Coyote has been here for ~3 years and we've only been a handful of times. This review is for our latest trip - hubby and I came here one weekend (early Saturday afternoon). [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the second you walk in, it's like you're in Mexico... but in NJ... it shouldn't make sense, but it does. The dining chairs are all handcrafted in Mexico and imported. They're gorgeous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is friendly and greets you right when you walk in. Once seated, you get chips & salsa - 100% homemade and super delicious. We also got 2 Modelos, because when in Rome-xico? For lunch, we decided to share.... - Fresh Guacamole: Incredibly fresh doesn't even begin to describe the intense flavor and brightness of this guacamole. It has the perfect balance of avocado, jalapeño, onion, tomato, cilantro, and lime. - Molcajete: The CROWN freaking JEWEL of this place. Served in a pig-shaped Molcajete (traditional mortar and pestle carved from volcanic rock)... you get skirt steak, chicken, pork chop, mexican sausage, & grilled shrimp... with queso fundido, bell peppers, cactus & jalapeño. On the side, you get rice, beans & tortillas. Yes -- you get all the food. I HIGHLY encourage you to share it - it's that much. BUT... it's SO. FREAKING. GOOD. It was the never-ending meat bowl but it was insanely delectable. You just have to trust me. Try it. You're welcome. read more

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Tried it a second time the first time was lousy but the second time was worse ,,the only thing that was good were the drinks and it's pretty pricey. My husband's dinner was supposed to be grilled chicken fajitas. Instead he got a plate of soup tomato soup whatever that concoction was ,,It was horrible. Mine was cold plate of some kind of chicken enchiladas that were so tiny and cold covered with iceberg lettuce,, very disappointed not your normal Mexican big plate that I'm used to getting somewhere else with refried beans and rice on the side on my dish, I got some cold enchiladas with iceberg lettuce, chopped up on top with some squirted sour cream. Yeah it was pretty bad.. [[HIGHLIGHT]]we were so looking forward to this being a great place because it's really cute,, no more.![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I have driven by this a ton of times and finally stopped in. They give you some great chips and salsa (it wasn't hot so my wife loved it) and I started with a Cadillac Margarita, which was tasty. My wife got the steak quesadillas, which were lovely, and I got the steak and shrimp (combo not on the menu) burritos, wet split with the red and green sauce It was very good. The service was very good, they were attentive, but not too attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Really nice place, that they did a great job designing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

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I've ordered a Chicken Quesadilla from Coyote Cocina Mexicana and unfortunately the meal was very unsatisfactory. The chicken was a little tough and very salty and overall did not agree with my stomach. I was very surprised as I was one of their first customers when they opened and gave them rave reviews. That was several years ago. I am hoping that I just received a bad batch and this is not the norm. read more

I've been driving past this Mexican restaurant for months and today stopped in to give it a try. While we arrived closer to closing time, we were still welcomed with smiles and a nice ambience. The restaurant is small but has a full bar and nice vibe. Decorated appropriately, the meal matched the feel. I ordered a shrimp meal, which was tasty and quite a large portion, it came with a fresh salad, avocado, rice and beans. My date ordered the burrito bowl and enjoyed all the fixings. We both ordered the margarita flight, $20 a pop and included four flavors: original, mango, guava and passion fruit. I particularly enjoyed the original as the fruit flavors were a bit sweet and syrupy. Alex was awesome, attentive and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Give this place a shot! read more

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Food is fresh hot and substantial. The service was good a little slow but tolerable and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the facility is kind of cute though they did it up with the Mexican flare.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You might find them to be a little bit on the high side, but you're paying for what you get 30 years of experience this guy knows what he's doing read more

The best Mexican food in this area. I've tried many things from this place and all are amazing! (Birria tacos, Al Pastor, Guac, Queso, Churros). [[HIGHLIGHT]]Always quick for pick up and it's cute inside so I want to dine in one day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Def recommend this place read more

Came to have dinner here for the first time and it's a nice little restaurant. Very clean and has good music playing. The service was very good and attentive. The food is okay. I was expecting it to have a little more flavor I guess. It wasn't terrible just kind of bland. The queso fundido was really just queso. I also ordered a piña colada which was really good. Overall not a bad stop. Kinda pricey tho. read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Pina Colada - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

