Taqueria El Nayarita
660 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA, 94401
Taqueria El Nayarita Menu
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Soups
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Plates
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Specialities
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Tacos & Burritos
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Mariscos / Seafood
Healthy Meal suggestions for Taqueria El Nayarita
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Soups
-
Plates
-
Specialities
-
Tacos & Burritos
-
Mariscos / Seafood
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Address :
660 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA, 94401 - Phone (650) 347-5414
- Website https://taqueriaelnayarita.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 1:00pm
- Mon : 8:00 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Tito G.
I went to this place yesterday with a group of friends after going out drinking and needed a place to eat. So one of my friends decides to look up for carne asada fries since they are delicious and was craving some San Diego food. As you enter the place, you can see that this place has been here for a while so at least you know it is well established. We ordered our carne asada fries and when they arrived, I didn't know the meal was going to be huge! Had I known that, I probably would've shared with my friend. The meal itself was good! It was tasty, huge serving which will definitely get you full, and the service was decently quick. I would've not put in refried beans in mine but that's just a preference. I would come back to this place again if I'm hungry and in the mood for a meal like this!
(4)Shanise M.
Tucked away in a strip mall by the freeway... also right next to Ike's! I've been here twice now and usually after a night out drinking. I first discovered this place by searching (and crazily craving) for good carne asada fries (SD-cravings hollaaa). This place popped up and off we went. It's located out of the range of the ever poppin' downtown San Mateo, but it's worth a visit if you have a late night craving. Both times (most recently was last night) I ordered carne asada fries. I swear I'll try something else someday, but the order of fries is HUGE. Both times I have needed to share it with my friends. The carne asada fries aren't the most awesome ones I've had (needs more cheese), but they easily fulfilled my craving. The fries are perfectly crinkle cut, which makes me suspect they weren't freshly made. The size is mostly the best part of it especially since it's also so affordable! Damn, I'm craving them again. The place has a lot of seating, a bit run down but no one seems to mind. Also, it seems to be a lot of locals who eat here too, so that says good things about El Nayarita!
(4)Rhea M.
Great hole in the wall taqueria for a late night choice. I only come here late night if I'm not in the mood for Chinese (down the street) since they are open until 1:00am on weekdays and 2:00 am on Friday-Sunday. Prices are cheap and if you order street tacos they do load up the meat. Yeah. Come here if you need some midnight tacos.
(3)Henry L.
Pretty run down place Gotta say though, this place is legit. The menu are all in spanish, and the waitstaff/casher there also seem to speak spanish as their main language, so you know the place is the real deal folks! The breakfast burrito was pretty good, with a lot of ham and eggs inside with nice warm rice and beans. How can you say no to that? The decor inside is pretty run down, with hard cafeteria tables and chairs that don't look very clean. But hey, what do you expect? It's a burrito joint. Definitely perfect for stopping by after a night of bar hopping.
(4)Allxie C.
So, don't come here for nice ambiance or a fancy date, but this deserves 5 stars just for the food, because you couldn't go to a fancy place and get food this good. I make excuses to travel 40 minutes south for this place. I've been tasting all the different burritos on the "top ten burritos in SF" lists, and to be honest, none of the Mission's best hold a candle to this place. Their burritos are the best I've ever had. I've ordered the carnitas burrito and the carne asada burrito. The carnitas are especially crispy and highly flavorful. All of their burritos can be spicy or mild, and I order extra spicy, which comes out amazing. Everything's juicy and hot. The staff speak predominantly Spanish, but we've gotten by every time. They're friendly and seem to enjoy their work. There's actually a ton of seating space in this place, and it's never been full when I've gone in. There are TVs on, usually with soccer games or music videos in Spanish. There are trays of free chips, and a bar full of salsas and condiments. There's parking outside in a lot that's small, but not necessarily full. The food is inexpensive. I walk out with a big burrito and as many chips and salsas as I want for $6.50. Unfortunately, all the cups and take out containers are Styrofoam and plastic, but the staff has been able to give me just a burrito without the bag or extra containers upon request. But seriously, if you seek the perfect burrito, your life won't be complete until you've tried this one!
(5)Earl G.
Whenever I see a divey and authentic style taqueria I can't help but check it out. They specialize in cuisine from the Nayarit region of Mexico which is along the gulf of California. I was kinda set on meat so I skipped their seafood which is probably what they're known for. * Two taco combo plate and added another taco for $8. Carnitas, lengua, and cabeza all done right with the beans and cheese. The taste and tenderness was where it was supposed to be. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/taqu… ) Pros - Good value, good portions, quick service. Great menu with all the traditional taqueria items you could want. -Open late! 1am M-Thurs and til 2am for weekends. Cons - It's in a little strip mall and there always seems to be some sketchiness around. I like divey but I wouldn't want my wife going here by herself. While this place is good, If I'm doing tacos, I still prefer Tacos Al Vapor right around the corner. I might come back to check out some of their mariscos!
