El Norteño

Whenever I’m craving authentic Mexican food, this family-owned gem never disappoints. I’ve been coming here for years, and it always hits the spot. The food is flavorful, portions are generous, and you can taste the love in every bite. Their green chili burrito, enchilada style with rice and beans, is my go-to comfort dish—pure perfection. The carne asada fries are loaded and packed with flavor, and their chips with salsa are fresh and satisfying. Everything is made with care, just like home cooking. They offer great weekly specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the atmosphere is very family-oriented. Seating is limited outside, so I typically call ahead, pick up, and enjoy it at home. Super convenient and always consistent. Don’t forget to check out the menu, I’ve added it to this review for anyone curious. Highly recommend supporting this spot. Local, authentic, and delicious!

My work has Taco Tuesday on Thursday where everyone gets a taco or two. They get them from El Norteno amd they are amazing! So much so that I had to treat myself to dinner there myself one Friday! I got two beef and two chicken tacos, a green chili burrito, and a pint if their salsa. Their salsa is amazing as well! I highly recommend this place for a quick bite. Just know that they only take cash.

Always quick and easy. Fresh. Never stingy or lacking anything. I always call in the order and their pricing is excellent for lunch specials with drink. Our office loves Nortenos Cash only Order ahead for no wait time. Jesus loves you!

Not exactly cheap for a hole-in-the-wall takeout spot, but the portions are big so it kinda balances out. It’s right on a busy intersection, so if you sit outside, just know it can get pretty noisy with traffic. The menu is simple and has pictures, which makes ordering super easy. I both got machaca and it was really tasty—definitely the highlight. Would come back if I’m in the area and craving something hearty.

This place is new to me. Found on google. The price was good actually I was impressed. However cash only at this place which sucks but they do offer an atm on site if u need one. I ordered the red chile burrito it was delicious if I had to make a comment I think something went slightly wrong I could taste a bit of like a steam flavor not sure if it came from when they boiled the meat or the water they used? Anyway it wasn’t enough to ruin it in anyway foood was awesome. I need to let em know before the cashier was rude as hell young lady was mumbling and rolling her eyes and using her cell phone the whole time this Kinda ruined our 1st time experience. We were greeted by a nice lady at first but the younger lady helped us cash out was rude idk if I’ll go back. Rather take my business elsewhere.

This restaurant it's mostly a pick-up food to-go. They do have outdoor seating but no fans or coolers. It's not the safest place to be at night. The food was delicious and the service was excellent.

Had an awesome bran and cheese burrito and chips and salsa. They really nice you a lot chips even for the small size. The bean and cheese really hit the spot and great size. Definitely have to co.e back and try the other burritos.

The food was great! Loved the chilaquiles and breakfast burritos. There was so much food, so make sure you come hungry.

Been going here for over 40 years Best food and great service Hot sauce is so good it's like a ceremonial tradition Cash only and can be busy at times Best to take away and eat elsewhere as the out door patio can be HOT

I love this place and tend to get hooked on a particular meal and only order that for a time. My favorite current meal is a bean tostada and two beef tacos. I know you're prolly looking at my plate and are thinking, you order lettuce and cheese? There's some beans and meat in there! Lol, I LOVE the amount of lettuce and cheese they use though. If some falls off, I just pile it back up!! My current meal is my fav because it fills me up and doesn't make me feel heavy after. Plus with all the lettuce, it's practically a salad!! With the holidays I've been going about once a week, always quick and friendly service!

This is a great Mexican to go restaurant on the NW corner of Roosevelt and 7th Ave. They only take cash, so be prepared for that. I walked inside to look at the menu and order. I was greeted quickly. I decided to try the Chile Relleno burrito because I saw another Yelp review that recommended it. Paid and went outside to wait. A couple of minutes later my number was called, I took my burrito and left. Their Chile Relleno burrito is basically a bean and cheese burrito with a chile relleno inside. It is very good as the chile relleno adds a mild amount of heat and texture. I recommend it. This was a great experience and I will be back.

Tried this spot for the first time the other day...absolutely delicious. Better than some sit down restaurants I've had. I had chicken and beef crispy tacos. Tasty. The meat in both wasn't dry like a lot of places. The salsa is really good. Has a good kick. The cheese enchiladas are amazing. The sauce for the enchiladas is flavorful with some spice and the cheese they use is really good. I can't wait to go back.

Quick service and the bean and cheese burritos are one of my favorites. Also love that this place hasn't changed in the over 20 years I've been going.

