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    El Centinela

    3.6 (74 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order El Centinela Takeout or Delivery

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    EL CENTINELA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Centinela

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    Tara B.

    Three stars is pretty generous for the experience we had. No issues with our server at all. The issue is the food being super bland. Started off with chips and salsa, pretty standard. Appreciated the warmth of the chips and the salsa was decent. I also ordered bean dip. This is one of those that should be pretty standard, I mean it's only beans. But for whatever reason it tasted like it had some type of burnt unpleasant taste to it. I am taking all of it home with me to see if it's something that could be doctored up, but to be determined. I also ordered the veggie fajitas, minus the cheese and sour cream. The serving size was pretty big which excited me. The vegetables include onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and broccoli. The vegetables lacked a great deal of flavor. It only tasted like it was smoked, but not seasoned. I'm not sure if it's one of those places that relies on the meats and cheeses to provide the flavors for the dishes that they have, but as a vegan it was quite disappointing as the food was very bland. We were in the area and decided to grab some lunch after a business meeting, but I can't say that I would visit them again.

    True story
    Daniele D.

    Was a little frustrated because I felt like the server was not listening. There were only 3 of us at the table. Placed our drink orders and put the wrong drinks down in front of us (I normally wouldn't complain about something this small but I've had stomach surgery and can't have any carbonation). We asked for cheese dip without jalapeños, got jalapeños in it. The reason I gave my review 4 stars though was because my quesadilla was PACKED full of steak. Went to the bathroom and it cracked me up. Instead of removing the broken locks, they just went up the door adding more locks.

    Their "Chile Relleno"
    Spencer T.

    As far as Mexican restaurants go this one is ok but my problem with them is the food took way to long to come out and they don't know what a Chile Relleno is. I spoke with the manager and he was adamant that their recipe was correct regardless of how many pictures of chili rellenos I showed him from a simple google search. He said they called what I showed him a Poblano pepper but that is the name of the pepper not a recipe.

    "Vegetable Salad" a colorful treat. Sauteed veggies (add chicken or meat.)
    Ticia Y.

    I've eaten here on a number of occasions, and I think the only complaint we've ever had is that the entryway is smooshed and cramped if you're trying to get in and then wait for a table. You feel like you're spilling over on top of the folks either eating at the adjacent booth or table, or that you're in the way of other people waiting to pay at the front desk. I've never had any major concerns with the service; some staff is more friendly than others, but overall dining experiences at this El Centinela have always been positive. I've tried to eat as many different dishes off of the rather large menu as I've been able to try, and none have disappointed me. For the other Mexican restaurant options in the surrounding area, this one makes my belly smile the most!

    These are NOT enchiladas suizas...not even close, they are actually enchiladas de mole.

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    1 month ago

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    6 months ago

    Food was great, we were seated quickly and the service was friendly, fast and efficient. We'll be back!

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Our favorite place for Taco Tuesday. Eli is the best waitress and we always request her section.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food and great service. Always prompt with the beverages when you walk in the door.

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Super great food and service. Great attitude and atmosphere. Well running restaurants

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I have never entered any establishment where you are not greeted. Totally ignored trying to pick up an order. Never again

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    This place is extremely busy on weekends. No mask, social distancing in place, tables all spaced closely together.

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Love this place. Food is great and a large menu... something for everyone. Usually a long wait on Friday nights but worth the wait.

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    El Taco Jalisco - 04/03/2026: Lunch Special: 2 Tacos with Rice (Substituted for Beans)

    El Taco Jalisco

    4.5(281 reviews)
    7.3 mi
    $

    Coming from California, this restaurant brings me back home. Food is delicious!! I will be going…read moreback again and again.

    My partner and I stopped by El Taco Jalisco on 04/03/2026 around 12 PM for lunch, and even though…read moreit was a bit busy, we were pleasantly surprised that we were seated immediately--always a great start! I ordered the lunch special with two tacos (pastor & chicken) and swapped the beans for rice. It was my first time trying pastor, and wow--I was genuinely impressed. The meat was tender, juicy, and packed with a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory flavor that really stood out. Definitely a 5/5 for the pastor taco. The chicken taco was decent--well-seasoned, mildly juicy, and satisfying, but not quite as bold or memorable. I'd give that one a 4/5. One thing I really appreciated: the meat didn't have that dry, overcooked texture you sometimes get at other taco spots. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. My partner ordered the carne asada plate (charbroiled fajita steak with pico de gallo, avocado, rice, and tortillas, with beans swapped for extra rice) $15.99. He said the steak was nicely charred, tender, and full of rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. The plate was filling and well-balanced, and he gave it a solid 4/5. Overall, a great lunch spot with fresh ingredients, quick seating, and flavorful food. We'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    El Taco Jalisco
    El Taco Jalisco - Carne asada tacos

