Very friendly staff and great service. Food is excellent and affordable. Stop by for a good lunch or dinner.

Service was excellent! The food came out very quickly and was fresh and hot. Wonderful atmosphere! Some of the best Mexican food I've had in a while. read more

El Idolo - Chicken chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Bartlett, Tennessee

This is our favorite place to eat. Everyone is nice and friendly and the food is amazing! The tamales are to die for! I've never eaten anything here that I didn't love. Their margaritas are so good. read more

I am a Texan. I grew up with this food, both real Mexican & Tex-Mex. I love both when you can find the real thing. Almost every place I have tried here in TN. is the same. Seems like the names change but the food is always the same, disappointing. My wife is from Peru & fell in love with Mexican food when she arrived in Texas & knows it well. Our days of having to cook when we want Mexican or Tex-Mex are over! Thank god because most of it is very labor intensive. We ate there on Sunday afternoon 06/28/2015 & my only regret is that I do not remember our waitresses name. Like Jason B. I had the Molcajete el Idolo & he was spot on. My wife had the Puerco Verde & it too was great. Now if they add horchata & some other Mexican bebidas it would be perfect! We have found a new home. Maybe we will run into Jason B. as we are looking at a house on South Main in Brighton. Chris & Marite' M. read more

It seems that there is a new Mexican Restaurant opening somewhere in and around Memphis at least once a month and here on the edge of Bartlett is the newest one. This building most recently housed Bruno's and a few years ago was home to the long standing Pig & Whistle. I've been to El Idolo four times now and have been impressed each time. We've done lunch as well as dinner and they're doing things right no matter what time you visit. The salsa is very fresh and has a nice amount of cilantro and spice. The chip are your typical thin "Restaurant Style " but are very good. My first visit I had Carnita's and it was close to the best I've had. It was a large portion of moist tender pork roast seasoned just right. I was also surprised with how well cooked and seasoned the refried beans were and they complimented the Carnita's very well. On one visit I had the Shrimp Quesadilla and was blown away at just how good it was. They use a very good chorizo that would have made a great quesadilla by itself. So far everyone I've been here with has enjoyed their meals as well. El Idolo offers good variety, good value and lots of flavor. The service has been friendly and consistent. This place is worth a visit or four. read more

Perhaps the other Yelpers providing better reviews of El Idolo had a better experience than I did. I stopped in last night and ordered Fajitas Jalisco for 2 to go, with a side of queso dip. When we started eating the fajitas, there was a noticeable absence of taste, however. I think they forgot to use the dry fajita seasoning or liquid fajita season mix on our batch. Really, I kept tasting around the plate to try to get some more flavor, but could not find any. Also, even though it was a dinner for 2, there was only 1 small container of salsa for 1 person. read more

Holy guacamole, Batman! This place is yummy!! I really wanted good chicken fajitas on my lunch break and decided to try El Idolo based on the reviews and I was surprised at the amount of food in the to go bag. Spent around $10 and it was well worth the money. The tortilla chips are typical Mexican restaurant type, the salsa was good, but a tad salty. The chicken and veggies tasted great, seasoned nicely, good and seared from the skillet. Nice proportion of onions, peppers, tomatoes and meat. (I hate when there's too much onions/peppers and too little meat because their cutting costs) I was only able to eat half of the portion and wanted to take a pic, but once I took a bite I didn't want to stop to get my phone, lol. The pico de gallo had fresh diced jalapeños and fresh cilantro. There was seasoning on it, which was good, but seemed to be another place for added salt. I'm planning on coming back to try the margaritas and explore more of the menu options. read more

Not good suppose to be fajitas nacho but not at all like it chips were burnt and soggy and it tasted reheated for this to have just came off grill it wasn't hot read more

El Idolo - Mexican Near Me - Bartlett, Tennessee

Great drinks...top shelf margaritas. The food was a pass. It was okay. Nothing notable. Food was not well seasoned, it tasted almost like canned chicken. I had an appetizer sampler. The drinks were great though and that was what I wanted. Any margaritas!!! (5 stars just for the drinks) read more

This restaurant was very impressive from the moment I walked through the door. The whole staff was on point. We were promptly greeted our drinks were never allowed to become completely empty. The server had a very good knowledge of the menu and even brought us some samples of other things we may like. The hot salsa was spicy but delicious. My wife got a quesadilla and it was large. The children's menu is diverse with pictures. I got the molcajete el idolo. This thing is huge. Enough to possibly feed 3. It was delicious. It comes in a sizzling bowl shaped like an Aztec animal. I'm a large man and had to take the rest home. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be returning. read more

