El Norteño image

El Norteño

Restaurant Mexican restaurant

Unfussy Mexican comfort food dished up at a bare-bones, counter-serve stand with outdoor seating. People often mention good, Mexican, great, delicious, burrito, service, time, cash, years, beans,


Address

1002 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States

Website

elnortenoaz.com

Contact

+1 602-254-4629

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (27) Mexican (25) great (15) delicious (13) burrito (12) service (12) time (11) cash (9) years (9) beans (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Colby G. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic. Had the taco and enchilada with rice and beans. I really enjoyed it. Note: cash only.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah s. 2 years ago on Google
    El Norteno restaurant has very good Mexican pizza. Yes I said Mexican pizza. It's very tasty and it's a quick lunch when you're in a pinch. It's on Seventh Avenue and I-10 freeway. It can feed 4 adults with no problem. If you coming to Downtown Phoenix eating a try this Mexican place out. They have other good traditional Mexican food.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose M. 1 year ago on Google
    The food I got was very delicious. Very affordable. The line may seem large due to only taking one order at a time, but it goes by pretty fast. They have very detailed on the menu. They have a shaded area where you can eat or wait. I got a number 8 ehilada style. Really fulling. The food has great taste. You can share a meal that's how big it is. If your around I suggest you try here. They have something for every one.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Letty C. 2 years ago on Google
    I must say by far one of the best Mexican take out spots- hole in the wall in Phoenix! You will never be able to match the taste and it will leave you wanting more 🤤.Very reasonable prices!Take out only! Outdoor seating. Cash Only!! Our favorite for years!!Check out the online menu! Lunch today was a #10
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the best Mexican food places in Phoenix. It offers more than 'taquaria' type food They have an extensive menu of home cooked dishes
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon T. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty much every thing here is amazing. Posting a picture of their taco salad which is the Tuesday special. For some reason there taco special is Wed instead of Tuesday... Oh one important thing is this place is cash only.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily Imani Rose Q. 7 months ago on Google
    People here were great. I ordered chicken enchiladas green sauce , everything was good just didn't get a chance to eat it my family ate it. Lots of food in the Togo plate, I love the serving was so big. Shredded Chicken seem to be white meat shredded and not really marinated. The cheese on the beans was really good not skimpy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jason 1 year ago on Google
    Burritos went up from $5.25 to $7.25 as well as everything else. Cash only. It’s good but won’t make time out of my day to go down there anymore.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. T. 1 year ago on Google
    These guys just keep cranking it out year after year. If you want to taste old school Phoenix, cash only at this joint. First ate the Sonoran enchiladas here in 1985. It's so great to see a place stay in true to its mission and now having become a Phoenix legend. Thanks El norteño, here's to another 35 years!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victor K. 4 months ago on Google
    Very good local spot. Heard about the Mexican pizza. And it’s a legit Mexican pizza. It’s very good. Only thing is. It’s cash only! They take phone orders which is great. Will try the menudo next time!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Micah T. 1 year ago on Google
    This is bomb mexican food. I got a red chili burrito and a green tamale. Tamale was perfect. Rice and bean and burrito were also perfect. Super authentic Mexican food and good prices and fast friendly service. There’s many reasons they’ve been around for over 40 years.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessie S. 11 months ago on Google
    Excellent, Just Excellent, Delicious,. A Must Have. I recommend Everything on the Menu, Especially "The Enchiladas" they are one of the Best in Town. Always Delicious. The Rice is Awesome and the beans are good. You wont be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food and people. Grew up in the neighborhood during the 80's and 90's. Always ate there growing up and the food is still delicious! Green chile burrito enchilada style with rice and beans never fails! Oh, plus thier chips and salsa is a must! Drove from the far west valley to get lunch!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eddie R. 6 years ago on Google
    El Norteno is a hole-in-the-wall dive in the best way ... tasty food for an exceptionally reasonable price. Most plates are $6-$8 and are quite filling. The rough ambiance may not be for everyone but the food is worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chavonique P. 1 year ago on Google
    I had to stop in the middle of eating to write this review. I ordered a #5 Combo Red Chile burrito with rice and beans. There are so many restaurants that do not do Red Chile justice often lacking seasoning and the deep rich flavor of true Red Chile. El Nortenos Red Chile is perfect in every way. The meat was cooked to perfection and so tender. There is just enough spice to keep you going back for more. I loved the food so much! Thank you!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 1 year ago on Google
    Ever since my girlfriend has introduced me to this place I can’t get enough. She has been coming here since she was a child and says it has remained the same. Food is super good here. Really good service. The lady is super funny. The burrito enchilada style is my go to.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dee F. 3 months ago on Google New
    A local neighborhood Mexican food restaurant. The food is always seasoned, just right. Good customer service. Cash only, prices are reasonable, and the portions will fill you up. I recommend the red chile burrito enchilada style with red sauce. It is so good that you don't need to put the salsa on your food. I still add the salsa because it's 🔥. I recommend ordering it to go since they only have outside seats. They also have daily lunch and dinner specials.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great flavor and shaded outdoor eating. Have to wipe your own table but it keeps us humble. 10/10

