Some of the best birria in San Diego! Also wonderful customer service. I will be back!!

We were looking for a good Mexican spot while in El Cajon, and El Culichi looked tempting--particularly as they have Sinaloan style chilorio on the menu. Chilorio is slow-simmered pork, shredded, fried in lard, and simmered in a sauce of chilis and spices. I've not found this dish anywhere north of the border and couldn't wait. I wasn't dissapointed. The chilorio was savory with deep flavors of chilis and spices. It's available as an omlette, but also as a side on its own, served in pan with a warm stack of very good corn or flour tortillas (or a mix of the two). In addition, we tried their birria de chivo (goat stew), also made in the Sinaloan tradition, with different chilis than the original Jalisco version and very cumin/cinnamon forward. Totally delicious. And totally affordable, at inexpensive-moderate menu pricing. The spot is charming, welcoming on the outside, tidy and clean on the inside, and run by a friendly family--who are happy to educate guests on their very special menu. I'd consider this a destination restaurant. Worth the trip from anywhere in San Diego County. read more

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The food was amazing. The salsas were they were actually spicy and really good flavor. (Might want to give them a heads up or request not as spicy or no peppers on certain items). We had -Michelada -Menudo -Coctel de Camaron (had Serrano peppers) had a really good flavor, didn't taste like ketchup like other places. -Had a taco de lengua (no picture) read more

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Came across this place on Reddit. Pictures and reviews were quite positive so had to try it. Went for lunch with my son and we both ordered the tacos dorados. Food was freshly made. Tacos were done in a style that reminded me of how my wife makes them. But I thought it strange that Yelp described the restaurant as serving Sonoran style food yet what I was tasting was more Sinaloan style food. I asked the waitress and she told me that indeed the owners are from Culiacan, Sinaloa and the menu is a combination of both Sonoran and Sinaloan dishes. In any case, the tacos dorados were delicious... freshly made with lots of delicious toppings like pickled red onions, radish slices, cucumber, lettuce, crema, and cotija cheese. No sight of sloppy red sauces or melted jack cheese that permeate run of the mill "Mexican" food restaurants in the area. This place is serving authentic Mexican food... well, the dish I tried was for sure... this just means that I will have to go back to try additional items... but for now, I highly recommend this place. To boot, I got a small bag of delicious coricos to go. You gotta try this place! Sorry, no pictures included in this post as I was a bit too eager to chomp down on the tacos! read more

I had dinner with my family and my great-grandpa, and of course he wanted to go back to El Culichi. I had no complaints because any excuse to have delicious sopes, I'm in! There have so many other things on their menu that I want to try, but I'm a creature of habit and I love the sopes too much to try something else. I ordered two chicken and one beef sope. The portion and price point are great! While we were eating chips and salsa, the owner and her dad stopped by our table to check how everything was going. We shared about my grandpa being from Mexico and close to the state of Sinaloa. They shared that the photo on the wall is their family. They were so sweet sharing about their family and culture with my grandpa. The staff is also the nicest, especially with a 95 year old who can be a little less than patient. El Culichi is probably one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in San Diego! read more

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First observation, the restaurant is spotless!! We ordered the birriaquiles (red sauce), they were excellent, flavorful, the sauce was exactly how I like it a mix of red chiles and not only tomatoes. I asked for a side of eggs with machaca, their machaca is authentic not just shredded beef. It's quiet difficult to find a spot that makes good goat birria, well this place delivered!!! Just the right amount of spices, and not greasy at all. Definitely coming back to try the pozole and menudo! Wish I would've taken a picture of our food. Oh and lastly we also had the cafe de olla, pretty tasty as well. If youre looking for good authentic Mexican food and amazing friendly service give them a tey. These are the restaurants that deserve us to support them to stay in business. read more

