El Farolito Mexican Restaurant

Great food. We got the tostada shrimp salad and the chicken enchilada plate. They don’t have a parking lot so you have to figure out parking around the neighborhood. Was under construction, I think. Looks like it was a house converted to a restaurant at some point. Been around forever and the food is what making this place last.

Authentic Mexican food. Homemade salsa and chips served at the table. The salsa is not for wimps. We were very happy with the breakfast burrito and beef torta. There is no mild salsa nor sauce option. They have the red Tabasco, and Cholula. The restaurant is located on the corner of a neighborhood. Watch for green curbs and 15 minute parking. The curb where we parked apparently was only a 15 minute spot (green curb was in discernible) and our tire was marked with a sticker. Will definitely be back. Also, on the way out we came across some nostalgia-payphone with a phone book attached!

Since moving to Texas, we haven’t had decent Mexican food, specifically enchiladas. The taste and flavor of the ones we had (cheese & shredded beef) were very good with good flavor. My one and only wish was that they were hotter. While the plate was hot, the inside of the enchiladas were lukewarm warm at best. Normally I ask for them to be extra hot temp wise but I didn’t this time because it’s been years since I’ve had anything that looked this good when they came out. The salsa and guacamole was very good and worth ordering.

On multiple occasions, I was recommended to visit this establishment, and I finally took the plunge. I visited for breakfast on a Tuesday, and the place was quite lively. I ordered the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. The green sauce was so tasty, I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely be coming back.

Shame on the management I'm a senior that was having a horrible experience while eating my chile relleno.This plastic strip was stuck in my throat and had to pull it with my fingers in order to get it out. When I call they were too busy to take my cal. Finally they told me to go to the restaurant . I was very disappointed with the way they handle the issue. What a poor way to dismiss a loyal and long standing customer.

The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. Whether it’s the enchiladas, carne asada, or fresh salsa, everything tastes amazing and true to Mexican flavors.If you’re in the area and craving Mexican food, this is the place to go!

Always a must when coming to Southern California! Parking can be an issue but sooo worth it. There is usually a wait but never very long. The food is sooooo good, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is top notch!!!

Delicious, quality, Mexican food that is extremely well priced with large portions. Laid back atmosphere for all ages. Food comes out fast and service is attentive and quick. Just try not to over eat on chips and salsa before your meal comes. Which is hard because the salad is excellent.

I was in town for a basketball tournament and decided to explore the local food scene -- so glad I stumbled across this hidden gem! First off, the fresh flour tortillas deserve their own spotlight. Hands down some of the best I've ever had from a restaurant. They're not the traditional thin tortillas -- these are slightly thicker, soft, and incredibly flavorful. I'll definitely be ordering a dozen to-go next time. The chicken enchilada plate was equally impressive -- comforting, well-seasoned, and perfectly portioned. I also tried the menudo, and let me just say... absolutely phenomenal. Tender meat, rich broth, and layers of flavor in every bite. Quite possibly the best menudo I've ever had! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the overall vibe was relaxed and inviting -- the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. This spot is the definition of a hidden gem and worth every bite!

WOW!!! My husband said this spot was good, but I wasn't ready for how good! From the outside, it looks small, like a hole-in-the-wall type of place. You wouldn't think anything of it, looking at the outside. Even inside, it's nothing fancy. Very casual place. Not very big. Boy was it PACKED though. People love this place! I guess if you live in the area, then you know about El Farolito. It's a local favorite. It is now one of my favorites too lol I had the best cheese enchilada plate here! It was super cheesy and comes with rice and beans. The plate was big! I loved it. Ate every bite. I also wanted to try the potato taco. That was just alright. I'd skip that next time. The enchiladas are where it's at!!! My husband got the Chile relleno plate and scarfed it all. Yeah, this place blew my mind. It's great Mexican food! Service was good too. They make the food so fast.

This place has been around since the 70's . The food is great and the service there is always excellent. This is the place for good Mexican food. Enjoy a great meal here. The menudo on the weekend is amazing. Enjoy.

