The staff here are very friendly and ordering as a walk up was very quick. There is no place for seating and it's takeout only. They also only accept cash for payment. I will have to say this was probably the best shredded beef tacos I've had in a long time. It came with rice and beans for about $13 total and it was well worth it. Will definitely be back. read more

On our way from Saguaro National Park to Joshua Tree National Park, we made a quick food stop in Phoenix and landed at El Norteño purely by chance. Sometimes the road picks for you. First impression: busy. Like, locals-know-something kind of busy. It's a true hole-in-the-wall, cash-only, no-frills spot with an extensive menu that makes you pause for a second and just point at what sounds good. The staff was friendly and efficient, keeping things moving without losing their warmth. We ordered a red tamale, two machaca tacos, and a chicken taco with a hard shell. The food? Solid. Not the life-changing, write-home-about-it experience some reviews might promise, but good, satisfying, and exactly what you need when you've been on the road. The standout for me was the hard taco shell, crisp, fresh, and doing more than just holding things together. This is the kind of place that feeds you well and sends you on your way. No fuss, no pretension, just a quick, tasty reset before the next stretch of highway. read more

We've been fans of El Norteño for a long time. They have amazing burritos as well as tamales and tacos. I love their chorizo, and they make some pretty good salsa. However, if you're looking for pork, you won't find it here. They only offer beef, ground beef, and chicken. You can call ahead and place your order, or you can order in person inside. They don't have an indoor dining area, but they do have a small area outside with tables. They also have a pickup window, as I think 95% of their business is to-go orders. Oh, one big thing to also know is they are a cash-only establishment, so be prepared to pay cash. read more

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I was looking for a quick bite to eat after running an errand to one of the state buildings downtown. This place came up as highly rated and it was one of the closer Mexican food spots so I hit it up. I got there at like 12:30 on a Friday. There was plenty of parking in the parking lot. It's on a very busy intersection right by the 10 freeway entrance. Based off photos I saw on Yelp I ordered the #19 Steak Picado w/ Rice and beans and one flour tortilla. The rice and beans were decent. It comes with one flour tortilla that's large to break apart so don't plan on making tacos. The steak however was pretty fatty and even with squeezing, both lemon slices and both salsas they gave me on it was lacking flavor quite a bit. If I'm ever in the area again I would give it another try and just order something else maybe without steak since it was fatty and like flavor. Also just a heads up when you get there you walk in the front door and there's standing room for about two people where they have the menu then the ordering counter right there. So if you don't look at the menu ahead of time and you have a line behind you, it's kind of a high pressure situation to pick something fast. After you order which is cash only, you have to stand outside in the blazing heat and wait for them to call your number over the intercom and pick it up from the pickup window. They do have outdoor seating area that's shaded but still crazy hot. read more

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I have passed this place by hundreds of times driving downtown over the years, but never stopped. This was my mistake! I stopped in recently on a Saturday night for a night-time craving for some great Mexican fare. This totally hit the spot. It's primarily a carryout only spot, with a few outside tables. In Phoenix, not something you want in the hot months. And, it's cash only. But, wow is the food good. And, the portions are gigantic. I ordered two flautas. You order your food and then leave the small indoor counter so the next customer can enter. It only took a few minutes to get my food. And, I was honestly confused by the sheer weight of my order, until I opened the bag. My two flautas were buried under a mound of guac, cheese and lettuce. My only regret was I didn't grab utensils to eat this! It was messy, but heavenly at the same time. read more

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We got there right at closing and we had a chicken burrito with some extra red sauce that was the best chicken burrito that we've ever had read more

El Norteño - Figure out why - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

CASH ONLY. If you dont have cash, there is a semi sketchy ATM that charges $2.75 for a withdrawal. I ordered a chicken and cheese flauta and got this... Pretty ridiculous. Was hoping this would be one of those hole in the wall places I'd wanna come back to... It is not. read more

El Norteño - Pick up here - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I love this place and tend to get hooked on a particular meal and only order that for a time. My favorite current meal is a bean tostada and two beef tacos. I know you're prolly looking at my plate and are thinking, you order lettuce and cheese? There's some beans and meat in there! Lol, I LOVE the amount of lettuce and cheese they use though. If some falls off, I just pile it back up!! My current meal is my fav because it fills me up and doesn't make me feel heavy after. Plus with all the lettuce, it's practically a salad!! With the holidays I've been going about once a week, always quick and friendly service! read more

El Norteño - Bean tostada and two beef tacos - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is a great Mexican to go restaurant on the NW corner of Roosevelt and 7th Ave. They only take cash, so be prepared for that. I walked inside to look at the menu and order. I was greeted quickly. I decided to try the Chile Relleno burrito because I saw another Yelp review that recommended it. Paid and went outside to wait. A couple of minutes later my number was called, I took my burrito and left. Their Chile Relleno burrito is basically a bean and cheese burrito with a chile relleno inside. It is very good as the chile relleno adds a mild amount of heat and texture. I recommend it. This was a great experience and I will be back. read more

