20 minute wait to place an order. 10 minute wait to get your order. Sope was burnt Tripas where burnt. Don't waste your time here.
Maria M.
This place never disappoints. Excellent sopes, tacos de chivo, pan dulce, and aguas frescas that can go up against the ones my mom made from scratch when I was a little girl. We always make it a point to have lunch there if we're in the area. We highly recommend you do the same!
Darrell P.
For authentic, solid Mexican food, El Campeon can always be counted on to deliver. My last yelp*view was over ten years ago and the overall ratings have been consistent; tasty Mexican food for a fair $$. I swing by every now & then either right before the lunch rush or a couple hours after. This time, I cut it close and arrived just as the line started backing up for lunch. Most times I quickly browse the menu board and consider ordering something different or new but old habits die hard especially when you KNOW what you like... 'Today was a compromised choice; ordered my usual AND something new. I was taking food over to a couple of friends who were unable to meet me for lunch. So, figured I'd take lunch to them! Lunch crowd; line out the door... 'Business as usual. Photo - The order: Torta #6 Zaguina (Queso Puerco) - $8.49 Photo - Burrito del Al Pastor - $8.89 Photo - Agua de Fruta 32 oz (Platano/Banana) - $4.89 Photo - Burrito de Asada - $9.98 Photo - Total: $35 (+ tip) The new, first time to-try menu item was Torta #6, Queso Puerco. Now, doesn't that sound so much better than Mexican Head Cheese Sandwich? HA! I ordered it for one of my friends, she's a big fan of European deli meats & cold cuts. She liked it. I took a bite, I thought it was okay... 'But then again, everything tastes better with salsa. There's not much I can say that has not already been written, spoken about, or Instagrammed in regard to El Campeon... It's true; tasty food for a good price. Several months ago, I had tried a fancy fufu, Mexican restaurant in Tustin; had bookmarked for some time. I paid $12 for a "Super" subpar burrito that was more valued at $4.75. All hype. (I heard their Happy Hour was pretty good; may return for HH.) El Campeon is the people's place; the locals have spoken. - "Simón!" - Big Aloha! Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Service: 4 Value: 5
Xavier R.
Pretty hood Mexican fast food. If you want to enjoy a popular hispanic place.. come here. Cheap, quick and tasty.
Crystal R.
I have been craving an agua fresca for a few days now which is what prompted me to visit this establishment. It's not too far, it's a busy shopping center & it's a small place with a panadería attached. You order, pick up, and get on your way. I got chicken taquitos that come with rice and beans, with cotija cheese sprinkled on top. They are fat taquitos with a generous portion of rice and beans! They were delicious and very filling! I ate 2 taquitos & some beans-- left the rest for my husband bc I'm stuffed! The agua de melón was exactly what my heart desired. I'll have to try the rest of the aguas (they do offer a sample before you purchase a big one) I also ate a concha (of the 6 different bread choices I got) delicious, soft, sweet. 10/10 so far! I'll be back
Aly M.
We found ourselves at El Campeón after stopping at the Tesla super charger. My husband had the chicken burrito and I ordered tacos de lengua and barbacoa. All 3 were delicious and authentic! The salsas were flavorful and spicy! We bought pan dulce (conchas, orejas, and puercitos) All just like papa used to bake them. Finaliy, we picked up 3 kinds of tamales for later. El Campeón is legit!!! Definitely going to plan a visit the next time we head south.
Vicky C.
