Good food, reasonable prices, and nice ambiance. Service is always friendly. It's become my favorite spot for authentic Mexican food in the Temecula Valley. read more

The customer service was great! The lady very direct and friendly. The food tasted dry. Everything expect for the eggs tasted like it's been sitting under a warmer for a while. read more

Carnitas Express - 3 Three Little Piggies Combo - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Mediocre food at best. Drive a little further and go anywhere else. Service was good though

So I just ate here and that's when I remembered why it's been so long that I've been back!! I got the carnitas plate first bite and I knew something's wrong with the carnitas it tasted watered down not the why carnitas are supposed to taste. Then I noticed even my plate looked wet, my rice looked and tasted wet! I don't know what's going on with this place but they really need to think about getting a new cook or at least train the cooks! So disappointing!!! Tasteless bland watered down food! Get it together guys we go out to relax and enjoy our food not to be food critics. I only put 2 stars because my husbands food was ok... read more

the price and the quality bad 60 bucks for two soups get real. Called asked for manager got "sunshine" boy was she a ray of light she tried to get me to read off the prices online (which were wrong according do her) like why have me read if you know it's wrong already? then she said there's nothing I can do as a manager you can call tomorrow and talk to an owner. If she wasn't so rude I wouldn't be here. Food and service bad overpriced. If it was good I wouldn't care. Give the location to someone who wants to provide the area with actual good Mexican food. read more

If you live close by you cannot miss coming on Tuesday Fresh food good service.. Leave a good tip prices are reasonable read more

Carnitas Express - Tuesday - Taco Tuesday BEST PLACE FOR TACO TUESDAY HANDS DOWN - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

We saw this place a few weeks ago and were in the area yesterday and decided to try it. The outdoor dining patio was very inviting as it was shaded. A lot of places that have lunch specials don't have them on the weekends but this place does. The lunch specials are huge! I got a ground beef enchilada and my hubby got a hard taco lunch special. The plate was piled high with the entree, rice and beans. The regular salsa was really good. Then the server mentioned that they have other salsas too! I had some of the hot red salsa with the regular salsa and it was amazing. They have it to go too! Another plus is that they open for breakfast at 6am. I'm used to Mexican places that open for breakfast at 9am - who wants to wait that long! I can't wait to go back! read more

This pains me to write this review. We have been going to Carnitas Express in Menifee, and then the one that used to be Green Burrito in the Stater Bros Shopping Center. Now we've gone to the one on Madison Avenue in the Ashley's Furniture Shopping Center. It's a hard pill for me to swallow, but we won't be eating at Carnitas Express any longer after almost 30 years of dining at all their Restaurants. First, the service isn't good, and the Waitresses could care less if you are there, or not. It's terrible to say the least. The same meal that cost us 26.00 dollars was over $50.00 including the tip that wasn't deserved. Secondly, if you are going to charge so much for the food, then the portions of said food shouldn't be less than, but equal for the amount you charge people. To smear a smidge of beans and rice to make it look like it's a serving it atrocious. When people expect meat in their Enchilada's, and you can barely taste the small chopped up little pieces of dried out Chicken, that's just awful. We haven't been eating out because the cost of food is so ridiculous, and it's been like 6 months since we've gone to Carnitas Express....Well, you've lost people who've patronized all your restaurants, including your VIP Cafe's. I sure hope the owner sees this and makes some much needed changes. Your Murrieta location has seriously the worst waitresses out of any Restaurant we've ever eaten at. read more

Honestly, I didn't expect much from this strip mall Mexican food restaurant, sandwiched between an italian place and an AT&T store, in the shadow of an Ashley's Furniture, but it's rapidly becoming my go-to place. Service is prompt and friendly, portions are generous, and everything I've tried so far (especially fish and/or grilled chicken tacos... and ESPECIALLY especially the margaritas) has been better than anything else I've come across in the Temecula/Murrieta area. read more

We were super hungry and went in on a Monday for lunch. We got seated right away and got our drinks and chips and salsa a couple of minutes later. Then, the wait began. After 10 minutes I got up to go find the hostess to ask when someone would take our order. She said "oh, okay. " I sat back down and waited almost another 10 minutes. Service was okay after that. Food was decent. Their emergency exit was blocked by chairs. That's a big no no. read more