  • 5/5 Jammy M. 2 years ago on Google
    My top 2 authentic Mexican restaurant in Phoenix AZ 😋👌my favorite 😋red chili 😋burrito 🌯😋

  • 5/5 Sonia S. 3 years ago on Google
    Rock n Roll El Norteno You still the best food

  • 5/5 Cruz C. 2 years ago on Google
    Dannnnnggggg! I just tried this little place. And , you have got to try it! Believe me , I'm a Chicana , and know Mexican food , this place is very very delicious . It looks like a little fast food place ,but believe me it's worth trying out. Plus the prices are great ! Mmmmmmm !!!! Have a great day 😘😘😘😘

  • 4/5 Catherine R. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food, call ahead ( phone situation is precarious) they don't always answer.- you can get in & out fast if you order ahead. CASH ONLY so be prepared. Best bean & cheese burrito in town.

  • 5/5 Gloria R. 2 years ago on Google
    Aside from the fact that it's Cash Only...it is an amazing place to eat with great authentic Mexican food. Although they do have an outside seating area, it's primarily take out, so lines can be long. Give yourself enough time or order ahead but well worth the wait!!!

  • 5/5 James L. 2 years ago on Google
    This small take out restaurant has the best red chili beef I've ever tasted. Be warned, it's hot, but the flavor and the big chunks of beef are delicious. I've been going here since the late '80's. The chips and red hot sauce are another favorite. All of their food is good. Prices are good. 3 burros with a bag of chips/hot sauce were less than $25.

  • 5/5 Edward H. 3 years ago on Google
    AZ has more than a couple of local 5 star Mexican food joints, and add this one to the list! The food is always good. My fave? Any of the breakfast choices or the pollo fundido for lunch.

  • 5/5 Bruce F. 7 months ago on Google
    We eat here when we can get by to pick up food as we don't live or work anywhere near. Their food & specials are quite good. They only take cash. Their specials are a great deal. This week I bought a couple of chimichangas & they were fried better than any place I've had them from in a long, long time. Is there food the very best, maybe not, but it is some of the best Mexican food for the $ in town. I hope they keep dishing out their delicious food for many years to come.

  • 5/5 Stella Dixon (Stella D. 3 months ago on Google New
    Thus was my first time getting food here, though I'd heard a lot of good things. The food was delicious, extreme portions. I was bummed though that I ordered a ground beef taco and got shredded beef. What to say about the atmosphere?? You order at a window and eat in your car. It ain't the ritz. But the food is the reason to go. Make sure you bring cash!

  • 5/5 Kiba W. 2 months ago on Google New
    Great food. I normally get the enchiladas however. The last time I went my tortillas were raw and uncooked.... It depends on the cooks.. get it together guys 😉 good place over all

  • 4/5 R. D. 3 months ago on Google New
    If you do know well you are about to know!!!!some of the best restaurants are in the hood!!!hood food is made with love ..these small restaurants mom and pop yummy yummy..don’t be afraid to eat here ..the food is mouthwatering.you will leave here stuff..your belly will love you for it..one of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix Arizona..I been coming here for years..👍🏼🔥💪🏽👊🏽🤗🌯🌮🌯🌮🌯🧋🧋🥤🥤🥤🍴🍋🥑

  • 5/5 Andrew R. 3 months ago on Google New
    A corner store worth stopping into if you're craving authentic Mexican food. Def a hole in the wall type of establishment with limited parking. But if you can look past that you'll be surprised how much food you get for $12. It was fresh, hot and way more than I could eat in one sitting. Whenever I'm downtown I'll be sure to stop in again.