4.5/5 STARS Order: carnitas hurarache, buche meat, carnitas meat, beans, salsa verde, masa para tortilla The only meal item I bought here was a carnitas hurarache, everything else was ordered a la carte. The huarache shell was crispy, and the portion of carnitas was not dry at all and very generous. Also included was beans, lettuce, salsa, onion and cilantro. For $5 something, I would definitely get this again because it was the perfect portion size for me (though for a big man this may just be a snack size). A la carte, I ordered a pound of carnitas, a half pound of buche (pork stomach), 1 pint of salsa verde, 1 pint of beans, and 1 pound of masa for tortilla. The prices for these items can be found in the attached picture of my receipt. Upon picking up my order, the cashier lady also gave me plenty of onions and cilantro, and a few each of red and green salsa. When I got to my car, I noticed there was a big bag of fresh tortillas in one of my to-go bags. I'm guessing they give this to you for free when you order meat a la carte (though I am not sure if there is a minimum purchase of meat to score the free tortilla bag). The highlight of this place for me was the beans; I've never really been a fan of beans and I'll typically only eat it if its black beans. However, I was wowed by the flavor of the frijoles here- it's not too goopy, and it tastes like they use pork fat to cook the beans in. A snack I made at home to use up the beans is literally just spreading the beans on a tortilla and eating it just like that- so good!! This was my first time here, but I was able to look around and figure out the ordering system so here it is: You walk in and immediately get in line on the left, where you will make your way up to the hot tables. Someone will take your order, make sure you have your order ready so as to not hold up the line. They will hand you a receipt with the items you ordered and now you can just wait around until your number is called. Once they call your number, make your way to the cashier to pay and pick up your food; here you can order your drinks if you want any. After picking up your food, there are a few tables outside to sit down and eat. Enjoy! Overall I really liked El Campeon and I would like to come again when I am in the area. The workers speak both Spanish and English, so no need to complain about communication, just be patient :) I guess if there is one complaint I have about here, it's that I wasn't the biggest fan of the buche. I normally do like pork stomach (and most offal parts actually so it's not a new thing for me), but I felt like the flavor of the buche was a bit off here and it would have tasted better with a bit more seasoning so you don't taste any funk. And maybe it should be cooked for a bit longer to make it less chewy.
Lisa H.
Wow! Came to charge Tesla and saw a line out the door to El Campeon. Best chicken enchiladas we have ever had. They also have an amazing dessert area. Everything is so fresh and actually tastes authentic... Very nice environment
Frederick H.
SLOW PEOPLE SLOW PEOPLE SLOW PEOPLE... Ridiculous ... every time I'm here they are literally milking the clock barely moving with no sense of urgency at all. They could care less! It's seems they are just collecting their paychecks... 5 people in line and 25 minutes before I could even order, really?? WOW
Trisha C.
If I could give zero stars, I would. I purchased the worst "tamales" I ever had. I was charged $36 for a dozen tamales that had a pile of masa and a few strings of meat. So disgraceful for El Campeon to treat their loyal customer this way. Never again.
It definitely helps the ordering process, if you can speak a little Spanish (Yes, they do have employees whom speak American style English). They have a large menu with cafeteria style options, daily made chicharrones, a bakery, fruit, agua frescas & a little mercado adjacent to their Bakery. El Campeon is definitely the most reliably delicious Mexican Food in Southern Orange County. Everyone lines up, places their order and then pays when their number is called and food is ready. We eat Mexican Food so much, we just call it, "food" and this is our go - to spot when my wife is tired of cooking (Well, this place and El Coyotito). The staff are friendly and courteous. Be careful of the gucamole if you have little tolerance for heat - sometimes you can get a spicy batch. The fruit, cakes, pan dulce are fresh and tasty. I've always based my impression of a Mexican restaurant upon the quality of the rice and beans and El Campeon nails them every time. They're SO good. When was the last time you honestly enjoyed the rice and beans from a restaurant? 1. My wife loves the chicken soup & guava agua fresca, 2. My kids would eat their rice and beans all day with watermelon agua fresca if we let them. 3. I love the chicken taquito combo (boring I know) with the banana agua fresca Do NOT be afraid to try something outside the box - I've enjoyed almost everything on the menu - bakery and all El Campeon is the only place I recommend people go for solid Mexican Food. Save yourself from the Swanky, $25 per plate Mexican Restaurants that litter this area like a divorcee's desperate perfume. Spend under $10 and eat like a king here.
Orlaine W.
First time trying this place today and I loved it all around. I like that it's family owned. Great location with plenty of parking and Tesla chargers nearby. Secondly, the panaderia is part of the restaurant, so you can quickly grab all sorts of desserts to-go after you eat. The line is long, but it moves fast because they are super efficient. I haven't had menudo in years and this hit the spot. It wasn't overly salty or greasy. In fact, I didn't need to offset the saltiness with the acidity of limes because it was perfect as is. They also make their own tortillas which is always a plus in my book. My husband had a variety of their tacos and this place is one of his top favorites now. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners today, and they are such warm kind people. They truly care about providing the best quality food and service at a great price. Support your local businesses and give this place a try! You won't regret it.
Sergio T.
As authentic as they come for Mexican food. There is always a line out the door but it's worth the wait for the value you get for the price you pay. Not fancy in the least bit but you don't go there for the looks. Excellent place for catering and take out for a big party at home.
Darcy S.
Wouldn't change a thing. Fresa tamale. Barbacoa taco. Carne asada sopes. Birria taco. Birria taco. Birria. Taco. So much meat. Now that I found this place life will never be the same. Incredible.
Tiffany M.
