El Patio image

El Patio

Breakfast restaurant Family restaurant Mexican restaurant

One of the Top rated Family restaurants in Chula Vista


Address

410 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910, United States

Website

elpatiomex.com

Contact

+1 619-422-9745

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 8 am to 8:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 8:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 8:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (22) service (17) great (13) restaurant (12) delicious (10) nice (10) Mexican (9) Patio (9) atmosphere (8) salsa (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 I C. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a little hidden Mexican restaurant in Chula Vista. I have driven by many times, and there can be lines out the door. I was amazed at how fresh and delicious the food here is. The salsa was good and I had the flautas. Good drink specials and recommended to try!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber S. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely Amazing! The food is unbelievable! The Enchilada Sauce has the best flavor I have ever had at any Mexican restaurant in California!! The flavors are so deep that you keep tasting the goodness. The Carne Asada is also very yummy. Ordered the Tampiquena. The Costillitas Tatemadas has a very rich flavor. So very tender! You can tell that the food is made with love and the recipes have been handed down for generations. The people that work here are very nice and helpful. The ambiance is also very comfortable and inviting. You get the feeling that you are very welcomed and it is one of the best small businesses. They have been in business since 1954 and they were voted best homemade food in San Diego. Me and my husband can see why!! The smell from outside is why we decided to stop in for dinner. We will definitely be coming back!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lydia M. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was good, but these are foods we could make ourselves....well, those who know how to cook, lol. I did like the cozy atmosphere & lights above.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. J. 1 year ago on Google
    I tried the “enchilada suizas” and my husband order the Mole poblano. It was delicious! The waiter was so nice. I did not have time to take pictures of my food because basically I ate it as soon as it arrived. Highly recommend this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 F A. 1 year ago on Google
    I like that they serve actual authentic Mexican food. Everything tastes like a loving Mexican grandmother that hasn’t seen me in years made it just for me. The service is very good, the drinks are very special and I particularly enjoyed the ambiance. The prices are very good and you won’t find many restaurants like El Patio
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MARK J. 1 year ago on Google
    5 star service and food was Amazing. The waiter Gerardo was dope! He made sure we kept fresh warm chips and salsa on our table at all times followed by 2 amazing dishes. We deff recommend everyone to try. Thank you El Patio.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kat “Kat” H. 2 years ago on Google
    My family has been doing here since I was a little kid I've taken my whole entire family extended. We decided to go in and it was a bit busy. But it took over an hour after ordering our food now I know a little bit about prepping in the food industry! Since I have worked in many restaurants and even did prep work. If they were out of something like they were out of chips and and had to rewarm the chips which took quite some time to bring those to the table table which they have been doing since I can remember. But over an hour to get simple dishes was ridiculous. What was worse was them not coming and explaining that to the table. After that the family was not feeling well. They all had tummy aches. I have always loved their food it has changed since the owner sold the business. I think it has been more the service that has struggled more than anything.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Y S. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this local restaurant. Food is delicious, service and atmosphere is great! Went for brunch with my friend really enjoyed. Love to revisit again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Danielson G. 10 months ago on Google
    Sat down to have dinner after a ball game. Their chips and salsa are good. Solid table salsa, also chips kept flowing. Always a plus. Service was good. Rice and beans were bland and didn't really have flavor. Hence, the missing plate pic. Also missed the mark on the margaritas. Have a beer if you go. The atmosphere was nice and made up for it. Good music and service was good. Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adrian D. 1 year ago on Google
    El Patio is a must-visit for anyone in the area. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere. The menu was extensive, but I decided to try their mango margaritas and mole enchiladas, and boy, was I in for a treat! The margaritas were the best I've ever had, the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with just the right amount of kick. The mole enchiladas were also outstanding, the sauce was rich and flavorful, and the enchiladas were perfectly cooked. Every bite was a delight. The customer service was also noteworthy. The staff was friendly, attentive and always willing to help. They made sure I had everything I needed and made me feel at home.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy F. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for lunch, I was very impressed with how nice the restaurant was. Are server was very nice and attentive to our needs. I will go again the good was very good. And nice-sized portions.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacy M. 2 years ago on Google
    From the moment we got there we were greeted! It is always such a good feeling when they remember you and welcome you back! Food, as always was delicious! We love this place and definately coming back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris and Lydia P. 1 year ago on Google
    Large portions with the best enchilada sauce. I normally don't choose shredded beef in burritos, but the tender meet inside the tortilla with the sauce makes it all worth. The Chile relleno is excellent! In any other city, I'd give 5 stars, but San Diego is a top food destination. But don't miss this great restaurant with a wonderful history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grace G. 2 years ago on Google
    Just visited this place and they did such a nice job with a modern make over. They definitely added some new decor and it looks really good. The wait wasn’t very long and they service was great, the server was very attentive. I ordered a ham steak breakfast and it was more than enough food. The ham was fried perfectly, eggs were perfect and the beans were delicious. I also ordered a side of toast to go along with my breakfast. Overall, great place to take the family with great customer service. I’ll be back again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristin J. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been going to this restaurant since I was a toddler (I am 30 now). This is my family's favorite get together restaurant. The food reminds me of my childhood. My favorite item is the Original Famous Burrito. I am starting to love the El Patio House Breakfast plate. They have recently redone the interior decor and it looks beautiful. The service can be hit or miss depending on which server you get. Just speak up and ask for whatever was forgotten, they will be super nice and go get it for you. El Patio has a special spot in my heart!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew 2 years ago on Google
    This place is great. The staff was courteous mad helpful. The ambiance was perfect. I knew it was gonna be good as I walked in bc it smelled absolutely amazing. The food was great and reasonably priced. I had the steak and shrimp plate, my friend had rolled tacos and my other friend had the short rib plate. They were all delicious and we left very full. I ordered a Pacifica, and honestly it was a little flat. Normally I'd drop the stars down but everything else was so good I'm happy to give them 5/5.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 eric h. 2 years ago on Google
    Great service we had a large party of 11 and were treated great. GO SUPPORT THIS AWESOME PLACE!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seth L. 7 months ago on Google
    Been going here since I was a kid. Recently went back for the first time in 20 years and it’s just as good. Recommend trying the flying saucer and the original famous (shredded beef) burrito.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rick D. 6 months ago on Google
    First time here. Food was served in less than 5 minutes and was quite tasty. The chamango Margarita was delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edwina Shell J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great meal! I had the fish, lightly breaded. Yum! Art had the fajitas. They are very heart healthy. Food was hot, well prepared and the atmosphere was lovely. Edwina

