El Carpintero Mexican Restaurant

We found this lovely hidden in plain sight gem this evening! We were greeted by the sweetest folks! The guacamole is some of the best I’ve had, and our food was amazing! Our waitress told us they have breakfast also! We may go back in the morning 😉

Such a great place! We were exhausted and hungry and nothing seemed affordable after a long day in Universal Studios, but we found this place. They were very nice and the food was delicious! ♥️

Very happy to have found this spot ! Very cute inside and not to mention the FOOD WAS SO GOOD , like you literally taste all the flavors ! The horchata was one of the best I’ve had , so I will be definitely be coming back ! 10/10 !

Monday night. Parking is severely limited to the street or closed bank lot. Food is delicious! From beginning to end, everything was full of flavor. It seems there was one cook and one waitress; our service was fine. It's a small restaurant but cozy.

Great little mom and pop restaurant with delicious homemade food. I enjoyed the meatballs soup. The Chile Verde was tasty. My wife liked the shrimp tacos. All were flavorful. The lady helping us was very friendly. We will be back soon.

Best homemade style Mexican Restaurant. Excellent customer service quiet small location. Highly recommended

Been coming for years, easily the best Mexican spot in town.

Excellent homemade Mexican food.. I highly recommend these delicious treats for anyone who is tired of looking for really good Mexican food... deliciousness 😋

This used to be my "go to" place for authentic delicious and fair priced Mexican food. Haven't been there for probably close to a year - I am a retired chef and prefer to cook my own meals. But yesterday as I was walking my dog, I had a craving for Mexican flavor. Being in the vicinity of El Carpintero, I called in a pick up order. Simple stuff - grilled chicken burrito (wet) and two pork tacos (al carbon and carnitas). The cost for that was - wait for it - $26! Shocker number one. But I figured the food was worth it. Boy, was ever so wrong. Tacos: carnitas - dry as a petrified piece of two by for. No flavor. No sauce. No onions. You make your own taco! al carbon - overcooked, stringy, chewy, dry dry dry. Again, nothing besides meat. Burrito: overcooked chicken, lots of gristle, rice and beans are not freshly made, at least from coupla days ago, or so they seemed to me anyway. "Wet" sauce - flavorless, tomato paste and water. So that's my review, take it or leave it, hope you have a better experience. I'm pretty much done with this place, what with all the risk factor etc.

Cute little hidden gem near the studios! Love the abundance of plants outside and the colorful and vibrant decor inside. I ordered the hard shell tacos, and they did not disappoint! Even though I got them to go, they had wrapped them so well that everything stayed super fresh. The shells were perfectly crispy, and the fillings were flavorful. Each bite was a delightful crunch followed by a burst of goodness. The portion sizes were just right, leaving me satisfied but not overly stuffed. Prices were super reasonable, which is always a plus in my book. If you're in Burbank and looking for a place with great food and an awesome ambiance, I highly recommend checking out El Carpintero.

Super cute place. We sat outside and enjoyed be day. Chicken enchilada and beef taco were superb! Chicken taco and chilies rilleno great as well. Definitely recommend!

I spent a few months in a Burbank office this year, and El Carpintero was one of my favorite spots in our lunch rotation. I can't speak to the ambiance or service, but I enjoyed the take-out quite a bit. The menu is long--deceptively so, if you're looking at it online and stop scrolling when you hit "catering" and "drinks" (the categories are listed in alphabetical order). I've gotten the chile colorado burrito and the camarones a la diabla and would recommend them both. The burrito was wet, messy, and satisfying, with chunks of beef marinated in red sauce, with tons of sauce and melted cheese on top. The camarones were good and hot, in a spicy red sauce. Everything came with rice and beans, and we also got chips and salsa and guacamole for the table. All great. If you're looking for Mexican food in Burbank, definitely give El Carpintero a try. I'd love to eat more shrimp and burritos and guac next time I'm spending time in the neighborhood.

Worlds best breakfast burrito! And kindest staff. We always take it to-go but they also have a nice small dining room if you want to eat there. Love this place!!!

Hands Down Best Mexican Food anywhere in LA I couldn't believe it was in Burbank because I grew up in Pacoima and I'm Mexican so it was shocking to find this place! The owner is always so nice when you come in and the salsa here is by far the best I've ever had

This is my absolute favorite spot in Burbank. The owners are so kind and attentive and the food is incredible! The atmosphere is so cozy and personable. I have a lot of happy memories here and hope to make many more!

Such a nice find! Located across the way from WB Studios, this is an authentic small business and Mexican restaurant that we thoroughly enjoyed. A couple of things: - Parking was odd, we couldn't find where to park but there is sidewalk parking directly in front of the restaurant for three cars; we thankfully were able to snatch one of those - The restaurant is small and definitely quaint and actually seems to be like a converted house? We came on a chilly night and the restaurant was cold but there were multiple heaters set up for patrons as needed. - There is a single server who was nice and helpful when answering questions about our food selection - Food was really good, not only were the enchiladas perfectly stuffed, the Chile Verde Burrito had excellent balance of meat and cheese. Lastly, the price you simply cannot beat. For the quality of food, you are definitely getting a high quality meal for seemingly fast food prices. I'd highly recommend visiting!

