The restaurant was good but the owners need to get back to the basics. Great service but the quality isn't the same

After coming from the dentist, my food choices were limited. Truthfully I just needed a simple home cooked meal. I definitely got it at Acapulco Restaurant. Customer service excels at this Mom and Pop venue. The decor was traditional and welcoming. The Margarita was expertly prepared and complimented the whole meal. There was plenty from the chips and plain salsa to the number one, which included rice and beans. I felt valued, and there was great hospitality. I'll be sure to come through more often. read more

We wandered in here randomly after our dinner reservation at another place fell through. What a great evening! Kind, friendly service. Really low prices. And DELICIOUS traditional Mexican food. If you are looking for glitz and glamour and fusion, not your place. If you want really tasty and inexpensive in a homey setting, this is it! read more

The food was terrific; it was served quickly and was hot when delivered. There are ample items to choose from. The waitress was attentive without hovering over us. I highly recommend this restaurant. We went midweek and were seated quickly. read more

Maybe I am being harsh since I'm used to top tier Mexican food, being from CA, but I think it was a solid but not great restaurant. The food was definitely authentic and satisfied my Mexican cravings, but it could've been better. The service was slow, which was overall fine since it was clearly a family restaurant. The food was solid, especially considering the price, but I have simply had better. It was quiet and nice inside with the familiar blare of the TV in Spanish. read more

First time I came here was during a heatwave/blackout and they were the only place functioning in the whole neighborhood. The food, price, quality, service, and atmosphere is just incredible, simple, and authentic. They are always empty. I love their decor. Their food is generously portioned, fresh, and delicious. They do an excellent job of being attentive without hovering despite us typically being the only customers at any given moment. Its incompressible that they are not busy on the regular. It is a spacious and clean resutrant, the prices for the quality, location, and size are impressive, and there are not many other Mexican specific restaurants around. Their liquor license is also better than most local restaurants. read more

Food was delicious Service was fast, quick and easy Nice atmosphere and the portions are great!! read more

The prices may be low but the food is anything but cheap. The second we were greeted by the kind faces of the staff, I knew I was in for one of the best meals of my life. The flan delights. The refried beans and rice are traditional but far from ordinary. $6 for 8 of the most crispy and juicy wings I have ever had. Mango juice that makes you remark on just how wonderful a fruit the mango can be. The wonderful service and cozy decor make you feel at home. Do not skip a chance to have some of the best food in JP! read more

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Food is very good; just fine for a casual dinner at a locally-owned and operated staple of the JP neighborhood. Definitely not "top tier Mexican food" in the words of another reviewer. But certainly authentic and the service is excellent! And an excellent value! read more

I have loved this restaurant for years. They serve straightforward Mexican cuisine, not heavily curated like so many other Mexican restaurants. I always enjoy the green chicken enchiladas, and the shrimp cooked in cilantro sauce. At one time they provided live Mexican music on Saturday evenings. I'm not sure if that has continued. Great memories! The atmosphere is a bit old fashioned, with fancy Sombreros on the wall, but if you are not looking for glamorous surroundings with prices that match, check out Acapulco. read more

This was my favorite spot for authentic Mexican when I lived in the neighborhood. The family did a fantastic job of making guests feel welcome and like they were home for dinner. The food was excellent. The traditional music was fun. The service was perfect. read more

One of my favorite restaurants , me and the family love this place. Service is always top notch and welcoming .We come here at least twice a month and are never disappointed, drinks are pretty good too!! read more

This is an ideal restaurant. Delicious food at an extraordinary price--the best you'll find--in a homey room that will remind you of the unpretentious restaurants you ate in as a little kid. It's not where I would go for like sexy vibes night out but really is a lovely neighborhood spot. read more

