El Pulgarcito Pupuseria

1738 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92868, United States
+1 714-602-9707
$$$ Salvadoran restaurant
(539 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to El Pulgarcito Pupuseria, a true gem nestled in Orange, California, where the vibrant flavors of Salvadoran cuisine come to life. This cozy restaurant, located at 1738 W Chapman Ave, specializes in authentic pupusas—thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings—crafted with love and tradition. Whether you choose to dine in or take out, El Pulgarcito promises a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the heart.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the pupusas. With options like pupusa de queso (cheese pupusa), pupusa de chicharron (fried pork pupusa), and pupusa revuelta (mixed pupusa), there is something to please every palate. For those seeking a taste of the sea, the pupusa de camarón (shrimp pupusa) offers a delightful twist. Each pupusa is made to order, ensuring an unbelievably fresh and comforting bite, especially when paired with their signature curtido (cabbage slaw) and salsa roja (red sauce), which add a zesty punch.

El Pulgarcito also boasts an enticing selection of antojitos salvadoreños (Salvadoran snacks) like empanadas de plátano and yuca frita, creating a perfect accompaniment to your meal. Vegetarian visitors will appreciate the variety of options as well, highlighted by the ever-popular tamales de elote (corn tamales) and pupusa de loroco (loroco flower pupusa). Don’t forget to try their dessert fried plantains—a sweet end to an already delightful meal!

The dining atmosphere at El Pulgarcito is warm and inviting, characterized by a friendly staff who treat each guest like family. Customers rave about the clean and organized environment, making it comfortable whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends and family. Notably, diners have been drawn to the restaurant's commitment to quality; as one reviewer mentioned, the slight wait for your food is a testament to the care that goes into every dish—this isn’t fast food; it’s a celebration of Salvadoran culinary traditions.

What sets El Pulgarcito Pupuseria apart from the rest is not only the flavor explosion in every dish but also the heartfelt service. As echoed by loyal customers, the welcoming vibe and genuine hospitality at this restaurant truly enhance your dining experience. With glowing reviews like, "So this was my first time trying the food here and I was disappointed. I definitely recommend this place. Looked clean, organized... the food was great," it's clear that El Pulgarcito has won the hearts of many.

If you're looking to savor authentic Salvadoran cuisine and enjoy a uniquely flavorful experience, don’t miss out on El Pulgarcito Pupuseria. Grab your friends, your family, or just your appetite, and indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!

For inquiries, call them at +1 714-602-9707 and prepare to embark on a flavor journey through El Salvador.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
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
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

539 Reviews
Priyanka Bengaluru

07 Sep 2025

Great food - jalapeño and cheese pupusas I liked the most. I tried shrimp and cheese ; chicken and cheese pupusas as well, for side Curtido salad and warm salsa roja was so good with pupusas. All were just amazing. Tried the dessert- fried plantains, they were yummy as well. You have vegan option as well. Would like to try vegan pupusas on my next visit. There’s a small snacks section as well to buy few Salvador snacks.

Jenn Q

24 Aug 2025

Whether dine-in or take out, El Pulgarcito always delivers! Aside from Balompie in San Francisco, if you find yourself in this area and craving true authentic El Salvadorean food, there’s no need to look elsewhere. I made that one mistake in Antioch, Ca (1-Star review on Yelp & Google) so trust me- this trip made up for it 110%! As for food experience, we usually order chicharron con queso or just plain loroco but this time, we opted for a couple of new items on the menu: Rigua con crema and a breakfast plate. A large Horchata order can be shared for two. Friendly and attentive staff even though at the time of visit there were a couple of large parties (6+) she made sure we were good! The overall set-up of the restaurant is almost like cafeteria style :)

Vincent Zamora

20 Jul 2025

So this was my first time trying the food here and I was disappointed. I definitely recommend this place. Looked clean, organized and again the food was great. I got the bean And cheese papusas, and tamales. If I am ever in the area and craving salvadorian food, I will be coming here again.

Kevin Ramirez

19 Jul 2025

The service, and food were great! The food tastes homemade. What’s great is they also provide you with everything you need to add to your pupusas. The staff were very welcoming. And what’s cool is that it actually takes a while for the food to be ready but that’s only because this place is not a fast food joint, so they actually are making your plate right off that stove. You just can’t get something better than this el Salvadorian restaurant. I left really satisfied, and will be coming back.

Maria Guzman

18 Jul 2025

Personally enjoyed the food. Would order ahead of you're in time crunch as the food is made to order. Thankfully I have an hour lunch so I didn't mind 30 minute wait. They are very generous with the curtido and great customer service

Christian Medrano

11 Jul 2025

Pupusas were VERY good! The wait for the food was a little long but def worth the wait! They have the regular tomato sauce and they have a spicy sauce that’s very good! Def recommend this spot. Clean atmosphere and friendly staff.

C Vega

08 Jun 2025

What a hidden gem! You'll find fantastic food and unbeatable prices here. Their pineapple drink is an absolute must try, and the service is consistently excellent. As someone who wasn't keen on pupusas before, I can tell you this place completely won me over!

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