A authentic, Mexican restaurant in a Latino neighborhood that exploded with their delicious meals . They got so popular that they remodeled and expanded to accommodate their customers The breakfast dishes are made with seasonings that enhance the enchiladas with either green or red chili with a fried egg on top including homemade refried beans, arroz.. This place has their house coffee with cinnamon. That was my granmothers secret so I thought. They have menudo on weekends. They have brunch..a wonderful enclosed patio especially designed by a relative who is also a architect. Try it, you'll love it. Prices are reasonable. read more

My family and I visited for a late lunch on a Sunday, and there was a fifteen-minute wait to get seated. There's only an outdoor waiting area, but it has chairs. We parked across the street near an intersection with a stop sign. Our table inside had a nice view of the Placentia Water Tower, and it felt somehow relaxing to gaze at it in the distance. I ordered the pork carnitas ($18), which included pico de gallo, rice, refried beans with melted cheese, and three warm tortillas. The portion size was large, and I took a some carnitas home. While the carnitas were tender, they weren't as juicy as I hoped. They provided only three tortillas that lost their warmth quickly in parchment paper. The rice had a good texture that had the right amount of firmness. I also tried the guacamole, which had a somewhat fluffy texture with a pleasantly light and savory flavor. While not affecting my review of this restaurant, I wish they served a mole dish. read more

El Farolito - Pork carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

The food is still good. However, due to the restaurant remodel. Prices half gone up and some menu items have gone down in quantity. It appears there might be new management and they are not making it a happy visit. I will try it again just to see if the attitudes have changes. read more

I stopped by for dinner with my family. We ordered some jamaica, several fish tacos, and a burrito special. The service was amazing and our food came out very quickly. The food was delicious. There were a lot of tables available and the place filled up pretty fast. It was a great place for a family dinner at the end of a long week. Would highly recommend and will be coming back in the future. read more

El Farolito - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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DANNY IS THE BEST!!! Thank you for the incredible service sir! This was our first time and he made it great!! Been looking for an authentic Mexican place since moving to OC and this place IS IT! The enchiladas are hands down is what they're known for so it's MUST!I love their tortillas chips too! You can tell they make them in-house! And Rice is sooo so good! It is hard to find parking but once you do, it is WORTH IT! Inside is definitely lively! So many tables and a lot of people they're all filled! The food is why! The price is pretty affordable compared to high end places with the same quality so if youre nearby, EL FAROLITO IS IT! Give them a try! read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Quesadilla & Enchilada Plate w/ Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Why not stop by the best Mexican food spot in Placentia, right off Bradford in Old Town near Center Street? Once you try El Farolito, you won't want to go anywhere else--excellent food every time read more

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Alwaysbthe best tasting food. Now the back parking lot has been converted to a full dining room. Front door is now take out, side door for dine-in. Papa's plate (3 item combo) is still available, but not on the menu. Combos (papa, mama, jr) still can order a burrito even though not on the menu. Note: you can no longer grab a beer the fridge while you wait, especially since we have stand outside. You can't read more

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I went to El Farolito to try something new and I was beyond impressed with the service and the quality of the food. I would recommend everybody to come and try this amazing restaurant. read more

El Farolito - Green Enchiladas with beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

This is still one of my favorite Mexican restaurant here in Orange County and my go to place whenever I crave good chips and salsa! Currently their new patio is under construction but it should be open at any moment now and I can't wait for it. Bon Appetit. read more

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El Farolito is a cute spot with fast, friendly service and seriously satisfying food. The horchata was smoother than a politician's empty promise and not overly sweet, one of the better horchatas I've had. Portions are generous, and the table chips come out warm with an addictive spicy salsa. Ingredients taste fresh, and the flavors are super comforting across the board. Solid place for a casual, reliably good meal. read more

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Super big with a ton of seating, but surprisingly not that great. Maybe it was what we got tho. The chips & salsa were alright. And the potato taco combo with beans and rice was decent and a good price. My friend got the chicken tacos though and thought they were pretty bad, unflavored. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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The best enchilada spot must try!!! I've been passing by this place for a while and always noticed a long line outside, and now I totally understand why. I got lucky with no wait, but about 15 minutes after I was seated, it quickly filled up. The service was great we were greeted right away, and our server Alex was amazing. He recommended the chilaquiles with carne asada, which were definitely worth trying, but the enchiladas truly stole the show. They were absolutely delicious. I could be wrong, but it looks like they may have added more seating because the restaurant feels much bigger now, and it's really nice inside. Would 100% come back! read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Best in the West!!! Make sure you order extra to gave while you eatch the 10'o'clock news!! also great for breakfast!!! read more

