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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?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    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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    18 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Try the chicken burrito and add guac... Simply incredible!

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    16 years ago

    Some of the best tacos shop Mexican food in all san Diego. Pastor is super authentic

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    15 years ago

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    17 years ago

    Did not think it was as good as others on yelp stated. It's actually very below average for an authentic place.

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    15 years ago

    One of the best carne asada burritos I've ever had. Rich in flavor-- not too dry. I would recommend this place to all.

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    15 years ago

    Didnt see what was so good about this place. Maybe i didnt order the right thing. Had some cheese enchiladas and were average.

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    17 years ago

    One of the better taco shops I've eaten at in San Diego. The carne asada burrito was great, as was the homemade salsa and guacamole. Yum!

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    15 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Carne Asada burrito was pretty good. Tortilla chips made from scratch. Wide selection of tasty salsas.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 6 of 8

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    El Nopalito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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