They've got both a market and a restaurant in the same little mini-mall but they are in separate buildings. It's just a short 15 second stroll from one to the other. I've been coming to both for a zillion years. The market is insanely great: fresh meat, cheese, salsas, chips, tortillas, guacamole, Mexican sodas, paletas, beans, rice, snd household items, etc. All at very reasonable prices. The restaurant is great, too. You can dine-in (order at the counter and eat there) or get take-out. The restaurant churns out the food quickly but this ain't fast food, not at all. The carnitas plate has been my favorite forever. You get a huge chunk of tender carnitas with guac, onions, rice and beans on the side. Make sure you get tortillas (flour or corn) to accompany them. They also have tacos, burritos, enchiladas, soups, and lots of other items. Around Christmas, they offer a variety of different tamales (pork, chicken, beef, cheese, sweet ones, etc.) but they sell out in seconds if you hesitate. This is authentic Mexican food and it's fairly priced and delicious. This is the real deal, folks. Friendly workers, too. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Carnitas plate. Tender and juicy. Like my womens. - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I've been a long time fan of El Napalito. I ordered a cali burrito on my lunch. Meat was dry super tough, fry's stale, chips stale. Pretty much felt like I was eating very old left overs. I would not recommend. read more

I have been a long time supporter of this family owned restaurant and market for many, many years now. The taco chips they produce can be found in all the local grocery stores. You will probably run into me most Saturdays having their Birria Soup. And today I purchased tomatoes, onions and cilantro to make salsa! Yum! read more

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I was excited to check out this spot, known for its authentic Mexican food at great prices. Tacos are $4, tamales $3.75, and burritos around $11. There's a salsa bar, and tortilla chips are complimentary with your meal. I arrived just before the line grew, with at least 10 people waiting to order shortly after. Once I placed my order, it took less than five minutes to get my food. I went with the Carne Asada taco and a pork tamale, as that was the only tamale option available. While the food was good, it was served cold and didn't quite deliver the "wow" factor I had anticipated. Parking was a breeze, with plenty of spots available thanks to the many stores in the complex. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Pork tamale and Carne Asada taco served with tortilla chips and tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Encinitas finest.... Delish! Small, family owed and well worth the visit. Don't come for esthetics rather food that is flavorful and will leave you wanting to return. Plus grab the bag of chips fyi you can get them in Mothers Market triangle square. read more

I got tacos: asada, pastor and pollo with a side of rice. The meat has hard, and had no flavor. The salsas were not spicy and the chips were stale. I would never eat here again. read more

Have been going here since Highschool in the early 90s. Always so good. Today, my husband ordered a Cali Burrito to go. Got home and they had skimped on the carne and put ground beef.... And still charged $11. What a disappointment. read more

Stopped by on my way to San Diego. They were about to close and they were kind enough to take our order. My daughter wanted fried fish- I tried it and it was delicious. It came with fries, and a side salad (lettuce, tomatoes with REAL Avocado). The chopped tomato tasted old but they also chopped fresh slices. It's definitely a hole in the wall but I would come back. read more

Unless your are looking for another California Mexican wanna be, this place may not be your deal. I had the Chili Verde Pork Napalitos today and their were outstanding. Real deal Mexican. I was one of a small number non-hispanics and the restaurant was full. The food and service could not have been any better. The family was very helpful and friendly. This is probablly the best "Mexican" food outside on Mexico I have ever had. Yea, there are the Roberto's, Norte, Fidel's, Norte La Especial, etc. But this food is authentic. If you like Chili Verde you will love their Verde with napalitos. The napalitos could not tasted better as did the Chili Verde Pork chunks. We have been going to Mexico from North to South and East to West for 45 years. This is a hidden jewel. read more

My hunnie was raving about their salsas & they were, indeed, yummy! Try their Roja & Verde (neither were too spicy, although I wish they were more flavorful). Try them with their chips. Cheese Quesadilla: Good. Check out their market for fresh vegetables, decently priced meats, & some marinated, & other Mexican goods. Located in Encinitias, across the street (but in the same plaza) as the El Nopalito Market. read more

Auténtico! This is as close as you can get to being in Mexico in Encinitas. Although this restaurant is not the most inviting for dining in, I plan to come here for take out which is what most of the customers were doing during our visit. We tasted the tacos, enchilada and tamale - all delicious. The rice was fluffy and I was able to order whole beans rather than refried. They seem able to handle special requests without a problem if it is reasonable. I am enjoying the tortillas from their market across the mini-mall. read more