El Farolito - family waiting for table at El Farolito's!!! Large Cocktail took two waiters to bring to the table!!! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

The new dining room is spacious and roomy, meeting the locals and their appetite for this local gem. The menu is pretty dialed in, with fair prices for large portion sizes. We came in for brunch on a Sunday and the entire place was packed, so it was a bit hard to flag down our waiters - but they got the food out fast and hot. All the plates tasted about the same, they lean very heavily into their Tomato Machada for the base of both their rice and chicken. It's good, but got repetitive. Personally I wish there was a bit more veg available either with the plate or on the menu to balance out the meal. read more

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This place has been there forever and the ppl in community love it. Great tacos, chili relenos, and enchiladas, reasonable price.

Food is amazing. Their weekend menudo is definitely worth trying, and dishes like the chilaquiles or enchiladas with the green sauce are always delicious. They also remodeled the back area, which looks great and makes the restaurant feel much more inviting. That said, I do want to mention something we've noticed during our last few visits. For context, we've been coming here since 2018. We saw the temporary space they set up during COVID and watched the construction progress over time, so by now we can usually tell which servers have been there for a while and which ones are newer. Everyone is always friendly and polite, but lately it feels like we're not receiving the same level of service that other tables around us get. To be clear, my family doesn't expect to be recognized or personally welcomed by the owner like some regulars are. However, when the owner takes time to greet the table right next to us, it would be nice if the surrounding tables were acknowledged as well--it only takes a moment to say hello. We've also noticed that some of the servers who have been there longer only check on us once or twice during the entire meal. Since we have a toddler, we sometimes need extra napkins or water refills, but we rarely get checked on the way neighboring tables do. During our most recent visit, our waiter only came by to take our drink and food order. I had to flag him down later to ask for an extra spoon and bowl for my toddler, and it took about 10 minutes for it to arrive. In the meantime, I had to improvise with a small plate and the spoon from our salsa. I hate to make assumptions, but it's starting to feel like tables that don't speak Spanish receive more attentive service than those that do. My family and friends genuinely love this place and we plan to keep coming back. We just hope the service becomes a bit more attentive and consistent for everyone. read more

El Farolito - My toddler finished her food by the time they brought her a bowl for her menudo. Like us she truly enjoyed their food. - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Grabbed a quick bite and the nacho supreme was the perfect plate to split for two. Wonderful customer service and ambience. Ask for Danny the server, he'll treat you right. read more

El Farolito - Nachos Supreme w/ Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

WOW!!! My husband said this spot was good, but I wasn't ready for how good! From the outside, it looks small, like a hole-in-the-wall type of place. You wouldn't think anything of it, looking at the outside. Even inside, it's nothing fancy. Very casual place. Not very big. Boy was it PACKED though. People love this place! I guess if you live in the area, then you know about El Farolito. It's a local favorite. It is now one of my favorites too lol I had the best cheese enchilada plate here! It was super cheesy and comes with rice and beans. The plate was big! I loved it. Ate every bite. I also wanted to try the potato taco. That was just alright. I'd skip that next time. The enchiladas are where it's at!!! My husband got the Chile relleno plate and scarfed it all. Yeah, this place blew my mind. It's great Mexican food! Service was good too. They make the food so fast. read more

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I was in town for a basketball tournament and decided to explore the local food scene -- so glad I stumbled across this hidden gem! First off, the fresh flour tortillas deserve their own spotlight. Hands down some of the best I've ever had from a restaurant. They're not the traditional thin tortillas -- these are slightly thicker, soft, and incredibly flavorful. I'll definitely be ordering a dozen to-go next time. The chicken enchilada plate was equally impressive -- comforting, well-seasoned, and perfectly portioned. I also tried the menudo, and let me just say... absolutely phenomenal. Tender meat, rich broth, and layers of flavor in every bite. Quite possibly the best menudo I've ever had! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the overall vibe was relaxed and inviting -- the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. This spot is the definition of a hidden gem and worth every bite! read more

