Comparing the al pastor tacos to the burrito platters shows how the prices scale with your appetite. If you are looking for a detailed breakdown of the El Jalisco Menu with Prices, you have landed in the right spot. We have gone through the latest offerings so you know exactly what to expect before you walk in the door.
El Jalisco is a staple for those who want honest, filling Mexican food without the fuss. The menu is big, but the pricing structure is pretty straight forward. You pay for the size of the plate, not the complexity of the dish.
Here is a full guide to what things cost, what is worth ordering, and how to get the most value for your cash.
El Jalisco Menu With Prices
We have broken down the menu into logical sections. This makes it easier to compare the cost of a quick lunch versus a family dinner. Prices can shift slightly depending on the location, but these are the standard figures for most branches.
Appetizers And Starter Plates
You should not skip the starters here. They are generous enough to share, but cheap enough to keep to yourself.
- Chicken Quesadilla (small) – $7.99
- Chicken Qudasadilla (large) – $11.49
- Cheese Dip (with tortilla chips) – $5.29
- Guacamole Dip (fresh) – $6.79
- Nachos with Beans – $8.99
- Nachos with Chicken or Beef – $10.99
- Flamin’ Queso – $6.49
- Chips and Salsa (basket) – $2.99
The queso dip is a crowd pleaser. It is creamy and has a little kick. If you are hungry, get the large quesadilla. It is almost a full meal by itself.
Street Tacos And Single Items
This is where you see the real value. The al pastor tacos are usually the cheapest way to get a protein fix. You can order them a la carte or as a combo.
- Single Taco (any meat) – $3.49
- Taco Combo (2 tacos, rice, and beans) – $9.99
- Al Pastor Taco (pineapple included) – $3.79
- Carne Asada Taco – $3.99
- Chicken Taco – $3.29
- Chorizo Taco – $3.49
- Fish Taco (Baja style) – $4.29
The combo is the smart move if you are hungry. The rice and beans are seasoned well. You are paying about three dollars extra for a full plate of sides, which is a fair trade.
Burritos And Wet Burritos
Burritos are the heavy hitters on the menu. The price jumps when you add the red or green sauce on top (wet style).
- Bean Burrito – $6.99
- Chicken or Beef Burrito – $8.99
- Chimichanga (fried burrito) – $9.49
- Wet Burrito (smothered in sauce) – $10.99
- Super Burrito (with sour cream and guac) – $11.79
- Burrito Bowl – $9.49
The wet burrito is huge. It comes covered in a red sauce that is more savory than spicy. If you are comparing this to the taco combo, the burrito is better for a single meal. The bowl is a good option if you want to skip the tortilla.
Combination Platters
These are the classic dinners. You get to pick two or three items, and they come with rice and beans. This is where the “platter” pricing really shines.
- Two Item Combo (taco, enchilada, tostada, etc.) – $10.99
- Three Item Combo – $12.49
- Chile Relleno Combo – $11.29
- Enchilada Suizas (3 pieces) – $11.99
- Tamale Dinner – $10.79
You can mix and match. A common order is one enchilada and one taco. The portions are big. You will likely have leftovers if you eat a light lunch earlier.
Seafood And Shrimp Dishes
Seafood costs more, but the quality is usually high. The shrimp dishes are prepared differently from the land-based proteins.
- Shrimp Fajitas – $15.99
- Camarones a la Diabla (spicy shrimp) – $14.49
- Fish Fillet (grilled or fried) – $13.29
- Shrimp Quesadilla – $12.99
- Cocktail de Camaron – $11.99
The shrimp fajitas are the most expensive item on the regular menu. They come with peppers, onions, and a side of tortillas. It is enough for two people if you also order an appetizer.
Fajitas And Grill Items
Fajitas are served sizzling. The price includes the usual sides like sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Chicken Fajitas – $12.99
- Steak Fajitas – $14.49
- Mixed Fajitas (chicken and steak) – $14.99
- Fajita Taco Salad – $10.49
- Pork Carnitas Plate – $11.99
The mixed fajitas are the best seller. You get a good amount of meat. The sizzling platter makes it feel like a special occasion even on a Tuesday.
Kids Menu And Sides
If you have children, the kids menu is reasonably priced. The portions are smaller but still decent.
- Kids Taco (1) with rice – $5.99
- Kids Quesadilla – $5.49
- Kids Chicken Nuggets – $5.99
- Side of Rice – $2.49
- Side of Beans – $2.49
- Side of Guacamole – $2.99
- Side of Sour Cream – $1.29
You can add a drink to any kids meal for an extra $1.50. The kids quesadilla is usually enough for a toddler but not for a hungry ten year old.
