El Sombrero #2

Based on so many highly rated reviews, we came here to satisfy a taco craving. The staff was very friendly and we were able to seat ourselves. The menu was large, a few too many options for me because it was hard to make up my mind. I had a side order of a tamale, and he had crunchy tacos, and then I also had two soft tacos. The order came out quickly, however, there was SO much lettuce piled on these items. The tamale was hot and loaded with good sauce, but the inside was dry and more masa than meat inside. The soft tacos I had were loaded with meat, too much meat in fact, and the pieces of carnitas I had were dried out and too thick. His crunchy tacos were alright, and were too loaded with meat as well. I know he wasn’t too thrilled but gobbled down anyway. The best part was the chips and salsa they had, that was really tasty. Meh — maybe we should have gone with the known favorite, enchiladas.

My mom loves their shredded beef tacos. She gets them every time. I’ve been trying to find my favorite item on the menu and today I found it. Chicken enchilada lunch special. $ 7, roasted yummy chicken, perfect beans and rice. Yum! Also, the salsa? Perfect with everything. Spicy and fresh!

I absolutely love this place! Not only is the service amazing but the food is delicious, too! I come here at least once a week for their fish or shrimp tacos. Their salsa is also really good… It’s the little things, right? This is a must-​try hidden gem. :)

4 out of 5 Yums! This is my new go to Mexican spot. It’s tucked away in a small shopping center. The food is fast and tasty. The staff are WONDERFUL! They are super attentive, and my drink and chips/​salsa bowl were never empty. I can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu!

I ordered the Colorado plate and the pork was tender and soaked in the mole sauce. This plate was served with your choice of corn or flour tortillas. My girlfriend ordered the canasta burrito that filled the whole plate with deliousness. Both were amazing! Our server was very sweet and refilled our salsa and chips without asking at least three times. Highly recommend this spot!

Best Mexican food ever! Raul and his team always put forth 110% from the food quality to the service.
The Salsa is so Gooooood! I recommend purchasing a pint to go so you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Reno Makani (Professional surfer from Hawaii)

Had the tacos, chicken & carne, excellent and the Guac (spicy) was very fresh and perfect flavor. Will be back

We’ve been eating here since the place opened. Even longer actually, (my little sister worked at the old soup and sandwich place that used to be here.) Sometimes we phone in and take out, sometimes we drop in and eat here. The people are really great and the food is always excellent. You can’t go wrong. Thanks everyone who works here for keeping things good at old El Sombrero #2.

It’s no secret I love El Sombrero, regardless of if it’s their first location or their second. If you want a more in depth review of what I love to eat here, check out my review for their other location.
Here are some pros about coming to this El Som location…
THERE IS A PARKING LOT. It’s no secret that parking in Manhattan Beach sucks. This location has a shared parking lot and it’s never tough to get a spot.
IT’S THE OLD EL SOMBRERO FEEL. El Sombrero #1 burned down a while back and rebuilt. Although it isn’t the same as before, it’s still pretty good. El Sombrero #2 (this location), on the other hand, has the old feel. There are tons of booths and everything is just how it was when I was a kid. Totally takes me back.
RUMOR HAS IT… Rumor has it that on busy days, and especially during the summer, that all of the old cooks work at El Som #2 because the parking is easier. So don’t fret if you can’t get a spot down at the beach because the food might just be better here on a busy day.
Great service. Great staff. Great food. Great horchata. Great flan. Great taco sauce. Great black beans. What more could a girl want?

Terrible service! Don’t eat here if your Hispanic. You’re invisible. You’ll get service if your Caucasian. Avoid Jeannette. Have been eating here since I went to Costa but no more!

yum yume yum yum yum yum
super friendly
— i go all the time and the waitress memorized my order;)

I had a hardshell carne asada taco with Cheese, no pico, and my friend had a carnitas taco and we shared an order of rice. Soooo good.

Love El sombrero. I got here all the time. It’s just a local Mexican food place that has great tacos and beer.

Carnitas tacos is a must try. Deliciously good and very large. Two tacos can easily fill one person up. The beef taquitos were also pretty good.

This little mexican food spot has been there for years and it’s still going strong. The food is cheap yet high quality and fresh. I absolutely love the salsa and most of all the taco sauce. I crave it a lot. The restaurant is small so try and get there early for a quick seat but if you do have to wait the wait isn’t too long because the food comes out quick and extra hot. The service is great! If you feel like a quick take out place this is the spot for you as well! So good. They have an awesome kids menu as well.

Been going to ES#2 since 1988! I get the same thing every time: Sombrero burrito with carnitas, no lettuce, with cilantro and guacamole on the side! Ask for the whole corn chip tortillas and a large bowl of salsa too!

El sombrero is my favorite mexican place in the South Bay! I always get a #12 with black beans. Good stuff!
The wait staff is super friendly, and so is the ownership.

the greatest restaurant of all time! I have been going to El Som for years and will never forget it as long as I live. The absolute best people and best food. I wish I could live here.
When I was vegetarian they made me rice enchiladas! When I asked if they could do a carnitas burrito they obliged! When I queried if they could make cilantro-​free salsa they said to just let them know ahead of time! THE BESSST!

Found this gem on Unilocal.So good! I got the chicken taquitos with rice n beans. My friend got the chicken sombrero (wet) burrito and a side chile relleno. EVERYTHING was SO TASTY! Large portions, great tasting food.
Service was fast and friendly. Really great prices too! Definitely coming back

My family and I love El Sombrero. The food and service here is always great. I like the chicken tacos and cheese enchiladas. The burritos are terrific as well and are pretty huge! If you order one, you’ll definitely have leftovers to take home.
All the employees here are super friendly and check back with your table often. They’re really good at refilling the chips and salsa for you.
Don’t forget to grab a lollipop on your way out!