El Tepeyac Reviews

Delicious Mexican food! Best tacos in town! My tacos were high quality food ! Friendly service and quick too, helpful and totally exceeded my expectations. We had a really great experience.

Worth the long lines. Great food, authentically local, and the iconic spot in East LA. The portions are enormous, split it with with friends!

This place offers some great tasting Mexican food. I really enjoy the burritos here. I would recommend the original okie or the original hollenbeck burrito.

Fortunately this American is almost an expert on Mexican food. It's my favorite and my grandmother lived in Mexico for 22 years. So frequent visits to her home allowed me to have authentic Mexican and in Los Angeles and to rule out the crappy wanna be versions. This is a small family owned restaurant that is always packed. Everything I've had is absolutely delicious. And if you're not a huge eater you can share your plate here . One of my favorite meals to share here are the chilaquiles. You can't go wrong and they are very authentic. Eat up and enjoy.

great food, nice people, rich flavors, what a treat! huge burritos, big menu, lots of choices, try the chilaquiles!

This place has been around for a long time and I went over 20 years between visits. It was great then and it's still great now. Authentic food, fantastic friendly service, friendly customers. The food is phenomenal. Any of the Chile Verde items on the menu are the best. Chicken enchiladas are also outstanding. You're going to wait in line for 20 minutes or so because the place is small but that's part of the appeal. I have met some awesome people waiting in that line. If you're an out of towner and want a good LA cultural experience this is a good bet. It won't hurt your wallet either.

So I'm a sucker for History... and Burritos in general, so when I drove by and saw the mural on the wall it seemed worth checking out a place that had been around for over 60 years. (In SoCal, that considered a long time). I went for the Chicken "Hollenbeck" Burrito. I recognized the history of the name Hollenbeck as well and seemed chicken was a good enough choice. It was a good burrito, I have had better, more "stewed" Tasting chicken but what struck me was the price. Over $13 for a burrito would be a hefty price in a mid to upper class restaurant, but in the heart of East L.A. it was sort of absurd. The area abounds with good, inexpensive Mexican food. BUT... it was HUGE! So if it feeds two? $7.50 is still a bit high to pay in E-Los!

My s/o and I have been driving for about 7 hours on our way to Disneyland from the Bay Area (we hit a lot of traffic on the way). My s/o is from SoCal and this was one of his "go-to" spots when it comes to really good Mexican food and it did not disappoint! The El Tepeyac in Boyle Heights is small but the service is fast (then again we arrived at around 9 PM-not sure what it's like earlier in the evening). The portions can easily feed 2 people and the flavors are just savory and satisfying. Our waiter (I think his name was Noel) was awesome, great energy, quick, efficient and accommodating. I had the chilaquiles and it was the "small" it was way too much food. I love a good chilaquiles and this is on my top 5 favs. When in LA/SoCal it's a must try and bring your posse with you because it's a lot of food!

I’m pained to write this review, as Manuel’s is the icon of Mexican cuisine in LA and has been my go to restaurant since high school (1970’s). Sadly, gone are the heady days when Manuel himself would great you at the door to offer to a pre-meal aperitif. May he RIP. Still the quality and quantity of their tasty dishes have remained intact. Perhaps until now... On this occasion I happened in on El Tepayac after an early morning meeting. With giddy excitement, I pulled into the parking lot and could already savor the chorizo and eggs breakfast I knew I’d order. I sat at the counter. There was some and it took a minute or two before my server blandly greeted me with a “good morning” and set down a coffee. My order was taken and the server disappeared into the kitchen. The chorizo, with eggs and beans/rice plate was passed through the server window in speedy fashion and I soon face the steamy plate in front of me. Oooh! I easily ripped a fresh tortilla to fashion my “spoon” and dove into the chorizo and egg mixture. As expected, the chorizo was savory, with just the right amount of spice and a tangy finish characteristic of the vinegar used in its making. My next tortilla spoonful was beans. Those beautiful steamy mashed and refried legumes; the staple of nearly every Mexican dish. But! Something was amiss. They weren’t the hand mashed creamy, cheesy beans I knew. They seemed over processed, bland and even “tinney” tasting. Hmm... I tried them again, and yes, definitely not up to par. Ok, so then the rice has got to be good, right? Well, that too was off key. It was undercooked with plenty of hard grains and sticky clumps. I finished the chorizo,(it was quite good), paid my check and left. Sorry Manuel’s, you missed it this time. To be fair I had expected the restaurant to change once other family members took over, but I didn’t expect the quality to change significantly. I hope this was a one-off incident and I just caught them on a bad day. I of course, will visit again and stay loyal to the great food they have there, but hope this wasn’t their new standard. Sorry for the tough love Manuel’s. I wish you the best.

Just came back from tepeyac (manuals), and wow has it changed, This was the first time going back since Manual passed away, I decided to go because I had friends telling me that it was not the same anymore, well I went in and had my regular #7, and the wife had a Hollenbeck, and the stories are right on the button, first of all the service is not that good, we waited for an ice tea and glass a water, tea got there first, than chips n salsa, than after asking again the water showed, Than the food, the tacos on the #7 were real greasy, I lifted up to take a bite and grease was running down my fingers, they were heavy on the lettuce and tomatoes, but the cheese was skimped on, the refried beans had zero flavor, and the rice seemed overcooked, the Hollenbeck my wife ordered was much smaller now than the days that when Manual would greet you at the door! It did not have the same taste, kinda tasted old n stale, really sad to see such an awesome place back in the day to take such a quick nosedive into what it is now, I have been coming to manuals since I was a kid back in the 70's now I wont be coming back. RIP Manual!! We miss you!!!!

I am here to review one thing only, The Hollenbeck Burrito! It is one the best burritos I have ever had. It is a pork burrito and is so large it is difficult to eat it all in one sitting. They also the same burrito in the Manuel special which is 3 times as big and can easily service a family of four. The location is very small and always seems to be a line out the door. It is well worth the wait, but you can order the food to go also. You can find out more by searching the web as they have been on various food shows.

A friend who grew up in this area took me here for late lunch and I enjoyed it immensely. From the homemade guacamole and chips to the gigantic burrito. I only ate half of my burrito because it was way to much food for me and I was very hungry and do have a great appetite. You can share the diner burrito it's so big. We had to wait on a short line and we got here early by the time we were done eating line was a lot longer so I recommend coming here early to beat the wait and lines. It was very cozy mom and pop type of place as far as the atmosphere. I enjoyed this place and food. I love Mexican food too!

Mexican food at it's Best........Caught the Travel Channel on Sunday, January 15, 20017 "FOOD PARADISE" it was number two on the show out of eight best Mexican Eats across America. So happy to make the drive from Venice Beach.

A friend brought me here and said you got to eat the Hollenbeck burrito, stuffed with red chili verde. It’s actually super authentic with red chili’s which change it from green to red!!! Absolutely loved this place! Little hole in the wall, old school interior, but worth the trip! Will eat here over and over, don’t eat at the chains, eat where the locals eat!!!

We ordered the Hollenbeck Burrito, it was ok, nothing special. Their tortilla chips are awesome and the service is friendly.

This is not your normal review. I want to memorialize the passing of Tepeyac's founder, Manny Rojas. I've been eating at Tepeyac's for 47 years. I have taken 4 generations of my family there. I have taken close and not so close friends there. I have taken business associates there. In all those years, and literally thousands of meals, the quality and quantity never waivered. For most of those years, Manny was at the helm, greeting, toasting and making you feel like an extension of his family. His family has always been involved; his mother (God rest her soul) was the cashier for years; his daughter (who I first met when she was 6 moths old) is now an integral part of the daily management and the last time I was there (2 weeks ago) his granddaughter waited on us. He was a legend in his community, helping those that needed it and sometimes those that didn't. He will be missed sorely by all. Via con Dios, Carnal.

