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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Mexican food spots in South El Monte

Made for those who seek out authentic Mexican flavors as their primary standard for a good meal.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Chilitos Restaurant image 1
Los Chilitos Restaurant image 2
Los Chilitos Restaurant image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with casual dรฉcor and sports on TV creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a community staple. Small space fills quickly, often bustling with groups sharing meals. Food focuses on authentic flavors, especially chilaquiles and birria tacos.

Food features great flavor and generous portions with authentic Mexican dishes. The cafe de olla adds to the genuine dining experience.

Menudo with tender honeycomb tripe and pata stands out with a flavor just like mom's. Quesabirria tacos come with consommรฉ and the shrimp tacos are fresh, not breaded. The chilaquiles a la mexicana and mole versions offer rich, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and spot on."

"Their mole chilaquiles are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I found their cafe de olla super delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during peak lunch and breakfast times.

2

Parking is available in a small lot, but it can be tricky to navigate.

3

Prices are reasonable, with generous portions for the cost.

02
Taco Nazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers clean indoor seating and a drive-thru with phone order options. Atmosphere varies from loud music indoors and outdoors to chill outdoor tables that feel comfortable. Known for best fish tacos and strong micheladas, prices tend to be on the higher side.

Mexican food here is consistently delicious and excellent. Service is attentive, with staff bringing food directly to the table.

Fish tacos stand out as the most delicious and highly recommended item here, often considered the best around. Carne Asada burritos and shrimp tacos also feature as solid choices, complemented by Micheladas for drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best I've ever had."

"The tacos here are delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the fish tacos were the best Mexican food around."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs about $4 and is larger than a street taco.

2

Parking can be difficult during busy times.

3

Taco Nazo has a drive-thru for convenient takeout.

03
Lolita's Fast Food image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot inside a gas station offers takeout only with no seating available. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, sometimes accompanied by live piano music. Known for authentic Mexican breakfast burritos and large, flavorful tortas, it attracts those who call ahead to avoid long waits.

Food here is authentic Mexican, made fresh to order with perfect seasoning and hygiene. The carnitas tortas and party subs stand out for their size and flavor.

Tacos come with all meat and no fat, served on good tortillas. Tortas like the milanesa and carnitas are large and flavorful, with toasted sesame seeds on the bread. Burritos include standout options like breakfast, carne asada, and shrimp on Sundays, all packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly spiced."

"You have to try their massive, flavorful tortas; it's the best Mexican food."

"I thought this gas station had the best tortas and tacos."

Good to know

1

Lolita's Fast Food is only available for pick-up orders.

2

Call ahead to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

3

There is no seating available as the place is located inside a gas station.

04
Tacos El Chaparrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with about 25 seats and additional patio seating under a tent offers an extensive menu featuring street tacos and huaraches. Atmosphere is casual and clean, with condiments and grilled onions provided up front. A late-night taco truck outside adds to the lively vibe and variety.

Food shows consistently high quality with authentic Mexican flavors. The truck stays very clean, letting you see cooks prep fresh dishes.

Street tacos stand out with options like tripas and carnitas, often prepared crispy on request. Huaraches and micheladas complement the menu, while the horchata ranks among the best.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"These tacos were absolutely delicious."

"You have to try the tacos; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices at Tacos El Chaparrito are affordable.

2

Grilled onions are provided with no extra charge.

3

The truck is very clean and visible to see the cooks prepping my food.

05
Armando's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Colorful decorations create a bright and festive atmosphere with Spanish music playing softly in the background. The space feels cozy and family-owned, often quiet with few diners. Signature dishes include handmade tortillas and fresh fish ceviche, complemented by mango and limon margaritas made from scratch.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with consistent great taste and plenty of flavor. Plates arrive hot and well served, keeping food warm throughout the meal.

Mole stands out as a rich, authentic flavor that recalls traditional recipes. Enchiladas come with red or green sauce, and tortillas are handmade, adding to the genuine Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really delicious and flavorful."

"This Mexican food's mole flavor brought me back to my grandmother."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Saturday night, starting at 9pm.

2

Handmade corn tortillas are available on weekends.

3

Expect a $5.89 surcharge for debit or credit card payments.

06
Ajos Y Cebollas Mexican image 1

Cozy, family-run restaurant with simple decorations and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The dining room stays clean despite the building's old strip mall setting. Regulars enjoy authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Food here is consistently fresh and authentic, made with care. The dining room stays very clean, adding to the overall experience.

Fresh chips and salsas start the meal with solid flavor. The menu features chicken mole enchiladas, caldo de res, and crispy shredded beef tacos that deliver rich, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic and reminds me of home-cooked meals."

"It's a family-run spot; the dad cooks the enchiladas."

"The food here is authentic and delicious, just like home."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to place your order to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect slow service as everything is made fresh.

3

Prices are high, with meals averaging around $60 for two people.

07
Taqueria Periban Inc. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor Mexican restaurant under a tent offers live music that creates a lively atmosphere with some moments of loudness. The crowd enjoys authentic carnitas and micheladas praised for their quality. Seating is ample, and the vibe feels friendly and inviting.

Mexican food here is flavorful and high quality, with carnitas standing out. Chicken Fideo soup arrives as a snack while waiting, replacing the usual chips and salsa.

