El Pulgarcito
12134 Pacific Hwy SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499
El Pulgarcito Menu
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Address :
12134 Pacific Hwy SW
Lakewood, WA, 98499 - Phone (253) 582-5173
- Website https://restaurantelpulgarcito.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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M B.
I have never had Salvadorian food before but let me just say it was fantastic! The shrimp a la creme and the pupusas were TO DIE FOR!! Truly we didn't wait until we got home to eat it. Their spin on the tamale was incredible as well. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Sam E.
I high-fived my waiter when i was done. If you are planning a casual evening out to one of the inauthentic aztecas or mazatlans of pierce county do yourself a favor and drive 5 min out of your way to taste something special. The taco meat was moist and flavorful, the house salsa's were hot and delicious, and fresh made corn tortillas were perfect. All of that paled in comparison with the chicharron and queso pupusa I had. I'd never had a pupusa but now i plan on having as many as I can. It's kinda like a better quesadilla. Two home made corn tortillas with something yummy in the middle, FRIED.
(5)M W.
Great food, only service can sometimes be slow. I can eat the Pupusas with no problem, GF.
(3)Benjamin T.
This is one of the best South American restaurants in the South Sound. It meets the very definition of "hole in the wall." Fantastic food, reasonable prices, and that homey feeling that you could only get in an authentic family run restaurant. Out of the all of the times I've visited this restaurant I've yet to be let down, from the Papusas to the bone-in chicken thing who's name I can't remember. You just can't go wrong with any menu item. Also, if you're a regular you'll know that you should seat yourself.
(5)Stacia G.
Not fancy, but delicious food & friendly staff. We had the bistek encebollado and the pork pupusas. Both were yummy. Servings were generous and the hot sauce was very hearty & flavorful without being too spicy. Will definitely go again.
(4)Jessica B.
Great traditional Salvadorean dishes! Small place, but plenty of seating. Had number 4 on the traditional menu and the steak tacos. MMMM!
(5)Steve P.
Very authentic Hispanic dishes and very good at that! The pupusas were delicious and very similar to the chalupas I've had in Monterrey, Mexico. They are probably the same thing - Mexicans and Salvadorians maybe use different words for the same foods. Not dirt cheap, but certainly not expensive by any means. Overall, I would highly recommend this place to anyone in search of authentic latino food.
(4)Shannon S.
Awesome pupusas........DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!
(5)Joe Q.
Amazing little El Salvadorian joint. Great papusas, burritos and very friendly staff. And to drink, great horchata. Its a little hole-in-the-wall joint, but completely worth hitting up
(5)Malia R.
Found this place in the paper and decided to give it a try. Its a bit small on the inside, with galavision on the tv. The staff is very friendly. Definitely recommend the papusas with a side and rice and beans, the toppings are to die for..the tacos with cilantro and onions are fantastic, the steak in them is the best in Tacoma Hands down. I have never eaten at a salvadorian restaurant before this, and now Im a regular to go gal.
(5)Amanda T.
Oh Papusas, how I miss you. And the pot roastish dinner was AMAZING. Came here for a breakfast burrito once, and nearly cried it was so good.
(5)Belicia B.
These pupusas are freakin delicious! The first time I had them my mouth was in heaven! This is the only place I have had a pupusa at and I can't imagine them getting any better than this. My favorite would have to be the revuelta pupusa. I have also ordered the carne asada from here and it was also very good but not as amazing as the pupusas!
(5)Aimee S.
So delicious! Although I always get the same thing when I go there! I just like it so much I can't seem to branch out! Papusas and beans and rice...mmmm!
(5)Jay R.
out freakin standing is all i have to say. this fat boy enjoys there meals every time...either pupusas or there big ass burritos(when i feel like mexi). i take the exwifey and kids on occassion and they love it. being salvadoriAn i find it a great treat to know they are right down from me 2 exits away....if you haven't had salvadorian food this is your best bet...good times.
(4)Jeremy K.
Stumbled upon this place on Yelp while visiting on business. Saw all the great reviews and just had to try it. The papusas... Yum! I had the Papusas Reveultas. Fried pork, beans, & cheese. The waitress brought me a bowl of fried jalapenos without me asking. She said she saw I liked it hot. That rocked! The second pic is my dish. Definetly worth a try. Thanks Yelpers!
(4)Roscelle S.
This was my husband and I's first experience eating at an El Salvadorian restaurant. From the moment we came in we felt at home. The one drawback was the limited seating. However, they quickly made up for that with the food! My husband ordered the 2 Campadres, which was composed of 2 whole chicken breasts and 2 thin-sliced steak, grilled and seasoned to perfection. I ordered 4 tacos special, and black beans, pork and cheese pupusas. What a culinary genius they must have back in the kitchen.The caliber of food he created back there in that small space was amazing!! I highly recommend checking this place out for something great and unexpected!! Dine on food traveler!!
(4)Armando O.