If you are visiting Los Angeles, and want the best reasonably priced Mexican food in LA with true Chicano influence, this is as good as it can ever get. I have been eating at El Tepeyac for 40 years and it is as good as its ever been, that in itself is amazing. Its worth the wait, there is often a line. Once you eat the food you will understand why its worth a wait. Great for lunch too, rarely a line around 11:45. The counter is also fun If its hard to get a table.

cheap dried out mexican food for expensive prices. Sometimes the food is good, sometimes it is not, It is a hit and miss depending on when and where they got their supplies, if you like to gamble on how tasty or dry your meal may be, this is the place to eat.

The classic of all classic diners in this part of town. An East LA institution in every way, with some special atmosphere and authentic food.

Most people in east L.A praise El Tepeyac for having awesome Mexican food. I have been there several times thinking it can only get better, but never has. Most of the time the food looks like garbage on a plate. Food is slopped onto a plate, covered with sauce and they call it something special. Greasy, soggy, sub par Mexican food. There are much better places throughout Los Angeles that serve quality Mexican food.

The best burritos in L.A.. They are tremendous! We always split them. This place is still producing the. Same quality as when Manuel was alive and running the restaurant.

With Mexican food so same ol' same ol' wherever you go, this place really stands out. It's fantastic! Why do we have to go the East side? Open one in West LA.

Went to this amazing restaurant late night! the food was absolutely amazing! huge portions and the service is excellent! Jairo and Maria were so friendly and happy to help us with choosing something off the menu! Would go back a hundred times over! Thank you!!

if you like mexican and enjoy a local atmosphere go here, thing is do not have anything else planned to eat that day... the portions are big n bad!

Simple local restaurant, offering a unique family experience. Very kind staff, super plentiful food and other quality. All the ingredients are genuine and fresh and the dishes freshly prepared. El Tepeyac is an institution. I always go back very gladly. Really honest prices. Very good!

I have been coming to this Boyle Heights institution, which we still call Manuel's, for over 40 years. Our parents brought us here practically every weekend for breakfast, when there was invariably a long but fast-moving line, and proprietor Manuel (Rojas) himself offering tequila shots at the door. Back then and maybe now, they only had menudo on the weekends. Back then and maybe now, lots of USC folks came here. Manuel has passed on, but his family still runs the place, and it hasn't changed its appearance at all, and the menu is pretty much the same too. Service is still quick and friendly. Ordering to-go at the window outside is equally quick. They now work with some delivery apps too. My go-to dishes then and now are the huevos rancheros, machaca burrito (not the Okie machaca), and the tacos and taquitos. The taste and size of the dishes have not changed. Their ranchero sauce is chunky with onions, peppers and cheese, their salsa moderately spicy. Their guacamole is loose because it has both lettuce and tomato. It's nice sometimes when things are as you always remember them.

The Hollenbeck is their famous burrito stuffed with rice, beans, guacamole and pork, served wet with more pork. It's the little cousin of the Manuel's special (about seven pounds of burrito, I think). The original Hollenbeck is a hefty thing, not quite as big as your head, but not far from it. Not to fear, since they've created a mini-Hollenbeck for people wanting a more reasonably sized burrito. Not that you can go noshing all over Boyle Heights after eating one, but at least you can get out of your seat without straining to lift your bloated body. Other alternatives are the machaca burrito, quite tasty taquitos with guacamole and decent huevos rancheros. No alcohol, but would your stomach really hold a beer after consuming one of those burritos?

My family has been coming here for generations. The food is tasty and authentic, while the service is fast and efficient. The hollenback is a great burrito, but the okie is a lot milder for those who don't want something so spicy.

This is a small, but very delicous well known LA Mexican restaurant. The food is severed in large platters, unless you order the small portion. The lines are long and one should go during the non busy hours. They have a food to go area and that is the best way to enjoy this ecletic authonic fare.

El Tepeyac is a small restaurant in the middle of East Los Angeles. It is loved by locals and those that know of it will drive an hour or two just to eat there. We do. We have been going for years, over 30 years and it never disappoints. The food is great, it is always great and the portions are huge. The prices are reasonable and always have been. You can dine inside or out. They often have a line for inside, but not for the counter--a locals secret--so just tell them you will take the counter and you will love it. If you want a table inside the wait is not too long. There is always a place to eat outside and you can order outside to eat there or to take home. You can call ahead and have your order ready for you. Some of the waitresses have been there for years. It is family run and always will be. We knew the owner who was a sweetheart of a man, so kind and loving. He always had a hug for me and any of the kids walked out with candy of some kind. He has since passed and the entire community mourned the passing of this generous kind man. His sweet daughter took over and I think she is in charge now. Everything you order there is great. There is just nothing you will not like. Their guacamole is amazing and they are famous for their burritos which are all good. This is traditional Mexican food so if you want new healthy foo foo Mexican food this is not the place for you. The place is old, but spotless and it is just heaven. It is a must when in LA. It really is.

This place is an institution in Los Angeles. I have been going here since I was a child. Now living in San Diego, we stopped by for lunch on our way to Universal Studios. It's the exact same place it has been since I first started going their with my parents and the food is still outstanding, although somewhat more expensive.

Small Restaurant, Huge Portions, elbow to elbow with the locals. Mmmmm. I dare you to finish what's on your plate! The Real LA - if you can find it ....

This little place is a historic part of East L.A. culture. Excellent burritos & tostadas (w/chorizo). I also recommend their horchata (rice/cinnamon iced drink). Terrific cheese enchiladas. El Tepeyac is not fancy but funky. Mostly the service is good, although at times inconsistent. Go for the food!

My husband and I have been going to El Tepeyac for over 15 years and the food is always delicious and a lot of it We both like the Manuels burrito but share it with an Oder of guacamole

the food isn't as good as I remember, it's just okay. I don't recommend this place The prices are abit steep especially since the food is not worth it.

They d o s burrito here, which I'd a Chile relleno, inside a burrito, covered with cheese and guac and salsa. So what if it cuts ten minutes off your life?

i have always loved this place. It is the place in L.A. for the best Mexican food. The Oscar is a super sized burritos with all the cheese and love baked into a tortilla. The surroundings are shaken but the food is good.

Visited with friends for a quick brunch. Good food and great friends, although a bit over priced. The horchata was legit!

Real real mexican food. This is not a touritic restaurant , it is popular among Mexican people living in LA

I always make it a point to visit El Tepeyac ( or Manuel) whenever I am in East Los Angeles. The food is still terrific. This visit it was my daughters that insisted we had to eat here. Normally they push me to try other highly rated restaurants; I guess they finally figured out that El Tepeyac is hard to beat. We love their beef tacos(shredded beef) and taquitos. The taquitos come smothered with homemade guacamole. And I mean smothered. There is more than enough guacamole for the taquitos and the some. The beef enchiladas are one of my favorites. I used to eat their fantastic Hollenbeck or Machaca burittos but those are just too big for me now. The food has been consistent since I started coming in 1980. Hard to beat El Tepeyac. My only complaint is the jump in price if the food. I don't think the locals can afford to eat here. I use to eat here almost every week in the 1980s but at the current prices, I would have to cut back.

most people know this is great authentic Mexican food. We had our two samll grandchildren with us and they were so very accommodating. It was endearing and we sure did enjoy.

