This place is my top choice for a delicious, budget-friendly meal for the family. The value is unbeatable. They provide fast delivery and friendly service. They call right before arriving, which I appreciate, so the food is always hot. read more

I've been to this Latin food spot a few times and has always been a good experience; large portions, good prices and lots of options on the menu. Recommended! read more

(Video experience on Youtube @ OnTheRodas) The food here is delicious. We ordered the 1/4 chicken con todo (with 3 sides) and a carne asada. Great service and priced extremely well! read more

El Chapin - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

~ COVID DoorDash Review ~ El Chapin may deserve another star or two, but my meal left me feeling a little unsatisfied. In the interest of disclosure, I ordered some items that I thought would appeal to my son, rather than what I would have (entirely) ordered for myself. If you've read my reviews, you will know that my son is one of the pickiest eaters in the world, which is frustrating to me, since I definitely fall on the other end of the spectrum. But he's recently discovered the joy of empanadas, via the Hotpanada food truck, and I was hoping that he would a) try empanadas from other establishments, and b) see the empanada as a gateway food to other Latino cuisine. I tested the el Chapin waters first, with the hopes of plying him with a Chile relleno (one of my favorites) or even some tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. So, to be fair, I'll definitely order again and will try something else. But with my "expand my son's horizons" project in mind, I ordered a few things I thought he might try: a few empanadas, a chile relleno, rice and beans, and some flan for dessert. I was pretty disappointed in the relleno because it was stuffed with very dry, underseasoned chicken, and I discovered a few bone fragments, which left me pretty cautious about the rest of the dish. The chicken empanada contained the same unappealing meat, unfortunately, though the pastry was tender and flaky. The cheese and beef empanadas were much better than the chicken. I really enjoyed the rice and beans: huge, flavorful portion, with plenty of leftovers for the next day. I also really enjoyed the flan: creamy with a delicious caramel, and I thought about that a lot over the days that followed - it was really good! My picky eater is likely not ready for el Chapin, but I'm definitely interested in going back and maybe trying carne asada, or really, anything else: tacos, 1/4 chicken, burrito, etc. And, I'll definitely order the flan again! read more

This place is so good! It is dangerously close to my house. I really could eat from here every day. Everything we have tried has been delicious. Their roasted chicken is a favorite. As well as empanadas and quesadillas. I haven't tried all the offerings on the menu but I look forward to making my way through it. What we have tried, is always fresh and well seasoned. Definitely our neighborhood spot. read more

El Chapin - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

See all

It is literally one block away fromthe baseball field, very easy tomiss. Looking over they menu they have all types of delicious plates from South America like a Colombian Bandeja Paisa to Mexican tacos. Since it was already late, I ordered a plate of chicken flautas and was seduced into a cup of horchata. I am normally not an horchata drinker (it's a milky drink made from corn that tastes like rice pudding, even writing that sounds kind of gross), but EVERYONE that came to pick up their order got one, sooooo I wanted one too! It came from a glass jar in the deli pantry and it was so delicious and sweet. As for my flautas, they were perfectly crunchy, delcious and loaded with fresh salad and cheese. Everything was made fresh and right in front of me, not on purpose, more because it's a small place, but either ways I liked it. The reason I am deducting a star is not bc of the shady neighborhood or the lack of parking, it's bc it took SOO long to make my order. I spent 25 minutes sitting there, and yes they did get a few people coming in to pick up, but it was just way to long for a simple orderof flautas. I definetely recommend calling ahead. Although the food had good flavor, the place itself for me is mostly a take out joint. So come and check them out, and pick up a bottle of the good stuff across the street while you're at it. read more

El Chapin - Chicken flautas! - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

See all

Always wanted to try this place and really enjoyed it. Very low key and simple with part kitchen, part grocery store and part places to sit. I ended up with the Bandeja Chapin which was chicken, marinated steak and pork. Came with rice, beans and salad. Very good! Folks were very nice. Definitely would go back! read more

El Chapin - Bandeja Chapin. Chicken with marinated steak and pork with rice, beans and salad. Very good! - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