What a find and what a surprise. We had asked a technician at Scripps Hospital for a recommendation for a good restaurant and he suggested El Nopalito. Not much to look at from the outside, or from the inside for that matter, but something unexpected happened. When we walked in there were at least twenty-five high school students in the restaurant all having lunch or finishing it. Luckily they had all ordered so we were able to order our food. As soon as we sat down the students started leaving and they were replaced by at least twenty-five Mexican landscape and construction workers. At one point the line was fifteen people long. A popular place! When we received our food we immediately realized why the place was so popular. The Al Pastor and Carnitas Tacos were excellent! Fresh ingredients, well cooked, and fresh toppings too. Their guacamole is great and they are generous with it too. The tacos were $4 each. We also ordered a Mole with chocolate sauce that was different from any mole I've ever had. The cinnamon stood out a bit too much, but the sauce was excellent complex, and the serving was very generous. I think we've only scratched the surface here. Great food, friendly and fast service, huge portions, and nice variety. They have soups and several dishes of the day as well, so there's more to discover here. I can highly recommend El Nopalito. We'll be back! read more

I really like this place. The food is always very good and it's not over priced. So many taco shops in Encinitas, Cardiff and Leucadia charge outrageous prices for average quality food. El Nopalito has great tasting food at a great price. The salsa bar has a great line up of salsa's and the carrots are super good. They do have a bathroom in the back, but you must have the front end employee hit a magic bottom to unlock the door to go to the back. If will be back and I'm bringing friends. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Carnitas Torta - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I have tried Nopalito products such as chips or salsa from the grocery store or even the carne asada from the Nopalito market but the restaurant was delicious and well-priced! Questionably the best carne asada tacos I have ever had, along with the best machaca burrito ever! The tacos are huge, double wrapped in delicious fresh warm corn tortillas smothered in salsa fresca with a generous amount of guacamole on the top. They even add a handful of chips with every order. The machaca burrito is also quite large. Both were $11! I can't wait to try more off their menu! read more

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I tried to check into El Nopaloto restaurant and realized that it was not listed. There are two El Nopalitos in the same parking lot so it is kind of confusing. You can usually tell a good restaurant by the crowds, and that is the case here! You may have to wait 5 minutes to place an order, it is totally worth it. The traditional Mexican offerings are quality delicious treats. The salsa bar is a nice way to test out some different varieties of salsas. I am a fan of the roasted pepper and tomato but they have a nice variety including fresca, verde, chipotle and of course guacamole. They also will sell you all kinds of Mole, tamales and enchilada sauces here. On weekdays they offer beef and chicken soup and on weekends they change that to consome, menudo and Pozole. I usually order some shrimp in a ranchero sauce. Their shrimp cocktails was the best one that I have ever eaten. It was slightly sweet yet balanced with a touch of heat and a whole lot of flavor. I don't know if I will ever be able to eat here without picking some up. Whatever you end up with will be a treat. yum. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Went in here because my mom loves their salsa and fresh tortillas, so I ordered some carne asada fries, but beware everyone: they have beans and nacho cheese on them, plus jalapeños on top. Not my favorite carne asada fries which is a shame because the actual meat is so good. Next time I'm getting the carne asada tacos, hope they don't come with beans! read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Carne asada fries - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

El Nopalito : Encinitas *** [11/15/2021] Good, average burrito joint. The chile relleno was inexpensive and filling. Nothing special. read more

Authentic, popular Mexican restaurant! I was in the area for work and got a carne asada burrito one day, and a pollo asada burrito the other. Both were delicious - I added rice and beans. Haven't been here in a while and can't wait to come back! Note that starting Aug 29, 2017, they will be closed every Tuesday. read more

Staff is really friendly. They are doing a great job protecting staff and customers. All employees were wearing masks and there is no eating on site. Also the salsa bar is closed. I hadn't had chili rellanos in a couple of years.. and they were incredible! They were perfect... favorable, great texture on the coating and lots of yummy melted cheese oozing out. Rice and refried beans were very tasty. Their chips and salsa are the best! read more

Very authentic place. Their main daily clientele are the Mexicans in the area. Many families usually having dinner in this small restaurant. Already known for their chips and salsa they also make probably the best carne asada in town. I also like to drop by for a beef taco every now and then. But what I use El Nopalito for the most is when I have parties. They have a killer catering menu. Not too pricey specially if you do pick up which I always do. I usually get the chicken asada and the carnitas when I have something catered. My guests always rave about it and I'm lucky if I have any left overs. Service is always friendly. The kid behind the counter always calls me Miss. So of course I love him. I'm giving it 5 stars because I have never been disappointed. Ever. read more

Reasonably priced, good salsa, carrots, roasted jalapeños, specialities, good quality and quantity