I grew up in Los Angeles and now live and work in NYC. I always crave the burritos and taquitos I had at El Tepeyac growing up. The guacamole here is divine and a generous scoop with every dish too. My parents took us there regularly over the years and we still go when I am back home. The food here is known world-wide...and they still cook and prepare the food as they have always done, with spirit and generosity.....see this fun video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTxFY-ci8p8 The place has lines during the weekends, I recommend you going during off-peak hours...maybe weekenights. It's not a fancy place...just real people and real food! The place is also located in Boyle Heights > East LA (so you may have to find it) where real Mexican food lives in LA.

This place was noted in the Los Angeles Times as having one of four of the best burritos in LA. That meant it was time to check out this eatery located east of downtown. Found some neighborhood street parking and made our way to a 20 minute line to get table service. Fresh delicious and greasy chips put on the table. The mini burrito is ample for one. The original size is for four people...seriously. The Carne Asada burrito was tasty with rice, beans and guacamole. Service was good. Two mini burritos and two beverages $26 before tip. You can also order window service and eat outside at this restaurant. Authentic.

I did the man vs food challenge. The burrito is super good.. I finished it... My family had a normal size burrito that they could split in three.. Like the lady said everything is big in Tepeyac...the meat taste wonderful, the service is good, not great but would go again... Very nice..

I used to go here for lunch when I worked near east Los Angeles. I loved their burritos and gobs of guacamole.

My dad brought me to El Tepeyac for the first time in the mid-1960s. Who would have thought a place like this would exist in a residential area, let alone continue to exist for even longer than I've known about it? That was long before they even had the parking lot. The only thing that's changed here in 50 years are the prices. In 1970, a Hollenbeck burrito was $1.60. You read it right. A Manuel Special was under $4. Then again, "ethyl" gas was just $0.309 per gallon, too, so today's prices are still relatively comparable -- just a lot higher than 40+ years ago. Ask for your Hollenbeck "Manuel style" to get it with melted cheese on top. Impress your friends by eating a Manuel Special all by yourself. Or wimp out an order an Okie Burrito if you can't handle properly seasoned and spicy Mexican food. El Tepeyac serves, hands down, the best Machaca anywhere in the world. At least, it's the benchmark I use to compare all others. And what else can you say about Taquitos that have to be pinned with toothpicks before being tossed into the deep fryer? Nothing at all like those cheap frozen things you buy in the market (or get at most other Mexican restaurants). There are countless Mexican restaurants throughout the US now. And many of them are great. But no other Mexican restaurant compares to El Tepeyac if you're looking for sit down/take out FAST food. Orders here are delivered within 2-3 minutes of being given to the Kitchen. Nothing on the menu here is unworthy of being ordered, including the hamburgers or fries, but why come here for those? The other location at Crossroads Parkway off the 60 Freeway in City of Industry serves the same high quality menu and has much more space. But try the Original location here on Evergreen in East LA to get a real feel for the history of El Tepeyac.

I've been here countless times and suggest the Hollenbeck burrito, do not miss this place if you're in LA.

I want to move it to Ventura County. We don't have anything like their wonderful food. I worked at LAC USC and this was a favorite lunch stop. Since I have retired I have many fond mamoties of our lunches there. I am actually consider a trip to LA just to get another lunch there.

We were fortunate and missed the crowd and only waited a few minutes at 1230pm on Wednesday. I had to go for the Hollenbeck de Asada burrito. Kinda pricey for $14.50 but it's huge. It's seasoned a little spicey and has good flavor. You don't have much time to chomp on the salsa and chips because the food is delivered in about three minutes. The two waitresses move fast clearing out room for the next customers.

This is a must-visit restaurant EVERY time we come to LA. This is the best Mexican food I've had in the area. Great portions of food fairly priced and the staff is great. You will not be disappointed!

Once you've made the trek into East LA for Mexican food at El Tepeyac, anywhere else is Ho-Hum. Manuel's El Tepeyac is the Best Mexican food you can get. Put this place on your radar whenever you are in the area. Your tastebuds will not be disappointed. Try to avoid peak times such as 12noon & Sunday after church

After reading alot of reviews came here with a huge expectance but was let down. prices are fairly high. meat filling is low taste of the avocado and beans overpower above the remainder of the ingredients the tortilla itself is too Wet caused by the exces sauce I myself had the carne asada burrito while my girl had the pollo variant. You can find much better and cheaper mex cuisine at tacos baja ensenadas or sandras & lolitas

This is one of those restaurants that you know is going to be good from the moment you get out of the car just from the smell. Your thoughts about how good the food will be are confirmed from the moment the chips and salsa arrive. The portions are huge and having the option to order a mini version of the burritos is a great. The dining room is small, so you may have to wait for a table. They do have a take out window though. I will most definitely be back!

I think we just joined the other 1,000's of customers who love this place. You must try this family owned business. The homemade Original Pork Chile Verde Baño!!!! The Flavour & Taste (( OMG )) We couldn't complain about any of the food. The service was great! If you love this place - try out The Original Pantry (near The Staples Centre)

Manuel was a legend in Los Angeles. A humble man who made the best food you can imagine. If you did not know who he was, you would never guess the little guy in the paper hat sweeping the floor and clearing the tables was the owner. There is no restaurant or business anywhere that had a boss that was loved and respected like this man. El Tepeyac is one of a kind. I have never found a place that can match the machaca from this Boyle Heights icon.

We used to send a runner out with our order. GIANT burritos=One would feed 2 maybe 3 of us! Manny's Special=to die for!

We went for the Manuel's Special, as per Man vs Food challenge. Absolutely the best burrito we have ever had. Moreover a really familiar environment, with friendly staff (Tracy was lovely).

Bring a huge appetite! The burritos are huge and so good! A Los Angeles institution... a MUST! You can not leave LA without your local friends here taking you! So insist on it!

The best time to go is around 2-3 p.m. as this is a popular restaurant featured on Man vs. Food. You should definitely share a burrito as the regular size one are a 1 1/2 lbs. Yummy!

This place is so satisfying if you want some of the best Texmex in LA. Known for their burritos but they have much more! Go-just GO! Tip: get the mini sized burritos! The regular are huge.

This East Los Angeles staple has been serving authentic Mexican food for more than 50 years. Huge Burritos, Tasty Tacos, Enchiladas, Taquitos and Combo Plates. Very friendly staff with both table and counter seating as well as a takeout window outside. A must eat if in Los Angeles!

I have only ever had the burritos which are huge. Very fresh and tasty.Definitely could share a burrito . Not a ton of parking for this popular spot. Probably wouldn't go there at night as the neighborhood is sketchy.

The restaurant is in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights, which is an older area of Los Angeles. Authentic Mexican food popular with locals. If you like hot salsa with spice, this is it. Nice staff that was helpful with menu choices. A little off the beaten path as it is mixed in with houses, but people in the area knew exactly where it was. Inside is pretty small. I don't think it has had changed much to the structure inside or out. Interesting & we enjoyed it!

I have been coming to this restaurant off and on for the past 35 years. Whenever I come to the LA area this is a definite place to eat. Be prepared for a long line if you are at popular times, but the wait is well worth it. Excellent authentic Mexican food!

Fortunately for the diners of Los Angeles, the Manuel Special will live on even after the recent passing of its namesake, Manny Rojas. A brilliant man who served his community with some of the best Mexican food available in a city with no shortage of great eateries. I had my first Manuel Special in 2003 and I remember it like it was yesterday--the juicy pork, creamy avocado, tender rice and onions that melt in your mouth...not to mention the fact that it's served on a platter with a large serrated knife and a pie server. Manny will be missed but I plan on honoring his legacy by continuing to introduce friends and family to one of the best burritos in existence.