See all

Found my way to El Chapin for lunch yesterday. It is located toward the bottom of Cass Street in Trenton, between the prison and Arm & Hammer Field. It is not really on Lamberton Street, although it is possible there was once a door on that side of the building. "El Chapin," is slang for a Guatemalan, so although the menu has a certain Mexican flair, this is a house that specializes in cuisine from its southern neighbor. And, it is very good. The lady of the house was taking orders and cooking when I went in. The menu is rather extensive and it took a while for me to decide what I wanted - everything was bilingually displayed with many photos. Mamita was patient and when I finally selected the Chile Relleno she smiled and said it was one of the best dishes in the house. I bet she says that for whatever people want. But, she was right that it was special. About ten minutes later, out came a large green Poblano Chili Pepper stuffed with spicy shredded Pork, Peas, Onion, Cheese, and a few things I could not define, all wrapped in a thin Egg Omelet. Black Beans, Yellow Rice and a small Green Salad completed the platter. It was delicioso. Every element of the dish could be tasted and the combination was a full pleasure to devour. I also had a glass of Horchata, the Rice Milk and Cinnamon drink that is a national treasure. As friend Marlyn describes, it tastes like liquid rice pudding. When cold, I find it fun, tasty and thirst quenching. As with almost all the Latin shops in Trenton, they were once Italian joints or corner bars that had seen the neighborhoods change and adapt to the influx of new residents. Unlike most, however, El Chapin has somehow removed the old rustiness of these places and made it feel fresh and energetic. It was very comfortable to sit in one of its booths and watch people coming and going. While I have favored all the Mexican, Guatemalan, Salvadoran and Puerto Rican restaurants that I have sampled to date, I found El Chapin to be about the best of the lot. Thanks for a great lunch, Mamita. read more

See all

Small mom and pop restaurant in Trenton. They have a pretty good selection of Latin food and a decently priced lunch menu! I ordered their half chicken with rice, beans, and a salad for $10. The chicken was very flavorful and "fall off the bone" tenderness! Next time I'm in Trenton, I'd definitely visit this place again! read more

Their food is delicious. Their chicken dishes are great and their sides are full of flavor. I especially like their rice and beans and macaroni salad. The restaurant does not have many seating so there were times where I had to take the food to-go. Nevertheless, their roast chicken dishes come out fast so it's never a long wait. And their prices are very reasonable. I paid less than $15 for two people before. Their service isn't the greatest since some of the waitresses couldn't speak english well. But did not have that much trouble ordering food. Overall, this is one of my few favorite restaurants in Trenton. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

El Chapin - 1/4 chicken with rice, beans, and macaroni salad - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

Nice staff. I ordered over the phone & the food was ready when I arrived. Unimpressive food. Very bland. Chicken a tad bit dry.

I tried this place twice. Both times I ordered directly from the Yelp app and picked the food up. I had an empanada and three tacos the first time. The empanada tasted a little dry, but it was edible. The tacos were okay, didn't really care for the taco shells. The second time I ordered I decided to play it safe and ordered some chicken wings and fries. The fries were bland and overcooked. My chicken wings were undercooked, the inside of a few of them was still raw. I am really hoping that I don't get sick because I took quite a few bites before I noticed. I would have rated this place one star, but decided on two because of their customer service. The cashier was very nice and friendly. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with a smile and the cashier asked me how my day was going. Nevertheless, I will not be returning. Thanks but no thanks. read more

El Chapin - Raw chicken - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

This was amazing!! The absolute best Mexican fajitas I have ever had!! The portion size was huge! Steak was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The rice was also perfection!! The beans were served in a separate cup and were not beans from a can! Don't be dissuaded by the Trenton address. Well worth giving El Chapin a chance to bring you authentic Mexican food at a fair price and great portions read more

If you want great food, worth the money you spend, then here would be a great choice. This was my first time and I would totally recommend. The food is seasoned great. We ordered beef tostadas, fijetas mixtas, and the bistec. They also make smoothies and they were great. All of it was AMAZING! read more

I use to love this place until I found a long ass strand of hair in my food! Ladies tie your hair back when you're working around food because it's so fucking nasty to be having hair in the food! read more

El Chapin - Long ass strand of hair in my black beans....GROSS!! - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