Carnitas Express - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

We recently visited this location. Our regular burrito's were $1.00 more than the last time. They had a sign in the lobby for Happy Hours drinks. GET THIS, 'Happy Hour Margarita's' were $8.95 for a regular and 13.95 for a strawberry. And to add insult to injury, they weren't very good. wHEN I COMPLAINTED, IT FELL ON DEAF EARS. For those of us who eat out, we know that margarita's are usually 6.50-8.00 and happy hour usually means $1.00-2.00 off. But not at this location. Be forewarned, ASK BEFORE YOU ORDER SO YOU DON'T END UP WITH A $51.00 BILL FOR TWO BURRITOS AND TWO HAPPY HOUR MARGARITA'S. read more

Our favorite breakfast spot ! Great service and amazing food. Never in a million years would I imagine that a little Mexican restaurant would have the best pancakes on the planet but I swear this place does. I never order pancakes at a restaurant! Way too easy to make at home. But I couldn't resist trying a bite of my kids pancakes once and they were incredible. I wish I could figure out their secret. My husband orders huevos rancheros every single time we go there. He can't talk himself into trying anything new and missing out on this! My son is a huge fan of their eggs Benedict! Last week we decided to go for dinner and I had their steak fajitas and they were absolutely delicious! Their chips and salsa are the best in town too ! Please give this cute little place a try ! read more

1-No one was there to greet me. 2- After I was seated it took 10 mins for someone to a knowledge me or take my order (refer to date 12/2/21 around 8pm) 3- I received my order no one ever checked on me or even offered me a second drink or dessert. 4- Food is good but service is sucks. Get more friendly waitresses. read more

Pros: - Taco Tuesday special $1.99 tacos - Free chips and salsa - Serve breakfast all day Cons - Bad service. From hostess to waitress. Our waitress paid so little attention to us, she was sitting down at the bar chatting with another customer that wasn't hers (see picture) - Meat is dry -People who arrived after us, were seated before us even though there were plenty of empty tables in the restaurant -Margaritas are not strong at all (probably from it being watered down sitting at the bar for so long, before our waitress realized I still haven't received my drink yet) Won't be back read more

Carnitas Express - Inattentive waitress - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Had dinner on Sunday. The staff was very friendly and our server, Sunshine, was super nice. Food was great. We had the cheese enchiladas beans and rice and a carnitas quesadilla, both were good. Margaritas were okay, could have used a little more mix. We will definitely be going back to try more dishes. read more

We have been dining at Carnitas Express in both Murrieta and Menifee for years. Always good service and good food. Today when we walked in, (Murrieta) only one other table was occupied. we were told to take any table by the window. Shortly after, another large party came in. They were immediately brought chips, salsa and menus. Then another couple came in, same thing. We had to go ask for menus. After another 15 minutes we still had not been approached by any of the 5 servers walking around. As we were walking out, one of the servers was already taking a to go order from someone else who had just walked in. We won't be going back. 5 servers and 3 tables???? read more

Our server Rosario was so genuinely kind and attentive it was so greatly appreciated. Portions were very generous and flavorful. The carnitas were the best we've had compared to many other places. Service was quick and the margaritas hit the spot. Thank you for a great experience. read more

Went there tonight Friday the 30th of July with a party of 8.. we arrived at 830. The window sign says they close at 10. So we signed and at 8:30. They were not busy. So we sat there til 8:45 they walked past us about 5 times. Finally at 8:55. Myra said they close at 9pm. We told Myra we have been here for 20 minutes. She said I am sorry but due to Covid we close at 9. In our defense we told her the sign in the window says 10pm. The bartender kept mad doggie us.. we didn't see our regular bartender Bri. So after we didn't get seated in a fashionable time. We left sad. We have been going here along time a couple times a week for more then a year. Such a disappointment when they never said nothing about them closing at 9pm read more

Working in the area and starving so I rushed in to grab a to go order. Looked nice inside, placed my order ( Giant carne asada burrito-forgot the name) and waited. Quick turn around, walked out and drove to a nearby spot to eat in my car. Opened up the container and the burrito was massive as advertised. Looked for my utensils and whataya know, they didn't give me any f$*$!! Luckily, my work car is well prepared. Cut into the burrito and noted the carne asada is lacking not much of it inside. First bite and the "white people taco night" theme song immediately played in my head. The least authentic Mx food I've tasted, found better in Idaho. No flavor, felt like Mr Drummond (Different Strokes) made this burrito. Hope the rest of their food is better than their carne asada burrito, thumbs down!! read more

