Welcome to El San Juan Mexican Restaurant in Kinston
Located in the heart of Kinston, North Carolina, El San Juan Mexican Restaurant serves as a welcoming destination for those seeking authentic flavors and a warm, community-focused dining experience. Situated at 2423 N Herritage St, this establishment has become a familiar spot for locals and visitors alike who appreciate the art of traditional Mexican cooking. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere is designed to make you feel at home, whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch during a busy workday or settling in for a relaxed evening meal with friends and family.
The culinary philosophy at El San Juan is rooted in the belief that great food starts with quality ingredients and time-honored preparation methods. By focusing on the balance of spices, fresh produce, and carefully selected proteins, the kitchen team works to ensure that every plate reflects the vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico. The restaurant prides itself on maintaining a consistent standard of quality, ensuring that every guest receives a meal that is both satisfying and memorable.
Beyond the food, the restaurant plays an active role in the Kinston community. It is a place where conversations happen, celebrations are held, and the simple joy of sharing a meal is celebrated daily. The staff is dedicated to providing attentive service, ensuring that every guest feels valued from the moment they arrive until they depart. Whether you are a long-time resident of Lenoir County or just passing through the area, El San Juan offers a genuine taste of Mexican hospitality in a comfortable, unpretentious setting.
What Makes Our Dining Experience Unique
Authentic Culinary Traditions: We focus on preparing dishes that honor classic Mexican recipes, utilizing a variety of traditional techniques to bring out the best flavors in every ingredient. Our menu is crafted to offer a diverse range of options that cater to various tastes and preferences.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: Our location on N Herritage St is designed to be a comfortable space for everyone. We believe that a restaurant should be more than just a place to eat; it should be a gathering spot where neighbors can connect and enjoy a pleasant environment.
Commitment to Quality Service: Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your visit is smooth and enjoyable. We prioritize friendly, efficient service to make sure that your dining experience is positive, whether you are dining alone or with a large group.
Consistent and Reliable Dining: We strive to maintain high standards in our kitchen and dining room alike. By focusing on consistency, we ensure that our guests know exactly what to expect when they visit us, providing a reliable choice for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Join Us for Your Next Meal
If you find yourself in Kinston and are looking for a place that combines hearty portions, authentic flavors, and a friendly environment, we invite you to visit El San Juan Mexican Restaurant. We are proud to be a part of the local business landscape and look forward to serving you. Our team is always ready to welcome new faces and greet our regulars with the same level of care and enthusiasm. Thank you for considering us for your next dining occasion; we hope to see you soon at 2423 N Herritage St for a meal that hits the spot.
Amenities and More
Menus
Chicken Dishes
Yolandas$13.99
Chori-Pollo$15.99
Pollo A La Crema$13.99
Pollo Loco$13.99
Tacos Dorados$13.99
Enchiladas De Mole$13.99
Pollo Hawaiiano$14.99
Pollo A La Diabla$13.99
Pollo El Paso$14.99
Enchiladas Verdes$13.99
Eggs
Huevos Divorciados$23.99
Huevos Con Chorizo$14.99
Huevos A La Mexicana$14.99
Huevos Rancheros$14.99
Kid's Zone
Kids A.C.C.$13.99
Cheese Quesadilla$6.99
Kids A.C.P.$12.99
Mini Pizza / Grilled Chicken Corn Dog / Mac & Cheese$11.99
Burritos
Burrito De Pastor$16.99
Burrito Bowl$14.99
Burrito Choripollo$15.99
Burrito California$13.99
Chile Verde Burritos$13.99
Burrito Supremo$13.99
Burrito Mojado$14.99
Burrito A La Diabla$16.99
Burrito Del Rey$18.99
Steaks Dishes
Steak Picado$15.99
Caldo De Res$17.99
Steak And Shrimp$18.99
Steak Ranchero$18.99
Carne Asada$23.99
Steak A La Mexicana$15.99
BIRRIA
NACHO BIRRIA$17.99
QUESABIRRIAS.$17.99
FLOUR BIRRIA QUESADILLA$15.99
BIRRIA FRIES$18.99
PIZZA BIRRIA$21.99
BIRRIA RAMEN$16.99
House Specials
A.C.P. Chorizo$16.99
ACP Deluxe$18.99
Chimichangas$13.99
Grande Special$14.99
Chicken Tortilla Soup$13.99
A.C.P.$12.99
A.C.C$14.99
A.C.V.$14.99
Enchiladas Supreme$13.99
Chef's Special$18.99
San Juan Dinner$18.99
Chiles Poblanos$16.99
A.C.S.$14.99
"ACP Texas" Or "ACP Trio"$16.99
DRINKS
JARRITOS$3.99
AGUA DE HORCHATA$5.99
AGUA DE TAMARINDO.$5.99
32 OZ SOFT DRINK.$4.99
AGUA DE PINA$5.99
ICED TEA 32 OZ$4.99
AGUA DE JAMAICA$5.99
Vegetarian Dishes
Veggie Quesadilla$17.99
Veggie Fajitas$17.99
Veggie Burrito$18.99
Veggie Sincronizada$18.99
Fajitas
Fajitas Del Mar$19.99
Parrillada$29.99