I ordered the chicken flautas and not only is there barely any lettuce on them but they don't have any flavor. They threw on two sloppy scopes of sour cream and did not add avocado like I asked them too. Definitely will not shop here again. Go to el Gallo tropical instead they actually care about their customers. read more

Authentic, flavorful, perfectly grilled tacos asada in authentic tortillas. Happen to be in the area today and I would go out of my way to come back. read more

We ordered from here for the first time last night and will be ordering again and again! Between the 3 of us we had arroz con pollo, chicken burrito with fries (although next time I'm gonna see if they can do rice instead), cheese empanada, and a cheeseburger with fries. Everything was affordable and delicious!! HUGE portions too. Reheated the next day beautifully. I highly highly highly recommend this place and can't wait to try more from their extensive menu. read more

I was craving Hispanic food so I went on Grub Hub and this restaurant popped up. At first I was skeptical because 1. I'm not from around here and 2. I've never delivered before. But I'm so glad I ordered from this place! Absolutely mouth-watering and delicious! I ordered 1/2 chicken, rice, beans, with a side of salad along with shrimp tacos. For drinks I got a mango and strawberry smoothie, which was very yummy. They give you a lot more than you actually pay for. Food has so much flavor and enough to fill you up! Extremely cheap and affordable. Our delivery guy was so nice. I had such a great first experience, will order from this place again whenever I'm in town. Two thumbs up! read more

Delicious pupusas--I got frijoles and queso. Soft, steamy, and the delivery is always on time. Good tostones, too.

This place is decent. Food is good. The only thing I don't care for is how when I get the same meal its a different price for a different worker. read more

Best chips ever! Make sure to order the Chicharonnes De Tocino. Fresh made! Takes a long time but... they deliver! read more

The sign says "Mexican", but El Chapin is a great little Guatamalan hole in the wall. Almost everything I've had here was great: the chicken (mmm), the rice and beans papusas, the carne asada tacos, the guacamole... The only exception is that their carnitas don't wow me. Great for carry-out. There are three tables inside and I've eaten here several times. read more

Got food from here yesterday it was 25 minutes away and I ordered to go. Food was pretty delicious, worth the drive. We had the rotisserie chicken, tacos and popusas. A very decent price and good portions. Can't wait to go back. read more

El Chapin - Mexican sausage tacos (chorizo) - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

Well today I was doing some business in the trenton area and came across this place as having great Guatemalan and Mexican food. I enjoy some down home latin food so had to make my way there. When I arrived I was surprise by the small size of the eating area which has only 4 tables. It caused me to keep my eye on the one open table while figuring out what to have...it was either tacos or a plate....all looked really good and authentic. I decided to go with the Bandeja Paisa which included rice with grilled beef which had to eggs over it which were slightly runny along with a strip of chicharrone (Fried pork belly), sausage, surrounded by beans and a refreshing salad with avacado. I was starving but when the plate came I got intimidated by the quantity of food but everything was so tasty and went well together I think I only left a cucumber. Overall everyone is overly friendly which is never a bad thing, the food comes out quickly and taste great! If your not intimidated by the surroundings and want authentic latin food make your way over there. read more

El Chapin - La Bandeja Paisa - Latin American Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

This was an awful experience! It took almost 2hrs for my delivery. My food was cold and the salad was warm. They were really skimpy with the beans as well. read more

Do NOT judge this place on the location or how it looks. The food will most definitely exceed your expectations. Came here with my girlfriend because we had a coupon to use. As we drove towards the restaurant, we were trying to figure out what we got ourselves into. However, after ordering our food and watching them prep the food. We were soon very pleased to have chosen El Chaplin. Absolutely delicious food! We plan on coming back again. Definitely check it out! read more

So far I have only tried the chicken and beef tacos from here but they are delicious and always consistent. Very nice people working and fast delivery. Would reccomend read more

