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    El Tapatio

    4.4 (3.4k reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Salad, Seafood
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order El Tapatio Takeout or Delivery

    El Tapatio Photos

    Business Info

    EL TAPATIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Tapatio

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    Carne Asada tacos
    Janelle M.

    I can't believe as many time as I have eaten at El Tapatio I am just now doing a review. I have been here for Happy hour with friends quite a few years ago and this was the very first time I found out about this place. They had I think it was $1.50 tacos on taco Tuesday. The tacos were really good and the salsa bar is excellent! The bean dip isn't too bad either. I've also come to try out their other menu options and let me tell you they do not miss. I've heard they have a really good brunch and I need to try it out lol. I love a good brunch. The service is always great and it's always busy every time I've come even have had to wait in a line that when out the doors. There is plenty of seating the restaurant is pretty big inside. There's a bar as well. Is it the best Mexican food in Sac? No. Is it delicious? Absolutely! If you haven't been here it's a must.

    Fresh handmade flour tortillas by the tortilla lady up front
    Belinda C.

    El Tapatio is a spacious and festively decorated Mexican restaurant. Beautiful. Several dining areas. Music in Spanish. Service is attentive and helpful. There is a tortilla lady in front making fresh tortillas with her own tip jar. Huge menu. You should be able to easily find whatever you're craving. There is a 11 AM to 3 PM weekday lunch menu on the back cover: Burrito specials on Mon & Fri Enchiladas specials on Tue & Wed Chile Relleno special on Thu DAILY Happy Hour menu for Bar & Patio area is 3-7 PM and after 9 PM. Complimentary corn tortilla chips, salsa, and refried bean dip with cheese. I loved the REFRIED BEAN DIP! I ordered the Steak a la Chicana. I didn't read or listen carefully enough that the skirt steak with sauteed onions and bell peppers are covered in Spanish sauce. The sauce is actually quite tasty with a little kick. I used it and the salsa to flavor the black beans. However, I really just wanted grilled steak. I should have ordered steak fajitas, a grilled steak burrito or quesadilla, or a carne asada plate. The Steak a la Chicana was a generous portion, which is definitely 2 meals for me. Cilantro rice wasn't anything special. The SWEET CORN TAMALITO is yummy comfort. Choice of beans: refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans. I suspect refried beans is the tastiest option. El Tapatio would be a great gathering place for friends and family. It's located on Sunrise Blvd in Citrus Heights near See's Candies and other restaurants.

    Slow cooked pork chile verde burrito
    Brian J.

    First time at El Tapatio and my expectations were definitely met and exceeded! We got the slow cooked pork chile verde burrito and molcajete with steak. The pork was very tender and juicy, and the steak was definitely of good quality. Modelito margarita over the rocks was a great choice! Eduardo was our server and he was on top of it, he kept bringing us salsa and filling up our drinks without asking. The ambiance was very vibrant with the classic Mexican interior and they even had a live artist performing traditional Spanish guitar on Friday! I saw that they've been around since 1980 and it speaks for itself, a legacy of the neighborhood. We will be back!

    Raleigh A.

    First, we are regular patrons, we ordered take out, among the orders I ordered the "Sunrise Enchilada along with several other meals, when we got home, I took a look, and was very disappointed, if it were my restaurant, i would not be happy with the product given to my customers, you be the judge.

    Menu
    David M.

    A packed parking lot on a Friday parking lot inspires confidence for a restaurant because it signals to me that people are choosing it as a destination for their Friday night. Let's just say it make sense why the lot is full. The service was beyond reproach. Our server was attentive and detail oriented and never felt us feeling ignored. I couldn't see the bottom of the complimentary chips and salsa and the food came out hot and delicious. The three meat molcajete with traditional salsa verde (a family recipe according to the menu), pinto beans, radish, freshly roasted jalapeño, green onions, and sautéed cactus. Topped with Monterey Jack, Cotija, and Panela cheese was the star of the show. You assemble everything in a nice flour tortilla and you are in for a delectable and savory treat. The portion sizes are generous and the price point given the amount of food is also very attractive. We shared the molcajete and had plenty leftover for lunch the next day. I always wondered why the parking lot was so full but I longer have to wonder and I'll be contributing to the busy traffic in the parking lot because I'll be back for another round of molcajete.

