Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » El Carrito – San Diego
El Carrito - San Diego
Photo from El Carrito
El Carrito at a glance
San Diego Barrio Logan
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#540 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#68 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
453
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique atmosphere
- Attentive service
- Tasty food
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Value concerns
- Long waits
The restaurant El Carrito is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in San Diego’s lively Barrio Logan. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving small plates, a refreshing cocktail, or just a coffee, this welcoming eatery offers a delightful experience. It’s an ideal destination for anyone seeking authentic flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting El Carrito
El Carrito offers a distinctive dining experience, drawing patrons in with its unique setting and generally positive vibes. Many appreciate the `friendly staff` and the `great atmosphere` that makes for an enjoyable visit, especially for breakfast or lunch.
The concept of dining in a converted streetcar, or the pleasant `backyard sitting garden`, certainly adds to its appeal. However, the experience isn’t without its challenges.
Some guests have noted concerns regarding `value` for certain items and occasional inconsistencies with food preparation. While the service is often praised, there can be `wait times` or issues with order accuracy that might detract from an otherwise pleasant outing.
Good
6.6
out of 10
453
Reviews
61.6%
Satisfaction
145
negative
29
neutral
279
positive
El Carrito holds an overall restaurant score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at 61.6%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 453 customer observations, reflecting a broad range of experiences.
The balance of feedback shows 279 positive remarks against 145 negative ones. Looking closer at specific aspects, the `Ambience` stands out with a good score of (7.5), frequently mentioned for its unique setting.
`Service` (6.5) and `Food` (6.5) both land in the average range, suggesting a generally acceptable but not consistently outstanding performance. The `Value` score of (4.4) is notably lower, indicating this is an area where many customers feel there’s room for improvement.
What people like
- Unique streetcar atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive service
- Delicious chilaquiles, tacos
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Questionable value, prices
- Service wait times
With a recommendation score of 6.7, El Carrito presents itself as a place worth considering, particularly if you’re drawn to its unique setting and don’t mind a potentially mixed experience. It seems to shine for its distinctive atmosphere and often attentive service, making it a pleasant spot for a casual meal.
However, be prepared for some variability in food quality and pricing, as these are areas where experiences differ. If you prioritize a charming environment and friendly interactions over absolute consistency in every dish or strict budget adherence, El Carrito could be a good fit for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Carrito
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Many diners rave about the delicious and authentic Mexican food, with chilaquiles and café de olla frequently highlighted as fresh and flavorful. Out of 274 total comments, 163 were positive, contributing to a solid score of 6.5. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 59.5%, many find the food to be a delightful experience.
However, some experiences weren't as stellar, with 93 negative comments pointing to issues like food being cold or salty. Specific dishes like chilaquiles and menudo sometimes suffered from a lack of flavor or soggy textures, suggesting inconsistency in preparation.
Food
274
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
93
negative
18
neutral
163
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chilaquiles
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Excellent café de olla
What people don't like
- Food often salty
- Inconsistent food quality
- Dishes served cold
Often praised
- foodI love love love this place. The food is very good, and the lady that works there is simply wonderful. The atmosphere and food both received a perfect 5-star rating, making for a truly delightful lunch.
- chilaquilesI had been craving chilaquiles for about a month, and after Googling, El Carrito Restaurant popped up. The chilaquiles were really good. The only thing I didn’t like was that they weren’t spicy at all; they should offer an option for extra spicy salsas for customers like me.
- breakfastI've been a customer of El Carrito for many years and I will continue to come here for the Excellent breakfast. My experience was great, especially with the Excellent Chilaquiles.
- cafe de ollaMy son's pancakes were dry and the strawberries old. While the agua de pepino was bitter, the cafe de olla was pretty good.
- Cafe de OllaI had the chilaquiles, which were SOO good – perfectly crunchy, not soggy, and really tasty. Although they only offer Cafe de Olla, it was delicious. The egg was cooked to perfection, exactly as I had requested.
