El Calamar

Mexican Restaurant 4.7 (67)


El Calamar is a quaint establishment celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine. Many patrons have praised the homemade elements of the dishes, such as fresh tortillas and slow-cooked birria, which contribute to the genuine dining experience. Though service times might be longer due to the preparation from scratch, the quality of food makes it worthwhile, and the friendly atmosphere enhances the overall visit.

Overall:

4.5

(65 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.0

Service:

4.1


Phone number: (818) 897-3593

Address: 11408 Herrick Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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!**

" Honestly, I wasn't overly impressed during my visit to El Calamar. While the food itself was decent, it didn't blow me away as I had hoped from the reviews. The service was friendly but incredibly slow, and I had to wait quite a long time for my order. I tried the birria, which was good but not exceptional. It had nice flavors, but I've had better at other places. The atmosphere is cozy, but the wait made me hesitant to return in the future. " (*Curated Review*)

" Having tried El Calamar multiple times, I can say that this restaurant hits all the right notes when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Each dish feels lovingly crafted, reminiscent of meals made in a family kitchen. The birria brings me back to my childhood every time. I especially appreciate the handmade tortillas which add that extra layer of authenticity. Yes, the wait time can be a bit longer during busy hours, but I believe it demonstrates the care they take in food preparation. The ambiance is casual yet clean; it holds a charm that is hard to resist. My family and I always leave satisfied and looking forward to our next meal there. I highly recommend El Calamar to anyone craving genuine Mexican flavors. If you want fast food, this isn't the place for you, but if you want delicious and authentic, it exceeds expectations! " (*Curated Review*)

" This is the go-to place for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal. They serve everything from tacos to burritos, and you simply can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I was especially impressed by their birria! The tortillas were fresh, and the portions were generous. The service was friendly, though a bit slow. It's such a cozy place, with a lovely atmosphere that makes me want to come back again and again. " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited El Calamar expecting delicious food and was not disappointed. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, but expect a little wait as the food is prepared fresh. I recommend trying the aguachiles; they were bursting with flavor! The staff was friendly, adding to the warm experience. " (*Curated Review*)

" I can’t get enough of this place! El Calamar serves some of the most authentic Mexican food I've ever tasted. The atmosphere is charmingly quaint, and the staff makes you feel like family. Just keep in mind, the food is prepared fresh, so there may be a wait at peak times, but trust me, it is worth it. I highly recommend the birria and their papas nachos! They’re unforgettable! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (55)

" If you want a true taste of Mexico, El Calamar is the place to be! The staff is super nice, and every dish I've tried has been a delight—especially the birria. Authentic and satisfying! I didn’t mind the wait as the food was worth it, and I left happy and full. " (*Curated Review*)

" El Calamar reminds me of home cooked meals! The attention to detail in their dishes makes all the difference. I highly recommend their birria with handmade tortillas. It’s not a large restaurant, so get there early! I found my meal to be filling and reasonably priced for the quality of food served. Overall, a great experience! " (*Curated Review*)

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