Revised Warning about El Arroyo. It was late last night when I wrote it. This is a warning for anyone that considers heading to El Arroyo on Cooper St to eat. We've eaten here several times but the last couple of times we could see it was going down hill. This trip was a nightmare. Sunday was my wife's birthday. This was a special occasion and we invited our daughter and her husband, granddaughter and her husband and our great grand baby. It's not easy to get 4 generations of the same family together. We arrived at 7:00 pm Sunday evening. The place was not busy and the wait staff and other employees outnumbered the patrons. It took almost 15 minutes for someone to arrive with the chips and sauce. Our wait person finally showed up. We gave our drink (non alcoholic) orders. The drinks arrived fairly quick and our order was taken. After ordering I asked the wait person to go ahead and bring some tortillas and butter for the table. She acknowledged. After over 30 minutes I finally had to go ask the wait person to please bring the tortillas. We didn't want them delivered with the meal. The meal should have already been delivered by this time. The tortillas were brought to the table but without the butter and were cold. One of my daughters went and found butter. Almost an hour had passed since we placed our order. When it came they didn't have 3 of the meals. The meals they did bring were not even hot. It is now passed 8:00 pm and 3 of us are still waiting for our meal. They brought those out and 2 of the 3 were made incorrectly and were tepid. I asked for the manager. It took over 10 minutes for the worst manager I've ever seen in a restaurant to come to the table. I wasn't looking for anything at this point but wanted to let him know. He walked off. He said the waitress was new but said the restaurant was responsible. After everyone started eating (I sent mine back because none of what I ordered was correct) we all just looked at each other. I asked to see the manager again. He was so arrogant in front of my family that none of us could believe it. One of my son in laws is a chef in a prestigious restaurant in Fort Worth. I myself grew up with a family owned seafood restaurant in Dallas. All the food was like warm or not made right. I still didn't have mine. They finally made it again and I told them I didn't want it. Only two of the six of us could eat our meal and that was only because they were so hungry they had to eat something. The incompetent manager WHO WOULD NOT PROVIDE HIS CARD OR HIS NAME offered 50% off. I offered him 30%. He said 50 was it. He could see the uneaten meals on the table. He said the bill was a 100.00 and he'd cut it to 60.00. I said that's not 50%. I left 30.00 on the table and he said he was calling the police. We got up and waited outside for the police. My wife however, stayed inside the restaurant and asked them to ring up the bill for us. This manager told them to add drinks to the bill. No one in our party ordered a drink during dinner and what we did order was on the original bill. My wife told the manager no other drinks were ordered. When the new and expanded bill was delivered the manager had added extra drinks on it. Oh My God! When the police arrived, the manager, our wait person and another lady came out. I explained to the officer the situation. She said the law says if we order it we have to pay for it or go to jail. It's a service and she didn't have a clue as to the Occupational Codes or Consumer Rights but I wasn't about to go to jail for 30.00 and the horrible treatment received. During this time the manager and the other two people couldn't even decide if our bill was 100.00, 113.00 or 130.00.00. The police said I could go to corporate. The only address affiliated with El Arroyo is the restaurant location. This is a warning to choose one of the other great Mexican Food Restaurants in our area. Adding insult to injury were several employees laughing at us. We weren't there for anything but to celebrate my wife's birthday with our family. I am a disabled veteran who served during the Vietnam War. This treatment was almost on par (not quite) with how those of us who served in Vietnam were treated upon our return to the United States. This manager of El Arroyo is the worst example of anyone in the food service industry and he teaches the younger people that work there that it's okay to treat customers with disrespect and that it's okay to incorrectly take an order and deliver food that's not heated, is okay. That's all. No response is required but heed this warning if your going there. They've completely lost whatever they once had. read more

We throughly enjoy coming every Wednesday for lunch and drinking margaritas. Love kelly, shes the beat Thank you. read more

El Arroyo - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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I use to love this place, especially since I live close, and love the patio. Today, when we got our bill, they had tacked on the tip for 2 people. I don't mind giving a good tip, but this waitress was not good. We received our food, and we needed more salsa because they give such a little amount in these little bowls. Plus I wanted to ask for 2 waters. We finally got it half way thru our lunch. I don't mind giving a good tip, but not when it's not good service. Plus they add a CC charge if you use your credit card. They show another amount if you are paying with cash. 47.00 for lunch. Not going back!!! read more

Good food, fresh chips and salsa .. portion size is misleading and a little overpriced for what you get. I would come back I suppose but I wasn't overly impressed. I tried to imply maybe a small Discount but the teenage manager just looked at me with a "deer in the headlight" look and didn't get even as much as a free churro.. This could be a 4 stat place with some better management and few adjustments. read more