Acapulco is a very quiet, friendly restaurant in Jamaica Plain with red table cloths covered by glass table tops. Arched ceilings and traditional wall decorations create a great ambiance. The restaurant serves a wide variety of well prepared Mexican dishes, simple but very tasty. Their Sangria is surprisingly delicious and quite strong. They have kept prices amazingly low, with traditional dishes ranging from $11 to $ 14 although their meat dishes are on the more expensive side. But a generous glass of Sangria is less than $5! Plus, you never have to wait for a table because Acapulco is never crowded. Highly recommended. read more

Friends in JP suggested this place, and I was up for it. Little did I know what pleasure I was in store for that night. The owners are so very friendly, if casual with service, but that just makes it more old world. The chips are top rate, and the salsa is special. They have Salvadoran and Guatemalan beer, but not in stock that night, so I had the Pacifico, which is rich and with a smooth finish. But it was the soup that sealed the deal. It was Sopa Verde, a seafood mix of fish, shrimp, scallops, and clams (clams not available that night, but they gave me more of the rest) in a cilantro base. This is one of the best small meals I've ever had. The seafood was tender, not rubbery, cooked to perfection. The cilantro base was so smooth and delicate. This could be served in a world-class gourmet Mexican establishment, but it was right here in a humble joint for a mere $10.50. I will never forget this soup. So, I took another friend tonight - four days later. I had the scallops in tomatillo sauce, and that is another triumph. Please take my word for it: this place is a treasure. read more

We ordered the carne asada and the steak Veracruz both delicious, much better than other Mexican style restaurants in the area. They also offer a few different Central American beers. The service was good, you can tell it is a family run place. We will definitely be back. read more

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant - Carne asada (bottom) steak Veracruz (top) - Mexican Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

The place was empty when we arrived. My boyfriend jokingly said "I rented out the entire place for you". Lol! Love it. They were playing Spanish music. Obviously, I knew the lyrics to every song because I'm THAT Mexican. Haha. Our server was this sweet little old man with a limp. He suggested a dish to try, we did and were happily surprised. The shrimp ceviche was prepared differently than what I am used to. I would call it more of a cocktail. Still tasty. But would not order it again. As for my meal, the carne asada plate. Delicious central. I will say, they could have gotten a tad bit lighter on the salt. (Sidenote: I don't use salt in my cooking so any amount of salt will probably be too much salt for my palette). Still, i finished my meal and was very well satisfied. I also had the apple flavored soda and it took me all the way back to when I lived in Mexico. Yum! Cute lil place. read more

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A local mexican restaurant near the heart of Jamaica Plain. I love this place, and frequent it quite a bit. They have an expansive menu and prices are reasonable. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the decor and atmosphere. This place is dim lit, spacious, and clean and the service is on point. I ordered the Chimichangas and the bean soup. Chicken was slightly overcooked and I found the portion to be slightly small. However, overall was satisfied. Id reccomend this place for a romantic dinner or dinner alone. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS! read more

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

I am here now. Ordered 4 hard shell tacos. Absolutely not appetizing. They are a Mexican restaurant, the tacos should be AMAZING!! Not coming back here read more

So I have to premise this by saying that as a Texan, I have had my share of Mexican restaurants... My friends and I hit up Acapulco Restaurant on a Friday night because our first choice for a night out was closed (right down the street). The restaurant was fairly empty for a Friday night at dinner rush, but we got seated right away. The chips were cold and bland, but the salsa was tolerable. We ordered our dinner along with a pitcher of sangria. The sangria was alright, but it should be said that among four of us, we didn't finish the whole pitcher because of taste... I had the enchiladas verdes, my husband the enchiladas rojas, and our friends had the tacos de carne asada and the trecias enchiladas (enchiladas three ways). The food came out super hot (which was suprisingly refreshing), but it wasn't the best I've had. The wait staff was super nice though. They even had a mariachi singer who serenaded each table. Overall, it was a pleasant dinner experience, but I am not sure I'd be back. read more

Classy establishment with family care and style in JP that almost all other JP establishments lack. Come in here with a group of friends, family, or a second date (once you learn that they are worthy of it). Order two pitchers of their world famous sangria and never regret it. read more

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Great Mexican food Been coming here my whole life as a young foodie lol place is a staple in JP

