El Chapulín Restaurante

Restaurant · Arlington Heights

El Chapulín Restaurante

Restaurant · Arlington Heights

1

3301 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

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El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null
El Chapulín Restaurante by null

Highlights

Authentic Oaxacan food, tlayudas, aguas frescas, beer, cocktails  

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3301 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 Get directions

oaxacausa.com

$$

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3301 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 Get directions

+1 323 766 0575
oaxacausa.com
chapulinrestaurant

$$

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Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

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Where to Eat the Best Oaxacan Food in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"One of America’s most successful Oaxacan restaurant owners has placed a huge cricket statue in front of this eatery. Its original taco de la abuela is a Oaxacalifornia classic consisting of tasajo, cecina, or chorizo and other fixings rolled into a tortilla blanda that’s cut in half. Here, regional bites like enmoladas, rolled tortillas covered in mole, ring true with the restaurant’s mostly Oaxacan customers." - Bill Esparza

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-oaxacan-restaurants-los-angeles-mole-tlayuda
View Postcard for El Chapulín Restaurante

Alex Ylanzo

Google
I went there with my family to enjoy Oaxaca's food, the food was good, the service was good too, and the place was clean & neat. The only downside was the parking it was hard to find it. Great experience

terry maricela “Sunshine” karlen

Google
First, it was my first time there. the service was good and the food taste is great like authentic Oaxaca food. Else, they have music to enjoy the food. I strongly recommend this place, and it’s not very expensive for all food we got.

Laura Flores

Google
This spot has authentic Oaxacan Food!! My favorite hot beverage is the Hot chocolate (water base or milk base) The tamale de mole is rich in flavor, empanada de Amarillo tastes just like my mom’s Amarillo. Would also recommend the seafood molcajete !!!!!

Brain Farts

Google
Had a business dinner with @handsupgallery #hugstudios I appreciate the Amazing service. i want to thank the waiter for paying attention on the details of the food as we had some special requests. We asked for no meat in the taco de abuela. The food was fresh and tasteful. This is the best mole in mid city. 🤙🏾i say i would definitely be coming back for more.

the kourupted

Google
Come here pretty often with my family and we love it. We are also from oaxaca and enjoy authentic food and drinks. Love the flavors and the service is always excellent. Will def continue to come here and tell others about it.

Julia Aguilar de Molina

Google
Great service and super delicious food! My first time trying Oaxacan food and definitely coming back!

G T

Google
I'm actually quite surprised the food was really good. And the gentleman who sang on Sunday the 23rd around 12 to 1pm you have a beautiful voice.

pebble reflection pool plastering rene

Google
The truth is, we were sitting at the table when the waitress stopped us. She refused to serve us. Very bad service and a bad reputation... terrible service, and there's nowhere to park. That's why I don't recommend it.
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Patty L.

Yelp
Also knows as the Chapulin Restaurante, written in larger font at the front. It is located in a plaza with other shops. So there is plenty of parking, but it fills up quick so be prepared for that. Orrr just walk to the location cause you're about to eat good! I recommend going on a Sunday. They had someone playing corridos on their guitar, which was nice. A band plays in the evening during the weekdays. But Saturday and Sunday also has patio seating available. Staff was welcoming and attentive. Decor gave off a homey feel. The chairs are wooden, so not completely comfortable. For drinks, I recommend the licuado or horchata. If you're looking for something stronger, the Café de olla is delicious (according to the coffee conosseirs with me). And you can take it to go! It took a while for the food to come out, but quality takes time! This place gets really crowded between 11am to 2pm so plan accordingly. There are a lot of food options; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I recommend trying out the following: tlayuda, chapulines al mojo de ajo, la quebradita, the moles. The chilaquiles disappointed; made with chips instead of tortilla. The molotes were tasty and filling. They're large-portioned so be mindful. Looking to try some genuine Oaxacan flavor? this is the spot to go to.
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Minnie A.

Yelp
Our friends from Oaxaca recommended us this restaurant, we remembered we visiting it a few years ago when the only name was Expresion Oaxaqueña. That time we didn't have a good experience and that's why we never came, but our friends recommended it a lot and since it seems to be under a new name and probably new management, we decided to give it a try. The decor of the restaurant is nice, the servers were friendly and prompt with their service and the food was really good. The food does take a long time to get to your table, they might be short of staff or probably they don't have space for too many cooks. That the one downside, so I recommend you don't go starving because food will take quite some time to get to your table, ah! and parking is also kind of difficult in the area. We"ll visit again to try more items from their menu.
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misty m.