(3)Victor C.
Decent carnitas street tacos. Their salsa fresca and chips are pretty good. It's nice to be able to find an inexpensive place for a late night snack. While this was a "to go" meal, the staff was friendly and the food came out quickly.
(3)Heather K.
This place has hands down the best burritos ever. I live in so cal, closer to Mexico than this place, and Nayarita puts everywhere else to shame! I have to make a stop every time I'm here! Delicioso!
(4)Catherine K.
This is not a place to sit and eat (there are almost no windows) but rather to take away. The food though is awesome, the quesadillas and soft tacos taste really fresh and better than other restaurants around there. You also get a chance to practice your Spanish if you want to order in Spanish ;)
(5)Brandon H.
I come here every so often when a crave Mexican food, to begin I'll only talk about the food. I've only ordered tacos and burritos which I personally find to taste decent, what really makes it good is the salsa I can't get enough of it. The wait isn't too long and it usually isn't packed people wise (I go around 7-8 on fridays). Now the restaurant itself could use some cleaning, the floors need to be cleaned and the bathroom needs some renovation. Last I've been reading the reviews and I've seen a lot of people suffer from loose stomaches after eating here, I guess it really depends on the person and how they usually eat because I have never suffered this(then again my meals usually consist of spices so I'm accustomed to this) *also the service is nice, I have no complaints about that
(4)Christopher X.
Just finished a very late snack, so to speak. The place is the kind of Mexican food place that's authentic, but way too authentic. The service is nice because they bring the food to your table. I tried my fair share of Spanish when ordering. The menu is the usual burritos and tacos. I ordered three soft tacos. The wait is not long, and there is mariachi music blasting in your face as you sit at the table. The ground is not too clean, and the bathroom has no soap, but overall, the food was great. The salsa really goes well with the lime. I gotta say, I can feel the diarrhea coming. I would only come here for two reasons: a choreographed rumble or some cheap late night Mexican food.
(4)Brad S.
Pretty typical hole in the wall taqueria. Good food, but nothing to write home about. Salsa bar and chips was nice, but I would've rather grabbed my food and eat in the nearest park. Looks like they serve beer, so that would be a plus the next time I decide to dine here.
(3)Carlos M.
I was in the area and wanted to try the tacos here. It was a horrible experience. First of all the wait was longer than expected. It was clearly not busy at all. When the food did come out, it made the rounds around the restaurant, first ending up on the wrong table, then finally back into the kitchen. Turns out, my order was wrong, so they were confused about who the tacos were for. When they did figure it out, they quickly replaced one of the three tacos with cold carne asada. As a result, all three tacos were now cold. They never apologized for the wait or cold food. I left without eating my tacos...don't go eat there. They clearly take shortcuts when preparing food, especially when they run behind. It's not worth the money. Especially when the food is improperly prepared.
(1)Nelly J.
This is my first time going here. I went at 12:00am so it wasn't to busy & food was ready quickly. I got a regular carne asada burrito which they failed to put refried beans on like I wanted. Food wasn't good but it wasn't disgusting either. I wouldn't suggest going here but if you need a late night spot in San Mateo it will do. I will give them one more try for there tacos soon.....
(3)Rob C.
late night option coming back from sfo. al pastor super burrito satisfies. light rice/beans/onion/cilantro and good salsa.
(4)Judy C.
PROS: Hands down.. best al pastor tacos. They use pineapple in their meat mixture. CONS: However eat at your own risk. I had the worst stomach pains before I could finish my meal. Same happened to the husband on the drive back. It cleared up overnight. But I will not forget the gut renching pangs of pain and will not be returning. The eatery is also in a sketchy part of town. I would not recommend coming here solo at night and being a female. Husband also tried their cabeza and lengua. Non-remarkable and a bit on the dry side per his opinion. Salsa bar was OK.
(1)Tati F.
Not a very friendly environment.. And unfortunately I can't say the food is much better. I got a carne asada taco plate. The beans tasted old, the meat tasted like it wasn't cooked thoroughly, the salsa wasn't fresh either, even the limes were so dry I had to use several per one taco. The only good part on the plate and what I was actually able to finish was the rice. My stomach isn't too sensitive, so the fact that I got a stomach ache a quarter into my meal is enough for me to never come back.
(2)Joe V.
