El Pueblito

The food was authentic and good, but I’d not say outstanding. Big disappointment was the strong smell of PineSol when I entered the store. It got stronger as I approached the dining area, and sure enough: there stood a large mop bucket and mop. The bathroom door was ajar and a lady was heading into the bathroom with a nearly full gallon of PineSol in her hand, and plastic gloves on. I’m glad they are enthusiastic about cleaning but isn’t that something you should do after closing or early in the morning? I just could not stomach eating in a place with that strong a smell of cleaning solution. Took the food «to go.»

My husband and I happened upon this place thanks to Unilocal.
Omg! So good! We had spicy pork tacos and also the chicken mole special. This was some of the best food I’ve had! It’s amazing that it’s in Lancaster! We’ll be back!

I have no idea how this place has such good reviews. I just moved here from NYC and I was trying to find a good Spanish food spot. I came here, it was empty besides two male employees and the cashier. No one acknowledged me even when I said hello. So I just stood there waiting for the lady behind the counter to talk to me. When I finally see the menu it’s very very tiny. The one thing I wanted, carnitas, wasn’t available. So I got two orders of asada to go. I specifically said only rice, beans and the meat. Came out to $ 27 which is ridiculous. It took half an hour for them to put my two plates together to go. Again, ridiculous. The whole time they are there talking Spanish about me because I ordered and spoke in English and I had no business being there is I didn’t know Spanish. That came to an end when my grandma called and I had to talk Spanish to her since she doesn’t know English. When I got off the phone I told them to please continue talking about me in Spanish. But clearly they were embarrassed and all went their separate ways to act busy. I finally get my order, go home and open it to find a ton of extras like salad, tortillas and a huge avocado. A tiny portion of rice, tiny portion of beans but the meat portion was ok. Didn’t I say just rice, beans and the meat? The only good thing I see from this place is the Spanish candy from my childhood. But some were open so be careful when you buy them. I won’t be back.

Great tasty Mexican food! Located in a strip mall next to the Ethiopian restaurant. This Mexican place has about 8 tables in back of their grocery store. It’s BYOB and we usually bring beer or tequila (to mix with the grapefruit Mexican soda, it makes a nice drink.) We have had about 15 items on the menu and they have all been very good. The service is fast and friendly. You can get takeout. We get the tamales that are in the cooler by the register. Best tamales and they are $ 2 each. They usually have chicken with red or green sauce and sometimes the cheese variety. While I’m there I pick up groceries.

Hands down the best authentic Mexican food in the Valley. Any one saying their food is less than amazing has no clue what authentic Mexican food should taste like. I’m tired of people having expectations of authentic spots being like chains or of TexMex. I’m a native Texan and I pride myself in my culture and I can assure you that this place would fit in w the best restaurants in Austin. The fact that they apparently don’t know what they have makes them so much more appealing. I love little best-​kept secrets in a town w a small appetite for authentic Mexican dishes.
You really don’t know what you’re missing.
Do yourself a favor. Eat here, enjoy the awesomeness they serve, and support a local business that truly deserves recognition.

Very Good. I’m a Mexican junkie. Almost every new city we visit or trip we take involves checking out a new Mexican place. I eat here years ago and wasn’t impressed… well something must have changed eaten here three times in the last month. All the meats are excellent some of the best I’ve had. I’m from Reading the there’s a few place there that are near and dear to me but this is my Lancaster fix. A few notes, it’s not really a restaurant it’s 6 tables inside a Mexican grocery store, the prices aren’t the cheapest.

If you thought you couldn’t get legitimate Mexican food in PA, guess again. You won’t be disappointed, unless you’re looking for some candlelit ambiance. This joint is ALL about the food.

Inconspicuously nestled in an older strip-​type-​mall on Dillerville Rd across from the Reifsnyders’s Piano Store and just immediately northeast of the Waffle House parking lot is this little Mexican grocery store. Upon walking in, you are immediately overwhelmed by the spices wafting from the kitchen. Everything on the shelves is imported with Spanish labels.
I ordered the chicken enchiladas to go. The shells they were wrapped in where, in no other words, complete perfection. Fresh. Seasoned expertly. Deeply delicious. And overwhelmingly good.
This is simple and elegant high-​cuisine that is tasty and not overdone. While the seating is a cramped fluorescent-​lighted linoleum area in the back left next to the kitchen, the food is what one would expect from a high-​end gourmet place on Prince St. This is among the best Mexican food you can get. Anywhere.
What a true Lancaster gem.

Best place for authentic Mexican in Lancaster. Hidden in the back of a grocery store. Served by friendly Spanish speaking waitresses. We had chips and salsa, steak burritos and chicken enchiladas with green sauce (red also available). Lots of food, ended up taking ¹⁄₃ home. Cost was about $ 13 – 15 a person. Food was slightly better and more authentic than that at El Serrano, my other go to for Mexican. Only downside is that I couldn’t get a margarita with dinner!

What a great find this place is! It’s a little Mexican grocery near the Waffle House on Dillerville Rd., but when you walk in there are tables for dining as well. The burritos are a meal, as are the platters. While guacamole is not listed on the menu, it is available, made fresh by request, along with chips made the right way — cut from corn tortillas and fried, still warm when they hit your table. This is the real deal for Mexican — don’t be surprised if they have to switch waitresses for English-​only speakers.

I learned about El Pueblito from a Mexican friend. I tried the Pozole and really loved it!!! Excellent service, nice people, like eating at Grandma’s house… If Grandma was Mexican! A true Mexican!!! Go and enjoy authentic Mexican food…

El Pueblito is a hidden gem in Lancaster’s Hispanic food offerings. This Mexican cuisine is authentic and delicious. The owner let us try a few things and suggested some ideas. Everything we got was really good– including my sheep barbacoa taco. We loved the pico de gallo and I can’t wait to go back and try something new.
Be warned that this is a grocery store restaurant combo. There are about six tables hidden in the back behind racks of canned goods.
If you want authentic Mexican food from a friendly staff– this is a must-​visit.

one of the last hidden gems in Lancaster…
«El Pueblito» is a small, Mexican grocery/​convenient store with 6 or so tables tucked in the side/​back to serve food to the local patrons. The staff and owner are super nice, friendly and make you feel very comfortable. The small, dining area is simple and clean. (see photos)
The food was outstanding. I came in on a Sunday and ordered their weekend special, «carnitas tacos», slow roasted pulled pork in corn tortillas (price $ 12). The meat was absolutely delicious, cooked to perfection, steaming hot, and full of flavor. I made corn tortilla tacos with the rice, beans, meat, and the fresh salsa that came along with the meal. The fresh cilantro of the salsa complemented the pulled pork amazingly. (see photos)
Bottom Line: best Mexican food in Lancaster. no frills Mexican restaurant/​grocery store that serves authentic Mexican food that is incredibly delicious.