Yelp
Man oh man.... This is my first time trying Oaxaca food... simply amazing. I've seen a lot of YouTube videos, and my bf told me about this place. Nevertheless I really enjoyed our meal. I ordered a Tlayuda and it was delicious. It came out piping hot and I especially loved the cheese! We also ordered a atole blanco, and champurrado which were both good. This appears to be a popular spot as a lot of people were coming as we were leaving. The service was also friendly as fast. Also I enjoyed the live music! Overall I enjoyed my experience and would highly recommend this place if you want to try some amazing Mexican food from a region a lot of people are not familiar about.
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Benjamin R.

Yelp
Was very impressed!! I 100% recommend the Chapulines Mexicana if you never tried crickets before! It's sautéed with tomatoes and spices, so it was very flavorful! The Quesadilla was also very delicious. It was both cheesy and crunchy, and the beans and rice that came with it were also wonderfully done. Everything was so fragrant, I just wished the prices were more affordable! The quesadilla plate was fantastic but I'm not sure if it was worth $15.95!

Victor A.

Yelp
resulta que pedi enfrijoladas y me dieron 3 tortillas doradas y dobladas y durad como quesadilla. De cuando aca se preparan asi las enfrijoladas. Supongo que al.Sr Zefe le vale madre ya que hay fama y billete y la borregada seguimos llegando asi que supongo que le vale. No es la primera vez que eapero 40 minutos por mi comoda mal hecha.
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Silvia R.

Yelp
Came in for a dinner date on a Sunday evening. The food was amazing. Had the molcajete which is served sizzling with grilled cactus, chorizo, Oaxaca cheese, cecina, tasajo, green onions, jalapeño in a delicious sauce. The molcajete is served with a side of black beans, salsa and two handmade tortillas. My companions had an empanada de flor de calabaza and chicken soup. The drinks we chose were agua de mango, champurrado and a café de olla. The service was second to none and the server kept checking in on us to ensure everything was to our liking. Can't wait to come back for more!
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Javier H.

Yelp
Good food love to. Come often love the carne de borrego plate and horchata recommend for sure try it out
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Maria C.

Yelp
Great traditional food! Great service! The margaritas are delicious live music playing! This place is unforgettable! Will definitely come back to visit!

Yalitza N.

Yelp
I LOVE their carne asada torta, it's the best thing I've never had, that's the only meal I get when I go there. Amazing 10/10 I LOVE YOU

Leslie D.

Yelp
My boyfriend invited me twice and we both got the tortas, we both got the milanesas and they were both really good. The price is great compared to many other places where Oaxacan food is being sold. Love this place and will be back.
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Nicolas C.

Yelp
We came here on Sunday afternoon, Service was excellent my server was very professional and very knowledgeable about the food He recommended me BARBACOA DE BORREGO which was delicious, my wife ordered Taco de la abuela and my kids ordered taquitos dorados which also were delicious. I totally recommend this place.

Meg B.

Yelp
Absolutely love this place. The mole coloradito and mole negro are excellent and my husband is obsessed with the quebradita, a folded tlayuda which makes the quesillo taste even better. They also have a great kids menu that our daughters love, including memelas and a quesadilla with queso oaxaca. The space is bright and busy, very vibrant and enjoyable for lunch on weekends. The service can be slow at times but has gotten noticeably better in recent months. Highly recommend.
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Miguel V.

Yelp
An incredible place to spend the night, I recommend the Tlayuda so delicious, the customer service is incredible, in addition to the fact that everyone is always in a good mood, the food is delicious, the atmosphere of the place makes me feel like in Oaxaca full of joy thank you I will come back soon without a doubt!
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sergio c.

Yelp
The food was really good the vibe made it feel like I was at home. It was not very full so the service was quick. I would recommend
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Morgan Z.

Yelp
Food's good, their mole was super tasty, and the service was super friendly and accessible. I'm a gluten free goth gay and I was on my way to a party, definitely needed a bite before I hit the venue and I had so many options to choose from! Definitely stop by this place for a great, quick, and informal meal.
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Jorge S.

Yelp
Had such a great time here, they have a singer on weekends Friday & Sunday 6-10pm. They have a full bar which I didn't expect, prices are very reasonable & drinks are great. I got the mole wet burrito 8/10 The mole alone is amazing but they use white rice which was a little different for me We came in on a Friday around 8pm & there was no wait, they do have a patio & plenty of space Something local but we all enjoyed our food & drinks, definitely recommend
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Adrian L.

