Came here with my friend after a day at the water park. The food was delicious, workers are always super sweet.

Had carne asada fries- they're loaded with the works (guacamole, sour cream, cheese, pico de gallo) Great authentic atmosphere read more

What a truly delightful family run establishment. Excellent parking in the rear and most assuredly easy on your wallet. So many unique items that are not found in other Mexican resturants. Friendly staff always helping each other, so you never have to wait for this or that. I will happily return again. read more

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Customer service .very unprofessional..we wherent offer a table. We where there first before another party..a couple came in. Looking Caucasian .mind you. We are mexican. Yes at a mexican restaurant. We ask why we got passed. Young hosts in front looked clueless. Then they offer us a table after they realized there mistake. We felt uncountable. .our first time coming here..and never. MANHATTAN NEXT Door have better Customer service and is a dive bar...come one el patio .do better!! read more

El Patio - Dont come here - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Walked into a lit up dining area with colorful pictures and walls. The service initially had a rough start but got better. It took way too long to get our drink orders. The great food is certainly not by mistake or that the chef got lucky cooking it this time. All four of us loved our food! I got flautas, my hubby ordered the short rib plate, and our friends got a seven bean dip(?), queso chorizo, and enchiladas. We ALL liked our food and would finitely come back. My friend who went with us remembered going to this place when she was a kid. So cool. read more

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I've been coming here since high school...yikes 50 years ago! The menu is pretty simple, as with the place. Service and food is top shelf. My go to is the shredded beef burrito with their famous cheese sauce (#17 The Original Famous on the menu) and don't forget a cerveza. read more

El Patio - Shredded beef burrito with the famous cheese sauce - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Omg the food here is amazing! The drinks too! This is definitely a place to come to and it will have you coming back for more! Service was great and attentive and the vibe is low lit can go either way, date night or out with friends and family. Place is definitely a go to for us now! read more

El Patio - Yummy! Can't wait! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Been coming here 40+ years. They have the BEST Chili Rellenos of ANY restaurant (believe me I've tried them just about everywhere I travel). My fave order is Chili Relleno and Enchilada (chicken or guacamole) ala carte on separate plates (so the sauces don't mix & dilute) You're welcome read more

El Patio - El Patio entry: been eating here 40+ years - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Found out this place just recently opened so came with coworker on our lunch break to check it out! It was decorated with lights just in time for the Christmas season, giving a cozy vibe! Very popular with a lot of people. Food was so good!! I got the carne asada fries and fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and big portion too!! Their churros is especially amazing! It's crusty outside with cajeta inside which was so good! read more

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First time, but won't be our last! I didn't get a chance to take many pics. Once food got to our table, we went right into it and enjoyed every bite! I did take one pic of my plate before devouring it! Service was hospitable-thanks to GERARDO! and restaurants decor was very colorful and welcoming! I'll see you guys soon! read more

El Patio - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

My waitress Martha was amazing! She was very friendly & the service was great, recommendations for the food with spot on! Enjoyed my experience, thank you! I will definitely be going back to her again read more

El Patio - Fish taco & beans . Also cheese enchiladas with onions - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Been coming to El Patio for 27 years best place in town!!! La mejor comida mexicana.

Came here for some crispy tacos I had the chicken tacos it didn't disappoint load with chicken and tomato, lettuce and some cheese and salsa on the table with chips And she had the fish tacos She enjoyed it came 2 warm tortillas on each taco She was happy everything was fresh and came out hot too. Quite busy too but service is top notch here. With a roomy Resturant and A/C kept all comfortable. We even had free Churros for checking in And they had a filling too Prices are good read more

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Amazing food and great portions! The service is great, and everyone was so kind. We will be coming back for sure

Food was pretty good. Authentic Mexican food. Simple and not too fancy. Small restaurant, felt cozy and definitely for locals. Service was good. Not very fast but leisurely which seemed to fit the vibe of the place. Want to go back to try the desserts. read more

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Good food. Service is awesome. Ordered the garlic shrimp and steak mariscos. Will Definitely come back again

Very disappointing experience. We were a party of three and signed in upon arrival. Shortly after us, another couple who appeared to be regulars walked in and were seated immediately without signing in, while we continued waiting and were completely overlooked. All three of us were standing there watching the interaction unfold, and when we brought it to the hostess's attention, she was dismissive and unapologetic. After finally checking her clipboard, she realized we had in fact already signed in and should have been acknowledged earlier. Although we were eventually seated, the poor treatment and lack of professionalism left such a bad impression that we decided to leave instead of dining there. Unfortunately, customer service and fairness clearly were not priorities during our visit. read more

One of my husbands and I favorite place. The food is delicious! I've tried almost everything and can say I haven't had a bad thing. The portions are big too! The service is always quick and helpful. read more

