
El Puerto Mexican Grocery
El Puerto Mexican Grocery in Reading offers a diverse selection of authentic Mexican and Hispanic products, with fresh meats and a welcoming family-run atmosphere. Customers appreciate the Oaxaca cheese, prepared tacos, and convenient services like check cashing.
What people love about El Puerto Mexican Grocery
Oaxaca Cheese
Multiple customers call out this specific cheese as a must-buy, indicating it’s a true specialty item.
Tacos
The store’s prepared tacos are a repeat draw for customers, showing that the food service element stands out.
Coconut Milk
Shoppers specifically praise the quality and availability of coconut milk, suggesting it’s a reliable item they seek out.
Fresh Meat (“Carne fresca”)
Emphatic mentions of “fresh meat” highlight this as a key selling point that keeps customers coming back.
Key Themes from Reviews of El Puerto Mexican Grocery
Product Variety & Unique Mexican Items
PositiveCustomers appreciate the wide selection of authentic Mexican and Hispanic products that they can’t easily find elsewhere.
Pricing/Value
NegativeMany shoppers feel that prices are significantly higher here compared to larger retailers or other stores.
Customer Service & Staff Friendliness
MixedWhile most customers find the staff warm and accommodating, a few have encountered unhelpful or rude service.
Store Atmosphere & Community Feel
PositiveShoppers love the welcoming, family-run vibe and the strong sense of local community support.
Freshness & Quality of Produce/Meats
PositiveCustomers consistently praise the freshness and quality of the store’s meat and other perishable goods.
Checkout Speed & Convenience Services
PositivePatrons value the quick, efficient checkout process and the added convenience of services like check cashing.
Location Convenience & Parking
PositiveThe store’s accessible location and ample parking make it an easy stop for local shoppers.
About El Puerto Mexican Grocery
El Puerto Mexican Grocery: Your Authentic Mexican Market in Reading, PA
Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, El Puerto Mexican Grocery brings an unmistakable taste of Mexico and Hispanic heritage to Berks County. As a family-run hub for high-quality Mexican groceries, freshly prepared foods, and friendly community engagement, El Puerto stands out among local markets. Whether you’re hunting for specialty ingredients, craving fresh tacos, or simply seeking a welcoming atmosphere, this vibrant Mexican grocery store delivers an experience you won’t find at big-box retailers.
A Taste of Authentic Mexico
What truly sets El Puerto Mexican Grocery apart is its extensive selection of authentic Mexican and Hispanic products—many of which are hard to source elsewhere in the area. From the moment you step inside, shelves showcase colorful bags of regional tortillas, artisan salsas, and unique Hispanic items like chapulines and exotic spices. Food enthusiasts and home cooks alike rave about the variety of pantry essentials and specialty goods:
- “Great variety of Mexican groceries,” one shopper noted, emphasizing the store’s unrivaled lineup.
- “Unique Hispanic items,” commented another, delighted to discover products not available at larger chains.
These themed offerings reflect El Puerto’s commitment to authenticity, making it a go-to destination for anyone eager to explore new flavors or recreate family recipes passed down through generations.
Freshness You Can Trust
At El Puerto, freshness is more than just a buzzword—it’s a guarantee. Customers consistently praise the quality of perishable goods, particularly the fresh meat case and produce section.
- “Carne fresca!!!” enthused one fan, thrilled by the selection of premium cuts.
- Another review celebrated the arrival of fresh bread, tortillas, and dairy: “They have fresh meat, bread, tortillas, and milk.”
Whether you’re preparing carne asada for a family gathering or stocking up on farm-fresh veggies for a homemade salsa, El Puerto’s dedication to top-tier freshness ensures that every meal starts with the best ingredients.
Warmth, Community, and Family Values
El Puerto isn’t just a store—it’s a community cornerstone. Run by a devoted couple and their two daughters, this family-focused atmosphere shines through in every interaction. Many customers highlight the welcoming, family-run vibe:
- “Family friendly atmosphere,” one local observed, praising the sense of homeyness.
- “Best community store in Berks County,” another declared, acknowledging how the market fosters neighborhood connection.
While the majority of experiences emphasize warm and helpful service—“The people are kind and helpful”—the owners are attentive to feedback and continually strive for improvement. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a loyal regular, you’ll feel the genuine hospitality that defines El Puerto Mexican Grocery.
Convenience, Speed, and Added Services
Busy schedules demand efficiency, and El Puerto delivers with a swift, friendly checkout process and value-added services like check cashing. Patrons appreciate:
- “Friendly and speedy checkout with good variety of Hispanic foods.”
- “Good place for cashing checks n buy Mexican products.”
Situated in a prime Reading location with ample parking, the market offers quick in-and-out shopping—ideal for grabbing last-minute ingredients or running errands on your lunch break. Despite a perception among some that prices are higher than at large retailers, many shoppers agree that the quality, freshness, and unique selection justify the value: “A little more expensive than Walmart but close n good.”
Must-Try Specialties
El Puerto Mexican Grocery’s shelves and deli counter boast several standout items that keep customers coming back:
- Oaxaca Cheese: Rich, stringy, and delightfully milky, this cheese is a crowd favorite. “The Oaxaca cheese they sell is very good,” says one satisfied cheese lover.
- Tacos: Prepared fresh each day, these flavorful street-style tacos have earned a loyal following. “I go there for their tacos,” declares one repeat customer.
- Coconut Milk: From creamy curries to refreshing beverages, customers consistently praise the quality and availability of this pantry essential: “Love the coconut milk.”
- Fresh Meat (“Carne fresca”): Premium cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, delivered daily, ensure that every fajita night or carne asada feast is unforgettable.
These highlights underscore El Puerto’s passion for offering memorable, authentic flavors that transport you straight to Mexico with every bite.
Visit El Puerto Mexican Grocery Today
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef, a foodie on a culinary quest, or a family searching for a warm place to shop, El Puerto Mexican Grocery in Reading, PA, delivers an unparalleled market experience. Discover unique imported goods, savor freshly prepared tacos, and enjoy the welcoming ambiance of a true family-run business. Next time you’re looking to immerse yourself in authentic Mexican flavors—without traveling hundreds of miles—make El Puerto your destination. Your taste buds, and your community, will thank you.
Unique Details About El Puerto Mexican Grocery
Payments
- SNAP/EBT
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Planning
- Quick visit
Offerings
- Food
Highlights
- Great produce
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Service options
Alternative Local Businesses in Reading, PA
Contact Information for El Puerto Mexican Grocery
Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
Based on 95 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 60%
4 star reviews
- 19%
3 star reviews
- 11%
2 star reviews
- 5%
1 star reviews
- 5%
Working Hours / Hours of Operation
- Monday:
- 9:30AM-8PM
- Tuesday:
- 9:30AM-8PM
- Wednesday:
- 9:30AM-8PM
- Thursday:
- 9:30AM-8PM
- Friday:
- 9:30AM-8PM
- Saturday:
- 9:45AM-8:15PM
- Sunday:
- 9:30AM-8:15PM