Goat meat!!! Torta and tacos. I don't speak Spanish but the random strangers are always willing to help.
20 minute wait to place an order. 10 minute wait to get your order. Sope was burnt Tripas where burnt. Don't waste your time here.
This place never disappoints. Excellent sopes, tacos de chivo, pan dulce, and aguas frescas that can go up against the ones my mom made from scratch when I was a little girl. We always make it a point to have lunch there if we're in the area. We highly recommend you do the same!
For authentic, solid Mexican food, El Campeon can always be counted on to deliver. My last yelp*view was over ten years ago and the overall ratings have been consistent; tasty Mexican food for a fair $$. I swing by every now & then either right before the lunch rush or a couple hours after. This time, I cut it close and arrived just as the line started backing up for lunch. Most times I quickly browse the menu board and consider ordering something different or new but old habits die hard especially when you KNOW what you like... 'Today was a compromised choice; ordered my usual AND something new. I was taking food over to a couple of friends who were unable to meet me for lunch. So, figured I'd take lunch to them! Lunch crowd; line out the door... 'Business as usual. Photo - The order: Torta #6 Zaguina (Queso Puerco) - $8.49 Photo - Burrito del Al Pastor - $8.89 Photo - Agua de Fruta 32 oz (Platano/Banana) - $4.89 Photo - Burrito de Asada - $9.98 Photo - Total: $35 (+ tip) The new, first time to-try menu item was Torta #6, Queso Puerco. Now, doesn't that sound so much better than Mexican Head Cheese Sandwich? HA! I ordered it for one of my friends, she's a big fan of European deli meats & cold cuts. She liked it. I took a bite, I thought it was okay... 'But then again, everything tastes better with salsa. There's not much I can say that has not already been written, spoken about, or Instagrammed in regard to El Campeon... It's true; tasty food for a good price. Several months ago, I had tried a fancy fufu, Mexican restaurant in Tustin; had bookmarked for some time. I paid $12 for a "Super" subpar burrito that was more valued at $4.75. All hype. (I heard their Happy Hour was pretty good; may return for HH.) El Campeon is the people's place; the locals have spoken. - "Simón!" - Big Aloha! Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Service: 4 Value: 5
Pretty hood Mexican fast food. If you want to enjoy a popular hispanic place.. come here. Cheap, quick and tasty.
I have been craving an agua fresca for a few days now which is what prompted me to visit this establishment. It's not too far, it's a busy shopping center & it's a small place with a panadería attached. You order, pick up, and get on your way. I got chicken taquitos that come with rice and beans, with cotija cheese sprinkled on top. They are fat taquitos with a generous portion of rice and beans! They were delicious and very filling! I ate 2 taquitos & some beans-- left the rest for my husband bc I'm stuffed! The agua de melón was exactly what my heart desired. I'll have to try the rest of the aguas (they do offer a sample before you purchase a big one) I also ate a concha (of the 6 different bread choices I got) delicious, soft, sweet. 10/10 so far! I'll be back
We found ourselves at El Campeón after stopping at the Tesla super charger. My husband had the chicken burrito and I ordered tacos de lengua and barbacoa. All 3 were delicious and authentic! The salsas were flavorful and spicy! We bought pan dulce (conchas, orejas, and puercitos) All just like papa used to bake them. Finaliy, we picked up 3 kinds of tamales for later. El Campeón is legit!!! Definitely going to plan a visit the next time we head south.
