El Pueblo Mexican Food & Bar - Del Mar — Restaurant in San Diego

El Pueblo in Del Mar (San Diego) is a delightful gem that combines warmth, energy, and mouthwatering flavors into one memorable dining experience. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re enveloped in a lively, colorful atmosphere—hand-painted murals, upbeat music, and the gentle chatter of happy diners set the perfect tone for a special night out or relaxed lunch with friends.

Service here is genuinely outstanding. The staff greets you with friendly smiles and genuine enthusiasm, always ready with a recommendation or an extra moment to ensure you’re comfortable. Drinks arrive promptly—whether you’re sipping on a classic margarita or a freshly made agua fresca—and the servers consistently check in to make sure you’re enjoying every sip. There’s a perfect balance of attention and respect for your pace; you feel taken care of, never rushed.

But the real star of the show: the carnitas. Prepared to tender, succulent perfection, the pork is slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth, richly seasoned with just a hint of citrus and warm spices. Each bite delivers a crispy edge alongside buttery softness—a dynamic contrast that’s absolutely addictive. Paired with warm tortillas, tangy pico de gallo, and a side of house-made salsa verde, the carnitas showcase El Pueblo’s culinary expertise. I found myself savoring every bite, wishing the portion would magically refill itself.

Complementing the meal are the churros at dessert—light, crisp-on-the-outside, soft inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar—and a strong recommendation for the flan, silky-smooth with just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re seated on the vibrant interior patio or amid the festive main dining room, El Pueblo’s energy is contagious. It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a special occasion or simply unwind after a long week. With top-tier service, an electric atmosphere, and carnitas that are nothing short of fantastic, El Pueblo in Del Mar earns my highest recommendation....

Came here to get food for me and my family the cash register was nice the food was good my only issue would be going to the restroom with my mother and sister and the bathroom stalls there are cracks were u could see people doing there business I was very uncomfortable my mother as well and my sister we put toilet paper to at least give us coverage my sister went in then my mother and there was an employee there looking at my mother rude for putting the paper for coverage after my mother went out and I went in when I went out to wash my hands the employee was there she ripped the paper out was saying things under her breath I let her know that it was for more privacy we didn’t plan on leaving the paper there it was only for us to have some privacy after leaving and going in the employee followed from behind went to another employee to talk behind our backs of the paper after seeing that one of them went to the manager I went to the manager to let them know of the situation when I got there she noticed I was behind her stayed quite and left I let the manger know of why we did that he told me there wasn’t an issue before I understand it may be embarrassing to tell another stranger that u can see them I let the manager know that I could show him what I meant of people not having privacy to show him what we meant and if they were In doubt about us came to find out that the two employees talking behind my back and my mothers were sisters very rude to us looked at us very rude and I believe that there should no need in cussing when we simply were doing it out discomfort very upsetting to have a situation like that happen to happen I don’t mind the disrespect towards me but more upset towards the disrespect to my mother who’s an elderly lady who has trouble walking and standing on her own and who’s birthday was ruined cuz of it I wish nothing bad on them may god bless you guys and those employees just that In the...

Today I wanted to try another El Pueblo and I was greatly disappointed. First, I came in craving soup, so as I was in line looking up at the menu I didn't see any. I did see a few big pots and asked one of the chefs in spanish "tienes sopa?" He said, no. Then I headed to the front where I met Jet and asked him and he said they had chicken tortilla and menudo. Then I told him that I just asked the cook if they had caldo. He explained that was different and I had to ask specifically for menudo or tortilla soup. I processed to order menudo and wanted to try their famous $1.29 fish tacos. I asked to have them "ala dorada." Which translates to golden. He's reepeated adobada? Then I repeated it again and he still didn't understand. Mind you I lived in Baja for years. Jet was just being a jerk. I finally got my menudo, which was ok. Oh! Jet didn't offer me any oregano or chili which is quintessential for menudo. Nor did he tell me about their salsa bar. While eating my soup pretty much finishing it. I was wondering where my fish taco was. So I went back to Jet and asked him for my golden fish taco and he decided to pretend he didn't understand what I was saying and asked "adobada?" I finally received my taco and it was sub par. Cold fish, my tortilla was not golden and also cold plus the fish tasted off. The saving grace here was Marissa the bartender she was amazing, her customer service was on point. She gave me an orange juice with my breakfast since I asked. I would give this El Pueblo Mex location a negative 3 stars for the food quality & customer service. Only 5 star would be for Marissa. Jet you have become to comfortable and the chefs too. Stop being lazy and give your customers phenomenal customer service. As I am writing this my stomach doesn't feel that great. It's probably from that...