- burritoHad a burrito and enchiladas and I'd recommend both
- enchiladasHad a burrito and enchiladas and I'd recommend both
- horchataThe unique concept of a 1930s streetcar converted into a restaurant initially drew me in. My experience was further enhanced by the delicious horchata and chilaquiles, the fast and friendly service, and the great atmosphere. These elements make me eager to return again and again.
- tacosI ordered 12 tacos, trying 2 of each of the six kinds available: steak, pork machaco, carnitas, chorizo, fish, and bacon. All of them were amazing. While it was too many tacos for two people, it was definitely worth trying them all!
- ChilaquilesI've been a customer of El Carrito for many years and I will continue to come here for the Excellent breakfast. My experience was great, especially with the Excellent Chilaquiles.
Frequently criticized
- chilaquilesla salsa de los chilaquiles no me gustó como algo quemada
- foodEverything was nice food two thumbs down. I did not think it was good at all.
- beansThe music was obnoxiously loud, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. The food was also not great; the chilaquiles were dry and the beans were cold. My son's pancakes were dry and the strawberries old.
- potatoesThe service was good, but unfortunately, the food was not up to par. Everything was extremely salty, the potatoes were dry, and the beans were pureed and also super salty. I like salt, but this was beyond.
- Chilaquilesthere was potentially good flavor in the Chilaquiles, they just weren't mixed right.
- chipsSpecific issues include cold or stale potatoes and lukewarm or barely heated salsa. Today, the chips were noticeably cold. It seems like the details that make a good, consistent product are sometimes skipped, making dining here a bit of a gamble.
- eggI try not to complain, but I felt ripped off, especially since I left a tip from the start haha… I understand we arrived right when they opened, but the breakfast was HORRIBLE… I still doubt if what I ate was egg or something else… the bacon, I don't know if it's their style or something, but it was SUPER dry. If it weren't for the bacon, the egg would have been INEDIBLE. It's not that it lacked flavor, it tasted horrible, like something else, as if where they cooked it was dirty.
- guacamoleThe most disgusting part was the guac, it had a sour tang(spoiled)
- pancakesplatillo de los pancakes (gabacho) lleva fresas, bueno pues cero fruta!
- baconI try not to complain, but I felt ripped off, especially since I left a tip from the start haha… I understand we arrived right when they opened, but the breakfast was HORRIBLE… I still doubt if what I ate was egg or something else… the bacon, I don't know if it's their style or something, but it was SUPER dry. If it weren't for the bacon, the egg would have been INEDIBLE.
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors, especially chilaquiles and café de olla, this spot could be a hit. However, be aware that some dishes might be inconsistent in quality, occasionally arriving cold or lacking flavor. Its a bit of a gamble, but the highs can be quite delicious.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The service here often earns high praise, with 53 positive remarks highlighting the friendly staff, their attentiveness, and how helpful they are. Guests frequently mention efficient service and warm hospitality, contributing to a generally good experience that scores a solid 6.5. However, it's not always perfect, as 29 comments point to some challenges.
Concerns about slow service, extended wait times, and occasional mixups mean customer satisfaction sits at a 60.2% mixed bag. Some even noted a lack of professionalism or follow-up.
Service
88
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
29
negative
6
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Attentive customer service
- Efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceThe unique concept of a 1930s streetcar converted into a restaurant initially drew me in. My experience was further enhanced by the delicious horchata and chilaquiles, the fast and friendly service, and the great atmosphere. These elements make me eager to return again and again.
- staffThe fresh waters are very good. All the staff is very friendly; you have to order and then find a seat, but the staff remains very attentive to you.
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- ServiceService:5
- attentionThe attention of this place is phenomenal
- customer serviceThis is definitely a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch when visiting Barrio Logan in San Diego. Customer service was welcoming and friendly.
- employeesThe employees were so friendly and efficient!