Yelp
Great food and good service. I really enjoyed being able to substitute meat with nopales in the enchiladas. I would like to mention that they have two types of mole, one is savory the other a little sweet; both are delicious.
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Adam A.

Yelp
Food was okay, not much flavor for a Oaxaquena restaurant; the place is very busy and had a wait. People were cutting in and not waiting their turn. The staff had preferential seating, so they would allow people they knew to cut in and not wait. Very aggressive people tonight, and not what im use to. Overall the ambiance was okay and i probably wont be coming back. The parking is very small and its a nightmare to maneuver around. I wouldn't recommend it if your are trying to have a peaceful diner.
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AmaLiaa G.

Yelp
Was denied service because of my service dog and the fact that I don't look disabled enough! (Whole interaction is in spanish, since the workers/owners don't speak English) My partner went in first to see if there was tables and let them know that I have my service dog with me. They proceed to ask a lot of questions to him about my need for a service dog and to show proof so he calls me in to come talk to them. I come in and was told that my "pet" was not allowed. I kindly told them he is not my pet he is my service dog, The manager then asks why my dog doesn't have a vest and proceeds to ask what he does and he says since i'm not in a wheelchair or blind so he's not a real service dog .... I reiterated because my dog is vested does not mean that he is not still my service dog and that not all disabilities are visible, and I mentioned to them legally I don't need to explain why I need a service dog, I'm a veteran of the military ( I even showed my ID) and have PTSD which my dog helps mitigate the issues that causes me. Needless to say don't come here if you have a service animal and I will NEVER be coming here.
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Edgar B.

Yelp
Service wasn't that great , server only was at the table only once to take the order didn't check up on me had to flag someone to ask what was on the desert menu, food seemed like it was reheated ordered tacos dorados and we'll they seemed very hard and rubbery like cooked days ago and just warmed wasn't made to cook

Miguel R.

Yelp
So this place has been here a good while. Use to come with the folks before.Service was never great. Ordered a torta took about 52 minutes to get out to us. Then the fries were cold as maybe it was ready like 35min ago but never brought it to the table. For the amount of servers they have it so disorganized. Whenever we asked about our food they always said it was being made or they had a large party to attend too you also figure we'll they might bring us water or more chips to kill the time. Food isnt bad either it's just service is horrible. If you have half a day to kill go ahead. But we aren't ever going back. We went to Subway and got a footlong and enjoyed our lunch. Maybe spend some time on training the staff in service.
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Ronald M.

Yelp
So glad this place is walking distance from my home. This place is very clean and everyone that works here is very friendly and attentive. I shared a chilaquiles omelette and some appetizer that I can't remember the name but was very tasty. Good size portions and the coffee is so sweet and good. Can't wait to come back and try other stuff
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Gloria H.

Yelp
Place had expanded. Place is busy on Sundays so parking is limited at times during brunch hours; if you're there at opening time, there's more parking spaces in the lot. The food is very good. Café de la olla is very sweet! It's the best so careful you don't fill up on it! I haven't been disappointed with any of the items I've ordered on the menu. I've mostly ordered breakfast.
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E M.

Yelp
Used to be my favorite places for tamales and tlayudas. They served me a brown tamale that was really bad. Some servers had attitude. I don't see myself coming here anymore. They made us wait a terribly long while and the place was empty. Only 2 tables us and another couple.
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Daniella A.

Yelp
Delicious, easy to eat Oaxaqueña food to satisfy your cravings. Tlayuda's are a good size and the tasajo, chorizo and cecina are marinated perfectly, a real tasty dish. Now serving liquor, the mango margaritas with mezcal are thirst quenching- worth getting three! Cute decor all around and un chapulín- grasshopper- greeting you at the door.

Enrique H.

Yelp
Food is 10/10 would recommend . The waiters were knowledgeable and polite, the place is very cozy . But the time to wait for the food is a tad bit long but I would wait for that time if it means that my food comes out good. So in conclusion I would recommend this place

Kevin J.

Yelp
Really good Mexican food from my country taste like I'm eating a home cooked meal just parking is hard so come early

Roland P.