    Raquel H.

    Yum, Yum Yum! Seriously, come with a big appetite! I love coming here for dinner on the weekends, brunch on Sundays and on Father's/Mother's Day. Sometimes the place has a huge waitlist and people are standing around outside waiting to be called. PSA. get there early on those holidays they are having the buffets. There is a whole array of dishes to select from. I would have to say my favorite is the steak fajitas for 2 . The beef was so tender and it came with grilled veggies and sides to throw into your tortilla plus rice and beans. Staff are very attentive and are always checking to see that your water, chips, salsa & beans for dipping are always restocked. The restaurant is always packed. I have yet to see it empty. You won't be disappointed.

    Chicken dish
    Susheel K.

    This restaurant serves delicious Mexican food. I enjoy their expeditious delivery of food and a service with a smile. During the World Cup football the place became a sports bar with a terrific ambiance filled with fellow football lovers.

    Steak tacos
    Jennifer C.

    This place is legit! I'm from SoCal and I've lived up here about a year now and I have been trying to hit up Mexican restaurants to see what could be comparable. This place did not disappoint. The steak. Tacos were amazing. Apparently they marinate them for three days and you can tell. We sat in the bar area and had service from Amanda which she was amazing. Talk about top-notch friendly on top of it made the whole experience pleasant. We got chips, salsa, and a bean dip. I ended up ordering their bean dip with green and red sauce with cheese... so good! Also the rolled potato tacos and quesadilla. Another thing we found out is that they do happy hour seven days a week! We will definitely be back.

    Happy wife with top-shelf margarita.
    Randy B.

    The ambience and the service was 5-star+! Being a tough critic of authentic ethnic foods, I was only slightly disappointed in the fact that this Mexican food is heavy with what Americans love -- cheese and beans and extra oil. If you love "Maui-Mex" this place is perfect! I was hoping for a slightly more flavorful and less filling meal. Of course I didn't need to down my 20oz. Negra Modello so fast with my food.... My bad. The drinks were great and it is always fun to get a huge complimentary basket of tortilla chips and salsa the minute you are seated. It is a fun dinner, for sure. Great place for parties and groups.

    Steve A.

    El Tapatio is always consistent. We really enjoy the happy hours and mango margaritas. We normally always sit at the bar and end up meeting nice people.

    Nicely decorated
    Melissa S.

    Parking- There is plenty of parking in their private lot. If you can't find any parking out front look out back. Ambiance- There is lots of ambiance. It's a very Mexican restaurant and decorated accordingly. Very bright and festive. Last time and this time they had live music, both times there was a mariachi group playing in the room we were at. With out the live music it's a very loud restaurant as the sound really carries through the various rooms. The restaurant is made up of smaller rooms divided by arches. Next time we're going to pick a quieter restaurant as it was really hard to hear as we were trying to catch up with friends. Service- Service was spot on. The servers came back several times to check on us before we ordered. They got us drinks and waited till we were ready to order. They were also very attentive during our meal. Food- Not so good. I ordered the quesa Birrias. I pointed to the menu when I placed my order. Three corn tortillas filled with beef birria, melted Oaxaca cheese onions and cilantro served with rice, pinto beans, spicy salsa and consume on the side $19.99 was the description. The picture in the menu showed them all laying flat oozing with melted cheese. When brought out it they were in a taco stand. No melted cheese, just birria tacos. It was nothing like the description and the picture. I was so disappointed. I don't recommend this dish and wouldn't order it again. My husband ordered the tilapia. It was a bit on the overcooked side, way to crispy and not meaty enough. Our friends ordered the shrimp tacos which were done really well and he liked them. His wife ordered another dish with simmered meat in a sauce with bell peppers. She gobbled hers up and is the only one at our table that finished her plate. To our disappointment we will not be returning.

