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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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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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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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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Food was amazing and even better was the prices. I had the goat birria and my girl got the birria burrito. Both tasted amazing and we shared the chicharrones dish. read more

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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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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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

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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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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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

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 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

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

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

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

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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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

Excellent customer service!!! The waitress was so helpful and patient!! The food was very good!! This was needed in El Cajon!!

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

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

The first time today I came over today to get something to go for me and my wife and the second I walked inside it changed my whole life, this place is so amazing and beautiful small mom and pop place to eat and enjoy hand made home made food the service is absolutely incredible reminds of back home Sinaloa a must try place this place got me addicted like no tomorrow read more

El Culichi - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

This five-star review of El Culichi is for their birria de chivo (goat meat birria). Normally we'd have to travel to Chula Vista, National City, etc to find this type of birria but they just opened up in El Cajon and it's some of the best I've ever had. I spoke to the owner and they have passed down the recipe through three generations and the grandfather is still in the kitchen cooking. We were thoroughly impressed by the birria and we'll be back! Also the service is really good, the ladies were very nice and greeted us right when we walked in. We enjoyed our experience. read more

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I've been here several times now and everything has been impeccable every single time. From the cleanliness, the service and the food. It has a homey feeling and the staff really make you feel welcomed. read more

El Culichi - Birria omelette was devoured! Delicious - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Everything I've had from this place has been great! Amazing authentic flavor! You can't go wrong.

La comida deja muy mal a la real comida sinaloense solo fui una vez nada de ganas de regresar nada que ver con nuestra comida Sinaloense

Such a charming little spot! The atmosphere felt cozy and inviting from the moment I walked in, and the food absolutely lived up to the vibe. I tried the birriaquiles and would definitely recommend them--they were flavorful, comforting, and so well-prepared. My only wish is that the dish came with a bit more birria, because it was delicious and I found myself wanting just a little extra. Overall, it's a place I'm really glad I tried, and I'd happily come back for more. read more

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The best authentic Mexican food I've had in all my years in California! Great service and ambience as well. read more

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This place is a gem! Delicious, authentic homemade food, a quaint and spotless atmosphere, and excellent service. If you're looking for real flavor and a genuine experience, this is a must-try. read more

We had the day off and decided to try this new place, El Culichi.... The food was amazing. We had the Birra de Chivo, the Chicharron, and Menudo. All the food was authentic & the service was excellent. We found our new favorite restaurant. read more

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This place is AWESOME. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. We had the chili relleno plate and Birria flautas and definitely the best I've ever had. The service was great, staff were friendly and even the owner came out to talk to us. She's a doll! Cute decor and top notch cleanliness. It's a must to go eat. read more

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First time coming here the food was so good I love the Martha tacos the menudo y el cockerel de Camaron mi ahpa y hermano le gusto la comida y tambien mi ahma good place to come eat read more

Among the best Mexican food you will find in East County! Friendly service and Sonoran focused menu. What's not to like. read more

El culichi is hands down one of the best restaurants I have been to everything is homemade made with love proper preparation and just greatness shout out to the cooks read more

Cute new Mexican Restaurant. Food was fresh and service was prompt and attentive. Glad this business just opened up nearby! read more

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Saw this place and had to come try the tacos de papa! They did not disappoint. They were delicious- not greasy. Will definitely have to come back to try the Meundo and Pozole read more

El Culichi - Tacos de papa! Para chuparse los dedos - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The Tacos Dorados are amazing. I had the beef, chicken, and potato tacos. Also got birria de rez which I shoulda taken pictures of the tacos but I was too hungry when I came. This was our second time here in two weeks. The also and hot sauce is great too. And the Service was excellent both times. We will be back next week I'm sure! read more

El Culichi - Birria de res - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California