A few days ago I passed through this place again. I had their casamiento with platanos. It was good and the service is also good. I've had a string of bad experiences up here with Mexican food. If you are interested in some homemade Mexican and Central American food then this is the place.
(5)Erin C.
Service was friendly but a little slow. Atmosphere was only ok, but the pupusas and the carne asada were TO DIE FOR!!!
(4)Kat M.
I came here for lunch last week and was very impressed. I had to try the pupusas after hearing how great they were. I got one with pork, beans, and cheese, and one with veggies and cheese. Both were very good. I really liked the pork they used; shredded and very tender. The cheese was also different than what I expected, but I liked it! Salty, white, and really streachy. I wonder what kind it was...It was nice to have some Hispanic food that was different than Mexican. There were different flavors going on; hot sauce not made from tomatos, but peanuts and peppers instead, pickled cabbage as a garnish (yum), and black refried beans as opposed to the usual pinto. Give this place a try!
(4)Randy H.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have found a Salvadorian restaurant no more then 10 minutes from where I LIVE! I used to drive 1 hour south to Aberdeen just to get myself Pupusas until I found out about Salvadorian Bakery in Seattle and I would drive 45 minutes to go up there instead. but... then i was on my way to El Toro to eat some Mexican food when i was just roaming my eyes around lakewood and found this little restaurant with the sign "Salvadorian Restaurant". I WAS ECSTATIC! i walked in and asked if they sold Pupusas and the lady told me they definetly do. Stupid question, its like going into an Italian restaurant and asking if they sell Fettucini Alfredo, but it just seemed to good to be true. I sat down ordered my favorite Pupusas [revueltas] and they were great!! i brought 2 of my friends there to try pupusas since they never have before and enjoyed them just as much as i did. he apologized to me for always making fun of me for driving an hour to and from Aberdeen because he now understood why i did. Pupusas are to die for!! Well, for me anyway =]. It's a little place so it's really easy to miss. Not big at all. But it is all about quality here, Not quantity.
(5)Kayleigh E.
I didn't know there was a thing called a pupusa...Most white people don't and they are missing out because they are delicious. Especially from El Pulgarcito. Come here! They just opened up a larger restaurant. I love the Spanish music videos that they let play on the TV. Cheesiness at it's finest. The waitress (every time we go it's the same one) is super friendly and fast. But the real reason to come here is the amazing food. You will leave happy.
(5)Kelly M.
El Pulgarcito is authentic Salvadoran food at it's best. From the pupusas, to the yucca frita, to the sopa de res, everything on the menu is amazing. It's hard to find an authentic Latin restaurant in this state let alone a Salvadoran one. I would reccomend this place to anyone who knows the difference between Americanized "Mexican" food, and real Latin food, and those who are intersted in knowing the difference. This menu is straight out of El Salvador, and it couldn't be more perfect. The service is great too, and I love that they do To Go orders as well.
(5)Morena T.
Great service, friendly waitress and good cook! We traveled about 30 minutes out of our way to get to the Lakewood location. It was worth it for the delicious pupusas. They were served hot, greasy and crispy! I orderd the revueltas (pork, beans and cheese) and my husband had one with cheese and two with pork and cheese. It sure hit the spot. I also had a corn tamale and that brought back memories of El Salvador. Also found out that a new location, even closer to me, has recently opened in Lacey. So if you want to try some Salvadorean food, and Lacey is closer to you, then try the new place out too! If I'm correct, the new place is at 4509 Lacey Blvd SE, STE B, Lacey, WA 360-491-4068 I will have to try out the new place soon.
(4)Shane B.
Outstanding take out food.
(5)Sarah H.
Had the pupusas and they were delicious, albeit a bit toooo much for me, as they are super greasy. The burritos were also good but not the best I've ever had.
(3)Tereza Sunshine M.
It's decent food & the prices are a little cheaper than other El Salvadorian restaurants I've visited, but the Pupusas are missing some key ingredient that the others have. They taste bland.
(2)Milaflor E.
if you love corn tortillas then you'll be in heaven here!!! they're nice and thick AND they're hand-made!!!! the boy and i loved the pupusas, esp. the revueltas. they fill you up quick and they're cheap, only 1.95! can't wait to head back to get my carbs on! ;)
(5)Charly S.
Just as described; off the highway in a bit of a sketchy neighbourhood strip mall, run down diner ambiance, and great food. The service was fine, nothing great, nothing bad. The restaurant is laid out like a diner, a few booths, a few tables. A spanish TV station plays on the TV. There are Salvadoran posters and a few other similar decorations. Lots of locals, the place was not full but there was a steady stream of customers that the waitress knew. The prices are very reasonable, $2.50 per pupusa (without combo). We tried the pork and the pork, bean and cheese. Both were really good. They are almost like a very thin, round perogy with different fillings, and then pan fried of course - kind of a cross between a quesadilla and a perogy.... just go try one, they are great! We also ordered a steak (carne asada) burrito, it came with a lot of white rice in the filling, but the taste was quite good so despite the rice we would order this again. Great stop when heading down I 5.
