4.5/5 stars This was the first time at Alvarez Mexican Restaurant. It is fairly small inside with a fairly small parking lot. We were greeted when we entered and found a seat. The waitress brought chips, salsa, menus and took out drink menus. I ordered the Tortilla Soup ($5.99) and my husband ordered the Lunch Special #4 ($5.99) which is Chicken Enchilada Mexicana, Chico Chicken Burrito with Fiesta Rice. The soup was good, filled with tons of chicken with tortillas and topped with cheese and avocado. The Chicken Enchilada Mexicana had chicken inside with a mole sauce on it. I don't care for mole but this one was the best I've had. You could taste the complexity! The Chico Chicken Burrito is a smaller (though, still good size burrito). The Chico Chicken Burrito and Fiesta Rice were both ok for me, though, my husband liked them. Food was more authentic and good. Serving sizes were large and filling. Value (price per serving) is excellent. Service was good. read more

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First visit...in a word "authentic". It was lunchtime...they serve breakfast "all" day...huevos rancheros...here I come! Corn tortillas plz...served with a smile. It was busy...so we were patient to wait...inside is kind of small in the front...there is extra space towards the back. Very pleased with my first visit...the homemade Pappas are the bomb...plenty of parking...Pepsi products...but won't hold that against them...lol Bq. X read more

Ambiance is authentic. Service is always good. Food is always good. Margaritas are better !

My husband I didn't want to go far we were hungry and nothing good near by. Saw this place it was sketchy but hungry so we went here. Chips and salsa was really good! Service was great! Food was alright! He had chicken quesadillas it was not the greatest, I had the pork chimichanga the meat was dry and the fried tortilla was soggy it's suppose to be fried and crispy. read more

Would not recommend the taco shells are Stale & very bland. Salsa is super salty and rice has no flavors. Would not go back

I love this place. I eat here whenever I'm visiting Florida. The food is simple and classic. The staff are delightful. They also understand what a vegetarian is and don't have lard in the refried beans. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Exterior - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

Other plans for dinner didn't work out so we were looking for SOMEPLACE to eat. We saw that Alvarez Mexican Restaurant was crowded so we stopped. The parking lot was full. There was a short line at the door, but we got in quickly. They have indoor and outdoor seating, both were at about 75% capacity. Our waitress said they were busy because it was Fajita Night. $9.99 for steak or chicken or combo fajitas w/refried beans, rice, chips and salsa. Fine!, I'll take it! Service was slow, but not because the waitresses were being lazy, they were just short-handed and overworked. I saw 3 waitresses for about 40 customers. We got our chips and salsa, the chips were bland and salty. My guess they were store/food distributor bought, not made in house. The salsa was weak and bland. The atmosphere was decent, not too loud, but lively enough. My fajitas showed up 20-25 minutes after we ordered and the iron skillet WAS HOT!!! When they advertise SIZZLING fajitas they really deliver! My steak was still sizzling several minutes after arriving at the table! Be careful, I burned my finger on the skillet. The steak was good, nice flavor, not fatty or gristly like I've had in some Mexican restaurants. The tortilla shells were cheap, flour shells that broke easily. Once I dressed the fajitas up with salsa, fresh squoze lime, cheese, lettuce, tomato, they were actually pretty good. A little weak overall in the zest, but decent. The refried beans and rice made a showing, but were nothing special. My bill for the food and a drink was $13.34, can't beat the price. Again, service was slow due to understaffing, but our waitress was friendly and polite and I tipped her well. I'm not sorry we stopped at Alvarez Mexican Restaurant, but I don't think I would go out of my way to eat here again. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Chips and Salsa included with meal. Both kind of weak and bland. Chips too salty. - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

