El Jimador serves up authentic Mexican food in a colorful setting. The restaurant is decorated with Mexican decor and is not fancy, but this is part of its charm. Wood booths with the El Jimador logo decorate each booth. The staff is attentive with numerous check-ins during the meal. Frequent water refills, extra salsa and chips and all around customer care make this dining experience a pleasant one. As for the food, the fajitas come in numerous combinations that include old favorites like steak and chicken, but also include creative combos like steak/chicken/bacon, which is one of my favorites. The fajitas, which I have had several times are excellent and flavorful. Fajitas are my favorite section of the menu. The other parts of the menu are less consistent. The tacos are good but inconsistent and lack flavor. Everything feels authentic and tasty. Overall I really like this restaurant. read more

Wow. I came to visit my daughter at Clemson & took her and her bf out to what should've been a fun Mexican dinner. What a disappointment ! It was very busy, so the extremely slow service was somewhat understandable. What wasn't understandable, was 30 mins after ordering entrees, the server came over to ask my daughter's BF if he had ordered the $80 tomahawk steak. He looked shocked and said no, he ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas. Shortly after, he brought my daughter's and my entrées. We waited for quite some time for her BF's entrée to arrive. 20 to 25 minutes later he brought out steak fajitas minus the shrimp. At that point we had basically finished our entrées. We pointed out to the server that the shrimp was missing from his entrée and he disappeared. We had asked for the bill because it was already getting very late and we had other plans. He brought our bill over with no adjustment at all. I commented that they should have done something based on the fact that not only was the meal completely disappointing, but they brought him the wrong entrée. He then brought the manager over who made a lame apology saying they were very busy and I explained that it had nothing to do with the busyness, but that the server had a limited understanding of English, and had placed the wrong order. He then gave us $5 off the bill. FIVE DOLLARS??? That's not even a drink. Don't bother with this restaurant when there are so many other better Mexican options to choose from. Shame on you taking advantage of the college crowd and their families. read more

Overall favorite Mexican restaurant, they really made a come back the past few months been several times, the staff is friendly and attentive. The burritos and tamales are great. Margaritas taste nice especially with a tajin rim. The salsa is the best around it's so addicting and even better when it comes out fast at first with warm fresh chips! Glad that last review was a once off experience bc I'd def recommend them and return often! Check them out they're wonderful read more

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Our first time here and not disappointed. Lots of parking. Servers were quick and attentive. Food was really good. I had the fajita taco salad with chicken. Very delicious. My husband had a shrimp n scallop quesadilla. The size did was bigger than expected and tasty. Plenty of chips n salsa. Many options for hot sauces. Margarita was good. Strawberry daiquiri was good but I like a handmade one better than one that comes from a machine. All n all a thumbs up. read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Part of the menu - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

This is a wonderful restaurant! The staff are always smiling and accommodating! My son and I ordered two entrees and I had to send mine back because the shrimp was undercooked. I felt bad for asking but the waiter promptly took it back and the cook brought it back after about 8 minutes and wanted to make sure the shrimp looked good. The shrimp were cooked to perfection and were much better. We had the following: Steak burrito-HUGE as big as a dinner plate; at least 3 servings and was delicious.5/5 Shrimp Cancun- 5/5 with a fresh salad with chopped mangos and stir fried squash, bell peppers, onions. Sooo Good! 5/5. Will go back again! read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Rice - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

Took them 45 minutes to make my online food order for carry out. Had me waiting in the lobby for 30 minutes after it said it would be completed online. read more

El Jimador is an excellent family restaurant. We had small house margaritas, a version of elote, chicken soup with avocados, and the steak street tacos. All were delicious with El Jimador's own take on them. Service was quick and friendly- even though we were there 7:30 Saturday night, the place was packed with some little league tournament families adding to the loud sound of a happy restaurant. If we lived in Clemson, El Jimador would be one of our go to places. They obviously take pride in their restaurant, for good reasons. read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Chicken soup with avocado and an elote type bowl. - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

