I drove by here and was so excited to see a pupusa shop! The store is small, only about 50 seats. It was very busy when I went there for a weekend night to get take out. I should have ordered ahead as it appeared many people did. None the less I am very happy with the wait! The service was great and they were very helpful with recommendations. I feel like pupusas are meant to be kept simple and they mean a lot to me. They are made to order and you can tell by the quality. The Revuelta has a lot of delicious fat and salt from the pork. It's a grounded pork. It combines really well with the beans and cheese. It has a very unique flavor profile. I can see why it's so popular. The Frijol and Queso was my absolute favorite. SO creamy!! I love the thickness of the maiz. And it wasn't too oily! My favorite part was the cabbage salad. It is slightly fermented. It kind of resembles a very very mild kimchi or sauerkraut. Super flavorful and bright. I thought the bag of red sauce would be spicy but it's actually quite sweet. It pairs perfectly with the pupusas. It is tomato based. I always feel very healthy after eating El Salvadoran food. I especially felt great after eating here. The quality and balance is all there. read more

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We ordered in person at this location and it was the worst experience ever. I've never in my life been discriminated especially by employees at a restaurant. We ordered 4 pupusas and waited 25 minutes. During these 25 minutes 3 families came in to order and dine in. They got their food almost immediately. After realizing what was happening I got up and asked for a refund because we wanted to leave. As soon as those words came out of my mouth the lady said, your order is already coming out. Keep in mind we only got 4 pupusas meanwhile these 3 other families orders platters and got their food right away. I asked for a refund again and immediately said your food is ready. It be your own people that treat you like this... read more

From start to finish it was an awful experience. The customer service was down right terrible, we sat down & waited a few minutes before anyone said we ordered at the register. The ladies that were working were extremely condescending & rude. The food wasn't terrible but because of the ambiance of the restaurant with the Tv playing the same song in a loop the whole time I was ready to leave immediately. read more

This is the place if you are patient and have extra time. They take a LONG time as most items are made to order, especially the pupusas. I don't like that none of their prices are listed, probably because it is a bit overpriced. The pupusas were pretty good and I appreciate that they have a spicy sauce option, since most places only offer the traditional tomato sauce. read more

This place is amazing! The food is great especially the pupusas. The environment is clean and the service is very welcoming and friendly. The food portion is big and the price is very affordable. read more

San Sivar - Pickle and sauce. The red cap one is really good. - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Pupusas were delicious here! I tried the Squash & Cheese, Loroco & Cheese, and Pork. The pupusas were served with pickled cabbage and two kinds of salsas. I personally didn't care for the salsas, but the pickled cabbage was the perfect addition to the pupusas. Two pupusas are enough to fill one person. They range between $3 - $4. They are made fresh to order and come out piping hot. While their pupusas seem to be a popular item showcased here on Yelp, I noticed that every single table ordered the Caldo de Gallina Criolla. This is a chicken soup that comes with a plate of chicken, rice, and freshly made corn tortillas. It looked delicious, and I look forward to coming back and trying it! Parking and seating are limited. People who work here are friendly. The menu posted on the wall doesn't have prices, but the takeout menu does. read more

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I was recommended to try San Sivar and decided to give it a shot, but unfortunately, my experience wasn't great. I called ahead while I was about 10 minutes away to place a dine-in order so that my food could be ready when I arrived. However, I was told that they wouldn't take my order, and the woman I spoke with was quite rude about it. She said I'd have to come in and order there, which felt like an inconvenience. Despite this, I went ahead and dined in. The food was decent, but nothing special--just mediocre at best. I ordered pupusas and asked for extra cabbage salad, which I was met with an eye roll from the staff. This kind of attitude really left a bad impression and made me feel unwelcome for such a small request. Looking through other reviews, it seems that this is a consistent issue at the restaurant. Many people have mentioned that while the food is okay, the service can be lacking, especially when it comes to attitude. Given the combination of underwhelming food and poor service, I'm unlikely to return. There are other Salvadoran spots in the area that offer better food and much friendlier service. read more

San Sivar - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The place was dirty, the women are rude and passive aggressive. The food was okay. Don't recommend, find another restaurant.

