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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to South El Monte

Mexican food spots

A craving for authentic Mexican food is hard to shake once it starts. Only a plate of familiar, spiced flavors will satisfy that hunger.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taco Nazo image 1
Taco Nazo image 2
Taco Nazo image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with best fish tacos and strong Micheladas. Seating varies from loud indoor music to chill outdoor tables. Prices lean higher but match the quality and vibe.

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."

"I found the salsa to be so delicious and fresh."

"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.

02
Los Chilitos Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot buzzes with groups enjoying authentic Mexican flavors like chilaquiles a la mexicana and quesabirria tacos served with consommé. Casual décor and sports on TV create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a community hub.

Menudo with tender honeycomb tripe and pata stands out with a flavor just like mom's. Quesabirria tacos come with consommé 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.

03
Lolita's Fast Food image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot inside a gas station offers authentic Mexican breakfast burritos and large, flavorful tortas with toasted sesame seeds. Tacos feature all meat with no fat on good tortillas. Quiet atmosphere sometimes includes live piano music for a comfortable takeout experience.

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
Ajos Y Cebollas Mexican image 1

Cozy, family-run spot offers authentic Mexican dishes with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere in a clean dining room. Must-try items include chicken mole enchiladas and crispy shredded beef tacos.

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."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem in the area."

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.

05
Tacos El Chaparrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small spot with street tacos like crispy tripas and carnitas shines for Mexican food. Casual vibe with patio seating and a lively late-night taco truck adds fun. Don't miss the horchata and micheladas for a full flavor experience.

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.

06
Taqueria Periban Inc. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor Mexican spot shines with authentic carnitas and lively live music under a tent. Friendly crowd enjoys ample seating and tasty micheladas. Breakfast chilaquiles and fresh salsas add to the flavorful experience.

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.

07
Armando's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Bright, festive space with handmade tortillas and mole offers authentic Mexican flavors. Fresh fish ceviche pairs well with mango margaritas made from scratch. Cozy, family-owned vibe with soft Spanish music creates a relaxed dining experience.

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.

08
Daisy's Bakery image 1

Opens at 3:30 a.m. and gets busy fast. Offers authentic tamales and sweet bread with rich flavor. Enjoy Mexican drinks like champurrado and atole. Quality and taste stand out in every bite.

Tamales stand out as authentic and flavorful. The menu includes sweet bread, tortillas, burritos, and various Mexican drinks like champurrado and atole.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tamales, is bomb."

"The bread here is so soft and always baked fresh."

"The tamales here were bomb."

Good to know

1

Daisy's Bakery opens very early at 3:30 a.m.

2

It is packed at 4:30 a.m., indicating its popularity.

09
El Mercadito Del Pueblo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Menudo shines with fresh daily cooking and rich flavor, boosted by lemon. Tacos feature generous meat portions and solid taste. Casual vibe and affordable prices make it a great spot for authentic Mexican food lovers.

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.

10
Burger Zone image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Spacious hamburger spot offers large seasoned fries and a drive-thru service for convenience. Classic Mexican dishes like hearty menudo and spicy breakfast burritos shine here. Walls with historical pictures create a warm, old-style vibe.

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 hamburger special; it was the bomb."

"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.

11
TACOS LOS 3 POTRILLOS image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers varied tacos like al pastor and birria with a lively salsa bar. TVs create an interactive vibe while large portions and quick service ensure great value. Clean space and authentic flavors keep regulars coming back.

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."

"This burrito is mostly rice and beans with very little meat."

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.

12
Karina's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines with crunchy tripas and exceptional al pastor tacos. Burritos feature homemade tortillas with great texture. Casual vibe and no card fee policy keep it simple and unpretentious.

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.

13
Krudos Sushi & Modern Kitchen image 1

Cozy sushi counter seats six, mixing Japanese-Mexican fusion flavors. Grilled fish tacos and carne asada shine with tender meat. Atmosphere swings from modern calm to loud club beats, adding energy to the unique menu.

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."

"The food here is a unique explosion of flavor."

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.

14
Señor Alberto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food shines with spicy salsa and delicious menudo that fill you up. Early breakfast and affordable prices make it easy to enjoy generous portions. Casual vibe with some maintenance needed, but clear orders help with meat quality.

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.

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South El Monte, California

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