    Birthday hat
    Kristin D.

    El Tapatio, the best place for birthdays. They have live music, friendly staff and a great atmosphere. When coming you can enjoy yourself for longer than normal American time at a restaurant and watch a football game. They have a chips and salsa bar in the bar, lots of drink, beverages, and Several TVs. I ordered the combo meal with a chicken burrito, black beans, and cilantro rice for $14.99. It was very yummy and filling. Can get a couple meals from it. They have every flavor of margarita if you're looking to celebrate your day in that way. Overall, a great experience every time.

    Seafood Rellenos
    Dee G.

    El Tapatio was the lively meal that our group needed after a long week. The mariachi band was a nice touch. The service was quick and friendly. I had a passion fruit blended margarita along with a chimichanga and enchilada. We had tons of left over for sure.

    Fruit Brunch

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    1 month ago

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    13 days ago

    Food is always excellent! It is fresh and never covered in grease. The grilled vegetables are tender and not overcooked.

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    Page 1 of 86

    El Tapatio Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Tapatio

    What is the Sunday buffet price?

    I think it's about $35 per adult. Not sure what price is for kids.

    What is the wait time on Friday night at 6:30?

    It really varies. I've gotten in/been seated in a few minutes, and there have been times that it's… 

    Can we buy the habernero salsa separately?

    The salsa is made with jalapeños

    How much is the Sunday brunch?

    29.00 each

    Any vegan options?

    Yes. You can customize your meals.

    Is this a buffet or does it have a buffet? I saw an article which had the restaurant and buffet area. Is it true?

    There is a Sunday brunch buffet

    Is this restaurant still open? I've heard it's been closed.

    Rumor mill is telling you lies. I'm sitting in the cantina for $2 taco Tuesday 2-22-22 and it's a full house on national margarita day. To my knowledge, other than mandatory shut down during Nov to Dec 2020, this place hasn't been closed.

    Are they still doing the Sunday brunch during covid?

    I'm pretty sure they are! We were there for brunch in May and it was delicious.

    Has the Sunday Brunch reopened? If so, what is cost and hours?

    Yes, they are now offering a full Sunday brunch.

    Do they take reservations?

    its a simple place, you walk in, order the food, take a table. due to covid restrictions, there is very limited seating. get your food and go home. Not too complicated.

    Do they still serve mexican pizzas?

    Pretty sure no. Did not see them on menu.

    Does the Mariachi play weekend nights?

    No not nOw!! Till all this Covid ends.... 😷 When know one knows yet😢But they have good music on the weekends!! Come and enjoy the gOod fOod and music 🎶 and great services see you there😷😄

    Do their dishes contain lard?

    I don't know, I don't usually get anything that possibly could. They offer pinto (non refried beans). Many options to keep things healthy.

    How much is sunday brunch?

    As of 7/20/25 prices for the Sunday Buffet Brunch: Adults-$30 (bottomless mimosas included) Children… 

    Do they cater if i wanted big portions to pick up for a party?

    Yes!

    Looking for a place for a wedding rehearsal dinner for about 30 people. Would they be able to handle that?

    Yes!! Call and speak with Jorge and tell him exactly what you were looking for. He absolutely will take care of you

    Do they have gift cards and where can I get them?

    Yes! They do offer those. You can drop buy or purchase them over the phone.

    Do they have mariachis at sunday brunch?

    Not on Sunday brunch but Sunday evening at 5 pm.

    How much is one person for Sunday Brunch?

    $32

    Is Taco Tuesday only available if you get a seat in the bar/cantina area? Or can you also do Taco Tuesday at the regular table/booths?…

    Our server told us it could be done at the regular table / booths, but there was some kind of catch. I think you needed to tell her how many tacos you wanted beforehand. We didn't go for it in the end so I don't know all the mechanics.

