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

This is just a preliminary review. Went in on the recommendation of a friend. Bought only the tortillas and fresh made tamales. The guy behind the counter was way cool. The tortillas were very good and were the same as the restaurants use (large and very easy to manipulate without pre-steaming). I got the pork tamales (although they had made masa, pork, chicken, and beef)...nothing to write home about. Think I'll stick with the traditional beef next time. I was also told that during the Christmas season they also make sweet tamales (masa, pineapple & raisin). The salsa selection in the fridge (pre-packaged) looked really good and was about $3.75. I found the place pretty clean. Will write an updated review in the near future. read more

We used El Nopalito for to-go catering for our daughter's graduation party. Carne asada, pollo asado, rice, beans, & rolled tacos. I coordinated everything with Victoria a few days before (email/phone) and the food was hot and ready to go when we arrived. I expected to feed around 50 but had closer to 60 people there, and they ate a lot! We still had leftovers, which we're now enjoying. I probably ordered too much, but I'd rather have food left over than to not have enough. The meat was flavorful and not dried out, the rolled tacos were crispy and didn't get soggy, beans and rice were perfect--people raved about everything. I used chafing dishes to keep everything warm, so that definitely helped. Overall, we were very happy with the service and the food, and we'd order from there again. read more

I used to love this place. Just had bad experience. Waited to get to cashier, told her I ordered a CA burrito, gave my name. Takes my money, waves me away, never even close to a smile. Waited 15 minutes, asked the kid distributing orders what happened. He walks to the left side of the cashier grabs my order hands it to me. I explained what happened; he shrugs. And no side of pico as requested. grrr. Cold, mushy CA burrito. read more

Waited 25 mins for 3 burritos. Had stopped coming here because of the slow service and the greasy food I had last time. This time seals the deal. Not going to come here and will get chips and salsa from the store, instead. No reason to come here when there are so many good places with great food and service. read more

Fuchi! Terrible food and they forgot my tortillas. Their carnitas smell so bad. Beans and rice were yucky. Service was bad. Highly recommend you NEVER COME HERE. YUCK YUCK YUCK. I feel bad for the people that eat here. What can they possibly like about it. It was dirty and smelly. High prices and Low Quality Food. Lazy workers, dirty tables and floor, salsas were watery. Low quality meats. Fried rice was gross. Beans were gross. I left everything on my table and walked out. Anybody that gives high ratings is a fake. Service was terrible. Lazy lazy lazy. Dirty dirty dirty. Yuck-O! read more

We've been buying their salsa at Daniells Market in Bonsall and have been dying to try their food as the salsa and carrots en escabeche are phenomenal. The food over delivered well beyond my expectations. I had shredded chicken tacos and al pastor taco. Both were the best I've had in a while. We will definitely be back and I would totally recommend this place. read more

Super authentic Mexican joint. When you're out numbered by Hispanics, you know it's real. Anyway don't go there at lunch time as there's a line out the door. Order from calling in and then just pick it up or even call from being in line and you will bypass and just pay when you reach the cashier. read more

My family and I always buy their tortilla chips, fire roasted salsa and guacamole which are incredible and unbeatable. Have dined at the restaurant once before and it was very good. Mostly locals and very authentic. read more

Mexican food is my ultimate favorite. I LOVE IT! My food here was about a 3.5 stars but I rounded up because the nice lady and gentleman working there were so kind and energetic and I always saw them hustling, cleaning, and serving the locals. They have a salsa bar, but their salsa is missing some flavor and is more of a mildly spicy tomato sauce, same with pick de Gallo, it was not fresh and delicious like it could be. As with the rice and beans, I've only had rice at a few Mexican restaurants which was amazing, here, it was rice. Their beans are good and my son just adored his carne asada taco, so their meat is apparently pretty tasty. The cool part is that they give chips with every order and I really liked that because I like their chips. I would come back again if I was in the area, but maybe wait until I was super hungry because food always taste better when you're hungry. I'm going to try some other Mexican food in the area. read more

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This place has the real deal Birria, and their tamales in mole sauce are the perfect post-surf snack. This is authentic Mexican and delicious! 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