I would go here every weekend for breakfast. I went back for dinner after 4 ish years. The food as always is VERY good. But the service was not so good. The server was very rude. I am truly very disappointed and upset to have not just me but my friend who I saw after 4 years get the same service. She dropped the bill and started chatting about our table to another customer. Hope she know people are bilingual and understand Spanish Not sure if I will be going back cause of one rude server.

This restaurant is such a staple for Old Town Placentia. It gets really busy on week nights for happy hour and on weekends. Make sure to try to come at a non peak time or else you will be waiting. But trust me, it is well worth the wait. Also, parking is a bit hectic so you may need to drive around a couple times or just find something on the street, even if you have to walk. Every time I have ate here, the staff is great and loves serving. It is family owned so I feel thats why they have so much heart. The restaurant isn't too big but definitely gives off an authentic experience. As for the food, it is amazing. I have tried their sopes, tacos durados, enchiladas, and taquitos. Everything is well made and there is so much flavor. I love the way they make their rice and beans too, very authentic. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the area where you can find authentic Mexican food. If you are celebrating something, going on a date night, or hitting up happy hour with friends, I definitely recommend this place. You're welcome in advance.

I've been coming to El Farolito for nearly 30 years (yes we are old but we stay cute) so by now this place isn't just a restaurant, it's a staple in my life. Through every trendy restaurant and social media frenzy, El Farolito has remained undefeated. I've yet to find another Mexican restaurant that could come close to replacing it in my heart (and trust me, I'VE TRIED. My go to's have been the huevos rancheros, machaca de carnitas, and the enchiladas rancheras, which are my forever favorite. Also can't beat complimentary chips and salsa, which is always not too spicy. What I love most is the consistency. El Farolito has always felt like home -- comforting, warm, and never trying too hard because it doesn't have to. The food speaks for itself. The prices may change because thanks inflation, but that feeling of coming back doesn't

On multiple occasions, I was recommended to visit this establishment, and I finally took the plunge. I visited for breakfast on a Tuesday, and the place was quite lively. I ordered the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. The green sauce was so tasty, I couldn't stop eating! I will definitely be coming back.

Always consistently good every time we come here. The food is always good and the service is outstanding. We love coming here for authentic Mexican food. Papas plate is our go to with chicken enchiladas in red sauce. It's the best red sauce you will ever eat. They are under construction with the expansion so they no longer have that outside seating where it was a parking lot. The outside looks beautiful so I don't know how long it will take for them to open that side up. They still have a lot of seating without that portion of the restaurant. Definitely our favorite place to eat when we drive down to OC.

The food and service here are amazing! It's now my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Prices are fair too.

今天應該是來吃老一家墨西哥平民有名的名店， 2000多個review,我們四點多去的時候餐廳還是滿的，五點多的時候走出來外面已經有20個人在排隊了，對我而言每盤菜長的都一模一樣，因為旁邊都是飯跟豆子，但說實話朋友點給我的蝦子蠻好吃的，後來旁邊的那個豬肉也很好吃，他們的米飯跟豆子也非常順口，聽說這樣子就是非常好吃的墨西哥菜，我想還有一個很重要的原因，東西好吃，價格又非常的平民，所以生意會好是一定的

BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN TOWN! We live right next to farolito jr in Anaheim but haven't checked it out - wanted to try out the original location first. And I can say, it did not disappoint. Hubby and I came on a weekday for lunch around 11:30 am and there was already a 5-10 minute wait. We started with some complimentary chips and salsa and my hubby said it was the best chips and salsa he's ever had. The salsa was actually spicy and the chips seemed homemade. He ordered the lunch special pollo con arroz while I got the 2-item plate tostada asada and chicken enchilada. Our first bite of that pollo con arroz... our eyes were wide open, shocked at how delicious it was. That, with the warm handmade flour tortillas... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Oh and the two entrees fed us both for lunch, and dinner for us and our kiddos. It was a lot of food! And, all for like $32 or so? $40 including tip! My husband and I both keep talking about how we want to go back. I'm sure we'll find a reason to come back soon!