  • 3/5 Lex D. 5 months ago on Google
    I have to say I love the food here and the staff is very friendly, but I will not be back for a while due to the lack of cleanliness. It is very understandable the building is old, however it has a very bad odor upon walking into the building. It has nothing to do with the smell of the food— for lack of a better description, it smells like vomit and a dirty rag. I used to always stop here because it is close to where I live, so I am disappointed in the appearance of the restaurant. I truly wish they would take some time to deep clean properly and then I would continue going back!

  • 5/5 Barton “Bart” L. 6 months ago on Google
    While the dining services are somewhat limited, especially during the heat of summer, the food and service are always top notch. I love their beans and rice and salsa. Tacos, enchiladas, tamales, chile rellenos and red beef are my favorites. Lunch specials rock!

  • 5/5 Teresa N. 8 months ago on Google
    Gave this place a chance after seeing someone post about it and eating a crunchy beef taco from here. Did not disappoint. This place is cash only. They have a big menu where everything looks good. Their rice, crunchy beef tacos and red salsa tasted almost exactly like another great Mexican place down the road from them on 14th Street between Roosevelt and Garfield which made me happy because I grew up eating from this place. People probably drive by El Norteño and won't even think about stopping because of how it looks or it's location, but everyone should give it a try. I think people will be pleasantly surprised.

  • 4/5 Eloso G. 6 months ago on Google
    The amount of good food you get for the price is the best buy in the valley! I was in the area today and decided to stop in. This was my 2nd. Visit and it didn't disappoint. You do have to sit outside under cover if you choose to eat there, I got ours to go.

  • 5/5 Bryan G. 1 year ago on Google
    The place is exactly as it appears, simple food, done to near perfection. Everything is made on site and fresh to order. They have a system down. Cash Only, but you can call ahead. Basic food, now flashy menu options and no frills, but it is super consistent. Don't let the location throw you, this food is right.

  • 5/5 Jill S. 7 months ago on Google
    Total dive. Cash only. No indoor seating. BEST. MEXICAN. FOOD. IN. PHOENIX. Firstly, it may be cash only but the prices are great. Just hit the freaking ATM before you go and stop whining. They have a huge menu, so large it takes up a good portion of one of the walls of the phone booth sized area you order from inside. The tortillas are so fresh they could easily go head-to-head with Carolina's. The red chili is by far the best I've ever had, as noted by some fellow yelpers. Don't miss their homemade taco sauce (I think they just call it hot sauce). You'll want to buy a quart to take home. Don't let the exterior fool you. This place is top notch, with very friendly staff that will take good care of you. Stop by and take it home, if you can, but once you get a whiff of it, I challenge you not to pull over and devour it before you ever get on the freeway.

  • 5/5 Lydia M. 10 months ago on Google
    Been coming here for 30 years at least! food hasnt changed, prices are low compared to everywhere else nowadays! And the family that runs it are so friendly!

  • 5/5 Sam M. 10 months ago on Google
    "Warning" I would not come here at night. With that out of the way hands down this is the best Mexican food you're going to find the place is extremely old the area is very unsafe located on the corner of Roosevelt and 7th

  • 3/5 Erika B. 9 months ago on Google
    Service was great, staff was friendly and helpful. The food was alright, The place could be cleaner. Overall, a decent experience, but there are better Mexican food options out there.

  • 4/5 John M. 1 year ago on Google
    CASH ONLY, but fear not ATM on site and across the street at the gas station. Lots on offer here, I wasn’t sure so I asked and was directed to the burrito with red chili. I got quac on the side and the meal came with rice and beans. All very tasty! The beans were darker than I’ve seen before and were packed with flavor!

  • 4/5 Wolfie D. 1 year ago on Google
    CASH ONLY, DONT FORGET TO GET CASH I have never had bad food here! Between friends and I, we have had most items on the menu, and their holiday tamales are awesome too. Plates are authentic, full, fresh and amazing taste. It was the regular line I often saw while passing by that made me stop here the first time, and I learned how great they were and have brought many friends. This recent visit I brought a first timer whose family is mixed Mexican heritage, she said it was the best Mexican food we have had in several years of eating all over the valley.

  • 5/5 Len O. 1 year ago on Google
    As basic as it gets when it comes to counter service and indoor seating. A bird even joined us when someone opened the door. I think he was the scheduled entertainment, based on his comfort level walking around the dining room. Everybody fed him. The food was very good. Not expensive. Just what you'd expect. Good selection of combos. Almost too many to pick from. When I asked what they would recommend, I was told "Everything".

  • 5/5 Manuel V. 3 years ago on Google
    Their food is delicious ?