Terrible service. 9 servers walked by without even acknowledging us. There was only one other table seated in the restaurant too. We took our business elsewhere. Too many other choices to waste my time and hard earned wages here. It's a shame I can't give a review on their food or margaritas read more

Worst service! Manager is clueless and has little respect for customers or quality of service and food. Too many other good Mexican restaurants in Arlington to waste your money at this place read more

Food was okay nothing exciting. Items weren't as authentic as we hoped. For example, al pastor tacos, the pineapple and onion wasn't cooked and pork meat had basic seasoning. Likely won't be returning here. read more

It has been a while since we visited this restaurant. As before, the quality of the food was very good; a good value for your buck. The reason I down graded the restaurant is a menu is not provided. Instead you are given a card with a QR code on it. Obviously, you scan the thing to get to the menu. In my opinion this is a major drawback. I'm sure the lack of a menu is a hold over from the covid days. I sanitation was still an issue,, then why provide a card with the QR code? The lack of a menu smacks of being cheap and a major disservice to the patron. One other distraction was the "CC" (convenience) charge when I used my debit card. There are too many Mexican restaurants in Arlington to institute superfluous policies. We won't return. read more

Amazing atmosphere! The outside seating is just as big as the inside and when the weather is nice you can usually catch a band playing on the weekends. My grandma has celebrated her 93rd and 94th birthday where and the margaritas keep her coming back. Can't go wrong with the nachos. They are very good with larger parties. Even if you don't go in, just drive by and read the funny messages on their signs :) read more

This was my first time going to this restaurant and it will be my last!!! First thing we sat there for at least twenty minutes or more before anyone ever even came to the table to get our drink order. Then tries to make-up some excuse why she took so long. Then all our food was cold and I had a bone in my chicken flautas and none of the chicken tasted like chicken it tasted like beef. We had to wait constantly for our drinks to be filled. So no I wouldn't recommend the restaurant to anyone at all!! read more

El Arroyo - Shrimp Diablo - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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The food was really good and the best Yelp voucher I've had - that's because I love shrimp and the deal was a free shrimp diablo - in photo. The mushroom and spinach burrito was delicious too. However service was not good, took 15 minutes for someone to come to our table after seating us. read more

El Arroyo - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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This place left me with a bag of mixed feelings. The food was fine but needed to be put on hot plates to keep it warm longer. The staff seemed like they were all hired 2 weeks ago because they didn't have any knowledge about certain drinks and some of the specials. The place looked like a diner but had Mexican food. I probably won't go back again but then again I didn't pick the restaurant so I probably wouldn't have gone anyway. read more

El Arroyo - About to have some great Father's Day food! - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

I should start by saying that I have lived in San Antonio and one has to go to great lengths to impress me with quality Mexican food. Truthfully, I don't see what all the fuss is about. The food is ok, I suppose. The only real disappointment was the queso. It was no different than what could be poured from a can. Otherwise, for Americanized Tex-Mex, it was passable. The issue, at least for us, was the staffing and service. Sunday, 2:30 PM, and as would be expected, only about half the tables (or less) were occupied. We were seated at a table near the host podium. In this or any similar Mexican restaurant, take drink orders and make with the chips and salsa, and most people are good to peruse the menu for a bit. However, we waited for these for slightly under ten minutes. This may seem like a short time, but in restaurant minutes, it is a lifetime to the patrons. I understand that, on a Sunday, sufficient staffing was on hand to prepare for the dinner crowd, which would be there in a couple of short hours, but there was a LOT of standing around, by the staff. Does it take three or four (up to five) people to man the host podium? Maybe it's my military past, but you should never let customers (public, commanding officers) see you acting like you have nothing to do. I surmise that our server must have been very new. She was super sweet, but she had the coordination and memory of a stroke patient. I know that sounds mean (and I am not trying to be), but it was an event. I really tried not watching as she made our "table-side" guacamole. Out of an order of four drinks: three waters and a tea, she couldn't remember who ordered the tea. There were, also, a few dishes and flatware that hit the floor when clearing some things form the table. A final note: There is a table near a closet at the front of the store. It appeared to hold extra bar supplies. Guess at which table we were seated. Now, guess how many times the closet had to be accessed (ok, it's two), by the MOD, who explained, "I hardly ever have to go in here.". He was polite and apologetic about it, though. So, honestly, there are restaurants that, if disappointed, I will either give a second chance or never again set foot in. For El Arroyo, I commit to giving another chance. I'm nothing if not a risk taker. read more

Came 2:15, had to stop a waiter at 2:30 to fibd out who my wait staff was. Maybe 10 people on patio. Ordered enchildas no queso or cheese on anything. 2:42.... 1st time order shows up with queso sauce on enchiladas. 2:50...2nd time order comes with nothing on enchiladas, but cheese on beans. 2:58......finally got chili sauce and beans on the side. By this time food on plate totally cold from waiting. read more