Came here with a friend and I won't lie I wasn't sure before coming here when i looked at the menu and all the pictures. But honestly it was so good. I got the arroz con pollo and it was so flavorful. The rice was delicious and so soft and went perfectly with the chicken. I got it with the flour tortillas that were definitely handmade. The salsa that they have for the table was also so light and fresh with a small kick to it too. service was super quick and friendly. we waiting 5 minutes for a table and our server was attentive. will definitely be returning!

This place is hands-down the best Mexican food we've ever had--absolutely worth the drive from San Diego every time! The flavors are authentic, bold, and unforgettable. Every dish we've tried has been perfectly prepared and packed with taste--from the tacos and enchiladas to the fresh guac and house salsas. The service is top-notch--friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell they care about every guest. It's rare to find a place where both the food and the experience are this good. We've eaten at plenty of places across Southern California, and this one still comes out on top. If you're looking for incredible Mexican food that's worth the trip, this is it. Can't wait to come back!!!

Best salsa, beans, rice, chile relleno burrito, enchiladas, everything. Service is great and wonderful women cooks making your food, not like most restaurants where you're afraid to eat the food once you see who is doing the cooking! No heartburn, real authentic Mexican food at its best!

In town for work and went to lunch. Found this little gem Short wait to get table but that's always a good sign right. I had the mama's combo. Taco and enchilada. Delicious. And their salsa best I've ever had

Super down home Mexican food. All fresh and homemade like an abuelita is cooking. Warm chips. Sweet helpful server, fast service. We enjoyed our lunch very much. We got there early and did not wait. Guacamole, enchiladas, chile rellenos, rice, beans, hard shell tacos... Totally delicious. Price point is exellent for the amount of food and quality. Breakfast sounds divine too! Looks like they're expanding, currently located in a smaller, casual space that is bustling inside. Can't wait to return- a gem!

Reddit was right--El Farolito serves the best Mexican food in OC! There's a reason this place is always buzzing: the food is simply incredible. It's classic, no-frills Mexican cuisine done right, with generous portions that will leave you full and satisfied. Plus, the complimentary chips and salsa are a great. I always go for the enchiladas and a taco, while my husband swears by the carne asada plate--you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming vibe, and while the line can be long, the wait is never too bad. Service is friendly and efficient, making the whole experience even better. Definitely a must-visit!

We've been here once before on the recommendation of my uncle. Such a great recommendation. We were in the area once again and stopped in for a quick lunch. I ordered a burrito and my husband had breakfast enchiladas. Everything was so good. I took home a major portion of my burrito because the serving is so large. My son ate my leftovers and loved it. My husband said his plate of food was fantastic. The restaurant doesn't really look like a restaurant from the outside. It looks like a house and inside, it feels like you're sitting in someone's house, being served excellent Mexican food. The service was attentive and friendly. It was really an amazing dining experience.

This is the quintessential Mexican food restaurant and it was amazing!!! We came at 230p and sat down immediately, though this place is reportedly busy and can lines out the door. Chips were fresh out of the fryer and the salsa was incredible. Service was polite and quick. I had the carne asada plate and I loved every bite. Even their rice and beans were phenomenal. My wife had the chile relleno and cheese tamale and I was blown away by her food as well. I love places like El Farolito that leave no stone unturned when it comes to flavor and quality. This must be considered one of the best Mexican food restaurants in all of SoCal. Thanks Yelpers for helping me find this gem. I will be making the trek out here for more visits!!

We parked on the street. A little tricky for a Friday night. There is parking up the street too. Remember, you are in a neighborhood. We were there a little later...about 90 minutes before closing. People were still coming in and others were waiting outside. Took a reasonable amount of time to get a table for 5. It was super busy. Every table was taken! They pack people in too. The waiters were focused to assure good service. We ordered 2 pitchers of margaritas. Good move! I dont know how all the waitstaff kept up but they did. It did mean that we had to wait to get refills. Ordering the multiple pitchers really helped! The food was really, really good. I have to say that I didn't expect it. I guess that is why it was so packed in there. The bill was extremely reasonable too. It was so worth it. If you are looking for good food and great margaritas, come to this place.

