I must start with the coffee, which was excellent and this is going to sound ridiculous but they serve it in the most adorable mug I have ever seen! I got Huevos Rancheros which was excellent. Amy was my waitress. She was excellent. My food came out promptly and was hot and delicious. read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - El Catrin coffee mug - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

The food is meh--they have THE BEST queso though--and their bar drinks are tasty with generous tequila. Ambiance is great. Service, however, has been very inconsistent. We've had some good-ish and even a few really good experiences, but when it's bad, it's REALLY bad. On our first visit after they opened, the menus were filthy. I was handed one with food on it, asked for another--same issue--and a third--also dirty. I got up and left. After waiting a few months, we returned and became regular-ish customers, even recommending the place, though it was never our favorite. I'm writing this after the worst service we've experienced--twice in 8-9 days. Our waiter (name tag "Irving") didn't listen. We both had to repeat drink orders. We each asked for "no rim," he repeated "no rim," then asked if we wanted salt or sugar on the rim. Again, we said "no rim." I asked if the jalapeños were "very fresh"--meaning spicy. He became oddly hostile, repeating "it's fresh, it's fresh!" so aggressively I couldn't even request it be strained. I said never mind and asked for water; my husband did the same. The waiter stared and said, "So you just want WATER?" We said yes. He walked off. We waited while others were served. No water, no order taken. We flagged someone (not actually a waitress, as we later learned) and simply asked for our water, stating we hadn't been served yet. After more waiting, Irving returned, set down water, and said, "So you have a problem with my service and want to talk to the manager?" We were confused. He repeated, "You complained about my service and want to talk to the manger. You want me to get the manager?" That's not what we said--we only asked for water and noted we hadn't ordered yet. He then argued again about the jalapeños. At that point I said, "I NOW want to see the manager--I didn't before, but now? I do!" He kept arguing and claimed, "Everything is recorded here. The conversation is recorded". He even looked up as if pointing to a device. I said, "Really? Then good! Go get the manager! I want this 'recording' replayed! I want to hear i!" I also told him arguing with customers is bad service. He stood there until I repeated, "Go get the manager! I want to hear the recording". No manager ever came. A waitress named Jermina stepped in, recognized us as regulars, and took over. I told her I'd tip her since she was helping us. She was great, understood the jalapeño request immediately, and provided good service. We eventually ordered drinks, ate, and asked for a to-go cup. Later, we realized the to-go drink was missing. We returned, and they claimed they tossed it because "the ice was melting." That didn't make sense, and no refund was offered. Fine--but don't lie. Also, the earlier person we flagged was not waitstaff and apparently told Irving we complained. We've noticed high staff turnover. While that's common in restaurants, this place seems above average. There are a few good servers, but only maybe 3-4, and we never know when they're working. We've had more bad than good experiences. Aside from queso and margaritas, most menu items are mediocre, and breakfast is outright bad. Orders are often wrong. One jalapeño margarita we took home was so spicy it burned my mouth and throat. A manager once offered to remake it--but only if we came back (we live 20 minutes away). Did I mention the manager never came to our table? My advice: don't dine in unless you're willing to risk poor service. There are better Mexican restaurants in Copperas Cove. We gave this place plenty of chances, but the service is consistently lacking--servers don't listen, and some argue with customers. Two stars: one for queso, one for jalapeño margaritas. UPDATE: just saw the response from the owner. We NEVER were rude, it was actually the other way around as we were being treated rudely by "Irving". Then to receive a message from him within yelp? Seriously? He's got the attitude problem. And since you're willing to back bad customer service on your "team" part, we will never eat at, or recommend, your restaurant again. The manager never showed up, and "Irving" did indeed say the conversation was being recorded. I guess he lied to you and stated he never said that. And his responding to me privately here on yelp just goes to prove you've got a person with a major chip on his shoulder. It's all good! Good luck. I pray your business continues to do well as I would never want to wish anything negative on anyone. I do wish "Irving" would learn from this. Or maybe it's that he is a family member and that is why he feels he can behave that way and why you are backing a liar and person with a major attitude? Yup! I'm going with that! I just brought the star down to one because zero is not an option. Thank you & God bless! read more

Really nice and clean place.. they had booths and long tables to accommodate your party.. bar is nice with a few televisions.. The nachos was ok.. the appetizer we ordered was the chicken wings.. it came with fries.. our main dishes we had the was so good.. be careful if you have little ones cause the plates are very hot.. we tried the Mexican Coke.. it was delicious and not so sweet!! They don't give free refills .. We weren't told that and was surprised to see it on our bill.. The waiter was ok.. He seemed to be in a rush kinda fidgety and awkward.. in all it was good.. read more

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We ate lunch at El Catrina Bar and Grill on a Saturday around 11am. There were lots of empty tables. The menu is huge. Our server was nice. The restaurant was very clean. The service itself was very slow. They do not allow substitutions on the kids meals. No fries for rice in beans if it says rice and beans and vis versa. The food came out at different times, the adults before the kids, which we know can be pretty difficult on the parents. We didn't receive or bar drinks until after the food. The skinny jalapeño margarita was just plain bad. It was beautiful, but that is the only nice thing I can say. The beef fajita nachos were great. As well as the shrimp cocktail. I saw that they had a drive thru. I would absolutely order to go from here again. read more

