El Chino Mexican Restaurant

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.4 (345)


El Chino Mexican Restaurant is highly regarded for its authentic Mexican dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Many customers appreciate the consistency and quality of the food, with specific praises for items like carne asada and enchiladas. Service is generally friendly, although there have been occasional comments on wait times during peak hours.

Overall:

4.5

(288 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (831) 476-7175

Address: 2525 Soquel Dr STE A, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • 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!**

" The best thing about El Chino is definitely the people. The staff are so friendly and welcoming; I felt right at home. I had a really tasty carne asada plate that was perfectly seasoned. The portions were great and I was thoroughly satisfied by the end of the meal. I’ll be returning soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was skeptical at first, but El Chino turned out to be a fantastic choice. The mole sauce on the enchiladas was rich and flavorful. I was also impressed with the friendly and attentive service. The atmosphere is laid-back, suitable for both families and casual diners. I’ll be back for sure! " (*Curated Review*)

" El Chino is a must-visit! The service is friendly and welcoming, and the food is simply delicious. I ordered the enchilada plate, and it was so generous I had leftovers to take home. Everything tasted fresh, and I loved the light atmosphere. I've already recommended it to several friends who are now eager to try it. " (*Curated Review*)

" I popped into El Chino on a whim and was blown away! The ceviche I ordered was fresh and zinging with flavor. Plus, they serve it with homemade tortilla chips, which is a great touch. The atmosphere is cozy, perfect for a casual chat. All-around a fantastic find! " (*Curated Review*)

" My visit to El Chino was a mix of highs and lows. The ambiance was nice, but the food lacked the flavor kick I was hoping for, especially in the salsas. The service was polite, but we encountered a delay when waiting for our drinks. I do love a family-owned vibe, so I'm willing to give it another chance! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (278)

" I was greeted warmly upon entering and seated promptly. I ordered their famous burrito and was impressed with the portion size. The flavor was authentic and satisfying. El Chino has a nice, casual vibe which made it comfortable to enjoy my meal without feeling rushed. I can see why it's loved by locals! " (*Curated Review*)

" I often crave authentic Mexican food and El Chino consistently satisfies that craving. The go-to for many of my friends and me is their enchiladas—outstanding flavor every time! Plus, the margaritas are a perfect pairing! Service can be a little slow during busy hours, but definitely worth the wait. " (*Curated Review*)

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