I've had good to great Mexican food. Actually I thought there isn't bad Mexican food... Until here :/. Seems like the overly "lime" everything so everything tastes super sour. I ordered some carne asada fries, a chicken flauta, and a carnitas taco. The meats were definitely good but was killed by the overly sour gauc. The flauta I had wasn't the usual crispy but super soft Maybe authentically that's how they're supposed to be but I usually have them crispy, but regardless it was mush. Also to add to the bad experience, that order I mentioned took 20 mins! AND the carnitas taco was chicken so the order was wrong. Make the effort and pay a little more and get a decent meal at Pancho Villa.
(2)Juan I.
It doesn't get more authentic than this. The carne asada tacos were very tasty! The asada was cooked great and salsa was awesome. Prices are very reasonable. Only down fall, the portion sizes were not enough. Not enough meat on the tacos, but they taste great!
(4)Michael L.
Weak breakfast burrito. Weak salsa. Weak English (which is okay but not if you're going to include shit chola attitude). Asked for a breakfast burrito with "huevos con jamon". The lady didn't understand English so she got this other lady to take my order. I said the same thing. Then she says, "So you don't want a breakfast burrito." I said, "I do. I want it with eggs and ham." Then she says, "That's not a breakfast burrito." I'm looking at the menu wondering what the fuck she's talking about because it's right there. So I just ask if she has a breakfast burrito with meat in it. She says, "Yes. Would you like chorizo with eggs or ham and eggs." Serio, guey? Some people were meant to be aborted. I swear.
(3)Mark H.
This place is a local taqueria with really reasonable prices ($5 burritos) and good food. If you're looking to overpay and hang out with fellow yuppies, try Pancho Villa or Tres Amigo's in the downtown area. It is great for people watching (mostly drunk day laborers) and the people behind the counter are always helpful. I like to order a beer while I wait for my to-go order and just people watch. It does help to know spanish in this place because that is really all anyone speaks. It also is open until 3am for late night drunken snacks! Don't bring kids, it's a rough clientele as the night gets later. It's good for adults though. It would have got 5 stars but they had a drunk day laborer try and rape a female patron in the bathroom a few years ago. With that being said, they do have a state-of-the-art digital surveillance system and the cops got the guy the next day standing on the corner, waiting for work.
(4)Teresa D.
We like to go there every once in a while, the food isn't bad. We really enjoy their carne al pastor, It's so tasty. They have a yummy salsa bar too... Girls!! Be careful when you go late at night.... Especially on weekends, the men are creepers. It's safer when you go with someone else. Other than that the place isn't bad.
(4)Raina S.
There's something a little creepy about this place, though I can't quite put my finger on why I get a skeevy vibe here. However, there are some aspects of Taqueria el Nayarita that can be easily judged. It's not terribly clean, and the food just isn't very good. There are many more taquerias in San Mateo that blow this place away. Don't bother.
(2)mike c.
Ordered the veggie burrito. I'd have to say not bad. The red salsa I have to say is pretty good and spicy. Worth getting the hot sauce here. Service was average and associates don't speak too much English
(3)Sean K.
This is really more 3.5 stars. So I'm coming home from the airport - its 9.45 and, much to my chagrin, I'm realizing one of the downsides to NorCal vs. NYC: everything closes early. Well and public transportation's a joke, its painful to get a coffee shop employee to process an order in under 10 minutes and generally the 'burbs drive me insane but I'm saying one of the real downsides when its late and you want a taco is the lack of taco options. Nayarita to the rescue! I'll say that it just wasn't as fresh as other locations but it has its own little 'thing' going that I couldn't quite put my finger on - perhaps because I was the only person in there in a suit and no one seemed to give a shit and that they served me a lengua taco. I also got a carnitas taco and they get points for the home made corn tortillas which were fantastic but the carnitas just didn't taste super fresh. Maybe because I ordered late night? I don't know - still, could have been better. But I won't say that my stomach felt 100% upon leaving which was kind of a downside.
(3)Jesse P.
I hadn't been back here in about a year but wanted a burrito the other night and didn't feel like driving up to Mission. No bueno. Poor quality ingredients. Will never come back. Next time I'll deal with the late night drive up to Mission and stand in line. It's worth it.
(1)A. M.
This place has the best tacos Alpastor(bbQ Pork) !!!!!! Its the only Place in san mateo. !!!!!!!
(5)Jenna B.
Single white females STAY AWAY! This place is not safe at night. Was harrassed the entire time I was there. I actually considered calling the police to make sure I made it to my car and I was parked out front! The creepers didn't get enough inside and were waiting for me to walk out the front door so they could continue making me feel like I was about to get gang raped. Seriously. Stay away. Not safe.
(1)M C.
Excellent beef burrito that tastes and is fresh. Hell to the yizzay for also not reeming me for a Coca-Cola. Excellent, friendly service every time I've gone. I'm sleepy as I type this, so I don't feel like blabbing on. However, I'm very satisfied!
