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    El Carpintero

    4.4 (432 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order El Carpintero Takeout or Delivery

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    EL CARPINTERO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Carpintero

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    Chile Verde with Eggs
    Fernando G.

    I normally write a review if they deserve it and this Gem definitely deserves one. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything at this place went well, the Food, service and ambience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything I requested was granted, like I ordered the chile verde with some eggs on the side and I also ordered one hard shell taco. It was delicious Highly recommend

    Homey interior
    Alec C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]When you walk into El Carpintero you feel like you are in someone's well kept home, which I love because it's a unique and not sterile environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The chips were warm, the salsa spicy. Their Chile relleno was fresh and delicious. The batter was super light and fluffy. The chile cooked perfectly - not too hard to cut into. Their carne asada is served with a great cheese enchilada. I asked for medium rare which can be difficult since carne asada is usually a fairly thin cut, but they delivered with a nice pink color throughout the inside. The quality of the meat was far superior to most carne asadas at other restaurants. Our server was attentive and very helpful. All in all El Carpintero is a fantastic option if you're looking for a great Mexican meal.

    Hard shell taco - one beef one chicken
    Amanda C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little hidden gem near the studios! Love the abundance of plants outside and the colorful and vibrant decor inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the hard shell tacos, and they did not disappoint! Even though I got them to go, they had wrapped them so well that everything stayed super fresh. The shells were perfectly crispy, and the fillings were flavorful. Each bite was a delightful crunch followed by a burst of goodness. The portion sizes were just right, leaving me satisfied but not overly stuffed. Prices were super reasonable, which is always a plus in my book. If you're in Burbank and looking for a place with great food and an awesome ambiance, I highly recommend checking out El Carpintero.

    Beef taco with chicken enchilada
    Jenna H.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super cute place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside and enjoyed be day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Chicken enchilada and beef taco were superb! Chicken taco and chilies rilleno great as well. Definitely recommend!

    Enchilada Ranchero
    Melissa R.

    The food was so amazing and delicious. We are from Fresno. Just got off a cruise and stop by here on our way home.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super cute charming place next to WB studios.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got the cheese enchiladas plate and my husband got the chile Colorado beef burrito and everything was delicious!! Love their salsa and chips too. The service was amazing and so were the owners. A must try if you love authentic Mexican food!

    Chile Verde Burrito

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    Review Insights

    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The food and service has been great every time I come here. Parking is always easy off Olive Ave, and I always get a table.

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Unassuming place with authentic Mexican food at great prices! It's a WIN WIN!!!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    My favorite Mexican place in Burbank. Authentic and flavorful dishes. I love the Tacos Al Pastor! And the salsa is perfect!

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    8 years ago

    Had an amazing breakfast ! The coffee is the BEST I've had in the US. Had the Jalopy breakfast. So good.

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Amazing breakfast burritos. Support local business and give this cute place a try.

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Best Mexican in the area! Hole in the wall across from Warner Bros. Always great service and Great food!

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Everything is great here! From the salsa, to the meat ,to the fish, to the sides, everything is delicious! Would highly recommend!

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great romantic dimly lit classic Mexican atmosphere; feels like eating on a film set of Mexico; great food, must try the Fajitas!

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Great food! The owner, waiter, and chef, Hector, is a great, friendly guy. An all-around wonderful experience.

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Good service , good food , great look and feel and affordable pricing . Would be a five star if I could get a cold beer .

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    10 years ago

    The breakfast burrito was delicious! This place is very convenient to the Burbank studios

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Food is delicious and authentic! The owner Hector is extremely polite and gave us an amazing first experience.

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    16 years ago

    Well this is a good Mexican Restaurant not only in Burbank, I recommended because the taste is awesome!!!

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    Page 10 of 11

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    Ask the Community - El Carpintero

    Did the burrito size get smaller? The breakfast burrito used to be huge but when I got it today it wasnt.

    Do you have taco Tuesday deals?

    No more l'm sorry....

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    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.9
    (430 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    My boyfriend and I came here to watch a World Cup match and were some of the first customers…read moreinside! We were immediately struck by how cool the decor is! Employees were super friendly and we were excited that they were showing the telemundo World Cup coverage. The menu was great. We split the carnitas plate and got Long Island iced tea. The brought out complimentary chips and salsa as well. The salsa was so good! The carnitas plate was awesome. It came with rice and beans and plantains. It was perfect for us to split. If we were still hungry, we already had planned on ordering à la carte tacos, but the plate was perfect. We were pleased. The menu was great, food was good, drink was good, and we had a nice time! I'll definitely come back!

