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Little Diner
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for Little Diner
Review Highlights
"If you ever find yourself in El Paso, go here."
(in 8 reviews)
"DH loves the Gorditas, and the salsa is excellent."
(in 11 reviews)
"...fresh on site, spicy chile con queso, red enchiladas, and..."
(in 2 reviews)
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Lee H.
Our Road Food book led us to Little Diner on our way through El Paso on our road trip. After walking into Little Diner and seeing celebrities pictures on the wall, I knew we in for something good.
I discovered that authentic gorditas are much like Venezuelan arepas rather than that crap that Taco Bell passes off as a Mexican-like sandwich. Little Diner's version of a gordita includes a pillowy masa "envelope" filled with your choice of protein. I think I prefer arepas, but I really appreciate experiencing a "real" gordita.
The flautas, for which the place is known, were amazing. We sampled the chicken and beef filled smothered with chile con queso. True Tex Mex flair with the ubiquitous queso.
This spot is off the beaten path from I-10 but worth the trip. -
Review from d d.
Bisbee, AZ
The Little Diner is FOOD PILGRIMAGE GOOD!
I have been going to the little diner since the early 80's and the food is still as delicious today as it was way back then. I don't live in El Paso any more but I time my road trips through the area to coincide with meal time at Little Diner.
We travel a lot and eat out a lot. We go from the highest end restaurants to taco trucks so I know food. My favorite things at Little Diner are the beef tacos, gorditas and chile rellenos. For those three items you would be hard pressed to find any better ANYWHERE at any price - I know because I've tried. -
Review from Charles E.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2011 2 photos
I live in Southern California but I frequent El Paso with my wife to visit her family. Over the past 10 years, no trip has been complete without a stop at the Little Diner in Canutillo for the best gorditas in Texas. Many reviews below mention the restaurant being "out of the way" or "hard to find" but I disagree: it is only three select right turns after passing the El Paso Outlets just off the 10 freeway and you're there.
The gorditas at the Little Diner are unparalleled in El Paso. The masa and ground beef both have a unique, subtle spice that add a nice slow burn. The avocado gorditas are filled with a smooth filling that cools down the spiciness of the beef goditas. Because of this I often get two beef and one avocado in my combo platter. If you prefer a thicker guacamole style of avocado gordita then I'd suggest going to one of the JJ's Gorditas locations, but you'll have inferior (near tasteless) masa.
I'm also a big fan of the homemade salsa at the Little Diner which will add some fire to your chips as you wait for your meal.
I have nothing but praise for staff who have always been nice and accommodating even during the busiest of times (Christmas tamale season comes to mind).
I am amused to see reviews below that are needlessly picky (and give one star) and all the superlative raves (with their five stars). The Little Diner is a family run hole-in-the-wall that makes unique gorditas and tamales. To me, it is the best hearty Mexican restaurant in El Paso and - consequently - I'm not dissuaded from paying upwards to $8 for an exceptional meal that is so large I will have leftovers. It is not fine dining, but to whine about not paying mere pennies or that the counter girl didn't smile at you the one time you went to the restaurant is a little silly.
I encourage everyone to find the Little Diner and enjoy.
I keep asking them if they'll ever make t-shirts because this is the type of place I want to remember, but alas that day has not come. I'll just ask again on my next visit to El Paso. -
Review from Katybeth J.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2011
If I could give the Little Diner a -10 I would do it. My mom and her friends have eaten at the Little Diner for years and enjoyed the food. On December 16th my mom and her friend had lunch at the Little Diner and decided to send some tamales as Christmas presents. They bought the tamales-gave the employee their credit cards number and phone numbers and asked to be called with a shipping amount.
The tamales were sent without shipping approval. When my mom received her cc card bill they had charged her $74.00 for shipping 12 tamales overnight to Chicago. The tamales were only $14.50. Her friends credit card bill was over $500.00 for shipping three packages of 12 tamales to Ohio, Portland, and La.