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This is your typical family owned Mexican restaurant. The prices are about 25% lower then typical family restaurants. Good chips and salsa. 32 oz draft beer $6. Lots of items to choose from including $9 combos for dinner which with the economy is unheard of. Tonight was our first time at the restaurant as we are from Asheville, NC and come down to stay on our boat on Lake Keowee (we are golfers and part of The Cliffs and love the properties down here). Wow! What a night. We noticed a lot of champagne colored SUVs with girls softball window flags and soap writing on the windows in the parking lot. This peaked our interest as the restaurant was jamming. Then we got into the restaurant waiting for our table and I have not seen so much crazy since the last Penn State & U if I Big 10 game. This was no frat party, they could not hold anything to these mother's of the softball girls with their margaritas! I have never seen so many foul mouth waisted mom's in my life! Cursing like sailors, bumping into the servers, saying discriminatory things, I was surprised the Po. Po. were not called. These mom's were yelling about their orders, demanding free food, drinking like sailors, and even going into the kitchen and grabbing food! I wish I had it all on camera. So it was kind of funny to all of us that had to witness this, but it was really not okay. They degraded a local family business, caused an embarrassing situation for all, and I would not be surprised if they even paid their bill. Worse of all I saw so many completely non-functional mothers, and when we left all those champagne SUVs were gone. Those girl softball players were not old enough to drive. After they left the rest of the diners did speak up. We should have all called the Po. Po. Many of us prayed the girls would make it to their hotel safely. We all put in a bit more in tips. If you are one of the mothers reading this, shame on you. Shame on the terrible lessons you taught your daughter tonight. I hope all of you so-ber up in the morning and stop by and apologize to the family. I understand it might be embarrassing and we all, in times of excitement do things we regret, but it would be awesome demonstration of humility and strength to your girls. And in the end. It would make them better athletes, Just saying... read more

The chicken fajitas were dry and did not have any flavor. The chicken on the street tacos was very bland and they got my dad's order wrong. Margaritas were great! read more

Do not like this place AT ALL! Their service sucked. Food was well seasoned but not impressive and came with smaller than normal portions. Continue for more detail: This place is still open due to its location and so many visitors. The host saw us come in, asked how many people, and then started to organize menus ... we waited and thought she misunderstood. We mentioned again it was only two and she still took her time. She proceeded to sit us at table that was nasty and walked away so fast I had to go back to the front and ask her to wipe down the table. We had no silverware. The waiter was okay, great attitude but clearly distracted by his other friends working there. (We sat by their staff table near the kitchen). It wasn't a good environment. I had to ask for everything, silverware, drink menu, napkins, etc. Again, would not recommend. No photos since there are already a lot on here. read more

Excellent service and excellent food. I had combo #12 soft chicken tacos, and they ordered steak and cheese quesadilla and ACP. Everyone loved all of their food. I never give ratings and felt it was necessary based on all of our responses. read more

I read the reviews but decided to give it a chance and I shouldn't have. My family of four all ordered different things and the food all failed to meet our expectations not to mention our waitress had a negative attitude. We didn't even finish our food before just paying our bill, gave the less than deserving waitress a 15% tip, and headed for a better place to eat. read more

Not bad food but $18 for a large marg, average tacos, and food coming out late wasn't the best experience.

I wanted to support local businesses with COVID-19 shutting down most businesses. In times like these it's up to the community to help these businesses. I've had a bad experience at this restaurant in the past but I put that behind me to help this restaurant in a time of need. However, when I got home I was greatly disappointed. My ACP steak (pictured) was a half portion? And the soft taco I ordered was a hard taco. The man on the phone even repeated the order back to me. I'm just curious how a restaurant that isn't busy currently and had zero cars in the parking lot messed up my order. This is now two poor experiences at this restaurant. read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - ACP steak - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