(5)Kim N.
I think this place is under rated in flavor but over priced in value. let me explain. The meats for the tacos were all solid. Pastor, cabeza, lengua and tripa 4 for 4. But for 1.50 per taco it's not a lot of meat and I think I could have had a 5th or 6th. I wish they crisped up the tortillas a bit more but they still held throughout. The horchata was also really good. Strange space layout but if you're into soccer they have the premier league and Im sure a few others when they're open
(4)Jacqueline C.
Stumbled upon this place in a drunken search for a taco truck in downtown San Mateo. Was about to settle for Jack in the Box when I saw the word taqueria in the corner of my eye. It was a miracle. Tacos for $1.25 are excellent and they give you enough to legitimately split into two tacos loaded with salsa from the salsa bar. They have that onion/jalapeno mix too. And cucumbers. There is a jukebox inside and people do use it lol so don't be surprised by the sudden explosion of banda music!
(4)Sara N.
Never again.
(1)Jessica L.
Horribly disappointing. We got burritos al pastor and shrimp tacos - very very boring. Little flavor at all - wishing there was a salsa bar or something to pour on it to have some flavor. Not sure I would go back and wondering why everyone loves this place - it had potential as it looks like a perfect hole-in-the-wall type of place that would normally have good food.
(2)Fady K.
I'm only giving this place 2 stars becAuse they're open late and serve beer. The food is ok but the service can suck sometimes. Maybe I'm just not a fan because the rude lady at the counter kept yelling EXCUSE ME rather loudly to get my attention. In short, stay away unless it's extra late.
(2)William K.
I really like their salsa bar. I usually come here to stock up on sauce. Overall food quality is good. I usually come here for carne asada fries but occasionally get the burrito and tacos. There is alot of space to sit and eat but I usually get it to go. Lets just say this restaurant is Authentic Mexican with Authentic Mexican vibe. Even late at night.
(4)Chelsea L.
My new favorite Mexican Restaurant!! I came across Nayarita one night a couple weeks ago. It was late and my friends and I were starving. They suggested we come here because they have awesome pork tacos made on homemade corn tortillas. I ordered two tacos. One carne asada, one carnitas. Both on the homemade tortillas (extra 50 cents each...very worth it!). Now, the beef was really good but OMG, the pork was so amazing. It was so flavorful and tender. My friend got the chicken and cheese enchilada. Those were also super good. Lots of cheese and very flavorful rice and beans too, but not too salty. When it comes to the location...it is a little bit sketchy, both inside and out.I didn't feel unsafe, probably because I was with my friend and her boyfriend. I doubt I'd come here alone though. (I don't know much about the neighborhood or anything. I'm not saying this area is unsafe, I'm just telling you how I felt)
(5)Wendee H.
This taqueria is sort of hidden place but is as good as it comes to late night snacking. I was a bit surprise by the awkward hallway to get to the ordering counter. I guess I should have felt somewhat unsafe in this area because there is a security guard doing security guard things, I guess... Some people must be regulars here because there was a handful of people just kicking back enjoying themselves a can of beer or two maybe three..? Anyways, I had some plain Mexican rice and that was decently good. But how can you mess up rice?! My friend had a veggie taco and that looked very good. Whole black beans, shredded white cheese, lettuce, yummm. The salad bar quite impressive too and so are the prices. I heard this place can be a hit or miss. But the night we came to eat was a hit.
(3)Joe N.
I went here specifically to get a California Burrito. Instead I got a burrito with fries on the side. That's like selling someone a car with a navigation system and then giving the guy a garmin handheld. It's like selling someone the full priced tickets to the Niner game, but it'll only get them into the parking lot. It's like paying for an all you can eat buffet, but all they have left is a tray of fruit. I could go on, but to say I was disappointed was an understatement.
(2)eileen m.
I wish I had discovered this place before I wasted my money and time on El Sinaloense on Palm Street. I ate every scrap of food from my chile relleno plato. Even the salad was good! Staff were pleasant and helpful. The place would have gotten 5 stars if the establishment itself appeared cleaner overall. For example the TV up on the wall was dirty and smudged and the floors needed sweeping and mopping. Otherwise, I think this will be my go to Mexican restaurant as Sinaloense lost me as a customer and La Cumbre's salsa bar creeps me out. The other place on B Street -Pancho Villa- their food has no flavor. They have a great salsa bar, though.
(4)Steve R.
The horchata was delicious. My fiance had the green wet pastor burrito. It was delicious and smoky, although the meat was a little fattier than she would have liked. I had the red wet pollo asado burrito, and it was likewise delicious. The staff was friendly and the food was timely. The only thing I didn't like was the juke box... But I always hate loud music while I eat.
