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    El Culichi

    4.6 (67 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Yummy
    Ashley S.

    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

    Arroz con leche
    Tammy R.

    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!

    Chips and well seasoned salsa
    Maria l.

    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

    Enchiladas
    Jack M.

    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.

    Birria Flautas
    Gaile C.

    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.

    Receipt

    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!

    Asado Mazatelco
    Christina H.

    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.

    Very burnt , very small birria rolled  Taco,  and very overpriced
    Katie G.

    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.

    Taco de birria
    Griselda M.

    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.

    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.

    Enchiladas
    Enrique A.

    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!

    Churros
    Silvano L.

    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.

    Already ate a taco! 3 taco plate

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    8 months ago

    Food and service are amazing! I'm definitely going back! The shrimp tacos and chilaquiles were delicious!

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    11 months ago

    Amazing food and service! We were handed extra tortillas with the full order, and the birria and consome were rich in flavor!

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    1 year ago

    Fabulous food and friendly service, with a welcoming environment. We'll definitely be back!

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service very authentic! Very clean! You can tell this family takes pride in their establishment!

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    Page 2 of 2

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    4.3(247 reviews)
    2.5 mi
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    Great Mexican food. Friendly service , I will be returning to order more food.the inside was ok.read more

    A couple of friends lured us here. And thank goodness for it. I have driven by a dozen of times and…read moredidn't consider stopping in. Walking into Panchos, you are immediately greeted by a bright, colorful and welcoming scene. It gives you the feeling of walking into your tía's favorite old school restaurant. The tables and benches are dark wood. And there is papel picado hanging. It's charming. You get the feeling that Panchos has been around for decades. Apparently, the restaurant has been open here since 2004. And the real star? Our server, whose name I cannot recall. He was equal parts waiter and comedian, a very kind man who was highly attentive and extremely helpful. If you like spicy salsa, be sure to tell him to bring you the good stuff from the back (after he offers you bland Tapatio). The menu is absolutely massive. They have breakfast burritos, breakfast plates, chips and fries, shrimp plates, soups (check with the team about offerings, like caldo de res), tortas, quesadillas and a kid's menu and more. I highly recommend the cheese enchiladas and the chile relleno. The chile relleno is especially good. It isn't your soggy, cafeteria-style relleno drowned in red sauce and regret. It is the best comfort food, and Panchos does it well. There is a generous melt of Oaxacan cheese, the batter is very light without being greasy. And then there was the ranchero sauce! Tangy tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and a tiny bit of chili. So very good. Also popular on the menu is a pitcher of margaritas, which you should plan on sharing with three others. The mango margarita is also quite nice. And they also have a Baileys & Coffee. And you can easily get a delicious, filling meal for $20 or less. All around, a great place.

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    Squeezed into a small shopping center on the corner of Washington and Magnolia sits Chuy's Taqueria…read morey Burritos. Needed a quick bite to eat so to Yelp i went ... saw Chuys had some good looking food and reviews so we took the 9 minute drive from Parkway Plaza after some holiday shopping. Upon walking in there is about nine bar stools aligned the L shaped bar table for sitting along the left wall/window. Place was spotless, super clean with pretty dope street art to your right! The woman at the register was very nice and the cook seemed to carry a great attitude as well. I noticed many customer coming were returning customers which is something I always like to see. California burrito was packed with meat and cooked to absolute perfection. I could actually taste the carne asada over everything which is honesty rare for me. The guacamole was not oozing out nor was it overpowering the taste of the whole burrito. The size of this thing was as about the size of my forearm! Filled me up for sure!! 6 rolled tacos with guacamole, sour cream and cheese was also perfectly cooked. Perfect amount of crunch on the ends and not too soft in the middles. Plenty of meat in the rolled tacos as well, which you could also taste well through all the toppings! We'll definitely be seeing you again soon Chuy's!!!

    Chuy's doesn't bother with theatrics. It's a straight shot of San Diego comfort: a counter, a warm…read moregriddle, and a crew that treats your custom order like it's the most natural thing in the world. I ordered a California burrito and asked to swap in adobado pork. No hesitation, no side‑eye, just a nod and a "you got it." That alone puts them ahead of half the shops in the county. The burrito itself delivered. The adobado came through with that deep red glow and smoky tang, the kind of flavor that feels like it's been tended to, not rushed. Fold that into fries, cheese, and a tortilla doing quiet, reliable work, and you get a bite that hits all the right notes. Rich, bright, salty, satisfying. It's a simple thing done well, which is exactly what you want from a neighborhood taco shop. Chuy's isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. They're just making a damn good burrito and treating you right while they do it.

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    Yesenia's Mexican Food and Seafood

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    4.3(63 reviews)
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    Nom nom nom!!! One…read moreof the first things I do when trying a new Mexican restaurant is to try the rice and beans. If they're good, the rest of the menu seems to be too. Well, Yesenia's has magical beans and rice! And guess what? Everything else is delicious too! I especially like that their refried beans have some whole beans left in. The rice is moist and flavorful. I would be a happy camper if all I had for dinner was the rice and beans but... My hubby and I are slowly going through their menu! So far, it's all fantastic! The food is very fresh, portions generous, and just tastes soooooo good! I can't wait to try the pozole next. A lady near our table had an enormous bowl of it the last time we were there and it looked delicious One of everything please! They also have a salsa bar with about 5 choices along with hot carrots/peppers, pickled onions, and limes. They have many tables and ample parking (strip mall). Everything has been clean and has a nice mix of dine-in and takeout orders. They do a great job - thank you! V & K

    This Yesenia's Mexican restaurant is associated with one in Claremont Mesa called harvest, a place…read moreI used to go to when I worked in the area. So glad I found them now in East County. Today I walked in and saw a breakfast burrito special on the board, including mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, eggs, and cheese. Delicious! The mushrooms were sautéed perfectly and blended well with the other sautéed vegetables, egg and cheese. The salsa bar is legit offering mild to spicy red and green. A word of caution, the jalapeño salsa is fire! But it taste so good. I kept going back for more punishment ha ha ha. Come in and see for yourself, the food is good, quality ingredients, and super nice people. You won't be disappointed. The restaurant was clean and tastefully decorated and the restrooms were clean and cared for. Definitely adding this to my go to quick Serve Mexican restaurant.

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    4.2(588 reviews)
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