Not exactly cheap for a hole-in-the-wall takeout spot, but the portions are big so it kinda balances out. It's right on a busy intersection, so if you sit outside, just know it can get pretty noisy with traffic. The menu is simple and has pictures, which makes ordering super easy. We got machaca with our order and it was really tasty--definitely the highlight. Would come back if I'm in the area and craving something hearty.

This place is a classic. The chile relleno burrito is the best I've ever had. And the chilaquiles is unusually good. Sometimes I get a wild craving out of nowhere specifically for that dish. Machaca is also super good. The red and green chile are solid but not the best, and I'd skip the carne asada. Need to try the Mexican pizza. The menu is huge. Cash only which is annoying but there's a circle k across the street. Oh, and the salsa. So good. Not too spicy but a great black pepper flavor. Get extra.

This place has been around since I was a little girl. My family and I used to come here all the time. The food has been consistently good and always affordable. Some of the best, authentic, Mexican food you'll find in Arizona. It's always cooked to perfection and always so yummy. You get a lot of food for your money. They take cash only but also have an ATM for convenience of getting cash as well as circle k across the street. The parking lot is a little small but it's never packed to where you can't park. At night time there are homeless in the area so you keep your eyes open but the people who work here are so nice. They also have benches in front to sit and wait or sit and eat.

I have been coming to this location over 20 years. My go to is chiliquiles.I heard the green chile burritos are a must have.I 100% of the time get red chile burritos. So I ordered both... hands down green chile was better. I am now a fan of green chile burritos.

I have been coming here for YEARS . But on Thursday 09- 11-25 ,. I was NOT expecting to pay 1 Plain Cheese Crisp $7.50 .. It's a Cheese Crisp !!!!!!!!! not a combo meal .. Never again

Great food, super nice employees, quick service. Had the ground beef soft/corn tacos with side of rice, huge portions and very tasty. There's a covered patio or take out. Cash only.

El Norteño is a solid spot to grab a cheap meal any time of day. The restaurant offers cheap specials ranging from $6.99 to $8.50. The specials depend on what day you come as some days the lunch special is a burro and other days it is a tostada or beef tacos. The rest of the menu has over twenty options so there is definitely something for everyone here. Be sure to bring cash as this restaurant doesn't accept cards. Also, there is an ATM in the covered seating area. The parking lot wraps around the building and has ways to get in from either Roosevelt or 7th. I'd recommend this place if you are looking to take your food to go but the small covered seating area is also an option. It is covered but does not have any AC so I wouldn't recommend it in the heat of the summer. Still, this is a good spot to get a lot of value out of your pocket.

Small place located on the corner of 7th Ave and Roosevelt. There is a tiny area for you to go in and place your order. They have a small sitting area outside. It's a CASH ONLY place. We stopped to order some green chili burros, red chili burros and a chili fries with meat and waited around 15-20 minutes for our order. The burros and fries were very flavorful but the meat was very fatty and made chewing unpleasant.

I have loved their machaca tacos for decades. Last night my chili relleno meal was divine. However, my husband's cheese enchiladas were so spicy they were barely edible. The sauce was on the beans too so that was a disappointment since he loves beans and rice. Mine weren't so I thougt he was crazy until I tasted them and my mouth was on fire after one bite. Usually cheese enchiladas are the most mild item on a menu. So he'll go back to the machaca tacos and we'll be more wary of the heat factor.

Yeah, you're going into a shady shack. Guess what? The more you fear, the better it tastes. That's exactly what happened here. Their $12 burritos are wonderful. It's a street taco that went inside. However, the $10 lunch specials are insane. A drink and meal is wild. The amount was ludicrous, too! I was eating for 2. Really a great value and flavor. The hatch chile is always a hit.

Food was delicious well seasoned generous portions size and generous with condiments good service i got my food hot and quick

A lot of people like this place because of the lunch specials but I'm not a huge fan. It's cash only and the circle k doesn't give cash back. They have an ATM onsite but the fees are atrocious. As for the food, the beans are bland. The green chili was good but I've had better. All in all, it's not a place I want to go out of my way to eat at. Especially when there's better options.

Good typical Sonoran style Mexican food, fast food service... the place is located on the corner of 7th Avenue and Roosevelt very busy intersection noisy has outdoor seating. I would recommend this place on the go for takeout only.

Place was really good. Cash only, authentic as can be with Mexican food. It must mean something if they can stay open for this long.- with the portions being huge too.

