Be careful with some of the bad reviews here, Yelpers. It cannot possibly be the case that EVERYONE had to wait 45 minutes for their food. That is pretty sus to say the least. The Bautista family (which owns and runs the place) are fabulous - shout out to Christian, Danny, and Alex - and the food is simply superb. You can't beat the homemade tortillas (go with corn!), the adobada (my wife and oldest son are literally addicted to it), the carnitas...everything is top shelf. Eat in if you can because the food is better when it is hot and made to order. I am about to head there in a few minutes! read more

I was really disappointed that this place serves birria only on the weekends. I obviously didn't look at the menu before coming. They also only serve menudo on the weekends. Everything i wanted to eat was not available at all! I was sourly disappointed! Its not too small inside and it had a very small outdoor seating. Its nice and looks authentic inside. My server was really nice. She was a sweetheart! My cabeza taco was pretty good. The meat was very soft and tender. The salsa is very mild. It practically had 0 spice but it tasted good. The burrito meat was also bland and my chille rellano was pretty cheesy and tasty. I only gave this place 3 stars bc who doesn't serve birria daily?? Lol! read more

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The food, the service, the background music.. everything was authentic. I had The carnitas plate and it was delicious, juicy melt in your mouth carnitas. My husband got the birria tacos and he loved them. We were so happy to find this Gem close to home. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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Visiting for the first time with good friends, we ravenously looked at their menu to see what we could devour. A friend recommended this spot and suggested the carnitas big porky family combo. It was perfect for our table of five. Super juicy carnitas was unlike all the others I've tried before. So tender and not dried out with burnt ends. They were succulent chunks of carnitas. Salsa duo, pickled onions and limes. We ordered an extra set of salsas cuz we like to keep things spicy. Also Served with homemade corn or flour tortillas, beans and rice. If you have some beans and rice fans you may need to order extra. Their chips are the good ones nice, thin and crispy. Get a few bowls of their salsa I put it on everything. Also ordered a huarache which was very tasty. Topped with choice of meat, beans, lettuce, guacamole and radish. I'm used to a more sope kind of huarache base. This is more of a long tortilla but it tasted great not gonna complain. Great for sharing cuz it's huge. Service was attentive and helpful. Clean and organized with a spacious restroom. They have a great team at this establishment. Inside or patio seating with parking right in front. A hidden gem among the surrounding warehouses. Will definitely keep this one on the bookmarks for a visit when in the area. read more

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Service 10/10, food 10/10 - Would love to gatekeep this hole in the wall but seriously the best tacos I've had in a long time. Salsa and chips were amazing and def our new go to in Temecula for Mexican food! read more

El Canario Carnitas - Lengua, adobada, cabeza - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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This place is hidden! So you know it's good! The mascot is a pig lol salsa is good! Perfect amount of spice and refreshing. They have lengua tacos!!!! Got the lengua taco plate! Two tacos with rice and beans. Chips and salsa are super good! My only complaint is that they don't have flan :(( but I know it takes a minute to make it. The chips and salsa made up for it. Out of the three sauces the green is good it's almost a good chipotle green. Beans are fantastic! Rice is good! Lengua tacos end up being four instead of two because there's so much meat on it! I had to put it in the second tortilla to eat all of it. This place is my new spot! My waitress Luisa was awesome service here is great and friendly and attentive! Did I mention the chips and salsa?! Rice and beans oh my gosh this was really good! read more

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Growing up in the hood, this spot was pretty sketchy when pulling up, mostly because it's hidden wayyyy in the far back away from everything but there isn't really anything to worry about it.. This spot is pretty good and the staff took really care of us on service. We had ordered carne asada sopes, great season on the meat. Also ordered a taco de carnitas which the main highlight of this place. When you usually order carnitas, it can be a hit or miss but this place; legit. Will definitely come back for the tacos de carnitas. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Great food and service! Got carnitas with skin OMG! Got the patinas to taste as I've never had the before, very good. We also got brisket tacos which were good. read more

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Great Hidden Gem.. Taste like your abuelas kitchen and the environment and service was exceptional. Daniel was not only kind, but was genuine and such an intentional server. Definitely will be recommending to my family and friends. read more

