Not Mexican Food. Oaxacan Food.
Every tortilla pressed to order. Every mole built from scratch. Two locations in Southern California, one tradition from Oaxaca.
Tortillas Pressed to Order
We make our tortillas by hand, every day. Same goes for the mole, salsas, rice, and beans — nothing here comes from a can or a freezer.
Enchiladas de Mole Negro
Our mole negro takes hours — slow-roasted chiles, toasted spices, dark chocolate. Guests who've eaten in Oaxaca say it's the real thing.
From Our Kitchen
Catering
El Tejate would be honored to provide our services for your next event. Each event is bespoke to your tastes and needs, to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests.
Join Us Today
Planning a visit? Reserve your table in advance for a smooth dining experience. Click the button below to book your reservation and secure your spot with us today.
Rooted in Oaxaca, Made from Scratch
El Tejate is a window into Oaxacan cooking — made by hand, from scratch, the way it's always been done.
What our guests are saying
Portions are worth your every penny. Everything was well seasoned. They didn't offer aguas frescas and their non alcoholic refreshments were limited however their food is great! My kids who are picky eaters devoured the quesadillas. My favorite was the Torta. Plenty of parking available in the back and also allows for good flow of entry and exit from the premises. Restroom facilities are shared with the Thai restaurant next door but very well maintained. Will def come here again!
angie angie
Delicious authentic Oaxacan food. Definitely try this place if you haven’t already. Just be advised that everything is made to order from scratch, so if your in a big hurry, wait until you have the time. This is NOT greasy Mexican food, it’s delicious home cooking. The chile relleno is amazing!! Been there twice already and will definitely be going back. Support local business, especially ones that have great food and service to offer.
Dog Lover
Delicious food! I was there for dinner on a Wednesday and the service was fast. Staff was very friendly. We ordered memelitas, enchiladas de mole, tasajo con Chile y Hongos and horchata con tuna. Everything was amazing. I have been to the Escondido location and both were great. I have been to Oaxaca and had this food there and it is very similar. I will be back.
Dey
Homemade tortillas, mole, salsas, rice, beans, everything! What an amazing meal! Everything is homemade and made from scratch. The ingredients are so fresh, the owner is so kind! We were very impressed! The Mexican good here is very authentic and comes from the state of Oaxaquena. This place should be on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives without a doubt!
Jenny Arrivo
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Our menu
Explore our menu to find your favorite items and plan your next visit.
Catering
Let us cater your next event. Click below to get started.
Reservations
We are happy to accept reservations through our website, to get started, click the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you known for?
We are known for Empanadas, Burritos, Chapulines, Tasajo, Pollo Asado, Tortas, Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, Arroz Con Leche, Tejate, Quesadilla, Cecina, Tlayuda, Menudo, Guacamole, Tacos, Tamales, Mole, Tostadas, Oaxacan Food, Huevos Rancheros, Coctel De Camaron, and Molotes
Where are you located?
We are located in Carlsbad, CA at 3050 Pio Pico Dr
What areas do you serve?
We serve the following areas: Oceanside, South Oceanside, Carlsbad, Farr, Vista, San Luis Rey, Camp Pendleton South, Stuart, San Marcos, Encinitas, Lake San Marcos, Chappo, Olivenhain, Camp Pendleton North, Jofegan, and Twin Oaks.
Our location