This is a beautifully decorated restaurant with solid, gleaming wooden tables and chairs. Beautiful paintings on the walls and super clean. The staff was very friendly. Unfortunately, the food was not to our liking and seemed overpriced. I ordered a chicken quesadilla that cost almost ten dollars and was simply a folded over tortilla with some cheese and chicken inside, a side of chopped iceberg lettuce with a drizzle of sour cream. It didn't come with sides and was on the meal menu where it probably should just have been an a la cart item. The fajitas my husband ordered didn't come with tortillas, or they forgot to bring them, not sure, and he said it was just, "eh." We also had a strange experience and perhaps it's because they had new hires there (all the restaurants are struggling for help.) The server asked what we wanted to drink and I ordered a chardonnay. She looked at me blankly. I said, "Do you serve wine?" She said she didn't know and had to find out. She left and a minute later another server came over and asked what we wanted. I told him another person already had come to the table and he left, but then he was huddled, talking to the original server a table away. A third person came over and said, "I understand there's a special request for wine?" OMG I was getting embarrassed now. I said, "Do you have any white wines?" He asked what kind and I said, "Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio?" He said he'd have to find out and left. My husband said to me, "Stop sending people away!" (He was kidding, sort of.) The guy came back and said, "All we have is moscoto." I really am not picky, but I don't like sweet wines so I just said, "That's okay. How about a marguarita?" (Which I know is sweet, but one wouldn't kill me.)The relief on his face was obvious, and I felt bad because I wasn't trying to be difficult, I've always ordered a glass of wine at Mexican restaurants. He disappears and yet another server comes over. He said, "Would you like to order food?" (We were holding menus.) My husband said, "Yes," and the server mumbled, "I have to get something. " (Or he said he had to do something? Either way, he walked away.) At this point my husband and I are just staring at each other in disbelief. Yet another server comes over and asks if we would like more salsa and chips (which were delicious I will say!) and we said for sure. We didn't have any idea how long it would be for us to place an order and get food. That really didn't take long once someone took the order. Everyone was very nice there, it just was the strangest experience ever. read more

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Horrible food and awful service! If you really missed a mexican food in this town, go to taco bell ! Better than this restaurant!

What a local gem! Fun, young service, very economical price points (under $10 per person for big meal) and an awesome decor! The burritos are huge, the margaritas are on point, and after visiting, out table of eight was thoroughly satisfied with the restaurant. Definitely recommend. (PS if you're feeling frisky, ask them to add a side of their habenero to your margarita. WOWZA) read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Margarita with habanero shot - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

I've eaten here several times. I've sat outside with my dog and the always were nice to her and offered her water. And I have sat inside with humans who were also offered water and treated well. The food is good, the service is solid, and the place is clean. read more

Went for lunch while in tpwn. We each enjoyed our meals and I had requested two things to be left off mine and they were happy to accommodate! I'm also GF and did not get sick. read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Shrimp Fajita Nachos lunch portion - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

Absolutely love their carnitas. Service can be a bit spotty and margaritas seem premixed from a bottle. read more

Terrible atmosphere. Tables are "chipped", benches are torn and ripped, menus are ragged and new pricing taped onto menus. We ordered our meals and my husband and daughter received their meals and 1 received my side dish, but my meal arrived 15 minutes later. No apologies, no comp, nothing. Food meh. Will not be going back. read more

When I first walked it was a bit slow on a Sunday afternoon. My partner and I wanted to sit at the bar but they had told us it was closed and we had to sit at a table instead. So we sat at a booth and we JUST wanted to drink but the waitress kept coming to ask us what we would like to eat and we kept tell ing her we only wanted to drink, she had gotten fussy we ordered our drinks and spend some time drinking(1 small margarita & 1 pint of beer). After she came back with the bill it had come more than we've expected and to our surprise she had charged us for a medium sized drink instead of a small, we told her if she could please fix it and she said yes that's fine. She was having some trouble fixing the bill so she had just giving me the3 extra dollars that they up charged us. She threw the money on the table and said she was leaving for the day. Drinks where amazing but wouldn't go when it's weekends the waiters get annoyed easily. read more

