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El Pulgarcito in Texas

Discover El Pulgarcito in Houston, TX for authentic Salvadoran cuisine. Check menu, hours, reviews & enjoy cozy dining with takeout options.

4.1 280 reviews $10–20 Salvadoran Restaurant American · Southern

11202 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77037, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Texas · 80545
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El Pulgarcito

Northside, Houston, TX, USA

Desayuno Especial 3 Riguas Con Queso 2 Riguas with Cheese 2 Parrillada Mixta Pupusa De Queso mmm
Rating★ 4.1 / 5
Price$10–20
CategorySalvadoran Restaurant
Today 07:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

El Pulgarcito is a charming Salvadoran restaurant nestled in the heart of Houston on Airline Drive. Known for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere, it offers a delightful taste of El Salvador with dishes like pupusas, tamales, and other regional specialties. The casual, cozy setting makes it an inviting spot for locals and visitors alike seeking comfort food and quick bites.

With a well-rounded menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, this restaurant caters to a diverse crowd including groups, tourists, and solo diners. Service options include dine-in and takeout, supported by accessible facilities and free parking, ensuring a convenient and pleasant dining experience for all guests.

Gallery

Photos from El Pulgarcito

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

El Pulgarcito draws guests seeking genuine Salvadoran flavors served in a cozy, casual setting. The restaurant is praised for its local specialty dishes that capture the heart of Salvadoran comfort food.

Authentic Local Specialties

Celebrated for iconic dishes like pupusas and the Desayuno Especial, the menu offers a true taste of Salvadoran comfort food favorites.

Flexible Dining Hours

Open daily from early morning to night, this spot is ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with quick service to accommodate busy schedules.

Comfort Food & Coffee

Enjoy comforting Salvadoran dishes and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for solo dining or groups.

Family and Group Friendly

The casual, quiet ambiance welcomes groups, tourists, and children, with free parking and wheelchair accessibility making visits easy.

Convenient Parking & Accessibility

Free parking lot and street parking options complement a fully wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating.

Takeout & Dine-In Options

Whether craving a quick bite or a full meal, both takeout and table service dining options are available for flexibility.

Highly Rated by Visitors

With a solid 4.1 rating from 280 reviews, guests highlight welcoming service, great pupusas, and a clean cozy environment.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

El Pulgarcito’s inviting and casual vibe makes it a versatile stop for any Salvadoran cuisine craving throughout the day.

A hidden gem in Houston’s diverse food scene, this restaurant delivers authentic Salvadoran comfort food in a setting that welcomes families, groups, and solo visitors alike, with attentive service and a menu full of local specialties. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast Delight

Start the day with popular morning dishes like Desayuno Especial or a warm cup of horchata in a cozy, quiet environment perfect for a peaceful meal.

Group Gathering

A trendy yet relaxed spot ideal for groups and tourists looking to enjoy a range of Salvadoran appetizers and mixed plates together.

Quick Takeout

For those on the go, take advantage of friendly takeout service offering favorites like pupusas and tamales without compromising on quality.

Casual Dinner

Enjoy dinner in a casual setting with table service and options like gremixed seafood, grilled pork, or comforting soups that captivate the taste buds.

Family-Friendly Feasts

Good for kids and families, the menu includes ample kid-friendly choices such as chicken nuggets with fries, making it a welcoming place for all ages.

Best for

Authentic Salvadoran Breakfast Takeout Groups Dinner Free Parking Reservations Accepted Coffee & Comfort Food

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

GM
Gahriel Montague-Charles 1 month ago

"I'm a lvl 8 reviewer and specialize in Hispanic food restaurants! I did not go to this place. My GF got the food, but I did get feedback from her. She mentioned that the girl working the register was really nice and welcoming, and the restaurant was nice and clean with an old timey vibe. Now the food!!! I got the Pollo y queso pupusas and let me tell yalllll! This isn't the best pupusa I've ever had but it damn could be. The Curtido & Tomatoe Sauce on their pupusa is a world class meal on its own!!! I don't what they are doing different but it's amazing! I also got the Rigua con Queso. Was not a big fan of it. I feel like you really gotta like corn type delicacies. However, their Papa Rellena that looks like an Empanada. That thing is a 10/10! If I was only able to pick one menu item for life. It would be that Papa Rellena. Whatever it cost, don't be shy when u buy them."

JG
Jen G 2 month ago

"Came here with my mom, she introduced me to this place, there’s no waiting you just sit in any open table. The food was really great and so was the horchata! Though I will say we had to wait 45+mins for food to come out and was a bit hard to get a hold of our server. Overall food was great."

AL
AMY LOPEZ 2 month ago

"I ordered the Pastelito de Pollo plate and a Popusa de Queso con Pollo and Jalapeño. For it being my first time trying El Salvadorian food, it was pretty good. Service was good but when I wanted to order another drink and needed some to go boxes, the waitress never came back so I had to go find her."

ER
Elisa Ramirez 3 month ago

"Pupusas were delicious & the yuca was not greasy. Definitely recommend!"

DG
Daisy Garcia 3 month ago

"My food was very delicious. I ordered pupusas, I was attended quick & had great customer service. I can’t wait to come back again to try something different! They have a beautiful painting on the wall as well!!"

GA
Glenda Araniva 3 month ago

"Working around the area saw this place. Is not big. But the food is good. They do take a little bit. Is made to order. Place was clean. Our waitress was very polite and respectful."

MH
Melissa Hernandez 3 month ago

"Great food, great tast, fast paste and great customer service. They do not turn you down when you walk in restaurant 15 min before they close as other restaurants do. Keep up the great work."

DC
David Corvera 4 month ago

"Great authentic salvadoran food. Breakfast are awesome"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 9:30 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Sunday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

El Pulgarcito welcomes guests from early morning to late evening, making it an excellent choice for any meal of the day.

Mornings for breakfast and coffee Evenings open until 9:30 PM on weekends Great for group dining or solo visits Typical visit duration: 10 minutes to 1 hour Reservations accepted for planning ahead

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to El Pulgarcito in Texas .

Address 11202 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77037, United States
Phone +1 281-999-1353
Area Texas
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about El Pulgarcito, a cozy Salvadoran restaurant in Houston. Learn about the menu, dining options, accessibility, and more.

Popular dishes include the Desayuno Especial 3, Riguas Con Queso, Parrillada Mixta, Pupusa De Queso, and Bandeja Paisa. The menu features Salvadoran specialties like pupusas, tamales, and seafood plates.

The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and Sundays, with extended hours until 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours may vary, so checking ahead is recommended.

Both takeout and dine-in options are available. Guests can enjoy meals on-site in a casual and cozy atmosphere or order food to go for convenience.

The restaurant features wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating to accommodate guests with disabilities comfortably.

Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making it easy and convenient to settle the bill.

Visitors can use the free parking lot or find free street parking nearby, providing hassle-free access to the restaurant.

Yes, the restaurant is family-friendly and offers kids plates suitable for younger diners in a welcoming environment.

Guests usually spend between 10 minutes and 1 hour, depending on whether they stop in for a quick bite or a full meal.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.