El Norteño - Chile Relleno Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Not exactly cheap for a hole-in-the-wall takeout spot, but the portions are big so it kinda balances out. It's right on a busy intersection, so if you sit outside, just know it can get pretty noisy with traffic. The menu is simple and has pictures, which makes ordering super easy. We got machaca with our order and it was really tasty--definitely the highlight. Would come back if I'm in the area and craving something hearty. read more

El Norteño - Cheese enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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It was soo delicious. We from Cali.. we will be back . Ordered the red burrito with rice in it. And the white menudo !!' Omg took me to Tijuana , there's a place in San Diego reminded me of the border read more

Where do I start. I knew this place was a hidden gem from the first time I read a review. Had to check it out a few years back. But tonight. It was super delicious. We stopped before we hit the Az diamondbacks vs the LA Dodgers. Ordered up a Chile Rellenos burrito, hard shell beef taco and a side of beans. We shared it. The taco was crispy and cheesy and greasy and delicious. With the red sauce. Super good. The beans were pretty good too. Cheesy on top and just flavorful. Loved those too. But the start of the show. The Chile Rellenos burrito. The flavor. The Chile was a little spicy but so delicious. And cheesy and the tortilla was just nice and soft and good. Can't wait to go back. Maybe a carnitas burrito next. read more

This is the best Mexican food I have had and I have had all the locally rated "best of". The flavor and spice is perfection. They are kind and patient. It is cash only and the location has been there for quite some time. The environment is lively and you can tell it is well loved. read more

El Norteño - Beef Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Tried this spot for the first time the other day...absolutely delicious. Better than some sit down restaurants I've had. I had chicken and beef crispy tacos. Tasty. The meat in both wasn't dry like a lot of places. The salsa is really good. Has a good kick. The cheese enchiladas are amazing. The sauce for the enchiladas is flavorful with some spice and the cheese they use is really good. I can't wait to go back. read more

Absolutely love this place! I wish I could have gone to this place earlier. El Norteño provides a lot of meal options and food is delicious! The Mexican food is authentic and has flavor to it. The service was great and fast considering my friend and I went mid morning. The place did get packed fast during lunch time. There are tables outside to eat and it's a bit noisy. The place does have limited parking but it's so worth to try out the restaurant. The place only accosts cash so keep that in mind before going. Overall, I will come back here again due to my amazing first time experience:) read more

El Norteño - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place has been around since I was a little girl. My family and I used to come here all the time. The food has been consistently good and always affordable. Some of the best, authentic, Mexican food you'll find in Arizona. It's always cooked to perfection and always so yummy. You get a lot of food for your money. They take cash only but also have an ATM for convenience of getting cash as well as circle k across the street. The parking lot is a little small but it's never packed to where you can't park. At night time there are homeless in the area so you keep your eyes open but the people who work here are so nice. They also have benches in front to sit and wait or sit and eat. read more

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This place is a classic. The chile relleno burrito is the best I've ever had. And the chilaquiles is unusually good. Sometimes I get a wild craving out of nowhere specifically for that dish. Machaca is also super good. The red and green chile are solid but not the best, and I'd skip the carne asada. Need to try the Mexican pizza. The menu is huge. Cash only which is annoying but there's a circle k across the street. Oh, and the salsa. So good. Not too spicy but a great black pepper flavor. Get extra. read more

Been going here for over 40 years Best food and great service Hot sauce is so good it's like a ceremonial tradition Cash only and can be busy at times Best to take away and eat elsewhere as the out door patio can be HOT read more

Small place located on the corner of 7th Ave and Roosevelt. There is a tiny area for you to go in and place your order. They have a small sitting area outside. It's a CASH ONLY place. We stopped to order some green chili burros, red chili burros and a chili fries with meat and waited around 15-20 minutes for our order. The burros and fries were very flavorful but the meat was very fatty and made chewing unpleasant. read more

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Great food, super nice employees, quick service. Had the ground beef soft/corn tacos with side of rice, huge portions and very tasty. There's a covered patio or take out. Cash only. read more

I have been coming here for YEARS . But on Thursday 09- 11-25 ,. I was NOT expecting to pay 1 Plain Cheese Crisp $7.50 .. It's a Cheese Crisp !!!!!!!!! not a combo meal .. Never again read more

El Norteño - $7.50 for a Dammm Plain Cheese Crisp ??? WTH - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