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Just opened - very busy Food was good - service a bit slow, parking is a bit tight and it has a drive through.. read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

First time eating here. Ordered at the drive thru. Everything was in the bag. Great start! :) The food was good. Sopapillas need work, there suppose to be soft and airey,instead they were hard and flat like a buenelo. Ordered chile Verde, wish it would come in separate containers to avoid the mess. Will be back to try the dine in experience next time. read more

Im from Mexico City, and for a while I have not seen an authentic Mexican restaurant that actually tastes like home. I not often stop to recommend a place, but I must do so this time. This is a good, clean, tasty, and affordable place to get excellent authentic Mexican food. read more

Nice sit-down Mexican restaurant. Child and salsa were tasty and fresh. I ordered the tamale plate. Beans and rice were very tasty and the tamales were home style, large and tasty. Wait staff was friendly and attentive. Overall El Catarin is is a place I'll go back to when I am looking for restaurant style Mexican food. read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

I usually like this restaurant a lot and I will continue to support it, but today's experience was not so great. I ordered a T-bone steak and it was awful! It was a very poor cut of meat. It had a lot of gristle. It was so hard to chew that my teeth are still sore. I'll stick to something else next time. The order was also incorrect, at least according to the menu. I didn't get the pico or the guacamole and the fries that were supposed to come with the steak arrived a lot later. I hope this was just a one off time because usually they are pretty good. read more

I've eaten at this establishment a few times and it's either really good or it's just a step above Taco Bell. The prices are typical of a restaurant in today economy. Their service is great. read more

We call our order in and by the time we get to the restaurant, it's ready to go! Food tastes very good and freshly made. read more

We have been here several times and this was the 1st time the food was warm, tough and the flavor was just not their. We will not be back for awhile. Sometimes its a new cook breaking in so later we will try at a later time. Please work on it!! It dont hurt to taste food before it goes out! Quality keeps customers. read more

Only thing they got right was the beer that came in a bottle and the queso wasn't bad read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - The Carne Asada fries they gave us - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

First time having breakfast. Service is good and prompt. Food is delivered quickly. I had thr Jalisco Omelet with ham. Not good, ham is lunch meat cut up and cheese is not good. The hash browns are the frozen patties. Other dish was the eggs with Chorizo. This was a much better dish. read more

The food and service were amazing!! Absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants some authentic Mexican food!

The food is usually pretty decent. But the management changed recently and the music is different now. It used to be a relaxing environment. It gives me a headache to listen to. read more

There were alot of reviews saying various bad things. We decided to try it anyway. I thought it was great. Typical Tex-Mex food with fast, friendly service. The place is cute and comfy and I loved the queso and quesadillas. read more

I've been to this restaurant twice now, and have had awesome meals both times! The second time I went, my server, Evelyn, was amazing and so sweet. She made sure to ask all of the right questions about mine and my toddler's meals, so the food came out exactly as ordered. She kept my drink full and was quick to clear the plates. She was also very kind to my child, who happened to make a mess. The food is absolutely delicious and reminds me of the tacos I got every weekend in Southern California. Everything about this restaurant, from the environment to the service, is absolutely perfect. Please keep up the good work! PS- I think the people who gave this restaurant bad reviews just wanted something to complain about, as they were just nitpicking. I didn't have a single bad experience either time I've been here. read more

The customer service was good and the price, but the food was not as good as I expected. My son got a cheeseburger and the meat was burn, I got aguaChiles they were not spicy it tasted like shrimp with lime and the cucumbers on it did not have a good tast. We also got beef burrito it was good and the shrimp cocktail was good. read more

The food was great. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. However, the chips were terrible. Too thick and seemed stale. The worst thing of all was they add the tip to the bill, no matter how many are in the party. There were only two of us and they added over $6. Very disappointed. read more

OMG!!! First time here and it's absolutely amazing!!! The food was so deliciosa!! The service was top notch!! Will be returning for date night with my hubby . Gracious! Muy buena! I found my new place to study . read more

Went there this morning got breakfast tacos baconnpieces in tacos not real.bacon couldnt even see them.they so.small 99% of taco was eggs it so dark.in there i couldnt see fibd something my purse not goi g back very disappointed read more

Ambiance was good. Restaurant is clean and bright. Several tables Service was outstanding. Managers checked on us to ensure everything was good Food was good. Ordered Fiesta Burrito and it was delicious. Restaurant is a nice addition to Copperas Cove. I would recommend this restaurant read more

Best menudo in cove! Service was quick and attentive even though it was busy. Music was nice and not too loud either

Great food at reasonable prices. Minimal wait time at the drive through. Haven't been inside yet but it's on my bucket list.