    WARNING: Not all Kalavera's are the same! I've been to many locations from silver lake, Santa…read moreMonica, marina, puente hills, and this location is the worst by far. Completely different menu. Food was beyond sub par you can make the food at home and would taste better! Save your money. Everything we had from two orders of "taquitos", "esquite", quesadillas and a blood orange mojito. The only thing with a bit of flavor was the esquite, but again to pay for roasted corn on the cob with just mayo and cheese? For $13 ? NEVER AGAIN. I have a problem with the way they name their items which is a bit misleading. For example, they have an item called taquitos, meaning you would expect a rolled fried taquitos. What came was tacos dorados so why is it named taquitos? They DID write on the menu that it's fried tacos..but again why are they not just calling it TACOS DORADOS? Same with esquite typically esquites are corn off the cob but this was on the COBB and yes it was described on the menu as on the Cobb but again why not call it ELOTE instead of esquite. Clearly this is semantics but just frustrating. If you want authentic Mexican food there is a Don Cuco's around the block that is WAY better than this place. They are at a different tier than this Kalavera's location. If you're a drinker perhaps that would make the food taste better...so disappointed and a waste of money!

    Photos
    Inside of the restaurant
    Inside of the restaurant
    Kalaveras
    This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.

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    This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.
    Cafe De Olla

    Cafe De Olla

    4.3
    (3.9k reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    I forgot exactly how I first stumbled upon Cafe de Olla, but I've come here with my family a few…read moretimes, and we've definitely decided this location is better than the Monrovia one. First, their cafe de olla is absolutely delicious. This remains one of the only places where I genuinely enjoy ordering cafe de olla. Second, their food is incredible. They serve excellent portions, everything tastes fresh, and the food is just so good. I've had their taquitos and chilaquiles, and both were delicious. The only downside is that every time I've come, there has usually been a bit of a wait, especially because the restaurant itself is pretty small with limited seating. The inside is cute, but small, so we usually end up sitting outside. This is where their Monrovia location does have the advantage because it has much more space. Parking can also be tricky. Good luck finding a spot close enough where you don't have to walk far. We usually end up parking in the residential area around the corner. That said, the staff are wonderful and always try to be as accommodating as possible despite how busy they are. Highly recommend this place if you're okay with possibly waiting a bit for seating. The food and cafe de olla are worth it.

    Let's start this review with the parking situation. What's up with not having parking at a lot of…read morerestaurants? We pay an arm and a leg and they can't even provide parking? My friend and I went into this Cafe De Olla on the 17th of this month at 2pm. She met me there and lives in Burbank. I have been here once, I believe back in 2018. It was pretty solid in every way. We were warmly greeted by Erick--the host, standing by the podium and right away he got us a seat inside. After like 5 minutes, Elsa, our server approached us to take our order. My friend and I both felt like we were being rushed through our meal. Food came out hot and quick. We opted for a few of their dishes. Tacos Mananeros, came with 4 tacos ($18.95), with 4 complimentary sauces. 2 of the sauces were very spicy and Elsa didn't warn us. We also got the Veggie Omelette with tomatoes, onions, spinach, mushrooms, Jack cheese, topped with avocado and a side order of hash browns. They made the hash browns perfectly. Told her nice and crispy on the top and that's what we got. (18.95). We also shared their French Toast topped with Strawberry, Blueberries, and Blackberries. ($16.95) topped with lots of Whipped Cream (which I love) and a side of syrup. We needed to add more syrup to make the French Toast more moist. The French Toast was a bit dry for our liking. Even the people sitting next to us who ordered the same thing were saying the same. On the flip side, the other 2 dishes tasted fresh and delicious. Great portions for the prices. We also got this drink called Powerful from their smoothies section of the menu. It was called Green Smoothie. Ingredients were the following: blueberries, honey, Greek Vanilla yogurt, avocado and Almond milk. It was simply very refreshing and delicious. My friend wanted some sort of Latte, Espresso, Americano, etc..but they didn't have any of those drinks. All they had was regular & decaf coffee. At first, I asked for Cranberry juice, and Jose, said they only had Apple and Orange juice. We found it a bit odd not to have any of those drinks. Going back to our server Elsa, she was a bit aloof and forgetful. I asked for a bowl of fruit, and it never made it to our table. After we were done eating, I asked for two to-go boxes and a bag, she forgot that too. We had to ask the other employees to get them for us. The same with to-go containers for our sauces. She forgot to bring napkins too. Jose, (our busboy), needs a raise and promotion! This young man read all the ingredients on the Taco menu which came with: bacon & egg, chorizo with potato & eggs, machaka/eggs, & nopaitos/eggs. The writing in their menu was very small. Another server by the name of Angel, truly was an angel. Checked on us while Elsa was taking orders over the phone. They have another location in Monrovia, a gender neutral restroom, place was very clean. Inside was small. It had 10 tables and nice couches with cozy, inspirational decor and pillows. Lovely music playing over head with a nice patio seating. Will I return? Yes, but not anytime soon! Also check for their business hours..