Disappointing Customer Service I had a very disappointing experience due to poor customer service from an employee. Despite waiting patiently in line for a long time, when it was finally my turn, this employee ignored me and attended to the person behind me. When I pointed this out, she was indifferent and continued to be rude to me and to another employee throughout the interaction. This level of disrespect and lack of professionalism is unacceptable. I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and addresses the issue, as no customer should be treated this way. This place has been one of my favorites for Salvadoran food for a long time, and it's disappointing that they provide such poor service because the food is very good. Servicio al Cliente Decepcionante Tuve una experiencia muy decepcionante debido al mal servicio al cliente de parte de una Empleada apesar de esperar pacientemente en la fila durante mucho tiempo, cuando finalmente llegó mi turno, esta empleada me ignoró y atendió a la persona atras de mi. Cuando señalé esto, fue indiferente y continuo siendo grosera conmigo y con otra empleada durante toda la interacción. Este nivel de falta de respeto y profesionalismo es inaceptable. Espero que la gerencia tome en serio este comentario y aborde el problema, ya que ningún cliente debería ser tratado de esta manera. Este lugar a sido por mucho tiempo uno de los favoritos en comida Salvadoreña y es desepcionante el mal servicio que dan por que la comida si es muy buena. read more

San Sivar - Employee from San Sivar - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place was jam packed and we knew we chose correctly because of it. Generous portions, really great pupusas and super nice staff. Be prepared to wait a bit for both a table and then for your food. This place is hopping and I'd run by just a few people so bring your patience along with your appetite. read more

Absolutely delicious! Tried for the first time and they were some of the best pupusas we have ever had. Pupusas do take a but to be made so its best to order ahead if possible. Food is worth the wait! Cant wait to be back! read more

The pupuas and the cortida are bomb and perfect but at a non busy time the pupusas are 30 mins . If they're busy it's an hour wait.

My orders have always been to go orders so I cannot comment on much more than that. San Sivar definitely gives the other pupusa places a run for their money. The food is always amazing. Their curtido is hella yummy. The salsa is ok but that's not why I'm there lol. I love the variety of their pupusas and the tamale de elote and other things I've tried have always well made and very flavorful. I've never seen this place empty that's for sure!! read more

Great Authentic Salvadoran Food. The pupusas are big, filling and not greasy. You Order up front and pay. Small but with ample seating. Will definitely return and try more of their menu. read more

I was absolutely charmed by this little pupuseria. As soon as I stepped through the door, I was met with the smell of fresh dough. The menu and staff are bilingual, but Spanish is the main language heard within the cafe. Young families, workers on their lunch break, and local regulars are greeted with a smile that's returned with equal feeling. I ordered horchata and three pupusas....I received my drink within minutes of ordering and my massive plate followed close behind. For $15, I received a huge glass of sweet, cold, real-deal horchata and enough food to last me another meal. Even though I hadn't eaten breakfast, I could barely make it through two pupusas, much less all three. These puppies are the size of a DVD (for those of us who are ancient enough to remember that), and about half an inch thick, stuffed to the brim with hot, melting heaven. My personal favorite was the revuelta con frijol, with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork and oozing, gooey cheese and refried beans. There was also a delicious plate of curtido, which I discovered is a sour-sweet cabbage slaw that brings a delicious tangy flavor to the fried decadence of a pupusa when eaten alongside as a palate cleanser. Every culture has its own slaw, be it kimchi or kapusta, and I'm now a massive fan of curtido. Cr how they all have names that start with the K sound! After one sip of the horchata, I simply did not have the willpower to wait for the food for a full picture. It's a testament to my sheer commitment to this community that I even managed to leave any in the glass for this picture! Definitely check out this hidden little secret and bring a VERY empty stomach! read more

