I love surprises, especially good ones like El Nopalito. We're in Encinitas once a month or so, so we have tried a lot of places for lunch over the last twenty years. Luckily we were given the tip to try El Nopalito which is located just off the northbound Santa Fe Drive exit on the 5. You might want to look at google maps if you don't know the area which is in an older somewhat run down strip mall. Don't let that fool you though, appearances can be deceiving. Indise El Nopalito is clean and fairly large, probably seating around sixty. The kitchen can be viewed from where you order, which I like. We ordered nothing but tacos for starters to see what we liked, they have 21 types of tacos on the menu, so we chose Carnitas, Carne Asada, and El Pastor. Good choices all, freshly made, well seasoned, great toppings and big portions. The two of us were almost full just eating the three tacos. But no, we wanted more, so we ordered the Mole Oaxaca (Red Mole) which was excellent. A very complex taste with cinnamon and chile. Three tacos and the mole finished us. The service was friendly and prompt and I enjoyed sitting there because there was much to see. When we walked in it was a few minutes before noon. We were really surprised because there were about thirty high school students there mostly having sodas and tacos. Within ten minutes they all disappeared to go back to school. The restaurant was almost empty for a few minutes and then many Mexican Landscape Workers came for lunch. At one point there were over twenty people in line and the restaurant was full! This all in the space of fifteen minutes. They did not order tacos, but the daily specials, stews, soups, etc. They were friendly too and there was a great atmosphere. We were impressed by the taste of the food, the great selection, and all we saw. Ignore my other reviews for Mexican restaurants in the Encinitas/Leucadia area, this is our new favorite! We will try to be there about 11:40 again. read more

El Nopalito is a staple in Encinitas. The tortilla chips are bomb and their salsas are always delicious. For an easy grab and go lunch, we got a bag of tortilla chips, salsa fresca, guacamole and a pound of carnitas and made nachos. People are always helpful. It's small but they sell all sorts of seasoning, produce, meat and piñatas! Parking can get cramp but it's worth it. read more

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It's kind of strange to have this little restaurant next to one of the best Mexican markets in this area. But anything you can get in the market they will cook for you at the restaurant and it is all fantastic. I can't wait to go deep into the products at the market and try everything. My roll tacos today are the best I've ever had and they were six dollars! This place is a winner and local. read more

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Writing this review specifically about the chicken tamales. I paid $16.99 expecting traditional chicken tamales, but they were mostly potatoes and carrots. Each tamale had only one very small piece of chicken, about the size of a quarter, not marinated. I called to let them know, and the response was a laugh and an "oops," which felt like poor customer service. Just a heads-up for anyone buying the tamales expecting actual chicken. read more

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

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! read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Delicious burritos, great service Always stop by with the family when in town Their chips are some of the best in San Diego read more

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. read more

El Nopalito - a refrigerator full of food - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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. read more

El Nopalito - a plate of mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

I likes the red sauce cheese enchiladas here. Tasty flavored sauce..better than many "Mexican" spots around. Prices are fair- cant complain. This is more of a Mom and Pop place that we stopped by. The online pictures do not really match up with the spot - but the food was filling and good. read more

I stopped by here after having lunch at the neighboring restaurant, El Nopalito. I decided to try the freshly made tortillas, which are prepared daily--just $2.69 for a pack of 12. I also picked up a pack of six beef tamales and four Rajas tamales for $12 each. Both were fresh, warm, and ready to enjoy. This is an authentic Mexican market, and I was excited to get home and try everything I purchased. The service was excellent--when I didn't understand some of the items, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Even other shoppers in the store offered great advice on what to try. Update: tamales were dry, so it was a bit disappointing. Service was great, but the tamales were dry and bland. I haven't gotten to the tortillas yet. read more

The absolute best salsa you will find! Several different styles yo choose from. Their chips are delicious as well. Great little market with fresh tamales, too. read more

The plates are so good omg i cannot recommend enough like the stew is delicious and like ive been going for a while and ive tried a lot and its so good read more

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

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! read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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

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! read more

El Nopalito - the inside of a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

There is both a restaurant and a grocery store in the strip mall. The food is very good and reasonably priced. At $4.50, their B&C burrito is great. Beans are very good The market has a tortilleria, carneceria and sells all of their salsas and bagged chips. It's a hub for the community read more

If you are looking for good traditional Mexican food, this is the place. They make great tacos, burritos and tamales. It's no frills old school restaurant with Mexican music in background and if you are gringo, you might be the only one or two. On Friday, there are a lot SDA (huh school) kids eating here so I suggest going right after that crowd. 12:30 or 1:00 pm is a good time. Overall, great food, great price and a feel of old Mexico. read more

in the midst of the corona apocalypse....i needed tortillas....every grocery store in north county is out of tortillas. Hmm....should i go to northgate (my usual tortilla spot)...but it's sooooo far!! I was in the area and thought about el nopalito...cruised on over and they were making fresh tortillas! yeah! *no lines *no crazy bulk shoppers *just fresh tortillas! i did a little extra shopping so we could have a fabulous Mexican dinner tonight. -small flour tortillas (for quesadillas) -giant flour tortillas (for burritos) -blue corn tortillas (for tacos) -marinated chicken - marinated pork -salsa fresca -guacamole -tortillas chips (my personal favorite) should have gotten cilantro...but the taco's were amazing! kids are now happy that they can make their staple lunch (quesadillas of course) They plan to stay open and continue to provide the community with yummy tortillas. Please don't be crazy and come buy then all...i would like to be able to buy more tortillas when mine run out ...better to buy and enjoy fresh read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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