El Norteño is a solid spot to grab a cheap meal any time of day. The restaurant offers cheap specials ranging from $6.99 to $8.50. The specials depend on what day you come as some days the lunch special is a burro and other days it is a tostada or beef tacos. The rest of the menu has over twenty options so there is definitely something for everyone here. Be sure to bring cash as this restaurant doesn't accept cards. Also, there is an ATM in the covered seating area. The parking lot wraps around the building and has ways to get in from either Roosevelt or 7th. I'd recommend this place if you are looking to take your food to go but the small covered seating area is also an option. It is covered but does not have any AC so I wouldn't recommend it in the heat of the summer. Still, this is a good spot to get a lot of value out of your pocket. read more

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Quick service, hot food, decent portions and very authentically delicious. Ask for their red salsa to top off every menu item; it pairs perfectly with their food & made fresh daily. As of November they also sell Horchata, Jamaica and Lemonada aside from their daily soda machine. This place does have starving pigeons hanging around but anyone can eat in the gated outdoor space to be unburdened. One things for sure- they aren't stingy with their meats in the tacos. I had #10 today and I was pleasantly satisfied. read more

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Best Mexican food downtown period. Food service value. All menu is great been going here 3 years.

Quick service and the bean and cheese burritos are one of my favorites. Also love that this place hasn't changed in the over 20 years I've been going. read more

I have loved their machaca tacos for decades. Last night my chili relleno meal was divine. However, my husband's cheese enchiladas were so spicy they were barely edible. The sauce was on the beans too so that was a disappointment since he loves beans and rice. Mine weren't so I thougt he was crazy until I tasted them and my mouth was on fire after one bite. Usually cheese enchiladas are the most mild item on a menu. So he'll go back to the machaca tacos and we'll be more wary of the heat factor. read more

Food is always fresh and great flavor. Staff is friendly. There is some outdoor seating. Just have to remember it's cash only

I have been coming to this location over 20 years. My go to is chiliquiles.I heard the green chile burritos are a must have.I 100% of the time get red chile burritos. So I ordered both... hands down green chile was better. I am now a fan of green chile burritos. read more

Just do it! This spot is all about the flavors. You wouldn't go there for a romantic date but should go there anytime you have a hankering for some serious Sonoran cuisine. I had a red burro that matched any scratch made burritos in the southwest. The service was quick and efficient. Excellent place to satisfy a Mexican food desire. read more

Yeah, you're going into a shady shack. Guess what? The more you fear, the better it tastes. That's exactly what happened here. Their $12 burritos are wonderful. It's a street taco that went inside. However, the $10 lunch specials are insane. A drink and meal is wild. The amount was ludicrous, too! I was eating for 2. Really a great value and flavor. The hatch chile is always a hit. read more

A lot of people like this place because of the lunch specials but I'm not a huge fan. It's cash only and the circle k doesn't give cash back. They have an ATM onsite but the fees are atrocious. As for the food, the beans are bland. The green chili was good but I've had better. All in all, it's not a place I want to go out of my way to eat at. Especially when there's better options. read more

Good typical Sonoran style Mexican food, fast food service... the place is located on the corner of 7th Avenue and Roosevelt very busy intersection noisy has outdoor seating. I would recommend this place on the go for takeout only. read more

Food was delicious well seasoned generous portions size and generous with condiments good service i got my food hot and quick

Amazing food every time ive been there consistently good authentic mexican food yummmy cash only but no big deal worth every penny. I suggest the Chimmichanga the taco plate and the green chili burrito is heavenly omg so good. Great place to eat and best Mexican in Phoenix i think. read more

I wanted so badly to give El Norteño five stars, but after having their machaca chimiganga, I got the worst stomachache of my thirty-three years of life. I sounded like I was in labor from the pain. The food was authentic, but I'm sadly questioning the cleanliness. Their chicken taco and beef tacos were delicious and piled high with ingredients. If you still do want to go, know that they are cash only, and have no bathrooms or dine-in. read more

Place was really good. Cash only, authentic as can be with Mexican food. It must mean something if they can stay open for this long.- with the portions being huge too. read more

El Norteño - Area - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The original downtown mexican spot. Delicious each and everytime. I love the consistency in the food tasting and quality. 10/10 read more

El Norteño - #18 - Mexican Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is the best Mexican restaurant in Phoenix. I applaud this business for being cash only and not falling to the pressure of all these pay apps and credit card processing companies that will blead you dry with fees. I have patronized this restaurant for 30 plus years (I used to work near them), and now I drive 12 miles out of my way for their Monday green chili burrito special. that is well worth the current price of about $8. Give them try, and you will truly be supporting a small local business !!!!! read more

Food is great service and price is just right and a chill outdoor seating giving a very Phoenix vibe Definitely recommend if you're looking for a breakfast burrito read more

Food and service is always impeccable, been coming here for years for breakfast and lunch !