San Sivar - The pupusas, curtido, and nearly-finished horchata. - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place was absolutely delicious. I ordered horchata and three pupusas- queso, queso y chicharrón, and queso con loroco. The pupusas came with a bunch of pickled cabbage slaw, a tomato dipping sauce, and a very spicy salsa (at least for this gringa). The food took a little to come out, but I know it was because everything was being made fresh. First of all, the horchata tasted so homemade and rich and was the best I've had in my life. The pupusas were warm, soft, and well-filled. Tons of food for $15, very well-priced. I will absolutely be back! read more

San Sivar - a variety of food items on a table - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Malísimo lugar, el servicio al cliente es pésimo traté de hacer una orden y la que me contestó muy déspota, ordené 12 pupusas y me dijo que ella este día no podía pagar por pupusas, hasta le dije que siempre vamos ahí, que el dueño nos a patrocinado en el fútbol. Que me las hiciera y pues no podía pagar porque ando cash y ando manejando y le valió choriso. Hasta se enojó y me dijo que le daba desconfianza. No se puede abrir un negocio así. Espero y me llame el dueño. Que mal servicio si la gente no quiere trabajar que no se presenten! read more

Addiction alert Pupusas - 1 each is perfect! Queso con Loroco - add beans (frijoles) Extra side cabbage read more

Horrible service! I brought 10 pupusas and the only gave me one bag of Cortido.... Which is what they put on top. The girl was rude! She saix it is $4 more for an extra bag which I did pay for. Horrible service. I will never come back. Go to El Chinaco they are across the street and they offer better service. read more

San Sivar - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Hoy mi compañera y yo tuvimos la Peor experiencia en este lugar, tardaron más de 40 minutos para darnos la orden para llevar, 2 simples desayunos, y pésimo servicio al cliente. Más la comida carece de sabor! Las empleadas haciendo caras. ÚLTIMA VEZ QUE COMPRAMOS COMIDA DE ESTE LUGAR YO Y TODOS MIS COMPAÑEROS DE TRABAJO. read more

This place is good for the food but the staff is always fucking bitching especially the owner. She's a little older I get it your in your 60s and still working.. but if you ask her about the food they make you wait I waited for 3 pupusas for over 40 mins I saw my whole group eat . They gave me 3 pupusas 45 mins after and they had already served others also the people who ordered. read more

The food is absolutely amazing fantastic and wholesome the people there are really cool and the horchata is the die for I love there horchata my Dad and Mom always like to come to San Sivar there pupusas is the Best over there read more

I randomly stumbled upon this restaurant in an unassuming strip mall in Costa Mesa. I noticed there were a ton of people going in and out of this place, as well as waiting outside. My husband and I decided to drop in and give it a try. The restaurant was super crowded, so we opted to order takeout. I'm not very familiar with Salvadorian food (other than pupusas) so I asked the lady up front for some recommendations. Unfortunately she wasn't very helpful, and just stood there waiting for us to just pick something. So we panicked and my husband and I instead just ordered 6 random pupusas to try. We got the cheese, chicharron and cheese, and chicken and cheese (2 of each because we don't share well LOL). I was told it would be about 15 minutes for our order, so we hung out outside waiting for the food. It took closer to 45 minutes to get our food. So, if you're going to order takeout, maybe call ahead so you're not standing around for 45 minutes. The pupusas were pretty good. I've only had pupusas one other time, and these were better than my first experience. I don't know if that says much, but I liked them. Unfortunately, we got 4 cheese ones and 2 chicharron and cheese. Never did get to try the chicken ones. It wasn't a huge deal, I like cheese so it was fine. I'm not sure I'd drive out of my way to come here, but it was ok. Maybe I didn't order the right things, so I am willing to give it another go. I did see a lot of people ordering their soups and other dishes. I'll have to try those next time. read more

San Sivar - An assortment of pupusas - queso, queso y chicharron, and queso y pollo - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

First time trying papusa and a buddy said i should try this place. Picked up a bean & cheese, chicken & cheese, and a squash & cheese. They were all really good. The cabbage adds a nice crunch. The squash and cheese was my favorite. Super busy which is always a good sign. Nice people up front. Highly recommend trying. read more

