We have been going here for years and the food and service continues to go downhill. Very slow service. Ordered a salad and it came out with no dressing. Margarita was very limey. I had a Michelob Ultra and when I ordered a second one, the waiter said there were no more cold ones. Probably should have stocked when I ordered the first one!! read more

If you don't like El Fenix, then you don't like Tex-Mex. Period. These people invented the stuff. I know I'm dating myself but I go back to thr days they had the two buffets...one in Oak Cliff....one off LBJ in North Dallas. Great food. Great prices. They are not the yuppy trendy place and I suspect the food is the same as when it all started back in 1918. The old timers may have finally sold out but the guy running thr show is the grand son....Mr. McBride The food is as good as ever. The only difference I see coming is more locations! read more

I had high hopes for this restaurant as I have been on a quest to find the best, most authentic Mexican food place in the McKinney area. This restaurant is not it. The food was ok, but the service was horrible. They seem to be severely understaffed, and overworking their current waiters. You can see it on their faces and feel it with their service. I will not be dining here again anytime soon. read more

See all

This was the first time I have been to this restaurant. My first impression was very disappointing. It took over 40 minutes to be seated. After we were seated the waiter took over 15 minutes to take our order. We had to wait another 45 minutes for our food. The only reason our tea glass was refilled because the manager did it. We only seen our waiter again for our ticket. Overall food was decent but the service was horrible. Would not recommend to others unless you like waiting for hours on end. read more

This is my go to Mexican food place, however today was not their best day. Dirty tables everywhere and remained unclean during my entire meal. Waiter friendly but overwhelmed, manager walking around but not supporting the team, could have pitched in vs chatting it up with the help...wish the addison location didn't close, much better run place....pretty sure I am not comfortable Ming back tin the mck net location.... read more

El Fenix - 20 mins next to an unbussed tables, really diculous service - Mexican Near Me - Mckinney, Texas

This place is never packed but there service is continually HORRIBLE AND SLOW. Twice now it has taken over 15 minutes to even have a server acknowledge us. Staff does not know their food or drinks. We ordered burritos and they came out looking like tequitos. Save your money and go somewhere else. read more

Usually a good experience here but last few times have been sub par. Service was very slow, had to wait for 10 minutes after drinks delivered to order food which then took at least 20 to 30 more minutes. Decor is starting to look old and dated. Food was ok, but not anything better than I could have made at home. Chips tasted slightly stale. Been to el fenix many many times but starting to have reservations. read more

I love their salsa! Sometimes it's spicier than others, but generally good flavor. They have decent lunch specials, but the food is worth it. Of the many times I've been here, only one meal has had an issue (they were busy and the plate was under the warmer for far too long). The service is good and the atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming. read more

We used to go here frequently because it was convenient to our home and prices are reasonable. This location used to have prompt service, but over the last few months the service is horrible. Last time we were taken to a booth and we sat there for about 12 minutes no one came to serve us. There were only about 5 tables occupied so they were not busy. We finally just got up and left. Not sure if we will give the place another try or not. read more

The food was very bland, the waiter kept disappearing. Overall not a Place I would recommend or want to return to

The food was really good. The chips alone are amazing. Server was good while he was there. Disappeared for a long time. Never filled the chips or drinks. I wanted something else but he just brought the check like time to go. read more

We stop going to this location after several bad experiences the wait staff has gone down hill the food is not as good as it used to be just overall not pleased with this place at all read more

Great Menu, Service, and value except that we ordered the Fajitas for two and they were so skimpy, what most other restaurants serve for one and they are not served sizzling hot. The sides, pico, quac, sour cream, etc were great, had to fill our tortillas with them because we barely had enough meat for four between the two of us. Love fajitas so yes we feel they are important for a Mexican restaurant. read more

because of staff shortages--- [i hope not because they require employees be vaccinated, as the vaccine is poison and the vaccinated still get the wuhan virus!]---there was only one waiter. but other employees came from behind their desks and served food, graciously. indeed, better service--and we're a family of 8-- than some restaurants with no staff shortages. read more

El Fenix just added a delicious Veggie Enchilada to their menu, with avacado and a nice mix of veggies, cooked perfectly and lots of flavor. I have been waiting for a dish like this for years from El Fenix (besides the boring, typical spinach enchiladas that are hit or miss in most Mexican restaurants.) So happy to see this new item, and REALLY hoping it's here to stay because it's the only dish I go there for now. I also like that it's a dish that doesn't involve meat, which Mexican restaurants need more of. Many people are starting to become more health conscious these days, and we need more veggie options. read more