We've been coming here since at least the 1980s and for good reason! The atmosphere is always welcoming, like a family get-together. The food is consistently amazing, and the service is always friendly. Today was no exception! See you soon & thank you!

Best Taquitos, rice , beans & Margaritas!!! great place to take family, friends and work place employees!

Classic Mexican food at affordable prices. This place has been here forever and it's lasted for a reason. Everything here has been excellent. Even their drinks are good. Highly recommend!

This review is long overdue! I've been coming to El Farolito since I was a little girl. Growing up in North OC, everyone knew about El Farolito--it's the go-to spot for the best authentic Mexican food. My personal favorites are the carne asada plate and, when in season, their pork tamales. The rice and beans are truly unforgettable. Now that I live in South OC, my husband (who also grew up eating here) and I happily make the 45-minute drive just to enjoy a meal. We've brought countless friends who love Mexican food, and it has never disappointed. El Farolito isn't just a restaurant to us--it's a part of our lives.

i've been here for breakfast and lunch, and their breakfast service seems better. for lunch, the rice and beans seemed stale. but their breakfast is delicious! they have so many options to choose from, and they bring out the food super fast.

Locals love this place... why? Because it is good, duh. Not only that, the service is always on point and the food is freakin delicious. Don't expect to find frills and over the top meals here. Just good ol' authentic Mexican food that always hits the spot. Definitely a cozy little spot to meet up with friends or do a family night out. FYI, parking can be tough because it's street parking and the wait can be long because of how busy it gets! It is THAT good.

Awesome Mexican food! The beans and rice were honestly better than any I've had back home in Arizona--perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. The carne asada was hands down the best I've ever tasted (and trust me, I've had plenty over the years!). It was juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. The staff was incredibly welcoming and provided outstanding customer service from the moment we walked in. You can really feel the pride they take in both the food and the experience. This is my aunt and uncle's go-to spot for Mexican food, and after this visit, I completely understand why. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual meal or gathering with family and friends. I will definitely be coming back again--already looking forward to trying more of the menu!

This was the perfect lunch spot. They were super quick to seat us. And the server was very attentive. The food came out soon after ordering so if you are in a rush you shouldn't have an issue. The food was very flavorful. The chips and salsa were delicious with a little kick too. Definitely worth a stop.

chips - good, but they charge you $1.99 for a second basket. Salsa - good and spicy. Chili con carne - get it Refried beans - really good Nachos - very good, but big enough to share w/ 4 people as an app. If you get the much smaller size, it's only $2 less. Just get the bigger size. I like it with the beans on the side. Enchilada verde carnitas - get it, the green sauce is so good Burrito special - get it 1/2 green sauce and 1/2 red sauce - good Carne asada - skip it Beef taquitos - skip it Rice - decent Tostada - ok Chili relleno - skip it Chicken enchilada - skip it Crispy ground beef taco - skip it Margarita - decent Menudo - skip it

BF and I decided to go out for dinner. This place has been a long time neighborhood go-to spot for Mexican for him and his kids. There's usually a long wait for table, but boy! Was it worth it! I ordered their special burrito with shredded beef and added rice and guacamole and red salsa. Man oh Man! That was bomb! It was a lot of food and I couldn't finish it all. It was like comfort food and boy, if I could snuggle up with it in comfort, I would. I would definitely go again.

Nice family run spot, great for a date night or family meal. They do not skimp out on portions, I'd say plates are even shareable if you have a small appetite. I'm always taking to-go to finish off later! They also do good margaritas here. This place takes the top of my list for Mexican restaurants.