Food is great service and price is just right and a chill outdoor seating giving a very Phoenix vibe Definitely recommend if you're looking for a breakfast burrito

The original downtown mexican spot. Delicious each and everytime. I love the consistency in the food tasting and quality. 10/10

Best Mexican food in AZ very good ! Will be back and they give great portions doesn't disappoint

Quick service, hot food, decent portions and very authentically delicious. Ask for their red salsa to top off every menu item; it pairs perfectly with their food & made fresh daily. As of November they also sell Horchata, Jamaica and Lemonada aside from their daily soda machine. This place does have starving pigeons hanging around but anyone can eat in the gated outdoor space to be unburdened. One things for sure- they aren't stingy with their meats in the tacos. I had #10 today and I was pleasantly satisfied.

I wanted so badly to give El Norteño five stars, but after having their machaca chimiganga, I got the worst stomachache of my thirty-three years of life. I sounded like I was in labor from the pain. The food was authentic, but I'm sadly questioning the cleanliness. Their chicken taco and beef tacos were delicious and piled high with ingredients. If you still do want to go, know that they are cash only, and have no bathrooms or dine-in.

That are always helpful and have daily breakfast lunch and dinner special! If you like spicy try the Red Chile Burrito Enchilada Style... it has a bite to it!

This is the best Mexican restaurant in Phoenix. I applaud this business for being cash only and not falling to the pressure of all these pay apps and credit card processing companies that will blead you dry with fees. I have patronized this restaurant for 30 plus years (I used to work near them), and now I drive 12 miles out of my way for their Monday green chili burrito special. that is well worth the current price of about $8. Give them try, and you will truly be supporting a small local business !!!!!

I love it. Best Mexican food around. Prices are excellent, portions are well worth the price. Will definitely be ordering from there soon!

Had the machaca plate, it was ok. I would come back to try something else. Nice staff and chill place to eat. Good size parking lot.

Great prices and great food, machaca burrito is AMAZING. Cash only .... Don't forget. They are super quick at getting food out.

Tamales were dry...red sauce flavorless...expected more due to the hype... price ms were great though...

Quick stop at El Norteño was an epic stop! I believe it was cash only, but there's a Circle K right across the street. The wait wasn't bad and the lady taking orders was super patient while I looked over the menu! Everything was packing flavor and the serving size was mega (and for me that just means dinner and left overs!)!! Also, it's a pick up window, but the area around isn't bad at all and it's well lit! Cheers!

I decided to try this place because Irma's Kitchen was closed for the holiday, and I had heard good things about the food. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. I waited over 20 minutes in the "Order Here" line, only to realize that many people were bypassing it and ordering directly at the "Pick Up Here" window. Confused, I switched lines and tried to explain the situation to the staff. Instead of offering any clarity or help, they were dismissive and rude. The whole ordering process felt chaotic and disorganized, which overshadowed any excitement I had about trying their food. If you're looking for a smooth and enjoyable experience, I'd recommend Irma's Kitchen or Old Azteca place south of Roosevelt and 7ave instead. This place might have decent food, but the disarray and poor customer service make it hard to justify the hassle. Id give them 0 stars, but yelp forces you to give them one.

I came here on my lunch break, I believe I had been here before but many many years ago. I ordered the red grande burro, they are not playing with the grande it's pretty big. It was delicious and no way I could even finish it. There is seating outside but not many tables seems more of a take your order to go, it stays pretty busy but the staff was friendly and seemed to move the line along pretty quickly. I'd definitely pop back in if I was in the area.

CASH ONLY restaurant with delicious Mexican food. A lot of the downtown employees converge on this location for some good'ol northern style Comfort Mexican food with a hint of Tex Mex. It's a walk up style spot with a few covered benches outside. I would argue their staple dish is the red chili Burrito enchilada style or the green one. The sauce is medium spicy but delicious. Make sure to catch their lunch specials. It's busy, but the wait isn't too bad. Happy to be a patron of a family owned local restaurant open since 1981! Definitely stop by for take out from their vast menu options.

This place is no frills and just delicious. I ordered the #12, which came with an enchilada,taco and beans. My total with tax was $11.40 . When I got my food they had also either on purpose or accidentally also gave me a tostada as well. I was so uncomfortably full at the end because I couldn't stop eating. It was fresh and flavorful but nothing over the top. Just good home cooked Mexican food that they are proud of and have mastered. It comes with this delicious peppery hot salsa on the side. You need a little bit of that in each bite and it's perfect. I finished the meal off with a caramel churro. It was a little over done but nonetheless delicious. The family/employees were extremely kind. I ate outside in the gated patio area. It is a little unnerving as there is a pretty large homeless population that move between that side of the street and the other side at the circle k gas station. I love the food and vibe of this place. It is so well priced and delicious; please give them a try and your business!