This is probably one of the BEST El Fenix in the DFW area!! They make you feel like "Familia" just like the Martinez Family used to make us feel! I have lived in Dallas since 1987 and El Fenix had always been my favorite Mexican Food Restaurant, but since the Martinez Family sold in 2008, the feeling of home and familia was missing! Thank God for the McKinney Restaurant! The staff and management go above and beyond to make you feel like one of the family! There food is excellent and their Inca Margaritas are my go to adult beverage! You know your home when they bring out those chips and salsa and that first Inca Margarita! I would like to personally express my gratitude to my amazing server and bartender Roberto, he is the BEST!! He always goes above and beyond with his level of service and his kind heart! I would like to send TEXAS SIZE KUDOS to their manager Leslie, you have really made a difference at this restaurant! Your staff is AMAZING, from the hostess desk to the restaurant and to your awesome chef!! Keep up the great work with your delicious food, drinks and level of service my friends!! I'm so happy to have a restaurant so close to my home that makes me feel like I have never left home!! If I could, I would multiply your stars my amazing friends because you truly deserve them!! Thank you for all that you do and for keeping your restaurant just the way that Mr. and Mrs. Martinez envisioned all of their restaurants to be like! Viva "El Fénix" y el valor de Familia y Amistad!! read more

Very good food. Great service. Leo has been our waiter twice now and he's great. Such a cheerful and nice waiter. The enchiladas with chili sauce are really good. So are the street tacos and pork tacos. Best Mexican restaurant in the area. read more

Awful food, great service. My tamales tasted like canned ravolie, the salsa was flavorless and they didn't have a spicy option. My friends also had awful meals and my son's chicken was pre-formed frozen nuggets. I got suckered into going by the one good review, but never again! The drinks were too expensive and over all I spent way too much for a terriable meal. Boo and gross! They only get one star for the services. if it was possible to give negative stars, I would. read more

Last time I ate there I was severely disappointed with the food. The portions were small and tasted like it came from a can. This has been a couple of years back so hopefully it's much better now. read more

Giving one star because there is no option for zero or negative stars. The management needs to help their staff and the waiters need to have a working knowledge of English. We have frequented this restaurant for many years and the food and service has declined steadily. If you want true El Fenix, make your way to Dallas to the original restaurant where they actually care about food and service read more

My boyfriend and I just went to this restaurant for dinner tonight and it was awful. The service was ok - nothing amazing, though. The food was the worst part. I've never had such bad chips and salsa. I would have preferred to open a bag of Tostitos and a can of Pace. The queso tasted like Velveeta and the chalupa was something I personally could have made better (and I have zero cooking skills). The quesadilla was the only food item not horrendous, and that's only because they covered up their mediocrity with spicy peppers. We will never be returning and seriously regretted coming tonight. read more

Consistency. That's what makes El Fenix successful. The servers are very well trained and make you feel right at home. I've never had to curtail my salsa or drink consumption for fear of running out because the servers are on top of it and that is awesome. The light and crispy chips are unique to El Fenix and almost worth the trip all on their own. The food is always tasty and served piping hot as it should be. I don't think I've ever had anything off the menu that I didn't like. I'm glad to have El Fenix in my work week lunch rotation. I always leave feeling satisfied. read more

One star is being nice. The salsa is nothing special. Tastes like picante sauce. Melted velveeta tastes better than the queso. The refried beans are runny and tasteless. I had hard tacos, the meat was mushy and didn't taste good at all. Won't be back. read more

I was here mid-September, and the server was exceptional! His name was ERIC and he was so thoughtful I was caught off guard. My husband wanted Mexican, but I have goals and decided to bring my own salad and soup. Because my food and I waited for my husband's entree to arrive, Eric came by and offered to heat up my soup for me!!! I was floored and felt so well taken care of. We were only in town for a few days, but we'd be back again if we lived close. read more

We've been going to El Fenix for over a year now, and sadly the service has steadily declined. On our last visit, we were seated quickly, but no one would take our order! After waiting about 15 minutes, someone finally brought chips and salsa and took our drink order. We were ready to order our food, having had plenty of time to peruse the menu, but she informed us that that was not her job, she was just there to get drinks. We waited several more minutes, watching other tables be served - while several employees were just standing around - and waiters avoided us like the plague. Finally, we gave up and left. read more

I love Tex-Mex. Really love it. So when I want tacos and enchiladas I always head to this El Fenix. The service is always top notch for us, chips and salsa are just the best, and we never leave disappointed unless our regular server is off that day. This is one of the very few places I can get fried tacos like my grandmother made. I also love the chicken flautas and nachos. My husband is addicted to their fajita salad. This location is always buzzing yet it's relaxing enough to enjoy a meal. It's one of our favorite places. read more

I asked my local friend to take to try real TexMex and this is where she brought me. I tried the queso, guac, and the veggie enchiladas. It was all okay, more average than anything else. I was generally unimpressed with the quality and flavored. It had nice presentation and attentive staff- but wasn't anything more spectacular than I can find in the panhandle of Florida. I would give it another try, but if I had the same experience probably wouldn't go back again. read more

