El Cuscatleco is a no frills spot where you can find authentic Salvadorean and Mexican food served in a charming dining room. Make sure you bring your appetite because the menu of fresh pupusas, Salvadorean specialties, fajitas, tacos, sopas and more will have you wishing you could order it all.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thr Chicken quesadilla and the cheese pupusas are a must buy. We also love the yucca with chicharrones. One of the best spots for a quick lunch though. It's always great.
Mel Downey-Piper
Mar 3, 2026
5
I love the pupusas here. I generally get chicken and bean. It’s tough to order those online because the online option only lists pork and cheese and loroco. I ended up swinging by, ordering and waiting for 15 minutes. They are delicious and the best I’ve found in Durham.
Isabelle M
Dec 4, 2025
5
I visited El Cuscatleco Restaurant and was truly impressed. The food was delicious, authentic, and full of the traditional flavors that represent the best of Salvadoran cuisine. Every dish tasted fresh and was perfectly prepared.
The owner was also very kind and attentive throughout our visit, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s clear that El Cuscatleco puts dedication and heart into everything they do.
Without a doubt, I highly recommend El Cuscatleco Restaurant to anyone looking for excellent food, a pleasant atmosphere, and exceptional service.
Gili Menashe
Oct 3, 2025
5
The food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The service was friendly, attentive, and professional the staff made us feel very comfortable throughout the meal. A wonderful experience, and I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended!
Akib Khan
Jul 19, 2025
4
Conveniently located near 15-501 between Chapel Hill and Durham, this Mexican spot is easy to get to. I had the veggie burrito—it was a big portion, enough for two people, and the horchata was really good. That said, the veggie burrito was pretty bland, mostly just broccoli with not much seasoning. Would love to see more variety and flavor in the veggie options.
Andrea Byrd
Jul 6, 2025
5
Pupusas are some of the best I've ever had! My strawberry margarita was great as well!
Nghia Dinh
May 24, 2025
5
Got the plato tipico, a sampler plate of Salvadoran food that consist of a pupusa, yuca fritas, plantanos, a tamal de pollo, and a pastelito served with rice, refried beans, and curtido. Everything was delicious! Service was friendly and patient
Lily Kay
May 3, 2025
5
Pick up order. Combination Fajitas for two was delicious. I appreciated the refried beans were put in a separate cup. Could have done without the harsh flavor of the red onions in salad. Would order again!
Alexander
Apr 28, 2025
5
Lovely place,very nice waiter,I heard of this place from my friend,my kid accidentally drop their plate and they gladly replaced it and also gave me kid a free desert.HIGHLY RECOMMEND