I will or recommend this place for catching. I had called to get an quote for Chicken Mole and the girl who answered the phone quoted me 7.99 per pound. So I went to El Nopalito to placed an order for 18 pounds for 06/23/2018. When I went to pick my order, I had already calculated $ 143.82. When they rang my order she charged me $176. I had asked the girl how much was she charging per pound she said 9.78 per pound. I told her that's not was what I was quoted. I was quoted 7.99 per pound. I asked for a manager, so the manger was tell that is the price $9.78 per pound. I was arguing with her that she should honor the price that was quoted. She said no. The price is $9.78 per pound. Because I needed the chicken mole for my son's birthday party so, I paid it. But this will be my last time ordering from this stupid place. I will not recommend this place to anyone. read more

On my street. Only downside is they close too early. Try their pork verde with . Yummmm

We shop at El Nopalito market for meats, guacamole, salsa, etc. and it's the best. But, the restaurant SUCKS! We order take out last night...supreme nachos, chicken taco plate, rolled tacos, and a quesadilla. The nachos were the worst I've ever had. There was no real cheese. It was like liquid cheese whiz. It was topped with some mystery meat that tasted like fish. The chips were soggy and disgusting. The chicken tacos were stringy and the beans and rice must've come out of a can. The tab was pretty cheap and now I know why. The nachos went in the trash, so it was still a waste of $$. I'll never go back there. read more

We were scared at first because they had a buffet that looked like it had been sitting around since WW2 . We ordered Tacos and Taquitos. They were actually delicious. Great service. An overall good experience. read more

Maybe it's me but the chips taste like they have chile in them. They are fantastic, authentic Mexican chips! The burritos are great too (I ordered carne asada), not Northern California style (wrapped in paper, not a tight wrap??? why does So. Cal do that?), but they do taste fantastic and the restaurant is a cute, family owned restaurant. Good for families or to watch a game (they have 3 tv's), casual and comfortable. read more

I won't ever give this restaurant my business, after more than 17 years.We prepaid our order days ago for our Mothers Day party. The order wasn't ready at the pick up time. They lost their receipts, had no manager on site, nor could they contact the employee who had taken the order. As a result we had to wait nearly an hour for the food, and upon arriving home were missing part of the order.Terrible customer service. read more

I have eaten here for years it reminds me of local everyday eateries in Mexico. The daily hot buffet cips salsa and tortillas are very good quality. However i found glass in my tamale which they viewed but passed the buck and never fully acknowledge. The service and quality is uneven. They must make great wages and job security since their attitude is who cares and sue me. The owner is absentee as reflected in continuing poor reviews. With some care and attitude adjustment this could be a great little hole in the wall rather than just a hole! read more

So, the husband wanted Rita's Italian ice for lunch, and I overruled the decision. Instead we ate at El Nopalito restaurant... Nothing fancy, but the food is delicious! Watching soccer on the tv's, having tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and fantastic tortilla chips - a great Saturday lunch in Encinitas. Heading over to Rita's Italian ice next. read more

The carnitas family meals are the best! Everything on the menu is sooooo tasty & reasonably-priced, too. Ambiance is not the greatest, but you can't beat this place for to-go food. read more

I absolutely love their roasted salsa. My wife and I go through at least 1 container per week. Even though this place is worth it just for the salsa, the food here is great too. I had the Kia burrito last time and it was incredible. Carne asada, chile relleno, beans and rice wrapped up in a warm tortilla...so good! read more

This is my favorite place to eat at when I'm in the area! They have great authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price. They haven't disappointed so far and that's the reason why I will keep coming back. read more

I hate to give El Nopalito a negative review because I do love their food. But this is two months in a row when I've tried to order lunch for my small office and they've said no. Today I tried to order early, at 8:30, and they couldn't do it until after 1. Yes, I know I should have called the day before. But I've ordered same day multiple times in the past and it was always fine. read more

This restaurant is the real deal. Just down the road from my home. Have ordered for dinner and for parties. Food is just so good and authentic. El Nopalito is my first thought when craving Mexican food. You won't be disappointed! read more

I guess you can say it's really like being in Mexico. Tastes good, but doesn't FEEL very good later. Nope. Not ever going back.

I love this place! We have food catered from them at all our parties. Roasted salsa, out of the world. However, today I was saddened by what I was served. My son and I are on a mission to find the best carne asada fries in San Diego. I had such high hopes for my go to cater. The fries were smothered in liquid cheese, much like the nacho cheese from 7-11. The amount of meat was seriously lacking. Would have gotten more had I ordered a CA burrito. The only two good things were the amount of their amazing guacamole they gave and their equally as amazing roasted salsa. read more

The taquitos were AMAZING! They were hot, crunchy, and fresh. I am definitely going to come to this restaurant again!