We were looking to have a more traditional mexican breakfast and this was the best choice, they serve great orange juice, and service is super fast.

I have been going to Tepeyac since I was 5 yrs old with my parents (I'm 38 now), and the food was always good. I went two years ago and decided to take the family (5+me). I waited in the ridiculous line on a cold day until there was a large enough table open. I went inside with my family because it was cold and not the nicest neighborhood. I was kicked out by one of the daughters because the table was not cleaned out yet. I then said "forget this" and took my family to Wood Ranch instead. Over the years the burritos have really lost quality and taste like something that came out of a taco truck. They are not even close to how they used to be when the Manuel (The owner) made sure to present food with class. He was an awesome person, but his kids are major pricks. Fortunately that side a town has many great places to eat. Try King Taco!!

I don't care what you order you can't go wrong. But if you think you can do it order the Manuel special burrito. The burrito is free if you can finish it!!!! Don't worry if you can't because they will box the rest for you. A tip; we always have someone order it especially if it's their first time. Food is good and the people who work there are even better. It's nice to get served with a little bit of tradition. Our family has been going here for years.

Most native Angelenos who know and love Mexican food know El Tepeyac on Evergreen St. in East Los Angeles. You will not be disappointed in the size of the burritos, and for a challenge, order a Manny's Special. Most people share it because you will need the help eating alone. The food is fresh, homemade style, delicious, and served hot. The quacamole is freshly prepared, the real deal.

Best Mexican in the city. Friendly atmosphere. There is always a line to get in. That tells you people are willing to wait for what's inside.

If someone have being to Mexico before and have eat in local Mexican restaurant can recognize this is real Mexican food. Sorry for those reviewed who say the food is fatty and have a lot of salsa. THAT'S MEXICAN FOOD. It is not the place to celebrate your wedding anniversary, so don't do comments related to that. The place is always pack, but the service is fast. Sorry if you have to wait when you go there, but is a real FONDA, not On the Boder I'm very choose with my food and the place were I eat, but if I want real Mexican food, this is the place to go. Portions are BIG. My only downer is No Alcohol. At least 1 tequila shot or beer per customer must be allow. PD: the reviewer who say the food is expensive, please be real. This is not the Taco Bell deal menu!!!

Went here with family. The food is pretty good but the amount is in the large size. It is a small place, so sometimes you might wait a little. If in the area, definitely worth the time.

I had read and heard a LOT about this place, so I decided to venture to Boyle Heights, LA and check it out. The place is tiny, so I grabbed a counter seat for quicker service. The staff was so friendly and attentive. Now I know why the place remains so packed. The food and portions are AMAZING and beyond belief! I don't have the guts to try Manuel's five-pound burrito, but I did enjoy a very packed plate of beef enchiladas with beans and rice. It was too good! The enchiladas were just right. Some places cover them in a sauce that hides the real flavor of the beef, but not here. Everything was perfect. The rice was perfectly cooked and they were very generous with the sour cream on the side. Also, I noticed that the beans and rice weren't over-laden with sodium, as is the case at many Mexican places. To top it all off, everything on the menu was super-affordable! I was pleased to know that they open super-early for breakfast, so now, I have a new place to come for chilaquiles to fill up on when on the road. I can't wait to return!

My family and I visited the area for the day. We then met up with a my sister law friend for dinner. We were taken here this place is CLEAN,CLEAN!!! Food is so amazingly awesome!!! Fresh, hot and fast!

I have always appreciated nice brunch sessions during the weekends. El Tepeyac's burrito and food spread is exactly the kind of food I am talking about. It is inexpensive and really homely. Definitely a must-go!

We were looking for inexpensive but good clean authentic Mexican food. The neighborhood was not the most attractive but the restaurant had its own parking lot which was full. There was a line of people patiently waiting outside; most of these were local loyal customers who have been eating there for years. We were able to skip the line and sit at the counter. I had the chile verde plate dinner which came with a hearty portion of very tender pork meat in a tasty tomato sauce served with rice and beans. My son had a Machaca beef burrito which he loved but couldn't finish (and he's a 16 year old boy with a big appetite!)

El Tepeyac is the BEST for Mexican Food in LA. My family and I have been going there for the past 30 years. The food is excellent as the service.

big plates and lots of Mexican flavors... authentic tacos and burrito specialty. Visit for a truly Mexican experience!

A friend brought me here and said he only ordered one and the same dish all the time.. I tried it too and it was great but really wanted to give a lot of them a try. It all looked very fresh and delicious. Old restaurant, it seems like it has been there a long time already and made you feel right at home. Worth a return visit

First of all I cannot believe this place was not even listed on Tripadvisor. I had to have it added. This place is a long time staple of the area. And if you are ever in this area or even close, make sure to go because you wont be disappointed.This place is the bomb. It is a tiny place and I do mean tiny and on any given day there is a line up the street. (it's worth the wait) The hollenbeck burrito is my go to choice here and I would recommend it to anyone. The meat is so tender and flavorful. One bite and you will be a fan too.Some of the best chile verde I have ever had. Come hungry as they are large. There is an order window on the side of the building if you don't feel like waiting in line. Also a few tables out there as well, though they do fill up quickly. Parking is a bit hard to find usually. Again, its worth the trouble. Very good food and customer service. This place knows what they are doing. I have nothing to criticize about this place at all except I wish there were more of them around. Hats off to you Manual. keep up the good work and more importantly..........the great food.

Had not been to this original location in several years. Had the classic Hollenbeck, great flavor and as always great and huge portion. Prices have really escallated the last several years. We will be back again for another great meal.

Went in for the 1st time. I asked enough burritos for 10 people. I got a Hollandback burritos and 2 Manuel's special burritos. One chicken and one Machaca. They are great. We have 12 adults and we only finished half. If you visit East LA. Come back and you will be impressed with one of the best burritos in LA.

I worked in the area and ate there numerous times in 2009. Now every trip into or near LA we end up stopping at El Tepeyac ! Small, very busy so be prepared for a wait during busy times. If you leave there hungry and not happy I’d would be definitely be puzzled as to why.🤷🏻‍♂️ I got the Original Hollenbeck Large Burrito and it was huge and very good. I only ate about a 1/3rd of it but it was just good the next day for lunch ! 👍

I have gone their today.with my friend.we had breakfast rice beans and two corn an one flour tortillas.we are homeless but do not look homeless.The people inside were so nice.The service was great.The total bill was $9.80.Was so much beans and rice left that I made a plate to go and put it in my back pack.Some day I will like to come back and have some of thier other items.The Price on the menu is very low.Not like Langers on the west side were they have a sandwich for $27.00.I will have to come back because I feel at home there.

There is always a line outside this tiny restaurant for a reason. The food always served hot and fast. The hollenbeck should be in the burrito hall of fame.

I was introduced to El Tepeyac in 1976, by one of my college roommates. I have fond memories of their burritos but I never had the opportunity to return until this month. I was not disappointed. The restaurant looks the same as it did in 1976 and the service was excellent. Just as I remember, the portions are enough for 2 people. I’ll certainly go back again if I’m in Los Angeles.

Thr first place we went to in LA. Heard about this place on the Travel Channel and had to come here. Interesting drive to get here. Not a touristy area by any stretch. Greeted warmly,quick and efficient service. On a Wednesday night they still did a good business. I had the Hollenbeck plate and my wife had some enchiladas with fried eggs. The sauces were spicy and flavorful without being over powering. Very low-key setting and it serves the places well. Interesting that they don't serve alcohol here. Worth going out of your way for this food.

