View photos

About This Place

Welcome to El Merendero, where a vibrant tapestry of Mexican flavors awaits you at 242 S Garey Ave, Pomona, CA. This cozy restaurant has quickly become a beloved hub for locals craving authentic Mexican cuisine. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods wafting in from the adjacent bakery, complementing the culinary delights served on the menu.

El Merendero stands out for its diverse selection of side orders that perfectly accompany your meal. Indulge in their Chile Relleno, bursting with flavor at just $5.79, or dive into the rich and satisfying Gordita for $8.99. The menu features a variety of options, catering to both the adventurous and the traditional eater, ensuring there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on the Flautas, available with either shredded beef or chicken for $9.49; they strike a perfect balance between crunch and tenderness.

Customer reviews resonate with a common theme: the food is served hot and quick, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, quality dishes. Jesse M. praised the flavors of the green chilaquiles while noting the satisfying heat of the accompanying sauce. This sentiment mirrors that of iSaiah, who raved about the flavor-packed pancakes and excellent service. Each dish reflects a dedication to both tradition and craftsmanship, creating a welcoming atmosphere infused with home-cooked warmth.

Moreover, El Merendero offers a selection of domestic beers, perfect to pair with your meal or simply to unwind after a long day. With prices that won't break the bank, like soft tacos for only $3.25, it's an ideal spot for families and friends to gather without compromising taste.

However, like any establishment, El Merendero has moments of growth. Some guests have mentioned inconsistencies—while many find the carne asada tender and delightful, others noted room for improvement in dish components like the enchilada sauce. This willingness to evolve while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere speaks volumes about their commitment to customer satisfaction.

In summary, El Merendero promises a flavorful journey through Mexican cuisine, offering a unique blend of vibrant dishes and genuine hospitality. From their carefully crafted meals to the inviting smells of baked treats, every visit feels like coming home. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, El Merendero is ready to serve you a plate full of joy.

Service options

Accessibility

  • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • On-site services available
  • Offers takeaway
  • Serves dine-in

Highlights

  • Has fast service
  • Has great beer selection
  • Serves great coffee

Popular for

  • Popular for breakfast
  • Popular for lunch
  • Popular for dinner
  • Good for solo dining

Offerings

  • Serves alcohol
  • Serves beer
  • Serves coffee
  • Serves comfort food
  • Serves food
  • Quick bite
  • Serves small plates

Dining options

  • Serves breakfast
  • Serves brunch
  • Serves lunch
  • Serves dinner
  • Has catering
  • Serves dessert
  • Has seating

Amenities

  • Has toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Historic
  • Quiet
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Good for groups
  • Popular with tourists
  • Popular with university students

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
  • Paid parking lot
  • Plenty of parking

Locations

Guest Reviews (1838)

Food came quick. It was hot and overall tasty. The sauce in my green chilaquiles was spicy but a bit tangy for my taste. Dish was overall pretty good and I enjoyed this dish. Chile Verde plate was good too. Overall a pleasant experience We will be back

My wife and I have never been here and wanted somewhere near our tax guy. I chose this place and was pleasantly surprised. Parking was somewhat hard to find but 2 hours are free! Outside looks kind of rough but inside looks cozy and like a busy cafeteria. Once seated the service is excellent. I had pancakes and eggs, my lady had Menudo which was so tasty. Pancakes were so good and so were the potatoes. So much flavor. We highly recommend and there is a bakery right next door. They also serve beer!

Great place, the smells of fresh baked goodies. But the coffee was kinda pricey at 3.50$ a cup ,with no free refills. Jack n the box charges 1$ plus tax for a small cup.

Very reasonable priced. They have a bakery attached to the restaurant. Their Carne Asada is very tender.

I ordered beef enchiladas but the sauce tasted like canned . The carne asada torta was good but I was disappointed with the bread considering El merendero has it own bakery

Their food is varied and soooo tasteful!!! They have friendly and efficient service. It's a nice place to go for a first casual date, a great place to eat with your family or with friends. The food has an authentic taste and doesn't taste like it's coming out of a can. They are VERY reasonably priced and they have decent portions of food. They have a chill and comfortable atmosphere. It's one of my favorite Mexican restaurants to visit!!

Stopped here for a late dinner, so It wasn't busy. The place was clean, and the food was good. I liked how the panaderia is connected to the restaurant so you can make your way over for dessert.

The atmosphere is relaxed. There's a couple of TVs on so if you're dining by yourself like I was when I went, you can watch it while you wait for your food. The server was prompt, friendly, and very polite. She brought me some tortilla chips to snack on while I waited for my food. I had the chorizo with eggs, rice and beans. It was delicious. The portion will fill you up. Merenderos prices are pretty good. There's also a bakery attached so you can pick up some baked goods to take home.

Share Your Experience at El Merendero

Your opinion matters! Help other visitors discover this spot. Your email will stay private. Fields with * are required.

Service & Hospitality
Value for Money
Food & Drinks
Ambience & Location

Similar Places

The Real Greek - Windsor

2 River St, Windsor SL4 1QT, United Kingdom

  • 4.3 2222 Ratings

Ernie's Cafe Bar & Grill

1506 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936, United States

  • 4.1 2386 Ratings

Hibachi Grill & Supreme Sushi Buffet

4403 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808, United States

  • 4.1 2252 Ratings

Cowboy's Steakhouse & Restaurant

404 E Marcy Dr, Big Spring, TX 79720, United States

  • 4.2 1667 Ratings

La Costa Mexican Seafood

5332 Cane Ridge Rd, Antioch, TN 37013, United States

  • 4.3 1369 Ratings