Went in this past Saturday for an early Mother's Day lunch. Seated promptly, ordered frozen margaritas. Given a basket of cold chips and salsa. Drinks came some time later and for the first time in my adult life - I sent mine back. No hint of lime nor tequila. It was like a flavorless snow cone. Food finally came and the food wasn't what we ordered. Close enough. Blandest "authentic Mexican" food you'll ever eat. Service was sporadic, building needs a paint job, but the waitress was nice. Probably won't go back. read more

We have had good experiences with our take out orders. They are a very busy restaurant, given they are really the only Mexican restaurant in Waterville. They are so busy, at times, they do not accept take out orders. We ordered take out and there was a line right to the door waiting to be seated. The tables were full and it was not even 5pm on Saturday. The waiting area is decent, but can get crowded in the front hallways section. The restaurant is a bit dark, in fact, we had a hard time reading the receipt in the waiting area to complete it. Plenting of seating, a lot of booths. Very clean. LOL The staff members were definitely hustling - moving quickly to serve and clear tables and address people getting take out (us). The food tastes fresh and not overly seasoned. I was surprised at how mild, almost dull some of the meats were, with the exception of the delicious chorizo chimichanga. The pulled pork and the chicken, definitely needed the sauces and salsas that come with it. Warning, if you are not fan of cilantro, you may want to ask before ordering, as some of the items have it automatically added and cooked with it. There is plenty of food with every order, including chips and salsa to go. We definitely will be back and hope to have dinner at the restaurant sometime. read more

If you go out with your friends to get drunk, I guess that's the place you would go like any other places that sell booze. They say they have homemade flour tortillas doesn't remind me of Texas. The food is very bland. The proteins are minimal on the plate. I guess this is what Maine calls Mexican food. I should've kept driving down to Augusta. At least I know what I would get. By the way, the menu seems like it's food that's prep for Taco Bell. You can't even get El Pollo Loco. Sorry to be so harsh, but it cost a lot of money. it wasn't worth it. read more

Great atmosphere, service was super friendly & prompt - yet he did not pester, nor did he rush us as we leisurely ate & sipped for nearly 2.5 hrs. The margaritas are large & super strong & delicious!!! An absolute STEAL at only $10. By request he made them w/a tajin rim - yum! The food was fresh, piping hot & delicious also! Very reasonably priced overall. FREE chips w/not only free salsa, but a free jalapeño dip which was AH-MAY-ZING!!! A+, definitely will be back. read more

See all

Got seated and served real quick, always happy about that. Friendly staff in a beautiful cabin style building with Mexican themes. Food was good. Had the ribeye steak fajita platter. It was cooked as ordered and there was a lot of fixings to fill the tortillas. Overall satisfied, will come back. read more

Buen Apetito - 14oz Ribeye Fajita Platter - Mexican Near Me - Waterville, Maine

See all

We came here to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday! It was a hit and everything was delicious. I had their ribeye meal and wow you really get a whole bunch! We loved their tacos and chimys too. Their green salsa was amazing and not something I've seen at other Mexican places, they also had a chipotle salsa my husband enjoyed on his beef tacos. The decor/ music was all a very nice touch and we sat on a round table that felt almost private. They were very accommodating for the entire family! My elderly mother uses a wheel chair and their building was so easy to access which made it all that much better- plus they took this into consideration when getting our table ready. My oldest son brought his youngest with him and the server was so helpful she gave us crayons and paper to help entertain him (not always easy with a three year old). Overall we had a blast, the hostesses were nice the servers went above and beyond. Can't say enough nice things but we will be back. read more

The food is amazingly delicious and huge portions! Have been there several times and have always walked away full with at least 2 more meals! The prices are reasonable and the wait staff are great ! I have never been disappointed going here read more