The food was super fresh, limes were on point! And we sat a table then wanted to goto the bar and they accommodated us no problem........ I got the birria and my gf got chicken tacos they were both really good and she's a picky eater lol!! Highly recommend! read more

I absolutely suggest this restaurant. Our server Felix was so kind! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is very clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the food was DELICIOUS. Everything was fairly priced and there was a well balanced menu. 10/10 wish I could give more than 5 stars read more

This is a truly amazing place! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is perfect for a family atmosphere or a date night![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was delicious, generous portions. It was so good you can't even put it down. It keeps you wanting more and more even when you are already full! The staff is super friendly and even gave us a shot for our special occasion! We will definitely be back soon! read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Chicken Quesadilla & Chorizo Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

Today was my first time having dinner here and my experience was outstanding. My waiter Ivan was great. As soon as I sat down, he brought me some chips and salsa and I eventually ordered a Piña Colada and a wet burrito with steak. Everything was delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I really liked how casual the atmosphere was and it was clear that the other guests were enjoying themselves too. If you haven't already been here yet, I recommend that you do and I most definitely look forward to coming back. One note of caution, be mindful of where you park in the parking lot. There are several spaces that are exclusively for the vape shop next door. I think the threats of being towed as well as a surveillance camera is quite excessive, but nevertheless it is what it is I suppose. read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Wet burrito with steak - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious food, great services and ambiance the best.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Mango ceviche the best and Margaritas, Sangria , Piña Colada read more

love the pina coladas and the steak tacos. but i do wish they had lengua though. [[HIGHLIGHT]]very fun atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

The food is decent but I will never go there again. This restaurant automatically charges 18% gratuity on every bill over $50. Then after I noticed that a gratuity had been automatically added to my bill, I gave them my card to pay and they returned my card with a second paper that only included the total and ANOTHER LINE TO ADD TIP! I asked the manager where my original bill was since I knew the gratuity was listed on it. They had thrown it out. He printed out a new copy for me but wanted to know why I was upset! I was thinking of the other times I went there and added an extra tip not realizing I had already been charged for tip. Be careful here... read more

The food here is absolutely fantastic--generous portions, incredible flavors, and the kind of quality that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even left. The service was excellent, and the staff clearly know how to create a great dining experience. One note for fellow diners: a 20% gratuity is automatically added to the check, regardless of whether you're dining solo or with a group. It wasn't mentioned by the staff or posted visibly (at least that I noticed), so just keep that in mind when settling your bill. That said, now that I know, I'll definitely be back--just without leaving an extra tip on the table. read more

They add gratuity on the bill and also ask for tip. Takes forever for food to come to you. Food is good for the area but there are better Mexican restaurants. read more

Overpriced and 20% gratuity for 2 people is ridiculous. I had the churassco steak and shrimp, unfortunately the shrimp was overcooked and the steak was not cooked medium. For $36 shrimp and steak with no rice or salad is outrageous. Most Mexican restaurants offer steak with rice and beans with a side of salad. There is no way to be so stingy with portions. My husband ordered a meal with rice and a salad and it was a tiny serving of rice and the salad was shredded lettuce and tomatoes. I won't be going back because of the overpriced menu and the 20% automatic gratuity added on to the check. I tip according to my dining experience and not on a tip a restaurant demands. read more

So yummy! We took food home, very fair portions for the price. Not pictured was the horchata- it was so tasty! My husband is picky but he loved it!! I will definitely be back! read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Steak tacos - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

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Really excited to have authentic Mexican food in Sussex County. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The tortillas for the burrito and enchiladas were light and flaky, and both the chicken and steak were seasoned and cooked well. read more