El Canario Carnitas - One Carne Asada and One Lengua Taco Rice and Beans - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Was a little skeptical, but was definitely worth the try. Very authentic Mexican food. Being a Latina myself its hard to find legit Mexican food. We ordered Pozole (arrived too late for the menudo they were out) roll tacos, Carne asada fries, and green Enchiladas. Everything was very delicious, friendly staff, and a very cute set up with their decor. Ambiance super chill. Definitely recommend this place next time you want a delicious Mexican meal. read more

We were visiting and decided to stop in after seeing the recommendations. I was craving chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. The service and chips were good, except for the long wait to get our food. We waited an hour and the restaurant was not even busy. We ordered the huevos rancheros and we got huevos on a fried tortilla with pico underneath, no sauce, and cold reheated rice and beans. The chilaquiles-ordered green and got red sauce with a lot of onion and cilantro underneath the eggs. The birria taco was dry ...no birria sauce. (I don't mean the birria consume.) The meat was more like desebrada..shredded beef. If you're looking for more saucy meat. This is not the place for you. The staff were nice and perhaps there was only 1 cook or a very new cook. read more

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My friends and I were in the area and decided to try El Canario Carnitas. We also decided on this restaurant d/t its high ratings on Yelp -I do trust you Elite Yelpers (Thank you, my fellow Elites :) Despite the restaurant having empty tables, there was a few take-out orders for lunch, so my party of 4 was already warned about the 30-40 minute wait for food. We decided to stay, seated right away and sipped on a soda while we waited. BTW no alcohol served here. It was my first time having a Hurrache de Carnitas $12 and it was delicious. Carnitas was salted perfectly for me and what ever type of bread or tortilla it was on, it was homemade, soft and worth the wait. Service was somewhat attentive despite the wait, although my friends appreciate the young male waiter being bilingual. Free parking, located in a somewhat industrial looking area. Good casual place for lunch. I'd come back here again, if/when in the area. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Hurrache de Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

First time here, we were hoping for an amazing experience. Some of the orders were good; however, the taquito plate needs a serious overhaul. Chicken burnt and overcooked- lettuce wilted and not strained from excessive water. There's a teaspoon of guacamole (that's not real guacamole) - it just didn't taste authentic. read more

Came here for a quick solo lunch stop and I was pleasantly surprised From the starter of free chips and salsa that were clearly in house fried and delicious to my actual taco plate the vibe is authentic but humble ambience with casual feels The tortillas were in house and perfectly pressed and the meat rice and beans very flavorful!! I was t expecting much because of its lowkey location but definitely a place I'd return to !! Not to mention the servers were friendly too! read more

El Canario Carnitas - Taco plate - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Decided to give this place a try for lunch after someone shared a great review of them on a local group, so of course, the next day that I went they were so busy they even "ran out of carnitas" Still, service was decent and food was great! Ordered 2 chicken enchiladas and 2 carne asada sopes. Food was fresh and had great flavor. I'm sure at some point I'll want to come back again to actually try their carnitas read more

El Canario Carnitas - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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We got the little piggy meal for 4 adults. Also got the 3 potato tacos and a kid's bean and cheese burrito. The carnitas came with a side of beans, rice, cole slaw, pickled onions w/habanero, lime, tortillas, and two different salsas. The corn tortillas are handmade and taste so good. I tried my kid's burrito and the flour tortilla tasted homemade as well. Make sure to get the carnitas mixed (cueritos and all). The beans and rice were soooo good, and the carnitas were some of the best I've had. The potato tacos were very good as well and nicely sized. We found this spot on the way down from Julian. I would make the drive from Orange county to this place for the carnitas alone. You have to try this place. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Little piggy - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

