Wow. The things you notice when you are having a poor dining experience. So, I have been here a couple of times now. However, I hadn't been back for a while because I found during my previous visits that the service and the food were both inconsistent. On this visit, I noticed much of the same that concerned me before: an absentee server, stale chips and watered down salsa. I imagine that the restaurant caters to many of those people who are merely looking for a cultural experience. That's cool. Sometimes you need a starter restaurant when you're trying to break in to a particular type of cuisine. Still, there are couple of things that I like about the restaurant. In particular, they have great specials -- especially their daily lunch specials, which include seafood specials as well. I also love the natural light. I find that this place is great for lunch, and maybe dinner. Now, back to this current visit and the reason why I'm giving this restaurant an abysmal number of stars. There was old salsa caked to the side of the bowl, "sandy" seats and drive by waiter service. My server even asked me from a table over if I was ready to order. I went with a half-dozen oysters. I told her that I would keep the menu because I wanted to order something later. The oysters were meaty but served improperly -- stacked. I have never experienced this before and it ruined the oysters. Not only did the leftover residue on the bottom of each stacked shell muddle the oyster beneath, the liquor from most of them drained out because the were haphazardly placed. What a bummer. Finally, I just decided to call it a day. But I couldn't find my server anywhere. So I just decided to leave my cash on the table and leave. On the way out, I told the busser that my cash was on the table and thanked him. As I was backing out of the parking lot I heard someone yelling at me, "you didn't pay me!" Ahhh! There's my server, yelling at me (read: microaggressions). I let her know that the money was on the table, at which point she gave me the most embarrassed look in human history and apologized. Well, that experience does it for me. I will be taking my hard-earned money to other wonderful Tucson establishments. read more

El Merendero - Bummer! The oysters were served with no care. The wonderful liquor from the oysters fell to the bottom of the bowl. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Went to El Merendero tonight based on a co-worker recommendation. We are very glad that we tried this Tucson Mexican restaurant. We started our dinner with free chips and salsa. The chips seemed homemade and we very good and the two salsas were good as well. For our meal, my wife had the Chicken Taco Salad and I had the taco, enchilada, chicken tostada combination. The food tasted very good and we were pleased with our meal. While I felt that the rice on the combination dinner was nothing special, I really liked the refried beans.. quite tasty! If you are looking for a nice meal at a family type Mexican restaurant, you should give this place a try.. we are glad that we did. read more

Hubby & I both had the Carne con Chile Colorado. It was too spicy for him, not too spicy for me but still not a big fan of the flavor. Mediocre rice & beans, and the corn tortillas were stale. Service was good, but not a place we'll choose again. read more

El Merendero - 1. Carne con Chile Colorado - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Food is fantastic. Best Menudo in Tucson. There is many types and styles of Menudo depending on the region in Mexico. I'm happy they have the style I like. Service is great, very friendly and English is spoken no problema amigo. read more

El Merendero - Menudo, fantastico - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Very good authentic Mexican food! Enchiladas are very good with the red sauce and the chimichanga was very flavorful! Highly recommended, will return! read more

Came with my sister after a day spent at San Xavier Mission. We were greeted as we walked in the door, our waitress was very sweet and friendly. My sister says "the soup was so good and I like how they put the water pitcher on your table". I had two tacos and I would get them again. Very good. read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Came here with the family. As a Filipino-American, especially being a first born in America, my lens for things is different. And needless to stay, I've noticed that there are not many Asian people walking around Tuscon or going into Mexican restaurants in Tucson (or even AZ as a whole). That being said, when we first walked in with a group of 7 of us, we got strange looks from the wait staff and kitchen peaking at us! And after a couple of minutes and big smiles from our group, the wait staff ladies eventually warmed up to us and showed us their smiles. I have to admit that was a tense 3 minutes! Came here after reading on the "visit Tucson" website that this place was on the famed 12-miles of authentic mexican food, and they served a proprietary dish called chicharon camarones...basically fried shrimp balls. Hmmm I was intrigued! Overall I agree with some that this wasn't the "best" mexican food I've had. It was pretty standard tasting really. Maybe my taste buds are biased because I'm a San Diego born Mexican food lover. California does it's Mexican Food different than Arizona! However this restaurant does have some stand out dishes that aren't found at every Mexican joint. I wish I would have ordered more of the seafood items here. Here's the quick and skinny on the rest of the food/place: Pros: -Large portions, freshly prepared food -Quick service -Cheese Crisps! I actually think this was my favorite item of food I ordered. It's huge, tasty and really satisfying. Don't call it a mexican pizza, tho it looks like it. It's way better, less "doughy". -Chicharon camerones, yes this is different. It's not flavored a whole lot which is good because you can taste the shrimp and they served it with sauce. This is different, I haven't seen this item at any other mexican/latin restaurants I've been to. -Service was quick, but it wasn't a busy evening either. Being that there are so many other Mexican restaurants in Tuscon and Tuscon is a "gastronomic city" I'd have to try other restaurants in town to really know what the food scene is about in this town. read more

