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Local picks in California

Chicken soup and salsa spots

You want your chicken soup with a side of salsa, and you shouldn't have to go to two different places to find that combination.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Las Pavas Restaurant y Pupuseria image 1
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Small space with cozy seating and a clean, pleasant atmosphere offers authentic Salvadoran dishes. The vibe suits family meals with a relaxed pace due to handmade food preparation. Handmade pupusas stand out as a flavorful specialty.

Broth includes tripe, adding a unique texture. Soup earns consistent five-star ratings and is described as delicious by many.

Two salsas come with the pupusas, one spicy and one mild. The spicy salsa is less hot than expected, and the fresh curtido complements the flavors well.

People are saying

"I found the chicken soup here to be delicious."

"The pupusas here are amazing, especially the crispy chicharrรณn."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the restaurant.

2

It takes a while to get the food because they are handmade and fresh.

3

Las Pavas accepts Apple Pay.

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Lourdes Mexican Food To Go image 1
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Counter service inside a gas station offers Mexican-style chicken soup and other dishes with fresh ingredients and well-seasoned carne asada. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming but lacks seating, making it a quick stop for food to go. Parking can be tight due to the busy gas station setting.

Broth features big pieces of chicken breast, rice, avocado, onions, and cilantro. Always fresh and tasty, it serves as a miracle cure when sick and comes with soft tortillas.

Salsa comes in fresh, flavorful green and red varieties with medium spiciness. The Red Mild Salsa stands out as a notable option.

People are saying

"I thought their chicken soup was the best in town."

"The red and green salsas are flavorful and medium."

Good to know

1

Lourdes Mexican Food To Go is located inside a gas station.

2

There is no place to sit down; it's a to-go counter.

3

Parking can be difficult due to the busy gas station.

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Mexican restaurant with a taco stand atmosphere and a cozy dining area offers authentic breakfast and renowned chicken soup. The vibe is casual and community-rooted, with a simple setup near the beach. Food portions vary, with some dishes praised for flavor and others noted as bland.

Spicy chicken soup stands out with its amazing flavor and bold heat. It consistently ranks as one of the best around.

Chips come with very spicy salsa served on the side. Salsa adds a hot, delicious kick to enchiladas. No salsa bar is available.

People are saying

"I thought their chicken soup was the best I had."

"The salsa here is hot but delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a dining area where you can enjoy your meal.

2

The breakfast burrito costs $10.20.

3

The restaurant was clean.

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Open front wall creates an outdoor feel with an amazing view near the beach. Atmosphere stays relaxed and low-key with a calm, open vibe. Frequented by those seeking generous portions of Mexican food at affordable prices.

Broth shines with authentic Mexican flavor and a fresh, delicious taste. Chicken portions stay light, often paired with a bit of rice, keeping the soup real and consistent.

A variety of salsas are available at the salsa bar, offering options from mild to spicy. The salsa pairs well with chips and complements dishes like the Fire Cali burrito.

People are saying

"The salsa bar had a great variety of salsas."

"I thought the chicken soup was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is a 5-7 minute walk from San Elijo campground.

3

The prices are reasonable considering the large portions.

05
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Small, cozy Salvadoran restaurant with a hipster colorful look and a cool mural outside. Atmosphere feels chill and pleasant with a fun vibe and familiar aromas. Known for authentic pupusas with various fillings and good vegan options, it attracts a small crowd seeking genuine flavors.

Delicious chicken soup stands out here, often paired with pupusas. It earns strong recommendations for its flavor.

Toppings include curtido and salsa roja that are flavorful and well-made. Some salsas lack the depth and freshness expected.

People are saying

"I found the chicken soup here to be delicious."

"I thought the pupusas here were amazing."

Good to know

1

Sivar Treats offers vegan and vegetarian food options.

2

The place is very clean and fresh.

3

They have different pupusa fillings you can choose from.

06
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Bright, fun interior with cozy booths and a glass atrium creates a comfortable, beachy vibe. Outdoor patio offers a relaxing atmosphere with views under blue skies. The place fills with lively energy as people enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas and a friendly environment.

Chicken soup serves as a full meal with a salty flavor profile. It pairs well with dishes like cheese enchiladas.

Salsa has a delightful kick with fresh, chunky vegetables. Chips and salsa arrive quickly and keep coming, making for a great appetizer alongside fresh guacamole.

People are saying

"The salsa here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I thought the chicken soup was awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.

2

I recommend making a reservation.

3

Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.

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Los Chorros - Pupuseria โ€ข Breakfast โ€ข Aguas Frescas image 1
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Dining area showcases a large mural painting that creates a small town vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with contagious music and a self-served salsa and curtido bar enhancing the experience. The place stays clean and creatively decorated, welcoming families and friends alike.

An all-you-can-eat salsa and curtido bar offers unlimited self-serve options. The selection includes a great curtido and salsa roja variety.

People are saying

"The pupusas here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Prices for pupusas increased to nearly $6 each.

2

The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat salsa and curtido, self-serve.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

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El Pueblito image 1
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy dining area with tables and booths. Atmosphere includes Spanish rap music, creating a lively but sometimes distracting vibe. Known for affordable prices and excellent tacos and burritos, it draws a busy lunch crowd seeking authentic flavors.

Chicken soup features a whole potato, large carrot chunks, and a couple of green beans floating inside. Flavor varies, sometimes rich and sometimes quite bland.

Salsa here ranges from really good to a bit spicy, with some finding it tasteless. Chips are good and pair well with the salsa.

People are saying

"The salsa here is really good, a little spicy."

"I found the chicken soup to be very yummy and made me feel better."

Good to know

1

El Pueblito offers daily food specials.

2

Portion sizes are large, often providing leftovers.

3

There is ample parking available in the plaza.

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