El Grullito — Restaurant in Stockton

Update 7/15/25

What happened? In a previous review I was thrilled to leave a review that I was very pleased to let everyone know how good everything was. But in my last 2 visits I've definitely noticed a huge change. We usually order both online but also walk up when in the area and not rushed.

While the atmosphere hasn't changed the service has become spotty and a bit sloppy. More importantly the food has taken a huge nosedive, namely being cold and old at the time of pick-up. The proteins are essentially dried out as if sitting in a holding pan in the steam table too long. The tacos have also taken a hit, stale and cold as well. The burrito fillings were mostly overcooked and dry scrapings. The size and quantity definitely not a 15$ burrito. To check myself, I asked around at work if anyone had noticed a change in the last 6 months. In general everyone agreed that something drastically changed and offered suggestions for alternatives. Some surmised it was a change in management or staff, others suggested that they're prepping up for higher volume when business has slowed and just keep things at the ready far longer than they should. Having spent over 20 years in the restaurant business I understand the concept of controlling food cost but reputation is also important. Right now it just seems like they've lost control.

I'm all for business models that operate brick and mortar (and remote) simultaneously. But when your B & M starts feeling like a stereotype roach coach then something is indeed wrong. I hope they find their way back before they lose it all. If they can't figure it out put ego aside and at the very least get proper consultation or let someone else take it over. There's way too much competition to let easily fixed mistakes slide. Perhaps the solution in this case is to trade the store front for another truck or 2 and focus before it's too late.

Great food, interesting location, seems safe tho I would be extra cautious overnight hours. Being open 24 hours is great and all but sadly, Stockton the way it is, one should be cautious at all times. There is no indoor component here,...

I was really trying to love this place. It’s closer to home and the scenery is a great vibe every time. When they first opened up everyone was really nice and they made the food in great portions matching the “you get what you pay for” slogan but as they grew their clientele, services are now like whatever since the money is flowing regardless and thats where I’m like 👎🏼 My order was large I get it and I also get mistakes it happens but this time around there was only 4 customers I checked my food before leaving, they packed me a single asada taco and the portion of meat that they put on that single taco was not even in the tortilla it was on the edges. I went to the window to ask for more meat and the lady/man not sure what he/she was gave me the biggest attitude and said “that’s how much meat we put on our tacos” I told her really ? Because the other 6 tacos you guys packed me have way more meat you’re pretty much charging me for two plain tortillas. She snatched the box out of my hand as irritated as she was and told the man “she wants more meat” and started digging through her trash bag of tickets to find mine to check my order because they also forgot to put sour cream and cheese . She was so irritated and annoyed I felt like just giving them all their food back tbh ! What the funniest part was the man starts speaking in Spanish saying tell her ima just do it annoyed as well as if I didn’t know Spanish 🤦🏻‍♀️ moral of the story this will be the LAST time I visit and support El Grullito . The energy I got tonight didn’t match their led quote on the wall . “ Gracias a Dios por todo” . So I’ll be taking my happy self back to driving out east to EL TARASCO taco truck on Main st where the service food and taste is all...

My my, where to I begin? This place will rock your taste buds!

These people understand market needs and are doing everything right to meet those needs on first contact with you. First, the food is delicious! more on that in a bit. Second, their prices are most affordable! What, a super burrito with all the fixings for $11.00? You won't find that in many places anywhere in California. Third - Customer Service: The people here are among the nicest people in the industry! Smiles cost nothing and they dish them out far and wide. Such a pleasure to come here and to satiate your hunger, make human connections, all for a nominal price. But back to the food. I've tried a number of their dishes and the've all hit the mark. The asada quesadilla is done just right with a level of crispiness of the tortilla that I appreciate, while all the juicy yumminess locked inside.Their sopes are a must have also. They could be a bit crispier for my taste, but maybe it's just that they want to take care of me muy pronto, thus they take them out of the fryer just a bit too early for my preference. Still, some very tasty sopes. The Tacos - what can I say, muy deliciosos! and for $2.50, come one! Cuatro por favor! I sincerely do appreciate the men and women at El Grullito. Thank you for the great food, and thank you for the smiles as I pick up my food on...