Food 3/5 Service 3.5/5 Ambiance 3/5 To me, El Imperio was a pretty promising place - the pictures I saw in advance were quite alluring, and the smell of good Mexican food is always a pleasant one. I left slightly disappointed, but it's quite possible my standards are just through the roof. I ordered the Molcajete Fajitas with beef. I usually expect something like a skirt or hanger steak, so I was a bit disappointed when they came out with ground beef - admittedly, it's not a bad choice given the form factor of the serving vessel, but it definitely was a bit on the tougher side texturewise. The ratio of meat to veggies also wasn't great either - I do remember lots of veggies in each of my tacos, which maybe is a sign that I need more veggies in general. The seasoning was also a bit on the weaker side - not to say it wasn't bad, but it doesn't give the same bold flair I'm used to in Mexican food. The accompaniments to the fajitas were okay, with nothing being super standout. I will say, the tortillas were quite delicious - nice and fluffy, and they were kept warm with the hot molcajete. Overall, I think there's still room for improvement - I like the creative gimmick of a hot molcajete, but it's going to take more than a hot bowl to deliver on true Mexican tastes. read more

El imperio Mexican food - Molcajete Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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They made me flautas even though they weren't on the menu! What amazing service!!! The chicken tacos were great too!

Really good Mexican food at a reasonable price. This was our second visit and we plan on adding this to our list of favorites. We went for an early weekday lunch and only a few tables were full. I think they'd get more customers if they had a better website and posted their menu. I like to look at the menu before I choose a dining spot. Also, it's hard to order takeout if you don't know the offerings. Upon being seated a basket of chips and a bowl of mild salsa was set before us. We both ordered the jalapeño margarita. Warning, it is large. I didn't find it very spicy but I love spicy food so have a good tolerance to hot peppers. It was very good and I'll order it again. The food was also good. I had the tamales which come a-la-cart. I ordered two, chicken with green sauce and pork with red sauce along with rice and beans. Portions are large so I ended taking one tamale and half my rice and beans home. It was a twofer cause I got two meals out of it.. My husband ordered chicken enchiladas which come with rice and beans. These are his favorite. The food is good, mild in flavor. I didn't see any spicy items on the menu but they had a nice selection of hot sauces on the table. We took advantage of them.y read more

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It's been a minute since I have been here. Lovely place to stop by for some tasty margaritas. The margarita sky blue is delightful. At the very bottom of the drink are some yummy gummy bears! Tasty treats for the win! read more

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I have been here once and only once and that was enough to tell me I won't be returning. The restaurant was empty on an early Saturday afternoon. The server was very nice! Credit to him! Beyond his pleasant demeanor, there was a child who was running around the dining room yelling and screaming, probably out of boredom. This child clearly belonged to someone who worked there. No one on staff made any effort to coax, calm, or conceal the child off the dining room floor. This is not an anti-child rant; this is simply to point out that the incessant screaming created a shrill, uncomfortable atmosphere in what was otherwise a fine looking and quiet space. Regarding the food, I dined with two other guests so we got to taste a variety of dishes: tacos, enchiladas verdes, chicken tamales, rice, and beans. In a word, everything was bland. Like, bland, bland. The only flavor that stood out in the pastor tacos was the pineapple, which I ended up mixing into the rice and beans for some kind of zesty appeal. The tamale was the soggiest thing I've ever seen. Not even the homemade hot sauce was good, I'm sorry to say. I'm not mad at trying a new place and having a difference of opinion than those before me; however, I'm genuinely puzzled at how this restaurant has a 4.5 star rating. I wish them all the best though. read more

Great food, large portions, very flavorful, and homey ambiance inside. I found the sauce on my order to be slightly lukewarm, but I did go at an odd hour. Extremely fast service, next time I will be ordering some margs for sure :) Thank you for a fantastic and quick meal! read more