The food was excellent and staff so friendly. The decor was also very inviting. Great little place.

Great service food was good the food and service was amazing it's a little hole in the wall but I would recommend

Customer service is fantastic, and the food is authentic Mexican. The ambience is quiet, clean, and has lovely decor. The fish tacos are delicious! This Mexican food gem is close to Warner Bros. Studios. My tummy is asking to come soon:)

Delicious, authentic Mexican food. Absolutely delish. Cool ambiance too. Enjoyed every morsel.

I have eaten here twice now. Once there and once had delivered by Postmates. The food was sooo good but when I got delivery I was missing 1/2 my food. Not sure why. I paid so much money for it too. It was over $30! Anyone know why I'd only get one taco and one enchilada when the menu says two of each?

The best little restaurant. Food is fantastic, service is friendly, and you just can't go wrong with this place.

My go to local spot for Mexican food. For me, it is the best in the Toluca / Burbank area. Nothing fancy just good food.

Great prices amazing food looks really small from the outside but when you get inside, they have a nice size dining room. Also do orders to go This place is a must try

Alright, not gonna lie the size of the venue almost made me want to walk back out. It's very small, but I'm so glad we gave it a chance because the owner was so kind. She let us move her tables all over the place even when she already had them situated where she preferred. She was accommodating to our large group of 14 people. I took forever to decide what to order and she was so patient and I ultimately decided to go off her recommendation and I went with the Carne Asada. It even came with a cheese enchilada too. She cooked it exactly how I asked which doesn't normally happen. The carne asada was more of a churrasco instead of flank steak which is what I'm used to (from Idaho). Dang it was so good. They cleaned up to cups of spilled water (by my 1 and 3 year old) and lots of spices (my daughter has a bad habit of playing with salt and pepper shakers). What a great experience couldn't recommend more

Cute local place with solid food and very reasonable prices. Owned and operated by a friendly, hardworking couple. A nice place to grab a bite and console yourself after pitching your show at Warner Bros.

One of the best breakfast burritos I have ever had. one bite in and i was shocked at the taste. I ordered mine with bacon and highly recommend it!

This was the best California Burrito I have ever had. The crazy thing is it wasn't even on their menu. They just made it on the spot AND I live in San Diego and everyone knows that San Diego has the best California Burrito in the world so this is saying a lot to this place. Highly recommend. I ended up getting two California Burritos that day.

I've been coming here for 20 years & it's always delicious The service is great. Nice & cool inside & decorative.

I never get tired of giving credit where due! Ordered tonight using DoorDash and I have to say the amount of good food you get from El Carpintero is a real bargain. Ordered a bean and cheese burrito (it came with rice too), this burrito was HUGE! Also ordered a chirizo burrito, gosh it was the weight of a brick, again a HUGE burrito! Both of them SO tasty, obviously we could not each the whole thing, so we have 2 dinners for tomorrow. The price is amazing. I see breakfast burritos in BB for over $18, these are under $10 and a real deal. The guacamole was great, and they always read any special instructions or additions. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Good food, wonderful service. The waitress was very gracious with my children and I. I would absolutely visit again.

Food and service was excellent! They helped clean up spilled horchata that ran from the table down to the wall.

Great food and not as expensive as many places around Toluca lake. If you are hungry, try the burritos with rice and beans.

Fantastic Mexican food. This is one of my go to places in Burbank. Food comes out quick and super delicious!

Pros: -Quick service Cons: -Beans tasted as if they were burnt -Rice was dry -Enchiladas lacked flavor/originality -Interior is a little run down

A grandma made this food. I'm not lying. You can taste the soul and wisdom in it. This is legit Mexican food. This is the jewel in LA's crown. The nachos are 10/10. Chips are freshhhh. Agua fresca is 10/10. Tastes like my childhood in a cup. My daughter loved her bean and cheese burrito. It's a classic, you just cannot go wrong, Service was kind and attentive. Ambiance is relaxed, chill, with all the Meccan home vibes. Can't wait to return.

I love this place, the food is always fresh,The service is excellent. Their refried beans, pico and guacamole are my favorite. I would definitely come back and recommend it to friends and family.

Feels like my family cooked and brought me over some delicious soulful Mexican food Love the shredded beef taco, the chicken hard shell taco. Their Chile relleno is divine and the enchiladas are saucy and cheesy Very excited about this cozy spot. Food is clean, arrives in great condition. The salsa is spicy and delicious.

Most of the food was good. There's no real ambiance. This is a basic Mexican place that offers dine in. They do a lot of carry out business. Parking is basically non-existent so plan accordingly. I cannot recommend the ceviche. The night we went there was only one person working and she clearly forgot the ceviche. I get that they make it fresh to order but ceviche must sit for a minimum of 30 minutes to "cook" in the lime juice. She brought me raw ceviche. A total waste of $15. Because of this, we will not return.

