Sadly, El Rey burned down late last year and it doesn't appear that they'll be able to rebuild--possibly an insurance issue. It will be missed as there aren't many dining options like this in the area. There are two Jilberto's within a few miles, but those are more take-out-focused while you went to El Rey to sit down with friends to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
ETA: According to the owner's reply (below) shortly after I posted, Jilberto's WILL be rebuilt! Many people will be happy to hear this.
Response from the owner a day ago We are in the rebuilding process it just takes time. You should start seeing a new building go up in about 6 months.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Quesadilla, Cheese Enchilada and Taco Plate, Guacamole, Taco, Chips and Guac, Salsa, Carnitas Soft Taco
Choppers San Clemente
Great family style Mexican restaurant. So sad that it burned down, hopefully they rebuild soon.
kim guenther
Burned down ..duh.
Arlene Fredericks
Sadly, thisplace burned down on Sept 23, '23
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul
I will miss El Rey Mexican Restaurant. So sad, all that's left are the good memories. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fox Schitt
Ay buey.Place burnt down. Don't think anyone going to be drinking margaritas and eating cheeps and salsa anytime soon.Que lastima.
Dan
The El Rey burned down today. 9-23-2023. I hope they rebuild.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Joseph DiPietro
Wonderful people, great food. Chili Relleno is amazing. Outside by the water if the weather is cool, inside if the flies are in season.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
619miketseng
I'm always happy with taking the family to eat here. Thank you for the great food and service!
This is not mexican food except beans, rice and chips.Fajitas sucked- where's the beef little chopped pieces of I don't know, chicken dry no flavor,shrimp ok and a whole platter of peppers and onions. Atmosphere was fly infested making it uncomfortable inside with flies buzzing around. Service superb everyone helping everyone and checking on guests. This place was recommended by others, but I am sorry I won't send anyone here. Too bad it won't be on my list of favorites. Funny everyone there was eating hamburgers, go figure.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
Mark Gallardo
First of all Bring Your Own fly swatter and don't order the Ortega Burger, it was not edible at all, dried meat, no seasoning, hard smashed bun and expired Ketchup. The Green chili was fairly tolerable tho. Used to eat there all the time about 20 years ago when I worked in Valley Center and food was good. Went back about a year ago and had a bad experience, thought I'd try them again cause there aren't many choices around there. Don't think I'll be going back...... And did I mention the flies?
Mike
Excellent red enchilada ranchera sauce - the best I've ever had. Excellent, fresh, authentic green sauce. Great chips and salsa. Neat place. Worth the drive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Burrito, Enchilada, Salsa
lucycan
First time here. Pretty busy at noon on a Friday. Service was great. Place was clean. Food was excellent.
Ann Childress
Hair was found in 1 of our plates and service was on the slow side
Sadly, El Rey burned down late last year and it doesn't appear that they'll be able to rebuild--possibly an insurance issue. It will be missed as there aren't many dining options like this in the area. There are two Jilberto's within a few miles, but those are more take-out-focused while you went to El Rey to sit down with friends to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
ETA: According to the owner's reply (below) shortly after I posted, Jilberto's WILL be rebuilt! Many people will be happy to hear this.
Response from the owner a day ago
We are in the rebuilding process it just takes time. You should start seeing a new building go up in about 6 months.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Quesadilla, Cheese Enchilada and Taco Plate, Guacamole, Taco, Chips and Guac, Salsa, Carnitas Soft Taco
Great family style Mexican restaurant.
So sad that it burned down, hopefully they rebuild soon.
Burned down ..duh.
Sadly, thisplace burned down on Sept 23, '23
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I will miss El Rey Mexican Restaurant. So sad, all that's left are the good memories. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ay buey.Place burnt down. Don't think anyone going to be drinking margaritas and eating cheeps and salsa anytime soon.Que lastima.
The El Rey burned down today. 9-23-2023. I hope they rebuild.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful people, great food. Chili Relleno is amazing. Outside by the water if the weather is cool, inside if the flies are in season.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm always happy with taking the family to eat here. Thank you for the great food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great little spot for a sit down Mexican dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
This is not mexican food except beans, rice and chips.Fajitas sucked- where's the beef little chopped pieces of I don't know, chicken dry no flavor,shrimp ok and a whole platter of peppers and onions. Atmosphere was fly infested making it uncomfortable inside with flies buzzing around. Service superb everyone helping everyone and checking on guests. This place was recommended by others, but I am sorry I won't send anyone here. Too bad it won't be on my list of favorites. Funny everyone there was eating hamburgers, go figure.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
First of all Bring Your Own fly swatter and don't order the Ortega Burger, it was not edible at all, dried meat, no seasoning, hard smashed bun and expired Ketchup. The Green chili was fairly tolerable tho. Used to eat there all the time about 20 years ago when I worked in Valley Center and food was good. Went back about a year ago and had a bad experience, thought I'd try them again cause there aren't many choices around there. Don't think I'll be going back...... And did I mention the flies?
Excellent red enchilada ranchera sauce - the best I've ever had. Excellent, fresh, authentic green sauce. Great chips and salsa. Neat place. Worth the drive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Burrito, Enchilada, Salsa
First time here. Pretty busy at noon on a Friday. Service was great. Place was clean. Food was excellent.
Hair was found in 1 of our plates and service was on the slow side
Wheelchair accessibility: None provided
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Mixed Fajitas, Taco, Salsa
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