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Three of us went for an early dinner, 4:45 or so, on a Thursday. Two of us liked our meal, beef tostadas. These were fabulous. However, the negatives earned this place only 3 stars. My other friend ordered the burrito bowl which was "just ok", she said. I've been to many Mexican restaurants and Mexico so maybe I'm going to sound like a snob but the chips and salsa were not good. The chips were super bland, needed salt. We heard the couple at the next table say the same thing. My friend got a mojito and loved it, my other friend got a margarita (didn't qualify for happy hour because it was fruit flavored -strawberry, I think??), also she had to order a shot of tequila to add to it because it tasted like juice. She didn't get another one because of the price of the margarita plus a shot of tequila. I got the margarita flight which was sweet and tasty, but I can't say super alcoholic. The flavors were lime, mango, strawberry, and passion fruit (my favorite). Two other issues we had that will prevent me from going back: it was sooooooooo hot in there we had to move from the first seat by the window and the other seat where we moved was hot too-so hot, in fact, that the two waitresses were fanning themselves with the menus. It was so hot, I ate one tostada and took the rest home to get out of the hot restaurant. We actually left quickly and went across the street to Starbucks where it was cool and spent our money there. They definitely lost drink sales and maybe other food because of the temperature in there. Also, as other reviews say, they add a tip to your bill. We loved our server, he was so nice but I feel a tip is the customer's choice. We do 20% or more always but for 3 people, it shouldn't be added to the bill automatically. To recap, tostadas we're great BUT other good was marginal, expensive food and drinks (especially for the area), tip added to bill, and way too hot. read more

Coyote Cocina Mexicana - Beef tostadas, one eaten already. Nothing comes with them, just a teaspoon of guacamole. - Mexican Near Me - Franklin, New Jersey

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This place is very very good. The menu could be bigger but what they offer for now was great. We had the steak wet burrito - it is HUGE! Extremely flavorful. We also ordered the chicken enchiladas. They were also very good. The only negative thing I would say is they offer you 3 enchiladas of either grilled chicken or cheese. They will not allow you to mix them. Seems pretty petty. What's the difference if you want 2 chicken and 1 cheese?? It's the same price. So that is something they could definitely look to change as not only did we ask - but overheard the table across ask same question The waitress did advise there is an automatic 20% gratuity if your bill is more than 50$ before we even ordered. So overall highly recommend. They will need to get the driveway paved as they will not be able to handle snow removal in the winter with gravel ! read more

Great food and service Nice vibe Good portions Great to have a local Mexican place in the area that seems to be doing well read more

First time here. Very friendly service and delicious food. Very fast, full plate and margaritas were very good. We will be back.

The nachos arrived wrong, with chicken instead of ground beef. It turns out they don't have ground beef but we weren't told that when we ordered. The chips were stale and it was not edible. We sent it back and ordered fajitas, which were delicious. They insisted on charging us for the nachos which is terrible business. It's really hard to mess up nachos and we will not return mostly because they were ungracious. read more

Was very hopeful for this place when it first opened up, but now I can see why it's practically empty during dinner on a weekend. A few things to point out. 1. Do not order the queso fundido. It's more like processed cheese soup than actual melted cheese. They used to give tortillas, but not anymore. You are expected to eat it with chips, but it's so soupy a spoon would be better. 2. They changed their chairs but not the tables. The chairs are now more comfortable to sit in, but the tables are very low. Very uncomfortable to eat on. 3. They add gratuity to your check no matter the size of your party. 4. They clean their tables with Fabuloso, which is great if you're mopping a floor, but the smell is SO incredibly strong and unpleasant to eat with. Additionally, Fabuloso has no disinfecting properties. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The food, ambiance, and service was something worth going back to[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Authentic Mexican food just delicious!!!!

I have been here a few times & have always had a Great Meal ! The food is Excellent. The staff is & attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is colorful, bright & happy ![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I take special notice to the chairs that are firm & easy to get in & out of.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I highly recommend this Restaurant ! read more

Food had good size portions tasted pretty good but we got the margarita flight but the drinks were so sweet and syrupy couldn't finish them didn't taste like there was any alcohol in them and the tip included is ridiculous probably trying to make up for the slow service read more

Fantastic experience. Left with enough for another meal. Drinks were smooth and delicious. Alex took VERY good care of us. The Burito Bowl was very tasty and filling. Glad to see a new business doing well. Not crazy about the tip in the bill , but I guess there are lots of people that poorly tip. Everyone here deserves it. read more

We love it here! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great prices, great atmosphere and nice staff![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Large portions too! We have been here three times now. We will be back again soon! read more

Food, Service and Ambiance great, a little on pricey side...but worth it. Just have to control number of time we visit.