Walked in to a very light crowd Sunday afternoon. Four or five high school girls, I mean hostesses, just talked and talked having a grand ol' time. As my wife and I approached, the blonde cheerleader type, (I mean the head gossiper,) stared at us as we got closer and closer to the podium. Not that she nor any of her cabbage patch allies greeted us, but she or another Gilmore girl asked how many. Blondie led us to a spot and away she went. My wife ordered an enchilada with chili on it and it was great - except they forgot the chili. My wife then asked for a side of it and that worked out. I ordered the ceviche and that was really good - but don't serve saltine crackers - serve a cracker that's more suited for the dish. The waitress was very friendly when we could find her. When we left, the gaggle of gigglers were still hovering over each other talking about things such as strawberry lip gloss, no doubt. No "thanks for coming" or "hope to see you soon" or any indication we were even there. read more

One the worst Mexican Food restaurants I have been too in Arlington, Tx. From quality of food, margaritas, and service. Waist of money and time. Not recommended. read more

Great ugh the out with friends. Shrimp Diablo, yummmm. Haven't had a swirl in a year, great to be back.

This place is my absolute favorite. I've been here 1 million times. The margaritas literally cannot be beat. They are huge, they are cheap, they come in all the flavors, and they will knock you off your ass. The patio is so beautiful and fun ..especially on a weekend when they have live music. The enchiladas are out of this world. The salsa is so fresh and delicious especially with the big chunks of onion. There have only been a couple times where I've had to wait for a table and only one instance where the wait was too long. They even make their own tortillas and they are so amazing. Make sure you check out the patio which is also heated during the winter. It's the best patio in Arlington. read more

Food, Margaritas Service....Awesome!!! Love this place... Service..Food..Drinks..Ambiance...always on point read more

We come here every Wednesday time enjoy our friends and drinks Kelli is our server and she is such a joy every time. We absolutely love her. Thank you read more

El Arroyo - Happy birthday Derrell - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Tina was a great server so nice and friendly!!! The food is always great We'll definitely be back. read more

We love place!! Tonight we had Tina, as our waitress. She was amazing!!! She kept our drinks filled and the chips and hot sauce coming. We definitely go back and ask for her area!!!! read more

I used to love coming here but they are not covid conscious whatsoever. None of the servers/bartenders/busboys are wearing masks. Which makes me think that the cooks don't either. Shits scary read more

Love the patio here, probably one of the beat in the area! There's usually some kind of band playing later in the week. Really enjoyed the food! The homemade salsa was great, had a little more kick than some other Tex Mex restaurants, which was nice! Absolutely loved the diablo shrimp, HIGHLY recommend getting them if you love a little spice in your life! Only complaint is about the margaritas, which I'm fairly picky about. Even the top shelf margaritas tasted like they were just a sweet & sour base. I suggest looking into upgrading at least the top shelf margs! Other than that, everything from the service, to the atmosphere, to the food was fantastic! We will be back soon! read more

Came here on a Sunday night and it was pretty busy, there was a 10 minute wait but it wasn't too bad. We sat outside and if you've been here before, you'll notice they just got a nice remodel! Service: our server, max?, seemed busy but he was still friendly, able to get our multiple drink orders out and check on us! He also recommend his quac and it was a good. The only negative was he forgot to discount the free Yelp check in appetizer (small shrimp Diablo). So yelpers double check w your server before you pay, I noticed afterwards . Food: they served complimentary chips and salsa at the beginning, the shrimp Diablo was bacon wrapped and reallyy good, the beef fajitas were tender and flavorful and my frozen mango margerita was huge! My cousin also liked her chicken tacos so overall dinner was great. read more

It was so so. The enchiladas were nothing to brag about, pretty much flavorless. Margaritas and guacamole was good. Patrick our server was great which kept us there! Watch out tho, there is a 3% charge for card payments. read more

The food was good all around, fluffy rice, fresh beans, good guacamole, balanced pico de gallo. All three plates were enjoyed. Service was pretty decent, food flew out of the kitchen and was hot. It was 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon and that can be a tricky service period. This visit was a happy experience. Thank you for having it together. read more

We went to this restaurant after a soccer tournament and it was a really great time. We are on the patio and I thought it would be hot but fortunately they have lots of shade and fans with water misters. The patio is huge, it's a really great balance with adult drinking and kids getting to run around and let out energy. I ordered a margarita with patron and it was a thirst quencher for sure! The food was delicious and flavorful. I ordered queso with ground beef and sour cream and also flautas. Excellent portion size and good presentation. The servers are great at multi-tasking, I say this because we had about 35 people, kids and adults everywhere and they were able to get everyone's orders put in timely and tabs correct. We will be back! read more

