Nestled in San Marcos, Texas, **EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant** serves up a delightful taste of El Salvador, garnering rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. This family-owned gem specializes in **freshly made pupusas**—stuffed corn tortillas that shine with flavors like squash, jalapeño, and mushroom. Diners like Robyn Orr praise the abundant menu, including vegetarian options and notable **picadillo empanadas**, which enhance the culinary experience with vibrant freshness and authenticity. Reviewers consistently highlight the **homestyle hospitality** and the **superb quality** of the dishes, with many mentioning that the **pupusas** are accompanied by a deliciously tangy **curtido**. Martha Parodi exclaims they are the best she’s ever tasted. Patrons also appreciate the variety of **fresh beverages**, such as the option between two types of horchata—rice or morro—each adding an authentic touch. Whether you visit after a day at the San Marcos River, as Chrystal Hernandez suggests, or simply venture to enjoy a meal, your visit to **EL ARCO** promises a warm atmosphere and delectable Salvadoran cuisine. With dishes made to order, it’s no wonder Darya Perez made it a repeat stop during her stay. This restaurant isn't just a meal; it’s a taste of home in every bite.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
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
Quiet
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant
Robyn Orr
May 3,2025
The food was made fresh to order and the servers were very helpful. I had the vegetarian pupusas (squash and cheese, jalapeno and cheese, mushroom and cheese, and spinach and cheese), the picadillo empanadas, and a side of yucca. It was all fresh and flavorful. San Marcos definitely needed something different and this is it. Hope you try them and support this local business. I will definitely be back to try other menu items.
Martha Parodi
Apr 26,2025
Wow! The BEST popusas and tamales!! The popusas are made fresh to order with yummy curtido. The tamales were also delicious. Highly recommend this family owned restaurant. Will definitely come back. I was very satisfied.
Darya Perez
Apr 19,2025
We were visiting San Marcos and based off the reviews we decided to give this place a try and we are so glad we did ! We loved it so much that within our four day stay we had lunch there twice. The portion are as great size and everything is made fresh. It will definitely be one of our go to spots when we visit the San Marcos area.
Ashley Iraheta
Mar 18,2025
Delicious pupusas and their salsa and horchata is great. I love that you can choose between horchata de arroz and horchata de morro, since arroz is more popular but morro is authentically Salvadoran. They’re almost as good as my mom’s homemade pupusas. But will do since I live far from home.
Chrystal Hernandez
Mar 14,2025
This was so perfect after a day on san Marcos River. You will not leave here disappointed. Superb hospitality and delicious hecha la mano comida. Bien rico 5 stars!!
Patty Flores
Mar 7,2025
The pupusas, the curtida, the pastelitos and the service, all amazing!!! The food is very authentic, made to order and speedy. Went with a Salvadorian friend and he said they were almost as good as what his mom makes. Definitely a must if you are in the area.
Technicolor “Mammoth”
Mar 6,2025
I know they are known for their pupusa's but wanted empanadas that day. Got the carnitas en salsa Verde. I got it to go, but they definitely came to me fresh because they were still piping hot almost an hour later! Crispy on the outside and so good on the inside. The pickled salad and side salsa's made this a complete meal. I'm coming back for sure! The competition for good food from south of the border is real in San Marcos and El Arco definitely has put their hat in. I have no doubt this place is home away from home for some, and definitely glad it's in my current hometown!
Brenda Elizabeth Godinez
Feb 14,2025
Pupusas are huge! I thought I needed 3 but ended up only eating 2. Tamale was good ! Honestly one of the best places to eat in San Marcos if you’re looking for authentic food.
Reviews For EL ARCO PUPUSAS Restaurant