I have ordered from this restaurant multiple times as they're food was pretty good. There have been a few occasions where they've made mistakes with the order ie on one occasion they gave a chicken empanada instead of cheese. That was a problem since the person it was for was vegetarian. I didn't complain though. I understand during these times businesses are struggling and people make mistakes. Tonight the driver dropped off the order. After opening up the containers we realized it was a completely wrong order. My youngest had started to pick through it a bit when I said this isn't the correct food. About 5 minutes later the driver showed back up. He had our correct order and asked for the other good back. My daughter came and got me to let me know. I thought it was weird as I e never had a restaurant take food back once it's been inside someone's home. Especially now with Covid I was shocked. I cl gathered the containers and stuck them in a new back since the other bag was ripped open. He argued that the food did not look the same as when he dropped it off and I explained, that's because it's been opened and some touched by my kids. He kept looking through and spilled food on my new living room carpet. I told him he was spilling all over my carpet and he seemed to care less. He continued to make a call, I'm assuming to the restaurant. He held my food in his hand as if he wasn't going to give it to me since the other food had been opened. I couldn't believe how he was acting. He then sat the leaking bags on my carpet and proceeded to talk on the phone. I grabbed them, stuck them outside and told him forget it, I do not even want the food anymore after all this. After a few minutes he left and left the bags on my porch spilled over and leaking a mess all over! Not only will I never order from here again, I'll make sure to spread the word to as many people as possible not to order there either! With these type of restaurants being a dime a dozen, you'd think they would treat their customers better! read more

Came here on a recommendation for good pollo a la brasa in the area. Food was good, chicken was very tasty with crispy skin. White meat was a bit dry, but dark meat, rice, beans were all very good. I see a bunch of sauces at the order counter and it would be good to be able to know what they are when ordering. I think order taker should ask if customer wants to have or buy any of the small sauces for their food, just some friendly advice. Other than that this place is not fancy, but a great local restaurant that I will be returning to. read more

I have NEVER posted anything on Yelp before but I signed up just to share my love of this place. I recently moved to Trenton from L.A. and after months and months of searching for decent Mexican spot I finally hit the jackpot! I've ordered from this place countless times and I think I've tried almost everything on this menu and I have yet to be disappointed. I recommend the burritos, tacos, the grilled chicken and rice, flautas, tostadas, empanadas...I can literally go on and on. Did I mention they deliver!? If your're searching yelp right now looking for a good mexican restaurant in the Trenton area, stop right now and come here! read more

Very good "Latin fusion" food. Only get Latino food here though. Things like their burger are really bland and boring. I usually get the half chicken special. Ten dollars gets you half a charcoal-roasted chicken, potato (or vegetable) salad, rice, and beans (pinto or black). Very filling and delicious. El Chapin also offers free deliver within a certain area. read more

I have probably ordered from here for the last 4 years but the more recent times I have ordered have been less then expected. Last order I made I purchased 2 large orders of the chicharron de tocino and they told me the one large order was supposed to account for two large orders. I have ordered from here frequently for the last 4 years and I know that is not the case and the fact that they charged for 2 and only gave me one is ridiculous. read more

This is my favorite Guatemalan restaurant in Trenton (and anywhere else for that matter)! Authentic food and the chicken is always grilled perfectly. Juicy and tender and flavorful. I love this place, I wish I could eat here everyday. Super friendly service as well. Give it a try :). read more

I was told this place has the best chicken around so I tried it over the weekend. Nothing stood out to me as great, except they sell 1 1/2 liter Jarritos! I know soda is bad for you, but whatever, it's Jarritos!! read more

Will not order from here again..rice looked and tasted like it was from a box. Papusas not good at all.

I love, love LOVE this place. People here are very friendly and the food is AMAZING. I usually get the cheese pupusas and get the chicken tacos for my boyfriend. The only thing I would like is more of the toppings for the pupusas. Even when I offer to pay extra I only seem to get the same amount. The orchata drink is also definitely worth a try! Delivery is always on point and the guy is always friendly. read more

We have ordered delivery from them on several occasions and been happy each time. The taco meat is particularly well flavored, though nothing has been truly disappointing. read more

Ordered from here for the first time and it was terrible. Unseasoned, burnt tortillas, arrived cold. Never ordering again. Tasted extremely bland, no hint of salt or pepper. Salsa verde was also very watery. read more

Excellent food! We get delivery from here all the time and the food always arrives quickly and hot. Their juices are AMAZING -highly recommend you give it a try if you've never had Latin American "juice" before (it's like a smoothie). Prices are very reasonable as well. Definitely recommend this place! read more