(5)Micheal R.
Just good food, great salsa...
(5)Ben F.
Best al pastor I've ever had. Good hot salsa. Cheap prices too. Highly recommended.
(5)Greg D.
I went at 2AM with mi amigo and the place was sketchy as F***. Just a warning to you late night prowlers looking for food, I would only recommend this place if you got the pelotas grandes to go here. There were a bunch of drunk mexicanos in the taqueria just staring at us. Also, there was a homeless lady sleeping at the front door with her cat...(not the most inviting entrance). The food was actually pretty good though. Just eat at your own risk putas.
(3)D S.
Three stars for the Carne Asada fries here. They were decent, but I'd say they lacked a little flavor. But still, three stars.
(3)Verunchik R.
Enough with the burritos people!!! There is a whole world of wonderfull Latin flavors and dishes out there!! There IS a salsa bar so I don't know where Jessica L. was))) Try their fish soup (caldo de pesca), birria (goat stew), fried fish, tacos etc etc!! Handmade corn tortillas are great! Nice neighborhood spot!
(5)Chocoolate I.
The place just gets better and better. Not only are the tacos and rice and beans terrific, they have unbelievable beef soup, shrimp cocktail and carne asada. The music is terrific and they show football (soccer) all the time. They have wonderful fish soup and fried fish, great service and the place is clean. I have been going here for years and I would encourage those who have been disappointed to give it another try.
(4)Dayana B.
the only I can say they have good tacos... and cheap prices
(3)Jetta R.
As a rule, I never get burritos at a taqueria. There's logic behind it, somewhere between "never bring a gun to a knife fight" and "the difference between pink and purple is all in the grip". The more ingredients that go into the dish, more the chances the staff have of fucking up your meal.I like to think that the simplicity of the taco (for the love of God, they're not even folded up) allows the staff to focus more, thus ensuring smaller margin of error. If you don't like my logic, go complain about it on your livejournal. TEN's tacos are equal to or greater than "the shit". The tortillas are always the fresh, the meat is spicy delicious, and they're perfectly portioned; you always know when you'll want 3 or 4 and there's none of this "eat half of it now and take the rest home so it can get soggy overnight and give you the shits the next day" bullshit having so common with burritos, especially their burritos. Think about it. "Wet" burrito? You're calling in sick tomorrow, you just don't know it yet. If meat on a tortilla isn't enough excitement for you, you can just douse it in whatever you find from the salsa bar, if you don't mind being ogled and gawked and leered at by the regulars also known as "the people who keep this place in business, so shut yo' mouth". At $1.25 a piece, it's a cheaper lunch than most fast food drive thrus, except maybe Jack in the Box, which might actually be worse for your stomach, but at that point it becomes a matter of picking your poison, and there is no better bang for your "suicide by taco" buck than here. Or there, since I'm writing this from home.
(3)Erin T.
Wet green burrito. Delicious every time! The sauce has a lot of flavor and the burrito itself is gigantic. When I order it It usually becomes my meal for lunch and dinner. It's so good I haven't even gotten to try anything else. But I'm sure if the sauce and meat are good that the rest of the menu is pretty tasty too.
(5)Jason H.
4.5 Stars, but I'm rounding up. This place has great al pastor. So good in fact I asked them to make me a breakfast burrito this morning with it, even if it was not on the menu. They did it without hesitation. Good salsa (a salsa bar is a must for a taqueria in my opinion). This is one of my two go-to taquerias in the area (The other being San Bruno Taqueria). Chips are usually great. I believe they are made in house. Beware, the meat basket is HUGE. but most things at a taqueria are I suppose.
(5)Trisha Q.
I have gotten their "Meat Basket Salad" 3 times now in the past month or so (aka, since moving here). The food is really good quality, the one time I came here during lunch (versus after work hours when it's busier), I could see what they were doing, and saw they made my meat basket salad fresh on the spot. Literally cut the tomatoes, fried the basket, put everything together. Their green salsa is also incredible, I get it every time. Food is delicious, large portions, moderately priced -- definitely going to become a regular here.
(5)Emily M.
Open late. Decor is nothing to shout about (even for a taqueria) takeout is better. We were late for a concert and needed food in a hurry before we left, and this place fit the bill. The veggie burrito was decent. Probably having a basic knowledge of Spanish is an asset here if you want to special order anything.
(4)Brian T.