El Culichi - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

We were a large group of ten people after playing a long round of golf and thanks to Yelp, this place popped up for authentic Mexican food. We could not have picked a better place to eat. As soon as we walked in, we were immediately greeted with a friendly smile and we found two tables for dinner. We feasted on a variety of items off the menu and enjoyed every bite. We also got some cookies to go that hit the spot. A true gem in a busy city with parking. read more

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We stumbled upon this restaurant while car shopping and couldn't have been happier! The food was absolutely phenomenal and the service was incredible, you feel like you're apart of the family when you step through the doors! read more

I am glad we found this hidden gem in El Cajon. It has an authentic, welcoming vibe and it feels like you're eating at someone's home. The food tasted like a true home cooked meal. I had the birriaquiles and my wife ordered the chile relleno plate, and both were full of flavor. It tastes like everything was made with care. It was so good that I came back a second time and brought the whole family during the second trip. This is going to be one of our go-to spots anytime we're craving authentic Mexican food. The service was great and it felt like we were family. read more

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Shrimp Cocktail was fresh and seasoned well!! Overall great small dinner date spot. Decor was very nice also

Love this restaurant! Tucked in a random area, the restaurant looked so cute so we were intrigued and wanted to stop by. As much as I didn't want to review because I didn't want this place to get so popular, this restaurant deserves all the praise. The staff is so friendly and the food is amazing! I haven't gotten anything I didn't like however my go to is the cafe de olla and the chicharrones. my husband loves their sopes as well. We ask for the beans on the side (of the sopes) so that we can eat the beans by itself because they're that tasty. The arroz con leche is also so refreshing and delicious. Parking isn't the greatest, but definitely try this place out! read more

El Culichi - Cafe de olla, chicharrones, and beef sopes - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Everything was fresh and delicious. We'll certainly be back. Support small businesses.

The food was delicious! I would definitely recommend coming here. The service was excellent, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I had a great experience and will definitely be back! read more

El Culichi - Cafe de olla - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Five star plus. Absolutely, the Best Mexican restaurant in San Diego metro area. I generally bring leftovers home from when I go out to eat. But NOT from here I ate every bit of it and it was a very generous portion. People are down to the earth as well. Ambiance was excellent well, just like eating with your own family. Great spot indeed. read more

Came across this hidden gem . Service was friendly and fast we arrived at 10 am ordered chilequillas and some tacos . The green chiliquillas were spicy but good the coffee was amazing and the tacos were good just wish they had more meat for 6.50 each . All salsa were fresh and mild to super spicy . Would definitely recommend this place . Don't let location steer you away read more

El Culichi - Yummy - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I was really blown away by this place, it's across the street from a school and tucked within a business area, they do have parking but seems like it can be limited during the day. Our server was polite and helpful at assisting with recommendations and telling us about their dishes. It's not a very big space so I would say if you have a really big party you may want to contact them in advance, they can probably host a table for 6. The decor is clean and fresh with a pop of color, and the lighting was sufficient and the air flow was good. The food was absolutely amazing and fresh and cooked beyond my expectations. I felt like I was eating at my Tia's house and enjoying a hearty meal that would beg me to take a nap right after. This is a great place and I wish them all the best. Their good was absolutely on point! read more

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Amazing! Really cool little spot you can sit down or take it to go. We had tacos dorados and Quesabesa! We also had the shrimp cocktail, we will 100% be back. The staff there is also great, very friendly and gave us some great recommendations! read more

El Culichi - Quesabesa with Flour Tortilla - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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My boyfriend surprised me with this "hole in the wall" recommendation from Reddit. I didn't know what we were having until we arrived, and I was very pleasantly surprised. The restaurant wasn't busy at all on a Saturday at 530pm and we were immediately warmly welcomed and seated. The food came out fast and was so delicious! The tostadas brought me back to my childhood and I squealed in my seat as I ate my dinner. My boyfriend ordered the beef birria and taco and said it was delicious as well. Already planning to come back so we can try more things on the menu. read more

