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Little Diner
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
8 reviews for Little Diner
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 - ;)
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.
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.
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.