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    Los Nogales Mexican Food - Carne Asada Plate

    Los Nogales Mexican Food

    4.4(57 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    Honestly-just had the one of the Best moles - I've had in years! And it just came off the stove!…read more Lordly tomorrow and the next day this is going to so much better. All the seasonings blended so well. Getting some to go

    My husband and I recently stopped by for dinner and unfortunately left disappointed. The first…read morething we noticed was how hot it was inside the restaurant, which made it uncomfortable to dine in, so we ended up taking our food to go. The prices felt high for the quality and portions received. I ordered a carne asada burrito (rice, beans, meat, Pico, cheese) for $14.50. While the burrito was large, it was mostly rice and beans, and the carne asada itself was disappointing. The texture was closer to ground beef than the grilled steak flavor and consistency I was expecting. My husband ordered the three street taco plate with rice and beans for $16.50, choosing carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas. He had similar thoughts about the carne asada, and felt that both the al pastor and carnitas lacked seasoning and overall flavor. He also purchased a canned soda for $2.50, which added to what already felt like a pricey meal. I understand that restaurant costs have increased over the years, and I don't mind paying more when the food quality matches the price. However, between the lack of air conditioning, the mid food, and the overall value, we didn't feel the experience justified the cost. The service was friendly, which we appreciated, but with so many other local Mexican restaurants offering more flavorful food at similar price points, we don't see ourselves returning.

    Photos
    Los Nogales Mexican Food - Menu!

    Menu!

    Los Nogales Mexican Food - Dry pastor meat.

    Dry pastor meat.

    Los Nogales Mexican Food - Sign of the business on the roof

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    Sign of the business on the roof

    Felipe's Mexican Restaurant - House salsa!

    Felipe's Mexican Restaurant

    3.9(414 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    •$$

    We ordered the chili rellano with rice and beans. It was delivered hot and it was fantastic. I love…read morethis place. Not disappointed at all.

    I recently decided to pull the trigger on a random lunch spot in the city to see if it could pass…read moremuster. Walking in, the initial impressions were a bit of a mixed bag. While the restaurant overall appeared generally clean, the immediate physical environment unfortunately stumbled. Both the menu handed to me and the edge of the table had noticeable dried food stains from previous diners. This is a detail that always makes you hesitate before diving into a meal, and it signals a clear need for a tighter focus on basic front-of-house cleanliness. Hoping the kitchen would outshine the table settings, I ordered the Combo 4, a hefty platter loaded with a shredded beef taco, a chile relleno, a cheese enchilada, Spanish rice, and refried beans. When the plate arrived, it became immediately clear that this kitchen possesses plenty of raw potential but suffers from a lack of consistent execution. The standout elements were undoubtedly the hot mains and the rice. The Spanish rice was prepared beautifully, proving light, fluffy, and genuinely tasty on its own. The cheese enchilada delivered that classic, comforting richness you look for in a combo plate. The chile relleno also passed the flavor test with flying colors, uniquely elevated by an extra layer of peppers scattered across the top that added a welcome bite. Unfortunately, the rest of the plate struggled with under-seasoning and lackluster components. The shredded beef in the taco was quite good, but it was dragged down by a handful of white iceberg lettuce that lacked any real flavor or freshness. Meanwhile, the refried beans were entirely bland right out of the gate. Ultimately, the saving grace of the entire lunch turned out to be the house salsa left over from the complimentary chips and salsa basket. Drenching the taco in it brought the meat back to life, and stirring it directly into the beans was the only thing that rescued them from mediocrity. The bottom line is that this place has the bones of an exceptional neighborhood staple. If the management can inject a bit more discipline into their food quality control and enforce stricter cleanliness habits, it could easily become a local favorite. For now, it remains a decent but flawed spot saved entirely by its table salsa.

