Cancel

Open app

Search

El Tapatio

3.9 (354 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Order El Tapatio Takeout or Delivery

El Tapatio Photos

EL TAPATIO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Happy hour specials
Good for groups

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - El Tapatio

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Two seafood Chili Rollenos in White sauce, refried beans, rice, chips, salsa. & bean dip

Fast seating. Quick drinks, chips, salsa and bean dip! Wide variety menu. Used to order Macho Combo. Gives enough for a meal and lunch next day! But the Seafood Chili Rolleno has captured me! Still a lot of food! Delicious in a white sauce and great taste!. Restaurant is loud. And I'm not a drinker, so I don't know the quality of their bar. But the food is fast and great tasting!

Enchiladas mazatan
Ursula O.

I know it's Monday, but if you're looking for a GREAT TACO TUESDAY NIGHT, THIS IS THE PLACE! I came into El Tapatio for their all you can eat street Taco Tuesday dinner. I was curious about it on previous visits and if you don't like street tacos, we can't be friends On Tuesdays, you have to sit in the bar area. Their street Taco Tuesday special starts at 3pm and goes until 8 pm. The servers can be very busy during this time. They like to greet you, bring you chips, salsa, and warm beans. Drinks. Then take your order. All separate trips to your table. After your server puts your order in, they give you an order slip to take over to the designated area to get your tacos. At all you can eat for just $2.50 a street taco and your choice of meat... that can't be beat! The nice thing about coming over to this designated area is that you meet lots of Taco lovers and you can find out from them what they think is terrific. The proteins they are offering for the night is written on a wall. Some options are: Chicken Steak Carnitas Birrira Lengua Al pastor and maybe one or two others. *THESE ARE FRESH MADE TORTILLAS! There is one woman in charge of it all. You show her your ticket (given to you after the server puts in your order) and you get to tell her which proteins you want. I really like the carnitas, lengua, and steak. With the language barrier with her, she got frustrated with me once when I told her 6 tacos- 3 carnitas, 2 lengua, and 1 steak... she can make all of them at once in the flat top grill she has, but she made them one meat selection at a time not realizing I told her I had 6 street tacos.... These tacos are so delicious and packed full of meat! There are so many toppings to choose from as you leave her window with the tacos she just made you. Lots of salsa choices, onions, cilantro, corn, fruit topped with Tapatio. Cooked onions and jalapeños! Pico de gallo!!! Limes!!! They've got your perfect street Taco party set up!! They pack these tacos with so much meat that 6 street tacos way a few too many for me. I was allowed to take home what I did not finish. My daughter loves their street tacos, too! Don't forget to tip your server as well as the woman that makes your delicious tacos!!

Bobby C.

We love this place. We live over 2 hours away but every time we drove through Auburn we stop. Our FAV! Food is great, service is great, and they have fun live music often to set the mood

Enchiladas CHICKEN MOLE
Dee F.

I think this place is a gem, nearest authentic to perfection, Ricardo was attended and food was excellent, you get your food fresh made from scratch not luke warm or cold at all, taste so good, mix your salsa for chips with that bottle tapatio picante. We came on brunch time they have display brunch in the middle room but we have the normal ala carte lunch and that is perfect.

Seating area

Always great food in this authentic restaurant. Can get quite busy in weekends or holidays so be patient with seating. Certain nights local bands are performing.

Tacos
Lu L.

Very yummy chili Colorado burrito Tacos weren't as exciting. $6 margaritas @ Happy Hr. Friendly attentive service. Large portions. Nice salsa bar which seems rare these days. Large dining room & bar with festive Mexican decor. We were told there is another El Tapatio in Citrus Heights.

Fajita Salad

Completely missed the mark with this salad. No tortilla bowl, guacamole, salsa or sour cream.

Chicken and Steak Fajitas
Connie B.

Came in with a group of 13 people and the service was amazing! They were able to accommodate a large party with no issues and we got our food nice and fast. Their free bean and salsa dip was delicious and flavorful. I even asked for some more Togo since I ate a basket by myself. The chicken and steak fajitas was moist, big, and amazing. Their portion sizes can feed easily 2-3 people and they reheat well too! I love how they have different deals as well and even an AYCE option. Highly recommend if I'm in the area again.

Greg S.

First time to this El Tapatio, and it was great. We usually visit the one in Citrus Heights. Same style building and interior. And definitely the same awesome service and good food. It's standard 'Mexican' faire so you know what to expect. Our host and server was Rudy. He was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The place is loud and bustling, and the servers and 'other' help are in constant motion. Nothing to complain about for our visit here.

Carne asada for fajitas (redone)
Mary P.