Great little Mexican grocery store with fresh tortillas, chips, guacamole and salsa. Fresh tomatillos, Serranos, cilantro and other Mexican spices and herbs. Meat counter has numerous chicken, carne, pork for your recipes. Many Mexican pantry items from rice, beans, chipotle peppers and more. Some panaderia items and other baked goodies. Friendly staff great local Encinitas market! read more

Delicious food, and the people who work here are always very nice and accommodating. This is a great place to get catering for an event also. read more

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

Among many excellent taco shops in San Diego. Delicious selection of authentic dishes, meats, salsa, hot carrots. Nice people with good service and a clean shop. I found out they even cater. Right off the freeway exit if you are hungry and passing through. My only regret is that I wasn't there on the weekend to try the menudo! Next time for sure. read more

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

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

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

The very best place to get your groceries for tacos & other Mexican cooking. Their salsas ate legendary. I personally prefer their Roasted one, but there are many flavors. Their corn tortilla chips are better than any other. Go look at their selection, and you will see ingredients from Central & South America as well, so do not think it is only for Mexican food. read more

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

Went for lunch 3 out of 4 people in our group got food poisoning. Do not recommend at all. Carne asada tacos, pastor tacos, and Chile Riano. The Similarity was carne asada tacos. How do you get sick off of carne asada? Meat must have been spoiled. read more

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

I'm fifty six years old and I don't remember when they wernt here. I've been visiting quite a bit lately because I'm working up the street. I've always liked it, ,and let me tell you this grengo knows his south of the boarder quasene. The atmosphere can't be any closer to being in Rosarita Beach,or ,Puarto Viarta Pardon my spelling sucks. T/y EL NOPALITO You can kick back , enjoy good Mexican food and beer. Try there chef style fried pork rinds and other delicacies you absolutely will not find in the US. read more

I have to say after yesterday's debacle, I wasn't sure if I wanted to return. However, the manager who I have always seen on previous visits was here as I brought back my bean and cheese burrito. He as always was so very nice and customer service was outstanding. He replaced my food with no questions asked!! read more

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As a Mexican-American, I have to say it's unbelievable the ways in which the food was completely destroyed and drained of all Mexican flavors and spices. Instead replaced with a hint of white washing. The orange rice is essentially just white rice with food coloring...devoid of all flavor. While the enchiladas a classic Mexican dish which traditionally has chicken eggs and cheese and comes in its signature red sauce or it's green counterpart, what u get instead is tortilla with red sauce n cheese..where the flavor has been aged outta of existence. Now mind u the rice I have seen my mother do and I doubt I could come near to how good it's traditionally made but the fresh water!?!??? How do you mess it up that bad!!!! read more

Good food. Fair price. Salsa bar is very yummy with many different options. Carne Asada burrito was tender and just the right size. A lot of Hispanics eating here when I was here, which I hope would mean that the food is authentic and a good value. Service was fast and friendly. I would defiantly be back. Thank you read more

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

This is nice little Mexican American Mercado with a variety of nice products including butcher and meat counter and a Tortilleria where they make fresh corn tortillas, the main reason why I visited this store. In fact, the moment I walked in, that was all I could smell, that wonderful scent of freshly made corn tortillas.. When I went to the counter to pick up the tortillas, they had boxes and boxes filled with freshly made piping hot tortillas (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-nopalito-encinitas#pTyxJYJd8fRm0ufOQ9KVBQ). I could not believe that they only cost $1.59 for three dozen. A great price indeed...by the way, when I got home, I ate a couple of the tortillas with some sliced avocado and sliced cheese and they were great. The meat counter was typical for this type of store in that they carried all the basic cuts and made their on chorizo sausages (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-nopalito-encinitas#BQffgLfy2gKuCMEw-HJdnA). Also, I was impressed that they made their own chicharrón (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-nopalito-encinitas#8xMhIE7YybsAVWGutdobBA), and they not only make the skin variety, but also the variety with a nice piece of fat back and some meat (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-nopalito-encinitas#-nPRpqrpHTvZOlX3e7sUaQ). The young man at the counter was quite friendly and helpful. Nice store, but the quarters inside are quite cramped. read more

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Great tacos and salsa. The meat was perfectly seasoned on my al pastor tacos. The carnitas were so tasty. This place was definitely worth the drive. Definitely a place to be a regular customer. I appreciate the salsas on the bar. They each brought out the best in the tacos. I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

El Nopalito - Menu board. Waiting for takeout. - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

I wish I could give this place 4.5. I met a really good friend here for an early dinner. I have had chips, salsa and guac from here before and found them amazing. Decided to finally step foot in the place after all the grand Yelp reviews. Easy to find in Encinitas and identifiable from the 5 freeway. It wasn't busy when we arrived, but noted a steady influx of customers. The employees who worked there are super nice, helpful and friendly. One of the guys offered sample chips and guac. Also, he explained a couple of the entrees and the various types of salsa they have available. I ordered the carne asada dinner plate ($9.51), which came with rice, beans, chips, tortillas and salsa. My friend ordered the carne asada burrito ($4.87) and 1 Cheese and raja tamale ($2.55) with red sauce. Plentiful for me, and everything was good. The only concern that I had was I felt the carne asada was a little salty. I added salsa and guac to balance out the flavor. Somewhat on the pricey side, but understandably, one of the most popular Mexican joints in town. read more

El Nopalito - Carne Asada dinner plate - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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