First came here 15 plus years ago and due to distance from the West Side Imm rarely in this area. But, when I am I have to stop in for a mini Hollenbeck burrito! Awesome. And the guac? It's superior even to mine, and I think mine has hung the moon. Check it out and you won't be sorry!

This place serves authentic Mexican food. At least what I imagine authentic Mexican food should taste like. The tortilla chips were thick and crunchy, with fresh oil still coating the chips. Some might think this is good. The green salsa was delicious - fresh and spicy. Plenty of parking in the back. Small dining area with bar seating. Definite diner feel and popular neighborhood place. The restaurant is family owned and service oriented. Friendly and attentive. The portions are huge, as in the regular burrito took up all the space on what is easily a 10" plate! Try the mini burrito if you don't have a monster appetite. The chicken enchilada in red sauce was ok. Chicken was dry and we expected better since the salsa and guacamole were so delicious. Rice and beans were perfect. I cannot imagine how many calories were in the beans so we didn't count them this day! They're open till 11 PM on Saturdays and that was very good news to us. We got seated right away (took the last table for the moment). This place keeps busy - well past 10 PM and they don't take reservations but we would have been willing to wait because their food is really tummy and worth the wait!

Wish I could get here more often, but I live far away. Every time I am in LA I try to find a way to eat here. Best burrito ever. It's the gold standard.

When my husband's car broke down by el tepeyac he met Manuel. My husband is in his 70s.he was about 20 when the car broke down. El tepeyac is across from a Catholic church. This may have guaranteed some business, but the abundant portions are legendary. I see whole families order the Manuel Special burrito and cut it up for all at the table. It's about 25 dollars. Yesterday, a party of five young men in their twenties ordered a Manuel Special burrito and packed about one third to take home leftovers. I love the juicy chili relleno plate. The avocado guacamole and chips appetizer portions are plenty of guac for your buck. They don't serve alcohol. The toilet is tiny and out the back door. People are jammed at close tables. It is noisy. You wait in line outside the front door on the sidewalk until a table empties. It is a place of traditions. Various burrito specials are named for the person or group first requesting them the Hollenbeck Burrito was designed by police at the Hollenbeck Station. Orders are taken at the To Go window. Police departments from as far as Covina send a driver with their group orders. This is an East L A tradition. When done, cruis along the boulevard for the bakery with fresh tamales to go for the next day's feast.

Anytime we go down South we go out of our way to make sure that we stop here the food is great. We can't find food like this in Santa Clara or Elk Grove.

Best value classic Mexican food you will find. The portion sizes are all massive. I am pretty sure it is meant for someone who is a little bit larger than 165lbs. Anyways, overall this spot is a classic that has been around for decades and I see why. It's not the best Mexican food, but it is worth the experience. I would recommend it, but be prepared to be stuffed silly.

This was the only place my wife and I had eaten at the same place all day. The stuff was super friendly but the food didn’t last long! When your meal is out in under 5 minutes we should have known better. We travel South America very often and we have never gotten sick like this. Emailed with no response. Thankfully we didn’t take our daughter with us as my wife spent the night sleeping on the floor in a ball while we switched in and out of our hotel bathroom. Stay very very far away!!

Manuel is proud of his family running the best food with warm service. Try the succulent and gigantic tostadas, tacos, taquitos and burritos. The crunchy tortilla chips and salsa are so satisfying. Chorizo and menudo are very popular too. Guacamole is always perfect. Generous helpings of absolutely fabulous Mexican food. Even occasionally waiting in line is worth that delicious food. Everything is delicious and savory. Go to experience LA’s finest. Take food home for your family, friends and workers. They will love you more. We love Manuel’s and so will you!

Hubby & I ate here during our recent visit to L.A. & it is the best authentic Mexican food we've ever had!! It's small & not very appealing to the eye from the outside but you really must go here if you want excellent Mexican cuisine. We had to stand outside & wait for a table but it is worth the wait!! Wonderful service too!!! No wonder it was on "Man vs Food"!!!

Came for the first time this Sunday. Service was great. Red chicken enchiladas were amazing. However I felt the price for this plate was a little over the top for what you get. It was only 2 enchiladas for $13. They were delicious so I didn't really mind compared to other restaurants. Totally recommend. I'm hoping to try a burrito next time they are huge !

Hands down, one of the BEST authentic mexican food in East LA. Prepare for a line outside this small but welcoming restaurant. The owner Manual comes out & pours tequila shots for those waiting. I suggest getting the Manuel special. A burrito big enough to feed a family! Delicious!

The Azteca Burrito, formerly Hollenbeck Chili Verde Burrito is sensational, too big to eat in one sitting. The wife prefers the Chili Verde Tostada, just as good. Chips and salsa are fantastic, and they pour a nice glass of wine.

I have been going to El Tepeyac for more than 40 years, and I lovingly call it the Mecca of Mexican food. The late Manuel Rojas created the neighborhood atmosphere, and developed the recipes for the amazing food, and his daughter, Elena, has preserved everything as Manuel wanted it to remain. This place draws the faithful from the local area, but also attracts customers from throughout Southern California. You may have to wait up to an hour to get a table at this small place, but the wait is worth it. Don't come here expecting haute cuisine, or hoping for a delightful vegetarian dish. They are primarily known for their own interpretation of Chile Verde in their iconic Hollenbeck Burrito (large enough for 2 normal people), the huge Manuel's Special (eaten solo by the biggest eaters, but would feed 4), and I also love their taquitos with guacamole. I am sure everybody who goes there regularly has their own favorites, but those are the dishes I dream about when I think about this place. I have driven as far as 100 miles just to have lunch there. It really is that good.

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant that I have ever been to. It has been run by the same family over the years and was started by Manuel. He would greet you at the door and welcome you in. Over the years I have always felt welcome. This restaurant is famous for his generous portions and friendly service. I have been going to this restaurant for a long time now and always look forward to being there. I now live in the Pacific Northwest so I don't get there as often as I would like. There is always a line to get into the building, but the wait is worth it. I love the style of Mexican food they serve at this restaurant and it is different than most other Mexican restaurants. I can't wait to get there again.

The operative word is LARGE portions. Great burritos of all kinds and sizes. Fresh tortillas, beans, rice, beef, sour cream, you name it - they will make it just the way you want it. Lines can be long, so be prepared to wait. It will be worth it.

I searched Yelp for the best chile verde in the Los Angeles area and was pointed in this direction. I arrived and anticipated a scrumptious delight in my go-to of chile verde. I noted the restaurant was packed and figured how I could go wrong. The waitress brought out fresh, warm, and homemade chips which delightful. One thing was there was no salsa to accompany the chips. A little disappointed but hey what else could go wrong. I ordered the Hollenbeck burrito with chile verde and it arrived and noticed "Wow" I should have got the half order as it was a huge burrito. I dug into the burrito to find a sugary tasting chile verde which was bland and flavorless. What a huge disappointment to discover and almost inedible burrito. I may have ordered the wrong meal but hey I gave it a try and found this place missing the mark.

Been going to El Tepeyca for over 40 yrs. Friendly, Clean and delisous Mexican Food. If looking for althentic Mexican food this is the place. Hard to find but well wearth the hunt. Eat in the resteruant or take out. Have to try the Manuel Special, best on the menu.