Finally-a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant just for dogs in JP! I stumbled on to this place by accident so I didn't have my canine with me, but I brought plenty home in a "doggie bag" haha. First off, I would like to point out that they have the cutest, most hilarious menu I have ever seen-they list all the items for your pooch as if it was a menu for people! I ordered the "steak" quesadilla to start, and as soon as the plate hit the table a big waft of Purina brand freshness blew up into my nostrils from underneath the rawhide tortilla. My girlfriend ordered the snausage (veggie) burrito and we both knew that Fido back home was just gonna love it. Round that out with some bean and marinara manwhich flautas and you have a yappingly good meal. Presentation-wise, the inclusion of the word "inc" on their sign (That's right-it actually reads "Acapulco Restaurant Inc") gives the place a homie, "give us your damn money" appeal. 5 woofs! read more

I was born in Tucson, Arizona. This restaurant serves real Tex-Mex. It's satisfying, tasty, subtle comfort food. Some of the best and most authentic in New England. The service is Southern-paced, so don't go here in a hurry. The atmosphere is authentic. The music is real mexican mariachi or pop. They did not hire a hip designer. They did not consult a fusion chef. The dishes have not been "Californized" with healthy substitutions for traditional ingredients or colored up to look prettier on the plate. The beans and rice are rich and delicious. It is not health food. It is not locally-grown. It is not vegan.* It is not Yuppie-Mex with sea salt on the margarita rims. This is simple Tex-Mex fare done right. Mexican is slim pickins in New England. I also like Jose's in Cambridge or Border Cafe. (yes, it's a good chain) The only other refried beans you'll find as good as these are at Tu Y Yo in Somerville. *Pesceterians, get the first appetizer on the menu, the avocado salad, and the shrimp(camarones) with chiles or cilantro. read more

This is by far and away our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Greater Boston area... where else can we get two dinners for less than $20 bucks with free chips and salsa? We don't even live in Boston anymore but still come to visit from time to time - like this past weekend for example. I know from the outside it looks very basic and boring if you will but I come here to eat and always devour everything on my plate. We are obsessed with combo # 20 which includes both a chimichanga and tostada with rice and beans. I'm a fan of their chips and salsa, especially when the chips come out hot. 9 times out of 10, our server happens to be the owner of the restaurant and it doesn't bother me one bit. He's always warm, patient and kind. We have never really experienced "slow" service because the restaurant is barely ever packed. The majority of times we stumble in, it's quite empty which surprises me. I never want this place to close, support your local businesses people! Long story short... don't come here looking for a five star restaurant experience. Come here if you want really good Mexican food at extremely reasonable prices. read more

This is no-nonsense neighborhood dining. The food will be average, the service will be "Southern paced" as one reviewer put it, and the atmosphere is dated. But check your privilege at the door and you will not have a bad experience; there are many things to like about Acapulco. For one, the restaurant is never busy. Even on the weekend nights, you're guaranteed to get a table as soon as you walk in. Nonetheless, there is always a mariachi musician playing on Fridays and Saturdays. Even if the place is empty. The food is not fancy, modern "New England" Mexican. It's old school Tex-Mex. Think Border Cafe, but not nearly as good. It's not bad, but it won't be knocking your socks off. Some things are better than others; the chips and salsa are classically disappointing, but their mole is top notch. I'm fond of their enchiladas, but opt for chicken over the beef. In all the many times I've been to Acapulco, I've only seen one server and that's the owner. He may not be fast or gracious, but he is attentive and dedicated to his business. And that's something I respect. read more