When I called the Little Diner to help my mom question the charges--the owner was defensive and rude. She acknowledged that a phone number with a request to call was on the orders but said, she had not taken the orders an employee had taken them and she was not responsible for not calling. This is a family business, I wanted to work things out-I offered to split the cost with her--her answer was, "absolutely not." She then blamed the Postal Annex who shipped the tamales at her request.
I have never dealt with a family business so lacking in courtesy, responsibility or empathy.
Both my mother and her friend have disputed the unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.
We hope you will chose a different restaurant to eat at--El Paso has a lot of great family-owned Mexican Food Restaurants. Families that care about their customers and service. -
Review from Jerry R.
San Antonio, TX
10/13/2010 4 photos
Saveur. You've done me wrong.
Perhaps this place holds sentimental value for some. But for me, this food was so, so, so, BLAHhhhh...
I wasn't looking for anything "authentic" or mind-blowing, but come on now.
The gordita was bland and had the texture of a rubbery sponge. The ground beef filling lacked flavor of any kind. I hate to admit it but public school "beef" burritos have more nuance in their filling than this place.
The red enchilada sauce also missed the mark. The hard beef taco was super cheesy and greasy-and compared to the gordita and enchilada it was the falling star of the combo plate. And I didn't even finish it.
Wuah, wuah, wuah.... -
Review from Josh K.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2007
There is this big phenomenon in SF known as the Tamale Lady. She's super cool and all, and her tamales are pretty good. In fact, she is popular enough to induce others to copy her, and for a time there was this tamale dude trying to hustle the same thing the Lady's been doing. I think SF is rad for being a city where the Tamale Lady can become famous. However, the Tamale Lady just doesn't have a thing on the Little Diner.
Yeah, you heard me. If the Tamale Lady ever tried her shtick in El Paso, she'd get laughed out of every joint, cause this place puts her to shame.
Thank god my grandparents live in El Paso, cause I get hooked up with Little Diner tamales every time I visit. Even better, I always take a ton back to California, and they keep forever if you put them in the freezer. I don't need to search out the Tamale Lady, I'm eating a Little Diner Tamale right now, made in the heartland, consumed in the city of fog.
If you ever find yourself in El Paso, go here. You'll be so thankful you might just name your child Josh (like every parent in 1980 did). -
Review from Amy Z.
San Angelo, TX
11/30/2008
I know this place is really popular, and IMO it's not the best Mexican food ever, but it's still pretty darn good and cheap.
DH loves the Gorditas, and the salsa is excellent. If you order chips ($1 extra) be sure to request them before the meal. The drive there (through Canutillo) is interesting....makes me sort of feel like I'm in Mexico.
DIRECTIONS:Take the Canutillo/Trans Mountain Rd. Exit off I-10. Head west on Trans Mountain Rd. and then take a right on Doniphan. Follow Doniphan to Anthony Rd. and turn right on Seventh St. -
Review from Natalie K.
San Antonio, TX
12/21/2009
This made for a great detour on a recent long drive, although the restaurant was a bit difficult to locate. The scenery is interesting, though, so getting lost was pretty entertaining. I grew up surrounded by tex mex, and I'd heard good things about Little Diner, so a friend and I made a stop.
The gorditas were GREAT. They were made with very fresh masa and stuffed with deliciousness. Not too greasy, and seasoned very well. Make sure to get horchata or agua fresca to drink. The melon-flavored agua fresca was subtly sweet and very refreshing. Service was cheerful, and the line moves quickly. After eating, I went back to get a dozen green chile chicken tamales to go, along with some fresh tortillas. No regrets.
One downside was that the combo platters are pretty pricey for Mexican food in this neck of the woods. If I went back, I would get tamales and gorditas a la carte instead of getting the platter. More bang for buck. I'd also get a large agua fresca, or a refill for the road. -
Review from Daniel W.
Bakersfield, CA
10/30/2009 9 photos
Went here a few months ago, and when I was contemplating writing a review, I couldn't honestly remember anything about the food. So we came back today with the intent of writing a review. If I could title this, I would as "An entirely forgettable experience" Food is 2.5 stars, service is 4 stars, the overall value is a 1 star.
