El Nopalito Introduce
For residents of Arizona looking for a truly authentic taste of Mexico, especially dishes inspired by the heart of Mexico City, El Nopalito is a standout destination in Phoenix. It is not just another local spot; it's a culinary gem dedicated to bringing genuinely fresh, flavorful, and traditional Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the Valley of the Sun. This establishment has built a loyal following among local Arizonans and discerning foodies who appreciate traditional cooking techniques and recipes passed down through generations. From daily essentials like tacos and burritos to regional specialties, El Nopalito offers a menu that spans all major meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—making it a perfect choice regardless of the time of day.
The commitment to authenticity is immediately clear when exploring their offerings. While Arizona is well-known for its own delicious style of Mexican food, El Nopalito brings a distinct, fresh perspective, focusing on complex, rich flavors and high-quality, real ingredients. Customers consistently rave about the genuine flavors and the dedication of the staff, who ensure a welcoming and friendly experience. It’s the kind of place that truly captures the spirit and warmth of Mexican hospitality, making every visit feel like coming home.
Stepping inside reveals a casual and cozy atmosphere, a perfect setting for a relaxed meal. The focus here is squarely on the food and the customer experience, often highlighted by "fast service" that ensures you get your authentic Mexican fix quickly, whether you're dining in, picking up an order, or utilizing their delivery options. This blend of authentic cuisine and customer-focused efficiency is what elevates El Nopalito in the competitive Phoenix food scene, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit for anyone seeking a real taste of Mexico in Arizona.
El Nopalito is conveniently situated in the heart of Phoenix, making it easily accessible for a wide range of Arizona residents. The restaurant’s address is 2831 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA. This centralized location places it within easy reach for those living or working in the Phoenix metropolitan area, or those passing through via major thoroughfares.
For local customers, accessibility has been thoughtfully addressed to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. The location offers a free parking lot, which is a significant amenity in a busy area, along with the availability of free street parking. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to inclusivity, providing important accessibility features such as a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and wheelchair accessible seating. This makes planning a meal here straightforward and stress-free for all guests, solidifying its place as a community-focused local business.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch near your office or a relaxed family dinner, the easily reachable spot on 24th Street, combined with excellent parking and accessibility, removes common barriers to dining out. They welcome groups and ensure a casual, friendly setting for solo dining, making it a flexible option for any outing.
El Nopalito provides a wide array of service options designed to fit the diverse needs and schedules of its Arizona clientele. They have adapted to modern dining preferences while maintaining their commitment to a traditional, welcoming dine-in experience. Their service models are structured to provide maximum convenience, whether you're rushing to work or planning a weekend feast.
- No-Contact Delivery: For maximum safety and convenience, customers can opt for no-contact delivery, allowing them to enjoy the full menu from the comfort of their home or office.
- Delivery: Standard delivery service is available, bringing fresh, hot Mexican and Latin American cuisine directly to your location in the Phoenix area.
- Takeout: Ideal for people on the go, the takeout option allows for quick pickup of orders, ensuring minimal waiting time.
- Dine-in: The restaurant offers comfortable seating and table service for a full, relaxed dining experience in their casual and cozy atmosphere.
- Full Dining Options: Services cover every meal of the day, including dedicated options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as dessert.
- Payment Flexibility: Multiple payment methods are accepted, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing a seamless transaction experience.
The standout characteristics of El Nopalito are rooted in its dedication to quality, tradition, and service. These highlights contribute significantly to its stellar reputation among local residents and visitors alike. The establishment prides itself on more than just the food; it's about the entire cultural and culinary experience.
- Authentic Mexican and Latin American Cuisine: The core feature is the genuinely authentic food, often noted by patrons as being representative of the flavors found directly in Mexico, particularly the Central Mexico region.
- Serves Local Specialty & Regional Dishes: The restaurant proudly serves specialties not commonly found in all Mexican restaurants, like the complex and freshly made Mole Enchiladas, and the popular weekend special of Barbacoa de Borrego (slow-cooked lamb).
- Fast Service: Recognized as a key highlight, their quick and efficient service makes them a fantastic option for a quality lunch break or a speedy meal when time is limited.
- Diverse Offerings: The menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, featuring comfort food, healthy options, small plates, and a kids' menu.
- Full-Day Dining: Catering to all eating habits, El Nopalito is popular for breakfast favorites like Huevos Divorciados, Huevos Rancheros, and Chilaquiles, in addition to robust lunch and dinner combos.
- Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers a selection of beverages including Alcohol and Beer for adults, alongside non-alcoholic options like coffee and the highly-praised hibiscus (Agua de Jamaica) drink.
- Kid-Friendly Environment: The facility is welcoming to families, featuring a kids' menu (with items like Chicken Nuggets and Quesadilla Queso) and amenities like high chairs.
Getting in touch with El Nopalito is straightforward for any questions, reservations, or to place a takeout order. The staff are known for being friendly and welcoming, ensuring your inquiry is handled professionally.
Address: 2831 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Phone: (602) 522-2043
Mobile Phone: +1 602-522-2043
Choosing El Nopalito is a decision to prioritize authenticity, quality, and a welcoming experience. For Arizona locals who have been searching for Mexican food that goes beyond the standard, this location offers a true culinary experience. Customers frequently emphasize that the food is not just good—it’s made with care, using fresh ingredients and traditional spice blends imported directly from Mexico. The rich, fresh-made mole sauce, described by one customer as "THIS IS WHAT REAL MOLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE!" is reason enough for a visit.
Beyond the incredible depth of flavor in dishes like the Mole Enchiladas or the savory Torta Cubana, the restaurant shines with its impressive weekend specials, specifically the Barbacoa de Borrego. This slow-cooked lamb, along with options like the Taco de Barbacoa, offers a glimpse into a beloved Mexican weekend tradition that is a highlight for many patrons.
The friendly, welcoming, and attentive service consistently receives high marks, with staff going the extra mile, such as bringing out different salsas to sample. This genuine warmth, combined with the culinary excellence of the kitchen, creates an environment that customers often describe as a hidden gem that deserves to be shouted about. Whether you're craving a quick, flavorful street taco (with the al pastor being a favorite) or a hearty, traditional combo plate, El Nopalito delivers an authentic, high-quality meal every time. From the in-house-made flan dessert to the perfectly balanced, slightly hotter-than-average salsa, every detail contributes to a uniquely satisfying and genuinely Mexican dining experience in Phoenix.
El Nopalito Vibe
Breakfast
- Huevos Divorciados $12.99
Fried eggs topped with green and red salsa over two corn tostadas.
- Huevos Rancheros $12.99
Over easy eggs with green salsa, tomato, onion and cilantro.
- Huevos a la Mexicana $12.99
Scrambled eggs with tomato, onion and serrano peppers.
- Pancakes and Eggs $12.99
Pancakes served with two eggs, bacon.
- Scrambled Eggs with Bacon $12.99
Two scrambled eggs with bacon.
- Scrambled Eggs with Ham $12.99
Two scrambled eggs with ham.
- Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo $12.99
Two scrambled eggs with chorizo.
Soups
- Tortilla Soup $7.50
Soup made with tomato sauce, golden tortilla, cheese and avocado.
- Chicken Broth $12.99
Served with rice, vegetables and chicken.
- Chicken Soup $7.50
Shredded chicken, rice, and chicken broth.
- Menudo $12.00
Quesadillas
- Quesadillas Mexicana $4.50
Fried corn tortilla, filled with cheese and the protein of choice. Topped with sour cream, lettuce, and queso fresco.
- Quesadillas $11.00
Made with flour tortilla served with salad, or rice, and beans.
Tortas
- Torta $12.00
Served with mayonnaise, chiles, beans, tomato, onion, avocado, and cheese. Served with french fries.
- Torta Cubana $13.00
Served with milanesa, ham, carnitas, mayonnaise, tomato, onion, chiles, avocado, and fries.
Drinks
- Aguas $3.00
- Sodas $2.99
- Beer $5.00
- Iced Tea $3.00
- Coffee $3.00
Desserts
- Flan $4.50
Extras
- Tortillas $1.25
Your choice of Flour or Corn Tortilla.
- Guacamole $4.50
- Chips $3.50
Includes green or red salsa.
- Salsa $2.50
Choice of green or red salsa.
- Sour Cream $1.50
- Cheese $1.50
- French Fries $4.50
- Chiles Toreados $2.50
- Rice $1.99
- Avocado $4.50
- Refried Beans $1.99
Salads
- Chicken Salad $11.00
Chicken salad with avocado, tomato, lettuce and vinaigrette.
- Shrimp Salad $13.50
Shrimp salad with avocado, tomato, lettuce and vinaigrette.
Weekend Specials
- Taco de Barbacoa $6.50
- Barbacoa de Borrego 1 LB $27.00
- Barbacoa de Borrego 1/2 LB $14.99
- Taco de Pancita $6.50
- Pancita de Borrego 1 LB $27.00
- Pancita de Borrego 1/2 LB $13.99
- Consomé de Borrego $6.50
Rice and chickpeas.
Enchiladas
- Green or Red Enchiladas $16.00
3 corn tortillas filled with your meat of choice; covered with green or red sauce, sour cream, and
- Mexican Enchiladas $16.00
Prepared with green and red sauce, sour cream, and cheese. One of each.
- Enchiladas Suizas $16.00
3 green enchiladas topped with sour cream, and melted cheese.
- Mole Enchiladas $16.00
Enchiladas covered in mole poblano, with sour cream and cheese.
Antojitos Mexicanos (Mexican dishes)
- Gorditas $6.00
Stuffed with the meat of your choice, onions, cilantro, and queso fresco.
- Huaraches $6.00
Homemade-oval tortilla filled with beans, green and red salsa, onion, queso fresco, and the meat of your choice.
- Nachos $12.99
Nachos with your choice of protein served with beans, pico de gallo, and melted cheese.
- Asada Fries $12.99
Fries served with asada, pico de gallo, sour cream, and melted cheese.
- Pambazo $10.00
Bread covered with red sauce, stuffed with mashed potatoes and chorizo, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce.
Burritos
- Burrito California $13.99
Asada, french fries, pico de gallo, cheese inside.
- Burritos $12.00
Flour tortilla filled with beans, rice and the protein of your choice.
Tacos
- Street Tacos $2.50
Soft taco with the protein of your choice; onion and cilantro.
Combos
- Carne Asada Plate $15.99
Served with rice, beans, salad, and flour or corn tortilla.
- Nopales with Carnitas $15.99
Nopales with pork in green or red sauce. Served with rice and beans salad, and flour or corn tortillas.
- Chile Relleno $15.99
Poblano chilli, filled with cheese. Covered with tomato sauce. Includes rice, refried beans, salad, and flour or corn tortillas.
- Alambre $15.99
Served with bell peppers, bacon, onions, and cheese over corn tortillas.
- Camarones a la Diabla (Deviled Shrimp)* $16.50
Mexican-style shrimp cooked in a hot, spicy sauce. Includes rice, beans and salad on the side.
- Chicken Mole $15.99
Chicken covered with mole poblano. Includes rice and refried beans on the side.
- Chilaquiles $15.99
With red or green salsa, sour cream, cheese, onions, and the protein of your choice.
- 2 Shell Tacos $11.00
Hard shell tacos with lettuce, sour cream and cheese. Includes rice, and refried beans.
- Tacos Dorados $12.50
Roll crispy tacos with lettuce, sour cream, and cheese. It includes rice, and refried beans.