I’ve been eating at El Tepeyac for over 25 years now. When living in LA and going to school in East LA, I would frequent here regularly. Over the years having moved away from LA, this is consistently a place that I meet friends, bring new friends, and go to with family. It’s on my list of my visit places in the SoCal area because it’s consistently delicious, a very good value, and it fun when Manny is out talking to us in line while we wait. If there are 2 or 3 of us, we might share the Hollenbeck burrito. With 3 or 4, we share the Manuel Special burrito. A side of guacamole is always a good add-on and comes in a giant bowl for all to share. There is no alcohol here but that’s ok with me. The food is so good and there is always a line that no alcohol means more of us can enjoy the food. If you are in LA, treat yourself to a local meal here at El Tepeyac. It’s only a short drive from downtown and a few blocks of I-10 in East LA. It’s worth it!

This place is amazing. Hiram, the waiter was right there and helpful. The food is spiced just right. My pork one was so big I could only finish half. Everything was great. Small place. Great service. Totally outstanding food. I highly recommend it. In little side street east of downtown.

My wife and I have eaten at the original El Tepeyac ( Manny had way of making you feel like you were eating at home. We miss him.). We also eat at El Tepeyac in Industry Hills. We have become regulars there, its fairly close to home, but more over, the food is great the service is fantastic and the food is greeeaaat. Joey, manager, Meghan, bartender/serve and the rest of the staff are extremely freindly, helpful and make you feel really welcome. Have I mentioned the food, it's grrrreeeeaaaat!!! We've taken my in-laws, met freinds there and we will continue to go there and continue to highly recommend it to all our freinds and relatives.

great food, great service-very hospitable even for us Spurs fans! Sent my kids off with bag of snacks, felt at home with relative!

An order of one burrito is good enough to share with a family of four, this could easily be a baby's pillow! This place is a hole in the wall kind of thing, very busy and kept everything original! It's by the county hospital!

The waitress and waiter were very kind and always on point with drink refills food was awesome small place but overall experience was fantastic!

We decided on this place after finding out it had featured on Man Vs Food, but we were treated to one of the best experiences eating out that we had on our trip! We were made to feel like royalty, quite literally! After one of the chaps had found out we were English, he was keen to treat us like our very own royal family, and bought us out drinks and samples of the Burrito sauces to help us make our decision! We could tell this was a family owned and run business, and that made us feel even more welcome. Even though we were clearly from out of town, we were made to feel like part of the community, in what is definitely not a touristy area part of LA. The drive was interesting to get there, and the restaurant is clearly situated in a Hispanic community within LA. Don't let that put you off! The place feels like a restaurant that is right at the heart of the community, with good food and good people! Some of our group attempted one of their Burrito challenge, and two of us just had normal burrito's. Mistake! Even one for myself was too much, the portions are absolutely huge, but don't let that fool you, the food quality is still top notch! After attempting to scoff our way through three huge burrito's, we admitted defeat and were asked by the owner if we would not mind posing for a photo for his Instagram page! We duly obliged, and followed him which we all thought was a nice touch. He followed all of us, and liked the photos we put up from the rest of our trip, which just goes to show what a classy bunch of people they are at El Tepeyac. If I ever go back to LA, I will definitely be making the trip here. As I said before it's a drive, but I can't stress enough how worth it, it really is!

It was good but not as good as I was expecting it to be based on other reviews. The portions were big. The service was just OK.

El Tepeyac has been around for years. It is located in the heart of East Los Angeles in a residential neighborhood. It is a house, likely built in the 50s and expanded into this wonderful eatery. It is just the best real Mexican food to be had. The place is small and the line can be long. They have a nice outside eating area that is never too crowded. There is a counter which is faster to get a seat at and about 20 tables. They do not take reservations. The owner, Manual, was a boxer when younger and turned his home into the eatery, he added on until he could add no more. He was the kindest man. He treated his employees so well. Some of the servers there have been there at least 20 years. We have been going there for about 30 years. He passed and everyone misses him. He was a great man. The service is just the best. They take care of you and they are fast. You can dine there, get take away or order outside and eat in the tables outside. It is all great. We love the counter. The food is amazing. The portions are huge so don't order too much. Everything is great, from their burritos to their beans. There is not a bad meal to be had. They do not have a liquor license. Sometimes they will allow you to bring something in. It is a favorite of locals and those that know of this hidden gem in East LA. It is a must stop if you are in town.

We went to El Tepeyac with friend, I have no words to describe this place. Fantastic ! Food is very good, we take the Special Manuels Burrito (about 2 kg) and nachos with asado. Please visit them !

This place will and always be the best around. Authentic food with great service. Their taquitos are the best with lots of real guacamole. Everything is freshly made. Service a smile and they are on top of it.

Hollenbeck burrito, beef taquitos and chile relleno! Their chili verde sauce is "Da Bomb"!!!! Just dropped in on a layover going back to New York where I live now. Place is still the same and food just as good. Very generous with the chips and salsa. The food is just damn good!!!! There is a line usually for a table inside but the take out line is just as long. It was featured on "Man versus Food" on TV and anyone crazy enough to eat an entire Manuel Special needs to have their brain looked at.

The best burritos! This is not your standard burrito. Super large Mexican meal wrap in a flour tortilla. You are not able to pick up with your hands.

Wanted to check it out to see what all the hype was about. Ended up realizing it was mostly hype. I felt it was good. Huge portions. I left satisfied. Just wasn't blown away. It was about as average Mexican food you can get anywhere. I possibly will come back and give another chance...maybe it was an off day. but until that time I'm sticking with my 3 stars

I returned to El Tepeyac Cafe after many years. It isn't as close as our other favorite Mexican restaurants. Well, the food is still great and the portions haven't changed. My first visit I got Manuels original burrito. It was big enough for two hungry people and they don't mind if you share. This time I got the okie chile verde burrito and did share. Still had some left over. Will anyone believe the big avocado and big chunks of pork inside? The service was quick and good. Did not have to ask for a separate plate to share and they brought a knife, extra plates and serving fork. The parking lot is adequate depending on the time of day. The noise level is ok. Everything is fine because the food makes up for everything. This is a family owned place and have large photos of the original owner. Manuel passed away only a few years ago so wa able to see his legacy. We won't wait years to go back.

First, someone told me that this was in a bad neighborhood. I could not disagree more. Its really close to the freeway and they have private off street parking. I would have no problem coming back here day or night. For portions, bring your appetite, even the regular sized meals were large. Bring four friends if you are going to try the Manuel's challenge. There is no way you are finishing that by your self. Food was great and the service is what you would expect from a family run restaurant. This is a stop that is off the beaten path but totally worth the trip.

I got Chicken Taquitos and they smelled bad, almost had the smell of bad oil but the chicken tasted like turkey and just wasn't quite right! My husband got a Chili Releano and he wasn't too happy with that either. We won't ever be going back there! He couldn't believe the food could be this bad as he had grown up in this area and used to eat there all the time; but not anymore!

So, like other international visitors, this place first came to my attention a few years back when it featured in 'Man vs. Food'. I first visited back in 2013 during a trip to Los Angeles. I punched the address into the sat nav, ignored the reviews that mention that it's located in a 'bad neighbourhood', and off I went. I love Mexican food. It's become a bit of a craze where I live in recent years. When I go to California, I eat Mexican all the time. Manuel's, for me, is the best. It's not just the food, it's the whole experience. Manuel's is a real, authentic neighbourhood restaurant. If you're a tourist, you'll probably be the only one in there at any given time (though we were once seated next to another British couple, also attracted by the 'Man vs. Food' episode). The food is amazing. The guacamole, the salsa, the cheese, the beans and everything else is just great. It's cheap, and the service is friendly and efficient. Since my first visit in 2013, I've visited a few more times, and every time I'm in Los Angeles, Manuel's is top of my list of places to eat.

Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe is here in Boyle Heights. It's the one that made an episode of "Man vs Food" and it's the one everyone thinks about when mentioned. There is the satellite "Original" El Tepeyac in the City of Industry, and that one has a liquor license and you can get cerveza with your comida there. Unfortunately, here at the true original you cannot, although I understand that before the celebrity owner passed away, he used to give out shots of tequila to those he deemed properly needful. Cute. His boxing-pose visage is plastered all over the place, lest anyone forget him, but I doubt that possible. This restaurant is really a neighborhood phenomenon, and a very cultural hot-spot. While you will see a variety of people crammed into its small dining spaces, most are Hispanic and the food is almost entirely theirs. I would say it's nicely spicy (on the verge) but it's spicy! Know what I mean? If you aren't into it or like to determine your own level of heat, forget it. It's spicy; your nose will run, your ears will smoke, but you won't cry. So, I hope that helps. I found the food overly huge in portion, and so I ordered a "mini" of the famous Original Hollenbeck. Believe me, I still felt like it was after Thanksgiving dinner having finished the whole thing. And of course they have that enormous carnival-sized burrito called MANUEL'S SPECIAL, but let's not go there. The chips were kind of greasy, the salsa not super wonderful, and the food in general was fine but not rock-your-socks. I did think that they handled the meat stuffing in all our various menu items quite well, but overall I just thought eating here was more about the experience of being at the renown eatery than eating the eats (unless you're all about quantity, then just knock yourself out). The name of the restaurant is made after the legendary hill where the supposed Mary Apparition in Mexico occurred. The restaurant has a shrine inside and out to commemorate the legend. I found the staff very nice, along with the service, and left feeling like I had an experience. One surprise was hearing English-language American country music while we dined. Will I go back? I dunno. If I'm over there, and knowing more now than I did then, I just may. : )

I loved the fact that this restaurant is right in the heart of East LA! The restaurant and the surrounding neighborhood looked so much like El Paso that it made me verklempt, and that was even before I tasted the food! Our server, Lupe, took such good care of us, and it was like eating at Grandma's house. The food was genuine and had the real, true Mexican border taste that I hadn't had since leaving El Paso - it was like reliving childhood when I dug into my red cheese enchiladas and taco! The portions were huge, and I dare anyone to leave this wonderful restaurant hungry! El Tepeyac will be a must on any future visit to LA, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants real, live Mexican food! Wonderful!

The only reason we visited el tapeyac was due to seeing it on an edition of man vs food with Adam richman. We are from the uk and this show has become cult viewing. We attended a dodgers game and realised that el tapeyac was only a few miles away .... So why not ! The area itself appears a bit seedy but that becomes irrelevant when you visit this place. Joining the queue shows the popularity of this place ... The menu is extensive .... The food brilliant and very cheap. If you can , this place us a must !

This a local place for me but one that folks visit from all over the world due to the exposure they get from television programs talking about the place. They have huge Burritos and lots of other good Mexican food, however be prepared for very large portions. Depending on the time of day, you may have to wait in line that wraps around the corner of the place. A place that tourist or not, you should check it out.

Business trip to the LA California vicinity, co-workers took me to the location for lunch. The staff is friendly, the food was hot, quick and tasty...as for the restaurant, it is small, but who cares..this place is the real deal....

The burritos are solid and they give generous helpings of food. The nachos and chips were delicious as well but $3 for unlimited horchata is what sealed the deal for me.

Dropped by Manuels El Tepeyac with the wife as she had never been there before. She was a little worried because of the neighborhood, from what she has seen on TV. I told her don't worry we will be ok. After sitting down and looking around she said this place looks great. The chips and salsa were great. We both got Holinbec burritos. 12.50. A huge amount of food. Rice , beans and pork wrapped in a flower tortilla smothered with a huge portion of chili Verdi. Theirs is a red version. Lots of tender tasty pork. It's a bit spicy. But manageable. What should you order? If you don't like spicy. Tacquitos with guacamole. Yum. Also 1 Holinbec could feed 2 people. They now have a mini version 9.50.

Love the beef taquitos they are a must have with the guacamole. I usually ask for the red salsa. It's hotter than the green one. The enchiladas are good too

My wife and I went there for the first time in 30 years and took our grand kids.After waiting for 15 minutes we were finally seated. We ordered the Hollenbeck green chili burritos. When they came the burritos were covered in red salsa, so we inquired about it, the waiter said that they had green salsa inside. We opened our burritos and they had red salsa. We did not want to get into a discussion about the color of salsa so we did not say anything, It appears that their green salsa burrito is red. The meat was dry and overcooked which tells me that it had not been cooked that day. The salsa was very bland and very tasteless. They were nasty burritos. The grand kids had taquitos which were dry and the meat was very overcooked. The guacamole was nothing more than smashed avocados. We dropped $50 just to leave there angry and hungry. We ended up going to little Tokio to eat. We do not understand why people love it so much. We will never go back.

I usually go in the morning. I am a teacher and at the end of the semester I like to treat my students to the Manuel's special, an incredibly large burrito. Up until last year, Manuel was there to treat me to his humor and offer to take my purchases out to my car. Sadly he passed away, a great loss, but the service continues and the food is still the best. Sometimes I have lunch there, but you have to be prepared for A LOT of food. Nowhere else can you get Mexican food of such quantity and quality. Everyone in ELA eats there and there is always a crowd of cheery regulars in the morning. The staff is the best.

Go here. Friendly staff and good food. Old school. Highly recommended by locals. Now we know why, too. I like this kind of place. Small restaurant with attentive people who obviously enjoy working here and preparing food for their customers. Would go here over any other place in the area.

Clearly my best friend and I love the Menudo at this restaurant, and have taken advantage of the savings from Costco also as you may buy two $25 dollar gift cards for $39.99. Nothing like the original location. You can use cards however at either location.

I knew that this place was on the list of top chowdown spots, but I was still surprised by the size of the burrito that came out, bigger than my head, and I'm not a small guy. The food was good, the people were friendly, and for the amount you get, the price is more than right. Another good sign, it was still packed after dinner time. Enjoy.

I live in San Francisco My brother went to USC in the early 70’s. When I visited him, he took me to El Tepeyac and my life changed forever. I never go out for Mexican where I live. I was at a business Conference in Beverly Hills recently and took my 30 minute drive to east LA and El Tepeyac. My lunch was better than ever. So great that nothing has changed in 50 years. If you are in LA make a run to El Tepeyac

Classic Chile verde burrito super sized. This was at our super bowl party and as much as I like this place I couldn’t give it 5 stars or even 4 but I know the other food here and the individual plates are delicious so I gave it the 4 stars. For this large size burrito it is fill with Chile verde pork rice beans and guacamole. Everyone loved it but I was disappointed as the piece I cut had very little meat and mostly rice. The meat was not tender like I remembered. It is tasty but not 5 stars worthy. This is good for 4 or more people. At the super bowl we had 12 people and we got into half of it. So the value is good but I rather get my own personal one if you eat there. Just my tip. But if it’s your first time trying this place then it is worth trying it once. It’s the experience, right?

I heard from a friend about this place, decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. I tried the hollenbeck burrito. It was delicious and huge. My wife tried the machaca dinner and loved it. We'll definitely be back =]

In L.A., there are a wealth of places to have good, authentic, Mexican food. Depending on your budget, a taco truck or more elegant restaurant with a view, it doesn't matter, there are so many options. This place is not worth the drive. The food tastes uneventful and plain and not cheap either. The refried beans alone are not worth the indigestion.