I've only come here for breakfast, but based off that experience, I would definitely come back again. I came less than 10 minutes before the cutoff for breakfast (11am) and they still took my order without hesitation. I'm not sure if they normality adhere to this policy but nonetheless worth noting. They gave us chips and salsa which, I must say, the salsa was really good and addictive! For my entree I got the huevos divorciados and my significant other got the huevos mexicanos (a short of egg scrambled with a bunch of veggies in it). Tasty! Both the red and green salsas were good and spicy. He enjoyed his meal as well. We enjoyed our meal here and would definitely come back. Besides the food, our waitress was very kind and attentive. Honestly just a good place all around. read more

El Merendero - Huevos divorciados - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Cheese crisp with green chilies was delicious and perfectly cooked. The fish tacos were large and stuffed full as well as delicious. Rice & beans were perfect. Our server was very kind and sweet. We will definitely be back to try out some of the soups and extensive seafood options! read more

The food was very good, nice clean place, service are welcoming and very friendly and you don't have to wait for your food to long. Enjoy it

Not as great as it was 15 years ago . Service really sucked and food was expensive and not worth the money. Would definitely going somewhere worth your money waited over 1.5 for a table and table and plates were dirty. No thanks will pass next time. read more

Came for breakfast this morning it was delicious, the horchata was cinnamonly delicious & coffee just great. Great place to dine with family or alone. Napkins, salt, pepper & condiments are always well stocked. Never ending supply of chips and fresh salsa are available for no additional fee. The beans were GREAT today! Service is always great. Ample free parking off of 12th avenue. Inside the restaurant you can see 12th avenue and where you parked. To feed a family of 4 it was about $40 so that is affordable in my book. read more

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I ordered the red beef enchiladas. Instead I got just plain cheese enchilada. I was disappointed but did not want to make a fuss so I kept it. The rice is horrible and so is the beans. The beans were too sweet I could not even eat more than two bites. The rice has the same texture as grit. The enchilada would have been good if I actually got what I ordered. Also I'm disappointed the chips are not home made and the salsa was water down. read more

Wow. Best cheese crisp ever. The seafood cocktail was really brilliant. Service was excellent. Great prices. Highly recommend

Visiting the town on business I found this place. Everything was good. The food and the service were up to par. read more

El Merendero - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Had the Chilaquiles with a side of chorizo.. big plate at an inexpensive price.. has red sauce versus green. Clean mom and pop place service was good value was great. Good was fresh and tasted fine but not my favorite version I have had. read more

El Merendero - Chilaquiles with red sauce , and a side of chorizo . - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

They need to up date the business hours been several times I come in the morning 8:15 8:30 and it's closed.

I watched a KGUN 9 TV story which mentioned El Merendero so I placed a delivery order through Door Dash. This was some of the best most delicious Mexican cuisine I've tasted here in Tucson. It was so good that I drove down to see the restaurant in person this morning. I can't wait to try more menu items. What I can tell you from my recent order is: Fantastic guacamole and a very generous portion for a "half order". Delicious salsas, chicken enchiladas, chicken tostadas, beef tacos and cheese enchilada too. Highly recommended for taste and value too! Don't let the distance keep you from trying El Merendero! read more

Absolutely great food!!!! Good service good atmosphere. And so reasonably priced. I was honestly shocked the prices were so modest!?!! Even if they were not worth the money. Definitely worth a visit if u live or visit Tucson and friendly service!!!!! read more

Wow - I've spent years trying to find Chile Rellenos like I grew up with so I could take my Mom there...sadly, she passed over four years before I found El Merendero. This will be my Mother's Day tribute review: Mom - you would've loved the Chile Rellenos here - light, fluffy, tender, tasted fantastic. Just like we used to get 30+ years ago. Wish I could've taken you here. I miss you (probably why I'm still always on the hunt for the best Chile Rellenos - I think I found them, but I'll keep trying, just in case). The beans were fantastic, and the tortilla - wow! This is some good chow!!! read more

El Merendero - Chile Rellenos my Mom would have loved!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Excellent food and service. The salsa is good but hot. I had shrimp fajitas and they were amazing. My husband got the taco special and said they were great. read more