(4)Nicholas N.
It's like Mexican food or something? It Salvadorian food! Ohhhh myyyyy God it was sooo good. I wish I knew this place was here before I'm leaving forever. Life is so cruel.
(5)Eva J.
So good! So filling! Inexpensive. I saw someone wrote a review saying the service was not so great....the people there sit for a long time to eat and enjoy family...it is a culture thing so relax...eat slow...enjoy your company and don't be so uptight. Try the pupusas for sure. The empanadas are the real thing. I'm going back for sure! The place was packed. My boyfriend was the only white person there. ...that's always a good thing when trying a new cultures food!
(4)Jessica B.
This was really good food. The combo platter amazing. This isn't the place to go for ambiance, but you will enjoy what you order.
(4)Mac H.
We ordered take out from here. It turned out very good! Could always use a couple more tortillas. Haha. But I was skeptical at first because of it's location, but I did enjoy the food!!! Would definitely consider coming back again!
(4)Sarah C.
Went in today. The woman behind the counter at the front when I walk in just says "yes?" In an annoyed tone. I ask for two burritos to go. She says it back to me saying two burritos so I figured she heard me. 30 minutes later she comes out with the to go order. ONE burrito. I specifically said two. I was nice about it, she was not. She acted annoyed with me and could not understand anything I was saying. Seriously.... Not happy with you El Pulgarcito. Not to mention the burrito was cold. I gave up trying to have a conversation with her, because clearly something on her cellphone was more important.
(2)Wendy D.
Our first time trying pupusas so we have nothing to compare them to, but we found them to be quite bland. The rice and beans were delicious (my husband thought the beans were good but too soupy - I liked them just as they were). The tamal was also pretty bland but better with the sour cream it was served with. Service was friendly but it was not always easy to flag down a server. All in all it was just ok for us, but I'd give it another shot & try some other menu items.
(3)Debbie D.
My first time at this restaurant. I pass it all the time and always wondered about the food. Stopped in today because I had a coupon, so I thought it would be worth a try. Ordered simply chicken tacos, just to get a taste for the cuisine and I was pleasantly surprised. The spicing of the chicken was excellent. They give you 4 soft tacos and at first I considered adding a side, seemed like a small meal and I was hungry! But I barely finished the 4 tacos they provided and left very full and tremendously satisfied. Service was friendly and attentive. I'll take the family back to this place next time.
(4)Lauren L.
I took a couple girlfriends here for dinner because none of us had tried Salvadoran food before and we wanted to try it out. The waiter was very nice and asked the cooks to throw in a little extra portion-wise, knowing that the three of us were sharing a couple dishes. We got some pupusas and Pollo a la Crema and it was delicious. So delicious, that I immediately came back the next day with my boyfriend who had never had Salvadoran either and he agreed it was great! The restaurant isn't much to look at it, but they have comfortable booths and you get to watch Spanish TV while you eat. While they have an extensive Mexican food menu, half the menu is Salvadoran and we stick to that.They also serve breakfast which we haven't had the opportunity to try yet, but it looks quite unique. The service speed could be improved, however, for a tasty, flavorful laid back meal, El Pulgarcito is the place to go.
(4)Paola R.
Great. I love this place!! The food is amazing. Def worth the price. I love the beef ranchero is delicious as well as the quesadillas. They also have a give a good amount of food, you best believe you going to be satisfied with one one plate.
(5)Brad S.
I've never been to a pupuseria before, and honestly I wasn't even aware "pupuseria' was a word. But when I was in the neighborhood, El Pulgarcito seemed to rank highly, and after visiting, I can see why. The first trip, I got one each of the six types of pupusas. And though the lady taking my order did a bit of a double take, I mean, come on - they're only $2 each, so why not? Obviously I only managed to eat, like half of each, but it was fun to explore. In addition to the standard barbacoa-type meats and beans that can be stuffed in the middle of these corn pancakes, they also get a little outside of our collective comfort zone with some fillings like zucchini, or spinach. Those are actually the ones I liked best, though they were all pretty good (fried pancakes don't travel very well, though, so if you're getting them to go, eat them quickly). And the rich, deep arbol chile-laden hot sauce they give you for them? Absolutely wonderful. More importantly, I brought my pupusas into work, and upon seeing my bounty, inquired as to where I obtained them. I'm glad I grabbed a takeout menu, because I ended up whipping it out on at least four separate occasions. They got some business that day, let me tell you. I made a return trip later to try the carne guisada, which is a bit more on the Mexican side of the line that every South American restaurant tries to walk when they open in America. Still, the tender bits of beef were quite tasty, and the deep flavor of the black beans that accompanied them were quite a pleasure. I'm certainly not well-versed in Salvadorian food, but I doubt you open a Salvadorian restaurant in Tacoma unless you know what you're doing, and El Pulgarcito knows what they're doing.
(4)Stephanie T.