    Carne asada tacos

    El Taco Jalisco

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    Cabo's Mexican Grill - Fried snapper

    Cabo's Mexican Grill

    3.1(89 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    My wife and I had dinner at Cabo's on on Spout Spring Road last night and we loved it. We're new to…read morethe area and have been eating at different Mexican restaurants trying to find a good one. We've been mostly disappointed with Mexican restaurants in this south Hall county area, but we finally hit the jackpot at Cabo's. This is hands down the best Mexican restaurant we've tried. Cabo's is a very colorful, clean, and well laid out restaurant, with plenty of room so you don't feel so jammed in. It's also nicely decorated with big bright pictures and paintings. The staff was very friendly and courteous. We've visited some in the area where the staff was downright surly. Our waiter, Hector, did a great job. He brought us drink refills, napkins, extra chips without us having to ask for them. Very attentive! Now for the really important part - the food. It wasn't the typical Tex-Mex we've come to expect. There were no Speedy's, #4's, etc. They actually had some Mexican dishes I've had while traveling on business in Mexico (not tourist food). Plus, the food was delicious. It was prepared well and presented very nicely. Another important part - the Margarita was delicious - and it actually had Tequila in it! Some places serve you a LOT of Margarita mix with as little Tequila as possible. This one was excellent. I understand there is another Cabo's in Buford, so we'll try that one too, but we've finally found a great Mexican restaurant! We'll definitely be back for more good food and uno mas Margarita por favor.

    This place is sold 3.5...We ordered the fajitas. They were tasty on a hot platter and pleasant. The…read moreatmosphere clean and is loud and festive for a Wednesday. The Service was good!! .. BUT ...they didn't tell us.. if you want a side of salsa Verde it's an extra $1. 25 and if you want extra tortillas it's $3. Now there's nothing wrong to charge people, but you need to tell them before you charge them. No surprises!! So..Over All... I like the place and will come back Recommended for sure!! !

    Photos
    Cabo's Mexican Grill - Drink menu

    Drink menu

    Cabo's Mexican Grill - Tacos with steak and chorizo and side of refried beans.

    Tacos with steak and chorizo and side of refried beans.

    Cabo's Mexican Grill - Queso Blanco with Jalapenos

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    Queso Blanco with Jalapenos

    Taco Madre - The food was mid

    Taco Madre

    4.2(64 reviews)
    8.6 mi

    Came here on a Wednesday afternoon with some coworkers, and I'm so glad we did because I honestly…read moredon't know how many good restaurants there are in this area! Before we got there, I thought this was going to be a traditional sit-down restaurant where you get seated and a server comes to take your order, but nope! You order at the counter, then they call your number when your food is ready, and you basically seat yourself. It's more of a self-service setup. I could definitely see it being a little frustrating during a crazy lunch rush, though, especially since they only have one register. I ordered three tacos: carne asada, al pastor, and chorizo. The carne asada and al pastor were both really good the meat was juicy and flavorful. Unfortunately, the chorizo was dry and a little burnt. But to top it all off, they give you three tortilla options: corn, flour, or homemade. Of course, I had to go with the homemade tortillas because where else are you going to find freshly made flour tortillas at a restaurant?! They were definitely worth it! My coworkers ordered the chimichanga, and that was soooo good! You really can't beat it for $9.99, especially since it comes with rice. I'll definitely be back to try some of their other dishes!

    Fast and friendly service, with great tasting and quality tacos. I was visiting the area from out…read moreof state and popped into the plaza where Taco Madre is located. I ordered three tacos à la carte, al pastor style. They have a toppings station with various salsas, radish, jalapeño, cilantro, and limes you can add to your plate yourself. Instead of a fountain drink, I opted for the jamaica which was perfect. Great quick food, and there is plenty of seating if you decide to eat there but I did see a lot of people with to-go orders.

    Photos
    Taco Madre - Lobby

    Lobby

    Taco Madre
    Taco Madre - Entrance

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    Entrance

    El Centinela - mexican - Updated September 2026

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