Came here to try the carnitas and pozole and wow -- they were absolutely delicious! The food tasted very authentic. The carnitas were fresh, soft, juicy, and packed with flavor without being salty or overcooked. Honestly, they were perfect. We also had a couple of micheladas, which were really good. They just needed a little more ice, but the flavor was spot on. On top of the great food, the customer service was a 10/10. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Authentic flavors straight from Michoacán! This cozy, family-owned gem serves up some of the best Mexican food I've had--parents cooking in the back, kids serving and hosting in the front, all with the warmest smiles. The carnitas were perfectly crispy and tender, the carnitas in green chile sauce was rich and full of flavor, and the sides stole the show--fresh pico de gallo, bold homemade salsa, homemade tortillas and hot chips straight from the fryer. Even the rice and beans were spot-on. Beautiful presentation, generous portions, and service that makes you feel like family--this place is the real deal. I'll be back soon for another plate (or two). read more

El Canario Carnitas - Chile verde carnitas plate - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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Came here for dinner and was seated immediately. Cute decors, clean facility- except the smell. When we first walked in we noticed it smelled like a smelly bathroom. Eventually we went nose blind, but it was definitely noticeable. The air was blasting and my husband had to get his jacket from the car for me. But when I went to the restroom it was stiflingly hot! Very weird. That's why I took a star. The food was great. The service was nice and friendly and attentive without interrupting. I can tell it's a family owned place. I got a chili relleno and I loved the sauce on top. My husband got pozole which was piping hot and very big! He took it to go because he also had a burrito. He liked it a lot. The salsa was good but nothing to write home about. Definitely fresh though. I loved the Arnold Palmer our waiter made for me haha! I'd like to go back. read more

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This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. PERIOD. I grew up in Los Angeles in Orange County, and I live in San Diego. So that is saying a lot. To start with, this is a family run restaurant, Dad cooks, children serve, and the atmosphere feels like you are at their home. And they treat you like it. The chips are fresh. I mean, right out of the deep fryer, hot, salty, and glistening fresh. The best chips I've ever had at any Mexican restaurant in my life. I'm not over selling this. The star of the show is, of course, their namesake, the Carnitas. I've had the Carnitas nachos and the Carnitas plate. However, the star of the show is the MFing VERDE CARNITAS. Fire, as the kids would say, Absa-f'ing-loutely FIRE. IT WAS LIKE GREEN SAUCE AND ROASTED PIG HAD THE PERFECT CHILD TOGETHER. THE MESSIAH OF ALL VERDE CARNITAS, AND THEY CHOSE TO RESIDE IN YOUR MOUTH, EVERY TIME YOU COME HERE. Don't believe me? Get on over here and consume. I honestly haven't tried anything else on the menu. I had the deep-fried quesadillas in the appetizers and they were good. Other than that, Carnitas all day long. Green sauce all day long. At today's lunch, I took a full bite of Verde Carnitas and chewed it slowly, closing my eyes, allowing the deep deliciousness of the savory meat and green sauce combination permeate my taste buds. Satisfaction. My wife looked on in puzzlement. When I was writing this review, she indicated that my descriptions were getting weird. Not so, I contend. Necessary truth, so that you may understand the power of the Verde Carnitas. I must obey my master. I do not believe they have any Mariscos, so I'm not holding El Canario up against Mariscos restaurants. Wrong genre. Apples and oranges. Not even the same sport. The family is originally from San Marcos and made Carnitas in their backyard, with the Sunday line being 30+ cars. It is a blessing to all of us. They decided to move to Temecula and open a restaurant. The owner's son is our persistent waiter and his courtesy, promptness and Carnitas brilliance is unmatched. I let him know every time I come, and he is probably really annoyed at my diatribes and speeches. On the weekends, they have Birria and Menudo for a short time until it sells out. Get here early. Come from San Diego. Come from Los Angeles, and IE peeps (you lucky bastards) get to come more often than I will. My father has been a Carnitas connoisseur for over 75 years. I brought him here for his birthday this year. He agreed without hesitation. It was the best Carnitas he had had in his life. Unfortunately for him, he now lives in Oregon, poor man. read more

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Service was quick and attentive. Chips and salsa on the house! The cabeza in the taco and on the fries was soft but a little under seasoned- but with the added red and green sauces on the side, it was tasty though. read more