It's all about the food... My 5 stars have nothing to do with decor or atmosphere... It's all about the food. Don't get me wrong, it's a clean and safe place, but I still wouldn't recommend you bring a date here. El Nayarita is a twice-a-week Taqueria for me these days... When I've been out of town for a while, I crave it like a fiend and have to go in within a day of my return. When I have a big appetite, I go with what I've dubbed "pork, three ways". Five street Tacos: 2 Chile verde (Stewed pork in green sauce), 1 carnitas and 2 Al Pastor (spicy pork)... Nothing fancy but the flavor is amazing. Two small handmade corn tortillas, meat, onion/ cilantro and a little bit of salsa (red or green). Squeeze a little lime and I'm in heaven. The Al Pastor is the best I've ever had... you can see it rotating on the spit with a big slice of pineapple on the top and bottom. I've had it in a Super Wet Burrito with green sauce (when I had an even bigger appetite). Excellent salsa and sides are always fresh as can be... Since we are really spoiled with great Mexican food here in San Mateo, I usually get to decide where to go for lunch based on what type of meat I'm craving... and I usually I end up here. El Nayarita is definitely for the hard core... Spanish spoken primarily...Soccer games on the TVs... Smiles and change in your pocket when you walk out of the door.
(4)Jonathon C.
I knew my burrito was gonna be good when I walked into a crowded taqueria and all the people inside were staring at me because I was the minority in there establishment. THIS PLACE IS MOTHER BLEEPING GOOD!! Al pastor super burrito for under $6 bucks was so amazing I almost cried. Probably the best I've had in San Mateo. Been back so many times and have probably become a regular by now. They probably refer to me as chinito but don't say it up front. Anyways as long as I don't get sick, jumped, , or punished with a foreign object in my burrito.....I WILL BE BACK.
(5)Scott S.
As I was eating my chicken burrito, I found a large piece of bone and cartilage in the burrito that was about the size of a quarter of my hand! If nearly breaking a tooth wasn't bad enough, they messed up the order big time. The person who took my order only spoke limited English making it very difficult to place m order. They never asked what type of beans we wanted on your burrito and gave us the wrong type of salsa and wrong sauce. I had picked up from here a few times before and had problems with my order being wrong as well. The bone incident put me over the edge and you can bet I won't be going back. The inside of Taqueria El Nayarita is run down. There are plenty of benches to sit at but strongly advise women to not go in by themselves as it is a little sketchy and you can expect to be gawked at by some of the regulars. Additionally, they are in a terrible shopping center made for a fender bender. There is always very limited parking and cars swarming around looking for spots. 1 star all the way. Go to La Cumbre or Pancho Villa if you are in the mood for casual Mexican in downtown San Mateo.
(1)Wilson K.
After coming here so many times when I've run out of options I have to admit, I love the food. The location is not all glitzy or anything, but the fact is that they prepare food good enough that they are UPGRADING in our downward economy! Yes, they make food good enough that they are in the black even now when millions of Americans are scrambling for jobs. They are even adding a SMOOTHIE bar... HELLO! It's like they've been watching me... Their regular burritos are bland, but if you upgrade to a super or wet it gets better. I like to top off their burritos with the RED salsa. The green is great for chips, but if you're going for an Emeril Lagasse "BAM" then the red is what you want for their burritos. If you don't want sauce, their tacos are naturally flavorful and their meat is tender and moist 90% of the time... and the price you pay here for the food is the cherry on top.
(5)Vincent K.
In the search for carne asada fries, as one recalls from those taquerias in southern California, our search brings us to this spot, only 30 mins away from the city. But asie from the outrageous cheap prices, the food is ok. It kept me at a mind boggled sense that something as simple as carne asada fries were not made in the city of SF. And to have to venture out to here was truly a sign of dedication. However, the carne asada fries did come out tasty. The super quesadilla and cabeza taco were very similar to the taquerias you could find in the city. In all respect, its a fine establishment....but there's got to be a closer place, one that makes these California Nachos.
(3)Logan C.
I ordered a regular burrito with cheese and all I got was a 1/2 bean and cilantro filled burrito with a little cheese and fatty chunks of steak.
(1)Julius K.
I ordered the California Burrito, the french fries are not in the burrito but served on the side (THAT IS NOT A CALIFORNIA BURRITO!) The burrito was okay. You'd be far better off going to Las Palomas on 3rd avenue just across the street and around the corner from ARCO or if you really want a quality burrito for the same price. I gave it two stars because 1. It was open late and 2. Burrito wasn't bad. Service sucked, the ambiance sucked, the decor sucked. I felt like a cheap and dirty slut upon leaving the place.
(2)J P.
Went to this place for a breakfast burrito, and gotta say, it was good! Im a big fan a bfast burritos and I would rate this one on my top 5. The homemade chips are delicious..and the nice salsa bar has 4 kinds of salsas and I of course had to have a taste of each one of them. All where very tasty (homemade also). Service was nice and friendly, prices, very good considering this is San Mateo ($5-$7 burritos) and for some reason things seem a little more expensive here. Next time I come, I will order a regular burrito and that will make me decide if this is my new burrito spot!