Great stop in Auburn! Had late lunch today..April 16th..see receipt. When you walk in you see a very vibrant and colorful restaurant! Large dining and bar area. We shared the steak (carne asada) fajitas that came with rice and beans along with sour cream and guacamole. They came out sizzling ( see video) and although the sides were great the meat was a bit tough. The manager, Ivan, saw we were not eating it and without us asking he brought back a steak that was tender and well seasoned (as it should be). Great flavor! It was Taco Tuesday ( we happened to come on Taco Tuesday) and so my boyfriend got a carne asada taco for 2.50. It has a salsa bar dedicated to Taco Tuesdays with different salsas..marinated cucumbers (spicy) and cactus salad. Great way to bring in the customers! They have a full bar and happy hour with drink and appetizer specials. Huge menu! When we left they were packed but they are well staffed! Fun atmosphere and a great place to bring friends. IVAN was super helpful and professional. ALEC was friendly and attentive. Great food...Great service....very popular! Definitely be back!

This is what a good part of the interior seating areas look like and was the view from where I was seated

See all

4 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 1
Photo of Shelia L.
20
18
46

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Quality food, great service and the steak is the most flavorful and juicy out of any restaurant I have been to.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Great food, service and margaritas!! We will be back again for their Buffett soon which looked like a good value as well.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Ryan C.
58
97
31

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mj M.
1
139
92

5 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1
Photo of Andrew T.
157
28
2

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Jesus C.
0
214
544

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Food is good. Service was good. And the old Chevys is gone and it's very nice inside now.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Love it here! Great service and great food. Everyone is always happy and helpful. We go here once a week.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James L.

James L.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James L.

James L.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Roger S.
173
27
5

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Delicious food, excellent service and the vibe feels like home!!!!!! I LOVE THIS PLACE

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy T.
0
15
11

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James L.

James L.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cody K.
185
4
0

2 years ago

Some of the best Mexican food in Auburn. And there is a lot to choose from. Great service !

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mr. M.
4
35
107

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Vy T.
2
12
5

3 years ago

The food amount was generous! A regular dish can feed two people. Their bean dip with the chips was a nice touch.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kay C.
20
181
229

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Best service in the area. The food and everything else was fantastic. We have began to make this our go to place.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 3 of 9

El Tapatio Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Tapatio

How hot is diabla sauce?

Its a 7.5/10 but you can ask for hotter

For Sunday brunch do they serve French toast, pancakes?

French toast and waffles!

June 17, 2025 This El Tapatio? Does it possibly have child menu?

Yes!

Do you offer sunday brunch and bottomless mimosas at the Auburn location? How much is it?

Sunday brunch $26.99 as of 6-2024

Do you have a happy hour ? Or taco Tuesday deals?

June 17, 2025 I asked at Visitor Center in Auburn! El Tapatio of Taco Tuesdays are $2.50 per taco… Read more

Are you open?

yes we are open

Does El Tapatio have order takeout? I called the Yelp phone number, but no one ever answered? is there an online Menu for the Auburn site?

Yes they do have takeout but I would use Google for their phone number because the one on yelp might not be updated or they're just that busy. If I were you I would recommend a sampler because it can literally can feed three people if you're not… Read more

View All 9 Questions

You might also consider

El Portal Taqueria

El Portal Taqueria

3.9(264 reviews)
2.0 mi
•$$

Don't let the blacked out windows fool you, they are open at the stated hours. They have a cool…read morecountertop that looks like a mission wall. I love the wall murals featuring the restaurant's name. There are a couple TVs and a ton of seating but all indoors. Order at the counter and take away or dine in. The cashier was friendly and helpful to navigate the menu. We opted for the 2 fish tacos or 2 shrimp tacos daily special for $8.75 and three in an al pastor Torta and grilled chicken street taco to boot. Chips and salsa are included. Fish taco - 9 - Nice crunchy batter with fresh fish and amazing punch with the pickled onions and Chipotle Crema Shrimp taco - 8 - Fresh shrimp but lacks spice. Pickled onions and Chipotle Crema give it flavor. Super Torta with Al pastor - 7 - Sadly they gave us a very plain carne asada but the rest of the Torta was good. Street taco combination with grilled chicken - 5 - The chicken was very bland but nicely cooked. The beans were terrific and the rice was just ok Pretty cool taqueria with some tasty items and ones to avoid unless you prefer your meats bland. We saw a molcajete on one table and a sizzling plate of fajitas at another which intrigues us for another time. I'd come back for the seafood tacos and the beans though!!!

Not a local, just happened to be in the area and wanted some tacos. This location came up and I…read morewasn't disappointed in the ambiance, it was clean and spacious. The service was great and timely - I was in and out. I grabbed three street tacos and it came with chips. I only ate two tacos and the chips were stale. The tortilla on the taco was amazing, the salsa was mehhh (not enough of a kick for me) but the meat was bland, as if it needs some salt. I would like to stop by again to give it another go but I do feel there's potential here. Giving it three stars because of the blandness and stale chips.

Photos
El Portal Taqueria - Front counter

Front counter

El Portal Taqueria
El Portal Taqueria - Panoramic of the inside

See all

Panoramic of the inside

El Tapatio - mexican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...