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What a great discovery! Thanks, fellow Yelpers. Again, along the famous S. 12th Ave. we find a wonderful Mexican restaurant that has now moved up near the top of my list of favorites. I ordered the cheese enchilada combo and it came with the usual rice and beans and oh, boy....was it ever good tasting as well as presented attractively. My partner had the bean tostada and a shrimp taco and loved them both. Our chips were served with two kinds of salsa: Both tasty, especially after squeezing one of the limes on the chips. We got a whole bowl of cut limes so the rest went into my drink. It was comfortable and relaxing and quite busy with patrons. Obviously a favorite haunt.The servers were fast and efficient and friendly. We will most definitely be returning frequently to El Merendero. read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We recently made a trip to the Southside in Tucson to visit a friend and decided to grab some take-out while we were in the area. When we pulled into the parking lot, the lot was almost completely full, which we took as a good sign in terms of food quality. We were not disappointed. It took us 40 minutes to drive home and the food was miraculously still warm (so, A+ effort on their packaging/wrapping abilities). We order a plate of carne asada, chile Colorado, and some churros. The carne asada was well-cooked and seasoned, but we did have to break out our kitchen shears to cut it up for easier consumption. The chile Colorado was flavorful, but not too spicy, and had plenty of beef in it. Both plates came with a side of rice and beans (the beans were excellent and not soupy, but creamy). I'm not a fan of churros, but my husband really enjoyed them. So, if you're looking for a place that does plated-Mexican classics really well, this is the spot! read more

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I took my husband for his birthday. Everything was absolutely delicious and fresh and the service was outstanding.

Tried this place based on the reviews and weren't disappointed. Service was quick and pleasant. Chips and salsa were very good. We each got soup, I got the tortilla soup and it was good. My wife got some kind of beef based soup that was also good. Her's was brought out in what appeared to be a half gallon bowl. Both our entrees were excellent. The portions were huge so a lot went to waste but overall, we enjoyed it. read more

This place has an authentic family vibe, great service, and excellent food at a very reasonable price. I got the daily special, chicken chimichanga. I will definitely be back to order this again. The chimi was huge and completely stuffed with tender pulled chicken. The outside of the chimi was fried to crispy perfection without being greasy or drying out the inside at all. I wouldn't have been offended if it were more heavily spiced; it was all very mild, but there was an impressive selection of hot sauces on every table if you need to amp up the heat. The sides of Spanish rice and refried beans are normally an afterthought for me, but the refried beans were so rich and creamy that I couldn't stop eating until well after I was already full. The waitstaff was​ attentive without being intrusive​​ and made sure that we never ran out of chips, salsa, or beverages. Right in the heart of South Tucson with convenient off-street​ parking, this is a great place to stop for lunch as you explore the shops and mercados nearby. read more

I used to go often but the quality of dishes and service has gone down but prices have definitely increased. Lasts time I went was less Hanna month ago. They charged me for the wrong amount. After I mentioned the error the waiter seemed annoyed and didn't believe me. She said okay and said she would change it. I A few days later I looked at my credit card statement and noticed she charged me the wrong amount. Lesson learned.". I they have lost a customer. read more

Chile rellenos in the Tucson Area rated according to the Homeland Security Advisory System with three word descriptors. El Merendero: very good cholesterol. Orange See photos. read more

El Merendero - El Merendero: very good cholesterol. Orange - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

The service was awful We waited 20 minutes to give our order because the waitress was too busy talking to her friends that came in AFTER me and my friend. They got their food and drinks BEFORE we did. The chip bowl had dried food on it and they burnt the cheese crisp we ordered. Not.Going.There.Ever.Again read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Another great meal, met the wife here for lunch and their food is always good. I had the shrimp cocktail, and my wife had the daily special chicken chimichanga enchilada style. Food was great, service was fast, and prices are great! Their food has so much flavor and consistent; therefore, this place is always a good meal. read more

I was in Tucson so I figured I'd find a place with more traditional mexican foods than the americanized places all over town. They had quite an extensive menu but I was feeling like some tacos. There were a lot of choices, so I selected one of each. I got 2 hard tacos, chicken and beef, and 2 soft tacos, shrimp and fish. The fish was pretty lackluster. It was plain grilled fish with absolutely no flavor at all. Beef and chicken were good though the beef was a little dry, the chicken the better of the two being tender and juicy. The shrimp in my opinion was the best. Not sure what they did with it but it was fresh, yummy, and awesome. If you like it spicy there are tons of hot sauce bottles on the table. read more

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Delicious. Friendly staff. