El Cafetalito - Commerce

5300 E Washington Blvd, Commerce, CA 90040, United States
+1 323-268-2837
$$$ Salvadoran restaurant , Restaurant
(789 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re on the hunt for an authentic taste of El Salvador in the heart of Commerce, California, look no further than El Cafetalito. This charming Salvadoran restaurant, located at 5300 E Washington Blvd, is a delightful destination where vibrant flavors and comforting dishes await you.

El Cafetalito specializes in traditional Salvadoran cuisine, and their menu is a treasure trove for anyone craving the home-cooked goodness of pupusas. These beloved stuffed corn tortillas come in various delicious options, including the highly recommended jalapeño pupusa, praised for its spicy kick. Customers rave about the revueltas variety, which is packed with mixed fillings, though some suggest a touch more meat would take it from delicious to extraordinary. The general consensus praises the food for its fresh, flavorful profile that leaves you longing for more.

The dining atmosphere at El Cafetalito is unpretentious, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family. While it may not be a place to linger leisurely, the straightforward, no-frills environment enhances the dining experience by allowing you to focus solely on the delightful flavors of your meal. Reviewers, such as Manuel Ortiz Zaldana, have noted that while the wait for food can be a tad longer—due to the freshness of the cooking—it's well worth it. T E echoed this sentiment, stating, “Everything we ordered had good flavor and was hot!”

To accompany your meal, El Cafetalito offers a selection of traditional beverages that perfectly compliment the rich flavors of their dishes. From the sweet and refreshing Horchata Salvadorena—a delightful rice drink with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla—to the thirst-quenching Tamarindo and Jamaica drinks, there’s something for everyone. For those with a sweet tooth, their creamy licuados, made from fresh fruits like strawberry and papaya, offer a deliciously smooth finish to your meal.

El Cafetalito is more than just a restaurant; it’s a hidden gem for anyone wanting to indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Salvadoran cuisine. As Phillip Hernandez mentions, this venue is perfect for intimate dinners or casual lunches, provided you make a reservation for larger gatherings. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor dishes crafted with love and authenticity. Whether you're a local or just passing through, El Cafetalito is a must-visit spot for anyone with an appetite for delicious Salvadoran dishes!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

789 Reviews
Steven Ly

02 Dec 2025

Pupusas were very good. Highly recommend the jalapeño one!

Manuel Ortiz Zaldana

21 Nov 2025

If you want Salvadorean food you can definitely find it here. Sometimes it takes some time to get your food but because they cook it after you order it. It's not a place to hang out but a nice place to eat, enjoy and go

T E

18 Nov 2025

Was craving some pupusas while I was in the area and this place did not disappoint. Everything we ordered had good flavor.and was hot! The only negative thing I would say (and this is reaching for something) is that the pupusas need a little more filling in them. We ordered the revueltas (and even though they were still delicious) I just wish there was a little more meat in it. Overall everything we ordered was great and I will be back next time.

Phillip Hernandez

11 Nov 2025

IF YOU WANT A QUITE PLACE TO GO ON DATES OR PRIVATE EVENT BOOK AHEAD FOR PARTIES BUT YOU GOTTA BE A LOCAL,HIDDEN GEM FOR "SALVADORIAN"FOOD

Sergio Zermeno

13 Oct 2025

We enjoy eating pupusa very much it's our favorite Salvadoran dishes of course there's others great Salvadoran dishes we also enjoy. Our favorite Salvadoran restaurant was closed then we decided to go our other favorite Salvadoran restaurant it just near our house. We know ever Salvadoran restaurants makes their pupusas different from other Salvadoran restaurants because of the taste and the ingredients and also region of El Salvador they came from. We decided order some pupusa to go but the restaurant was very busy people dining in and take out we waiting a wait to get our meal. Our meal was real then we took it home we were surprised how big the pupusa were. Other Salvadoran restaurants make their pupusa small or medium size. It also come wirh tomatoe sauce and shredded gabbage mixed. The Pupusa was big and very cheesy then I add the tomato sauce and Cabbage mixed combine together tasted so good great flavors I can't stop eating I enjoy eating pupusa even my wife enjoy it also . Next we need to try other Salvadoran cuisine.

Monica Phers

22 Aug 2025

I’ve been coming here for about 15 years, The Family that owns this restaurant are hardworking and humble people, the food to me is great the prices are fair.

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