All food was delicious. Great service .... Ambiance is amazing. I definitely recommend this place if you are near by. read more

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If a local neighborhood restaurant has had a solid following for over 70 years (est. 1954), it can be assumed that they've really been doing something right, consistently, and have been serving quality food while providing excellent service to stick around this long. We love that they're open for breakfast, that their food is very good; that their dining room, kitchen, and restrooms are clean, and their service has always been good to outstanding. There are a few things we don't like such as the limited private parking, and the fact that they don't accept AMEX cards for payment. But those small things won't prevent us from dining here. It's one of our favorite places to dine at in Chula Vista. We love their flying saucer, fajitas, caldo de res, rolled tacos, guacamole, and chips & salsa. If you haven't tried this place, but you like Mexican food, you're really missing out. read more

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Pozole with Pata was So Good!!! My wife got chicken enchiladas with mole, dinner and service was excellent. The restaurant is like a realistic Authentic Mexican place. Ambiance was pleasant! read more

El Patio - Mole enchiladas and Pozole - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Every time we visit San Diego we stop by for breakfast and dinner. Food is delicious and staff are always very welcoming and friendly! Food is delicious and prices are reasonable. Decor is tasteful and the inside is quiet and cozy. Definitely recommend if you're looking for authentic Mexican food and great prices. read more

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The menudo was great!! My husband had the Cocido and he said it was delicious. Highly recommend! read more

El Patio - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Very good, down home restaurant, serving great traditional Mexican food. Great service and food served hot and fresh. Lots of choices for great food. read more

El Patio - Chiliquiles and egg. - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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I hate to do this, esp to a family restaurant that's been around for so long and has great reviews but our experience was so polar opposite of what we read online. We went to check in and the host asked me how many people were in our party then told me to hold and never came back. Another host came and had an attitude bc I explained the situation - all she said was your name is not on the list! I said that's fine, please just add us. She then wrote our name down and did the same thing. When she got back to the hostess stand she looked at us like we were stupid. Fine, whatever, we got out of the way until our names were called. Wait was about 5 min, not bad at all! We sat down and ordered margaritas and waters to start...We had 3 different people take our drink orders til we got our drinks 10 min later - 2 waters short. We proceeded to ask for waters multiple times during the duration of our meal - NEVER GOT THEM. The margaritas are NOT made with tequila (they're made w blue agave) and if you say anything and they mention fixing it, expect to be charged again. They brought out salsa w pickled carrots bc they were making the chips (bonus that they were being freshly made), but didn't get the chips til we were pretty much done with our meal. I ordered the fajitas which came out lukewarm at best, my friend ordered pozoles which was blan and undercooked hominy. Our kids were fine with what they ordered (quesadillas and rice)...Not once were we checked on while tables around us seemed to get way more attention. I would NEVER visit this place again and should've went to El Pollo Loco instead. That would've been way better. read more

Best mango margs!! You should come here! Service/ atmosphere is always good. Chips are homemade and crunchy

The food is authentic and amazing here every time we visit! The service is top notch. There is no where else that we go for Mexican food in SD read more

Looking for a cozy and casual Mexican sit down? El Patio is your spot. Small, almost hidden Mexican restaurant on Broadway, but been around since 1954. Get there before the line forms. We went on a Sunday around 3pm and there wasn't a wait. Chile Relleno 10/10 Menudo 12/10 Carne Asada Burrito 8/10 Service 9/10 Can't wait to go again! read more

visited this spot on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised by the short 15-minute wait, despite the place being packed. I came in with a craving for pozole, but the wide variety of dishes on the menu made the decision a bit tough. In the end, we went for three bowls of pozole--two with pata al lado--and El Patio House Breakfast. Everything was exceptional. The pozole was spot on, and even my picky eater finished most of her plate, praising the flavor and perfect seasoning. For drinks, we went with the "La Tia Juana," and it was the perfect adult beverage to complement the meal. To top it off, we indulged in the Bulo for dessert, which was the perfect sweet ending. The service was top-notch--attentive and efficient. Even though it was a full house, the staff kept everything running smoothly, and I never had to ask for anything twice. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, with ample space between tables, making it feel homey and comfortable. This place definitely earned my recommendation, and I'll absolutely be back! read more

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This spot has really good genuine Mexican food! It is now a regular spot the server recognizes us when we go with coworkers so gives a very welcome home type of vibe and literally looks inside like your eating out in a patio. I luv the cute Mexican artisan decor inside. They have great lunch options and bfast usually still available as well! Definitely recommend! read more

My husband and I stopped at El Patio for lunch. Immediately we noticed the beautiful artwork all around. The service was pretty fast and efficient. The Tia Juana margarita was phenomenal! It had great flavor and no overwhelming taste of alcohol, but still packed a punch. The chips and salsa were good - nice and spicy and served up right away. The enchiladas de papa were just ok, but I loved that there were so many vegetarian options. It means there are plenty of other dishes for me to try when I go back for another margarita :) My husband had the carne asada plate and he thoroughly enjoyed it. This place has generous portions and a nice ambiance. read more