Great portions and extensive menu. Great value for drinks. We came early and place was packed. This is probably why they have two parking lots. Chips and salsa are homemade. Margaritas ate big. Nice homie vibe. Love the Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima. Staff is quick. Everything is really clean. Bring your family to catch up. Or bring your friends for drinks. I got the shrimp tostada and it was full of shrimps! My little girl wished the chilaquiles had crispy chips. Otherwise such a win!

This is a family owned, quaint restaurant in Placentia. Parking was a bit of a challenge but that may prove to be true during peak hours. We were there for lunch and we all ordered a taco salad. The shell was a bit greasy but the actual salad tasted delicious. It didn't have any "wow" factor of being different from another similar restaurant. Pricing was moderate. There was no salsa for the taco salad, so you will need to pay additional for some on the side.

Even though Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen, it doesn't mean the majority of them are actually good. From hole-in-the-walls to bougie ones it still comes down the taste. Let me start by saying this place was busy on a Sunday night. Of course I don't want to wait in line, but it's a good sign people are flocking to this site. Once you walk in and put your name down on the list you'll see and smell the plates of food and I dare you not to start drooling. Food comes fast out of the kitchen and often. It's a well-oiled machine. Once we were seated the menu had options, but I'm always drawn towards large burritos. Now the litmus test for all Mexican places is the chips and salsa. You ruin that and it's all downhill from there. I'm happy to say the house salsa and chips were a hit. A hint of spice and warm chips always do it for me. They even had a hotter salsa, but in my option the house one was both spicer and better tasting. Now the burritos are generous and the prices these days are more than fair! I ordered the special because I love pork. The next time I'll try the salad burrito. Beyond the food and speed of service it's the details that push this one over the top: uniform help, asking how you like your food & anticipating needs (refills on chips and drinks) shows attentiveness to customers. There's something to be said about places that have been around 50+ years. That means you're doing something right. There's also not a whole lot on this street so THIS is the destination people are going to. I love an old school, non-chain, family owned eatery. This is not that close to me, but more than worth the drive. I'll be back soon and you should try it too (just not the same time as me )

The owner was very nice, went around to several tables to check in on his patrons. The beans... OMG. I was raised on authentic mexican food de Jalisco And let me tell you... the moment the beans entered my mouth, it nearly brought me to tears... it's the closest thing I've had in nearly 30!years... since I lost my Abuelita. The frijoles alone to me... are worth the three hour ONE WAY drive. Oh, I'll be back. With a cooler... and I'll be ordering a bunch to go! THAT is how amazing the refried beans are!!! And the chiliqulles chefs kiss!! Menudo... BOMB... everything was spectacular... but the beans and the service were the best thing here

Since I was very young, my papa Bud Steffen has brought me to El Farolito as our go-to Mexican spot. Now that he has passed on, I come here to enjoy food we enjoyed together. The service is always good, even when busy they always are happy to answer my questions and help with whatever I need. Sometimes it can be a bit loud or busy but I'd rather eat delicious food in a busy environment than mediocre food somewhere slow and quiet. Thank you for making food that transports me back to being a kid, and back to a time when my Papa was still with me. I can almost hear him joking around and talking with everyone whenever I come in to eat.

Been coming here consistently my entire 20s and half my 30s so when it was my choice to pick a dinner spot for a night out with friends, I chose this place. They asked me why and I said because I felt like Mexican food and I love this place. As always, there's a wait. By wait, I mean, there's a line out there door, seating and heat lamps alongside the building, but service is fast and efficient so it's not a hard wait. I rarely get cocktails because I want to enjoy all the food but I was just so happy to hear so I ordered a michelada. Delicious! A must! Chicken flautas are my fave! Can't wait to go back!

El Farolito is as authentic as it gets. Each time I've visited here over the last year, I leave feeling full, warm, and happy that I get a bang for a buck here! The customer service is top notch, and they quote accurate wait times when it's a busy period. Also so happy that they are going to extend out and build their patio area for more seating this fall. Definitely parts of the restaurant that are dated, but also some newer additions and areas to the restaurant that is new and modern. Food notes so far; Tamale is 3/5. I love their hard taco and flautas!

