El Culichi - Birriería y Cenaduría

Such a charming little spot! The atmosphere felt cozy and inviting from the moment I walked in, and the food absolutely lived up to the vibe. I tried the birriaquiles and would definitely recommend them--they were flavorful, comforting, and so well-prepared. My only wish is that the dish came with a bit more birria, because it was delicious and I found myself wanting just a little extra. Overall, it's a place I'm really glad I tried, and I'd happily come back for more.

From the moment we walked in you could tell you are like being home. The service was great. Very welcoming. The food was delicious. We got birria de res, birria flautas and red menudo. We all enjoyed our meals. We got some butter chicharrone too. So delicious 😋 We will definitely be back and tell our friends and family.

Delicious Food!!! Great atmosphere! Great service! So we've been here before and the food was delicious! My wife is from sinaloa and she tells me it's just like home. So for our anniversary I called and asked if they would be open to setting up a little intimate table for us to celebrate and they were more than willing to accommodate! Sopes were amazing!!! Muchos gracias por todo!

We drove out and tried this new place after seeing it on someone’s FB reel. Great parking, easy to find, very clean, welcoming, tables inside and out, and friendlier than we could’ve imagined!!! The food is a 9 out of ten for the freshness and quality. The place has an easy warmth and the staff is like visiting friends!! We were very impressed and very satisfied - it’s like better to order something you a know or what they are known for…and don’t skip the deserts! We don’t feel rushed, we met the family, we felt like true guests, and we loved that! We’d say GO! Go hungry and fill up. They do have to go options, and a big enough selection of menu item, without being too broad in options. We will be back in a week! We’re tell folks about this place cu it’s an authentic home cooked style Mexican restaurant that doesn’t depend on gimmick or drink specials or anything except clearly a love of cooking and delivering excellent quality, very fresh, delicious Mexican food from the heart❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ We wish this newer restaurant, owned by a woman, a tremendous amount of success and happiness. We think they deserve it and we truly believe if you go here, you will probably add it to your list of regular spots to go for great food. Thanks 🙏🏽

This place deserves 10 stars! It's not just a taco shop, it's also a restaurant. Food was unbelievable! Service and hospitality impeccable. Clean, well lit and maintained. Presentation of dine in plates were top class! Prices are reasonable and portions generous. Mostly a Birria shop, and if you have never tried it you don't know what real Mexican food is like. Surprisingly big inside from outside appearance.

During our visit from Los Angeles to San Diego County, we stopped by this charming establishment after seeing it featured on TikTok! It's lived up to the hype. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the aesthetic and inviting atmosphere that made us feel like we were on vacation. The food was exceptional, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Equally impressive was the customer service, friendly, attentive, and welcoming. This hidden gem is definitely a must visit, and we’re already looking forward to coming back on our next trip to the area.

This place is amazing, it's a hidden gem! Is small but so cozy inside the customer service is so amazing. The food is truly Mexican authentic, they provide fresh made tortillas with fresh queso! The place is very nice clean and you get your food pretty quick. The owner comes up and greets people and welcome them with a huge smile. If you're looking for a very cozy but great authentic Mexican food, you found your new spot at El Culichi! I highly recommend that you give this place a chance and try for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to return and have some more of this great authentic Mexican food.

Great food, awesome service. Hope to be back soon.

This five-star review of El Culichi is for their birria de chivo (goat meat birria). Normally we'd have to travel to Chula Vista, National City, etc to find this type of birria but they just opened up in El Cajon and it's some of the best I've ever had. I spoke to the owner and they have passed down the recipe through three generations and the grandfather is still in the kitchen cooking. We were thoroughly impressed by the birria and we'll be back! Also the service is really good, the ladies were very nice and greeted us right when we walked in. We enjoyed our experience.