Fajitas$15.99
Make Your Own Combo
Two Items$11.99
Three Items$13.99
Tortas
Tortas$14.99
Quesadillas
Choripollo Quesadilla$18.99
Combo Quesadilla$20.99
Fajita Quesadilla$17.99
Bacon & Chicken Quesadilla$18.99
Sincronizada De Pollo$18.99
Appetizers
Birria Fries$13.99
Pastor Fries$14.99
Corn On The Cob$4.99
Chicken Rolls$10.99
Steak Fries$14.99
6 Pc Wings & Fries$10.99
Reviews El San Juan Mexican Restaurant
Greg Bush
30-05-2026
This is my new favorite restaurant. Their fish fajitas are the best I've ever had. The service was great. I highly recommend it. More
Gary McIntyre
30-05-2026
Best Mexican food in the area and the service is outstanding. My family loves going here.
Food:…
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Rhonda Adams
30-05-2026
Always a great experience! The food, service and atmosphere is always superb!
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Gary McIntyre
30-05-2026
Best Mexican food in the area and the service is outstanding. My family loves going here.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Rhonda Adams
30-05-2026
Always a great experience! The food, service and atmosphere is always superb!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Jeremy Taylor
30-05-2026
The steak and shrimp meal is peak, at least it has been for me last 3 times I went there, pretty good consistency id say
Lisa Strickland
30-05-2026
I saw a sign that said you could order these lunch specials after 3:30 at a extra cost. I asked the server and she asked and they told her no you couldn’t order off the lunch even for an extra cost. I just didn’t want to order a big dinner … More
Lisa Cobb
30-05-2026
Food and service are always great and tonight was no exception. We had the burrito San Juan and pollo San Juan. They never disappoint!! More
Jaykiah Roberts (kiahh)
30-05-2026
The Service was IMPECCABLE! The food was amazing. I have had Birra Tacos before, but it didn’t taste this amazing. The broth was very well seasoned and had meat and veggies in which made it stand out even more. I’d definitely be coming back to dine here. More
Cass K
30-05-2026
I’ve eaten here once before, and was just a little hesitant to eat here again as last time although the food was delicious the amount of food for the price wasn’t impressive to say the least. (Last time I got a fajita taco salad, steak) … More
Amanda Vandiford
30-05-2026
Our recent visit we noticed they had changed the layout & seats. They have also updated their glasses. More
Paul Williams
30-05-2026
Awesome authentic food. We went to celebrate my nephew's 12th birthday and they came out as put a sumbrela on him and sang in Spanish happy birthday. More
jonathan bravo
30-05-2026
This place is amazing and the food was fabulous!!! I 10:10 recommend this place!
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Willie Cooper Jr
30-05-2026
Super fast food( 5 mins for my food), great service, and delicious 😋😋 …
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Sharmaine Hart
30-05-2026
Everything was superb hot food didn't have to wait our server was really nice
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jonathan bravo
30-05-2026
This place is amazing and the food was fabulous!!! I 10:10 recommend this place!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tacos De Carne Asada
Group size
2 people
Willie Cooper Jr
30-05-2026
Super fast food( 5 mins for my food), great service, and delicious 😋😋
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Sharmaine Hart
30-05-2026
Everything was superb hot food didn't have to wait our server was really nice
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Nachos Tapatios
Marko Schtzy
30-05-2026
Food was delicious and staff is friendly! Me and my bf had a wonderful time
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Lisa Curtis
30-05-2026
I am very sad to post this review but service is everything to me. I use too frequently visit this restaurant almost every week. Their food is good but the management is bad. I pointed out to management that there order board displayed a lower cost than on the printed menu. This was the first thing I point out to management. There was no sorry thanks for bringing this to our attention. Instead they got and attitude with me.
Also, after not receiving an item that
I paid for was not in my bag. I received more attitude like i did something wrong. Im sorty im just always in the habit of checking my receipt and my order. Management advised me not too come back. Because I pointed out that their prices on menu and display board didn't match. I thought the female who blurted that out was very unprofessional and probably should get some additional training handling customers. That was not warranted I have always been a good customer. However, the situation could have been handled better. Customer Beware... check your receipts order from menu not display board. I will now be patronizing and going to another Mexican restaurant called Los Nuevos Charros Mexican Restaurant in Kinston.