Parking is not so great here but the food is awesome!! Had the pupusas and tamals of course with rice and black beans and everything was outstanding! Even my baby girl loved it! I will definitely be back!!
(4)Kate F.
This place is fantastic. You could order the pupusas every time and be happy but their other food is great too.
(5)Nick E.
Excellent. We accidentally stumbled in after the place we originally tried to eat at was full. It was a awesome surprise. The food was awesome and authentic. Hope to make it back there before we leave town. Had the Molcajete which was fantastic. Huge portion. Could have shared that two folks.
(5)Jon O.
The place and area looks like a total dive but the food is outstanding! Love me some pupusas! The best Ive had, really fresh, pipping hot and tasty every time. Great value overall; Definitely worth a visit.
(5)Tania M.
We love it. We love that they custom make our pupusas. The curtido is solid good and we look forward to going back every chance we get.
(5)Judy M.
You know that seedy part of South Tacoma Way? Well, go down further, into the even seedier part. Nope, not there yet. Go down even further, until S. Tacoma Way becomes Pacific Hwy. See the "ladies of the night?" Okay, now you're there. After I put away stuff, and locked my doors, I was on my way to a pupusa. Sometimes, food taste better when there are elements of seediness in the air. Sometimes. Our waitress was adorable, honest, and helpful. My friend had pre-orded some pupusas before I arrived. We had the zucchini, spinach, and pork pupusas. The zucchini was quite nice. The pupusa had a nice crunch, but a soft and creamy center. But, it went down hill from there. Something in the spinach one was burnt, and overwhelmed the other flavors. The pork one tasted tuna-esque. Weird, I know. Then, we also ordered the blanco camarones. Oddly enough, the sauce was big-mac orange, and the prawns were overcooked, hard even. On the other hand, the rice and black beans were tasty. Overall, the pupusas seem like they would have been good, if it hadn't been for those unexplainable elements. They are definitely generous in size, and cheaply priced. You really only need one for lunch. I'm willing to think that the less than stellar parts of my experience were an anomaly, and give it another whirl. It could also be that this place has it good items, and....well, the rest.
(3)Joana R.
I went with my bf, his dad and sister to this place today. At first the place looks sketchy from the outside but after we got inside it was a nice little place. Nothing to fancy. They have both seating good for group of four and the decoration was typical. Anyways I ordered the carne asada quesadilla and also tried their chicharones and spinach pupusa and I must say it was great! My bf's dad and sister ordered the burrito and they both lovef it as well. Great food and the price isnt bad either. We ended up paying $50 for the four of us plus another combo for take out. Will definitely come back !
(4)Richard S.
OK, cheap, delicious Salvadoran food. Nothing fancy and one shouldn't expect much from the atmosphere or the food, but it's delicious. For a quick fix, do it.
(4)Alethea S.
SO good! Had papusas and the #18. Carne asada with shrimp and chicken. And the molcajete (spl) the flavors are fresh!!!! And oh so tasty. Super friendly! All freshly made !
(5)Marie J.
Okay...Just as little update here. I've tried all 6 pupusa fillings: Chicharron---ground pork--Oh my crackin' Goodness...LOVE.---Favorite Revueltas----a mixture of something Ummm...Yummy (beans and meat I think) Calabaza-----zuchinni/cheese...moist and tasty. I'd order again. Queso--------come on family...it's cheese....whats not to love! Espinach----you got it!---spinach and cheese. Eh...this one I can really do without. Wasn't nasty but EXTREMELY boring considering the authentic taste of the others. Loroco-------a type of pungent flower/bud w/ cheese. Glad I tasted it (if you go be a true foodie...got at least taste it)------------but the smell is a bit 'funky' to me and I couldn't get passed it. It's like...like eating my husbands or sons "freshly slid-off ...sock" after a hard days work or football practice--with masa wrapped around it. No...immo straight pass on Loroco. The tomatoe sauce is tasty with a slight kick at the end. I added a few grains of kosher salt and that made it much better. The Curtido (standard spicy slaw side) good. I added a small pinch of kosher salt. And the Spicy Arbol or whatever kinda pepper sauce this is...is definitely a good addition and compliments the flavors of the pupusas but be CAREFUL--this stuff can kill the enemy in a war. It's a bit deadly. There you have it. Eat up. (I know...this chick sure types and talks too much...I sorry). :o)
(5)Tammy M.
Not only was the food awesome the service was outstanding and the owner/ beautiful woman cooking was very nice and came and visited with us after our meal, we shared great conversation over her culture and the different way we use different spices and foods. She showed us some great pictures. We tried several papusas the zucchini and cheese was amazing!! Pork bean n cheese was also great. Condents of cabbage and salsa was also very fresh and tons of flavor!! With this woman's warm heart and great attitude I'm sure everything on the menu is amazing. We are trying the yuca fritas with pork next time!!
(5)Jancyn G.
