Wow! I went in today and got a Flautas with chicken on a flour tortilla. BOMB! They are very generous servings! And LOTS of chips! Thank you!!!!

Walking into El Mexicano felt like stepping into a little time machine for me. There used to be a sister restaurant in Noyo Harbor and eating here brought back a lot of those memories.

First thing I had to test was the rice because if you know, you know. It was always the best I’d had at any Mexican restaurant anywhere, and I’m happy to report nothing has changed. Still fluffy, still flavorful, still exactly what I remembered.

My son ordered enchiladas with their green sauce and that sauce deserves its own paragraph. Tangy, bright, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. Definitely something I would order myself next time. I went with the El Mexicano burrito and the poblano peppers inside absolutely made it. Deep flavor, and just full of cheese, and one of those meals where you slow down a second just to appreciate it. I also tried the birria and the flavor alone already has me planning what I’m ordering next visit.

Service was excellent. Attentive without hovering and genuinely helpful. One thing I really appreciated is how flexible they are. They’ll adjust dishes for taste or dietary needs and pretty much anything can be made vegetarian, which makes it easy when you’re dining with different preferences.

There’s also plenty of seating, which makes it great whether you’re coming in solo, with family, or with a group.

For me this wasn’t just a meal, it was a reminder of a place I used to enjoy back on the coast, and it was nice to find that same quality and consistency still alive here.

I’ll definitely be back.

Traditional Mexican food at its best. This was my first visit here. Took another reviewers advice and ordered a chile relleno in spicy sauce on the side and that was great advice, it was outstanding! Please support this long time local restaurant. I will return again and again.