Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Tapatio

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

    Order El Tapatio Takeout or Delivery

    El Tapatio Photos

    Business Info

    EL TAPATIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like El Tapatio

    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

    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.

    This was "take out", so much easier when you don't want to "go out"
    Raleigh A.

    Truly the best we've had in sacto since Albuqerque, Flagstaff, and Santa Fe NM, we have had the best of the best, and this is right up there, we'll continue to be a good customer unless they change, for now we'll enjoy their delicious meals

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Yum chili relleno and enchilada
    Candace J.

    Very authentic Mexican. I love chili relleno and they are the best. You can get 1-3 entrees with rice(choices) and beans(choices). Their margaritas are also excellent. Free chips and salsa. Excellent service. And very nicely decorated in Mexican tile. My favorite place

    Menu cover
    Anetra T.

    I came here Saturday afternoon for lunch with two friends. I will say that I'm giving this place three stars because the food and my drink were great. The service was not on point and this is before it got busy. Our server Eddy seemed like he wanted to rush our party of three while he was super attentive to the patrons next to us, which was a party of two. I would say that the people who were busing tables were more attentive than our main server. However, the food was great. I had the chicken flautas and a cucumber and margarita. The chips and salsa were on point as well. I might give this place another try in the future just for the food alone.

    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.

    Cyn D.

    Ample parking. Massive restaurant, I mean these owners had to have put hundreds of thousands into the decor and design! It's beautiful inside. Seated immediately, zero wait time. Very low key so massive inside. Ordered the potato tacos and my fiancé ordered a burrito. He said it was delicious. I tried a bit of the green sauce, so good! The potato tacos were delicious!! As were the rice and beans and small scoop of sweet corn maza.. what a great combo. The only thing I wasn't feeling, was the gentleman who was going around asking to take pictures. That's a weird thing.. maybe leave out of the restaurant- it's like solicitation while eating!?? Otherwise, great customer service, great food.. 5/5

    Fruit Brunch
    Dan C.

    We came here for brunch which includes UNLIMITED mimosas for $30 ! The bar was showing 3 football games on the big screens so there was a 20 minute wait which was well worth it. The buffet was fresh + hot. The omelette(s) were made to order. The place has a warm hacienda feel to it. I recommend this place to visitors & locals.

    This man is a menace. He will hound you for tips. Borderline harassment.

    See all

    24 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 4
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 day ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 1

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J M.
    6
    50
    613

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cyn D.
    6
    386
    454

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mr. F.
    2
    160
    144

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 4
    Love this 8
    Oh no 5

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Love love, love the decor, food is very good. Atmosphere is friendly it is a Happy place!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hai L.
    152
    803
    2266

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 85

    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… Read more

    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… Read more

    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.

    View All 42 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 76,146 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Dos Coyotes Border Cafe - Citrus Heights

    Dos Coyotes Border Cafe - Citrus Heights

    3.8
    (250 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Great food as usual. But the service was beyond wonderful. Arella the cashier, is one of the best…read morewe have seen, even in fancy restaurants. She even made the extra effort to stop by a couple of times to check on us and ask how everything was. Great smile from the first time walking in the door. Very clean place and smells as good as it tastes. Awesome atmosphere. Will definitely eat here again. Even though we live a bit of distance away.

    My husband and I have been loyal customers for over two years, and Dos Coyotes was one of our…read morefavorite places to eat. Unfortunately, our last three visits have been consistently disappointing, and we've decided we won't be returning. About a year ago, the manager (or possibly the owner) was always present. He was professional, friendly, and genuinely seemed to care about both the customers and the quality of the business. Since we stopped seeing him, we've noticed a significant decline. We always order two Yucatán chicken salads. More often than not, the salads have had very little chicken. On one visit, the salad was completely drenched in an overpowering vinegar dressing, making it difficult to enjoy. More concerning, after each of our last three meals, both my husband and I became queasy within a few hours and experienced stomach issues that sent us running to the bathroom. After the third occurrence, we realized it was no longer a coincidence and made the difficult decision to stop eating here. It's disappointing because this used to be one of our favorite restaurants. We hope management takes these concerns seriously and works to restore the quality and consistency that made this place so enjoyable in the past.

    Photos
    SALSA bar area
    SALSA bar area
    Dos Coyotes Border Cafe - Citrus Heights
    Dos Coyotes Border Cafe - Citrus Heights

    See all

    Gami Burger

    Gami Burger

    4.1
    (174 reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $$

    Gami burger (Carmichael) has some great tasting burgers and fries. I can also say they have some…read moreawesome salads, too. Their burgers are flavorful, has the right amount of sauce (not too much), and the buns that stay together until the last bite. We love the nicely crunchy well seasoned with a touch of spice curly fries. To top it off, for us, they carry a NA beer. Hooray! Service is friendly and helpful. They checked on us multiple times to make sure all was well. We tried their burgers not long after they opened. Recently, we returned and I tried their mixed baby lettuce salad. The current mix includes asparagus, apples, and watermelon radish. The dressing is the perfect balance of refreshing with a touch of sweet. I will have to add a photo next time. The salad is HUGE and at $11 a great value! I added a burger patty and it was a nice combo. I really like the choices to add on. You can add protein such as chicken (white or dark meat), pastrami, Ahi, or burger patty for additional charge. Hubby got a milk shake made with Gunther's ice cream. What a treat! We enjoyed everything we've had at Gami. But I can see I will be ordering the salad quite often this summer.

    We were excited to try this new spot for burgers. We got the double burgers with cheese, and I…read moreadded onions to mine. The burger patty itself was not super flavorful, but it was put together well, and each of the ingredients tasted fresh. As other reviews have mentioned, it is a bun-forward burger, but the bun is better than your average store-bought burger bun. As a lover of Asian food, I enjoyed the pickles. The waffle and curly fries were both heavily seasoned. I enjoyed the thick ranch dipping sauce, but there was an additional herb in there that I couldn't quite put my finger on... it wasn't bad, just different. The patio area is super cute! Parking can be difficult, but not when we arrived at opening time on a weekend morning. Even though they gave us a buzzer, staff brought our food to us in red baskets. Staff checked on us and brought extra napkins when requested.

    Photos
    Bar
    Bar
    Ahi tuna steak sandwich
    Ahi tuna steak sandwich
    Exterior of the building

    See all

    Exterior of the building

    El Tapatio - mexican - Updated July 2026

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