The fact that they just fired the most competent and hard working Bartender they have on staff tells me the management is not paying attention to what is bringing in the Establishment $$. I have been coming here for 6 years. It's definitely not the food but it is the staff. It starts with Kat and trickles down because of her customer service. Impeccable. Sabrina, Bre, and everyone that works there takes care of everyone irregardless of any issues that come up. Again, I've been coming here for 5 years. Until this is issue is resolved I will be finding another establishment. FYI. I spend a minimum of $500 a week with myself and family. Consider that no longer expected. Peace read more

Love Carnitas Express! Every time you come in it like family. Maria our server is excellent, attentive and provides excellent customer service. The portions are for two. Have left overs for the following day and the chips and salsa always fresh the best If you are looking for excellent Mexican food in Murrieta Temecula Valley this is your spot! read more

OMG! I am so sorry but this was not a good food adventure for us! I always say that the atmosphere is set the moment you walk in the door! And I have to say "Ms.Daisy" the hostess was not friendly or courteous! I had better service from Maurice at the mortuary! Just dry and lifeless! I went to visit my wife at lunch time and she wanted to take me to lunch and when she said Mexican food I was all in! Until I stepped inside and was greeted by Lurchette! The only highlight was Gabby our server! She was friendly and very helpful. My wife ordered the lunch chicken taco special with an extra shredded beef taco. I had the chicken enchiladas lunch special. It wasn't too bad but my wife's beef taco was dry as the outside weather! It looked as if it had been sitting for hours and then put back in the grease to heat up! It was awful! Fortunately Gabby took it back and took it off our receipt. The salsa tasted like Hines ketchup ! This was not authentic Mexican food. I have Mexicans in my family and I know authentic Mexican food! No flavor! Plus it was like being at a Lawrence Welk Resort... if you catch my meaning!! ‍ This food adventure was very disappointing! And if we would have checked the other Yelpers we would have been forewarned and went elsewhere! Well, consider yourself warned!!! Go elsewhere. If there are good reviews that's because they were either drunk or old or both! Food is an adventure and we had one today! Remember to Pray, Eat, and Love one another! You never know when you'll eat something that will stay with you until your next adventure (burp) excuse me! I need to take an antacid. Until next time, I'm out! M&M read more

Last time I was there the Chili Verde was yummy. Tender and tangy awesome tortillas too rice n beans are delicious

My wife and I just enjoyed the french toast sandwich and the crunchy French toast. Both were beyond delicious. The French toast has a crispy texture and a flavor that topped any restaurant we've tried in the past. The French toast sandwich has a nice stack of thin sliced ham, scrambled egg, and cheese between two slices of French toast. This reminded us of the Monte Cristo sandwich with the addition of the egg. Really nice touch. We added a little raspberry jam which added a very unique twist. Amazing breakfasts. We've tried other breakfast items and have been very pleased, but the French toast items are our new favorites! read more

This is without a doubt the most bland tasting Mexican food I have ever had. Absolutely unacceptable. I'm seriously stunned how a sit down Mexican restaurant can have such BAD Mexican food. This is what I would expect in the midwest, not in Socal. And actually I have had better mex food in the midwest. Literally just go to any other taco place and get way better food at half the price of this place. I actually feel violated. read more

A staple in Menifee. So many meals here and never disappointed. Breakfast,lunch,dinner always great service.

We always order from smaller restaurants to support them during the covid shutdowns and ordered from here for Taco Tuesday. Ordered $70+ in takeout including tacos and 2 steak & shrimp fajitas. These come with sides, which include guacamole & sour cream, which they forgot to give us. I called & spoke to Jennifer the manager whose tone was dismissive & arrogant to say the least. I was shocked that she didn't at least apologize for the mistake with the order. Instead, she said it was" JUST the sides" and couldn't be bothered to make it right for repeating customers. read more