This particular Mexican Food is prepared with an exquisite spicey blend with every selection on their menu!! I have tried too many mex-restaurants coming away with bland food ! My family has hired this restaurant for many many events and have never been disappointed

One of the best Mexican food spots on earth(yes earth). Fast service and some the fairest pricing of any restaurant of any cuisine. My favorite chilaquiles ever made. Cash only. Indoor/outdoor dining.

Please don't waste your money like I did $30. The food is horrible the beans have a weird taste, the chicken in the enchiladas was very dry and no flavor, I ordered a Gorditas and was given a Sopa, they should really be embarrassed I've had better food at Filabertos. I had to throw away $30 worth of horrible food.

Food is super bland no flavor I got the lunch special taco and the carna asada buritto and I was not a fan of either one I will not be back here

This little restaurant puts out some of the best Mexican food and their catering is really good. Love everything and the daily specials are a great deal. No indoor seating but a nice patio when the weather is good or just pickup and take home.

Soooooo good!!! Very fair prices, comes out fast and steaming hot, perfect spice level and seasoning. Also has a cute little outdoor spot to eat your food at. Love it here and will definitely come again!

Chimichanga not what I expected. Chicken cooked very well not dry full of flavor. Green chile, tomato, onion. The shell of the chimichanga was crisp right. The sauce for me missed the mark. It lacked flavor. Spanish rice. Was really good. Has great Spanish flavors and I love the added black pepper. Giving it a peppery flavor. Rice was fluffy and cooked perfectly. Beans was good. Had a few hard pieces. It had the traditional flavors of Mexican retried beans. Red salsa. This hot sauce is something special. I can't really describe it. What is it??? I sit and question, as I keep taking dipping my spoon in and tasting it. I want this sauce.... on everything.

If you like good Mexican food from walk-up, cash-only corner joints, then this is your place. The tacos were crunchy, tasty and stuffed full of goodness. You might be waiting for your order in the Phoenix summer heat, so keep that in mind. But everything is really good!

Food, Service, Service all excellent... in my opinion definitely the best Mexican (take-out) food in Phoenix! You will not be disappointed.

O this place is GOOD'T!!!! Highly recommend the Mexican pizza to share. It's huge! This would be the place to go for a quick lunch or to go

I love this place! I will admit sometimes it's a bit too salty but the flavors are there! I don't come here to be healthy anyway lol. I love how they drench their burritos in sauce. They add the perfect amount of sour scream!! Their hot sauce on the side is also so good! I definitely want to try different things on their menu! This place is cash only! I liked it better when this place used circular foil plates but it looks like they use regular square plastic plates now. I will continue to come back. I also wish they would renovate the outside of their restaurant and make it more inviting. Either way this place will always be a gem in the city of Phoenix!

This place has the prices of pre-pandemic Mexican food. Not only is it affordable but the food is excellent too. The outdoor seating and pickup window also adds a certain charm.

It's no wonder El Norteño has been in business for over 40 years. I am still thinking about the food months later. It's that good. El Norteño is absolutely a hole in the wall establishment. It is cash only, but there is an ATM available on site. I do not know if the ATM charges extra fees though, so it's probably best to bring cash ahead of time. There is a small lot for parking. We had no issues securing a spot. Even at off hours, there were still customers. Seating is all outdoors, but there is a small roofed section you can access to stay out of the sun. A party of four is the max amount you would want to take here if you want to be able to eat comfortably all together at the same table. All the tables and chairs are not adjustable. We got the carne asada fries for dining on site. It comes topped with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and onion. We opted for the red salsa due to rave reviews. Normally we prefer green, but their red salsa is absolutely worth trying. The carne asada was also incredible. It was so smoky and flavorful. It is the best carne asada I have gotten to try to date in Arizona. The amount was enough to satisfy my partner and me. The cashier was so thoughtful too. She noticed that my partner and I would be sharing, so she included two sets of utensils for us without us having to ask. To go for the next day, we got the #3 red chile bowl. It was so good even reheated next day! I am so picky about my beans, but El Norteño's is great. The meat again was so flavorful and smoky. The red chile does have a bit of a kick, so if you are sensitive to spicy foods, keep this in mind. I am sensitive, but was willing to power through it because it was so tasty. I would say the meat definitely makes the food here worth it. Someone in our party got a cheese enchilada only and really regretted not getting any meat. Portion sizes are also very generous. One order is definitely enough for two meals or for one very hungry person. I am so excited to get El Norteño again! Their food really has been living rent free in my head ever since I tried it.

Love this place, food is always freshly made and delicious. They deserve higher than 5 stars!