El imperio Mexican food - Burrito Mexicano (w/ seasoned chicken) - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Very good authentic tasting Mexican food. Impressive for a place that is a little unassuming on the outside. I'd give it 4.5 stars. Margaritas were fairly large and quite good as well. Portions are pretty big and especially the molcajetes are quite impressive. Everything anyone in our party got was delicious honestly, and I heard the mole sauce was super tasty. Only thing that was a bit weird is the molcajetes came with only four or so tortillas so I asked for more -- they brought them but charged $2 extra. Not a big deal since it wasn't much but they could have mentioned it. read more

El imperio Mexican food - Molcajetes - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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A few things to consider before deciding to eat here: 1-We ordered three margaritas and they put ALL the tequila in one margarita (my friend is trashed, the other two of us are decidedly not). 2- The food was not good. Each vegetable in my burrito was raw, the chips were stale, the salsa tasted like tomato juice, and there was a literal twig in my burrito. 3- They are understaffed, so be prepared to wait a bit for things (be patient, it's not their fault). read more

What a find! After the local newspaper story we decided to check things out on a dreary Tuesday night The waiter was patient and explained a couple of things. I order the spicy langoustin (think bigger than a shrimp but lobster like) in a spicy broth and my wife ordered the carnitas. Both were simply outstanding. Subtle chili and seafood broth for me and solid super tender roast pork. But you also have to get a drink here as the waiter now played bar tender.... And he knows what he is doing. My lime rich Mojito was great and would be a better summer treat. The SW side now has a few good Mexican places. Support these local businesses! read more

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I ordered through Eat Street and when it arrived there was glass in two of the items!!! I was told to contact the restaurant to resolve the issue and was told they hadn't made any dishes for Eat Street that day and no way was there glass in it. I left a review on Google and the owner responded saying I was lying and looking for a free meal. They also claimed I called complaining about missing food and something about plastic. Issues that I never claimed. Both employees I talked to had broken English and I could barely understand them. Very unprofessional and rude way to assist a customer. I've ordered from here numerous times without an issue. I've told all my friends and coworkers to stay away. read more

El imperio Mexican food - a person holding a piece of lasagna - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Went here for lunch today. I'm a little torn with the review, the place was average, there was a hiccup with the order due to a language barrier with the waitress, however they didn't hesitate to correct the issue. The salsa was good had just a hint of heat and I preferred to add a little salt. The cheese dip was a bit lacking in flavor, it was fine but I wanted a bit more flavor to it. Meat in the tacos were also fine but a little bland. Know that I like seasoning. My favorite was the enchilada, not a normal go to, but the red sauce with it really brought it together. So if go be sure to consider something with a sauce. So the food was a 3 but the staff were good and I gotta give a little extra love to a family run business. read more

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Food was terrible. The service was terrible. Their soda machine was broken, so couldn't get anything to drink but water. Not coming here ever again. read more

Inside restaurant is pretty nice with interesting murals and decorations. Music was not too loud for me. Pretty good peach margarita. I got the Mexican Burrito and it was ok. We also tried the Chimichanga which was better. Service was friendly and courteous. read more

El imperio Mexican food - Chimichanga. - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Cute spot with great prices! I tried this place for lunch and they have a $10 lunch special which is a great deal. I got a taco and enchilada with rice and beans and it was very filling. The restaurant decor is fantastic, fun with lots of colors but enough space between tables to be comfortable. Service is spot on. They are very attentive and always made sure our chip bowl was full! My taco was a great size, just slightly bigger than street tacos and the enchilada was drenched in a good red sauce. The rice and beans were just okay. I think the beans could have been a lot more flavorful as well as the al pastor meat. The chips were great along with the salsa and the guac was spicy! Definitely had fresh jalapenos. Overall a good spot and a definite option for some tacos on the westside! read more

Fantastic food, reasonably priced, quick service and great margaritas! Definitely coming back!