Been going here since day one. Well never going back again. We had a 100.00 gift card which I thought never expire. They got a new system that would not take our card so my niece wasted 100 bucks giving it to us. I had for a few years and thought they would've taken it but would not without a receipt. We have spent hundreds of dollars at this restaurant thru the years and to be basically called a liar didn't sit well. Also we got a tostada, taquito plate and kids grilled cheese, 2 beers and 2 cocktails during happy hour and our bill was 94.00!! Crazy times. read more

Poor service.. isn't even full of cliental and waitress does not even check up on us.. 10-15 minutes go by and nothing.. i usually tip $20 but today $2. I'm a business owner myself and all my ratings are 5 stars because I'm attentive to all my customers .. food is okay.. nothing special..this isn't our first time here.. but this time was the straw that broke the camels back for us.. don't think I'll come here again.. read more

Our server was amazing. We love the atmosphere. We wish they had more options on there menu. Like Enchiladas de Mole.

Me and my wife always come here.Great service and you can't go wrong with the food. Definitely one of our go to Mexican restaurants . read more

My coworker and I had gone here on our lunch break, more like dinner break cause we were on the closing shift. Our server was Mary, she was personable and pleasant. Our drinks came out not too long after we ordered as well as our food. We were making good time! However, when it was time to close our checks and get back to work...the machine wasn't working and kept freezing on our server...due to technician difficulty, we had taken a longer lunch dinner than we had expected. Aside from that, let's talk about their food. My coworker was able to finish her two plain tacos. I, on the other hand...I ate half that burrito! Whew, that sucker was HUGE! I don't know why I ordered it, all I know is. I saw it and said "I take this one cause it's screaming my name." The chips and salsa they serve was alright. Thank you Mary for being so pleasant you were the five star! Unfortunately, having some technical difficulties was a bit time consuming...we definitely didn't want to go over our lunch our. read more

See all

My to go order wasn't prepared properly. I had asked for grilled chicken and no sour cream and unfortunately, wasn't given that. My mom had placed the order for me since I wasn't present at the restaurant so she brought it home for me. Overall, not too impressed with the lack of listening. read more

Went in tonight and waited 15 min at the front with no acknowledgment, no hostess, tons of empty tables and another couple waiting as well ahead of us. We ended up walking out because I had read reviews and realized that I should have listened to them. Not sure if it's a staffing issue- but there is definitely a customer service issue here and they are losing money and customers. read more

Pros: The waitress was very friendly and the ice tea was fresh brewed. Also, empty restaurant and got seated immediately but now I know why. Cons: The prices have gone up two or more dollars per item and the quality of the food has gone down to give away stage. Chips were stale. The hot sauce tasted like a can of crushed tomatoes was opened and poured into a bowl. Now for the Guacamole. It has a bitter taste like old avocados and they were just mashed until smooth...nothing added like cilantro or peppers, no texture at all. Now for the dinners. We each ordered a different chicken dish but we each got the same one. On top of that the chicken had no flavor and was bland. Not sure we will return unless things improve. read more

Okay, Carnitas Express is a family favorite. Their chili colorado is great and has been a staple in my childhood. However, we went to breakfast after mass and it wasn't great. The enchiladas were yummy, and so was their french toast, but I would not recommend the biscuits and gravy. We were looking to try something new and it was not up to par with what they usually have. Otherwise service was great and salsas were yummy! read more

Carnitas Express - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

I normally don't Yelp, but this place has gone downhill. The staff never greeted us. "Sunshine", the server at the front was anything but.... An older lady was counting her tips and never looked up once. Never got refills after asking and never even cracked a smile. I understand places are short staffed but for the price you pay, I would go elsewhere. Too expensive for such awful service. read more

Been ordering take out and dining in from this restaurant for years at the Los Alamos Rd location. When they closed the one on Los Alamos we started ordering take out at the Madison St. location. The food is usually very good, the management is awful! Four out of five times items are missing even when asked if they double checked the order. Always have to call and complain.....the manager, Sunshine (so she says) should change her name to sour puss!! She is rude, defensive and doesn't do her job making sure all orders are filled correctly. Very frustrating. She needs to give up management....the servers are better suited for that job. read more

We go here often with the whole family and we love it . The food is great and the staff is super helpful.

Great food chili verde omelet my favorite. The pancakes are heavenly. Both so good I never have anything else. Oh beans and rice are all delish. Chips and salsa also great. read more