Acapulco was very empty on a Tuesday evening (less than five parties at a restaurant with more than 20 tables), but the food was quite nice. Good chips with chipotle (I think) salsa. A small selection of beers, an attentive waiter, and awesome decor - forget that gal who called it tacky. The walls are decorated with brightly colored memorabilia of Mexico: embroidered wall hangings, a velvet painting of an aboriginal Mexican in a bird headdress, you get the idea. This isn't a fancy-schmancy restaurant - it's a solid Mexican joint, and I think the decor is appropriate and fun. I had seafood enchilada and burrito - plenty of food (the refried beans and rice were particularly good) for less than $10. Also, please don't compare a place like this to Anna's or some other fast-food style Mexican place - at Acapulco, you get to sit down and have a few drinks in a quiet, clean, well-kept restaurant - and your food is prepared by the cook, not slopped onto your plate in some cattle-line with a sneeze guard. Proof that good Mexican food can be had outside more popular places like the Sunset, Border Cafe, or Fajitas and Ritas. read more

Whenever I want "sit down fast food" style Mexican, I come here to order ground beef enchiladas which are covered in sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of overcooked and falling apart rice and refried beans that have probably been around for weeks. Then I eat the entire plate like Homer Simpson (can't talk, eating!) and walk home feeling shameful. Long story short, I don't want to see the kitchen and I expect the restaurant would be a great candidate for Kitchen Nightmares. read more

Once again, I go on a Mexican food quest in the Boston area. Once again, I'm disappointed. I believe my exact words after eating my take-out from Acapulco's were, "I think my stomach is turning in on itself." Was it god awful? I guess not. But it looks like catfood on a plate, and that's hard to stomach. I feel like food should be more than one color- not some strange shade of brownish gray. Very unappealing. read more

I ordered take last night from Acapulco Restaurant by default (BBQ Town refuse to take my delivery order at 9:27 pm despite the fact that their menu read 10:pm...either way thats another story) and was rather surprised. Granted, I would not say that Acapulco offers the best Mexican fiesta taste for my buds. However considering price, serving size and convenience (right on Center St) this place deserves a 3 star review. Not to mentioned their fully stacked and variety tequila bar. We had some warming shots of Hornitos tequila while we waited at $7 a pop, they were moderately priced considering the fact these where some lucha libre sized shots! I ordered the Burros En Salsa Roja, basically two enchiladas with red sauce refried beans and rice. These were really tasty with fresh shredded chicken and made to a perfectly soggy texture. The credit card min is $10 so I added a $3.25 Tamal to my order. My add on was the best Tamal I have had in a long time, actually warped in palm leaves, full flavored and grainy...perfection! One warning...my friend Jose ordered the Queso Asado. This was the worse fromage-a-paus ever! It was basically a viscous wad of grease with Bacon Bits suffering from a Chorizo identity crisis. Please do not order the Queso Asado if you are anti-heart attacks! If you're in the JP area and fiending Mexican fare, Acapulco's menu offers a plethora of choices to satisfy your craving. FYI- Our other dinning partner, Holland, confirmed with Acapulco that small chihuahuas are NOT welcome at the restaurant under no circumstances...Not that it would occur to anyone to bring their small dog, but it did to him read more

Awesome quesadillas and friendly service. Great local spot with inexpensive tasty food

No frills. Basic authentic Mexican staples with some American foods thrown in. Affordable and delicioso! Not for the saveur or snob, but if you have a picky eater, they'll find something here, as well as someone who enjoys being more adventurous. Margarita was standard and good. Really happy this is in the neighborhood! Great for groups, families or a very casual dinner for two. Will definitely be back for their amazing enchiladas. read more

Went in after 9:30pm on a Tuesday night. Me and my human partner weren't expecting a lot but the vibe and decor of the place drew us in because it felt very coZy. The service was welcoming and friendly and the food felt like a home cooked meal. It was simple, delicious, and fresh. The tamal was awesome and the avocado with shirmps was excellent. Would recommend! read more

I've been eating at Acapulco for many years and have always been a big fan of the place. Don't believe some of the bad reviews...this is a tasty, authentic, family-run Mexican restaurant. Having visited Texas and SoCal many times, I am very picky when it comes to Mexican food. There are few Mexican restaurants in Boston that do it for me, but this place delivers. The atmosphere feels very relaxed, almost as if you're at a Mexican friend's house. The mariachis on Friday and Saturday nights are a nice touch too. The prices are cheap and the food is quite food and portions are generous. The triple combination platters (combinaciones azteca) are great because they're cheap and let you try 3 different menu items. I've had a wide variety of menu items and the food has always been very authentic, tasty, and consistent. Do yourself a favor an eat here...you won't be disappointed. read more

