El Puesto Cocina & Lounge

The Food is Phenomenal. I have gone multiple time now and everything has been exquisite. I highly would recommend the Carnitas Michoacán or the Mar y Tierra. Pricing is more than fair for the quality of food you’re getting.

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant. The food tastes truly authentic—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and recipes that feel homemade. Every dish was prepared with care, from the perfectly seasoned meats to the delicious handmade tortillas. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff made the whole visit even better with their friendly service. If you’re looking for real Mexican food that reminds you of traditional home-style cooking, this place is a must-try. Highly recommended!

Truly can't say enough good things about this place. From the ambiance to the service to the amazing food, everything was top notch. Perfect blend of unique and authentic entrees, with hearty portions. Definitely looking forward to multiple return visits in the future.

Wow—this place was a surprising gem! I visited El Puesto Cocina and Lounge on White Lane with a party of four, and from the moment we arrived, we were impressed. Although it wasn’t busy when we got there, the staff seated us within 15 minutes. The environment was welcoming and vibrant, with a live band playing and an overall great vibe. The staff were on point—friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the entire evening. They made sure we had everything we needed and checked in on us without being overbearing, which really added to the experience. As for the food: I ordered the Mar y Tierra plate, and it was absolutely delicious—both the steak and shrimp were cooked to perfection. I would rate my dish a 5 out of 5. My mom ordered the basic enchiladas, which were okay but a bit dry inside, likely due to the way the sauce was added. My sister had a chile, bean, and cheese burrito plate, and my dad tried the bass plate with a cactus salad. Both were decent but not standout dishes—I’d rate those around 3 out of 5. The handmade tortillas were a great touch, and I thoroughly enjoyed the handcrafted margaritas. I tried the mango & chamoy margarita and the Jamaica margarita—both were flavorful, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. In short, El Puesto impressed us with its ambiance, service, drinks, and standout dishes. I’d definitely return, especially if I’m passing through the area again. It's a spot worth visiting for the vibes alone!

The food was really good. Could have used more rice and beans. I received very little and wasn't full when I finished. The carnitas were very good and received a good amount, just needed a little more rice and beans. Homemade corn tortillas were large and very good. Not too thick like most places. The service could have been better. They weren't very busy and forgot plates, tortillas and even some drinks. My water or tea were never refilled. Super nice atmosphere but the wonky tables need to be fixed. My tables was lopsided. One end was about 3 inches taller than the other end. As far as prices, figure on $20 and up per person. Bartender was awesome and made all my drinks very well. Nothing watered down and mixed well. Very nice selection of alcohol and was able to make my drink with my preferred bourbon. The music was a bit too loud but bearable. Overall, very nice. We will be back. I don't like the automatic 18% gratuity for party of 6 or more. Gratuity should be based on service and the service we receive didn’t deserve 18%.

Loved the dinner here with friends & family. The music was a bit loud but the atmosphere in there was so amazing. The decor, the service. Everything was perfect! The food was delicious and the drinks were perfect. Next dinner party we are coming back

What a hidden little gem we recently discovered in close proximity to the 99 freeway so you have no excuse not to pop in while passing through. If you are a local, like us you are sure to be a repeat customer. We went on a Friday and were surprised to see a lunch buffet with a wide range of food items. There was No Wait for a table and Esmeralda took care of us. The wait staff seems to be on top of bringing the food out while it’s still very hot! The fresh tortilla station Hecho a mano (handmade) was a huge plus giving this restaurant a feature that stands out from the rest! I ordered molé chicken enchiladas with beans and rice with café de La Jolla (delish) and Steve ordered the chorizo con huevo scrambled and beans and potatoes with fresh corn tortillas. We will be back and bring our families with us next time. They have a huge bar with a busy bartender, Miguel mixing cocktails as the orders come in. The music (for my taste), was a bit loud for those who want a meal and conversation but it definitely lends to the cheerful vibe and who doesn’t like that? Though you could make out different music blasting from the kitchen as well. We will be back. Enjoy some of the photos I snapped. The presentation was tastefully done.

We chose El Puesto Cocina & Lounge to celebrate my partner’s birthday — and what a fiesta it turned out to be! From the moment we walked in, the decor set the tone: rose-covered branches and glowing lanterns gave the space a magical, celebratory feel. The food was just as impressive. Their birria tacos were everything you want them to be — rich, juicy, and paired with a deep red consommé that brought all the flavors together. Even the drinks arrived with tradition: refreshing aguas frescas served in clay mugs, each sip feeling authentic and refreshing. My own plate didn’t disappoint either. Hearty rice, creamy beans, and a perfectly stuffed burrito came alive with pickled onions and spices — the kind of meal that balances comfort with vibrancy. And the atmosphere? Absolutely electric. From the Frida mural to the dramatic tree-root chandeliers, the artistry above us matched the mariachi’s melodies that carried through the night. But the highlight, hands down, was the birthday surprise. The staff brought out a sombrero, poured tequila shots, and lit up the room with glowing sticks while singing and dancing around my partner. His joy in that moment made the night unforgettable. El Puesto isn’t just dinner — it’s a full-on celebration of culture, food, and community. Perfect for making memories.