Prices are a little high, but nothing unusual based on other restaurants in the area. Overall nothing to knock my score down over. Food was great, service was attentive despite being busy on a Sunday afternoon. The beautiful interior is largely inherited from the "El Torito" days, but the addition of posterboard mariachi cut outs next to the old art fixtures are a little jarring. read more

El Tapatio - Picadillo chicken tamales - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

We came here to celebrate a birthday party. This restaurant is a great place for groups! The service is excellent, and they are very accommodating. We had pitchers of margaritas for the table, and I found that they were watery. I did not enjoy mine, so I stuck with water. My water glass was full the whole time, so I was grateful for that. I ordered the chicken fajitas. The chicken was prepared and seasoned perfectly. It was really good. My platter had mostly onions and a few peppers, so that was disappointing. I was missing the zucchini and guacamole; I think that would have added to the overall flavor. The corn tortillas were stale, so that was yuck. I have read that they are homemade (?) If they were homemade, ours were made the day before. They were definitely not fresh. People in our group ordered all kinds of entrees, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, and seemed to enjoy everything. Some enjoyed the fried ice cream and flan for dessert, too. Again, this is a great place for a group. If you are looking for good food, I might keep looking. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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I've been hearing about this place all throughout social media and was excited to get the chance to go. We came as soon as they opened for their brunch buffet because that's apparently when the food would be fresh and wouldn't have a wait. We were seated immediately and our server was great, he was very attentive and seemed to be a favorite amongst the guests. Coming in, I was really excited to see the options and try every dish available. However, for the price, there wasn't much options to choose from. I feel as if some of the food lacked flavor or it was cold. Same went for the drinks. I'm willing to give it another try some other time though read more

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 read more

El Tapatio - This was "take out", so much easier when you don't want to "go out" - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Made reservations for a party of 9, had to change to 8 this morning. We arrived, we're seated and in line for food! Let me tell you, it's overwhelming with so many choices! Fruit, omelet bar, breakfast food, lunch foods, Street tacos, menudo, pozole,dessert and free mimosas....all for $31!!!! We tried to pace ourselves, it was hard, everything was great! read more

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. read more

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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 read more

El Tapatio - Yum chili relleno and enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

El Tapatio is phenomenal. Great food is tasty and delicious, very friendly workers and have great customer services one of the best and unique Mexican restaurants in Citrus Heights. The interior is cosy, great Mexican music you can feel you love dancing inside. Have Cindy chairs and many tables to set has huge place to have gathering and dining with family. The best Mexican food. Definitely Highly recommended. We will see your next visit. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

El Tapatio - Birthday hat - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

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My friends and family have been to El Tapatio numerous times through the years. The service and food are usually very good. I was there today for lunch to celebrate my 70th birthday. My friend and I waited at our table for 10 minutes before anyone welcomed us with chips or water. We had to wave down a server to take our drink order. We ordered margaritas. Again we waited and waited. Finally our margs arrived and they were good. We ordered food and upon arrival, my food order was incorrect. Server asked if I wanted black beans or refried beans - I responded refried. Black beans were served with my fish tacos. Black beans were cold. Rice was hard, seemed old. In conclusion, perhaps today's was an off day for El Tapatio. They seemed understaffed and overwhelmed. The restaurant was busy (today is Wednesday) but not packed. I hope whatever today's issue was is corrected. As consumers we can choose where we dine. There are plenty of cafes/restaurants on every corner. When we go out, choose a restaurant, we expect timely service and correct food orders. Thank you. read more

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 read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

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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. read more

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Food and ambience are great but the in-house mariachi band is extremely pushy and loud. Prepared to be harassed by their lead singer. I've seen him try to shame and bully people in tipping even when people say no thank you to their very loud music. Good luck if you are on a first date! I hope the owners realize that the band is hurting not helping the business. read more

El Tapatio - This man is a menace. He will hound you for tips. Borderline harassment. - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