We came here for the first time for National Margarita Day. The frozen margaritas were really good. The chips are good, but the salsa tasted a little overly-tomatoey for my preferences. (I still liked it, though, and ate a lot.) I ordered the chili Colorado (delicious, although I usually prefer my gravy spicier), my husband ordered a steak chimichanga. He says it was pretty good. We will definitely be back to try more food, and drink more margs!!! read more

Always great food, good prices, and friendly staff! We eat here quite a bit and have never had a bad experience. Also have a few menu items that you won't find at other Mexican restaurants... read more

Popped in for lunch while rain and sleet were falling outside and had one of the best Mexican meals we've had in a long, long time! We ordered the Chimichangas and the Quesadilla Rellena and they were phenomenal! The salsa was delicious, their produce was super impressive for any season, even more so for early, icy March! Even called to see if they were open in the snow amd ice, ready to go again. read more

This restaurant stands out among other Mexican restaurants in Bartlett. There are so many selections of appetizers that can be whole meals. There are combo dinners. I even saw steak on the menu. The salsa and chips there are super. The chips are light and crisp. The salsa is thick and mild. We had nachos with pulled chicken and ground beef. Their lettuce and tomatoes were fresh. The service was outstanding. We definitely plan to repeat this experience. read more

very typical Mexican food ---nothing special service was very slow and inattentive read more

Best Mexican food I have every put in my mouth. I had the Caldon de Cameron (shrip soup) and a shrimp quesadilla. The soup came in a bowl as big as your head. I especially liked that there was seasoning IN the shrimp apart from just the flavor of the soup. It had yummy, fresh veggies (carrots, onion, broccoli, and cauliflower), in a tomato-based broth. So good! I made 3 meals out of that soup. The chips were just the right thickness and crispiness. The salsa was fresh, and the green tomatillo sauce was to die for. It came heated in a big bowl with a spoon. It had just enough kick. I added it to my cheese dip. Truly the best Mexican food I have had in a long time. Wait staff were very friendly and fast in serving. They are working out some kinks with the new credit card machine, but hey, it's their first whole week of business. Episodes of La Rosa de Guadalupe on the big screen added to the lunch ambience. I will definitely be back. La mejór de la ciudád! read more

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Our favorite Mexican Restaurant near home. My son requests to go here all the time. Pork verde is the best! So is their guacamole.

The staff was super friendly. The atmosphere intimate. The top shelf Margarita was some powerful stuff. The mix was good and smooth, so you don't realize the booze hit you until you try standing up from the table. The portions were generous, but not overwhelming to the point you're asking for a takeout box before trying to tackle the meal, which hit the spot. I wish the restaurant had a bigger sign, because if you're not familiar with the area, you might miss them. Next time, we shall indulge in their desserts. Yum! read more

I think I've been to every restaurant this building has housed. But I'm so glad this building is now El Idolo! Wow. The food is GREAT! I always get the fajitas, mostly because they are so great. Maybe next time I'll build my own combo, simply because I can. I love that I can do that. They have a solid menu. The food tastes fresh. The sweet tea is even wonderful. My husband and I have been here several times now and every time is just as good as the first. My only drawback here is their cheese dip is a little thick. If that's my only complaint then I think I'll keep coming back! read more

We ordered shrimp quesadillas and margaritas and for dessert we had fried ice cream and some type of fried burrito with a banana inside. This is definitely the best place I have ever eaten and great prices. read more

4.5 star place this is not. Straight up american style Mexican place. Pretty basic menu. Chops and salsa were good. Food can't out in a flash. A bit tight and cluttered inside. Service was fine. Food was ok but nothing standout for the style. I wouldn't complain if someone wanted to come here but I doubt we will come back. read more

The only cons to this place were our server taking a while to take our order (however, I think he was the only one ringing people up at the door) and there not being a liquor menu. The food was good and very filling, and as previous reviews have stated, they don't skip out on the liquor! I had a daiquiri and was a little sad that they didn't put whipped cream on it like a lot of places do, and my friend had a margarita. I saw they had a 2 for 1 special, but it said lime only and I didn't bother asking if it was any extra to do flavors or if it was strictly lime only (a lot of places will charge a couple dollars extra). Very nice place in Bartlett for Mexican food and right next to a park if you need to walk any of it off lol read more

This restaurant is amazing!! The food is very very good! I came in with a large order for a specific time and the crew were so generous and stayed open to accommodate my needs. Great customer service and their food was fantastic! read more

We tried this place today on a whim & we loved the food! The staff is super friendly. The peach margarita was yummy too!