El Farolito - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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This restaurant is such a staple for Old Town Placentia. It gets really busy on week nights for happy hour and on weekends. Make sure to try to come at a non peak time or else you will be waiting. But trust me, it is well worth the wait. Also, parking is a bit hectic so you may need to drive around a couple times or just find something on the street, even if you have to walk. Every time I have ate here, the staff is great and loves serving. It is family owned so I feel thats why they have so much heart. The restaurant isn't too big but definitely gives off an authentic experience. As for the food, it is amazing. I have tried their sopes, tacos durados, enchiladas, and taquitos. Everything is well made and there is so much flavor. I love the way they make their rice and beans too, very authentic. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the area where you can find authentic Mexican food. If you are celebrating something, going on a date night, or hitting up happy hour with friends, I definitely recommend this place. You're welcome in advance. read more

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Went there for a dinner date with my husband. The atmosphere and footy were amazing and the service was incredible. Definitely made us feel welcomed. That just made everything better. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

arroz con pollo plate is seriously the best thing on the menu. thats all i have to say. read more

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On multiple occasions, I was recommended to visit this establishment, and I finally took the plunge. I visited for breakfast on a Tuesday, and the place was quite lively. I ordered the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. The green sauce was so tasty, I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely be coming back. read more

El Farolito - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN TOWN! We live right next to farolito jr in Anaheim but haven't checked it out - wanted to try out the original location first. And I can say, it did not disappoint. Hubby and I came on a weekday for lunch around 11:30 am and there was already a 5-10 minute wait. We started with some complimentary chips and salsa and my hubby said it was the best chips and salsa he's ever had. The salsa was actually spicy and the chips seemed homemade. He ordered the lunch special pollo con arroz while I got the 2-item plate tostada asada and chicken enchilada. Our first bite of that pollo con arroz... our eyes were wide open, shocked at how delicious it was. That, with the warm handmade flour tortillas... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Oh and the two entrees fed us both for lunch, and dinner for us and our kiddos. It was a lot of food! And, all for like $32 or so? $40 including tip! My husband and I both keep talking about how we want to go back. I'm sure we'll find a reason to come back soon! read more

El Farolito - Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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My favorite Mexican restaurant ever !!!!!! I come here with my boyfriend every week at the very least. The potato tacos are my go-to, also the salsa is soo good I've never had better elsewhere. So much food and for a good price!! Service is great, waiters are attentive and nice and I love how this is a family owned place. Couldn't ask for a better restaurant to be at!!! read more

In town for work and went to lunch. Found this little gem Short wait to get table but that's always a good sign right. I had the mama's combo. Taco and enchilada. Delicious. And their salsa best I've ever had read more

El Farolito - Taco enchiladas combo - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Super down home Mexican food. All fresh and homemade like an abuelita is cooking. Warm chips. Sweet helpful server, fast service. We enjoyed our lunch very much. We got there early and did not wait. Guacamole, enchiladas, chile rellenos, rice, beans, hard shell tacos... Totally delicious. Price point is exellent for the amount of food and quality. Breakfast sounds divine too! Looks like they're expanding, currently located in a smaller, casual space that is bustling inside. Can't wait to return- a gem! read more

El Farolito - Homemade delicious chips! - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Came here based off a friend's recommendation! This place was very busy and parking situation was a bit weird. Thankfully, there is a small public parking lot down the street from the restaurant if street parking isn't an option. I was expecting the wait to be fairly long, but I got seated immediately as it was just me. Had a friendly waiter take my order, serving along a free side of chips and salsa, which was surprising but very much welcome! The waiter told me that it is always complimentary! I ordered the carne asada, which came with rice, beans, and a side of two corn or flour tortillas (by choice). My order came rather quick despite how busy it was. After taking bites of everything, everything tasted good! No component of my dish really stood out in a way where I can vouch for it highly, but nevertheless I would say you are definitely getting your money's worth. I do wish that the carne asada was of higher quality as I found it to be the biggest let down of the dish. Simply put, the meat was a bit bland and lacked in seasoning even when mixed with the other components of the dish. In the end of my experience here, I still believed that there is more to be had from El Farolito, especially when their menu has a lot of depth! I could see myself coming back after some time. read more

