overall amazing customer service and support. food was amazing and always come back !

We're from out of town and staying in San Diego because our son had a soccer game in Chula Vista. My husband was craving a Mexican breakfast, so we searched for something close to the soccer field and found El Patio. We're so glad we did! The food was delicious, and the restaurant itself is such a cute spot. The decor and atmosphere are really charming and welcoming. They were pretty busy when we were there, but you would never know it based on the service we received. Our server, Gerardo, was amazing! He was so friendly, attentive, and genuinely nice. He kept us updated on our food, stayed on top of our refills, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Just a really cool guy who made us feel taken care of even with how busy the restaurant was. Between the great food, adorable atmosphere, and impeccable service, we were really happy to stumble across this little gem. If we're ever back in Chula Vista, we would absolutely come back. Definitely a great breakfast spot and an easy five stars from us! From your friendly, Chiefs fans :) 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

See all

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

A group of us chose to go to El Patio today. None of us had been there before. We had no expectations. But I figured if El Patio has been there since 1954 there must be a reason why it's still there and people keep going. We arrived the place was packed! Wonderful decor and ambiance! We were seated pretty quickly. Our waiter was Gerardo. Fabulous and courteous young man!! All the staff were working so hard quickly tending to patrons. The food was delicious and generous portions! We all commented how delightfully surprised we were going there!! We're already planning our next visit to El Patio :) My only suggestion.... please allow for reservations. Keep up the great work!! read more

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

See all

The food is awesome here and it reminds of Texas. My wife gets the Fiesta Flautas and I get the Caldo de Res. The service is great and will not be disappointed. I also the decor and lighting. it really sets the mood for a great date. read more

El Patio - Caldo de Res!! - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

This spot has a beautiful yet classic eating establishment founded in 1954. Great old school nouveau vibes. Wonderful service that is worth the wait, I promise. The food is prepared when you order fresh & as you desire. We love our date nights here and the chamango margarita is amazing! Highly recommend this spot! read more

El Patio - Freshly made ice cold lemonade, frijoles à la charra, fresh guacamole, flavorful rice, with chips & fragrant. - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

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

See all

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

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

Old school Mexican restaurant with good quality ingredients and great food. I hope they never change the food or the decor.

To start out my grandmother was from Sonora Mexico and my other from Chihuahua, I had experienced Mexican breakfasts all my life so when I ordered the chilaquiles with a egg and carne asada I figured ok let's give it try. My wife had eggs and carnitas , she says was very good , meat very tender. My meal showed up well garnished with diced tomatoes , a scoop of avocado and a pile of what looked like tortilla chips. First I tried to cut the slab of carne asada , the knife was either dull or the meat was tough. I then went caveman and forked the meat up to my mouth and had to tear the tough steak. Strike -1 , I then tried the chilaquiles and the red chile sauce looked just like the salsa served with the chips , there was no real chile flavor or color and No Cheese. It felt like I was eating a pile of wet tortilla chips. I took a few forks of the refried beans and they were decent. Our server Mimi came by and asked if everything was ok , I replied the meat was tough and the chilaquiles had no cheese or red sauce. To me this dish is an embarrassment to the chilaquiles name , it should me called A pile of tortilla chips wet. Our Server did apologized and she did not charge us for the plate. Please note my plate was 3 stars , my wife plate was 4 starts. The staff works extra hard and enjoy your time ! Next time I'll stick to the Albondigas read more

El Patio - Chilaquiles Breakfast special. - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

Delicious food. Been here since 1954. Cute little restaurant. Quick service and nice servers.

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

See all

Great place, great food, great service and atmosphere. The Mexi mimosa was so delicious

Love the food here! Everything was so delicious and flavorful. The portions were generous, too. The staff was friendly and attentive, and they checked on us throughout our meal. read more

See all

The salsa is really good. We got the enchiladas suisas, shrimp enchiladas, enchiladas so good. They were all delicious

The fajitas and crunchy beef tacos are amazing! The service is also very fast and friendly! read more

El Patio - fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Amazing delicious food. Staff is also very great except this one rude lady that is always there. She makes me not want to come back or ask for anything and always has sly comments. Otherwise 5 stars read more

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.

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

See all

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

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

See all

Amazing. Don't take my word for it. Just try it yourself! I came here today with my wife and friends. The drinks are a 10/10. The food is well worth its price. Service was also outstanding! read more

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

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

See all

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

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

See all

Yummy food, great local recommendation! The servers were so good as well! Fair prices as well

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