El Chinaco Restaurant
Restaurant
$$
4.2
(565)
El Chinaco Restaurant is a beloved spot for those seeking authentic Salvadoran cuisine, particularly its renowned pupusas. The restaurant atmosphere is generally welcoming and cozy, though experiences may vary when it comes to service. Many customers appreciate the fresh preparation of the food and the generous portion sizes, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (949) 722-8632
Address: 560 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Opening hours
Photo gallery
Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" This restaurant is a fantastic find! The pupusas are amazing and authentically prepared. Each bite has such great flavor, and I can’t get enough of their homemade curtido. The service was warm; our waiter was very helpful with recommendations. The only downside is the wait time; my order took a bit longer than expected, but it was clear they were busy preparing fresh dishes. Overall, I would come back without hesitation! " (*Curated Review*)
" I had higher expectations for El Chinaco based on the reviews I read. While the pupusas were decent, I felt they could have been bigger for the price. Furthermore, the atmosphere felt slightly cluttered and noisy. The bathrooms could use some attention as well. The service was friendly but a bit distracted, as the staff seemed overwhelmed by the volume. Not my top pick for Salvadoran food, although they do have good salsa varieties! " (*Curated Review*)
" When I first walked into El Chinaco, the enticing aroma promised a great meal ahead. I ordered the pupusas, and while they were flavorful, I found them a bit greasy for my taste. The served sides, especially the curtido, were refreshing. The atmosphere felt busy and lively, but somewhat cramped at times. The staff was friendly, but it took longer than I expected to get my meal. Overall, a decent experience, and I’d give it another shot soon to explore more options on the menu. " (*Curated Review*)
" I visited El Chinaco on a weekend and was overwhelmed by the number of patrons. It took a while for our food to arrive, but honestly, it was worth the wait. I ordered the pupusas with revueltas and they were stuffed full of flavor! The downside was the noise level, as it can get quite loud with the music they play. The waitstaff were polite but a bit flustered due to the crowd. If you’re in a rush, I suggest calling ahead. Overall, a pleasant experience and I will come back for sure. " (*Curated Review*)
" This was my first visit to El Chinaco, and I was excited to try their pupusas. Unfortunately, my experience wasn't as great as I had hoped. While the food was fairly decent, the pupusas were a bit doughy, and I expected more filling. Service was alright but felt a little confused with our orders, and I had to wait longer than usual for my meal. The ambiance seems inviting, but it could use some better organization during busy hours. " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (454)
" Having recently discovered El Chinaco, I must say, it's a gem! The pupusas, particularly the cheese and loroco, are simply to die for. Freshly made, warm and incredibly flavorful. The service staff is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, perfect for a family dinner or a night out with friends. I highly recommend trying their curtido on the side, it adds the perfect crunch! This is definitely going to be my go-to spot for Salvadoran food from now on. " (*Curated Review*)
" El Chinaco has become my go-to place for Salvadoran food. Every time I visit, I am greeted warmly by the staff, who always take the time to recommend dishes. I love ordering their pupusas; the flavor is always consistent, and the hand-made quality shines through. While the wait times can be a little long during peak hours, it’s all part of the experience knowing that you're getting fresh food. I have yet to try everything on the menu, but I'm excited to go back soon! " (*Curated Review*)
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