Do better San Juan management and owners. Restaurants come and go.. don't take your consistent customers for granted.
Food: 5
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3
Heather Villasenor
30-05-2026
Such a clean restaurant! Love the individual salsa bowls! Food was good, too! Portions were great! Server was attentive & kind.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa
Nowfaith Mon
30-05-2026
This place is amazing!! My food was delicious. It came out quickly and my server was very kind patient. I highly recommend!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tacos De Carne Asada, Fajita Quesadilla, One Tostada One Enchilada and One Cheese Quesadilla, Fajita Nachos
Hannah Name
30-05-2026
We were craving some good food so we came to San Juan. The food was great. Fluffy was our waiter he was cool and helped with all our needs. The bathrooms need a cleaning but overall great service.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Aden N
30-05-2026
1st time visitor 😊 Took a few minutes to be acknowledged by anyone while waiting to be seated, not even a “Hello” 🤔After being seated, server was attentive, food was fresh and veryyyyv fast. I do think the salsa served with the table chips was too “smooth” (I like my salsa with a few chunks). I had shrimp tacos w/ Spanish rice and lime margarita ✅ Atmosphere was cute ☺️
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Take Me To Your Lido
30-05-2026
I really wish I didn't have to change my review, but it was that bad. What happened to this place? Quality is not there. Went in tonight, and we tried a few new things. Bacon is boiled or something. Looked raw. Yuck. My burrito deluxe definitely didn't taste like beef, so much beans in the chicken one that you couldn't taste chicken. Son got a fried chicken taco dish with Chipotle sauce. He said chicken was way over done, sauce didn't have much flavor. I left my beef burrito there. Seriously, I never wish to eat that again. Husbands food came out a good 10 minutes after ours, and bacon on it looked gross. Major let down and really wished I could have said something was good. Sad to say, it will be a long time before we go back. That was a really bad experience.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Pollo
Lady J Red Allen
30-05-2026
Well this time I went in I was remembered from the young lady which was nice. I was seated quick and she also remembered what I ordered the lasted time cause I couldn’t remember what I did order. My food came out really fast I might just have to come back
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Iyiannah Collier
30-05-2026
Ive been visiting this restaurant since I was a kiddo. I come here about 4 times a year and it is always random, yet well needed & delicious .They offer a lunch menu, daily specials, and really good mixed drinks for Happy Hour. The atmosphere is very Festive and the staff is generous. More
Dixie Salter
30-05-2026
Great food and great atmosphere, services are good too. We came in a little late for the night but they still were really friendly. But on a real note, yall this food was so good i just about busted. Definitely had to unbutton the pants in the car lol. We’ll be coming again and would definitely recommend :) we got the burrito de pastor and the carmaron and chorizo tacos. Also had a great video of it all but can’t post videos sadly so the pics are all from after eating, portions are big so you definitely get what you pay for.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chorizo Dip
Marko Schtzy
30-05-2026
Food was delicious and staff is friendly! Me and my bf had a wonderful time
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Anna Hamilton
30-05-2026
We always enjoy eating here. Food is delicious, fresh and comes out quickly. Service is usually wonderful and the elder gentleman is always so sweet and quick to bring plenty of chips and salsa. More
Ty Deezy
30-05-2026
Everytime I come here the food is always amazing service top tier .! I definitely recommend this place for an all around great experience.! More
DeJanae Nicole
30-05-2026
If I could give 10 stars I would waiters were nice greeted us with a smile the food came out fast, also the Birria fries are to die for! 10/10 come to San Juan you. Won’t regret it! More
Goddess Gen
30-05-2026
The food and drinks were amazing, heavy pour on deck. Our appetizer was hot and fresh. Our food came out Hot and Fresh! The waiter was very friendly and helpful!!! Can’t wait until my next visit! More
Don Day II
30-05-2026
Food was spectacular, atmosphere is leisurely and the wait staff is very friendly. Overall an awesome dining experience! More
Mandy Frazier
30-05-2026
This was our first time coming here and we really enjoyed it. Quick service and great food. Some things are a bit pricey but the serving size is huge. So you get plenty of food for the money. We will definitely go back. More
Cheyanne
30-05-2026
I am very disappointed on how this business has changed over the past few years. All the food is overpriced!!! I’ve ordered here multiple times this year, and I am highly dissatisfied! They barely give you anything in the plate for an arm and leg More
Reviews El San Juan Mexican Restaurant