Eleven people from our independent senior living community--literally next door to Buon Apetito--visited for lunch on Friday, and were greeted by a very empty restaurant. Most everybody was assisted by walkers and there was one wheelchair in our regular "Lunch Bunch" group. We were all nicely accommodated at a single, long table at the back of the restaurant. At that time, we were told that our orders would have to be paid on a single check: COMPANY POLICY we were told. We could not pay individually, as is our normal practice, at other restaurants. The problem for our group is that we use credit & debit cards for payment. Many of us lack cash, checking accounts or alternate means of paying back the person being charged. After 30-minutes of fruitlessly trying to reason with the person in charge, suggesting alternate scenarios--such as moving to more than one table & paying the Group Charge, so individual payments could be made--our group decided to leave. Unfortunately, it was quite clear that the person in charge was more interested in getting rid of us, than trying to find a workable solution. read more

It was our first time at Buen Apetito Excellent service and food, really liked it. Very fresh! My only complaint, let us order a drink while we wait 20 minutes for a table! No drinks allowed while waiting for a table! read more

See all

You can find better Mexican food at Taco Bell for half the price. Service was awful got our own napkins and straws after asking the waitress for them and not receiving them. There was also salsa on our table from the previous customers... I've been told they have strong drinks which you'll probably need to perceive this is "Mexican" food. read more

I was famished after a long week that lasted just under 24 hours in one day-and had a craving for Mexican food while in Waterville...asked an employee at Uncle Deans and this was his recommendation. I went in and the place was hopping on an early Friday night. Filling up fast! I asked if I could be seated at the bar; hostess said of course! Rebecca at the bar sold me on the fresh watermelon margarita. I then sold her on a Tibetan eye chart (explained what it's for) My version for the watermelon margarita has salt on the rim- perfect balance! I had a small plate; one pulled pork taco and one cheese chili relleno. Didn't leave anything for the kitchen crew to scrape off the plate, nor was there much left of the chips and salsa... Looking forward to bringing family and friends! read more

Buen is one of my favorite restaurants in tow! Love the food. Great service. Best margaritas!

I hadn't visited this restaurant in over a year, decided to try it again and was glad I did. My pulled pork burrito was epic, delicious ingredients and massive portions, enough for two meals. Mexican chocolate cake for dessert is a real treat, beautifully made. Only complaint is they are stingy with the guacamole for the cost. read more

we had a group of elderly people and we were very disappointed by the wait staff, they were extremely rude, and would not let us pay individually . extremely disrespected people we will never go back. read more

First time coming here, I had heard good things about it from the college crowd, I was not disappointed. The bar area was very busy early in the afternoon just as they opened. It was very bright and cheerful inside. The waitress was very friendly and attentive. Loved the complimentary fresh chips and salsa that they served. I was a little sad to see so much plastic waste with all condiment coming in plastic lidded container cups. We ordered Grilled Chicken Mango Burrito stuffed with scallions and seasoned chicken grilled with mango, and finished with a creamy curry spread. 11.95 . The creamy curry sauce was soo amazing. I could only finish 1/2 the burrito so I took 1/2 home and asked for extra sauce. It was just as good the next day. We also got the Burrito Grande stuffed with refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and your choice of shredded beef, seasoned chicken, chorizo, or adobada . This was good but it as good as the mango one. Next time I am in town I definitely try the dessert which sounded so good. read more

See all

Oh man! I was really craving Mexican and this hit the spot. Very fresh ingredients and plenty left over for a second meal. The inside is more attractive than the outside. We came fairly early and I was glad we did...the place was still full! It's not that big inside so I imagine there's a wait at peak times. Hubs liked his too. I had the tostadas with black beans and can't wait to have them again tomorrow. read more

Food was really bad service was slow. And I didn't even eat half of my plate . Who puts cheese on tamales . The steak was half fat and gristle and burnt and not the ranchero asada . I wouldn't call that Mexican food. The Mexican coke was warm . My aptizer was good but that was not real chorizo on it . read more

First time for me at Buen Apetito! Margaritas were great had Strawberry and Raspberry. Chips and salsa yum. My nachos were great. Great company as well. Wait staff friendly. Will go again read more

