I just moved back to town and was pleasantly surprised to see this GORGEOUS tienda! I've never seen…read moreone so clean and so adorably decorated. They have a huge selection of authentic specialty food items, a takeout restaurant, party decor, home decor, and jewelry--- like you don't even have to go to Mexico. The staff is also the nicest, and in case you need English spoken, they do! I had a housewarming party coming up for about 45 people, so I had El Barrio cater for us without even first trying their food. (I know, crazy, right?) I'd fallen in love with the whole vibe of the store that I wanted to support them, so I took a chance. And I am SO GLAD I did! We ordered 45 taco entrees with 3 types of meat plus 2 types of salsas, rice and beans (--and omg, those pinto beans are to die for)! Every bite of the entree was delicious, and my guests were huge fans, too. We had SO much food left over that most of my guests took some to-go and we STILL had a ton left; luckily we'd bought a bunch of Tupperware just for this reason! I wish I had taken photos of the store and our catered food, but I just wanted to be in the moment and enjoy. Next time I go there maybe I'll record a video of the store and post it here. Till then, you'll have to go for yourself, and I hope you do!

" STOP SCROLLING - If you're in Grass Valley and haven't hit up **El Barrio Mexican Market** yet,…read morewhat are you even doing with your life?! I rolled up and ordered the **shrimp burrito**, expecting solid street-style Mexican vibes. Holy mole, was I underprepared. That FIRST bite? Straight fireworks - juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp exploding with flavor, fresh ingredients, that ideal tortilla hug. I thought, 'Okay, this is already elite.' Then came the second bite... third... fourth... and by the FIFTH bite? Pure transcendence. The flavors just kept building, layering heat, zest, and that addictive savory punch without ever overwhelming. It didn't peak early - it escalated like a boss. Every subsequent bite somehow topped the last, turning a simple burrito into an unforgettable flavor journey. This isn't just food; it's a revelation wrapped in a tortilla. Authentic, made-to-order perfection from a spot that's bringing real corazón to downtown Grass Valley. If you're craving Mexican that hits different, do yourself a favor: get the shrimp burrito at El Barrio. You won't just eat - you'll ascend. 10/10, no notes. Already planning my next visit!"

Best burritos I've ever had. I love this place. Staff is amazing, food is amazing, it's our go to…read more Will drive an hour for the burritos. Especially the shrimp and el pastor.

We ordered via door dash, order was hot and accurate! Food was amazing! Portions were HUGE!…read more We got: super Burrito - my nephews words "this is the best burrito I've had in my life!" He's 13 Quesadilla - packed to the rim with meat! Smothered super burrito- also delicious!!

We had about 60 people at our party, and the food was a huge hit with kids and adults alike. The…read morebuild-your-own taco bar was perfect for our group, and everything was delicious. a great value for the price. One tip: you may want to order a little less than you think you'll need. We had plenty of leftovers and were able to send some home with our guests!

All the food I've had here is amazing. The grocery store inside also has a wide selection given…read moreit's size. The tacos are delicious, I believe the tortillas are fresh made. They at least taste and look like it. I believe I've had every meat option. The burritos are great and are giant. Lastly, I saw a sign for tamales de elote salvadoreño, which are tamales with no filling but instead the masa is made with a sweet corn. They're amazing. I've never tasted tamales like this. It reminds me of sweet cornbread, but it has the soft steamed texture of a tamal.

I ordered the al pastor tacos, and they were absolutely delicious. The meat was flavorful and…read morecooked perfectly, and everything tasted so fresh. They also have a salsa bar with chips, which I loved because there were so many different salsas to try. The chips were fresh, and the salsas added the perfect kick to the meal. The food was flavorful, the portions were generous, and everything felt fresh and authentic. If you're craving really good Mexican food and tacos, I definitely recommend stopping by. I'll definitely be coming back to try more food .

First: The food is delicious! It is flavorful, satisfying, moist and delectable. Lots of it. Served…read morequickly. Cashier guy taking the order and rang up the bill was nice, friendly and helpful. The server who wanted to be elsewhere doing something else just threw the food on the table then stomped off in a huff. Now the bad: The place is a dump. It's a dive. Not clean. Dining room is cramped. Furniture is uncomfortable crap. There are telephone, electrical, security camera wires dangling from walls and ceilings. The place looks like it was last painted in the early 1970's. I took a peek into the kitchen and storage area and wished that I didn't. It's awful. Looks like a hoarder's storeroom. I tried to use the restroom. The toilet was clogged, water running over the top of the bowl. I don't know the last health department inspection grade, if an inspection has ever occurred. Really, I've eaten at 100's of sketchy cheap eats dives in dozens of developing countries, this place is worse than most of those. Despite the yummy food I don't think I'd return. My spouse and her sister also loved their food but were disappointed with the room.

It's become my go-to place for fresh pan dulce and quality carne for Taco Tuesday grilling. Pan…read moredulce is always fresh and delicious. The carne selection is top quality and perfect for the grill. Friendly service all around.