If El Pulgarcito was located closer to my house, I would have to resist going every day! It's that good! Yes, there are Salvadorian restaurants in my area, but they do not compare. Completely worth the drive to Lakewood every once in a while to get my fix. My favorites are pupusas con chicaron y queso, and the tamal de elote. The pork and cheese in the pupusa is to die for, and the sweet corn tamal with crema is nice and moist! As far as beverages go, I always order either horchata or tamarindo and would highly recommend either of them. The horchata is perfect and creamy with a cinnamon flavor, and the tamarindo is lighter and more of a sweet fruity drink. Yum!
(5)Blaine S.
Don't be put off by the shabby entrance to this place - the food inside ROCKS! It's one of those hidden gems you're likely to look at from the outside and say, "naw." The Military folks at Joint Base LM have discovered this place. In addition to the great lunch-dinner food, they also have a Salvadoran breakfast menu.
(5)Hannah L.
Oh my holy GOD. The wax paper is freshly dotted with tiny pieces of pickled cabbage and carrot and orange swirls of habañero salsa, the burn from a nibble of arbol chilé just begins to fade from my tongue, and the tines of my fork can't stop scraping the last bits of smoky refried black beans from the bowl's bottom. And the pupusas revueltas? Decadent. Devoured. Four dollars for heaven. El Pulgarcito's pupusas are a thing of simple bliss and perfection. Piping hot and fresh, dough fried just-firm, cheese lacing itself around the plump beans and the tender pork....Brightened with a generous complement of curtido and one of the most beautiful deeply red-orange salsas I've ever seen, this was one of those quickly-consumed meals interrupted only by my needing to stop between luscious bites...to smile with irrepressible glee. There are other equally enticing options with spinach, calabaza, and straight-up chicharrón (although I didn't see loroco on the menu, I assume it's available). Whatever your choice, you can stay and eat in the quiet and clean dining room or wait a few minutes to take your order with you. (I advise sitting with a view of the edge of the kitchen, to watch the slap and sizzle of the dough on the griddle.) Although there's an extensive menu of other enticing Salvadoran meals both printed and pasted along the walls, I can't imagine ordering anything other than a pupusa given how perfectly fried and elegantly stuffed these are, although I think next time the plátanos fritos might make for an almost-too-perfect ending. Or maybe it's that I can imagine it, but have no wish to pass up pupusas so lovely....
(5)Steven R.
Great service, great food. Fresh, hot, authentic. For those that think it's a little bland, its because its Salvadorian. They give you great vinegar slaw and two types of salsa to add to your food if you want to amp it up some. The beans are the best I have had in this area.
(5)Liz C.
Im constantly thinking about their burritos... Soo good, but everything ive had here is great.
(5)Kelly N.
It's a hole in the wall with great food. Serving sizes are huge, but prices are on the higher side.
(4)J. T.
Gotta get my Pupusas fix!
(4)A Joe S.
Reasonably priced, generous portions. Simple, flavorful food. I had the pork pupusas. Very unassuming ambiance both inside and out. Located in between a pizza delivery place and tattoo parlor. Cordial wait staff. I will return.
(4)LeeAnn H.
Great place for authentic Salvadorian food. We've always gotten great food & service! The pupusas are fantastic!
(5)Lissa H.
Incredible! Pupusas de queso were to die for! The carne asada tacos had fresh cilantro and perfectly seasoned meat! The salsa verde adds the perfect amount of spice and flavor!
(5)OL G.
It was really difficult to find an authentic latin amerincan restaurant in this area. But El Pulgarcito is definitely one. The food was great. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Chloe N.
Tasty food, a little variation from mexican food which is nice (i'm originally from southern california so it's hard to satisfy my cravings when it comes to authentic hispanic cuisine). This place is worth trying out, but make sure you have time and try not to go during peak meal hours or you might have to wait a while.
(4)James G.
My first time and very authentic and very delicious.
(3)Mike M.
Knew I picked the right place for lunch when the local residents started showing up. Very good food. A little off the beaten path but, worth it. Will be looking for an excuse to travel there again.
(5)Leah K.
I had never had Salvadoran food, so of course I had to try to famed papusas. They were very tasty! Another reviewer said "sort of like a quesadilla" and I think that's a good description. I also tried one of the Salvadoran seasoned beefs. Beef was tender and flavored very nicely! Serviced with black beans and rice. Price was reasonable, service was very friendly and attentive, atmosphere is hole in the wall, but I don't mind. I will go back for the food and to try more of what's on the menu!
(4)Arpel M.
Wonderful! Please know that I would not have gone if it were not for the Yelp reviews. I am so glad I did as the food and service were excellent. I had the pupupas and they were amazing. It is definitely a find. I also loved the tomato sauce.
(5)Jutta L.
Bad service, dirty restaurant, but the food is amazing!! And pretty cheap looking at the huge amount of food you get
(3)Ed W.
This was my first time eating El Salvadorian food, and it was so good, new cuss words need to be invented to describe the flavor! I had the combo with 2 papusas and the corn tamal with rice and beans. Everything was unbelievably tasty! I will be back!!!