I am a lover of Mexican food. Been all over the county and Mexico and have said I would never find a Mexican restaurant I didn't like. I proved myself wrong. This might be one of the worst restaurants I've ever been to. I have been here twice now. The first time was mediocre, at best. But I thought, I'll give you another chance to prove you are good. So last night my family ate here, and it was confirmed, the food was awful. I started with the "famous" tortilla soup. Famously bad? It had a very thin watery base that was overpowered with both lemon and lime and little else. It was definitely not what I expected from a bowl of tortilla soup. I would pass on that. I got the El Fenix dinner, which had a little of everything: a taco, 2 cheese enchiladas, and tamales. I give them one star for the taco, it wasnt bad. Though how hard is it to screw up a crunchy taco? The enchiladas and tamales were terrible. It was the sauces. Completely tasteless. One of the enchiladas was covered in queso which tasted like that fake jalapeno cheese you get out of the can that they serve over nachos at the movies. The second was covered in chili, again, tasted much like it came from a can of hormel chili, but imagine if hormel didn't put any salt in it. The tamales were very greasy, so much so, that I just couldn't eat them. I left more than half my food on the plate (and I'm usually part of the clean plate club). I was incredibly disappointed by this place. I will never go again, and would recommend you also look elsewhere. I am a lover of food. I rarely give bad reviews, but felt so strongly about this, that I had to comment. Buyer beware! read more

Their tortilla soup is incredible. Great service. Only drawback is the fajitas. Too much onion and pepper... more meat please! Greatest sour cream chicken enchiladas around. No wonder they've been in business so long! We will be back! read more

Rojilio/Roger is an awesome server. Please, ask for him. The food was excellent and we never saw the bottom of our tea glasses. Roger was kind and more than polite. read more

Tasty, reasonably priced, quick service and good atmosphere. I enjoyed chicken enchiladas with a verde sauce - delish!

Service was great. Food was better than average. I'll definitely go back again if I'm ever in town.

The best part of this place is the chips. They have the best chips so far for any of the Mexican restaurant. It is deep fried and tasty. Not great for health but good snack once in a while. As for the food, not much different from the other Mexican restaurant I have been. read more

I love El Fenix! When I first moved here 4 years ago from Chicago I asked where to get good Mexican food. A lot of people said that El Fenix was not good so we didn't go there until recently. I love it. The wait staff is incredible. The food is also really good. The thing I would die for is the Lemon Icebox Pie. I think this is the best dessert I have ever tasted! If you don't even like Mexican or El Fenix, get the pie! You won't regret it! read more

I'm from New Mexico, and to find a place you can order Sopapillas with Honey for an appetizer is worth going too in my book! A few time's they have been just this side of burned...and they were still good and we still scarfed them down. about my El Felix is one of my favorite, favorite places to eat. If you want something fancy...go somewhere else. If you just want good food and a relaxing place to sit and visit with friends when you eat...this is the place. They have the best Sour Cream Enchiladas...their steak is to die for, and the Chile Relleno is so, so good. The best thing is the big, yummy margaritas. The only thing I've had that I did not even remotely like was the Tortilla Soup. One tip is you should tell them to only bring you one bowl of chips & salsa, because the first time we went there I almost overdosed! I have yet to meet anyone that works there, who hasn't had a big smile on their face the whole time they are serving you. And that makes the experience just that much better. read more

So the queso for starters has absolutely no flavor it's like some sort of almost cheese flavor jelly the tamales are definitely not good as well as the beef taco the beef is some sort of meat paste which in my opinion taco bells meat paste taste slightly better and the rice definitely isn't what mama used to make. The good is they have the best chips and salsa. The chips are very crispy light and airy and the salsa always tastes fresh and I absolutely love the cheese enchiladas they are very authentic with the fresh onions on top and all I'm not a very big bean eater but I mixed in a little pico de Gallo and they were ok . read more

We had a surprise 30th birthday party for our daughter there last night. There were 37 adults and 9 kids there. The food was good and the service was outstanding! Everyone ordered off of the menu - the drinks and food were all brought out together just as it was ordered! Our severs, Acosta & Roberto, were absolutely wonderful! They did an amazing job keeping up with everyone and everything going on, and they were pleasant and fun to have there! Highly recommend this restauarant, and Acosta and Roberto!!! read more

This was horrible as hell tacos had a horrible aftertaste and there was a hair in my food I told the waiter and he changed it out and there was no hair there is 2 cockroaches under my feet I had to leave read more

Average tex mex. As other reviews said the cheese enchiladas were better than most, the chicken and beef were just ok. Rice and beans are never very good, this was no exception. The supreme fajitas were bland and lacked seasoning. The salsa was not bad. The service was ok. Overall it was all just ok. read more

Yum. Try the brisket. Kids and I vote 2nd favorite Mexican restaurant in Mckinney area.go only if you like Tex mex. Skip salsa instead enjoy the guacamole. read more