- free refillsFree refills on the aguas frescas
- gifthe also gift us a campaign to make mimosas
- helpfulvery helpful if you have any questions
Frequently criticized
- serviceis the service. Without a single other person in the restaurant
- wait timethe terrible wait time
- POS systemshe struggled to use the POS system
- drinks and foodWhile the food was good, it was served cold. We were told to take a seat, but our drinks and food were never brought out. Upon inquiring inside, we found our order sitting there, cold.
- dude at registerdude @ register refuse to hear me out
- experienceI had an awful experince
- incomplete foodrecibir mi comida incompleta
- lineAlways a line.
- long timeit did take a long time
- managerlady with the Terrible fake eyelashes whom I assume is the manager
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience. Just be prepared for potential waits or occasional service hiccups, especially during busy periods.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a winner, scoring a solid 7.5 with a strong 77.3% customer satisfaction! Out of 75 comments, a whopping 58 rave about the charming atmosphere, beautiful outdoor patio, and convenient location with easy parking. Guests particularly love the whimsical feel, cool spots, and various seating options, especially the lovely backyard garden and the warmth of a family-owned restaurant.
However, 13 comments did point out a few snags. Some found the music obnoxiously loud or the atmosphere a bit odd. There were also mentions of disposable plates and cups, uneven tables due to old sidewalks, and some beat-up furniture, which can detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
75
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Whimsical atmosphere
- Beautiful outdoor patio
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Uneven tables
- Disposable plates/cups
Often praised
- atmosphereThe unique concept of a 1930s streetcar converted into a restaurant initially drew me in. My experience was further enhanced by the delicious horchata and chilaquiles, the fast and friendly service, and the great atmosphere. These elements make me eager to return again and again.
- placeReally cool place. It's so much bigger that it appears from the street.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- areagreat area also
- backyard sitting gardenEverything was deliciously fresh and tasty. They have a nice backyard sitting garden or you can eat in the “little cart”. This is definitely a great place to enjoy breakfast or lunch when visiting Barrio Logan in San Diego.
- bathroomthe bathroom was clean
- bathroomsThe bathrooms are always clean
- convenient locationConvenient location, we did not struggle to find parking.
- cool spotVery cool spot.
- easy parkingeasy parking.
Frequently criticized
- Parkingparking was a bit difficult
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was kinda odd
- disposable plates and cupsThey use disposable plates and cups which was a bit of a disappointment.
- fliesFlies everywhere if you sit down
- musicthe music was obnoxiously loud
- paperBUT without papeeeel !
- parkingExtremely Hard To Find Parking
- seatingLimited seating.
- sidewalktables are uneven due to trip hazard old sidewalk
If youre looking for a place with a unique, charming atmosphere and great outdoor seating, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially loud music or some rustic outdoor furniture, and dont expect fancy dishware.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Looking at value, it's a bit of a mixed bag. While the score sits at an average 4.4, customer satisfaction is a poor 31.3%, suggesting some real ups and downs. On the bright side, 5 positive remarks out of 16 total praised prices, price, and even a birthday discount, with some finding great prices and the price was great for the serving size.
However, the negatives are quite vocal. With 10 negative opinions, many felt it was not worth the time or price, citing issues with price, drinks, and the bill. Comments like tiny, for sure not worth the price and feeling ripped off highlight significant concerns about what you get for your money.
Value
16
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Birthday discount
- Good serving size
What people don't like
- Not worth price
- Tiny portions
- Overpriced drinks
Often praised
- pricesService and prices are good
- birthday discountgave my friend a 50% on her order for being her birthday
- pricethe price was great for the serving size
- valuesThe real good values for 3 tacos and a drink
Frequently criticized
- priceA $14 omelette on a paper plate worth it? I wouldn’t have paid $6 for it.
- Carrito Gift Cardtried to pay with a Carrito Gift Card
- billThe bill was $32 with 2 cola's
- drinksdrinks are priced tho $10 for a pre-made drink thats canned
- mimosa flightsthey were tiny, for sure not worth the price.