This is the best Mexican food I have ever had. It is tucked away in an east LA neighborhood that is definitely not a touristy type of place-despite appearing on the Travel Channel. A must visit! Had the nacho plate and the Mannie burrito with pork--perfectly cooked. Delicious guacamole, too!

This is the best burrito I've ever had and the biggest...by a mile! I had the special as featured on Man vs Food, the main reason this caught our attention and to make the effort to find it! It was well worth the effort and can't recommend it enough! The service was very friendly too.

I saw this place on Man vs. Food and immediately knew I had to try it. My husband and I came for dinner and as soon as we walked in it felt like home. Jennie was our server and she was phenomenal she's like your favorite Aunt. She made our visit extra special the whole way through our meal. I got the Hollenbeck burrito, and let me tell you, I will be craving it from this day on! A must eat place. I can't wait to treat my taste buds again!

Their seared pork is delicious and so is their salsa. I couldnt even finish half of the burrito because it was so big and filled!

This is an original family owned Mexican restaurant it's the real deal. It's like going to your family to eat. Food is authentic and the burrito can feed a small family. It's a small place for indoor seating and there's usually a line to get in but worth the wait. They do have outdoor seating for food picked up at takeout. It's a small gem and worth the trip.

This place has been around a long time. I've been going to it on occasion over the last 35 years. It's famous for mammoth size burritos. But what I go there for is their machaca con huevos--shredded meat in a scrambled egg base. The portions are huge; when I was younger, I could polish one of their entrees off. These days, my appetite is smaller. You do need to be prepared to wait in a long line at peak periods.

I have eaten at El Tepeyac Authentic Mexican Food for over 50 years. Living in Orange County, whenever I’m in East Los Angeles, I enjoy meeting family and friends for lunch here. Because their Hollenbeck Special Burrito is so large and delicious, it can be shared amongst two people, or you can take half of your meal home. My recommendation is to order the burrito wet. My mother enjoyed eating the Machaca Burrito; however, all of their entrees are so delicious and plentiful with very reasonable prices.

El Tepeyca is very small. They gave about 20 tables and a counter. If you don't want to wait in line for 20 minutes, sit at the counter. It is fun anyway. Sadly, the original owner has passed, but his family is running it and it is the best ever. The place is not pretty and there is nothing special about the looks of it. You won't care. Everything is great. They have the best burritos on the planet and they are huge. The Machaca burrito is the best I think. They also make tacos and great rice. There is also outdoor seating and you can get your order at the outside window if you don't want to wait. The place is easy to miss so drive slowly, it is in a residential area. The parking lot is right next door and their is a Church across the street. I think they are closed on Monday, but call and check. Once you go there you will be hooked.

The restaurant had a booth set up at an event. The tacos were great, the meat fresh and some of the best tortillas I have had. Salsa is also pretty good as well.

This place is incredible. People waiting in line to get in is a good sign. I have been here about three times and this is great mexican food with humongous portions. You have been warned. look around the room to see the size of their plates and food before you order. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, you cannot go wrong. Staff is very friendly to all customers. It is a hole in the wall but once you go you will be back.

The Hollenbeck burrito was impressive and tasty. This burrito was more than 1 person could finish. A neighboring table ordered the Manuel's Special and talk about a huge burrito, this burro could feed a family. What an experience. I highly recommend a stop when you are in East LA.

Went here after reading the reviews was well worth it! Guacamole was the best I have ever had in my life! DO NO MISS THIS GEM!

The grren chile here is just like my mom made!! Delicious! Yes it's in East LA but the area around the restaurant is safe because of the respect for the owner. The line can get a little long at times but moves quickly. They are famous for their giant burrito that can feed up to 4 but overall the whole menu is a can't miss. About a mile off I-10 and 10 minutes from downtown.

I come here whenever i am in LA and am never disappointed. Love the atmosphere of the place and the fac tthat despite its success, things dont change. Great mexican food, good portion sizes and great value. I am a huge fan of the muchaca, never found any like it,even in mexico!. Go there if you can.

This place is delicious like always it never fails when your looking for great food this place always hits the spot

In Los Angeles, El Tepeyac is the best place to go for Mexican food. It is actually the best Mexican food in California. This is a small place and it can get crowded. If you don't want to wait, look to see if there is a spot at the counter or go to the side of the building and order at the window and eat outside. You can dine in or in their cute patio. They also deliver and have take away. The man that owned it was the nicest man you could meet. He passed. He used to be a boxer and started this little place in the front of his home and expanded a little over the years. This is not fine dinning. The place is spotless and cute. The service is the best with many of the employees being there for years. We have been going for 40 years. The portions are huge and the prices fair. The food is the best, it matters not what you order, it is all good. Their machaca burritos are famous. The place is famous, You must go. Please see my other reviews of this place for more information. There is nothing not to love, nothing.

Went with a friend and had the Chile Verde plate. The last time I came here was in the 1970s with my father and it was every bit as good as I remember. Service excellent. If you know anything about Chile Verde you will find this unique and in top form. Both my friend and I loved it! Also got abondogis soup to go, also top notch. All about flavor here.

the great taste and the smell of the food. I would recommend it to any one who would come from other countries because i want them to know the great taste of our mexican stylish food. :)

Hands down the best, freshest authentic Mexican food in this city and that is saying a lot because we have a huge Mexican Chicano population. Great Menu. A steal at twice the price. Not fancy, just the best!!!

I don't know if it is the best mexican restaurant but for sure we have been really satisfied. The service is really friendly and the food is a lot and good, small place but well done. What we were looking for! The big burritos was really tasty I would come back there if I will have the chance

We decided to try out some Man vs Food locations while vacationing in Cali. We just fished touring Hollywood and stopped for dinner not very nice on the outside or what appeared to be a very good neighborhood but the food was amazing. The burritos were huge and had a lot of flavor. Wish we had one of these back home. Our waitress was so nice and made the visit even more enjoyable. Great little place.

Definitely has some stand out quick mexican dishes, we had the menudo, and hollenbeck burrito. Kids ordered tacos, quesadilla and other dishes. Everything was awesome, went mid-afternoon so it wasnt too crowded, sat outside for a quick meal.

Cousin took us there.... she and some of her coworkers are frequent visitors.... I would too if I lived in the LA area.... everything we had was delicious. The service was excellent. The prices extremely reasonable. Put all those together and it is a wonderful place.

First, I'd like to state that the service here is excellent. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. I can't say as much about the food, unfortunately. It seems like everything is made fresh and in-house, which is really nice but, while it's authentic, it still seemed lacking. The guacamole, albeit made fresh, seemed to lack flavor to me. The chips were pretty good though, and the fresh chili sauce that's brought to the table is good. I ended up ordering the Okie de Carne Asada burrito. Yes, it's huge and at around $10 it could be a very good value. I say "could be" because it was mostly filled with rice. There were only a few pieces of carne asada within. The burrito, save for the sauce on top of it, was also pretty dry and bland. I was really hoping to like El Tepeyac. I wish I could give it a higher rating, but the food unfortunately didn't do it for me. If I could give it a 2.5, I would.

I would have to say that this restaurant was not that good at all. I assumed because it was one of the top rated Mexican restaurants for the LA area that it would be phenomenal, but it wasn't. I had taquitos, rice, beans and I didn't finish all of it. The store was small but the waiting staff was very friendly and there was a jukebox which was awesome as well. All in all the place was ok but there are way better restaurants to visit in the city of angels.

El Tepeyac is off the beaten path. It is in Boyle Heights, but the food is authentic and delicious. Don't plan on doing too much after you eat there other than rubbing your stomach. We go for lunch since it is not a great neighborhood at night.