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You can always get a sense of how good a restaurant is going to be by their complimentary chips and salsa & the salsa did not disappoint. Next up, micheladas. As a michelada connoisseur, I have to say this was one of the best micheladas I've ever had. Lastly, the chilaquiles with carnitas, side of beans and refried egg was delicious. Our waitress was also the sweetest and most attentive. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Chilaquiles with carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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Disappointed once again, this was are favorite go to Mexican restaurant. This is the Third time we arrive and they tell us that it could be 45 min or longer to get your food as they just took a very large Go-order. This has happen three times now and one time we had already sat for 30in until they them told us it would still be another 45 min, and another time they said they only had chicken and this is a a restaurant that specializes in Pork. If your going to take large catering orders they should have the proper staff are not take the orders. read more

Delicious carnitas . Omg the carnitas nacho were amazing. It's my new favorite. I meet my daughter often in this area . My kids are already talking about dining here again. Everything we had tasted 10/10 . The rice and beans too read more

El Canario Carnitas - Carnitas nachos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

We were really excited to try this place given its high rating in Temecula. The staff was genuinely friendly and welcoming -- customer service was definitely a highlight of our visit. Unfortunately, the food didn't match the service. We originally planned to dine in, but our meals came out cold and didn't taste very fresh. We ended up having it boxed up, and once we got home we decided to throw it away because we just couldn't eat it. I noticed after our visit that a few other reviews also mentioned food temperature, so I hope that's something that can be improved. The team was great -- I just wish the food quality had matched the hospitality. read more

One of the best family restaurants in the IE! We are from SD and expectations are very high when it comes to authentic Mexican food. We had the menudo and honestly it's the closest to homemade, directly from Abuelita's kitchen we have had! We had the Canario's plate , carnitas are delicious too! The waiters are always very friendly and attentive. Definitely a hidden gem! read more

Excellent little restaurant. Food taste authentic and tortillas taste like they are handmade (not sure if they are or not) decent prices good service. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Carnitas in green sauce - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

It was a nice place. The ambiance was very friendly. Flavor of the food was very good. The only knock, the carnitas needed to be a bit more chunky. read more

If you've ever been to Michoacán or your family is from the state, this is your spot for carnitas. Everything here is delicious! The chips, salsa, aguas frescas, it's all homemade. I've wanted to come in and try their breakfast since I always get the family pack of carnitas to go. The service was amazing. Attentive and so knowledgeable. I had the chicharrón with guacamole. We also ordered chilaquiles with eggs and added carnitas which came with beans. The carnitas plate came with tortillas and rice and beans. Anytime I crave carnitas, this is my go to for sure. read more

Hidden in small shopping strip but such wonderful food it's worth finding. This is a family owned where Mom makes all the food fresh to the order. Atmosphere is exactly like you walked into a neighborhood restaurant in Mexico. Not fancy but very clean. We were greeted as we entered, told to take any table. There was Mexican music playing in background but not overpowering so we were able to talk comfortably. I got the chili rellano plate and Hubs got the carnitas burrito wet with red sauce. He was in love! It was served in a long bowl so there was lots of sauce. He didn't talk for some time as he was digging in, smiling as he chewed. My plate was not as large as his but more than I could eat. My chili rellano had the best cheese and flavor. The refried beans were tasty and they gave 3 hot flour tortillas with meal so I could sop up the beans and sauce. The rice was nice. I loved the salsa that was served with the warm fresh chips. Best I've had in long time. We totally enjoyed our meals and the hospitality. If you are looking for real Mexican food, this is the place. read more

I love this place! Great chips, great salsa, great guacamole, and great everything else! Come on the weekend for the Birria specials and grab a Pacifico as a perfect pairing. The staff is wonderful, too. Give it a try if you haven't already. read more

If you want savory carnitas, this is the place. Very homey atmosphere and nice service. The chicharones are amazing here, def recommend.