Carnitas stand out with authentic Michoacan style and super moist, flavorful meat. Tacos and salsas come across as very good, and breakfast chilaquiles get special mention.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and wonderful."

"I found the carnitas here to be flavorful and super moist."

"I enjoyed the really good carnitas; it's authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating under a tent.

3

Live bands perform on certain days, check the schedule.

08
TACOS LOS 3 POTRILLOS image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with salsa bar and TVs around the dining area creates a lively and interactive atmosphere. Clean environment and large portions attract a crowd looking for authentic flavors and value. Regulars enjoy varied meat options and quick service, especially during taco promotions.

Food here offers authentic Mexican flavors with a good variety of dishes. Meals come with large portions and are served quickly, often within 10 to 15 minutes.

Tacos come in varied styles like al pastor, birria, carnitas, and buche, each packed with flavor. A salsa bar and affordable combos with rice and beans add to the authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and the tacos are really good."

"The al pastor meat here is one of the best I've ever had."

"The food here is delicious and really great tasting."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1 pastor tacos with a buy-one-get-one free deal.

2

Expect your food to be ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

3

There is plenty of parking available.

09
Burger Zone image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious hamburger restaurant with an inviting, old-style vibe and walls decorated with historical pictures. Atmosphere is pleasant and clean, featuring a nice view and comfortable layout. Offers drive-thru service, classic Mexican breakfast dishes, and large, seasoned fries alongside burgers.

Food comes out quickly and stays consistently top-quality. The pastrami burger with fries stands out as a tasty option, with prices ranging from affordable to a bit expensive.

Menudo stands out with its perfect flavor and hearty portions. Breakfast burritos, especially the Chorizo and meat-filled carne asada tacos, come with tasty red salsa that adds a spicy kick.

People are saying

"You've gotta try their breakfast burritos, they're so good and filling."

"I loved the food here; it was delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try their breakfast burritos; they're so good and filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers hamburger combos at a discounted price.

2

They have a summer special: 2 hamburgers, 2 fries, and 2 drinks for $15.99.

3

Bring your student ID for a hamburger discount special.

10
Krudos Sushi & Modern Kitchen image 1

Small sushi counter offers a cozy seating arrangement designed for six people. Atmosphere varies from modern and relaxing to loud club music that can overpower conversation. Japanese-Mexican fusion menu adds a unique culinary twist to the experience.

Food comes out fresh and quickly, blending sushi and Mexican flavors in a fun way. Drinks often stand out even more than the food.

Grilled fish tacos and carne asada come with tender, juicy meat. Green chilaquiles deliver an explosion of flavor. Sushi tacos blend Japanese and Mexican tastes with a spicy green sauce.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious, especially the sushi."

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles, was beyond delicious."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the lot and street.

2

It is wheelchair accessible for guests.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended.

11
El Mercadito Del Pueblo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers exceptional menudo cooked fresh daily alongside flavorful tacos with generous meat portions. The atmosphere is casual with affordable prices attracting those seeking authentic dishes. Crunchy fresh chicharrones add to the distinctive menu experience.

Food offers good service and is generally tasty and delicious.

Menudo stands out with its fresh daily cooking and rich flavor, often enhanced by lemon. Tacos offer good meat portions and solid flavor, though opinions on them vary.

People are saying

"I found the menudo to be the best Mexican food I have ever had."

"I found the tacos to be full of flavor and meat."

"The food here is delicious and really tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect prices to be affordable, making it budget-friendly for visitors.

2

Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.

3

The market is usually busiest on weekends, so plan accordingly.

12
Seรฑor Alberto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers early breakfast service and affordable prices with generous portions. The atmosphere is casual with some ongoing maintenance, and the food features distinctive spicy salsa and well-regarded menudo. Meat quality varies, so orders require clear communication.

Mexican dishes come out hot and fresh, with combos like chicken enchiladas served alongside rice and beans that fill more than typical fast food. Food arrives quickly, tastes reliable and tasty, and costs less than many other options.

Fish tacos and chicken enchiladas come with rice and beans and fill up more than typical fast food. Menudo stands out as very delicious and well done, with salsa that is spicy and different to enhance flavor.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really tasty and quick."

"I loved the Mexican food here; it's full of flavor."

"I found the fish taco very good."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served early, making it a good option for morning meals.

2

Burritos are priced at $7.99, offering a filling option for a low cost.

3

The amount of food per order is generous, suitable for hungry diners.

13
Karina's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with tripas tacos that stand out for their crunchy texture and distinctive flavor. Atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, with average to small portions and a no card payment without fee policy. Food quality varies, but carne asada tacos consistently receive positive remarks.

Mexican food here features tacos, sopes, and burritos with consistently good flavors. The tacos stand out as particularly delicious.

Tacos stand out with tripas that are crunchy and al pastor that tastes exceptional. Burritos, especially carne asada and bean with hot chili, come wrapped in tortillas that feel homemade and have great texture.

People are saying

"I thought the food here tasted really good."

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The Tripa tacos cost $3.50 each.

2

Paying with a card incurs an extra 50 cents per transaction.

3

You can't order ahead of time by calling in.

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South El Monte, California

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