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We spent the day at a nearby park in Palmetto and decided to stop for lunch. Alvarez had a large outdoor patio, which worked well as we are only eating outside. We entered the restaurant wearing masks and were told to take a table anywhere. We made our way outside, and there were about ten or twelve tables set six feet apart. The covered patio was decorated for Christmas with a huge tree. It looked like several tables sat down at the same time, and the server came scrambling out with menus and told everyone she'd be right with them and took a bunch of drink orders. We travel to Mexico a good bit and hoped that the large local Mexican population would offer us fairy authentic food. The really bland salsa had us worried, and the menu seemed to be more Tex/ Cali-Mex. Fortunately, the salsa was the weakest part of the meal. My husband ordered the Enchiladas Mexicana ($9.99) and got two good-sized enchiladas filled with lots of pulled chicken. They were topped with a dark, rich mole sauce and melted cheese. They also came with sides of rice and refried beans. Overall a delicious dish. I originally ordered the Poblano Chicken, and the server came back to tell me there were out. I switched to the Chile Poblano ($11.99). The platter came with the same rice and beans as the other dish, a side of nicely made corn tortillas, and one big batter-dipped poblano pepper. The red sauce and the addition of a chipotle sauce on top were a big step up from the first served salsa. They were fresh, flavorful, and had a great bite. I expected the Chile Poblano to be stuffed with a typical white Oaxaca style cheese. Instead, it had a meaty picadillo, diced potatoes, corn, and peas along with the cheese. It was a really nice surprise, very flavorful and hearty. The food was solid, the service was good, and it was a good value for the price. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Enchiladas Mexicana with Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

The little Mexican kid was straight disrespectful, bumped into the table to PURPOSELY knock over my drink, was straight disrespectful, and had an awful smell. On top of all this monstrosity, my food was soggy, cheese wasn't melted and it looked not edible, I did not end up eating it and left with no tip. Awful experience, DO NOT recommend. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - spit on, nasty food - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

We were famished after spending the day picking up our new motorhome in Tampa Florida. We arrived around 6 PM and made sure that we sat outside. The staff and waitresses were masked and we felt comfortable eating there. It's located in a no frills building on business 41 in Palmetto. Our waitress was lovely and served us warm nacho chips with salsa right away. Dave ordered a Mexican beer, Negra Modelo and i had an ice tea. We didn't even bother to read the menu and ordered the special of the day,fajitas for two for $17.99. We chose the chicken and steak combo which was accompanied by warm flour tortillas, refried beans, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes, sour cream and shredded cheese. Everything was warm and delicious. The meat had plenty of onions and peppers sautéed with it. It was so nice to sit outside on a beautiful evening just before sunset. It made me feel like maybe the world was normal again. We love supporting local businesses wherever we go! read more

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Meh ..... Real middle of the road. The Marguritas were great!! Just got basic meals. Couple combos, Chicken Enchiladas/Taco rice, beans & Taquito/Enchilada etc.. Prices are super inexpensive. You get what you pay for. This was a quick-stop & was pretty cut/dry. Would I head back, prolly not. 2 reasons: #1 I'm not in Palmetto often. #2 I would go back to El Sombrero (See my review) Sum it up, there's allot of choices in Palmetto. Better options‍ read more

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Chips are good...service good. Beef and bean burritos, for starters, have a slice of tasteless American cheese on top, beef and beans lack flavor. Quesadillas have the same cheese, as mentioned above. Margaritas are overly sweet with not much tequila. read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. It's always consistently good & the servers are sweethearts. My favorite is the chicken tortilla soup-very delicious. I usually bring a carton home for later. The cup serving of it is humongous-it's what I can eat as a meal-& I'm a big eater. I can't even imagine how big the bowl of it is. My favorite tortilla is there corn ones. You can tell they're homemade & I could eat them just dipping in the soup. Put some steak, cilantro, onion, cheese in the corn tortillas & you'll be in heaven! Fast service, good prices, delicious food-best Mexican restaurant around. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Steak tacos on flour tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

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Food was delicious, so were the drinks! We were very pleased and surprised to find such a good Mexican restaurant close to our new home. We will be regulars for sure. read more