First-time customer -- probably last-time as well. Picked up order, got home, and found that the order was incorrectly filled. Asked for birria tacos with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. I got tacos with beef and cheese. There were supposed to be chips and salsa on the side; charged $5 for it. Nada. The nachos locos was a big pile of chips with some small chunks of chicken sprinkled all over -- that's it. Not worth the price charged. They got the desserts right. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Unfortunately, this order was for a birthday dinner, which (needless to say) brought the atmosphere down a bit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food's good -- not stellar, but not bad. However, just can't trust them to fill an order. read more

Just tried Coyote Cocina Mexican...highly recommend! Food was delicious! The service is quick & courteous. Can't wait to come back again!!

OK...Made a second visit to Coyote and want to update my previous review...let me first list what we had to eat: 1 - Quacamole appetizer (waitress said it was made fresh) taste was very good, portion about typical for most restaurants 2 - Queso appetizer..lacking taste..rather bland 3 - Quesadilla appetizer with chorizo filling....taste was very nice...but very skimpy on the filling 4 - we had three (3) drinks...frozen marguerita, glass of house wine, mixed drink...all were fine NOW, HERE COMES THE SHOCK! The check, including tax was $102.xx...Surprised?. SHOCKED!! After closer scrutiny of the bill we noticed a 20% gratuity had been included. EXCUSE ME! There were only two (2) of us! I've been to Morton's Steakhouse, The Four Seasons, and many, many other top restaurants and NEVER have I seen an automatic gratuity for two people. Six or more, yes! But NEVER for two. And I do not recall any printed notice of this absurd policy. WHAT ARE THEY DOING? Are they hoping people won't notice, and end up double tipping? I'm sorry to say, I can accept many 'start-up' hiccups, but I can't overlook what appears to be an intended misdirection towards the customer. Regardless of the convenience factor, WE WON'T BE BACK! read more

easily one of the best mexican places in north jersey. prices are fair, [[HIGHLIGHT]]small business, cute inside,[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and great food. also, margaritas! honestly what else do you need? read more

The food we received for dinner was small portions & had absolutely no flavor! For Mexican cuisine I expected amazing flavor. My husband & I ordered the enchiladas, my dish was sliced steak with a tiny bowl of beans & a small amount of rice, I had a CAN of soda & my husband had 1 margarita. That's it!!! Our check came to $100.00, oh yes they included 20% tip right onto your check, for 2 people? The dining room felt more like a school cafeteria & there was like 6 employees goofing around dancing in the front of the restaurant, the owner was sitting in a chair by the front door the whole time & said nothing to them, they were pretty loud. Do better!! read more

Wow! As soon as you walk into this place, it is as if you are stepping into what should expect that family party that stems from the garage to the basement and should be less tables to dance LOL They definitely kept up with the pop Spanish hits and everyone was lovely! Incredibly comfy and cozy as if you are in their home with its design! Now, for the food. Hands down the BEST Birria and Horchata I've had out, Chorizo and steak bowl was also amazing. I cannot believe it isn't Abuela herself cooking in that kitchen!!! Portions are huge and very generous as well so we didn't mind the prices at all lol The menu DOES state that there is a 20% Gratuity charge on orders over $50, I think people fail to remember the place was vandalized and the windows were shattered during the vandalism just before they had the chance to even open up, they are also local and need to make some income. A lot of Spanish food is an ALL DAY process so if you GENUINELY can't afford to tip 20% out.. then just don't go out. Nobody should be complaining of CC Surcharge, everywhere does it and has for decades *Parking lot could be a lot better, we did not need another, smoked shop in Sussex as there are already PLENTY LMAO read more

i had the wet burrito. it was excellent! Staff was helpful and pleasant. I would definitely recommend going. I can't wait to try another meal!!!! read more

Food is authentic and amazing! Excellent portions, great prices and the service is great! Very friendly staff, they really make you feel like they are so glad you are there! Margaritas are spectacular! Can't wait to go back! I would recommend this restaurant, great addition to Franklin NJ. read more