El Farolito - Chips and Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Reddit was right--El Farolito serves the best Mexican food in OC! There's a reason this place is always buzzing: the food is simply incredible. It's classic, no-frills Mexican cuisine done right, with generous portions that will leave you full and satisfied. Plus, the complimentary chips and salsa are a great. I always go for the enchiladas and a taco, while my husband swears by the carne asada plate--you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming vibe, and while the line can be long, the wait is never too bad. Service is friendly and efficient, making the whole experience even better. Definitely a must-visit! read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Plate - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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We have been coming here for years and the last 3 times we have come since the expansion and service really slowed down and portions and taste of food is not as good. Not sure their issues but they definitely need to review I had the large menudo and it was the size of a small at most restaurants in the area. The menudo is kind of bland now I hope the next time we come back??? It's a different experience read more

今天應該是來吃老一家墨西哥平民有名的名店， 2000多個review,我們四點多去的時候餐廳還是滿的，五點多的時候走出來外面已經有20個人在排隊了，對我而言每盤菜長的都一模一樣，因為旁邊都是飯跟豆子，但說實話朋友點給我的蝦子蠻好吃的，後來旁邊的那個豬肉也很好吃，他們的米飯跟豆子也非常順口，聽說這樣子就是非常好吃的墨西哥菜，我想還有一個很重要的原因，東西好吃，價格又非常的平民，所以生意會好是一定的 read more

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Service- 101% ! Chips & Salsa - 101% ! Rice & Beans - 101% ! My Chili Rellano - Not Good ! Tasted Spoiled as did the Cheese. Could taste refrigeration spoilage. I've never failed to eat my Chili Rellanos. My favorite. These were bad. I've eaten here before- never had this happen read more

Food is delicious! A big part of my childhood. Staff is friendly and attentive. I'll drive an hour and a half to eat great food.

We've been here once before on the recommendation of my uncle. Such a great recommendation. We were in the area once again and stopped in for a quick lunch. I ordered a burrito and my husband had breakfast enchiladas. Everything was so good. I took home a major portion of my burrito because the serving is so large. My son ate my leftovers and loved it. My husband said his plate of food was fantastic. The restaurant doesn't really look like a restaurant from the outside. It looks like a house and inside, it feels like you're sitting in someone's house, being served excellent Mexican food. The service was attentive and friendly. It was really an amazing dining experience. read more

El Farolito - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Always consistently good every time we come here. The food is always good and the service is outstanding. We love coming here for authentic Mexican food. Papas plate is our go to with chicken enchiladas in red sauce. It's the best red sauce you will ever eat. They are under construction with the expansion so they no longer have that outside seating where it was a parking lot. The outside looks beautiful so I don't know how long it will take for them to open that side up. They still have a lot of seating without that portion of the restaurant. Definitely our favorite place to eat when we drive down to OC. read more

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This is the quintessential Mexican food restaurant and it was amazing!!! We came at 230p and sat down immediately, though this place is reportedly busy and can lines out the door. Chips were fresh out of the fryer and the salsa was incredible. Service was polite and quick. I had the carne asada plate and I loved every bite. Even their rice and beans were phenomenal. My wife had the chile relleno and cheese tamale and I was blown away by her food as well. I love places like El Farolito that leave no stone unturned when it comes to flavor and quality. This must be considered one of the best Mexican food restaurants in all of SoCal. Thanks Yelpers for helping me find this gem. I will be making the trek out here for more visits!! read more

El Farolito - Chile Relleno and Cheese Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

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Highly mediocre food and very lukewarm service. When you look around the restaurant you understand why this is so highly rated. Look elsewhere for real Mexican food with flavor and real salsa. The tomato paste they serve with their "chips" is laughable. The food is extremely overpriced for what you get. Honestly, can't understand the hype for this place after visiting a few times throughout the past few years. read more

This place is hands-down the best Mexican food we've ever had--absolutely worth the drive from San Diego every time! The flavors are authentic, bold, and unforgettable. Every dish we've tried has been perfectly prepared and packed with taste--from the tacos and enchiladas to the fresh guac and house salsas. The service is top-notch--friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they care about every guest. It's rare to find a place where both the food and the experience are this good. We've eaten at plenty of places across Southern California, and this one still comes out on top. If you're looking for incredible Mexican food that's worth the trip, this is it. Can't wait to come back!!! read more

Fast friendly service. Plenty of parking in the back. Chips and salsa were delicious. The food was fresh and delicious. read more

El Farolito - Machaca plate - Mexican Near Me - Placentia, California

Been coming here for years and it's still Always consistent. Authentic and they give big portions!!