Uevos rancheros with green salsa and cinnamon coffee is the BEST. The chips are homemade and quite delicious. Service is excellent and the ambiance is busy and quaint. Saturdays and Sundays are most crowded. During the week, the pace is slower and more to my liking.

This place appears to get pretty busy as there is a sign in the restaurant that mentions eating for a maximum of 90 minutes. The parking lot is really tiny so count yourself lucky if you actually get a spot. Otherwise, you'd have to park on the street. They offer fresh chips which is always a plus with some salsa. I ordered the steak picado dish which was decent and a pretty hefty portion. The restaurant is reminiscent of a hole in the wall that has been there for quite some time.

El Farolito is one my few 5 Star deserving resraurants. The service food and ambiance is all there. I could eat here every day. They are expanding at the moment. The Menu posted in my photos is from my visit January 2025

Always crowded, slow service and fatty greasy food. Leaves a weight in my gut after eating there. El Cantariro is better

Hostess = $ of $$$$$ Tech-Enabled = $ of $$$$$ Service = $$$ of $$$$$ Deliciousness = $$$ of $$$$$ Cleanliness = $$ of $$$$$ Ambiance = $ of $$$$$ The hostess had no idea how to estimate seating time. First it was 30 minutes, then 30 minutes later we were told it'd be another 40 minutes. Owner Dudes, you need to get tech to enable your restaurant operations. You shouldn't rely on human error to determine ETAs... it will only frustrate your patrons. Once we got in, our party of nine was squeezed into separate tables. Definitely not ideal, but we were hungry. So many people on a Saturday night over the holidays...they should've expected and planned better for it. The food was decent when it finally came. Cheesy, greasy, spicy -- what you want in a Mexican restaurant. Aguas frescas were good. Don't come on Fridays or the weekend -- you'll avoid a slow and frustrating experience. Farolito is much better Monday-Thursday. Avoid getting sick like we did -- too many stuffed into a small space, and you know some folks don't care when they're coughing/sneezing everywhere. Do a better job of actually disinfecting the menus versus using a wet rag to spread germs everywhere. And please train your workers to wash their hands. A cook or someone who works there went into the women's restroom, used a stall, then didn't bother washing her hands. We should've left there and then and perhaps avoided the week long Covid we contracted. Don't know if I'll be back.

Always delicious and great service! You can never go wrong with anything you order here.

I've been to el Farolito a few times already, and have always loved the food they served. It's been a couple years since we visited, and this time we came back for brunch. After completing our meal, I was reminded why I truly enjoyed El Farolito. Their dishes continue to shine, and brunch was no exception. Everything was well seasoned, perfectly cooked, and we were welcomed as if we were guests coming into their home. I will always recommend my friends and family to have a seat at their table!

We tried to go to Rudy's for breakfast one lovely Monday when we were off work, but alas Rudy's isn't open on Mondays. So where can we get a decent breakfast burrito? It was a question for Yelp. El Farolito has a great breakfast menu so we decided to try it out. I had Huevos Rancheros Divorciados which I asked for egg whites scrambled atop a fried tortilla, with red sauce on one side and green sauce on the other. It came with rice, beans and a side of tortillas, YUM! Next time I'll want to try the Breakfast Enchiladas which is two chicken enchiladas topped with two eggs and a side of rice/beans. Service was great and the coffee has cinnamon in it......we'll be back!

The food is great the service is very good. For some reason th price have gone up exponentially. It used to be affordable, not so much any more.

Standard comfort Mexican food. Awesome rice and beans. Food is pretty standard. Price is extremely reasonable. Some place that I would go to regularly. It's not the best tasting Mexican food, but it's pretty darn good. Service is standard, just like a diner. Service: 3/5 stars Food: 4/5 stars

True treasure that's worth waiting for! If you arrive during "the dinner hour" be prepared to wait for a table. There's a reason why they have chairs lining the sidewalk; the ambiance is homey, the food is outstanding.