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I stopped by on a rainy day, craving a good menudo. I started with a delicious café de olla, and for appetizers we ordered a birria de res taco and a birria de chivo taco--the chivo was especially flavorful. I went with the pozole, which came out hot, well-seasoned, with perfectly cooked hominy and tender meat. All the classic fixings were provided. We also tried the sopes de birria, which were bien reportados--IYKYK! The waitstaff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The moment I walked into the small restaurant, a wave of nostalgia hit me--I felt like I'd stepped into a fonda in Mexico. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, though the parking is limited. If it's your first time, keep an eye out or you might drive right past it. I would absolutely recommend El Culichi read more

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First time here and we loved the food the owner was very attentive place was clean and the food OMG BEST PLACE BY FAR TO GO EAT read more

El Culichi - The michiladas were the best - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

This is a great family owned small business that finds its roots in Sinaloa, Mexico. The eatery is a cozy spot with traditional Mexican eats and some not so well known regional items as well. I went with the chicken enchiladas with re-fried beans with pork and a wedge of queso fresco. The enchiladas came topped with a variety of tasty ingredients, including shredded lettuce and carrots, cucumbers, radishes, avocado, cotija cheese, and onions. They did forget to place the avocado on the meal however. The enchiladas were very good. They came with a good amount of tender chicken inside. A little more would of been good. The enchilada sauce was very tasty. All the ingredients on top were very fresh and flavorful. The side of beans were great. They call them frijoles puercos or pork beans. They were creamy with tender pieces of pinto beans, and most of all, very tasty. These would be great in a burrito. I was a huge fan of the wedge of queso fresco. It was of very good quality. The service was very friendly. It's a sit down eatery so they offer table service. You can also order at the counter to go. There's small parking lot adjacent to the building. read more

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First time coming here to El Culichi today and the only question I have is, how is this place not blowing up on socials?!? The service was 10/10 and food was also 10/10. We ordered the birria de res, taco de cabeza and taco de chicharron. Everything was so flavorful and delicious! The chicharron had a burst of texture and flavors, it was my favorite! We learned that they've been in business for a year, we will for sure definitely go back here and support this local business that makes food with love! Please come and try this place out, you'll not be disappointed! read more

Easily my new favorite place. Found them on Yelp a few months back to have my parents check out. They've been here several times since. Tonight was my first time trying for myself. Very small, cozy restaurant with the most welcoming staff who are so very proud of their food and love to share their flavors of Sinaloa. My husband and I both got the half order of birria de res which neither of us could finish. Super flavorful with tender meat served with tender corn tortillas, onion, cilantro and limes. One son got the birria burrito which was stuffed full of the same flavorful meat served with the tastiest frijoles puercos. The other son got the quesabirria taco which was perfectly crispy with more of that amazing meat and Oaxacan cheese. My parents got their favorite birria flautas loaded with veggies and crema. We finished off dinner sharing the custard stuffed churros. A perfect finish. Will definitely be back and will try their Asado Mazatleco which is a unique offering for San Diego. read more

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Food was very good with many dishes that are hard to find in the USA Service is good but sometimes waitress was lacking and not organized. But food made up for it. If in the area a must. read more

Food was amazing, we also ordered arroz con leche y churros both tasted phenomenal especially the arroz con leche, it tasted just like your mom would make it. Definitely try this place out, you won't regret it. read more

