Dha
A mom and pop eatery featuring authentic Mexican food. A hidden cute place with a great patio for outside dining.
Food was good- just needed a little salt. Menudo was delicious-no funkiness.
Service was excellent. Definitely a place to try if you some how end up in lake elsinore.
… moreAshley Campos
I stopped by this Mexican restaurant on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. The food was amazing from start to finish. The chips came out warm and crispy, and the salsa tasted fresh with just the right amount of heat. I ordered the carne asada tacos, and they were honestly some of the best I’ve had—perfectly seasoned, super tender, and served on soft, fresh tortillas.
The service was friendly and fast. Everyone seemed happy to be there, and my server kept checking in to make sure everything tasted good. The atmosphere was cozy and colorful, with music playing in the background that made the whole place feel lively.
Prices were totally reasonable for the quality, and the portions were generous. If you’re in the mood for authentic, flavorful Mexican food, this spot is absolutely worth visiting. I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreRy Leigh Daniels
Amazing food AND dog friendly! Has a beautiful shaded patio with lamps, heater, and plants all over. The staff were very kind and accommodating. I highly recommend stopping by, especially after a day at the lake beach.
… moreMoira Elliott
What a lovely, garden setting. my daughter invited my husband and I to lunch here, and we’re not disappointed
Homemade chips and salsa
My husband had a fish tacos . I had a shrimp burrito
The patio seating is just gorgeous. And the food was delicious.
We will definitely be stopping by here again and are certainly happy to have found this hidden gem in Lake Elsinore
… moreJon Valdoz
Highly recommend. We got the Shrimp Ceviche Tostada, make your own tacos (asada and carnitas, half pound each), and pistachio cake. Very dog friendly. In fact, our dog got the protein dinner and they gave him a bowl of water. The outdoor seating was so nice and lovely! All the food were delicious! The service was great even if it technically wasn’t a sit in restaurant. On top of that, the food was super cheap for the quality and quantity we got. Definitely going back.
P.S. wish they had more taco toppings.
… moreIrredeemable Susan
As usual, El Unico never disappoints. My husband is diabetic, and has to watch his carbs. They offered to make him a carnitas burrito in a bowl, basically the burrito minus the tortilla. We brought it home, and he used the carb friendly ones, and the El Unico fix was complete! The burritos a gigantic, you definitely get your money’s worth. My husband has been getting food from here since the original gentleman started this place, when it was just barely a shack. I started 35 years ago, and it was barely much more than that. The food, the atmosphere, and everything else that makes a place magical, still exists here, in this place. Now, I bring my adult son, and his friends, as well. Thanks, from my family to yours, for continuing with the impeccable service, food, and family feeling that was started so many, many years ago.
… morekristina kiehn
I’ve been a fan of El Unico for many years! I was so glad to see they reopened so I could eat my favorite tacos again and have my boyfriend try it! We went for dinner. He loved the patio! We ordered fish, shrimp and carnitas tacos and french fries. The tacos were so tasty! I’ve never had the carnitas there. It was so fresh! After we ate I asked him if he’d like to come back. He replied “Yea! I want to try more!” I showed him the menu and he was excited to try several different tacos next time! We will be back!
… moreAmbrose Rodriguez
First time visiting. Red chilaquiles were delicious, came with rice and beans. The beans and chilaquiles were almost like my moms, the only thing missing were the freshly diced onions on the chilaquiles. The rice was okay. No refills on drinks, served canned soda. No indoor seating and it was cold and damp today. Sat outdoors in patio area which was very nice. In the summer I’m sure it’s lovely but today, not so much. The restaurant shares bathrooms with the park that is right behind it. There’s no hot water and air blower to try and dry your hands. I thought that was a little strange but oh well. I’m going to visit again and try something different from off of the menu. I would recommend this place to anyone who likes Mexican food. The prices were reasonable too.
6/1/2023
Second time here. I was fortunate enough to meet two of the daughters of the founder of the restaurant. It’s a family business. This location has been here since 1983 (40 years) and Gloria is running the show. She told me that La Unica, was the original spot and it started as a tortilla factory and has grown into what it is today. Another sister runs that spot. But I digressed. So I stopped in and ran into Martha, another sister but, she doesn’t work here. Without knowing she was related, I asked what was good, she replied, “Everything.” I liked her immediately. They were super nice Gloria was awesome. I ordered Taquitos. One chicken one beef. The beans were good the rice was a little dry. The chicken tortilla soup was very flavorful. It was a lot of food. I’m stuffed. The patio is lovelier than the last time I saw it. Photos don’t do it justice. My initial review was pre-Covid. Do yourself a favor, if in this part of town, visit this Mexican Restaurant. I do believe Martha, I think “everything” is good. Thank you El Unico for a wonderful experience and an even better meal. Gracias!
… moreTom Rodman
First time here & my wife and I enjoyed the beautiful patio! Only negative about the atmosphere was the lack of bug zappers. Be prepared to share your meal with swarms of flies!
The food was OUTSTANDING! Hands-down the best chicken tortilla soup we’ve ever tasted!
Carne asada burrito was great & the shrimp taco blew us away!!! The chips& salsa were amazing, too. I wasn’t expecting much, since I normally don’t care for green salsa, but it tasted almost magical. So good, in fact, we bought more to take home.
Only negative about the food was that the “bowl” of soup wasn’t served in a bowl, but rather, in a tall deli-like plastic container which would be fine if the spoons had longer handles. Be prepared to get your fingers wet on your way to the chicken at the bottom of the container!
Great service & wonderful people. We’ll be back!
… moreWILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
Stopped by for lunch. Got a carne asada burrito . Carnitas taco and a side of rice. Everything was good waitress was friendly outdoor eating area was very clean and had a nice breeze for a warmer day. Definitely will be back
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