We were warmly welcomed. Very friendly service. The food was really delicious. I would definitely return. I like beer every now and then but my friends would have preferred a margarita. Maybe one day :) read more

Visited this place now a couple of times. First visit was an invite for a school fundraiser. The chips and house salsa are quite delicious. Not sure what spice they use to salt their chips but it's definitely not just regular salt. It has it's own flavor. The house salsa is flavorful - not spicy at all but that's how I like my salsa. Second visit was on a Sunday morning after church and hubby had a nice bowl of pozole - it was served nice and hot with just the right mix of hominy and meat (that's a great compliment coming from my picky eater hubby). The condiments were not skimped on and there were plenty of cilantro, onions, lemons/limes and of course, fresh and warm tortillas. I had the carnitas with red sauce - now THAT is my favorite dish and keeps me coming back! That red sauce is definitely flavory on it's own.....not an enchilada sauce or a mole sauce. All I can say is that it is definitely flavory and delicious! The rice and beans are quite tasty as well. The most recent encounter with this restaurant was for a small catering order of a tray of carnitas (pulled), beans, chips and salsa. All were a hit! Tried to pass it off as homemade but no one in the family was buying that (darn!) The carnitas are tender and oh so tasty (almost melts in your mouth!). The beans left everyone scraping the crock pot I served them in. The salsa and chips were also all gone by the end of our family Christmas Day gathering. Service was/is always kind and prompt. We have always been greeted immediately upon entering. Seated promptly and always asked for our beverage selections within a few minutes of being seated. It's a family owned business so on busy Sunday mornings, the wait can be a bit but never too long since they always check in with you to let you know where your order stands or if more drinks or chips are needed while waiting. The staff is always helpful - they certainly were quite helpful for my small catering order! The decor is cute - love the sign they have posted on the wall! read more

El Canario Carnitas - Rojo Carnitas served with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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The place was spacious and decorated with fun lights. The service was VERY good, and our server was kind and helpful. The chips and salsa were phenomenal. I highly recommend. Our meals (pozole and bean & cheese burrito) were OK. I'd definitely recommend if you'd like to come in and enjoy some chips and salsa! read more

We wanted to celebrate a birthday with some good Mexican food and El Canario did not disappoint. The food was excellent and the service was amazing. The employees went out of their way to help make it a special birthday celebration. It will be our go-to restaurant for the best Mexican in Temecula! read more

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Went for an early dinner/ late lunch when I got to town. For a Sunday @ 2:30pm they were not busy. Only about 10 people inside. Most were finishing up by the time I came in. When my food came I was all alone in the place. I was a little confused by the location. It is a strip mall but for like car shops and CHP. It is on the corner and I almost missed it. They do have a small patio out front but I was not ready to sit in that much sun. Sat down and out came some chips and salsa. The chips were nicely cooked not too much salt and the salsa was puréed not like most cantina salsa that is chunky. It was the consistency of my mom's salsa. It was not spicy at all but did have a little heat at the end. Ordered 3 rolled tacos. That is what it came with. Beans and rice are ala cart. I am not a fan of beans or rice so it was nice I only got what I was going to eat. Food came out about 10min after I ordered. It looked and smelled good. Took the first bite, the chicken was so flavorful and juicy. The corn tortillas were cooked just perfect. The young waiter was very attentive, but I was the only one in there by the time my food came and was eating. I would go back here for tacos again. Great home cooked fresh Mexican food. read more

El Canario Carnitas - 3 rolled tacos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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Great hidden gem! The chips had just come out of the fryer, so so good and the salsa was amazing!! I ordered 2 carnitas tacos and the meat was very tender. Absolutely delicious!! The girl taking orders was very welcoming and friendly. Cute place with plenty of tables and good parking. I'll be back for sure!! read more

El Canario Carnitas - 2 carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

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BEST mexican food!! This is truly a hidden gem. The chips and salsa are perfect. I had sopes and I have to say, best I've had. You won't regret this choice and the service is wonderful. Don't judge by the industrial neighborhood. read more

El Canario Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Temecula, California

I had to forget my awkward feeling of stupidity for not realizing that El Canario Carnitas specializes in pork dishes (I don't eat pork at all) when I took a sip of their homemade horchata...OMG it's the best horchata I've ever had in my life--very different from the cheap, watered down crap they sell at other restaurants who claim to serve authentic Mexican food. I only ordered a drink and a chicken taco, but I left fully satisfied with their complimentary fresh chips and house salsa. Everything was excellent! Tons of parking. Great service. Will definitely bring my friends next time. Highly recommend!! read more