El Arroyo - Part of the outdoor patio - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

I went here because I was waiting for my car to get detailed. I guess they were short staffed because people were walking out upset they haven't been helped and were waiting for a while. I had time to spare so I didn't mind waiting. Because they left my server /bartender got to me sooner and he was quick and friendly. I had chips and salsa which was good but the taco, beans , and rice was a no! Just no! I'd go back to try a margarita and maybe a different item off the menu. I refuse to believe so many people come here and eat bad food. read more

I have tried this place twice due to recommendations and to give it a fair shot. Unfortunately, the food just doesn't do it for me. I am surprised at how they can make such sub-par Mexican food when they are surrounded by multiple family owned Mexican restaurants that are both delicious and much more authentic. read more

Used to love this place, but they've driven off into #theditch. We ventured back and discovered our favorite items are off the menu. Long story short, our omelette had cold, raw, egg in the center, got 1 partial tea refill - and only when a manager type noticed, food wasn't hot, our waiter would vanish for long periods of time, lots of waiters but they were at the back talking - one was shooting selfies of himself, ate my meal without hot sauce, no water refills, took 15 minutes for our waiter to appear so we could get our check, and the final insult - we got a surprise surcharge for using a credit card. Bye bye....... read more

Inattentive service... zero concern about your experience. Management is really dumb, no clue how to run an efficient restaurant in regards to customer satisfaction. read more

Me and my family have been coming here for years now. I grew up in Arlington and let's just say although I'm Hispanic and know real Mexican food this is honestly acceptable haha . I love the fact they incorporated live bands and like six flags have those sprinkler fans when it gets too hot . They have the best friendly staff and management. I love the margaritas nice and big you can't go wrong there because it's 5:00 somewhere always . read more

Not very attentive not very happy waitstaff. The food was good. Top shelf margarita seemed very weak. They could not or would not make a small Margarita read more

Been here several times before. Decided to do a review. Very impressed. The food is always fantastic as well as the drinks. The service is attentive and as we sit they are setting up for the live band. Hot day today but we are here in the evening and the misters are going. Nice feel to it. A flat screen located above the outside fireplace is running a college game. It's not white tablecloth and candle but it's well worth the visit. 01/26/2017 wife and I decided to revisit El Arroyo for some excellent Tex Mex and succulent Margaritas. On this visit the food was still exceptional but our service was horrendous. From the Hostess to our waiter we had horrible service. As we entered the young female hostess greeted us with a whimper of a voice. We absolutely could not hear or understand her. We followed her to where she was gonna seat is but then immediately turned around and left us. We stood there dumbfounded but she came back with menus in her hand. She sat us and then we were greeted by our waiter. We ordered happy hour margaritas and our meals. Our waiter never came back during happy our to offer refills in which we did want but never were offered. The next time we saw our waiter we were given our ticket. This is very unusual for this establishment but I'm very disappointed. I hope it is not a sign of things to come. My original STAR rating was 4 stars but because of service I'm dropping it down a star to 3 stars. Want want good Tex Mex? Give this place a shot. Hopefully your experience will be better than ours on this go around. read more

Been here twice and love this place. Came Saturday night.The place was packed but We didn't have to wait at all to be seated for the two of us. Margaritas are great.! The food is amazing. I had the chipotle chicken, a grilled breast topped with cheese and chipotle sauce, I wished it had more of the sauce on top, I had to pour some of the salsa that was left over from the chips just to get a little spicy flavor in it. My husband had the spinach and mushroom burrito and he loved it also. We will definitely be back to try other dishes read more

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Today we had a party of 21, and we truly appreciate James the new manager and the staff accommodating us so fast. We were able to all hang out on the patio up top, and visit, kids socialize and just have a good time! Been a long time since we've had that great of service here! We liked James! read more

Fast service and friendly staff. The food is the best ive had in the DFW area for text mex. The drinks are good as well the watior had great sugestions. Thank you! read more

If I could give it less than 1 star I would. We drove 30 min today to hear Big Mike perform on the patio on this beautiful day, and once we were seated at a patio table, we waited 15 min without any wait staff coming over, not even to give us water or chips, even though 2 different waitresses looked right at us several times and were waiting on tables very close to us. We decided we had enough of being ignored so left- on the way out, I mentioned to a staff person at the front who looked like a manager why we were leaving, and he didn't even seem to care. Will not be returning here again- will just have to go hear Big Mike play somewhere else. read more

We've been going to el arroyo's for years! It's one of our favorite restaurants, and they've never let us down! Food is delicious and the employees are wonderful. read more