    Photos
    Chorreadas
    Chorreadas
    Oatmeal Wheat Pancakes
    Oatmeal Wheat Pancakes
    Chicken tostadas

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    Chicken tostadas
    Mex Cocina Cafe

    Mex Cocina Cafe

    4.5
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Arrived Saturday just before 10am. I expected a line , but no. During our stay, I did see some…read morepeople wait maybe 10-15 mins. I didn't look inside , but likely the outside area is similar as the inside as to regards capacity. tortas very good. Moist compared to other restaurants. Chilaquiles . Super good. Only knock - the tortilla chips were already saggy by the time I got the plate. (The chilaquiles came about 10mins after my wife's tortas. ). A few minutes later (After my wife got her plate), a worker (maybe the manager?) asked what were you waiting for ? (I didn't complain) I told him , and about 5 mins later my plate came. I never saw him again. As for the tortilla chips - maybe that is their style . Big portions, I ate about half my plate. Service was above average overall. Not great. Maybe they were short staffed- idk. Didn't bother me. Parking in the lot and street. Don't think there will be a big issue.

    Saturday morning review*…read more There was alot of people waiting at 10am but within 30 mins we were called into the patio. Seated & had a question for the waiter, but she was unsure, said she'd be back with the answer and disappeared for 15-20 mins and came back with no info, she had forgot what I had asked her. It was a simple question, just asked if they still had the Birria quezadillas, she had said yes & I asked for the price becus I couldn't find it on the menu, thats when she said she'd find out the price and didn't return for a long awhile. Then when she came back she forgot and just said "they dnt sell um anymore" She seemed disconnected and so unsure. A waiter should know the menu & what is discontinued. Or at the least find out and return quickly with the info, not take long and come back having forgot to even find out. But ok, no problem we just got our drinks and the café de Olla was good. The food arrived and the rice stood out more than the Chilaquiles. The pancakes were small for the price & didnt have much flavor, once the toppings were gone the pancakes were bland. Came here becus I saw comments online, but I dont think I'd go back, there are many other places with outstanding food & service. The Mexican rice & Café de olla were the standouts of the meal. If you live nearby I could see this being a good place to enjoy a meal, but to come in from farther out isn't worth the drive.

    Photos
    Chilaquiles del rancho
    Chilaquiles del rancho
    Pozole (weekends)
    Pozole (weekends)
    Mex Cocina Cafe

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    Celia's Rancho Restaurante

    Celia's Rancho Restaurante

    3.7
    (193 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Hole Mole. This place rocks. Celia's has become one of my favorite Mexican spots in Burbank. Now I…read morecome for the Mole. A fun fact, they have a large table that has been in the family for decades. They offer both inside and patio seating. That means your dog is welcome. The mole is outstanding. They have 4 kinds to choose from. It is rich, complex, and full of authentic flavor. The chicken tacos were fresh, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely delicious. They are plastered on top of hand made tortillas with a pico de gallo. Order the flight of mole and pour it on top. The location is great and makes for a fun dining experience, especially if you're looking for something a little different from the usual Mexican restaurant. Their tequilla bar makes for a fun experience. The service was friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout our visit. However service is hit or miss. Sometimes only one person is serving the inside section. The only downside is the parking situation, which can be a bit challenging. We usually park across the street and walk over. Highly recommend for anyone craving excellent mole, tasty tacos, and great margaritas! You can also check out the stables next door.

    Ambiance was nice however they don't have WiFi (contradicting to restaurant features on yelp)…read more Waiters wouldn't check on us. They also got 2/2 orders wrong. We were standing by the door for minutes waiting to be seated. Food was okay nothing crazy.

    Photos
    Back room
    Back room
    Tacos Olivdados de Pulpos and a Modelo Negra con limón!
    Tacos Olivdados de Pulpos and a Modelo Negra con limón!
    Back room

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    Back room

    El Carpintero - mexican - Updated August 2026

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