Breakfast Menu
Breakfast is served all day at most locations. This is a hidden gem. The prices are lower than the lunch items.
- Huevos Rancheros – $9.49
- Chilaquiles (green or red) – $9.99
- Breakfast Burrito (eggs, potatoes, cheese) – $7.99
- Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo – $8.99
- Machaca (shredded beef with eggs) – $10.29
The chilaquiles are the best deal in the morning. They are crispy tortilla chips tossed in sauce with eggs and cheese. It is a heavy start to the day.
Drinks And Desserts
Drinks are standard pricing. The desserts are mostly fried or sweet.
- Soft Drink (can) – $2.49
- Mexican Coke (bottle) – $3.29
- Horchata (large) – $3.99
- Jamaica (hibiscus tea) – $3.99
- Flan – $4.49
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.29
- Sopapillas (3 pieces) – $4.99
The horchata is very sweet. It is a good contrast to the spicy food. The fried ice cream is a fun dessert, but the flan is more traditional.
How To Order Smart
You can save money if you know how the menu works. Here are a few tips that regulars use.
- Skip the soda. Get water or bring your own drink. You save two or three dollars.
- Order the combo instead of two a la carte tacos. The combo gives you rice and beans for a small upcharge.
- Share the fajitas. The portion is large enough for two people if you ask for extra tortillas.
- Check for lunch specials. Some locations have a weekday lunch menu from 11am to 3pm that is cheaper.
- Ask for salsa on the side. This prevents your food from getting soggy if you take it to go.
What Is The Best Value Item?
If you are on a budget, the Two Item Combo is the best value. You get a protein, a starch, and a vegetable. It is balanced. The Burrito Bowl is also a good deal because you get a lot of food for under ten dollars.
If you are really hungry, the Wet Burrito is the most filling item for the price. It is heavy on the carbs and cheese. You will not need to eat again for six hours.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
Most El Jalisco locations do not charge extra for chips and salsa. You get them for free when you sit down. However, if you order a second basket, you will be charged.
Some locations add a card fee if you pay with a credit card. It is usually around 2% to 3%. Bring cash if you want to avoid this. Also, the prices listed on the online menu might be slightly lower than the in-store menu due to delivery app markups.
Does The Price Include Tax?
No. The prices we listed are pre-tax. You will see the tax added at the bottom of your receipt. The total bill for a single person eating a combo with a drink will be around twelve to thirteen dollars after tax.
Are The Portions Consistent?
Generally, yes. The kitchen staff are trained to use the same scoops and ladles. However, the amount of meat on a taco can vary. The burritos are always stuffed full. If you get a to-go order, they tend to be slightly less full because the steam shrinks the tortilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest item on the El Jalisco menu?
The cheapest item is the side of rice or beans at $2.49. The chips and salsa basket is $2.99. If you want a full meal, the Bean Burrito at $6.99 is the lowest priced entree.
Are the El Jalisco menu prices the same for delivery?
No. Delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats usually mark up the prices by 10% to 20%. You are better off calling the restaurant directly for pickup to get the standard menu rates.
Does El Jalisco offer a senior discount?
Some locations do offer a small discount for seniors, usually around 10%. You need to ask the cashier. It is not advertised on the main menu board.
Can I get a gluten free option on the menu?
Yes. The tacos can be ordered on corn tortillas. The Burrito Bowl is also gluten free if you skip the tortilla. The rice and beans are safe. Avoid the flour tortillas and the fried items.
Is the al pastor meat spicy?
No. The al pastor is marinated in a mild adobo sauce. It has a hint of smokiness but not a strong heat. The pineapple that comes with it adds a sweet contrast. If you want spice, you need to add the house hot sauce.
Final Thoughts On The Pricing
The El Jalisco menu with prices is very fair for the amount of food you recieve. You are not paying for fancy plating or a trendy atmosphere. You are paying for generous portions of solid Mexican home cooking. The price gap between the cheapest and most expensive item is about nine dollars, which gives you a lot of room to play with.
If you are watching your wallet, stick to the tacos or the combos. If you are celebrating something, splurge on the fajitas. The quality is consistent across the board. Just remember to bring cash if you want to avoid the card fee, and do not be afraid to ask for extra jalapenos. They are usually free.
Go with an empty stomach. You will leave full and your wallet will still have a few bills left in it.