I heard a lot of great things about ET, so since we were in the area, we decided to stop in. This use to be El Torino's back in the day. It still has all the same decor and rustic Mexican ambiance. Us and our friends came here for lunch. We all decided on the lunch special which was Enchilada plate w/your choice of meat. My hubby got the carnitas enchilada and I had one chicken, one cheese enchilada plate. Our server was great and we enjoyed the complimentary chips n salsa. Our food came out quickly. Now, we all agreed that this was the most unusual enchiladas we have ever had! It was corn tortilla folded over like a taco lol. No sauce but topped with Cotija cheese and pickled onions? We really wanted to like our dishes but we didn't. We didn't even want the leftovers. So maybe it was an off day and cook was new? read more

El Tapatio - Complimentary chips, salsa and beans - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

Beautiful, great vibes, and excellent service. The food is delicious and fresh, the portions are perfect. read more

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Excellent Mexican food. The atmosphere is bright and lively! Customer service is excellent. All the staff that I came in contact with while I entered, while I was seated and as I was leaving were all so friendly and personable. Excellent place for groups, families and even solo diners. The food is great! I ordered the carnitas plate. My order arrived in about 15 minutes. In the meantime I started filling up on the warm chips, salsa and creamy bean dip. The portions of food are very abundant (enough for a second meal). The hand made corn and flour tortillas are hot and so delicious! Overall, everything was delicious! It is my understanding they also have an excellent Sunday brunch! I will be returning again. read more

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Delicious food and quick service when we go at lunchtime. We went once for the Sunday brunch and there was SO MUCH FOOD! When we dine on weekdays, I always order my favorite -- Enchiladas Suiza which are meaty enchiladas with their sweet tomatillo sauce and their tasty cilantro rice and their refried beans which I add some hot sauce to. Yum!!! read more

El Tapatio - Tom, the Birthday Boy! - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

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

We DoorDash from here a lot and it's always as if I'm sitting in the restaurant! The food is always hot and fresh, and the portions are huge! The tortilla soup is the best soup I've ever tasted in my life, it is so perfectly salty, filled with chicken, generous amount of toppings. I recommend everyone try it if they go here. It could be the hottest summer day and I'd still get this soup. read more

Love this place. Love the decorations inside. Love the food. Love their salsa. Love everything about it. I know its kind of a dive kind of place. Guilty pleasure I guess. But I still love it. Even their service is good, they are always very nice and pretty fast too read more

Great selection of food and their buffet also includes all you can drink mimosas. The servers constantly come to your table to check up on you and refill your flute. I wish I was able to try more of the dishes out but the dishes I had were good. I will definitely need to come back next time. Recommend coming here when they open because they will get packed later on during the day for their AYCE. read more

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Let me say out waiter Felipe was exceptional. He was so nice and attentive. Felipe recommended I get the Shrimp Enchilada Mazatlan. The restaurants has the town Mexico feel I really like it. It's a really big restaurant, it's average noise level as to be expected. My food was delicious I give it a 10 out of a 10. The salsa was very good. The guacamole was good. You have to make sure that you tell them if you like hot salsa, to being you some hot verde salsa which is spicy and it's delicious and also they have some amazing bean dip. read more

El Tapatio - Poblano Mitzalan it has shrimp in it. - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

I ordered the fish tacos at El Tapatio and was satisfied with the amount of food that came with the meal -- three generously sized tacos, rice, beans, and a side of sweet corn. Everything was tasty and filling. The service stood out, too. The staff was super attentive and constantly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. On top of that, there was a mariachi band walking around taking song requests from each table, which made the whole experience even more fun and lively. Overall, great food, great vibes -- I had a really enjoyable time here and would definitely come back! read more