(5)Allen B.
Being of non-latino descent, I felt a bit slighted. We walk in and we're basically ignored at first. Some latino types came in right after us and were shown directly to their table. We were then pointed to the table where we were to be seated. -1 star for the discrimination. That being said, I was pleasantly suprised by the quality of the food w/a few exceptions. The pupusas are a fried Salvadorean version of a Mexican Torta. They were just a wee bit greasy but had lots of tasty filling. At under 2 bucks a pop they're quite a bargain. On a combo, the Tamal was just this lump of lard and corn masa w/no filling or sauce. Being made of the same masa as the pupusas, it was unnecessarily redundant. Needless to say, it went beggin'. The beans were a little soupy but tasted great so I can forgive that. The rice was plain but surprisingly flavorful. I liked the cole slaw. It had a strong oregano bite but it somehow worked. They had 3 different salsas that went well with the food. The place was bright and clean. If you're of non-Latino descent and not too sensitive, then give this joint a shot. Next time I'll go for the Mexican food. Its gotta be better than the American-ized, bland crap you get at Mazatlan, Azteca or El Toro.
(3)Katie R.
I have to start off by admitting that I have crossed the bridge twice in 1 week just to come and eat here. IT IS THAT GOOD! There used to be a young girl that worked here that was very friendly, but I haven't seen her lately :-( the older woman is not very friendly but it doesn't stop me from coming and devouring these delicious pupusas! You have to try the coleslaw cabbage on them with both the red sauces, although the darker one is spicy so if that's not your thing then...don't! I have had the caldo de pollo and pupusas, but the pupusas are what dreams are made of. This is a frequent stop for me and will continue to be!
(5)Omar C.
LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THIS PLACE! -Beans -Rice -That Spicy Coleslaw ALL DELICIOUS! The service was amazing, the food is filling and affordable, I haven't had much Salvadorian food but oh wow I am open to try it all after eating here. The Pupusas will leave you craving more even if you're stuffed with food to your trachea! OH ALSO! THEY HAVE BOOTHS AND TV! strongly recommend you try this place! 9/10
(4)Jeff G.
We started out at Hoo Soon Yi but they were being soo slow. We saw this out the window and crossed the street; glad we did. The pupusas are great. I think even better than the place in White Center. Crispy oustide, creamy inside. But the menu is huge. We also got plantains with beans and crema and Chicharons with Yuca. All made to order and all delicious. Tons of food, lots of left overs.
(4)S.k. T.
The Carne Asada Burrito is phenomenal! Since they've opened more locations, there have been a few times it is not up to their usual standard.. But it is still a "good" burrito nonetheless. When they are on par, it is one of the best burritos on the planet! Don't let the building or area scare you off this amazing foodie find!
(5)Skye V.
Visited this cozy little place for lunch and it exceeded my expectations. This place has some seriously delicious food. I ordered the Pollo Guisado with homemade corn tortillas and it was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The Salvadoran herbs they used in this dish was magnificent. I also ordered the pork, beans and cheese pupusa and a cheese and spinach pupusa, both were made with homemade corn tortillas and they were delicious. It was my first time trying pupusas, I will definitely be back for more of this fantastic food!
(5)Heather S.
This place is delicious! A coworker introduced me and much of the rest of our team to this food and now she picks up food for us all twice a month! We all look forward to "Pupusa Day"! The pupusas as are amazing but most of all I love the tamals, they are sweet and taste like a variation of corn muffins. Meals come with rice and beans and a pickled tasting slaw, just mix it all together on your fork and you are in for an explosion of tastes. It's a hole in the wall location but that doesn't distract from the food!
(4)Brian B.
Ate here a few weeks ago just now getting to the review. Food was to die for. I had Diablo Shrimp. She had chicken. Both were killer, but the icing on the cake was not even the two deserts we had it was those dynamite Papusas. Service was good and friendly. Location and atmosphere... Not so much. ( the food makes up for it).
(4)Rachel C.
I haven't had much luck finding quality papusas in the Seattle/Tacoma area...until now. It isn't much to look at, and do not be put off by the location (between a pizza joint and a tattoo shop) - it's 100% worth it! The service was friendly enough, and quick enough - though, she did get our soda wrong - we ordered fountain, and she brought a bottle. It was a quick fix and our food was out fairly quickly as well. The papusas were hot and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Filled with delicious well-seasoned pork and another filled with the same pork, black beans, and salty cheese. They were paired with black beans and rice - both were perfectly seasoned and hot! The only complaints I'd have is that the attentiveness of the waitress and the TV was a little too loud. That being said, I will go here again and again. I highly recommend this place - if only for the papusas! You will not regret it!
(5)Kristine S.
I can't say enough about this place...zucchini and cheese papusa are amazing as is everything else on the menu! We have tried almost everything and you can't go wrong. If your lucky the owner will come out and tell you a great story about her culture, she is a little shy but eager to socialize if she has the time!! Great staff and amazing food!!