Yelp
I used to come here very often and it used to be great. However, they're quality of a restaurant as a whole has come down. I ordered a chocolate de agua and it's flavor was nothing, just pure water. The food never arrived after an hour of waiting. Horrible service and took forever in the most simplest orders. I am very disappointed to what this place has come to.
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Adan M.

Yelp
Have dine here couple of times, and everytime the food has been constantly good. No complaints so far. I have order several different things like chilaquiles, taco de abuelita, mole, quesadilla, all were good. Salsa is good too. Service has been good, even when I ordered for take out. Definitely a nice place to eat some good Mexican food.
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Marcos D.

Yelp
Great food, matches the great service. Lovely decor, and pleasing music. I had the Enfrijoladas with Cecina. (Get the extra cheese!) Was so hungry, that I also added 2 fried eggs on top of them. My wife had the Quebraditas con 3 Carnes. Also great! And the Pan Resobado was soft, sweet, flaky, and fresh-baked. (Great addition to the hot chocolate)
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Ongo G.

Yelp
The absolute BEST Oaxacan food in LA. F*ck Guelagetza, that place sold out years ago to profit over quality of food. This place is nice and humble, with great service. I celebrated my birthday here, that's how great the food was. I'd recommend: Taco de Abuela - this thing is basically a burrito but in a tlayuda instead of a regular large flour tortilla Tamale - you have the option of getting just the tamale or with a side of rice as well. Very good mole tamales. Chocolate con leche - if you eat Oaxacan food and don't even start with this, are you doing it right? Concha - to accompany the chocolate. I'd highly recommend this place.
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Juan C.

Yelp
When I visit this restaurant I always try the three meat Tlayuda; this huge tostada like is off the hook. this is my favorite restaurant every time I crave Oaxaqueña stile cuisine this is the spot. This restaurant serves delicious moles, combination plates, tacos etc. They also serve delicious flavored water; I recommend the Horchata flavored water; they add tuna sorbet, diced water melon, strawberry and crushed pecans.

Roberto R.

Yelp
Food has great taste. The portions of are worth the price. Quesillo is the best ingredient here. Downside, the wait. Make sure to have spare time. The wait can run up to 30 to 45 minutes depending on what day you come. Recommend 3/5.

Dulce F.

Yelp
Man, I really hate to give this place a bad review but I need to be honest. I used to love coming for their mole and the tlayudas. The mole has a nice kick to it, the tlayudas are crunchy and savory. But the service.... HORRIBLE. I came in today and the waitress outside was rude and in a sense felt she was discriminating us. When we walked towards the table to take a seat she didn't let us but less than a minute after she let a couple sit where we were going to sit. 15 minutes pass by and she didn't even offer us our drinks. I literally had to go inside and ask if I could order in there. It sucks because I try to support local oaxacan businesses around the neighborhood and I feel disappointed that the service was this bad.

Bianca H.

Yelp
Very upsetting. I kept calling to order to go and they kept hanging up on me. I try about 6 times and right away you can hear the click. Bad customer service
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Victoria C.

Yelp
Two good things about this spot are their tortillas and the mole sauce. The chicken in mole dish was bland. The rice wasn't great. It was as if they heated up the food from the evening before. The service was horrible. They had a sign to wait to be seated and we stood around for bit till we finally took a seat ourselves. The waitress was checked out, exhausted. Maybe it was the end of her shift? But none of the servers were in sync. We were approached by other people and when we needed assistance they weren't around. Restroom wasn't clean either.
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Javier C.

Yelp
My partner suggested trying food from his hometown in Mexico. We got the taco de la abuela and some fajitas. Food was really yummy and authentic.

Ashley R.

Yelp
Came here for dinner and their chocolate and yema bread is so delicious. Alcoholic drinks are tasty too! I had a Oaxacan torta and Fried quesadilla. absolutely love the quesillo. I highly highly recommend this place!!
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T T.

Yelp
First time when I came here I wasn't a fan of the food because I wasn't use too it. Until I came back severals time and what can I say? I love it and even today I told my bf we should go back because I miss my ice cream with chili powder yum! What I even liked that last time I didn't have big appetite for food I was just craving rice and chicken and guess what they did? They gave me that which is awesome. But their passion Ice cream yum!

Veronica N.

Yelp
Terrible. Meat was almost raw prices were far too high for the quality of the food. Mixed up my order about twice was kind enough the first time to not make them take it back and the wait was long. Never again.
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Javier M.

