastic customer service. The staff were friendly, helpful, and made the experience even better.

Otilio Espericueta
Otilio Espericueta

My mom used bring here at kids every time Iam in town I have too stop by for my pupusa and horchata salvatrucha voz

Me You
Me You

Pupusas super good for all santaneros. Service is super nice friendly environment. Orchata water 🔥 Jamaika water 🔥 Pin̈a water 🔥 Thank you Alejandra and the crew definitely coming back

Steph Escobar
Steph Escobar

Some of the best pupusas I have ever had and good portions. Martina is always very nice and gives the best costumer service

Xanthi
Xanthi

The star rating for El Carbonero doesn’t reflect how solid this place really is. I would easily give it four stars. While it may not be home-style cooking, it’s a great first taste of Salvadorian food. The pupusas were flavorful, the portions were generous, and the atmosphere was welcoming. What stood out most was the fantastic customer service. The staff were friendly, helpful, and made the experience even better.

I
I

Top Salvadorian authentic food! Service was top noch! And because of my bad spanish, the waitress was able to switch over to English so that they could take my order correctly. Price was just right!

Vianey Espino
Vianey Espino

Papusas are delicious, sides are delicious, Curtido and salsa are the BEST!!! Service is always great and courteous. Atmosphere is positive. Restaurant is clean and well maintained. I've been coming for 17 years and I will only come here for Papusas! FYI: Cash only! 💵

M
Miguel Cuadra

Very good experience. I did like a lot the food. I got a suggestion: use less oil to make the platanos fritos...just try to drain it a little bit...

Miguel Cuadra
Miguel Cuadra

Very good experience. I did like a lot the food. I got a suggestion: use less oil to make the platanos fritos...just try to drain it a little bit...

C
Christine McCormick

They must have read the reviews on customer service because I had great service from my waitress! The pupusa itself was very good, I got beans and cheese but the side red sauce tasted like ketchup and the cabbage side looks great but it is bland. I love flavorful sides for my pupusa. The best I had was in East LA.

L
Louie Rodriguez

Very friendly and helpful.All the waitress are very pretty.The dishwasher even greeted us with a Buenas Tardes,Opened the door for us.That kicked off a great evening dinning there.Can't complain everything went smooth,Popusas were freshly made brought to us hot.Great way to end a hard working week.Gracias

K
K.B

Been coming here for yeeeeeeears Tips for a good experience: 1. Bring cash ( it’s cash only , they have an atm but in case it happens not to work) 2. They’re made to order so have a little patience :) ( whether you order dine or or takeout) 3. Enjoy 😙

Louie Rodriguez
Louie Rodriguez

Very friendly and helpful.All the waitress are very pretty.The dishwasher even greeted us with a Buenas Tardes,Opened the door for us.That kicked off a great evening dinning there.Can't complain everything went smooth,Popusas were freshly made brought to us hot.Great way to end a hard working week.Gracias

K.B
K.B

Been coming here for yeeeeeeears Tips for a good experience: 1. Bring cash ( it’s cash only , they have an atm but in case it happens not to work) 2. They’re made to order so have a little patience :) ( whether you order dine or or takeout) 3. Enjoy 😙

J
J B

I ordered three pupusas (loroco y queso, revuelta, and chorizo). The only one I wasn’t too happy with was the loroco; the edges were really thick with very little cheese inside. The horchata was a generous size, but it tasted a bit watered down. One thing that made the visit uncomfortable was that after I ordered and started eating, I noticed signs everywhere saying cash only. As a tourist in California, I only had $10 on me, and it was awkward having to ask a work colleague to pay through CashApp. On the positive side, the service staff was excellent very kind and attentive.

J B
J B

I ordered three pupusas (loroco y queso, revuelta, and chorizo). The only one I wasn’t too happy with was the loroco; the edges were really thick with very little cheese inside. The horchata was a generous size, but it tasted a bit watered down. One thing that made the visit uncomfortable was that after I ordered and started eating, I noticed signs everywhere saying cash only. As a tourist in California, I only had $10 on me, and it was awkward having to ask a work colleague to pay through CashApp. On the positive side, the service staff was excellent very kind and attentive.