San Sivar - Bean & cheese, chicken & cheese, and a squash & cheese papusa. Yumm - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is amazing, they have excellent food. It is very savory and is always a hit with my wife and kids. Only downside is that you wait a bit longer for the food (quality food takes longer?), but you can curb that by placing the order over the food. read more

table of 4 waites more than 40mins, i see waitress taking food to people that got there after us, i went and asked whats going on. For our luck supposedly machine never printed out the order but COME ON doesn't the waitress see us seating there for soo DAMN long with no food and doesn't hesitate to go and ask or see our order. We got our refund and left, so sad because i really wanted to eat pupusas probably not going back since they service is really bad. read more

The two papusaria(?) tasted amazing. Worth the wait if you do a phone order to go. Their dine in area is very small. Definitely going back read more

Muy Deliciosas esas popusas Bonito lugar Muy buenanviete Muya Agradable la comida Estado read more

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I had to fuel up my POS hydrogen car on Harbor in CM, and I saw highly rated PSS was close by. I said let me hit this place before I fuel up. In addition to El Salvadoran cuisine, they also serve Mexican dishes. I ordered the caldo de camarón Salvadoreño ($12 | 6 shrimp, 2 eggs & 2 homemade tortillas), and a pupusa de chicharrón ($3 | inc curtido). They also serve caldo de pata. The Salvadoran version of this dish has a spicier broth vs the Mexican version, and includes two poached eggs. It was very good and filling bc the homemade tortillas were as thick as pupusas. The only downside is I wish the eggs were runny like a soft boiled egg. Secondarily, the pupusa had soft masa and with the spicy curtido, I really didn't need salsa. However, I added salsa any way, and had a good sweat. Regarding the ambiance, its very hole in the wall. All of the clientele spoke Spanish. There is also a market next door. On the other hand, the service was friendly at first, but indifferent during the meal and when paying the bill. Silvia never checked on me and didn't thank me despite me speaking strictly in Spanish. Although I had indifferent service, I would return for some authentic El Salvadoran food. I didn't need the pupusa to get full, but now I know where to get them at a place closer vs FV. read more

San Sivar - Caldo de camarón Salvadareño ($12 | inc two homemade tortillas), and pupusa de chicharrón y curtido ($3) both very good - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love pupusas and when my favorite place was closed today, I decided to venture out and try Pupuseria San Sivar. I'm glad I did! The pupusas were big and yummy. They were a little crispier on the outside than I'm used to, but this ended up being great since I took it to go and I love drenching them with the sauce and pickled vegetables. The revuelta pupusa had so much more filling to outside ratio - amazing!! The queso con lorroco was delicious as well. I loved the pickled vegetables and wish the pupusas came with more! I also got the sweet corn tamale. I loved the tamale itself. Soft, just a little bit sweet. The crema that comes with it is more like sour cream than sweet cream. Not bad, just different than I'm used to. I will say that it is a bit hard to gauge the timing like the other reviews suggested. I called in my order and was told 25 minutes. When I got there in that window, I still waited an extra 10-15 minutes before I got my order. However, the staff is kind and very busy. If you go for the first time, parking in the plaza can be tricky. While there are a ton of spots, there are also a lot of small businesses and the spots were full. Several cars park off to the left of the parking area and it didn't seem to be a problem. There's a market next door. I went there by mistake bc it has a San Sivar sign on the door, but the cashier kindly told me that the pupusas were next door. read more

This place used to be great and now it really sucks. They take forever to get your order out, they give you attitude if they get your order wrong and will still charge you, and the food is not that good. The vibe is hostile and even tho I've been going there for years, I won't be back. They act like they're doing you a favor for your patronage. read more

My boyfriend introduced this resto to me. I've never had pupusas and I was so excited to try it. I ordered different kinds of pupusas- mix, chicken, pork and they are all so delicious! I also ordered chicken fajita and shrimp. Place is small and crowded and a little bit of wait time which is okay. Next time, I'll order ahead of time and pick up! read more