See all

The food was great. Reasonable prices, large servings, & fresh ingredients . The waitress was pleasant and did a wonderful job. The only downside was the margaritas. They tasted like they had way too much sour mix. We tried the classic and strawberry. Neither was good. The next round, we opted for beers. read more

The place has a nice cozy vibe. However, it was pretty cold in there for some reason... maybe just the day we went. The chips and salsas were delicious! The drinks were tasty as well and a good deal imo as you get a lot for the price of one. The main course was not the best I've had (definitely not bad), but it's the best I've had in the area! I would go back for sure, maybe just order something safer haha. The service was good too. There was a wait, but it was busy and I still felt like we got in quickly. The waitress and hostess were kind and great at their jobs!! read more

If you like Mexican and margaritas this place will blow your taste buds! Their steak is the bomb and if you eat it with the chipotle salsa! No words to describe it! read more

We were extremely disappointed with our meals here. I've never left a review but I don't want anyone to be mislead by the four star review. This place is awful! We ordered the three mini chimichangas and a regular chimichanga and they were the same size and the same price. And ground beef in a Mexican restaurant was not an option for anything. How is that? We ordered taquitos and while a good size they were tasteless and soggy. The salsas were terrible so we ordered queso. Apparently this Mexican restaurant doesn't know what queso is. What they gave us was a rue with MIXED VEGETABLES and hardly any or no cheese. It was terrible, tasteless and congealed on our plates. The food was just absolutely horrible. We should have known something was wrong when it smelled like curry when we walked in. The only nice thing I have to say was our waitress and hostess were very sweet. However, our waitress was too busy to refill our drinks and attend to our needs. I have no idea who gave this place four stars but save your money and go to Taco Bell. Anything is better than this place! read more

Disappointed in these folks. I drive into Waterville from up north occasionally for take-out. I've eaten food from Buen Apetito before and have no major complaints with the food. I'm a bit disappointed that they got my order wrong and i of course didn't discover the problem until after driving home and sitting down to eat. They got several things wrong with our order. I wasn't about to drive back to Waterville to return the food order. So i called the restaurant and asked to speak to a manager. I wasn't going to make a huge deal out of the incident, but wanted to let the manager know so that staff could be urged to be more careful in future. I wasn't looking to crucify anyone over a botched up order. Manager wasn't available to they took my name and number. Never got that call back. Disappointed. read more

My daughter and I had a late lunch today at Buen. it was the first time I had been there since you relocate. we had THE BEST experience and the best part was our server. Sara was absolutely amazing! Her personality and attentiveness was something I have never seen in a restaurant setting. Even though I'm low on money, I gave her a great tip. We will be coming back for sure! The food and the margaritas were to die for! I will call ahead the next time we come ensuring Sara will be working! read more

Still the best consistent food in Waterville in my opinion. Buen Apetito no longer has there self-branded hot sauces but they they do offer "Melinda's". Melinda's to most aficionados like myself agree that this Colombian import has among the finest selection of gourmet hot sauces with fantastic flavor and fire. I've written about the specialty Maine-Mex dishes in previous reviews over the years and few folks ever complain, great selection, I still recommend the rellenos here as one choice among many good ones. I don't think I've tried anything I really hated. The chips and several salsa selections always fresh, homemade guacamole was especially good tonight. My friends still rave about the handmade custom margaritas made with fresh lime and Don Julio. I enjoy the always great local beers. I miss Jalapeño flavored "Holly" but the local Skowhegan Bigelow "Chocolate Chili Stout" was awesome. I hope it's still here when I'm back again. Excellent service always, great bar, reasonable prices and the food son bad either. I'll be back :-) read more

See all

This remains my favorite Mexican restaurant in the central Maine area. I know that I can always depend on having the same dish I love. Everything is fresh, flavorful and abundant. My "go tos" are the flautas and beef chimichanga. The beef is perfectly shredded, lightly spiced and delicious. The lettuce and tomatoes are always fresh and I leave with another meal for the next day. The main waitress is wonderful-she even recalls orders from her frequent customers. She's efficient without being intrusive. Ask for the green verde salsa. It's spicy but delish! You can't go wrong if you are looking for fresh, tasty and consistent Mexican food! read more