This isn't Mexican food. The salsa appears to be a mixture of ketchup and tabasco sauce, maybe. The "spicy" salsa verde, is 1) not spicy and 2)tasted like chef boyardee spaghettiO's sauce. The waitress didn't know what a sopapilla was ("a soap, what?") and didn't know there was more than one kind of Jose Cuervo. Iodized salt was used to rim the glass of my margarita. If you don't know why any of these things might be a problem, you might like it there. For those of us familiar with real mexican food.... stay away.... or if you must, get the guacamole or chipotle sauce to dip your chips in (ask if they can serve the chipotle sauce cold)... then order a bean burrito without salsa, order the chipotle sauce on the side, and pour that on. Order beer to drink. read more

Okay, the food isnt the best. The waiters are sometimes slow. But, the owner absolutely rocks. Just go there. You'll see. I think he lives upstairs or something. You have to appreciate someone who has put that much of themselves into their establishment. Watch him walk with an armful of menus. I dare you to not smile. He makes me a special seafood burrito that isn't on the menu. While I am almost positive that everything here comes from a tube, it's affordable, FAST, and if you sit down there you don't have to worry about being hurried out the door. It's no fancy restaurant, and the food is not the best, but if you drown your Mexican food with HOT sauce like I do, who cares? Its all about the texture, the smell, and the fat dude at the door. I like it here. Yo gusto mucho. Bueno. read more

I feel like a 1.5 would be in order, but in the honor of charity, I round to two. My Mom taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all... so this will be as painful for me to write as it will for you to read; Acapulco is 1 block from my house. I have eaten there several (6) times. It has always been some of the worst mexican I have even tried. It's like west coast Tijuana nightmare food. Once they tried to over charge me by a dollar here.. a dollar there... They do have Mariachi on 'busier nights". I haven't been in 3 years. I am afraid to return. Maybe they have gotten better? read more

Acapulco is unpretentious, stick-to-your-ribs Mexican food. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Mexican fare (as well as a number of Americanized Mexican dishes). My food here has always been great and they do a mean carne asada. The salsa and mole sauces are also quite good. The place is run by a very sweet family. Usually, it's just the owner and his young son running the front of the house. So yes, sometimes the services is slow, but the warm, family-run atmosphere more than makes up for it. The wonderful mariachi singers on the weekends only add to the great flavor of this place. read more

I can honestly say that I've never had worse food in a restaurant. I love knock-off Mexican food, and I can usually appreciate anything that involves a tortilla and cheese, but this place was beyond bad. The margarita was clearly made from a mix and tasted like a jolly rancher. The tortilla chips were burnt. Our entrees came out in approximately 5 minutes, an obvious sign that there was some microwave usage in the kitchen. There was a hardened crust on the refried beans, which were also absolutely tasteless. The salsa verde on the enchiladas was clearly made with a lot of cornstarch. The chicken (don't ask me how they achieved this) tasted vaguely like tuna fish. The fried flour tortilla for the chalupa was definitely fried and then reheated in in a microwave -- chewy and not crispy at all. I don't understand how this place is in business. It's actually a shame, a decent sit-down Mexican place in JP could do incredibly well. read more

Let's be up front that their drinks and food are pretty tasty. If you can wait as long as we had to then god speed to you. When you're told that service is slow because another "large" group came before you, it makes some sense, but 60 minutes after ordering our food, with maybe 10 other people in the restaurant raised a red flag. The biggest problem is that the wait staff wouldn't come over to our table while we waited to do things like inform us of the wait, or even refill our waters/take orders for more drinks. Overall the food is good like any restaurants in this chain, but the service is less than desired. Overall, prepare for the extended wait, and you'll be fine. read more