I recommend this place 100%, delicious food, fast friendly service, very clean place, definitely when I come again from San Francisco I will come to this place

Super super great food! It came very very hot and tons of flavor!! Wonderful staff! I don't live here but when I visit I'll definitely come back here for really good food!! I had the chile verde burrito SOOOO GOOOOD

This is a great hole in wall mexican restaurant that is authentic! Very quick service and food is served on a warm plate. Very well priced.

I first tried this place a week ago and so glad I did. I loved it so much I had to go back the week after! It's a cute little place and the decor has a nice touch. I can't wait to try more of the menu! My craving was the chili verde. The sauce is my favorite! The flavor is so good I feel like I can drink a gallon of it! My new go to spot! I deducted a star for the service. Both times seemed like we weren't checked on and waited awhile for the check.

Nice casual eats. Good family friendly place with laid back but good service. The food good and will come back again. Parking down street or in back if you're lucky.

Came here for a late lunch after the WB tour and it is cozy, friendly and the food was wonderful. El pastor was perfect with flavor and the host/server was very sweet. Glad we came and took a chance, it's a 10 min walk from the WB tour parking lot. Totally recommend!!!!

Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. It looks like a hole in the wall, mom-and-pop shop - but it actually has a really cute, clean dining room if you want to eat in. And Hector - the "pop" who does it all - takes your order, cooks it to perfection, brings it to you, along w/ delicious house-made chips and salsa, takes your $ - and yes, that is a single $ -he has somehow managed to keep his prices reasonable - all with a smile. Craving chilaquiles? Get the Jalopy special! My favorite: the Chile Colorado. Full disclosure - Hector does sometimes have wait help during lunch hours.

Stopped by recently with a few friends and ordered the chicken burrito which was great. Generous portions, and really reasonable pricing. The staff was also very nice and the service was attentive. I'll definitely be back here!

Bomb asf! Love this place so much, every time my boyfriend and I come the service is fast and the food is delicious . The inside is clean, dark and has a homey feel. The only thing that would make El Carpintero better would be if they sold margaritas lol anyway amazing 10/10 food do recommend!

This place is a hidden gem. Some of the best Mexican food I've had, everything was so flavorful and it came out hot in temperature. The meal from start to finish was amazing. Chips and salsa: Texture and spice level of the salsa was great. It didn't taste just like bland tomatoes like so many salsas I've had at some restaurants. The chips were fresh and hot. Not too thin or thick, the perfect amount of crispy. Both refillable Horchata: creamy, and sweet with that perfect cinnamon note. I've had countless cups of horchata from all different trucks, stands, and restaurants in LA, and this one was in my top 3 of all time. Chile Verde: so flavorful, with the perfect tang of the tomatillo. The pork was moist, and it fell apart. The rice and beans were perfect. Rice was so flavorful and the refried beans were creamy with such a rich texture. The tortillas it came with perfect soft, hot, and had the best crispy bits from being warmed up on the grill/stove. Burrito: FULL of meat and rice and beans, guacamole and salsa. Wrapped so well, it didn't fall apart. Enchilada/chili relleno This was my moms food, but she's so picky about her relleno, and she said it was the best she's had.

Cute little full service place right across the street from Warner Brothers Studio. All the taste of a nice Mexican restaurant, but the price of fast food. My enchilada plate was delicious. One down: sodas are canned and not fountain. (The Cokes are the Mexican bottled Cokes ). But their iced water is good. That price, though! That's the winner. I'd come back.

The food is DELICIOUS, the business owners are kind, and the price is very affordable! I love this place!

Fantastic local fare- excellent service with affordable prices and tasted awesome! A total great find. We looked for a local Hispanic restaurant close to Warner Brothers Studio tour- The fajitas were amazing, homemade salsa, chips- large portions - you won't be disappointed!

So good!! I'm a picky eater and I loved my chicken quesadilla and carnitas taco. The chicken was shredded and mixed with cheesy perfection. My hubby got the beef chimichanga and he said it was so good! He said the meat was juicy and tender. The restaurant is super cute and the staff is very friendly! We're from out of town but will definitely stop here the next time we're able!10/10 would reccommend!

I rarely, if ever, write reviews but I had to come on here to say I went to El Carpintero for lunch yesterday (my very first time) and had the most delicious & mouthwatering lunch. The food had so much flavor, and has now taken the cake as my favorite Mexican spot in Burbank (and I've been to them all!) Will absolutely be back!!!!

Yoooo! Y'all need to not sleep on El Carpintero! This lil Mom & Pop shop is it! I was craving some Mexican Restaurant food without going inside a busy big restaurant. Wanted a chill type of vibe. This place was perfect, they delt with my annoying special request ass without any questions. I asked for Burrito Ranchero stuffed with Chile Verde, they looked at me funny but were like ok. Let me tell you this Burrito was Fire! It was smothered wet style with their Red Enchilada sauce and cheese. Came with side of Rice, Beans, Guac and Sour Cream. Everything was Tasty and well seasoned. They also serve you with Chips and Salsa, salsa def had some Kick to it. I will be back to try some other stuff at this hidden Gem. Def need to check this place out Yall!

The food was good and prices were acceptable. Parking not so great, but overall not a bad experience. I'd come here again. :)

Excellent. Tasty Sonoran style Mexican food at great (especially in LA) prices. Can't wait to come back.