Buen Apetito - Chicken Flautas - Mexican Near Me - Waterville, Maine

Great food and atmosphere. The margaritas are perfect, and anything you order is delicious. Go early because the restaurant is popular and gets busy. read more

If they have a sign, "we have coconut cake," get the cake. It's delicious. This place is a reliable choice for good-for-Maine Mexican. I'm a fan of their enchiladas and their potato flautas, particularly. read more

A+ almost every time. Only once did I get tacos that were a bit soggy. It was rectified and it hasn't ever happened any other visit. I love the enchiladas, they do a good steak. Really a great place to eat. read more

Excellent, excellent, excellent! This spot has now earned a spot in "favorites" on our GPS. $3 drafts, complimentary chips with salsa and a fantastic green sauce, and the hugest nachos $10 can buy. (Plus they made said nachos with both pulled pork and chorizo on our request!) This place is great to watch a game in the bar. Go for any reason. It's delicious! read more

Buen Apetito - Apple walnut chimi - Mexican Near Me - Waterville, Maine

See all

So good! Margaritas are great. The service was fabulous. There was a bit of a wait, but it was worth it and while we waited, others told us how great it was and they were right. We will definitely be back!! read more

Buen Apetito - Blueberry Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Waterville, Maine

We had a fantastic dinner there with our friends, who were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary! We actually had the rib eye, smothered in onions and Monterreÿ Jack chee! read more

Had another solid meal at this gem this past weekend. Lunch special: chicken tamale, rice and black beans for 6.75. Unlimited chips and house-made salsas. A couple of dos equis. Perfect Saturday. read more

The food is absolutely wonderful. The service is top notch and the ambience is just normal sometimes can be a bit loud due to the high ceilings that carry everyone's voices. But overall is terrific! read more

Hidden away in railroad square this place is a gem!! Every thing I've ever tried on the menu is amazing!!! Can't find anything I don't like here. Staff is amazing, environment is friendly. If you are craving a margarita feel free to stop in! You won't be disappointed. Show up early because on the busy days you may need to wait a while. read more

Next to the theater; dinner, and a date! Their margaritas are on point, and food delicious!

Wonderful food and desserts are good too. Love their Cocoa Loco drink too. Always busy and crowded that's the only down side.

Honestly its the best Mexican cuisine in town. The hard part is waiting for them to open. They are only open a few days a week which seems more detrimental to their revenue and profits but maybe they have a good reason. The chile poblano was the best I've had anywhere. They have amazing chips and salsa. Great location and top notch service makes this gem a must try. read more

Beautiful restairant tucked in corner of this small town in central Maine. Came here based on yelp reviews. Their salsa verde is out of this world!! Strong flavors of cilantro and garlic and smooth texture - almost reminded me of green indian chutney flavors. Ordered potato flautas not knowing what it is. Absolute bomb. Flavorful potato rolled in tortilla which were deep fried and then again loaded with cheese and lettuce tomatoes on top. Warning : any entree here is so generously portioned that you need two persons to finish it. I barely made it half way through. It was perfectly crispy outside but had rich potato filling. Similar to texture of samosa. Great service and they accommodated all request of fresh jalapeño to extra hot sauce. read more

Buen Apetito - Potato flautas !!! Out of this world salsa verde and guacamole. - Mexican Near Me - Waterville, Maine

Gem of a restaurant. The food is amazing and the portions are pretty big. The menu have a great variety and for vegetarian you won't feel left out. I'm a vegetarian and loved the options and the taste. The veg nacho Even when we ordered small it was good enough for the meal itself. The servers are very friendly as well. The drinks are really good. If you like it spicy, order fresh jalapeno with your dish- they are not the supermarket spicy, they are proper spicy. The jalapeno Margarita is one to order read more