El Tapatio - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

This was a go to spot for my family and I for a while especially for the all you can eat brunch on Sundays. The all you can eat brunch is a really good deal because they have a ton of options to choose from. Beans, rice, fish, chicken, tamales, sweet corn, menudo, pozole, omelets, fruit, dessert etc. and different drinks too. A good salsa bar with chips. I don't have any pictures but the restaurant is beautiful and spacious. Outside of the Sunday brunch the menu is extensive and has lots of options. I love that they bring you free chips, salsa, and bean dip. I've always had good meals here and the drinks are also very tasty! A great margarita menu. Friendly staff and they are attentive even when they are busy which they do get busy a lot! Will definitely be coming back in the future and hopefully take some pictures to share. This was a go to spot for my family and I for a while especially for the all you can eat brunch on Sundays. The all you can eat brunch is a really good deal because they have a ton of options to choose from. Beans, rice, fish, chicken, tamales, sweet corn, menudo, pozole, omelets, fruit, dessert etc. and different drinks too. A good salsa bar with chips. I don't have any pictures but the restaurant is beautiful and spacious. Outside of the Sunday brunch the menu is extensive and has lots of options. I love that they bring you free chips, salsa, and bean dip. I've always had good meals here and the drinks are also very tasty! A great margarita menu. Friendly staff and they are attentive even when they are busy which they do get busy a lot! Will definitely be coming back in the future and hopefully take some pictures to share. read more

El Tapatio - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

We went in during the holidays and it was super busy. I got a salad and my son got a kids enchilada. I ordered a strawberry margarita on the rocks and it came blended so I was a little bummed. The chips and salsa were amazing! They had a lady taking pictures in front of the Christmas tree for $20 with a frame so that was neat! Definitely try this place out if you like basic Mexican foods. read more

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It's been a while, so I wanted to do an update here. Happy to share that this place is still great. Once again, atmosphere cannot be beat. I was born in the 70s and I miss the days when restaurants had legitimate themes. Almost every place looks generic and bland these days. Not the case here. Inside and out, you know you are in a Mexican restaurant. We went with the combo meals (1-three item and 2-two items) and a few drinks this trip. The prices are incredible. Before tip we were still under $100. That just doesn't happen much anymore. Service is great and they check up often. One of the nice things here are the chips and salsa also come with a warm bean dip. It's nice but you just got to be careful to not eat too much before the meal arrives. Meal presentation is standard, but plenty of food and delicious. Same with the drinks. Wonderfully priced and plenty to boot. This is our favorite Mexican restaurant and the only reason we don't visit more often is it's about a 40-minute drive for us. It's well worth it though and I strongly recommend a visit if you've never been to this location. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

The Sunday breakfast buffet is the ticket! You can't go wrong, there's even prime rib! I'm in love with the chile rellenos, tamales, chilaquiles, and menudo! There's sooo much variety. read more

I went there today 6/20/26 This place was horrible I could got frozen tv dinner tasted way better I will now go Taco Bell Waist. If time here food smalller then use to be We had family of 26 half my family din not even touch it except one bite I spit mine back out napkin I was a customer here for many years rate 1 week here But no I will never go back ever read more

The food was good atmosphere was amazing, but let's talk about their flan hands-down the best I've ever had prove me wrong. read more

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My friend and I stopped in for a quick lunch and we're seated immediately. The decor in the restaurant is beautiful. From the paintings sculptures everything. It really feels like you stepped into a fiesta. The menu is reasonably priced and the food was delicious. The chips taste so fresh and the bean dip and salsa were excellent. My chimichanga was smaller than expected but that's ok it was still good. Would definitely go back again. read more

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Delicious let me start by that! The food was authentic. Our server Eddy was awesome! He made the guacamole from scratch which was amazing! His personality and welcoming was five star. The food was fulfilling could not finish it in entirely. The balloon artist went to each table that had a child and created original balloon art characters! I was say 10 out of 10. The server was very responsive and courteous! We will back! Ambiance was family friendly and a great place to dine! read more

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As always , the food was amazing! I really love to come to this location due to the ambiance, I feel so welcomed and at home with the decor. Great lighting and I love the plants and all the decorations. The service is amazing and everybody is so nice there. Very attentive. Brought my best friend here for the first time and she loved it as well. Also got a nice house margarita where I was able to pick my fav two flavors which were blueberry and pomegranate yum. Will be back again very soon. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Citrus Heights, California

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