(4)Jason I.
Easy to get to off of the freeway Parking can be a challenge, given it is in a strip-mall-ish type place Had the Carnitas Burrito. Good, not over the top fabulous. Could have had more meat, and kind of lacked flavor until I added the salsa. WAS SO THIRSTY after I ate my burrito - hmmmmmm, less sodium? Love the taste of the salsa. And they have a salsa bar, which is always a plus. I'll give them another try, and maybe do soft tacos and see how they do with that.
(2)Sean M.
I've worked in downtown San Mateo for almost three years now and this is hands-down my favorite taqueria in the area. It's way more affordable than nearby Pancho Villa and the food is the most delicious. I usually get a chicken burrito with refried beans and the beans are the tastiest around. Sometimes I get an extra side of those with Spanish rice, which is also delicious there. I've also had the pastor tacos, which are RIDICULOUSLY tasty. Wow. Perhaps most significant is the salsa, though: I like my salsa hot and rich and this place has that in spades. It's the kind of salsa that makes you sweat just a little while you're eating it but you can't get enough. They have their own house-made chips, with a great texture and complimentary flavor to the salsa.
(5)Patrick O.
While the quality of their food is very mediocre, I can't help but to give this place 4 stars because of their exceptional customers service and convenient hours for vampires like me. ONLY taqueria in SM open until 2 am most nights of the week with a very friendly staff. Thank you El Nayarita for not making me resort to Jack in the Box.
(4)Adam S.
I dont know what these people are talking about with the negative reviews. 1. One of the FEW places in San Mateo open late night. 2. Shut up about the service, its a freaking taqueria. 3. HANDMADE, FRESH tortillas. 4. Super good Carnitas. Seriously, the service isnt even that bad, they are as nice to you as you are to them. My only complaint, is the beer prices. Beer is $3.50 reguardless of what kind you get. I prefer either a better beer selection or an inexpensive option for budget days, but, once again, its a goddamn taqueria!
(5)Eric G.
Still love this place. Great tasting food, friendly staff, close to where I live, and open late. Great late night snacking.
(4)Ray M.
I got an enchilada and taco combo plate with al pastor (comes with rice and beans). The meat was pretty good, but it was a little tough and the taco was smaller then I am used to seeing at other taquerias. The chips were also just about average and the red salsa they gave me didn't have much flavor. The girl working the counter was very nice though. Overall good, but nothing special.
(3)Kelli M.
I LOVE this place! I go about once a week with the BF ( he introduced me to it, GREAT idea!!!) We tend to go later at night, which is great because they are open until like 1 in the morning. Its usually packed late at night because it's so good. The food is really good and ridiculously cheap. 1.25 for two tacos, thats crazy cheap in this economy. 2.25 for a pupusa! the burritos are good, i LOVE the pulpusas, my fav is the revualta. the tacos de cabeza are unbelievable. the meat is SO tender, it just falls apart. the lengua and tripa are also really good! horchatta is great, and i LOVE the salsa! I always get like 4 things to go haha. Ive never had anything I didn't like at el nayarita. This is as good as it gets for taquerias in the san mateo area. and for those who are complaining about fat, get over it. don't eat mexican food if you don't like fat. fat= flavor.
(5)Eiman Z.
Awesome burritos, at a valuable price, with amazing fresh self serve, all you want salsas. Love it.
(5)Misha T.
for some reason, besides this place taquerias in san mateo don't open until like 11, so if you fiending for some chorizo and eggs or huevos rancheros this is pretty much the only place. The big catch is that breakfast there costs 8 dollars. That is sheer madness. decently tasty madness which isn't worth it except for those days when you're hungover and in san mateo and know that the only thing that will make you feel better is a generous coating of chorizo in your belly. The al pastor is decent also. in any event that "shopping center" tho renovated in all it's gentrified glory is still pretty sketchy
(2)Ben E.
I find myself going to Taqueria El Nayarita a lot. Partially because the food is tasty, and partially because it's one of the only places in San Mateo that get can eat past 10pm. The al pastor is good, but only if they're carving it off of the spit. If not, then go with something else.
(3)Matt P.
Ok, it's definitely a little divey but, in my opinion, this place is hands down the best Mexican food in San Mateo. And growing up on the peninsula, I think I've visited most of them. I would even venture to say this food even rivals my favorites in San Francisco (El Tonayense, Cancun, El Farolito). The tacos are out of this world. They're traditional and simple: two corn tortillas, meat, onions, cilantro, lime, and (their mouth watering) salsa if you want it. My house painter, Jose, was very impressed with the tacos al pastor when I took him here. He says they're as good as his favorites in Redwood City. Some people mark them down based on the strip mall location or taqueria ambiance. That doesn't bother me. The food is 5 stars good in my book.