I wanted to treat my mom to something nice on Mother's Day and we have been very curious about this new restaurant in El Cajon. I have seen a lot of great reviews so we didn't think what happened to us today on Mother's Day was going to happen. This is without a doubt the worst meal I've ever had . I love to support local small businesses so I am sorry to write the one star but I'm so sad about this experience. I gotta keep it real guys. We ordered the four Birria rolled tacos for $17 , a $12 bean and cheese burrito, a side of beans and Queso fundido , the order total was $46 . Right away I was shocked at the high Taco Shop prices, but given the great reviews I thought I'll splurge a little. It's Mother's Day. The rolled tacos were burnt. They were tiny and they forgot the avocado. The bean and cheese burrito was runny, had no flavor and no salt and my son threw it away. The queso fundido was a really odd texture and the homemade tortillas were disgusting and burnt also. I called to complain and she was really nice about it. She replaced the tacos and this time they weren't completely burnt, but they were again overcooked. They remembered avocado, but forgot the pickled onions. Also, the consome that comes with them was about a tablespoon . Given the very high price that we paid, I was not expecting this food to be so Janky. I am really upset that I wasted $50 on a terrible meal on Mother's Day . I will not be returning or ever recommending this outrageously overpriced bad Taco Shop.

Culichi felt like home. Small restaurant with a decor like grandma's house. We had the honor of meeting the lovely family who runs this place and the service they provided was amazing. The food was delicious and satisfying. Thank you for having us and treating us like family, may you be BLESSED with success.

Everything here tastes so homey and fresh! The dishes came out quickly and the service here was excellent. We ordered almost everything from the sopes(which were our favorite), the the enchiladas, and you HAVE to try their famous beans! Overall this might be our new favorite place!

This is a great family owned small business that finds its roots in Sinaloa, Mexico. The eatery is a cozy spot with traditional Mexican eats and some not so well known regional items as well. I went with the chicken enchiladas with re-fried beans with pork and a wedge of queso fresco. The enchiladas came topped with a variety of tasty ingredients, including shredded lettuce and carrots, cucumbers, radishes, avocado, cotija cheese, and onions. They did forget to place the avocado on the meal however. The enchiladas were very good. They came with a good amount of tender chicken inside. A little more would of been good. The enchilada sauce was very tasty. All the ingredients on top were very fresh and flavorful. The side of beans were great. They call them frijoles puercos or pork beans. They were creamy with tender pieces of pinto beans, and most of all, very tasty. These would be great in a burrito. I was a huge fan of the wedge of queso fresco. It was of very good quality. The service was very friendly. It's a sit down eatery so they offer table service. You can also order at the counter to go. There's small parking lot adjacent to the building.

I tried this new place a week ago and I was impressed with the enchiladas plate that I went back a few days later to get the enchiladas again. But this time, the enchiladas plate was NOTHING like the enchiladas plate I got the first time (Saturday evening) to be specific. I was SO disappointed and upset that the enchiladas plate was terrible. No flavor at all, and I still have no idea what they put in it but it wasn't cheese. I called the place and talked to them and told them my experience and they were nice and apologetic and offered a full refund and/or get another dish. At this point, I was too upset to even go back. I recommended this place to a few friends, and they went the same day I went for lunch (on that Tuesday) and they did NOT like the food either. They really need to check on their cooks because the Tuesday evening cook is not a good idea. People are not going to return due to that cook. He shouldn't be in the kitchen. I do wish them the best because they have good customer service, but sadly I will not be going back. Whoever that cook was ruined the food, not only for me, but for that place as well.

Where do I start?! Everything was AMAZING! Everything cooked to perfection. Flavors were on point, service was excellent and the place looks fantastic that gives great ambiance. Was good to see a family portrait of who carries the family tradition in making delicious food. We tried almost everything on the menu, we left the seafood for our next visit which will be very soon! Highly recommend the Birria and Menudo, and the tacos dorados were top notch too! Oh and the Asado Mazatleco was bomb, you won't find that on the menu anywhere else in San Diego. Our new favorite place! Bonus!, The churros were crazy good, crispy outside and filled. Great dessert.

Food was amazing, we also ordered arroz con leche y churros both tasted phenomenal especially the arroz con leche, it tasted just like your mom would make it. Definitely try this place out, you won't regret it.

BEST tacos I ever had Sinaloa style!!!!!I am still here eating and writing this review. The location is beautiful and the workers are very attentive. Very great service!

