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    El Nopalito

    4.1 (314 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Grocery, Butcher
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    El Nopalito Photos

    Business Info

    EL NOPALITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Juliann T.

    I've lived around the corner for 3 years and have never came by, until last week. Got some items to grill for tacos and It was such a hit and affordable. Also got some rice and beans as well. I will make a point to come back more frequently, yum!

    a refrigerator full of food
    Toby P.

    Still my favorite salsa, the roasted one. When I have a party to attend I love to brig this with their chips and the markets is quick and easy. I usually end up buying something else too because they have what I need and lots to try.

    a plate of mexican food
    Brenda D.

    Every single time I drive by the 5 to North County, stopping by El Nopalito is a must! It has some of the best, most authentic mexican food in all San Diego. The kind of food your grandmother makes best and can't have anywhere else because all taco shops have the same old standard menu, and the more "gourmet" spots are too pricey and pretentious. El Nopalito has costillas de puerco en salsa verde, machaca, chicharrones, mole, menudo, huevos any style, and delicious home made tortillas. I recommend ordering a plate with different dishewith rice and beans. But their breakfast burritos are pretty bomb too.

    Pork Tamales
    Kitty C.

    El Nopalito has been around since I was a kid and probably longer than that. I love the fact that they have the market and the taco shop in the same shopping center. For the market, they have a nice variety of salsas to choose from and you can also buy them at the local grocery stores too! They make their own tortillas and chips, as well as tamales, chicharrones and carnitas. They have a whole menu to order from at the taco shop across the market. The market also sells fresh veggies, and a range of ingredients if you're making certain Mexican food. Highly recommend getting the carnitas, never disappoints. Chicharrones was crispy, only down side was the bottom which is the meat can be really dry. Inside is a tight fit, so just be a little careful walking around. The people were really nice and assisted when I asked question. If you don't visit the market, def visit the taco shop.

    Rosella F.

    Pleasantly surprised by this place! Delicious Mexican food right off the freeway at a very affordable price. Ordered huevos ranchero and a carne asada taco for breakfast. Really great flavor and they have a salsa bar!

    the inside of a mexican restaurant
    Guy M.

    We made a special trip up here from Chula Vista because I saw a write up on this place and seeing I love my Mexican food I had to check it out! This is not your average taco shop/restaurant. Growing up in San Diego I am very particular with my Mexican food. A matter of fact my Mexican friends deemed me an honorary Mexican. Anyway the best way to describe their food is it's fresh and flavorful. Their carne asada in their burritos isn't your typical cut up flank steak, but more like cut up pieces/small chunks of steak. Whenever you're up this way you have to check El Nopalito!

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    5 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

    It's been consistently solid. Great lunch specials, great burritos, friendly staff. I recommend

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great authentic Mexican food and friendly staff. Ordered California Burrito. Guacamole was great!

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Their online hours are not accurate. We came to try this place for the first time and left because it was not open.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    PHENOMENAL!!!!! They make homemade corn tortillas also. Literally BEST!!! I catered for a big event and the group raved about the food.

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great service and great food. What more can you ask for!? The selection of food is also great and the place is clean.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Delicious authentic Mexican food. There is a great selection of plates. The price on these items beat everyone else in Encinitas.

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    2 years ago

    Quick , high quality and flavorful at a fair price . This is the real deal . No frills and filling . Their market is not to be skipped

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    2 years ago

    Fast cheap and pretty decent - not the best Mexican I've ever had but it's super convenient and cost effective

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Worth the drive from Orange County. Their chips and salsa are the best. Breakfast burrito was so good.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The salsa fresca is my favorite and chips are great. Try the carne asada if you want a zesty flavorful bbq.

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    2 years ago

    Just in general a horrible place to go to. I ordered a 10$ burrito and somehow paid almost $30 for my meal.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 8

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    El Nopalito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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