What a great find. Friendly staff and great outdoor patio but enough about the the surrounding let's talk about the food. We upgraded the chips and salsa to guacamole deep which was fresh and perfectly seasoned. We hoped to have Armadillo Eggs but they were fresh out and Diala proceed to tell us how amazing they were so we said thanks for rubbing it in and she said we would just need to return to try them next time. So we decided get the tortilla soup and opted for the small bowl thinking that it would be the size of a cup. However, it turned out to be a regular size bowl full of fresh ingredients in a chicken stock broth instead of a red broth. We asked to spicy it up and she brought out some of there house made hot sauce. Thank goodness I added a little at a time as this stuff tasted perfectly spicy and instantly opened up all of my sinuses. The chicken was perfect cooked and shredded, the cilantro was crisp and the cheese was perfect. The treasure however was the fresh wedge of Avocados. For the main dish I ordered the fajita chimichanga with double beans and the white cheese sauce. The beans were fresh from scratch and the chimichangas crust was perfectly golden brown and flaky. The shrimp was diced up which made sure each bite was full of flaky crust, shrimp and blanco cheese sauce. Simple. Savory and spicy just they way I like it. We are already planning a trip back and Diala better have some armadillo eggs ready for us next week. read more

Food was good and prices where right. Place could use a little TLC.. buts it's authentic and been around a long time Would definitely come again.. read more

All around bad service. I haven't been to the restaurant in over 10 years. Waitress was asked to wipe down the table when my other party arrived. When I got there afterward, she clearly had an attitude even though i was still polite. I could make better tacos and enchiladas at home! Everything was bland and had no flavor. The cheese sauce they used for dip for the chips tasted like mac n cheese sauce from a can. I've never been to a Mexican restaurant that uses mole sauce on the enchiladas. I couldn't even ask for them to redo my order because they took so long on my lunch break. None of my party will be returning. It also doesn't help when I can understand Spanish, but I just don't speak it. Shame on you! read more

Their tacos are delicious they use great juicy meat for the carne asada surprisingly decent amount of meat too no margaritas tho.. But great stop for a beer n tacos! The girls are are sweet that serve there cute too! read more

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I was looking forward to grabbing a bite here as having lived in Chicago for 22 years, I KNOW good Mexican food. Unfortunately moving down to Florida, I don't have many options anymore. I have to say I did enjoy the food (Chiliquiles) but as a single diner, everything else was TERRIBLE! My one plate took 25 minutes and in that time NO ONE stopped by by table to offer me anymore weak coffee, salsa/chips which were empty! After I got my food, I asked for more weak coffee which I got and then only watched the servers attend to other tables with coffee refills and general just checking in. I never felt so singled out at a Mexican restaurant before. No doubt they won't ever see another single dollar from me as they made an EXCELLENT point of making me feel like they just didn't want me there. read more

The food was awesome great service Lora was so sweet to my kiddos. Ambiance was great we were outdoors felt lovely and breezy. love the results I got from my kids empty plate full tummies. Great place great people and great f read more

Moved here from south Texas about a year ago and had struggled to find a good Mexican breakfast place. I'm glad to say that I found it and everything on the menu is homemade, authentic and delicious.Lunch and breakfast the portions will leave you stuffed! I had the chilaquiles breakfast plate and my son 3 egg tacos on flour tortillas. Cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu! read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Chilaquiles breakfast plate w refried beans and potatoes. - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

Decided to try local, the food was below average, no real flavor or substance. Very disappointed in the burritos and tacos. I asked for extra salsa and chips and got neither. I felt like the service was below Parpar. The ambience was very loud and bold. I would love to leave a higher rating, but the food and the service and the ambience were all below average. read more

