El Rey Mexican Food and Cafe

El Rey Mexican Food and Cafe

13926 Imperial Hwy., La Mirada, CA 90638, United States

+1 562-210-5092

Mexican restaurant
(195)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of La Mirada, El Rey Mexican Food and Cafe is a vibrant celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine that delights locals and visitors alike. Specializing in traditional dishes packed with rich flavors and homestyle touches, this cozy eatery offers a genuine taste of Mexico’s diverse culinary heritage.

From the moment you step inside El Rey, the welcoming aroma of freshly cooked spices and simmering sauces instantly whets your appetite. The menu is a treasure trove of Mexican favorites, showcasing must-try items such as the tender Menudo and soul-satisfying Carne En Su Jugo, both perfect for those craving comfort food that tastes like it came straight from abuela’s kitchen. Fans of bites with a punch will find themselves drawn to the Wet Carne Asada Burrito — hearty, flavorful, and generously sauced — or the crowd-pleasing Super Nachos piled high with fresh toppings.

If you want to indulge in traditional street-style eats, El Rey’s Tacos De Canasta, Tacos Dorados, and Huaraches bring authentic textures and bold, satisfying flavors. The Chiles en Salsa Verde Chicharron offers a spicy, tangy kick, while the Enchiladas de Mole beautifully balance complex, rich sauces. Those looking for something heartier will appreciate the Caldo de Res, a savory beef soup brimming with fresh vegetables and tender meat that warms from the inside out.

What truly sets El Rey apart is its commitment to staying authentic without sacrificing comfort. Regulars like Jorge Varela praise the home-style touches, calling the Carne En Su Jugo “delicious” and evocative of flavors from Jalisco. The ambiance echoes this authenticity — a casual, friendly atmosphere where the lively sounds of the kitchen mix with the subtle chirping of birds, giving it a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Guests consistently highlight standout dishes such as the Chile Verde with potatoes, described by Gloria Torres as "absolutely delicious and authentic," with perfectly balanced flavors that keep you coming back. The Tacos de Lengua and homemade Agua Fresca de Limón also get high marks for their flawless execution and refreshing quality.

El Rey’s service shines just as brightly as its food. Karlia Villalobos shares that she and her husband return time and again for their favorites like the Carne en su Jugo and Caldo de Albondigas, praising the consistently great food and attentive service. Meanwhile, Rodrigo “funning” recalls discovering Tripa tacos here — a rarity in SoCal — complimenting the perfectly seasoned carne asada plate alongside one of the best pozoles he’s encountered.

For anyone craving an authentic Mexican dining experience where every dish tells a story and every bite transports you south of the border, El Rey Mexican Food and Cafe stands as a shining beacon. Whether you’re settling in for a comforting bowl of pozole or savoring the bright, bold flavors of their signature tacos, this restaurant promises a flavorful journey rooted in tradition and crafted with love.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Thursday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Friday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Saturday
    08:30 AM - 08:30 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jorge Varela
    3 week ago

    As you walk in birds chirp to welcome you in. I ordered the carne en su jugo, it was delicious. Born in Jalisco, and eating this dish at homemade, it definitely hits home! I also tried the red pork pozole and was ok for my standards,but for my American friend it was a 10. The bigest disappointment was the Tamale de Rajas ( cheese with jalapeño slices) it had no cheese, but had tomato, onion and jalapeño. I would not recommend it. Service was excellent, very clean establishment. Only recommendation is to offer a desert, like churro, flan or arroz con Leche. I would come back, I would like to try the albóndigas next time.

  • Gloria Torres
    1 month ago

    As we walked in, it smells delicious but I ordered the Chile Verde with potatoes and let me tell you... It's absolutely delicious and authentic!! Everything was great. The Huarache of carne asada was Soo good my mom loved it and the tacos de lengua bomb .. we ordered agua fresca de Limon and it too was delicious not at all over powering of sugar it was perfect and I mean perfect. I'll definitely be coming back here .

  • Karlia Villalobos
    1 month ago

    My husband and I always order the same , Carne en su Hugo and Caldo de Albondigas. It's always good, without fail. The service is always good too. Consistent good service and food! My favorite local spot for Mexican food.

  • John Page
    1 month ago

    Very authentic Pozole Rojo Lots of meat and hominy. I will be coming back again!

  • Rodrigo “funning”
    1 month ago

    My coworker was looking for tripas tacos and this place had them. It ended up being one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve had in SoCal! I had their carne asada plate and pozole. The carne asada was delicious, nice, thin and seasoned perfectly. The refried beans were delicious along with the corn tortillas. A phenomenal plate overall and the pozole was on point, one of the best bowls I’ve had in a long time too. Overall it was an excellent lunch and Jose was real cool with the customer service. I’d definitely come back here again to try their other menu items.

  • Jenny No
    2 month ago

    I love this restaurant! They have varieties of authentic Mexican food and you wont regret your choice! I highly recommend puffy chicken tacos and it tastes like Chile Verde with potatoes. So yummmm! Service is always great and the owner Jose is very super friendly and cool guy! You won't regret your choice! Enjoy!

  • Lorraine Medina
    2 month ago

    Very cute restaurant but excellent food and service very personable and wonderful music too ! I had the albondigas tasted as if I was home with my Nana so you know bomb.com to say it best. here is the before and after lol hope you enjoy it here as much as I had

  • Ron Diosdado
    3 month ago

    My wife and I were craving a hot bowl of something tasty on a gloomy November 1st. She had the pozole and I had the menudo. They were both very delicious. We both recommend them. Jose made us feel welcomed. We will be coming back.

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