(5)Laurent C.
OK, so you don't go there for the decor, but it's my favorite taqueria in the area. I think the burritos and tacos are tastier than 3 amigos or Pancho Villa, and it's less crowded and just more Mexican. Also, cheaper and open late. Contrarily to what some people say I've never had to speak Spanish but maybe it's a question of time of day -- I usually get something to go on my way home from work in the evening. The decor and atmosphere are not fancy (think plastic, TVs showing soccer, and a jukebox playing Mexican music) -- if anything it makes it more authentic to me. It's the taqueria that reminds me most of my beloved El Farolito in the Excelsior in SF, the gold standard of taquerias as far as I am concerned.
(4)Sid T.
The only reason I give it a 4 star is that their tacos are only $1.25 each. It's not the best, but very cheep and worth the price and then some. This place is only 2 blocks away from my house. I usually order 3 chicken tacos to go (comes with chips) and my stomach is full for less than $4. Don't take your family here since there's no decor and seems like a hang out for the day workers as it's located in a small strip mall with 7-Eleven, a laundry mat, and a chinese/donut shop.
(4)Oliver S.
A guy who got stabbed and then wandered to my appartment bleeding and layed down in my front lawn.. stated.. in spanish.. (he didnt speak english) that he came from this Taqueria... so after dealing with the police and trying to bandage him up at 2am .. ( why was i outside wandering around in pajamas at 2am you ask?.. i ran out of eggs.. i was going to walk to that gas station.. you know the one.. the one thats open late on 4th with that dude who's always asleep when you walk in.. ).. Anyways.. i digress... after this ordeal i decided WOW that place must be REALLY authentic.. i'll give it a shot tomorrow! Oooh Myyyy Fucking.. God... I have never eaten such a disgusting meal in my life... I swear the sour cream was milk.. the cheese was lacking.. the lettuce was brutal.. the tomatos were white.. the meat was pure fat.. i kid you not.. i could not finish this.. and I'm a pig.. i will eat anything and i love mexican food.. absolutely love it.. and some people say i eat crappy mexican food all the time.. but i dont care.. put sour cream, cheese and some good meat in there, i call that a fucking buritto and they are delishish.. but here... i have never eaten such a disgusting meal in my entire life.. Ever.. Period. Oh and I got the poops the next day.. which isnt uncommon.. i like my hot sauce.. but man was that visit to the toilet a gnarly one.. ouch
(1)Matt K.
pretty dece tacos. hella day workers standing out front is bad for the vibe though.
(4)Matthew L.
While I greatly enjoyed my small, but perfectly sized for lunch Torta Al Pastor, the aftermath isn't nearly as pleasurable. This place may have the tastiest Al Pastor in San Mateo, but there are only so many times that I am willing to sacrifice the well being of my stomach.
(3)KC S.
This used to be one of the best places to eat around downtown San Mateo for quick cheap deliciously greasy food that's very authentic. But they changed ownership recently and the cooking has declined drastically. No longer on my list of fav. lunch spots. Sad. Update 10/24/07: I think they got their act back together... or else the grease has gotten old enough that there's some flavor now in the food. Had me a delicious lard-dripping chicken burrito the other day and damn did it keep me full! Disclaimer: I have an iron stomach.
(3)Kienan H.
This place earned 4 stars for a number of reasons the first obviously because of the great food. I have tried a number of things here from a shrimp quesadilla to super burritos (their carnitas is great by the way) and the meat is always marinated and seasoned to perfection. Another reason is that this place is open late I came in once at 1am and they still served my friends and I. Lastly they are the only place to my knowledge in San Mateo that offers California burritos which is when they put french fries in the burrito. I think its a Socal thing cause the first time i tried it was in San Diego but its great don't knock it till you've tried it.
(4)Jahreese O.
This authentic taqueria is by far the best that I've been to. I've searched so many places to find the best food at the best price--- this is it for sure. The sopes and tacos are my favorite. Their Carnitas and Al Pastor are definitely delicious. Chips and as much salsa and limes as you want. Nothing fancy, just great food at the best price. I could eat here two or three times a week and never get tired of it. Just don't expect anything fancy. Now go and try it!
(5)Tom H.
Once upon a time, this was a wonderful place. Not so now....dirty, dank with poor food.
(1)Matt N.
BOMB! and cheap! the mexican girls who work here think i'm cute i think so they hook it up.
(5)Lauren V.
worst .place.ever
(1)Amy K.
all i'm gonna say is that i got sick after eating here...not sure if it was the food (which i've never been thrilled about) or if i had the stomach flu, but either way, i haven't been back since.
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