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I love coming to El Patio!! All the food on their menu is absolutely delicious!! I can't wait to come again!! read more

El Patio - El Patio House Breakfast!! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

We have eaten here for many years.Love the food.We always get the number 20 burrito.Taco taco and angelata.The chips and saucer are fantastic.Maria is a pretty darn good as well! If you have to wait... keep in mind it's worth the wait! read more

El Patio - The front entrance to the restaurant it's always busy on saturday night! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place deserves 5 STARS! PERIOD! I've been coming here for over 5 years and can say with confidence that the staff is truly amazing with OUTSTANDING hospitality. The food is delicious a true delicacy. It feels as if you were at home growing up with this familiar ethnic background the music the atmosphere so rich in our Mexican culture that captivates the beauty of our food/heritage the music and roots. Renee and everyone there are truly devoted to what they do, greet us with a warm smile always making sure if we need anything and table touching with customer service that exceeds standards. Thank you El Patio, I used to always come here with my father in law, he recently passed away and now I come as remembrance of him. Que dios las bendiga read more

The food and service was really good. Staff were attentive and friendly. Definitely will come back!!

We ordered the Queso Fundido, Chimichanga Plate and Carne Asada Plate and it was all very good. Additionally, the Service and Ambiance was great! read more

I am continuingy trip down memory lane, honoring the memory of my late wife Gay, the 25 anniversary of our first date, and our 23 wedding anniversary by visiting restaurants that we visited together El Patio was one such restaurant although it was usually a place we'd eat at with friends after Church. The service was excellent. Martha listened to my stories . She was friendly attentive and explained things on the menu and gave good suggestions. I had the El Patio House Breakfast. It was $18.80 for breakfast plus $3.95 for coffee, and of course Uncle Sam wanted in on the action and talked on another $1.99 for a whopping $24.74 . I didnt appreciate the fact that they didn't appreciate my Veteran Status, I didn't Appreciate the fact that I'm a senior. I try to patronize establishments that do, so this will play into the frequency of my visits. My breakfast arrived quickly. Both the food and coffee were hot. The El Patio house Breakfast came with 2 eggs, refied beans, carne asada, chilaquilles, cheese , and a small scoop of guacamole.. The meal was as visually appealing as it was delicious. While the hearty proportion provided enough left overs for a small lunch, I felt a small serving of rice some salsa, and a couple of flour tortillas would have rounded out the mouth watering flavorful meal. The beans were thick and earthy, I chose eggs over easy both arrived perfectly fried with tender whites and velvety yokes as opposed to one being some what less than desired. The enjoyment of the crunchchewy rojos Chilaquilles was enhanced by the fresh creamy savory guacamole. The coffee was rich strong and hot. The addition of some ice, sugar, and creamer was required to suite my personal preference. There was a certain quality that I can't describe that made it ever so slightly different from any coffee I've drank this week. Over all I truly enjoyed my breakfast today. Due to the cost and the fact they didn't respect my Senior or even more important Veteran Status, I'll place this eatery ony list for extra special occasions such as the one that broughte here today. Martha, thank you for the kind interest you showed in my story, your patience ine as I was ordering, for explaining the menu to me and for the great suggestions. read more

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First time eating here and I ordered the chili verde plate and it was outstanding! I wish they had one of these restaurants in orange county. read more

We really enjoy this place for an all around great Mexican meal when you want something much nicer than a taco shop.

Our server was nice but they need to focus and pay attention!! I ordered the Carne asada nachos. As I waited patiently for them to arrive, a party of 2 came in and sat adjacent to us and ordered. To my surprise, they received their order first!! A beautiful plate of Carne asada Nachos!! I could see the chunks of meat from where I was sitting. I thought it was odd because we had arrived there about 10 minutes before they did!! Instantly I knew those nachos should have come to me About 5 minutes later I get a plate of nachos but they have shredded beef I politely sent it back and asked for the order I had asked for. My server apologized and came back with some Nachos but my with barley ANY Carne asada .ind you, this plate is close to $20 At this point, I was so disappointed, I couldn't even eat because my disappointment was too much. The 2 older lady chefs told my server that they could not add more meat. I literally had specks of meat on this dish that I had to dig to find under the toppings. Not what I had seen from the other plate that should have come to me. Instead of making it right, the cooks told my server that I could pick something else from the menu if I didn't like the nachos. Sooo disappointed. I was so excited to eat the nachos I saw given to the other party because they genuinely looked good but because of their error, I was denied that opportunity. Save your time and don't take a chance with customer service like this. read more