First time coming here the food was so good I love the Martha tacos the menudo y el cockerel de Camaron mi ahpa y hermano le gusto la comida y tambien mi ahma good place to come eat

The first time today I came over today to get something to go for me and my wife and the second I walked inside it changed my whole life, this place is so amazing and beautiful small mom and pop place to eat and enjoy hand made home made food the service is absolutely incredible reminds of back home Sinaloa a must try place this place got me addicted like no tomorrow

Finally got around to trying this place. The food was decent. The tortillas were a little dry or stale tasting but maybe it was just the ones we got. The birria was delicious and worth going back for. It is more of a sit down place rather than taco shop. The server was extremely nice, friendly and helpful. There was plenty of parking and the outside and inside was clean.

I've been here several times now and everything has been impeccable every single time. From the cleanliness, the service and the food. It has a homey feeling and the staff really make you feel welcomed.

El culichi is hands down one of the best restaurants I have been to everything is homemade made with love proper preparation and just greatness shout out to the cooks

Food and service are amazing! I'm definitely going back! The shrimp tacos and chilaquiles were delicious!

The best authentic Mexican food I've had in all my years in California! Great service and ambience as well.

The Tacos Dorados are amazing. I had the beef, chicken, and potato tacos. Also got birria de rez which I shoulda taken pictures of the tacos but I was too hungry when I came. This was our second time here in two weeks. The also and hot sauce is great too. And the Service was excellent both times. We will be back next week I'm sure!

Among the best Mexican food you will find in East County! Friendly service and Sonoran focused menu. What's not to like.

We had the day off and decided to try this new place, El Culichi.... The food was amazing. We had the Birra de Chivo, the Chicharron, and Menudo. All the food was authentic & the service was excellent. We found our new favorite restaurant.

Saw this place and had to come try the tacos de papa! They did not disappoint. They were delicious- not greasy. Will definitely have to come back to try the Meundo and Pozole

I drive by this place 18x a week for work today I decided to get some food give a try to take home, the second I arrived at this place I absolutely fell in love with the smell the atmosphere and the way they treat you remind me just like back home Sinaloa! The food is so fresh and hand crafted and made omg I just can't believe how good the ingredients are the food the customer service, PS I just got addicted to this place for the rest of my life

El Culichi is our favorite new restaurant! The food is delicious and the servings are generous. I don't agree with the reviews that say the food is pricey - if anything, they may be underpriced! The service is outstanding! Martha, the owner, and Elizabeth, the server, make you feel like you are sitting down for dinner at home enjoying a fantastic meal with your favorite people. Our family highly recommends!

This place is AWESOME. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. We had the chili relleno plate and Birria flautas and definitely the best I've ever had. The service was great, staff were friendly and even the owner came out to talk to us. She's a doll! Cute decor and top notch cleanliness. It's a must to go eat.

Cute new Mexican Restaurant. Food was fresh and service was prompt and attentive. Glad this business just opened up nearby!

Staff was amazing, food was very delicious and portions were good if not a tad bit bigger than regular ones. Owner is super sweet. 10/10 recommend.

As much as I enjoyed the chivo birria, service was mediocre, I asked for explanation and she just read the menu to me.. I also was not impressed that I had to ask for things instead of it being provided or suggested. (Utensils, sauces) food was good until we were tried something that was spoiled and it killed the whole meal. The owner or manager was sweet and apologetic without the accountability. Fair, since most places won't admit guilt, but it wasn't even removed the bill which I was expecting .. but nonetheless I paid without the fuss since I know I won't go back or would really suggest to my family. After reviewing their health department report, it kinda confirmed that the food was possible not stored correcting which is why it tastes sour and spoiled. Ambiance was cute.

The food was absolutely AMAZING! Customer service was great, wait time was perfect and the whole restaurant was so cute and clean! They truly have made this restaurant so perfect and I cannot wait to go back! Amazing job :)!

This might be my new spot in El Cajon. Birria plate was on point. Consomé was a little thick for my taste but it packed plenty of flavor. Waitress is super attentive polite and friendly. Great job with the inside decor and outside sitting area. Will come back to try everything else on the menu.

Great new place worth a visit! This is a small, clean, pleasant Mexican restaurant with about a dozen tables and a small patio. Service was attentive and friendly. The food was great. I got three tacos - goat birria, cabeza, and chicharron. The meat was very flavorful and served with cilantro and onions on corn tortillas with some delicious salsa on the side. The churros for dessert are a must! Freshly made and covered in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with chocolate sauce. I'm definitely coming back!