I have been going to Alvarez for many years and had good service but today ended that streak. I went in and sat down and 15 minutes later a server FINALLY said I'll be with you soon. 5 more minutes later and still no service ! I got up to leave and the server said I told you I'd be right there ! I replied 20 minutes is too long to wait .... she replied well that table over there has been waiting longer than you meaning they've been waiting over 20 minutes just to be greeted ???? I've been in the service industry for over 40 years and no matter how good your food may be that kind of attitude will not fly ! There are many more independent Mexican restaurants who would like my business and I will be forever taking it elsewhere ! read more

Was driving by at lunch. Nice and inviting. Welcomed upon arriving. Prompt service. Provided the menu as well as telling us about the $5.99 lunch specials. We ordered #1 and #3. Chips and salsa are good. Pepsi products. Staff is continually checking while your order is being prepared. read more

We stumbled across this restaurant and are so happy we did! Here for lunch, they have many lunch specials for $6.99 and $5.99-and more than your run of the mill tacos. Choices of meats (or no meat), choice of 5 sauces (we loved the Mole and the ranchero verde). Friendly staff, friendly clientele, and delicious food. We will be back!! read more

Amazing fork tender pork mole, always has been. I have lived locally, W Bradenton, 20+ years. I have been coming to Alvarez since I moved here. I enjoy the atmosphere, indoor or outdoors. Staff are friendly and helpful. The food is authentic and very on target flavor-wise. I have not experienced difficulties noted in prior reviews. I have eaten at other local mexican restaurants within 15-20 mile radius and have been disappointed, repeatedly. Mostly because "authentic" mexican food gets side stepped with cheaper ingredients (ie. pre-made and/or jar salsa, bagged lettuce and canned frijoles). I have image of Pork Mole with shredded beef hard taco with grilled onions and cheese. My friend had the chicken enchiladas covered with mole sauce (photo not displayed). She was very impressed...The mole tastes like it has been cooking for 6-8hrs. read more

My favorite Mexican restaurant! Chicken fajitas never disappoint and the tortillas are fresh

Salsa was so salty we couldn't eat it. My taco meat was very salty too. I took two bites and was done. My husband ordered 2 Ala carte enchiladas and they charged him for a dinner as they said didn't sell them all carte anymore. We will not go back there as the could care less how customers felt. read more

This place is dirty. The food is horrible. Not authentic in any way. I am surprised the health department doesn't shut this dump down. I don't know how they make a living. Eat at your own risk! Primo Meat Market across the street is excellent. Dollar tacos on Tuesday and Thursday. And they are nice people! read more

I went to Alvarez to for lunch with 3 friends. We all ordered the same thing based on a coworkers recommendation: Delicious chicken tortilla soup. The bowl is HUGE. I will definitely be back! Our server was nice and friendly. Next time I might order just a cup for a lighter lunch. The place is not fancy but it is clean. Bathrooms are clean but tiny. read more

Alvarez Mexican Restaurant - Yummy yummy in my tummy - Mexican Near Me - Palmetto, Florida

I had been wanting to try this place because I drive by it frequently. I have not found any real great Mexican food in my area. Florida doesnt seem to have very good Mexican cuisine oddly. Any way I am sorry to say I will not be returning. Salsa was mashed tomatoes with salt. Too much salt. The chips had a stale oil taste not fresh. They have one margarita and beer or wine which leads me to believe they do not have a liquor license therefore the margarita has no tequila in it! It tasted ok but it was either made with wine or alcohol free. That is a deal killer for any Mexican restaurant for me. I had the hurucan burrito. It was huge but not good. I expected the lettuce, tomato, sour creme and guac to be on top of the hot burrito. It was not. It was all mushed inside together. Mine was chicken and it was not good either. Rice and beans were bland. My daughter had chicken breast with peppers and avocado. The chicken was dry and the corn tortillas were thick and heavy. Service was good. Our waitress was cheerful and nice. The place is old and basic which does not matter to me if the food is outstanding. I only wish it was! They must have something people like because they are still open ..... read more

