Nancy's Pupuseria

8511 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620, United States
+1 714-995-2086
$$$ Salvadoran restaurant
(659 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Nancy's Pupuseria is a small, straightforward Salvadoran restaurant tucked away on Knott Avenue in Buena Park. With intimate indoor seating, it serves as a low-key spot where locals can satisfy cravings for traditional Salvadoran comfort food without the bustle of a busy dining room. The modest space means it’s well-suited for casual lunches or laid-back dinners with coworkers or friends.

The menu centers on classic Salvadoran staples, especially a variety of pupusas. Diners often try combinations like bean and cheese, chicken and cheese, or zucchini and cheese pupusas, with many appreciating the house-made spicy salsa and tangy pickled cabbage slaw served alongside. Empanadas—ranging from beef to chicken fillings—also draw regular orders, showcasing familiar, hearty flavors. The grilled corn flour tortillas and traditional sides like fried plantains with crema add authentic touches that root the food solidly in Salvadoran tradition.

Visitors should note the experience leans into simplicity rather than speed. Food can take a bit longer to arrive, reflecting that each dish is prepared fresh. This patient approach pairs well with the friendly, personable staff who make an effort to ensure customers feel welcome—an aspect valued by local regulars.

For anyone seeking a straightforward split from the typical chain or heavily modernized Latin eateries, Nancy’s offers an honest taste of home-style Salvadoran cooking. It’s a relaxed spot particularly suited to those familiar with or curious about pupusas and empanadas, especially if you don’t mind a quieter setting where you can focus on the flavors.

Visits tend to be most comfortable during weekdays or quieter hours, as the space is compact and can feel a bit tight when busier. While the restaurant doesn’t boast an elaborate atmosphere, it creates a dependable neighborhood hub for Salvadoran dishes that locals continue to return to. Whether you’re after a solid pupusa paired with horchata or a quick empanada fix, Nancy’s caters to those moments when home-cooked flavor and a welcoming table are what you’re after.

Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

659 Reviews
Eric Woodbey

18 Dec 2025

A friend recommended this restaurant to me, and it has quickly become one of my favorites! The combination of friendly staff and delicious food creates a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. During my visit, I tried the chicken and ground beef empanadas, bean and cheese, chicken and cheese, and zucchini and cheese pupusas—all of which were absolutely amazing. I also had a fresco de ensalada, which was refreshing and perfectly complemented the meal. I can't wait to go back!

Jasleen Aguilar

17 Dec 2025

I have been looking for really good pupusas. This place is sooooooo good!! I got the bean and cheese, chicken and cheese, also the zucchini and cheese. All of it was delicious! The hot salsa is amazing, no super spicy to me but the flavor is GOOD! The curtido was amazing as well, I will be coming back! I get full really fast so I had plenty left over to have for dinner but I had to try some of each pupusa.

Freddy Fitzgerald

14 Dec 2025

This place is a hidden gem the pupusas here are incredibly delicious I also had one of their licuados to drink wow so fresh so delicious. The downside is that everything takes a tiny bit long to get to the table. So just be aware of that but know is worth the wait. The service is great as well loved gaby the girl helping us that day.

Thomas Branaman

19 Nov 2025

Had pupusa here it was great! Their building is very small but there isn't usually a lot of people in there. Me and four of. Y coworkers ate inside today. Also the spicy sauce is delicious!

ThuyTien N.

24 Oct 2025

Seasoning can be better with a lil more salt overall. I like the zucchini and queso pupusa. I was a bit disappointed about the frijoles consistency though. I’ve had better pupusas. But I want to support the business in my neighborhood rather than driving 30mins to fix my pupusas craving. Not too bad. I would come back.

incorgnetius

22 Oct 2025

Excellent pupusas — their pickled cabbage was particularly good. Great English-friendly service as well, they’ll walk you through the menu if they aren’t busy.

Gabby Castillo

19 Sep 2025

This place has very good food, the pupusas and the chicharron that we ordered were delicious. We had an order to go on a Saturday around 1 PM and I thought the service was very prompt and accurate. It’s a little hole in the wall, but these are the best places where you can enjoy the best food.

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