El Culichi - Asado Mazatelco - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I wanted to treat my mom to something nice on Mother's Day and we have been very curious about this new restaurant in El Cajon. I have seen a lot of great reviews so we didn't think what happened to us today on Mother's Day was going to happen. This is without a doubt the worst meal I've ever had . I love to support local small businesses so I am sorry to write the one star but I'm so sad about this experience. I gotta keep it real guys. We ordered the four Birria rolled tacos for $17 , a $12 bean and cheese burrito, a side of beans and Queso fundido , the order total was $46 . Right away I was shocked at the high Taco Shop prices, but given the great reviews I thought I'll splurge a little. It's Mother's Day. The rolled tacos were burnt. They were tiny and they forgot the avocado. The bean and cheese burrito was runny, had no flavor and no salt and my son threw it away. The queso fundido was a really odd texture and the homemade tortillas were disgusting and burnt also. I called to complain and she was really nice about it. She replaced the tacos and this time they weren't completely burnt, but they were again overcooked. They remembered avocado, but forgot the pickled onions. Also, the consome that comes with them was about a tablespoon . Given the very high price that we paid, I was not expecting this food to be so Janky. I am really upset that I wasted $50 on a terrible meal on Mother's Day . I will not be returning or ever recommending this outrageously overpriced bad Taco Shop. read more

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Culichi felt like home. Small restaurant with a decor like grandma's house. We had the honor of meeting the lovely family who runs this place and the service they provided was amazing. The food was delicious and satisfying. Thank you for having us and treating us like family, may you be BLESSED with success. read more

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I wish I would have taken pictures of the food but we were too hungry. Everything was so good! From the menudo to quesabirrieria to carne asada. Service was very kind and attending read more

Everything here tastes so homey and fresh! The dishes came out quickly and the service here was excellent. We ordered almost everything from the sopes(which were our favorite), the the enchiladas, and you HAVE to try their famous beans! Overall this might be our new favorite place! read more

El Culichi - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Where do I start?! Everything was AMAZING! Everything cooked to perfection. Flavors were on point, service was excellent and the place looks fantastic that gives great ambiance. Was good to see a family portrait of who carries the family tradition in making delicious food. We tried almost everything on the menu, we left the seafood for our next visit which will be very soon! Highly recommend the Birria and Menudo, and the tacos dorados were top notch too! Oh and the Asado Mazatleco was bomb, you won't find that on the menu anywhere else in San Diego. Our new favorite place! Bonus!, The churros were crazy good, crispy outside and filled. Great dessert. read more

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A gem hidden in El Cajon. Service was super friendly and quick. Food was sensational. Portions are large. Definitely will go back. read more

Been there twice and everything was wonderful! Food is fabulous, service is excellent, and owners are soooo friendly that you feel like you've been invited into their home . Prices are reasonable too! read more

My favorite birria and chicharrón in town! Everything is so fresh and flavorful, the location is super cute and always clean, and the staff is exceptional. I walked past while getting my car serviced next door and thought "that place looks good," and boy I couldn't have been more right! read more

BEST tacos I ever had Sinaloa style!!!!!I am still here eating and writing this review. The location is beautiful and the workers are very attentive. Very great service! read more

El Culichi - Already ate a taco! 3 taco plate - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Very clean restaurant! The lady was really nice to us, and the food was really good! We ordered the Chicharrones, Shrimp and Octopus botana, and half order of birria de chivo! Got nothing to complain about! We'll be back soon! Thank you El Culichi for the great food! read more

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This is such a nice clean family friendly restaurant . Birria is great and so is the Pozole. Service is very friendly . A great neighborhood restaurant!! read more

I want to gate keep this place it so good. Martha and Juliette were so sweet. Authentic delicious food. My tummy is so happy. This is a hidden gem that needs to be shared. read more

El Culichi - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Finally got around to trying this place. The food was decent. The tortillas were a little dry or stale tasting but maybe it was just the ones we got. The birria was delicious and worth going back for. It is more of a sit down place rather than taco shop. The server was extremely nice, friendly and helpful. There was plenty of parking and the outside and inside was clean. read more

The food and service were amazing. I got tacos (birria chivo, cabeza & pollo asado), my daughter got the birria burrito. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. Went home with containers of salsa as well. Love the outdoor seating. We'll be back again for sure read more

Food was fresh authentic and tasted great! Service was real good chips and salsa were both excellent read more

El Culichi - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California