This place is a such a cute hole in the wall place. I got some bread and pastries which were really…read morenice and fresh. They do have some other Mexican specialties like salsa, pork grinds and other things. The service was fast and they were friendly.

I went back today to get more suishi at Raleys in Grass Valley. I pre-ordered on the phone to…read moreensure I got what I was craving for. Ordered 2 of the spicy crunchy rolls, a made to order poke bowl (I added tuna) and the chefs sampler. This is for 3 people to share today! A special thanks to KIMMIE for going out of her way to get my order in as the suishi station was not answering. She personally went over and delivered my order and then called me back to let me know the order was placed. What a great employee with excellent customer service skills!

Ok so I've only been here once myself but my partner gets me the most gorgeous flowers from here…read moreand they stay for weeks. They don't just stay for a few days and then die. I am loving the quality. A little on the pricey side, double the price it should be but they are gorgeous.

Chicharrones not fresh, meat not fresh, Their chorizo was…read morevery good an pan dulce was good!

Always have old stale bread and when I reach back for the newer/fresh bread, they get upset…read more They should sell day old bread for half off instead of leaving it in there.

For breakfast, I had the aporreadillo with green sauce, and it was delicious! Aporreadillo is a…read moretraditional Mexican dish made with dried meat that's fried to perfection, then mixed with eggs and sauce. Savory and packed with flavor, the kind of breakfast that definitely wakes up this Rex! And I couldn't leave without taking uchepos to go. These are one of my absolute favorites! Soft, slightly sweet fresh-corn tamales served with crema, queso fresco, and salsa. That sweet-and-savory combination is perfection. If you know, you know. And if you don't, this is your sign to try them! Rex Tip: They recently expanded the whole place, and it's much bigger than it used to be! You've got the restaurant, grocery store, bakery, and carnicería all under one roof. Come for breakfast and leave with sweet bread, groceries, and probably a few extra goodies. 5 ROARS from Focusaurus Rex!

The BEST carnitas. The BEST chile rellenos. So much more. Huge servings. Thanks!…read more What more can I say? I'll be back!

It's been a while since I have been inside Mercado Loco... let's see how they are doing!…read more Tonight, I did not bring enough of my homemade carnitas over to my clients and she was wanting carnita taquitos. So, I pulled into Mercado Loco because their carnitas is delicious! They have a very compact parking lot with a vendor on the sidewalk selling the doritos that you can put your sauce & lime on. I skipped him today and walked through those automatic doors... I know Mercado Loco has been here for decades. I grew up just around the corner and finally walked in about 5 years ago for the first time. Boy, was I missing out! At first, you notice this is a Mexican grocery store that also offers hot lunch/dinners. The price for some of their items are a little high than your typical grocery store... being that some of the items they offer are higher quality. However, sometimes, the prices do not match up when you get to the front. Cilantro had a price of $.69 on display, but I was charged $.75... it was only a tiny difference, but just putting it out there. I went straight to the hot case and a woman with a beautiful smile greeted me in Spanish and asked me what I would like. I ordered a pound of their carnitas. Oh, heck, give me some of those chichorrones, too. Next thing you know, I'm grabbing some of their hot salsa... I think their hot salsa is one of the best, hottest salsas that I have ever had that I can handle! We're talking nose running, but it's so good you can't stop! Next, I grab some king size corn tortillas. Some cilantro... they have wonderful produce available here... as well as those gorgeous purple dragon fruits when the season is right. After my pound is carnitas, pound of chicharonnes, cilantro, tortillas, and salsa... it came out to just a hair above $40! Ouch, but that is what you pay for when you want authentically cooked carnitas and chicharonnes. When I got home, I was a little disappointed that I was given some of the dried out pieces of their carnitas. When I say dry, it was too hard to eat. So I cut those parts off and tossed them (my carnitas blew their out of the water, btw.... just saying, lol.) The chicharon's were hot and miss throughout the entire time we ate them. Super hard, popping you he l can hear in your teeth, in your jaw... but some parts were delicious, succulent, crispy... yum! I love coming here earlier in the day. When I get tacos, they for 99% off the time on point! They are gorgeous and tasty... and get the HOT SALSA!

The meat tasted like Fabuloso…read more The guy at the counter said the meat fell on the floor. I thought he was joking because he laughed right after. But proceeded to give me the order i requested. After inspection at home the smell was faint. But once cooked it almost seems like the meat had been marinated in that fabuloso fragrent liquid smell. This place is dirty and filthy. People are careless of the quality just like the owner. He use to have an other location in Rancho Cordova. But the dirty details about their specials and promotions made me sexond doubt buying anything feom there. JOKINGLY i would ask if the meat was good this time. (Its fresh we just got this batch.)

Great little store with essentials you might need. We use it when camping nearby at Orchard…read moreSprings. Great selection of ice cream, also carry almond milk, and dairy basics, some fresh fruit & vegetables. Good prices on Propane.

It's amazing how much can fit in a little store! Just about all you need! Well priced, great staff!…read moreWelcoming to all who come in!