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I've been eating at El Indio since the late 1960s. The food is delicious, the portions are huge, and the team is always pleasant. El Indio Catering has delivering world class professional catering services to the greater San Diego area since 1985. Let us aid you plan your wedding, banquet, birthday or gathering. Our team will help you in planning every detail.
Reviews (17)
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Brenda Klopka
Jun 16, 2022
This gem is a must when visiting San Diego! They have something for every taste, and it's all good! I love the flauta plate, you get 3 flautas covered with cheese, sour cream, guacamole, soooo good! They make their tortillas fresh and their house-made chips has this seasoning that keeps you coming back! You can dine inside or like we opted, outside in their little old school patio area across the street.
N. Y.
Jun 12, 2022
Taco salad came with a whole load of water in it from lettuce not being dried. Overrated and overhyped for this place. Chicken tasted hard/weird. Customer service was good. But food was nasty and tossed $15 worth of food. Afterwards had a tummy ache from what the little amount I ate.
Sun Coast Films
May 10, 2022
Probably the best Mexican food I've had in years! Even got introduced to the potato taco! They have amazing food! Even a cool little taco bar! Staff is friendly and a very clean restaurant. Will be my go-to when in San Diego.
Nick
May 05, 2022
Always good food served by friendly people. The chips are out of this world! Every time I come here I pick up 3 or 4 bags to take home. Their salsa bar is good but be sure to try the jalapeno and onions at the salsa bar. You won't regret it. Also, the rice is cooked to perfection. It's fluffy and flavorful.
Andy Huhn
Apr 14, 2022
If you are looking for a Mexican restaurant around San Diego airport, look no further. They have almost everything you could want on their menu. They also have super friendly staff, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a small parking lot across the street. I got the Adobado Tacos; they were delicious and I would order them again.
Spencer Drennan
Mar 27, 2022
It was good-we decided to try it because it's been around for so long. Everything is homemade, even the chips and tortillas. The carnitas burrito we got was good, but about the same as other Mexican places and a bit salty.
Christopher Fleury
Feb 28, 2022
I stumbled upon El Indio yesterday during my morning walk. I noticed the crowds and the extensive menu and decided to give it a try. What a treat! What a wonderful experience! Darryl at the counter made me feel like I was the only person in the room, despite being in the middle of the lunch rush and the fast pace of any successful business. Not only were the carnitas excellent, but Darryl stopped by twice to ask how I was doing.

This in a counter serve restaurant! I also want to mention how Darryl and associates went out of their way to customize my lower carb lunch and keep it "on diet." Many of you know this can be a challenge in a Mexican restaurant, but they kept it simple, friendly, and delicious! Thank you for a great memory of San Diego. And no, I didn't eat the chips!;
Myrna Schmidt
Feb 27, 2022
There are most definitely other taquerias that are cheaper and might have a more authentic flavor and feel. That said, El Indio is still my favorite place in SD.
K. B.
Jan 17, 2022
El Indio would be considered a very casual eaterie where you can find dine-in, carry out, or have food delivered. Nestled between Old Town, Mission Hills and Hillcrest. A mile from the airport and a hop, skip and jump to Little Italy. I would consider it a maybe place to eat, although tourists can't resist. Yet, for those trying Mexican food the first time or for entry level palettes, El Indio serves the purpose.

I arrived on a Tuesday evening an hour before closing and it was busy. I only waited 7 minutes for the food which was hot not lukewarm upon receipt. The food was actually decent tonight. I've been eating here for more than a decade. I stopped eating here 4 years ago because the food or cooks were subpar. I had a ravenous appetite and wanted a tamale.

One benefit of eating here is that the tamales are available all year round and not just Christmas. On the downside, the tamales would be addicting with waaaay less masa. My goodness. Tamales are supposed to have delicate amount of masa with plentiful filling. Well, here it is the reverse. Nonetheless, I always get my tamale prepared wet with cheese.

Essentially the masa becomes moistened and drowned with sauce. I ordered the combination plate with chicken enchilada and chili and chicken tamale. The combo is served with rice and beans and a few of the El Indio renowned chips. In my opinion I would rather eat at a restaurant rather than El Indio mainly because some of El Indio dish prices are more than restaurant prices minus the gratuity.

I remember back in the day when El Indio was very reasonable and the quality of food matched the value of the price. Customers always take the brunt when restaurant rents increase. If you want a quick bite to eat and it's Mexican food and you are in the area I would say, yes, try it out but if you're actually looking for a Mexican restaurant to explore and sit down and have conversation and comfortability then I would say there's many other choices in San Diego. Amenities Self serve fresh salsa Indoor and outdoor no heat patio seating.

Gender neutral restrooms Wheelchair accessible Bathroom code on receipt Freshly made chips with (paprika/chili powder seasoning) my guess and very good Ample food choices which are accommodating to non-meat and meat eaters Self serve drinks-Jamaica is deliciousness, but not authentic Several forms of payment Beer and limited premixed machine margaritas may be an option Customer service continues to be a highlight even when it is busy-which it usually is.
Aya Ulan
Jan 12, 2022
Loved their burritos but something changed. I got california with no guac and sour cream last time. So dry and sad.
Sonny Jenkins
Jan 10, 2022
I love this place. The food is great and I have yet to have a bad experience here. But it is also the best place to get prepared mexican staples to use to make meals at home. They have fresh tortillas, frozen handmade tamales of all kinds, salsas and sauces and other delicious food.
Brad Barber
Dec 25, 2021
Been living in Florida for the past several years and this is the best authentic Mexican food I have had in decades. The place is immaculate the staff all had that sharp look that comes from intellect and confidence. Will definitely be hitting this place up again before I leave to go back
Joshua Mount
Dec 16, 2021
They claim to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Maybe, but one things for sure: they're not going anywhere. The food is amazing, the tortillas are fresh made behind the counter, the tortilla chips are my favorite (thicker and crunchier than some like, but the seasoning on them is perfect), they have tamales at Christmas time. You can even but their masa to make your own. It's counter service with a salsa bar. Don't miss the grilled chiles in the salsa bar, either! Love this spot!
G. Arguelles
Nov 30, 2021
Had some delicious tamales, chimichangas, and tacos. Beef taco shells are fried. Well done!
Jeremy Cowan
Jul 23, 2021
Was really looking forward to this dining experience, as it came highly regarded in a recommendation. The horchata was quite good, and I thought the food was better than your average Mexican restaurant. I did come away wishing for a little bit more, however, given the hype with which it came. The most impressive aspect of the dining experience was the speed of the service line and food delivery. Super quick!
Dorian Davis
Jul 18, 2021
Best Mexican food in SD! My personal favorite is their Crispy Quesadilla Deluxe with shredded beef. I haven't found any menu item even similar to this at any other Mexican restaurant, in SD or otherwise. It's so unique and delicious. It's been my family's go-to item at El Indio for about 3 decades. I've tried a few other menu items from El Indio but always have FOMO when I see someone else eating the Crispy Deluxe and I've ordered something else.

I will note my other favorite item here is an Autumnal seasonal item - the sweet pumpkin burrito. If you're a pumpkin lover, make sure to check out El Indio in the Fall and treat yourself to the pumpkin burrito for dessert.
Shane ShaneO Cole
Apr 25, 2021
This place is great. Loved every bit of it. The staff was helpful and patient, I had a lot of questions. In our one visit we tried a wide variety of the menu (we were visiting from out of town and knew we may not be back for a while). Everything was great. Absolutely recommend this place, and I will try to go back.