Small dining space with cozy, family-owned vibe and relaxed atmosphere featuring nice music. Food service feels like being served by family, often on plates with foil. Known for fresh, large fry bread and authentic Mexican dishes in a simple, hometown setting.
Red chili fried bread taco tamales and green tamales with beans and rice stand out here. The tamales range from very good to amazing, with some being a little dry but still flavorful.
Variety of fry bread options makes it a solid choice for lunch. Food comes out quickly, perfect for short breaks. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with consistent quality.
"The green chili fry bread tacos were awesome."
"I found this place to be a true hidden gem."
"This lunch spot's fry bread is hot, fluffy, and delicious."
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure accommodation.
The restaurant has a drive-thru for added convenience.
Expect large portions for the price, making it a good value.
Mexican restaurant with a cozy, vibrant atmosphere and modern, stylish decor creates an inviting and upscale yet relaxed vibe. Outdoor seating with umbrellas complements the well-managed, beautiful space. Great margaritas and a notable tequila selection enhance the lively experience.
Pork tamales come with eggs and beans, offering a solid, flavorful combo. The tamales pair well with other dishes like enchiladas and huevos rancheros, making for a very good meal.
Lunch features a taco trio with shrimp, fish, and carne asada options. The lunch combo includes three tacos and an optional $5 upgrade for street-style corn.
Good to know
Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours.
Employees occupy many parking spots, reducing availability for customers.
The restaurant offers Taco Tuesday specials.
Small dining room with limited seating and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere creates a cozy vibe. Outdoor patio offers shaded seating and a dog-friendly space with handcrafted native jewelry vendors nearby. The place buzzes with a family-supported energy that feels genuine and warm.
Tamales come in red and chicken varieties and pair well with other dishes like fry bread tacos. Availability varies, but when served, they are consistently very good and part of combo meals.
Quick service handles the lunch crowd well. Food comes out fast and tastes amazing during busy weekdays.
Good to know
No reservations are necessary, but it can be busy and tables fill up quickly.
Seating is very limited, especially during peak hours.
Expect large portions; consider splitting a meal if you're not a big eater.
Traditional Mexican restaurant with dark, cool interior and colorful decor creates a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. Space includes a spacious patio with a big fireplace and dog-friendly seating. Busy and lively at times, it offers a mom and pop vibe with authentic energy.
Tamales come homemade and include options like green chile corn and large red tamales covered in sauce. The TIA CARLOTTA features a green corn tamale with shredded chicken, cheeses, and Ranchero salsa.
Business lunches happen here with ease. Staff go out of their way to make lunch special and accommodate groups in a mid-town setting.
Good to know
Parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially during busy hours.
Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is very popular.
Happy hour specials provide great deals on food and drinks.
Old building with a no-frills setup and a small ordering counter creates a simple, cash-only experience. Outdoor seating faces a busy intersection, making it noisy, while the atmosphere stays quiet and family-oriented. Large menu and colorful mural add character to the otherwise modest space.
Red and green tamales come with very flavorful sauce and a perfect meat to masa ratio. They stand out alongside other dishes like enchiladas and chile rellenos.
Lunch specials come with a drink and cost around $7.99, making them very affordable. Weekly specials cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner with consistently great pricing.
Good to know
El Norteño offers daily lunch and dinner specials.
The restaurant accepts only cash payments.
Customers may have to wait outside in the heat for their orders.
Colorful, artsy decor with a Spanish twist creates a cozy and lively atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes dog-friendly patio, heaters, and fire pits, supporting a relaxed, social vibe. Music features cumbias, enhancing the energetic yet calming mood.
Green chile tamales feature tender chicken and a strong green chile flavor. They come with sides like black beans or pinto beans and lime rice, making for a filling meal.
Lunch features an amazing special paired with drinks. The spot is close enough for a short walk from nearby residences along the canal.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.
The restaurant offers a variety of tacos with customizable meat options.
Seating is plentiful, including outdoor patio options.
Open-air Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and a cozy patio creates a lively yet relaxed vibe. Music adds to the fun atmosphere, while seating is tight due to the small space. Guests enjoy flavorful dishes and mezcal margaritas that stand out.
Grilled meat gives the tamale a distinct flavor compared to griddle-cooked versions. The corn tamale stands out with perfect seasoning and a texture that feels homemade.
Open-air seating creates a relaxed vibe for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Taco Night & Tequila serves a variety of options throughout the day and stays quiet during late morning lunch hours.
Good to know
Taco Night & Tequila offers half-off draft beer and margaritas on Taco Night.
Customers must order at the counter and find an open table.
Reservations are recommended due to the busy atmosphere.
Mexican restaurant with modern upscale decor and a clean, inviting atmosphere featuring both indoor booths and an outdoor patio. The vibe is lively and happy, with loud music setting an energetic mood. Drive-thru service offers frozen margaritas and breakfast options, adding convenience to the experience.
Green chili and red beef stand out as bold tamale flavors here. Meals often include a beef tamale side that complements the main dish.
Lunch offers great tasting options with a friendly atmosphere. Staff like Shayla make the experience pleasant, and the spot works well for groups or casual meals.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers great deals every week.
Expect a guaranteed 15+ minute wait to park in the lot.
Drive-thru opens at 7am for breakfast options.
Small Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and cozy, traditional atmosphere. Vibrant energy fills the space, often enhanced by live Mariachi music. Tables sit close together, creating a lively and welcoming environment.
Tamales come with a subtle kick and pair well with red salsa. They appear alongside dishes like chile relleno and chorizo and eggs with a green tamale.
Lunch offers large portions like the machaca enchiladas that can last into the next day. It serves as a reliable spot to meet friends for a midday meal.
Good to know
Parking for Rosita's Place is directly behind the building.
The parking lot is located in the back and may be tight for full-sized pickups.
There was about a 15-minute wait for lunch in the middle of the week.
Simple, old building with a hole-in-the-wall charm and community tables creates a casual, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic and unpretentious, with a cash-only policy and a busy, popular scene. The place offers a walk back in time experience rather than modern decor.
Green Chicken Tamales and Green Corn Tamales stand out with authentic flavors. Tamales come alongside hard tacos and enchiladas made traditionally.
Green chili and red chili burritos stand out as lunch favorites. The spot suits groups of friends, family, and teams easily for midday meals.
Good to know
They are cash only, so bring cash for your meal.
The restaurant's schedule can be inconsistent; call ahead to confirm hours.
The Mojave location has limited seating and no table service.