    Photos
    Felipe's Mexican Restaurant - Older decor but still very nice

    Older decor but still very nice

    Felipe's Mexican Restaurant - Chile Verde, beer taco and cheese enchilada combo plate

    Chile Verde, beer taco and cheese enchilada combo plate

    Felipe's Mexican Restaurant

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    La Fiesta Taqueria - 06.05.26 Regular Soft Taco -- Tripas, Cabeza, Al Pastor, and Doradita

    La Fiesta Taqueria

    3.7(462 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    •$$

    La Fiesta -- Citrus Heights…read more This place has been one of my favorite Mexican food spots for YEARS. I've been coming here since I was a little chunky butt tagging along with my big sis . Now I find any excuse to bring somebody new who hasn't been here yet because I need them to understand what they've been missing! The food is ALWAYS . I used to be strictly a burrito guy, but these days I don't eat quite as heavy, so tonight I went with the Fajita Trio. And let me tell you... ¡Estuvo de fuego! (It was fire!) I know I wasn't supposed to go crazy, but tell me why I still ended up eating the beans AND rice too?! ‍ Apparently my stomach didn't get the memo about eating lighter. I came tonight with ALL intentions of leaving satisfied... and instead walked out fuller than your gas tank when gas was 99 cents a gallon. But honestly, I love this place for more than just the food. Every time I come here, it brings back memories of growing up, coming here with my big sis, and all the good times that came with it. There's something special about a place that can feed you AND take you back in time a little. Great food, good memories, and another reason to bring somebody here for the first time. La Fiesta never disappoints.

    Authentic and flavorful [Citrus Heights CA]…read more Ended up in this eatery unplanned because the restaurant we were planning to dine in had electrical issues at the time. My son-in-law and I walked in this family-owned restaurant located in the Citrus Town Center. I am by no means an expert in Mexican food so I usually just choose a steak burrito, enchiladas or fish tacos. I ordered the latter (without onions or cilantro). Somehow it looked plain LoL! but it was still good. My son-in-law, on the other hand, knew his stuff and ordered Regular Soft Tacos -- Tripas, Cabeza, Al Pastor, and Doradita. Was he happy LoL! The chips at the Salsa Bar was fresh. The salsa choices were limited but there were plenty of options for condiments. This is a counter service arrangement so pay at the counter and they will serve your food to your table. Plenty of table and booth seating options and also outdoor patio seating is available. Fast and friendly customer service. Review #4043

    Photos
    La Fiesta Taqueria - 06.05.26 tables and booths available

    06.05.26 tables and booths available

    La Fiesta Taqueria - 06.05.26 Side Chips, Salsas and condiments

    06.05.26 Side Chips, Salsas and condiments

    La Fiesta Taqueria - 06.05.26 exterior

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    06.05.26 exterior

    Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant - Mole Enchiladas

    Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    •$$

    Came here for lunch to enjoy some Mexican food. Can be difficult to find as it sits on the hill in…read morefair Oaks and is not easily spotted from Sunrise Boulevard Parking is a little tough only a couple places in front of the restaurant, but there is plenty of street parking. As you enter the restaurant, it has the Mexican feel with dark wood accents tile floor, Mexican paintings, the staff had nice looking black uniforms with red ties looking very professional. We ate outside on the patio, which is beautiful and was much quieter. They started us off with chips, salsa, and a bean dip, which is fabulous. It was so good that was almost lunch itself. I ordered a Carnitas burrito. The flavor was good. I will say it had a different flavor than other Carnitas that I've had at different Mexican restaurants. I also had it wet so it was smothered with enchilada sauce. The enchilada sauce was also different as it was chunky. All very good. The burrito is quite large. I was able to take it home and got two more meals out of it. Brunch is still going on while we were there so my wife ended up getting the French toast which came with three huge slices and looked and taste delicious as well. Pricing was fair for the two of us two meals no cocktails was about $50. I'd be back again.

    Food is good! And so many options Got Carmelita's margarita…read morey huevos rancheros. Will come back again to try more brunch as I've only had lunch previous times Great service as well

    Photos
    Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant
    Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant - Chips with salsa and bean dip

    Chips with salsa and bean dip

    Carmelita's Mexican Restaurant - Entrance

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    Entrance

    El Tapatio - mexican - Updated October 2026

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