200 review !!! I found this place on Yelp and it looked super authentic. I'm working up in this area and good Mexican food seems to be hard to find. Went to 560 Santa Fe Dr, and went inside and was surprised to find a market and not a taco shop?!What the hell? To find out there are two different El Nopalito in the same mall, the restaurant is right next to 7-11. Once inside you can tell this place is legit! Few tables inside that lead you to the counter were they have glass covered area with some simmering meats, stews , not really sure what was in there? Great authentic Mexican menu , too many choices of meat to chose from . Have your standard and also including birria, lengua and ,chicharron. if you want to try some new stuff this is your place. I went with a carne asada burrito $ 4.87 and carnitas taco $2.89. Good prices here too . The have a great salsa bar with 5 or 6 salsa's and carrots , onions, cilantro and roasted peppers. Salsa's are excellent . Ripped into the carnitas taco first .Carnitas the way I liked it,juicy, flavorful, and in two soft corn tortillas topped with straight up gauc no fillers. Carne burrito , marinade meat in a fresh made tortillas , saw a guy carting the tortillas over from the market freshly made . After having the food here and loving the carnitas I was back a week later to order a carnitas burrito and a Al pastor taco. Carnitas still some of the best I have had . Found a excellent taco shop in an area were I didn't think I could find good Mexican food. Yelp you have delivered again! Anybody have any recommendations for Taco shops in the Encinitas/Carlsbad area? read more

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This place has been a favorite of mine for a while. It's not brilliant by any long stretch, but it's reliably tasty and has a great range of Mexican food from Carne Asada to Chile Verde to fresh Chicharron. It's everything I ate when I skipped over to my grandfather's house as a kid and that is always great to have. The chips are cooked fresh, they have numerous trays with food they pile high on combination plates, and their guacamole is chunky and salty, no sourness at all. So, I'm a fan. I think it's four stars, but I write these things for the fish burrito, so how was that? Not the best, sadly to admit. It still ranks up there above average, but falls in line behind Robertos and Cotixan. The fish is well battered and fried nicely, it was warm and moist. But the cream sauce was lacking in both cool creaminess and in quantity as only the first few bites of my burrito were graced with it. The slaw was clean, only cabbage for that nice crunch that doesn't mix in any extraneous flavors or textures. All in all, a good choice off the menu, but not worth going out of your way for. Everything else here is worthwhile, however. The Cabesa tacos are great, salty and rich, they crisp up the Carnitas when asked, and their salsa bar is always full and maintained. About my only complaint is that they don't have cook Tripas; but, that is to be expected as barely any places cook it regularly. Regardless, I do come here often, if only to grab a small bag of chicharrones and guac to take home. And they have a market next door with everything you need to take home the good stuff and make it yourself. read more

This is my fav mexican spot in N County SD!!! They operate right next to the El Nopalito market, so if you want to buy pollo/carne/salsa/etc to cook yourself then you can pick it up. Love their burritos and salsa! read more

The good news: The tamales here are delicious! The bad news: Either both or one of the people working the counter here during the night of March 1st are crooks. I stopped in for my usual 1/2 dozen tamales that Thurday night. Unfortunately, I accidentally left my wallet at the register. I immediately realized it when I got home 10 minutes later and called Nopalitos. The man who answered said they had it. I was back there in another 10 minutes. I told the woman who had sold me the tamales that I was back for my wallet. She acted like she didn't know what I was talking about, looked at the cubby beneath the register then gave an odd look to the man I had talked to on the phone. He said, "It's right there", pointing at the place she had just been staring at. She again gave him a strange look. He walked over and pointed again. Finally, she gave me my wallet. I thought the interaction was a little weird but didn't give it another thought... until the next day. Nearly $2,000 had been transferred from my bank debit card via VenMo. My credit card also had fraudulent online charges. Obviously, in the short time the card was out of my hands, one of them had either photographed or written down my credit and debit info and used it themselves or passed it on. Yep, it's on me for not realizing my wallet was at the register when I left. But I doubt the owner gave their employees the go ahead to rob their customers should someone leave something behind. I will never go there again. You may want to think twice as well. read more

El Nopalito is a great casual Mexican restaurant. It's nothing fancy but the kitchen turns out delicious versions of the standards. I especially like their carne asada dishes. Both the carne asada burrito and plate are generous servings of well seasoned meat. If its earlier in the day, they do a great breakfast burrito also. The staff is friendly and helpful. I also like that much of the clientele are locals from the latino community. I tend to think its a good sign when folks who know a cuisine actually eat at a restaurant. The restaurant is associated with the nearby El Nopalito store and carries some of their excellent food products. You can take home fresh tortillas, chips, salsa and guacamole right from the restaurant. It's worth getting some supplies to go. read more

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

Good food, friendly staff, clean restrooms. My bf had the "regular breakfast burrito" I had a carne asada quesadilla & My aunt had the carne asada breakfast burrito. All were great! read more

A lot of the chips on the nachos were under-fried resulting in that chewiness that is really terrible. Cheese sauce used instead of shredded cheese. Good flavor on the carne asada. You get your $5 with the tostada. Giant. Same with a standard taco. Tamale was really bad. So dry and bland. Best thing about this place is the salsa selection and portion size. read more