Charming little place, and the flavors of the birria are still lingering with me, making me wish for more! I had the birria de res and de chivo tacos, and a quesabirria taco. I want to go back soon to try the birriaquiles and get a big bowl of birria de res so i have leftovers to take home

El Culichi is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I've been to - a true hidden gem serving up authentic Sinaloa-style dishes with so much love and flavor. It's family-owned, and you can feel that warmth the moment you walk in. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere feels like you're right at home. I tried the asado mazatleco(which reminds me of my moms cooking) pozole, sopes, birria(to name a few) and the arroz con leche for dessert - and every single bite was incredible. This place is the real deal. If you're looking for traditional Sinaloa cooking that tastes homemade (because it basically is), El Culichi should be at the top of your list. Can't wait to come back!

Pozole: good but not great. Portions were good and it had a nice amount of pork and good spices. Service was great. All of the ladies were hustling and nothing but sweet. Prices were a little too high on just bout everything. Close to Santee and worth the drive. Alpine is not too far; the food is better than up there. The neighborhood is not pretty, but inside the restaurant is an oasis: spotless with a nice vibe. Will be back to try their specialty,birria. Lower the prices a bit and you'll have a hit.

Love this place to go eat authentic Mexican food. Great service. There is something for everyone seafood, meat lovers and for those who like eating breakfast for dinner. Atmosphere is cozy like you eating at your grandmother house.

When I walk in I thought I was in someones home. Nice little spot. There's outside eating. Server was great, she checked on us often. I like that they clean but the smell of pine sol can be over whelming. Now the food. Everything we had was great from my sopes, the chicharrones, quesabirria tacos. Even the chips were good. The salsa can be spicy so taste it first. The only thing I didn't like was the horchata, had a funny after taste. Besides that, you need to try this place out. Very good and affordable prices!

This place is absolutely our new favorite spot. The food is extremely high quality. The ingredients are fresh and the food is all home made to order. The service is excellent. Between the service and the food and the setting it really feels like you've gone home for some of grandmas cooking or something. Can't say enough positive things about this new spot.

One of the best Mexican restaurants I've had in a long time. The service is not the greatest but the food is definitely worth the wait. It's a small business so make sure to give them the love they deserve.

Amazing food and service! We were handed extra tortillas with the full order, and the birria and consome were rich in flavor!

Fabulous food and friendly service, with a welcoming environment. We'll definitely be back!

Attentive and friendly. Great variety of birria to try, had the birriaquiles and a chicharrón taco. Will visit again to try more items on the menu.

que buena campaña de tik tok tuvieron que hasta me la creí! Mucha gente usa la palabra Sinaloa y Culiacan solo para vender, y esto paso aqui! Que decepcion con la comida porque no es su tipica cenaduria sinaloense! Primeramente nomas porque le hechas chorizo a los frijoles no son frijoles puercos! Nunca eh visto que en sinaloa te venden hacientos carnudos! Las enchiladas de una cenaduria no son rojas! Este lugar le falto el sason sinaloense, el consume dejo mucho que desiar! La cabeza de res le falto sabor, aunque le heche 15 chiltepines. Si esperas algo similar a la cabezeria la unica o la cenaduria la escondida en tijuana, asi como yo van a quedar decepcionados! Tienen un mes de abiertos, pero por lo que vi en fotos anteriores, como que tan pronto se les acabo la calidad, la carne sabia a de bote, k los taco shops usan, y los frijoles iguales!

I had the sopes with chivo. They were very bland. They were big but they were meh. Plus the beans tasted like rosarita refried beans. Plus they don't sell beer. Maybe I'll try the agua chile next one but I doubt I will be back.

Great food and service very authentic! Very clean! You can tell this family takes pride in their establishment!

The food was delicious. My taste buds were blessed. I recommend the chilaquiles and the agua chiles. The service was amazing. All the waiters/waitress were very nice with such great manners. I recommend this spot because everyone is super nice, food is delicious, and the service is exquisite. This is definitely a hide out spot.