Delicious food and quick service. Has all your typical affair for those looking to satisfy their cravings for enchiladas or tacos. For the more adventurous eater, they have an extensive seafood menu to choose from with a ton of delights I've never seen at other Mexican spots in Madison. Highly recommend trying them out! read more

El imperio Mexican food - Langoustin - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

My husband like to have dinner here on Friday or Saturday nights. The staff is so incredibly friendly. Service is speedy fast! The food is fresh, tasty and authentic. We love coming here to relax and have a meal. I also feel like I can eat pretty clean with the street tacos. read more

El Imperio is a small Mexican restaurant about 10 minutes from the Madison West Towne Mall. I just moved up to Madison and was looking to find a New Mexican restaurant, and I was not disappointed. The food was delicious! The staff was friendly and accommodating. My only complaint is that the TV was on way too loud in the restaurant, and it made it hard to hear the people at the table with me. Additionally, there is an additional charge to pay with a card. However, the delicious food will bring me back! read more

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This is the newest restaurant in Fitchburg and you have to try it! The food is delicious! I would recommend their molcajete dishes, they are my favorite and few places here offer them. read more

El imperio Mexican food - Molcajete and margarita - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I've visited here a few times and eaten mostly chimichangas, which I recommend. They are delicious! I don't normally eat a lot of chimichangas but was surprised to find I like them a lot here. We've also enjoyed the nachos imperio and thought they were flavorful. The restaurant is in a nice location where there isn't that much other food options so that is a plus. read more

The restaurant is small. Didn't care for the food. Family owned. One employee was trying to wait tables and care for an infant at the same time. That didn't work. Charged us an extra charge for paying by credit card. Will not return. read more

This restaurant has all the typical Mexican restaurant standards but also some additional ones like the Molcajetes and done seafood dishes that aren't so common. All the food was so delicious and we couldn't be happier with the service we received, especially for a newer restaurant. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Muy buena comida, el servicio es muy profesional y siempre su comida es servida a tiempo. Yo recomiendo este lugar read more

Meh.. Nothing special. Their salsa is bland and watery and the service was inattentive. Had to ask for extra tortillas 3 times. The food itself was ok. Not impressed enough to comeback anytime soon read more

Great food! One of the best Mexican places around the area. Great service and food comes out super quick. Would recommend to anyone who loves tacos or burritos. read more

The food and margaritas are exceptional, my husband and I have been there several times, and will continue to go back. Service is always speedy fast and friendly. The ambiance is great, tastefully decorated with beautiful murals. read more

The tv was soooo loud it was obnoxious, then add the music from the back as well and it was overwhelming. The food was just ok. The fajitas didn't come with a plate to eat them on, the lettuce and rice/beans weren't enough for 3 shells, and it was pricier than other Mexican restaurants. Not sure we will be back. read more

I've eaten here 5 times now and it is the best Mexican food that I've found in the city. Highly recommend!

It seems to be a family owned place. We had chimichangas (shrimp) which were delicious. Presentation was good. Service was very good and the fried ice cream was magnificent. Thanks. read more

We have been a couple of times. The food was good, the service was great. They have done a good job decorating, fun murals, although we always seem to get the table with the view of the back hallway read more

The food here is similar to Laredo's but waaaayyyy better! Couldn't recommend more, chimichangas were so delicious!

Really small restaurant, but the food was delicious. Carne asada was incredible. Wish they would add lengua.

Really great Mexican food. Servers are very polite and the decorations are colorful and fun.

The food was so good. Some of the best Mexican food I have gotten in Madison. I got the tamales which were unreal.

The tacos were absolutely amazing! The meat was super fresh and the flavor was outstanding. Staff was also super friendly. Def recommend

my whole family loves this place! they make me feel welcome every time i come in. the food is amazing. the piña coladas are to die for.

Tried the enchilada rojas. They were great. Mother-in-law had steak taco, tamale green chili and loved them and she is rather particular with Mexican food. So Madison just gained some competition in Mexican food scene. read more

Stopped in on a Friday night. Place was busy, but only a 5 min wait. Sat down and got our margarita and beer right away. Fajitas and tamales were fresh, hot and very good. Music is fun. Good date night spot! read more