(5)Lola S.
I've had lunch here a few times. The food is pretty good. I'd come here more often if it wasn't so out of the way for me. My Salvadorian friend loves this place and I'm always down to come here for lunch.
(4)Julia G.
We stopped here on our way back to Portland (a city that is no slouch in the food department). OMG!! Where to start? The papusas were perfection. Slightly crispy on the outside, savory goodness on the inside. The avocado perfectly ripe. The Salvadoran beef and chicken dishes had unique and tasty flavors. And the cabbage salad was crispy, tangy, herby--light and refreshing. What a surprising treat on our slog of a drive back home. Will definitely come back.
(5)JoJo G.
First time here today for lunch I tried the Revueltas popusas, polio a la plancha 52nd the sopapillas everything for under $20. I loved the food! Only bad thing there was only one waitress and she was doing everything from taking orders to delivering the food to checking out.
(5)Jason D.
Excellent chicken soup. I'm sure the other dishes are good too. Prices seemed to be a bit on the higher side, but I'd definintely stop back in if I were in the area again.
(4)Naomi H.
Delicious pupusas, I love the cabbage curtido on top as well as the sauces. Beans and rice complete the meal. Yummy.
(5)Shaqia C.
My mom came to visit from out of state, and she wanted to try this restaurant because they had pupusas. I had never heard about or ate at this place before. It was empty when we went in, so I was a little skeptical at first. Needless to say. The food came out very quick. I had the steak burrito. It is super huge, so I couldn't finish it in one sitting. The Pupusas are Amazing. The Food was very flavor full, and a a decent price. And it all came with great service as well!!
(5)Evan K.
Where to start? How about the INSANELY delicious pupusas?! They truly are a culinary masterpiece, and out of the embarrassing amount times I have ordered them, I have NEVER been disappointed. The quality of food and service is top notch, and very reasonably priced. If you've ever desired a complaint free dining experience, today is your lucky day! What I'm trying to say is that you should really get over to El Pulgarcito now. I'll probably already be there.
(5)Chito F.
Ok, so the decor is a bit outdated, with images of El Salvador. It reminds me of local beach places in Mexico ... Way cool :-). Service was good, place was warm, which was great coming in from a cold day. Now let me get to the food. Wow, wow,! My wife loved the chicken falling off the bones and my tilapia (fish) was perfect. Spices on both dishes - loved it. Had to get pupusas (pork), that was super tasty. Considering the large portions of our main dishes, we should have just had one. :-). Some people would put this under the "hole in the wall" category. I say more under the category of "very authentic, family feel with delicious food your mom or aunty would make, while you visit with them". Definitely coming back.
(4)Malcolm R.
Recommend for the unique experience and authentic food. Great menu of special items that are hard to find elsewhere. Places like this make for a great change of pace. From the usual standard gringo fare. We're glad they are here and will come back.
(4)S and e n.
Consistent good food... but we are disappointed with the service we received tonight. We have ordered to go several times always asking for no cheese due to my wife's milk allergy. She can go into anaphylactic shock if she eats dairy. For a 3rd time they gave us pupusas with cheese. When we called to speak with someone about it, the girl on the phone stated we must have ordered it wrong and to call back at 9pm. She never apologized, she repeatedly said it was us that was wrong. We called back at 9p, and she answered and said they were closed and hung up. We have been loyal customers since this restaurant opened, we have written positive reviews and have referred many friends. It's disappointing this is how loyal patrons are treated. their customer service skills need help allergies are very serious.
(3)Stephanie H.
delicious Tried the pupusas and they were great Recommend spinach one and of course the YUKA must try !
(5)Jennifer M.
Super yummy food! I had a whole fish and it was delicious! I will be going back soon.
(5)Matthew C.
Went with a simple dish, the 2 compadres and was not dissapointed. I was looking for a comfort dish, should have brought a pillow and blanket with me. OK so the chicken is thin sliced and seasoned with pepper and Adobo, steak is thin sliced and marinated in their signature suace. No part of this meal overpowers another. Plenty of meat, rice, beans, salad and a slightly spicy mix of cilantro and diced tomatoes and onions. I plan to be more adventurous next visit.
(5)Sha P.
This place is amazing. Wonderful service and great food. The pico de gallo was fresh, the meat on the carne asada was very tender, the flavors went well together. I would highly recommend this place.
(4)Ju B.
This place is so good! Everything on the menu is delicious! U cannot go wrong at this place!
(5)John D.
Nothing super fancy there. It's good enough to satisfy your hunger during the lunch time. Food is tasty, servers are helpful and polite. They also have a military discount.
(4)Katlyn H.
Second time here and completely blown away with satisfaction again! Currently enjoying the chicken stew, and four kinds of pupusas. I kind of want to live in the corner of this restaurant the good is so yummy.
(5)Patricia M.