Have eaten jere before about 2 years ago. Much better then. First impression. When you walk in the door the first thing you see shouldn't be an overflowing, uncovered garbage can. Especially right next to a bus tub filled with set-ups. Second. No excuse for a filthy place. It costs nothing other than salary of the guy doing the cleaning. Third. Your appetizer shouldn't be delivered after your entrees. The food was ok. Shredded beef in a quesadilla should be.....duh! Shredded, not cubed. Fajitas should be sizzlin'. Two stars for food. No stars for place. Old, out-dated decor. Dirty. read more

I would first like to point out that this year, beginning Fall 2016, El Jimadors was victim of a hostile takeover and complete restructuring of management. And I must say, as a distinguished reviewer and frequent diner at this establishment, the new management has failed to meet all expectations. On a recent trip for an early dinner, I was hurried into an uncomfortable and, quite frankly, unbearable table that was not only tiny but located in a high traffic area. After requesting a change of seat, I was placed in a corner of the room where they AC must have been broken for fortnights; the heat was exhausting. I was then served a basket of what one might call "terrible" chips. The chips were stale and uninviting. Upon receiving my Coca Cola, I tasted what must have been only soda water (appalling). I am extremely disappointed in the "new" el jimadors, and will make sure none of my friends nor I end up "eating" at this "restaurant" again. read more

This use to be our favorite mexican restaurant. I'm not sure if it has changed management or what, but it is not good anymore. This makes the 2nd time we have been and the service was not great. Very slow. The cheese in the quesadilla was not melted. Ordered fajita burritos with no green peppers and came out with peppers and no tomatoes. Kept it because we had already waited so long for our food. I picked out the peppers. The onions and peppers we not even cooked and the refried beans tasted like oil. When we went to pay I asked if they had a new cook. The response was that they were having issues with the system. I explained that the food was not good and the issues with the food etc. I dont expect a discount, but if you have someone that explains.... needlesstosay we will not be back for a very long time if ever! read more

The Place El Jimador Mexican Restaurant or the Jim as some call it is located on Tiger Blvd which is RT123 in Clemson, SC. There are tables and booths to choose from for seating. Outdoor seating is also available. The atmosphere is warm and in my opinion classical Mexican motif. The Menu/Food Very complete Mexican menu offerings... almost over whelming. We ordered burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas grande, hamburgers, and a mac-n-cheese. Our food was good but nothing special or terribly exciting. The enchiladas grande was very average sized. I always thought grande was large but here not so much. Our chips were okay and our salsa was good. The Service/Experience/Value Our service was good. Our servers English wasn't the best but that's always part of the experience. My Spanish could be better as well. Overall our experience was okay. There is room for improvement in the quality level of their offerings. I found them to be fair priced for the food offered. read more

Good genuine Mexican food and drinks. The staff in attentive to us. Just don't go at 12 cause it does get packed in between the week. The price is fair nothing too expensive, expect to pay $12-$17 a person if you like to eat comfortably read more