My all time favorite Mexican restaurant. I actually had my first ever burrito here almost 40 years ago and drive out of my way to relive it. Broad menu but Beef Burrito is my favorite. Casual atmosphere, clean, attentive and friendly service. It was Mexican Food way before us gringo's in Florida had ever experience any "ethnic" fare Another visit, great dinner, burrito and Sangria. Excellent service. A truly authentic Mexican dining experience not to be missed!! read more

I had the best time at this place with my sister and mom. The bbq pork burrito was delicious, the roasted jalapeño garlic enchiladas we also very good and spicy! They make there own tortillas and it's a family owned restaurant! I will be back to eat again! read more

Food is good, but not authentic style. The salsa was delicious so was the flavor of the beef. The atmosphere was poor as well was the attentiveness of the wait staff. I felt like we were not welcome. read more

I've eaten here 2 times before and I remember it being very good. Today? Not so much! Previously the cheese quesadilla was very cheesy and delicious. So big I would take 1/2 home. Today? So little cheese I took 1 tortilla off and folded over the other one hoping that would make it better. It didn't. My partner had enchiladas. There was so little filling they were actually a little flat. Salsa was adequate beat. Serve? What service? Server set our plates down, quickly left and was never seen again. Ambiance? The place needs a good cleaning. It's just dirty looking. Definitely will not go back. read more

Whenever I'm in Palmetto around lunchtime I head over to Alvarez, which had come highly recommended to me by some friends who live in that area. They especially said to go there for tacos, and they were certainly right. Their covered patio is about as safe as you can get during the pandemic. Service is fast and professional, and their prices are pretty low concerning the care they put into their food and the quantity they give you. Many months back I had tried their burritos for lunch but have found that their tacos really stand out so that's what I'd recommend. Someday I'll be up there around dinner time and I'll stop by and try their dinner menu, which also comes highly recommended. A very filling experience, you might say, and very pleasant as well. read more

Road trips from my job had me discover this place by accident. Over past months, I had a few work lunches here with a friend. We did not encounter anything horrific, like some of the other reviews, but understand completely! To summarize: a very tepid "Tex-Mex" menu, with nothing to rejoice over - bland salsa, wimpy refried beans, etc... My Mom made me better, simple, "Tex-Mex" fare when I was a kid in the 70's! With me being familiar with ancho and tomatillos now, I can even make better and more authentic Mex food at home! So a bit disappointing? My Mom and I are 100% non-Latino, and we both regularly cook great Tex-Mex and also real, worthy Mexican fare that make this place see like a sit-down Taco Bell to us? Is this joint geared for the tourist only? Also... Those really shady, rent-by-the-hour or whatever flop-houses behind your restaurant our very scary! I would NEVER come here after dark! Not much more to say then: Lo Siento Mucho y Buena Suerte! read more

The food wasn't that good, I got a supreme Burrito and all it had in it was lettuce and bland beef. My friend ordered carnitas and the gave him what looked like beef stew. I don't think I will eat here again. I gave it 1 star for the service but that's about it. read more

The place has been here numerous years I've been told and it's pretty obvious as this place looks old. It's not bad just old. We got here at one pm and it's not busy. So they're not getting too much of a lunch crowd on a Saturday and that can't be good for the business. The service is friendly and pretty prompt. Didn't wait long for drinks or to take our orders. The food ended up being a little slow. And I've never seen huevos rancheros like this. Sorry the food was terrible for me. The huevos rancheros was like deconstructed or something I don't know. But it was all separate and there was so cheese and it just had no flavor. Salt goes a long way people! My mom would give her food three stars. She got crispy fish tacos. But only three stars doesn't make me want to go back to try them. Yeah not coming back here if I can help it. read more

So there are some bad reviews... a mystery to me. Alvarez is about perfect in every way! There's lots of good Mexican food in Palmetto but only one true Tex Mex !!! This is the real deal....much better than anything I ever had in old San Anton! Love Alvarez for what it is! read more