Their retired beans are phenomenal!! Anyone I know who's tried this place leaves fully satisfied. To top it off, the service is great and the prices are fair. This is my go to place if I want Mexican food in Bartlett. read more

Best home cook Mexican ur goin get here in Memphis an they treat u like family food is always good u get way more food for ur money there just an all out good place so take your family an give a try won't be disappointed read more

This place is fantastic. I had the chorizo quesadilla, and it was phenomenal. The ingredients are fresh, and the staff is super nice.

This place has great service, great food and make a great margarita! I would definitely go here again! yum

The Molcajete de Idolo was GREAT, best I ever had and the servers were awesome, knowledgeable and attentive! Will definitely go back.

What a great find--fantastic authentic food at an unbelievably affordable price. The words unbelievable and incredible ger overused far too much. I was actually shocked by how affordable this restaurant was. The food was delicious, authentic, and generously proportioned. The service was impaccable. The dining experience was great! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I'm glad we drove past the other 20 or so Mexican restaurants that happened to be closer--not that this is far, but there are plenty of other options. If you choose this one, however, you will be extremely happy you did. The Mexican sausage was a great addition to the typical really good menu. The frozen margarita was great (and only $5.99 for the jumbo... a nice surprise from the reasonable $9.99 advertised on the table stand). Go here and thank yourself for making a great decision. read more

I almost always leave a positive review, or none at all. However, after enjoying this establishment regularly for more than four years l may have gone for my last time today. We ordered food to go for two, tipping 20%+, and had no flatware included when we set up a picnic for two in a nearby park. The real problem was their haphazard regard for public health. The owner was not wearing a mask, though his staff was. Social distancing was not respected. Sure, there are marks on the floor showing where to stand but diners were seated before I could pick up my order and leave, passing within inches of me because the entrance area is tight. I was wearing a mask to protect the health of the others I came near, but the owner nor the other patrons seemed to have that same level of concern for others. Perhaps they don't have a family member fighting COVID who is on oxygen now for 7 weeks, but I do! If you want great food continue to patronize this place. If you expect more, think again. I will. read more

This place has really tasty, more authentic Mexican food than you'd find in the Memphis area normally. I actually ended up here because of the good reviews on Yelp and I was not disappointed. I chose my own lunch combo which was fantastic and the service was extremely fast and friendly! read more

El Idolo - The chili relleno & taco from my lunch combo. Amazing. - Mexican Near Me - Bartlett, Tennessee

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This is an amazing hidden gem of Bartlett. The food is AMAZING and the service is equally as amazing. Phenomenal margarita specials. Try it just once, you'll be happy :-) read more

Great service and wonderful food. Tables have the coolest pictures in them. Margaritas are fantastic!

Great food and very good service! Enjoyed having a quick lunch. We have eaten here several times. Food is consistently good. Restaurant is always clean and has an inviting atmosphere. Will definitely be back. They now serve wine & Margaritas. read more

My husband and I went to this location for his birthday. The atmosphere and servers were excellent. The food is great!!! Everyone was very friendly even the other customers. It's just a great place to go and chill after a long day...the decor is nice and it was a plus that they had the basketball games on that night. We will definitely be going back!!! read more

Favorite Mexican place in Memphis by far. I drive by 15 restaurants on summer and fight traffic to eat here. They actually season their ground beef. read more

First of all I rate Mexican restaurants by their tortillas. Flour are store bought not made their. Plus they were microwaved not heated on a griddle or comal. You could smell the preservatives as soon as open the foil the are rapped in. Now the food had a unsalable or bad after taste that lingered for hours. No Vale! read more

I LOVE this place! They not only serve traditional salsa with their chips. Oh, noooo. They have a fiery little salsa that has a very fine heat that takes it up a notch. The best dish? Molcajete El Idolo. It's a simmering pot of meats and veggies (even cactus, which is so tasty) and cheese and sauce. This easily feeds two hungry grown-ups. And...the top shelf margarita did not disappoint. AND...the service was excellent!!! read more

We've been going there since they opened. They always take good care of us. Hands down our favorite Mexican restaurant.