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First time having pupusas and it wasn't a let down! Wasn't sure what to try so I asked for recommendations and got a variety. They have a lot of different kinds. Took them about 20 minutes for 6 pupusas and it came with hot sauce, some cabbage you eat with it and tomato soup. The pupusas were delicious and filling for only a few bucks! You can get them filled with a variety of meats, cheese, beans, veggies. Come check it out! One thing to note is I tried coming on Wednesday and Yelp said it was open but it was closed when I went. read more

San Sivar - Pupusas menu - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I went for pick up on a weekday night after work. There were people but it wasn't packed. I ordered 2 pupusas and since I don't speak Spanish I felt pretty uncomfortable ordering. Anyways, they completely forgot my order for 40 minutes and many other people got their order before me, orders of 5-10 pupusas that ordered without me. When they finally remembered I could not even ask for sauces because there was no communication. I was disappointed with the customer service but the food was good. Would not want to wait that long again though. read more

Excellent customer service, best salvadorian food in town!! Las pupusas y el pan dulce Salvadoreno 100% recomendado. read more

My place to ho when I'm craving Pupusas they are the best! They just need to work on service I placed my order ahead of time and when I got there they said they didn't received it. After a while my order came through. When it was ready no one knew where it was. A bit frustrating when you are in a rush and planed ahead and still end up waiting. read more

These are some of the best pupusas I've ever tasted in my life! They're perfectly stuffed with whatever combination of meat, beans, cheese and veggies you want. Something about a thick, stuffed, warm pupusa that is a little crispy on the outside with some burnt cheese slightly oozing out from the edges just makes me feel like I'm in food heaven. Every bite is better than the last. How can something so simple be so delicious?! My favorite is definitely the Bean & Cheese Pupusas with the Revuelta taking 2nd place. These are bomb with curtido and red sauce but also taste amazing plain. Definitely recommend eating here if you want good Salvadoran food! read more

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I've lived in Irvine for a few years now and this is my favorite Salvadoran place to go to! I love coming in here and talking Spanish to the ladies when I order my food. It's usually busy (as it should be, because their food is so good), so I would recommend ordering ahead of time or just waiting. I really love their pupusas de queso, revueltas, and chicharron. I like to order an extra side of curtido and a side of plantains. Overall the prices are super affordable. You just can't go wrong with this place! read more

I have been coming here since I was little. Let me tell you this place use to be good. It felt like home when you walk in. It was one of our favorites of our family. Today I must say it has become really bad. It's no longer the home feeling you get. You are received with rudeness and hostility. The food quality is not the same either. The way they have increased prices and quality has declined is very unfortunate. Also to have a worker fight with you because you let them know you have an allergy yet they still put the same thing you're allergic to and refuse to make a new one because it's been contaminated, it's really upsetting. I remember the owner being really nice and having his workers make sure their customers needs are met but I guess not anymore. It's so sad to see such a great place turn into a a bad one. The pupusas are no longer good too. I got a revuelta I technically got a bean pupusa. The tacos are okay their chorizo doesn't taste good like it use to. It's a taste of only condiments. I'm really sad I'm giving this place a bad review because it's my childhood. I guess things don't last forever. If you want to give it a try go ahead but be ready to wait 24hrs for your order. Muy desafortunadamente que este lugar ya no esta Al nivel de antes. Ya no es un lugar acojedor con comida rica. Ya no es de la misma calidad. Y el servicio Al cliente es de lo peor. read more

San Sivar - Salvadoran Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

If I could give it zero stars I would. To start off; we went in, ordered for takeout. The lady in the front was rude, had attitude. I waited for my food (which took AN HOUR) for 4 Pupusas Of Cheese and A Mojo de Ajo Shrimp. I went home. Food was already cold by the time. I started eating. The pupusa was not the best, and barely had any cheese, however I still at the first one since I was hungry after waiting for AN HOUR. I take a bite of my second pupusa only to find a hair. I called the restaurant and the same women answered told me to bring the pupusa as is and they'll remake my food. I didn't find it worth it to even go so I wasted money and time by going to this place. read more