After a full day of tailgating (read: eating nothing but junk food), it was time for something more substantial. El Jimador was not here during our last trip to Clemson 2 years ago, but supposedly J talked with some of the locals and was told that it was good. So we took a short walk from the Hampton down the street. Despite it being 8:00 on a Saturday night and there being several large parties in front of us, we were seated almost immediately - 5 of us a one of the booths along the wall. The other 4 started with a pitcher of margaritas, while this nursing mom opted for one Pacifico instead. I took a sip of J's margarita and it tasted like straight sour mix. Maybe the SC liquor laws are still in effect, because it seemed like maybe only one airplane bottle of tequilla was in the whole pitcher. It was so bad that one of our party ordered a shot of tequilla and had the server pour it straight into the pitcher...which made them more palatable. I was glad I'd opted for the beer instead. We started with cheese dip and guacamole, in addition to the salsa and ranch dressing that came with the chips. I didn't touch the ranch or the cheese dip. The salsa had enough cilantro to make it flavorful, though it was quite watery. The guacamole was decent, but it had been cut with something like sour cream - if it weren't for the chunks of tomatoes, it would have had the consistency of mousse (I prefer it chunky, so that you can at least tell that it came from an avocado). For my entree, I got the tacos de carne asada. The three tacos were composed of 2 purchased corn tortillas (not freshly made) each and about half a cup of strips of grilled steak, accompanied by pico de gallo on the side and refried beans with melted cheese on a separate plate. The meat had some decent flavor, but the strips were a little on the dry side. No worries, they were quite improved by some fresh lime juice. Unfortunately that caused the double corn tortillas to rip, so I ended up just eating the meat and the pico with chips. The beans were definitely cut with something or ridiculously pureed since they were quite runny. Our server was helpful as he could be, but I think our added requests confused him a little. He was a good sport for credit card roulette, but he looked relieved when we were leaving. #Yelp365 - 122/365 Update 5/4: Being a good friend and not wanting to make the credit card roulette winner suffer too much, one of our party left the tip for the party in cash, and the CCR winner wrote CASH on the tip line and signed for the same amount on the total. Well, her card was charged for $14 more than the bill (16% tip). Check your credit card receipts! read more

I ordered take out last night. It was horrible. The food looked like a frozen meal. I was so disappointed because I ate at El Jimador on Labor Day and it was really good. read more

Good stuff - i've been there both for lunch and dinner and they dont dissapoint you. Everything comes with free salsa and some white sweet sauce... Dont know what it is, but it is good! I am not a big fan of their guacomole - that is why it is four stars... read more

The food was not good. I have ate here before and thought the food was amazing but this time everything I had from the salsa to the cheese dip to my food it just had no flavor. I suspected with COVID going on they would have seated us apart from people but literally have someone behind us, in front of us and next to us. The bathroom was also disgusting and there were no paper towels. I would not recommend nor ever go back. read more

I visited in early June and I've opened this account in order to review El Jimador. Anyway, I usually do not post personal rants. Anyone who has dined with me knows that I over tip, and treat service people like gold. I've never visited a restaurant that I did not like... Until now! El Jimador in Clemson is a nasty and disgusting place. They tried to pass off a virgin drink as a $20 cocktail. Also, their beef and chicken offerings are literally rotten.. The chicken had mold and the beef must've been chilling at room temperature for 2 days. If anyone wants a night out fasting, or a $20 7-11 quality slushy, try El Jimador! read more

El Jimador Mexican Restaurant - Naar Nasty cool aid and ice mix with NO ALCOHOL. Nice try! - Mexican Near Me - Clemson, South Carolina

As one of the few Mexican restaurants in Clemson, I would reccomend this as the one to go to. The food is good and it has a nice atmosphere. The service is always good, as well. read more

Chicken quesadillas and cheese enchiladas were delicious! The salsa they give the table is so yummy and fresh! The wait service was also very kind and attentive. The only reason why I gave it 4/5 is because the beans were average. read more

the food is good but our service sucked and our food came out cold. we also ordered queso and it came out after our entrees but i think it was because the waitress just forgot. read more

First time there, I asked for a large margarita. They brought me the margarita and I asked if it was a large. The waitress replied with "yes." I go to pay and I'm getting charged $14.99 for a monster margarita which was garbage (tasted like straight sour mix). Won't be back read more

Go here if you want food poisoning! I love throwing up profusely after a chicken burrito

Big portions of mediocre Mexican food. Pretty cheap, but not my favorite place in town. I've always have had good service, but I think there is much better Mexican food in the area. read more

Do not try mexican corn...I got unstrained corn with butter. Other food is decent, I guess.

I ordered the carne asada specialty meal. Great food - great flavors. Came back to have it again while I am on n the area. The only downside is typical chips and salsa before the meal. Just like every other Mexican restaurant in the Southeast. read more