Very expensive and you cannot order off the menu. You have to use the all you can eat option My son only liked about a third of what he got and he ordered a lot!!!!! read more

The food was amazing and came out super quick. The mango mojito was delicious too. The staff was attentive and very friendly. Nothing wrong with our order. The restaurant is really nice as well. Very quiet even though there were a lot of people there. read more

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Would have liked to give 5 stars, but there were just a few small things that I can pick on. The salsa was bland and had that cilantro yuck. The chips were i don't know cheap bagged chips. Thick and overcooked. The sides fir fajitas were cold. I'm going to give a pass because of growing pains, constant staff changes, and everyone wants to come eat at the new place. It was very busy still. Our waitress was great and attentive. O had the tornado burrito and loved it. It was huge, plenty of chicken and chorizo, unlike alot of places it wasn't overloaded with rice and beans. The fajitas for two had all 3 meats. The meat was well seasoned and the shrimp was perfectly cooked. Like I said before the beans and rice were cold. Overall pretty good considering how new the place is. I've been to worse new restaurants and they improved over time. So they will get better. I'm going to go back in a few months and see. I would still go back for that burrito again tomorrow. read more

Was a little busy due to grand opening, our server was great with trying to deal with the rush though and very sweet. Drinks were really good and decently priced. Tequila sunrise was 8.99 and camaleón was 10.99. They don't close until 11 pm which a plus as copperas cove does not have many restaurants that stay open as late. read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - Strawberry Margarita $9.99 - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

I had a terrible experience there. the food was bad, the server was very rude. I'll never go back again

First visit 22Sept25. Nice on the inside. The food looks good on the menu and online, I had the Fiesta burrito with carnitas the taste was good BUT the carnitas were too dry even in a burrito. I asked for a tamale as I wanted to taste it. Well, when I tried it (pork) that was also very dry, the masa was hard to cut with a fork and it was dry. I might go back to try something different not too sure. The service was ok. read more

It's a nice new place, the servers are really great. food is in table fast and amazing drinks. read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

El Catrin was a great place to celebrate Father's Day and my husband's birthday! Our waiter was a super nice young man named Alex. He was very knowledgeable about the menu. And Alex made our celebration special! The restaurant ambiance is new and modern.We had delicious queso. And beef fajitas. The fajitas were very reasonably price for a lot of food. I also like that the manager was helping out wherever he could. We will be back the next time we are in Copperas Cove! read more

This was our second time visiting and the food and service was great. Rasheley was very pleasant and friendly. The atmosphere is very pleasant and music was perfect for conversation. read more

Delicious food, excellent service, and our waiter Irving was very attentive! He recommended dishes based on what we were looking for, very quick and with great charisma! A very good experience :) read more

great service! food was amazing and the margaritas were delicious, the ambiance was incredible, definitely will recommend to others considering the fact i drove an hour with a friend to try it out read more

El Catrin Bar & Grill - drinks and food - Mexican Near Me - Copperas Cove, Texas

This place is definitely the best Mexican food in Copperas Cove, but also has much room for improvement! They did a beautiful job restoring this building and the staff and owners were all around great. We all ordered different fajitas and while the flavor was good, it didn't seem very fresh and the shrimp was pretty dried out. We got the fajitas for 2 and there wasn't a lot of meat for 2 people. Two of the plates were served on fajita platters but none of them were steaming or hot the touch and we prefer our veggies less raw and crunchy. The chicken fajita was served on a regular plate and had a bunch of tomatoes in it and very small chopped chicken. Again, flavor was great, just some things I wasn't used to and not the best I've had, but the potential to be. The chips weren't good and white queso was runny. I'm hoping they change chips. The staff were very attentive and pleasant! We will be back! Looking forward to trying their breakfast! read more

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The food here is delicious, almost makes me not crave Southern California Mexican food so much. It's a little pricey but it's well worth it!! Their shredded beef tacos and tostadas are to die for! They fry their own corn tortillas and not those Taco Bell taco shells that every Mexican restaurant in Texas uses. Service was a little slow but completely understandable for being a newly opened restaurant. El Catrin is my new favorite Mexican restaurant by far!! Great tasty food. Well seasoned! And very friendly staff!! The parking lot is a little tight but all in all this is a great new place, I will definitely be coming back on my birthday, June 7th... Can't wait to try their burritos soon!! read more

This is a great place from delicious Mexican food. I've gotten something different every time and it's all been good. The chips and queso are really great. The service is excellent and very friendly and attentive. We never have waited more than 10 minutes to get our food. Keep up the excellent service and this restaurant will be around for a long time. read more

This is new dining option in Copperas Cove is one of the nicest Mexican restaurants around. It is obvious that a great deal of attention was provided in the design and quality of the finish/furnishings of the place. We usually judge a Mexican restaurant by the fajitas and the chicken fajitas we had here were excellent - not too spicey and very tender with 'just right' tortillas. Prices are in the moderate/reasonable range and the service was friendly and efficient. We went at opening time so no problem with parking or seating availability. This place is definitely on our 'keeper' list. read more