The three tacos I got with my taco combo plate I could not distinguish from the Old El Paso taco shells you buy at the grocery store all over the country...which is the only 'Mexican' food I grew up with as a kid. Sorry, Italian food was the local specialty where I grew up. The beans were ok, the rice was either a day old or had been sitting for too long. So there you have it, 3 mediocre tacos, one spoon of refried beans, a scoop of rice all for $10.60! If it had been $5.00 it would have been worth it. And the Coronas(no, I don't care for Corona but it was either that or Bud Light/Coors/Tecate) were $3.95. So for the two combo plates and two beers, it was $28 and change. I felt like I was back in L.A. with those prices.
I doubt we will make it back anytime soon. -
Review from Ocie W.
Sonoma, CA
2/5/2010
No question - THE BEST mexican food I have ever eaten.
My wife is from El Paso and whenever we go back for a visit, our first and last meals are always at Little Diner.
Every other mexican resturant should take notes on how to copy the Little Diner's red enchilada sauce, green sauce, and gorditas.
The other review that gives them 2 stars is unbelievable. I can only assume he went to a different resturant. Actually, maybe he knows what's up and is trying to steer people away so there is more room for us. Ok, I'm on board with that - The Littell Diner is Crap, don't go there! -
Review from Wyatt H.
El Paso, TX
8/16/2010
What happened, this used to be a great place! The food has been consistently mediocre over various visits. It is also very expensive compared to your typical hole in the wall and they charge for tostadas!
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Review from Bruce F.
La Jolla, CA
12/20/2010
Little Diner is Mexican food as good as it gets. Warm, thick flour tortillas made fresh on site, spicy chile con queso, red enchiladas, and the speciality of the house, gorditas! The gorditas here are world famous and must not be missed. This hole in the wall is hard to find, tucked in a residential community in Canutillo, TX. It's worth the effort. Whether you sit at one of the formica tables in the diner or at one of the picnic tables on the covered patio, the beer is cold and the food is always (spicy) hot! One of El Paso's BEST Mexican restaurants.
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Review from Gabriel S.
Dallas, TX
7/3/2010
While in town, my parents made it a point to check this Little Diner out with my brothers new fiance. Not exactly white table cloths or bottle service. But the Horchata and agua frescos were all from scratch. The food, while known for their gorditas, corn batter fried then filled with ground beef, was great. But I will stick to the enchiladas. They were really good. They tasted like my moms! It was worth the trip. Diners are a good spot to get to know people, family, fiances. She's a keeper cause she's a gringo that likes good grub!
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Review from Bethe G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/13/2008
Ok this is my first review - but hopefully not my last.
First off - as someone mentioned - it's a little tricky getting there - and I could not trust my GPS - luckily I found the right road to turn on - and was confirmed by a sign that pointed me to the right little diner.
I felt a bit out of place (not mexican and not a local driving a pick up truck) but forged ahead as my tummy was rumbling.
I was a little tiffed about the wait staff - or rather counter attendant woman who seemed pissed that I came in to disrupt her, but I ordered a tamale, green cheese enchilada, gordita and chile releno and queso and finally a beer.
The queso came out first, and I realized I was not experienced in true queso - in fact I don't think I've ever had it quit so yummy - esp with a little added hot salsa to make it hot and make me sweat a little :) the beer went nicely.
The four single items came out, and the first bite of enchilada was heaven. I usually do not like enchiladas, because I am usually not a big fan of corn tortias - but this one was excellent.
next I tried the relleno and was disappointed, I have definitely had a lot better in LA - there was not very much cheese - the batter was not crisp or seemingly fresh.
Unfortunately the same went for the tamale - as much as everyone raved about them - mine was horrible - I didn't take more than two bites - maybe it was the end of the day? I got some dry old one that was left over from too early in the morning. oh well...
The next bite was the most delicious gordita - really really yummy seemingly melt in your mouth.
Now I debated between a 3-4 because I only loved half the items - but I'm kinda on vacation (kinda not) so....
oh lastly I ordered another beer at the counter - and it never came out.