Hubby n I went there one after reading all the good reviews. When we walked the only waitress there didn't look very happy, I over looked that. We sat n ordered hubby n I got diff chicken dishes but they looked both the except mine had cheese. I was drinking a sprite n it didn't taste right. They were about 5 groups of ppl. So not too busy. The food was eh, the next day I woke up very sick. It didn't seem very welcoming n I had to get up n go ask for our tortillas. I won't be going back service wasn't good at all n food wasn't great.
(1)Fausto V.
The best Salvadorian food in Washington trust me they have a plate called 3 compadres it comes with 8oz carne Asada and 8oz grilled chicken plus prawns with homemade tortillas rice and beans this place puts Azteca and any Mexican restaurant to shame the price of the 3 compadres is only 20 bucks there are other good things such as pupusas which are huge compare to other places and they also serve all the other Salvadorian plates come on you won't be disappointed
(4)Danielle J.
Pupusas were amazing...my husband ordered a burrito and I was like...really. Hands DOWN best steak burrito I have had in Washington. Will be back...
(5)Jay S.
Have a solid Salvadorian meal at El Pulgarcito. Best for lunch, the stripmall it's located in is a bit sketchy. Count on it for great food, not ambiance. We had combo plates with 2 pupusas, a tamal, black beans and rice ($9.50) ( yelp.com/biz_photos/RclF… ). It's a deceptively huge plate of food: the tamal is a moist cake of sweet corn that pairs well with the black beans, which come with a nice dollop of crema. The pupusas have an initial crunch as you bite into them, then surrender to the softness of the filling. Unctuous. "What's a couple stuffed tortillas?''' you say. "Gut busting," I must insist. The fillings are quite rich, without being overly cheesy ( yelp.com/biz_photos/RclF… ). One of the wider varieties of pupusas I've encountered in my limited experience; vegetarians will be well-satisfied with the zuchini or spinach fillings. There are 2 different pork fillings and a simple, rich cheese. There's an entire page of breakfast items and Mexican cuisine, for variety. I'll be back to explore the menu more, soon.
(4)Catherine F.
OH MAN The food here is AWESOME. Big portions, lots of different menu items, and great sauces come with your order. I had the pollo ala creme and it was amazing. Also got the pupusas revueltas and they were to die for. The homemade corn tortillas that came with my pollo dish were super yummy. Everything came out piping hot and fresh. I loved all of the sauces and curtido - I mixed all of my leftovers together and it tasted just as good as the first time around. I will definitely come here again! Highly recommended.
(5)Caleb P.
Greatest Hispanic food in Western Washington! I have been here a lot of times. Brought the in-laws a week before Christmas, it's fun to have them here.
(5)Christina T.
Reasonable prices, delicious food - I'll be back. Service was prompt and I can always appreciate that. I ordered the Puposa Combination plate with a Chicharron con queso (pork and cheese) and Loroco con queso (cheese with Loroco) puposa with 1 Tamal de Elote. It also came with rice and beans for $9.95. I got two meals out of it. My husband ordered the Bistec Encebollado (marinated steak with onions and peppers). It was delicious and the marinade was so flavorful. It came with fresh tortillas. I'd recommend both dishes. They also have a Lacey location on Lacey Blvd.
(4)Erica J.
pupusas are must try. Spanish and cheese is my favorite. They dont have lunch menu so some dishes are a little bit pricey and definetly worth it
(5)Ryan A.
Love this place... I can't stop going there to eat all the time. The food is amazing. Service is amazing... Love it and can't wait to go wait again.
(5)Mike C.
Excellent pupusas and other menu items that I have tried were delicious. Service is fairly good. The people are friendly. Great little Salvadorian place in south Tacoma
(4)Marissa A.
When the boyfriend and I first moved to Washington finding good Mexican food was like trying to find a bottle of "coca cola" at a "Pepsi" event...it seemed impossible!!! Then we found El Pulgarcito. In all honesty I have never had "El Salvadorian" food before eating here and other than the papusas, I'm not real sure what the difference is (besides the difference in location of course). We normally get their burritos or tacos which both are awesome and very authentic. I prefer the chicken burrito as it has a different flavor overall than the asada...different sauce or rice or something. The tacos as mentioned are very authentic street tacos. On one occassion we tried the Papusas as there are SOOOO many reviews from people saying how great they are...and if this is the best I must not like papusas cause I did not enjoy them personally. Seeing as I can not really compare theirs to another I don't take them into consideration when telling everyone how amazing this place is. The service has always been quick and friendly and I would have to say their only downfall is their hot sauce. They have two options, a mild and a hot. The mild is boring and leaves the taste buds feeling like they just ate watered down ketchup and the hot is made with chipotle or something, so it has this off putting taste and isn't REALLY hot. If they would get a better hot sauce I would quickly change this review to 5 stars. Oh...PS...I went here for lunch one day and got my burrito to go...split it with a coworker and it filled us both up that's how big these burrito's are!!!
(4)