  • 5/5 Sara P. 10 months ago on Google
    Lovely place with even better food! Service was excellent as well. My dad's favorite spot so we'll def be back

  • 5/5 Kevin F. 10 months ago on Google
    Just stopped in while in the area and it was better now than even when I used to come here 30 years ago! And it was great back then. Had the carnitas con huevo.

  • 5/5 ang t. 10 months ago on Google
    Why didn't I know about this restaurant before? A great place to take your guests to enjoy excellent Mexican food, and the service is awesome!

  • 5/5 Victor Y. 1 year ago on Google
    El Patio’s famous Flying Saucer. More than what a normal guy can eat! EP is my favorite go to Mexican restaurant for traditional great eats…

  • 5/5 Alysha S. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the atmosphere at this place it’s lovely ☺️ friendly staff and good food! We went for breakfast 2 days in a row while on vacation. Definitely will go back next visit!!

  • 3/5 Luis David R. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice and comfortable environment, good traditional Mexican dishes, pleasant service, kinda long wait for food (30min) at 10am on Friday. Anyway, Thx! This is their traditional special "El Patio Breakfast"

  • 3/5 Maria Sonia S. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was excellent no complaints there had the huge Patio Breakfast plate and they did accommodate a request for mole chilaquiles which were delicious. I'm giving it a 3 because their service was slow and the server was inattentive and standoffish. The restaurant is beautiful band cozy. Again the food was delicious and may come back for that but the service could be better. Almost felt there was a bias since I was dining alone.

  • 5/5 Keith L. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a fantastic local favorite. This authentic Mexican restaurant has been here for years! I'll never forget as a kid coming here for family events and special occasions. Coming back here as an adult brings back awesome memories. They remodeled the dinning area. The workers are just as polite as I remember them as. The pricing is just right. I ordered one of the "favorites" item. Anything with a crown on the menu , indicates best seller. You can't go wrong if you order enchiladas if you timid. The salsa recipe is the same! The Pueblo, Hacienda atmosphere with low lighting brings it to life. My food just got here! Gotta go! Super fresh!

  • 5/5 Be R. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Spanish music, calm atmosphere, it feels like "ahorita" (someday it will be done) in a good relex way.

  • 3/5 Kristin E. 1 year ago on Google
    I’d love to give this Chula Vista landmark a higher score but I just can’t. The food was OK, but overpriced for what we got (I normally wouldn’t even consider this, because good food is worth paying for!), and the worst thing for me- we had to wait 30+ minutes to be seated. I’m sorry, but I’d better be waiting for something beyond tasty ( Bacchanal at Caesar’s ??? Heck yes) for a thirty minute wait! Alas this was not my call, so we waited. Service was friendly and people were generally nice, so not a BAD place, but just not really worth my time, sadly.

  • 1/5 E O. 2 years ago on Google
    My review is strictly about the take out service: Twice now I have ordered for take out. Was told the order will take 40 min this last time arrived at the 40 min mark. The waitress was just going to go tell the cook to start making it. Waited another twenty min and had to walk back to the cooks area. A young man was on his phone texting with multiple take out orders surrounding him. Please be specific and say take out orders are not made by phone but until the person is present. It will save people a lot of time. Your food is delicious , but I had not returned for take out for this exact same reason.

  • 4/5 Shelly C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great stay! Wonderful hospitality. Glad I now know of this authentic spot.

  • 4/5 Mine J. 2 years ago on Google
    I like El Patio because they have good breakfasts options, it's more like Mexican dishes and I love it, the flavors are great! However, I was there one day in the afternoon and I found the food not as good as the breakfasts, so I only recommend visiting it in the morning. Service is good!

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice restaurant and great food. Was very happy with what I ordered, enchiladas Oh so good, and will be back.

  • 4/5 Javier M. 2 years ago on Google
    We were headed for some Birria, however we found this gem. First off, service was excellent, the place itself was small but with a nice, updated feel. Food took a bit, but for a Sunday morning, we can't complain. Chips and salsa helped the wait, however they used the same salsa for the chips, nopales and chilaquiles we ordered, that was a bit much. Prices seemed fine, but certainly not a bargain. We enjoyed the place and service, coffee was decent, so this seems like a place to revisit, and maybe often.


Call +1 619-422-9745 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as Latino-owned
    • ✓️ Identifies as veteran-owned

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