I was sorely disappointed as I really could have used one - so I eventually confronted the bitchy counter staff, and she actually apologized and seemed nice, and gave me my money back, asking if I was sure I really didn't want it - and gave me a container for the rest of my queso and chips without issue or ill look ;)
so it was an adventure for a girl from the city - so thus I gave it the 4 :)
I went by myself - and wanted to try it all....so I ordered a lot - ;) -
Review from Charlie D.
Seattle, WA
1/4/2007
I honestly would give this place 10 stars if possible. Getting to the Little Diner isn't a easy task. It takes a little bit due to road work in the area but that didn't turn us away. Even with only one route into the restaurant it was still packed because the locals know they have something special to offer.
Finally made it in and ordered ourselves two gorditas plates and waited for heaven. Since we were starving we went ahead and order some chips & queso too. Man oh man their queso kicked some serious booty and their salsa is super hot. My first dip into their salsa nearly brought tears to my eyes, which by the way is very good thing. Those had to be some of the best gorditas I have ever had. I couldn't even finish all three gorditas because they were packed full of meat and cheese. I was so stuffed they had to roll me out of there. So if you heart Mexican food and if you are ever in the area the Little Diner is your place. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Bay Area
8/21/2008
let us add to the bay area visitors.
we found ourselves ""in the neighborhood" after a big lunch. since dropping by from home is not possible; no way we just drive by without getting a snack. the gorditas are as good as i remember. crispy, hot, flavorful. the salsa is hotter than than what i remembered, but that didnt stop us from splashing it on every bite.
i know the tamale lady! she has saved me from hunger pangs at a local bar. -
Review from Laura K.
El Paso, TX
4/6/2011
I graduated from Coronado High School in 1990 and this used to be a great lunch spot, the place was small, crowded, and had that friendly family touch. The food tasted good and had that real authentic flavor. It was such a treat. It was a local secret almost, and that had a lot to do with it's appeal. Well lately I have gone back several times and have left there somewhat disappointed. I guess I kept going back hoping that maybe it would get better. I took my son there teling him how this place was awesome back in my high school days, after we left he just said too bad it changed, it wasnt that good.
Well it hasn't and the prices have gone up considerably, and the quality of food has gone down. Service? Hmm. So did someone take over, cooks change? Well there are a million Mexican restaurants in El Paso that you can get ice tea, soup, and an entree for under $6-7 and the food is good. So I don't see myself traveling that dirt road to spend $14 per person for day old rice. -
Review from David f.
Austin, TX
9/21/2009
My father in law took me to the Little Diner when it was, indeed, a Little Diner. Things change, the Little Diner is bigger, they have a TV that usually has golf (golf?) or football, and they have a greater selection of beer than back in the early 1980s. But one thing remains the same, the gordita which is defined by a crispy masa. Add a little green chile sauce and you have a meal that stays with you, literally, for hours. I have eaten only two things at this great place hidden on a back street of Canutillo, Texas: the gorditas and the chile con queso. Somehow I just cannot get myself to try anything else.
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Review from brandon h.
Foster City, CA
10/20/2007
reading other reviews, apparently i should have tried the tamales. and their chips and queso. so please excuse only the three stars.
i went with a combination of taco, gordita, and chili relleno.
the relleno was probably the best i had ever had. no, definitely. however, the taco and gordita, i was less than impressed with. -
Review from Jiri C.
San Diego, CA
3/29/2010
HORRIBLE!! Don't waste your time. I can' t believe this place gets business. I stayed in El Paso with my boyfriend for the weekend and searched for top rated restaurants in the area. Why this place popped up is beyond me. Nothing is good! I ordered their gorditas platter which came with 3 gorditas, beans and rice. I ate one gordita and that was enough for me. After the sickening meal, All I wished and prayed for the rest of the day was to go to the bathroom and get rid of it!! My boyfriend ordered enhiladas with rice and bean. To our suprise the order included a puddle of water under the enchiladas. The ground beef tasted nothing like beef. Seriously! This place was a long drive for mediocre food. What made me even more upset besides the food was the fact that we passed up several good eateries to go there because of the false advertisement and reviews they obviously posted themselves!