  • 5/5 Sonia M. 3 years ago on Google
    Food is always great sometimes theirs a wait but not too bad but always worth the wait for great delicious food ..

  • 4/5 Joy A. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Manuel V. 3 years ago on Google
    Best place in Phoenix when It comes to good food!

  • 5/5 John P. 3 years ago on Google
    Luv this place

  • 5/5 Mindy T. 3 years ago on Google
    Good food and good customer service

  • 5/5 Dalianna P. 3 years ago on Google
    Omg their food is to die for!!!! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Sophia S. 3 years ago on Google
    Always on their game!!

  • 5/5 Adam P. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 4/5 Mike T. 3 years ago on Google
    Machaca and egg burro always hits the spot.

  • 5/5 Brigit D. 3 years ago on Google
    Most delicious place on earth

  • 5/5 king r. 3 years ago on Google
    BEST HOLE IN THE WALL MEXICAN FOOD I GUARANTEE YOULL LOVE IT!!

  • 5/5 C D. 3 years ago on Google
    I can't even begin to describe how much love I have for this spot! The delicious flavor of every dish is phenomenal! You will lick the skin off your fingers! Trust in the fact that your taste budds will experience optimal satisfaction! I have been eating their delicious creations for the past 6 years. I totally recommend El Norteno! Please check them out if you haven't! You will not be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Lucy L. 3 years ago on Google
    Norteño always has such nice customer service and their food is always so good.

  • 5/5 Jordan D. 4 years ago on Google
    So far, I haven't been disappointed with anything I've gotten from here. I don't go for the traditional/authentic Mexican fare, more on my safe side of things. Good specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday-Friday. You gotta check it out!!

  • 5/5 Ruben D. 3 years ago on Google
    Best red Chilli in the valley in my opinion. My favorite plate is the number 19 the steak pecado. For a snack it is the carne asada cheese crisp. If really hungry the burrito ? grande does the job! I have been coming here for years.

  • 5/5 Maggie G. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly, fast service and the best red chile I've ever had!

  • 5/5 Martha R. 3 years ago on Google
    Always the best service and on time for pick up..The best Mexican food in AZ

  • 5/5 Jeneva M. 3 years ago on Google
    Such good authentic food. Great service, too!!!! It is cash only but please believe the food is definitely worth a trip to an ATM!!!

  • 5/5 dennis d. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little shop with quality tasting food for an even better price.

  • 5/5 Kayla B. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a great choice! My family travels from Flagstaff to stock up on their Green Chile Relleno burritos, we buy 50 at a time so we are never deprived!

  • 5/5 John G. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent food at reasonable prices. Customer service is excellent and i would recommend this place to all mexican food lovers.

  • 5/5 Jamie F. 3 years ago on Google
    You should absolutely try their Mexican pizza! It is the most amazing thing you will ever try! So filling!

  • 5/5 Albert A. 3 years ago on Google
    Next best thing. Reminds me of my Nana's cooking! ?

  • 5/5 Sherrilyn A. 3 years ago on Google
    I really like their green chile

  • 5/5 Vincent M. 3 years ago on Google
    Yum yum yum

  • 5/5 Diane G. 3 years ago on Google
    I would like to go back

  • 5/5 MattHew T. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is insane. In my opinion it's the best mexican food in phoenix. It could be the best in the country, or possibly the world

  • 5/5 Monique R. 3 years ago on Google
    I love eating menudo here.... mmm the best

  • 5/5 Brigit D. 3 years ago on Google
    Bomb.com

  • 5/5 Lee Ann B. 3 years ago on Google
    Monday Special!!! Yummm

  • 5/5 Frascuelo B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great burritos ?

  • 5/5 Stacey Y. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is always delicious!

  • 1/5 carlos m. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was ok but service wasn't

  • 5/5 Andrew L. 3 years ago on Google
    $3.99 ham and egg burrito for the win.

  • 5/5 Jessica H. 3 years ago on Google
    Food is always delicious

  • 5/5 Mike&Mo V. 3 years ago on Google
    I love my Saturday menudo.... ??

  • 5/5 anthony g. 3 years ago on Google
    the red chilli burrito enchilada style is the hands down best

  • 5/5 Roger G. 3 years ago on Google
    Red Chili Burro. Yummy/Deliscious!!!

  • 5/5 John F. 3 years ago on Google
    "THE" best machaca, period.

  • 5/5 Aryana T. 3 years ago on Google
    Home


Call +1 602-254-4629 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ 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
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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