Yelp
If you are looking for authentic great tasting Oaxacan food, this is the definitely the spot to come. From all the other Oaxacan places I have tried, this is the best one with a good authentic taste. They start you off with some homemade chips tipped with their delicious mole and some fresh cheese. I would order infinite plates of this if you could but it's just an appetizer on the house. I usually go to my regular which is their famous Tlayuda, a large handmade crispy tortilla topped with their unique homemade refried black beans, cabbage, Oaxacan melted string cheese, avocado, tomato, and your choice of three meats, Oaxacan chorizo, cecina (thin sliced beef), and thin sliced pork. when you visit this restaurant, make sure to order this. It is light and delicious. Accompany the Tlayuda with their delicious Oaxacan Hortacha which is tipped off with cacti fruit, sunflower seeds, and chopped walnuts, deliciousness in a drink.
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Paul S.

Yelp
This place has a unique cooking style, from the very south Oaxacan side of Mexico. They have all kind of south Mexican food like tlayudas, mole, huaraches, steaks, meats combos, soups like pozole and menudo, they also have barbacoa. The give you homemade style tortillas wich are very difficult to find in LA. The place is very neat and clean, the style of tables is very typical, and the restaurant also has bakery with very delicious Oaxacan bread, everything is very recommended. The coffee and the orchata are the best. Some nights the play live Mexican Music. Ao, if you want to have a good home style dinner, no doubt to come here. The staff is very friendly and very attentive, checking out your table to see if you are satisfied or if you need something to enjoy tour delicious food. They also have wine and beer!!

Sandra S.

Yelp
Don't be swayed by the low rating! The food is sooo good!! If you're trying Oaxacan food for the first time, please do yourself a favor and try this place instead of Guelaguetza, which is way too expensive and overrated. Some dishes I would recommend are the Bean Tamal, the memelas (ask for quesillo- a type of cheese), the cactus salad and of course the mole. Try the mescal (reposado) - smoky, molasses flavor spirit. Best I've tried.
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Johana F.

Yelp
The service is great, I've been here several times and have never had a problem. The food is Amazing, well, all except the grasshoppers. I wasn't a fan of those.
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Karen V.

Yelp
This is a low key restaurant with an excellent dinner selection. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday the day after Christmas. They reserved the second room for our party of 20+ people and dedicated one server to our group. Fernando, our waiter, was very attentive and did his best to keep up with our large group while fielding delayed orders from the kitchen. The kitchen was understaffed; they knew of our party but likely did not anticipate heavy foot traffic that evening. In all, we waited over an hour after ordering to get our food (the reason four my review). And, when it came it out, it was warm and delicious. I definitely recommend this place and know that I will return.
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Patty C.

Yelp
Grrrrreat Oaxacan food in LA! Authentic and delicious. Their best option is their popular Taco de la Abuela. Friendly staff including the owner. The only down side is their tiny parking lot.

Gladys O.

Yelp
Wish I can give it a 5 stars...food was incredibly delicious. The position size was fair for its price. My only complain are the chips with mole. Chips tasted dry and hard but the mole sauce was great.
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Carlos A.

Yelp
WORST COSTUMER SERVICE EVER BEST THING THEY HADDDD WAS CAFE DE LA OLLA, WELL NOT ANYMORE../. Last time I came with my family after they ran out from a great batch of coffee they made a "new one" new one looked like tea.. even the waitresses were talking about it! I addressed them and pointed out that effectively the coffee wasn't strong enough as any coffee should be! They agreed... third batch was GREAT AS USUAL !! Yesterday, we went again and SAME ISSUE faint coffee... we told our server and he said that's how the coffee came out is not right but we can't just throw IT AWAY... he also mention that second batch was coming but it was pretty much the same... he admitted that there's an specific measurement they have to use if not, coffee gets ruined!!! But they just don't care.. DUEÑOS!!!!!!!!!! PONGAN ATENCIÓN A SU NEGOCIO TIENEN PÉSIMO SERVICIO.... EL CAFÉ YA NO SIRVE Y SUS EMPLEADOS TAMPOCO... NO SEAN MEDIOCRES Y DEN UN BUEN SERVICIO AL CLIENTE.... SU NEGOCIO ESTÁ EN ESTADOS UNIDOS

Liliana P.

Yelp
They gave my family and I great service! They have followed all COVID guidelines and coloseo and dulce did not let us suffer anything we needed or asked for they went ahead and got it to us! We are so happy with our visit and glad they are finally open!