P
Pedro Mena Campos

Th Pupusas were ok the cebada water was awful, it was mostly water no cebada flavor at all. They had no AC and it was hot and the lady overcharged me luckily I caught it. She had done scribbles no one could understand any numbers.

Pedro Mena Campos
Pedro Mena Campos

Th Pupusas were ok the cebada water was awful, it was mostly water no cebada flavor at all. They had no AC and it was hot and the lady overcharged me luckily I caught it. She had done scribbles no one could understand any numbers.

M
Marcos Flores

They always mess up orders here , and they don’t separate pupusas by whats inside you basically have to open them to see what it is. I called because they forgot pupusas in my order and the lady was rude and said everything was in there i gave up and hung up because she was yelling and come to realize they gave me 8 pupusas de frijol! When i asked for chicharon! Horrible customer service

B
Brenda Hernandez

I called last week to try and place a to-go order, but ended up canceling it due to their horrible customer service. The person who was taking my order seemed impatient, and the moment I tried explaining to her how I wanted my order packaged, she cut me off and yelled at me asking if that was all I was ordering. Obviously, I got upset and just told her to cancel for being rude and yelling at someone who was simply trying to place an order. We used to buy from them, but I will not support them in the future. Just go next door, you'll receive good pupusas and better customer service.

O
Otilia Carrillo

Had the worst horchata drink at this place. They also have the worst customer service.

R
Rachel Cangelosi

I’ve been coming to this place for over 10 years. I went again yesterday and I can’t believe the quality of their food now. They seem to be cutting cost or something but the cheese in there pupusas wasn’t even real cheese( sooo greasy, chunky and runny)and there tamales normally melt in your mouth but not anymore tasted like still not cooked all the way, dry and so thick. What a disappointment. Don’t waste your money not the same what they use to be. I spent 50 bucks to throw food away.

Otilia Carrillo
Otilia Carrillo

Had the worst horchata drink at this place. They also have the worst customer service.

Carlos Osorio
Carlos Osorio

Food it took a lot of time to get it. Customer service the waitress are Nothing friendly or courteous.

Marcos Flores
Marcos Flores

They always mess up orders here , and they don’t separate pupusas by whats inside you basically have to open them to see what it is. I called because they forgot pupusas in my order and the lady was rude and said everything was in there i gave up and hung up because she was yelling and come to realize they gave me 8 pupusas de frijol! When i asked for chicharon! Horrible customer service

Rachel Cangelosi
Rachel Cangelosi

I’ve been coming to this place for over 10 years. I went again yesterday and I can’t believe the quality of their food now. They seem to be cutting cost or something but the cheese in there pupusas wasn’t even real cheese( sooo greasy, chunky and runny)and there tamales normally melt in your mouth but not anymore tasted like still not cooked all the way, dry and so thick. What a disappointment. Don’t waste your money not the same what they use to be. I spent 50 bucks to throw food away.

Brenda Hernandez
Brenda Hernandez

I called last week to try and place a to-go order, but ended up canceling it due to their horrible customer service. The person who was taking my order seemed impatient, and the moment I tried explaining to her how I wanted my order packaged, she cut me off and yelled at me asking if that was all I was ordering. Obviously, I got upset and just told her to cancel for being rude and yelling at someone who was simply trying to place an order. We used to buy from them, but I will not support them in the future. Just go next door, you'll receive good pupusas and better customer service.

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About El Carbonero

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803 Main St

Santa Ana, CA 92701

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Many Reviews
689 reviews
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american
Cuisine type

Restaurant Info

🕐 Hours Today
12:00, 23:00
Rating
3.6/5
💬 Reviews
689
📞 Phone
+1 714-542-6653

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Southern Counties Gas Co. Heritage

historic building in Santa Ana, California, United States

A 934m
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