- time or priceNot worth the time or price.
- tipI felt ripped off, and more so because I left a tip from the beginning
Deciding on value here is tricky. If you catch a good deal or a special occasion like a birthday, you might find it worthwhile. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on drinks and small portions that many felt were not worth the price overall.
How are the prices at El Carrito?
You’re looking at roughly $21 per person – reported by 93 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is $21, a good chunk of guests actually spend less, with most prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. This suggests there are plenty of budget-friendly options available, alongside some slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the variety, with many options in the $11–$20 range and an average of $21, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It offers good flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Carrito
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Self-Service Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. We were a group of 8, and the service was lacking from the start. There were no chips and salsa to begin with, and we had to use our phones for ordering instead of a waitress.
We also had to get our own water and condiments, which felt more like a fast-food experience than a sit-down meal. The meals were brought out very slowly, with only one or two arriving at a time, meaning the first people were almost finished by the time the last person received their food. The tacos themselves had undercooked and doughy tortillas, and the rice and beans were served in small plastic cups, which was not ideal.
- chips & salsa2
- waitress1
- water and condiments1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Chilaquiles with a Mixed Review
This is a picturesque place with reflections of a cafe and water. We ordered chilaquiles, which came with a very good portion including cooked potatoes and beans. However, I didn't like the salsa for the chilaquiles; it tasted somewhat burnt and there wasn't much of it.
- picturesque place8
- portion8
- chilaquiles3
- salsa2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Excellent Chilaquiles and Breakfast
I've been a customer of El Carrito for many years and I will continue to come here for the Excellent breakfast. My experience was great, especially with the Excellent Chilaquiles.
- Chilaquiles10
- breakfast10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Birthday Celebration!
My experience at Don Luis was absolutely awesome! I believe Don Luis himself, possibly the owner, provided incredible hospitality. We went to celebrate a friend's birthday, and the surprises were wonderful.
It was our first time there, and we will definitely go back. They generously gave my friend 50% off her order for her birthday and even gifted us champagne for mimosas. This place is a 10/10!
- hospitality10
- birthday discount10
- gift9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Service and Protein-Rich Meal
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was amazing and the staff were incredibly friendly. They walked me through the menu and were very helpful in guiding me to a protein-rich meal that suited my diet needs.
To top it off, they even brought me extra protein on the house. The food was a 5/5 and the service was a 5/5, though the atmosphere was a 3/5.
- service10
- staff10
- menu9
What El Carrito offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options at El Carrito Restaurant in Barrio Logan?
Finding parking near El Carrito Restaurant can sometimes be a bit challenging, but you have options. You can look for free street parking in the vicinity or utilize the free parking lot available, making your visit to this San Diego Mexican spot convenient.
Is El Carrito Restaurant in San Diego accessible and suitable for families?
Absolutely! El Carrito Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. For families, it’s a great choice with a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and a generally kid-friendly atmosphere, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
What is the overall customer sentiment for El Carrito?
El Carrito has an overall restaurant score of 6.6 and a customer satisfaction of 61.6%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience. The Ambience (7.5) is a strong point, while Service (6.5), Food (6.5), and Value (4.4) are more average or show room for improvement.
What makes the ambience at El Carrito unique?
Customers frequently praise El Carrito’s unique atmosphere, highlighting its concept as a 1930s streetcar converted into a restaurant. Many also enjoy the backyard sitting garden and find the bathrooms to be clean, contributing to a pleasant environment.
Are there any common issues with the food or value at El Carrito?
While some dishes like chilaquiles and tacos receive positive remarks, there are noted inconsistencies in food quality, with complaints about dry pancakes, cold beans, salty potatoes, or even spoiled guacamole. Additionally, some customers feel that certain items, like mimosa flights or omelettes, are overpriced for their quality or serving size.