Garbage......been here before same experience figured one more time and yup still garbage. I walked in the woman completely ignored me she finally finished what she was doing to tske my order I sampled tge chicharrón and it was cold and hard as a rock decided on the Carne con chile plate Everything was cold the beans tge rice the carné con chile tge tortillas and my coke cause it was in the fridge. My Carne con chile Should be named hueso con chile cause everytime I took a bite a freakin bone really people!? I was so hungry I would have rather gone to pizza store next door but the were out to lunch or probably surfing. I came here 3pm on a Thursday all tge food in the trays with tge heated lamps was cold. No bueno. read more

Very nice small Mexican restaurant recommended by my Mexican friends. Cashier is supper nice. Got birria soup and taco. Very delicious. They also have good salsa and chips. Will come again and recommend for sure! read more

Sooooo good. The salsas are out of this world. I order food here just to provide a vesicle to shovel the salsa into my mouth. The salsa bar has Roasted Salsa, salsa Verde, extra spicy red salsa and a mild red salsa. Everyone of them is delicious and you can tell they are all made fresh. The sell all of their salsa in take home tubs as well. I took a tub of the Roasted Salsa (my favorite) to a friends dinner party and it was gone in less than 5 minutes. This just serves as validation that I'm not a salsa junky this stuff is just amazing. I always order 2 chicken tacos and they are beyond delicious. Deep fried crispy shell with shredded chicken, lettuce tomato, shredded and cotija cheeses. Definitely not a fun place to be on a diet but somehow they pack tons of flavor into what seems to be ordinary taco shop food. This place is authentic and delicious! read more

I love their salsa, chips, and tortillas. My favorite thing to order is combo#2. Their shredded beef is so tasty and juicy the best beef tacos around. I've had their carne asada and it wasn't the best quality so that is the only reason I give it four stars instead of 5. The carne asada I order at the market and cook at home is always good though. read more

Tiny hole in the wall with authentic Mexican. Great for to-go, and they have they're market across the parking lot. Closed on Tuesday's read more

Got a Cali burrito first bite it had a huge hard fat tendunt showed it to the employee. She offered to give me a new one. A few minutes later she gave me a new burrito. I was about to open up the paper to eat it. I saw my husbands face...he showed me half an inch bone that was in his mouth that came from his Carne Asada Burrito. We both got disgusted my husband stoped eating his burrito . We got up and we left everything on the table. She gave us the money back but NEVER NEVER coming back! This place is dirty, low quality meat and cooks dont care what they serve read more

Horrible customer service experience. We ordered 5 lbs of pollo asada and 5 pds of carne asada for my husbands 40th surprise birthday party . Got home and received 10pds of beef, no chicken . When I contacted Victoria, the catering manager to let her know she was rude and stated that it was our fault that we didn't notice before we left, and that we should have contacted her during the surprise birthday party ! We didn't open up the packaging to serve until right as guests were arriving and we drove all the way from Oceanside ... horrible ! read more

Had the basic breakfast burrito. 1st i liked that they still offer breakfast burritos in the afternoon 2nd I like that they're willing to take out the bacon and add avocado. Tortillas and chips are great n above average. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Restaurant and market in same parking lot. Got all your Mexican food needs and wants - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Was starving and come in to grab a taco. Busy! We all know they are famous in this town for their chips and guac. They also have spicy carrots and lots of peppers to choose from. The meats are good and they have some really different dishes that are made in hot plates so you can see and choose what you want for an entree. They sit next to 7-11 on Santa Fe. Reasonable pricing and happy eaters.They have the market in the same lot! read more

I tried El Nopalito salsa and chips at a party a while back and remembered it being great! My son and I were hungry, so figured we would give the restaurant a try. I figured it would be very tasty since they have a market that sells meat and their chips and salsa were good. Well either my memory and judgement fail me or the market items are not the same as the restaurant? We ordered an asada burrito, bean burrito, and nachos. The chips were so hard, the meat was terrible, and they top the nachos with fake, canned cheese. Also, the salsas were not great. The regular salsa was red water-like so watery you can drink it. None of the salsas tasted very good to me. On top of that, the staff was not enjoyable. I won't return! read more

Excellent salsa bar, delicious homemade tortillas and chips, and fish tacos. This is a fast casual spot where you order at the counter. Pretty quick service and big menu so I'll definitely be back to try a burrito or tacos. read more

El Nopalito Restaurant - Three fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Encinitas, California

Worst diarrhea at 4am. I can't tell if it was from the questionable chicken I ate or the homeless woman that also used the salsa bar. Seriously, this is bad. I used to really like this place but something went wrong. Holy guacamole. read more