Kids
- Chicken Nuggets $7.99
- Quesadilla Queso $7.99
El Nopalito Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
El Nopalito Photos










El Nopalito Location
El Nopalito
2831 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
El Nopalito Reviews
tacospricessalsabarbacoachipsconsomecarne asadahomehorchatahuaraches
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I stopped in for a California Burrito to go and got some excellent service. The woman who took my order made sure to bring me both salsas to try while I waited to see I wanted red and green. She also got me a glass of water and explained how everything there is made fresh. The burrito was excellent and I would 100% return. Really great spot.
April 18 · Nicholas TarnowskiDO NOT LET THE OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING FOOL YOU!! March your happy little tush inside and experience this amazing hidden gem of the PHX metro area. Why PHX are you not shouting about this place from the rooftops?!Mole enchiladas with chicken is AMAZING. The mole is made fresh with real ingredients and a spice blend direct from Mexico. THIS ID WHAT REAL MOLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE!The service is amazing. Friendly, welcoming, inviting! Don't let the look of the place fool you. I felt so welcomed and so cared for by my waitress.The hibiscus beverage is sssooooo good! It's a must have!! The chips and salsa were also extremely good. The salsa is a bit hotter than most Mexican restaurants which is amazing. It's packed with plenty of flavors and just the right amount of heat!The street tacos were great as well! The pastor was my favorite!The flan is made in house and is definitely a must have while here.Shame on you PHX for not advertising these guys better!! What an amazing small restaurant full of authentic flavors and an amazing gem in the area!!
October 11 · James MI authentic Northern Mexican food - Best of Phoenix for Tacos & El Nopalito - from The Arizona Republic News Papers - dining section.
December 06 · Leonardo A. GemThis is truly a hidden gem in PHX. Family owned and operated. The food is homemade and you can tell. I had the torta Cubana, it was delicious. The service is great, they make you feel like your a regular. I can't wait to go back.
February 28 · Jesse BalderasThe Taco de pastor was recommended by the sweet older lady and it was so good! Perfectly seasoned. I just needed a snack for me and my 3 yr old and he loved the Carne asada. It's good quality meat and great flavor, horchata is homemade and not to sweet! I'd come back 👌The tacos didn't even leave the parking lot 😋
December 14 · vanessa ramirez
More Best Restaurants Near Me
Carl’s Jr.3.0 (2029 reviews)2342 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Mariscos Camaron Pelao 24.0 (407 reviews)2445 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
New China Buffet3.0 (495 reviews)2939 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Sontacos Al Carbon4.0 (83 reviews)3036 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Tacos Mi Neno TCM4.0 (9 reviews)2722 E Windsor Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Avanti Restaurant4.0 (751 reviews)2728 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Julioberto’s Fresh Mexican Food4.0 (967 reviews)2750 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
McDonald's3.0 (2032 reviews)3323 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Pa'la4.0 (469 reviews)2107 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Tacos Huicho4.0 (2610 reviews)1941 E Oak St, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant4.0 (590 reviews)3015 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Los Burritos4.0 (13 reviews)3015 E Thomas Rd #4, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Crust Pizzeria 16th St4.0 (330 reviews)
Pizza Hut Express4.0 (22 reviews)
Jack in the Box3.0 (1529 reviews)
Lennys Burger4.0 (1841 reviews)
Authentic EthioAfrican Kitchen, Bar & Cafe4.0 (652 reviews)
Electric Pickle4.0 (331 reviews)Trending Dining Discoveries Posts
Why You Should Always Try the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Fine Dining Restaurants
Why You Should Try the Best Poke Bowls in Your City: A Flavorful Experience
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Brunch Spots in San Francisco
The Best Seafood Dishes You Have to Try at Top Restaurants in Boston
Where to Find the Best BBQ Ribs in Texas
The Best Vegan Burgers in Portland for a Plant-Based Meal
