0 Followers
Enrique's Mexican Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Enrique's Mexican Restaurant
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-owned Jalisco-style restaurant rethinks classic Mexican dishes with quality ingredients and massive portions. Traditional favorites like pork shank and steak tampico draw loyal neighborhood following with gluten-free and low-fat options available in a kid-friendly setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Shank, Steak Tampico, Chile Verde
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Jalisco-style preparations with generous portions that satisfy any appetite
Who should go: Families seeking traditional Mexican with dietary accommodations
When to visit: Lunch for quick service, dinner for full menu
What to order: Pork shank, marinated rib eye steak tampico
Insider tip: Free parking available; no reservations so expect crowds at peak times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot on-site - rare find on PCH, no stress
Dress code: Casual comfort - t-shirts and shorts perfectly fine
Noise level: Family-friendly buzz - lively but not overwhelming, conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical - no reservations accepted, arrives first-come basis
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - quick turnaround for business lunch crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - beans, rice, and veggie-based dishes prepared without lard
Vegan options: Limited - request modifications on vegetarian items, kitchen accommodates when possible
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free menu available, kitchen aware of cross-contamination protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners - lively family atmosphere and generous portions encourage sharing, but noise level and cafeteria-style vibe may not set the mood for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all, so plan for 20-30 min waits during prime dinner hours (6-8pm) on weekends. Weekday lunches and off-peak times typically seat immediately
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - casual atmosphere welcomes families, massive portions mean easy sharing, and traditional Mexican fare appeals to kids. High chairs available, tolerance for noise high
Best For
Better for: Authentic Jalisco-style preparations with gluten-free options that don't compromise on flavor, plus free parking and portion sizes that guarantee leftovers - ideal when you want traditional Mexican without pretense
Skip if: You're seeking modern Mexican innovation, romantic ambiance, or craft cocktails - this is neighborhood comfort food, not culinary adventure or date-night atmosphere