4.5/5 STARS Order: carnitas hurarache, buche meat, carnitas meat, beans, salsa verde, masa para tortilla The only meal item I bought here was a carnitas hurarache, everything else was ordered a la carte. The huarache shell was crispy, and the portion of carnitas was not dry at all and very generous. Also included was beans, lettuce, salsa, onion and cilantro. For $5 something, I would definitely get this again because it was the perfect portion size for me (though for a big man this may just be a snack size). A la carte, I ordered a pound of carnitas, a half pound of buche (pork stomach), 1 pint of salsa verde, 1 pint of beans, and 1 pound of masa for tortilla. The prices for these items can be found in the attached picture of my receipt. Upon picking up my order, the cashier lady also gave me plenty of onions and cilantro, and a few each of red and green salsa. When I got to my car, I noticed there was a big bag of fresh tortillas in one of my to-go bags. I'm guessing they give this to you for free when you order meat a la carte (though I am not sure if there is a minimum purchase of meat to score the free tortilla bag). The highlight of this place for me was the beans; I've never really been a fan of beans and I'll typically only eat it if its black beans. However, I was wowed by the flavor of the frijoles here- it's not too goopy, and it tastes like they use pork fat to cook the beans in. A snack I made at home to use up the beans is literally just spreading the beans on a tortilla and eating it just like that- so good!! This was my first time here, but I was able to look around and figure out the ordering system so here it is: You walk in and immediately get in line on the left, where you will make your way up to the hot tables. Someone will take your order, make sure you have your order ready so as to not hold up the line. They will hand you a receipt with the items you ordered and now you can just wait around until your number is called. Once they call your number, make your way to the cashier to pay and pick up your food; here you can order your drinks if you want any. After picking up your food, there are a few tables outside to sit down and eat. Enjoy! Overall I really liked El Campeon and I would like to come again when I am in the area. The workers speak both Spanish and English, so no need to complain about communication, just be patient :) I guess if there is one complaint I have about here, it's that I wasn't the biggest fan of the buche. I normally do like pork stomach (and most offal parts actually so it's not a new thing for me), but I felt like the flavor of the buche was a bit off here and it would have tasted better with a bit more seasoning so you don't taste any funk. And maybe it should be cooked for a bit longer to make it less chewy.
Wow! Came to charge Tesla and saw a line out the door to El Campeon. Best chicken enchiladas we have ever had. They also have an amazing dessert area. Everything is so fresh and actually tastes authentic... Very nice environment
SLOW PEOPLE SLOW PEOPLE SLOW PEOPLE... Ridiculous ... every time I'm here they are literally milking the clock barely moving with no sense of urgency at all. They could care less! It's seems they are just collecting their paychecks... 5 people in line and 25 minutes before I could even order, really?? WOW
If I could give zero stars, I would. I purchased the worst "tamales" I ever had. I was charged $36 for a dozen tamales that had a pile of masa and a few strings of meat. So disgraceful for El Campeon to treat their loyal customer this way. Never again.
Restaurantji Recommends
It definitely helps the ordering process, if you can speak a little Spanish (Yes, they do have employees whom speak American style English). They have a large menu with cafeteria style options, daily made chicharrones, a bakery, fruit, agua frescas & a little mercado adjacent to their Bakery. El Campeon is definitely the most reliably delicious Mexican Food in Southern Orange County. Everyone lines up, places their order and then pays when their number is called and food is ready. We eat Mexican Food so much, we just call it, "food" and this is our go - to spot when my wife is tired of cooking (Well, this place and El Coyotito). The staff are friendly and courteous. Be careful of the gucamole if you have little tolerance for heat - sometimes you can get a spicy batch. The fruit, cakes, pan dulce are fresh and tasty. I've always based my impression of a Mexican restaurant upon the quality of the rice and beans and El Campeon nails them every time. They're SO good. When was the last time you honestly enjoyed the rice and beans from a restaurant? 1. My wife loves the chicken soup & guava agua fresca, 2. My kids would eat their rice and beans all day with watermelon agua fresca if we let them. 3. I love the chicken taquito combo (boring I know) with the banana agua fresca Do NOT be afraid to try something outside the box - I've enjoyed almost everything on the menu - bakery and all El Campeon is the only place I recommend people go for solid Mexican Food. Save yourself from the Swanky, $25 per plate Mexican Restaurants that litter this area like a divorcee's desperate perfume. Spend under $10 and eat like a king here.
First time trying this place today and I loved it all around. I like that it's family owned. Great location with plenty of parking and Tesla chargers nearby. Secondly, the panaderia is part of the restaurant, so you can quickly grab all sorts of desserts to-go after you eat. The line is long, but it moves fast because they are super efficient. I haven't had menudo in years and this hit the spot. It wasn't overly salty or greasy. In fact, I didn't need to offset the saltiness with the acidity of limes because it was perfect as is. They also make their own tortillas which is always a plus in my book. My husband had a variety of their tacos and this place is one of his top favorites now. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners today, and they are such warm kind people. They truly care about providing the best quality food and service at a great price. Support your local businesses and give this place a try! You won't regret it.
As authentic as they come for Mexican food. There is always a line out the door but it's worth the wait for the value you get for the price you pay. Not fancy in the least bit but you don't go there for the looks. Excellent place for catering and take out for a big party at home.
Wouldn't change a thing. Fresa tamale. Barbacoa taco. Carne asada sopes. Birria taco. Birria taco. Birria. Taco. So much meat. Now that I found this place life will never be the same. Incredible.
Goat meat!!! Torta and tacos. I don't speak Spanish but the random strangers are always willing to help.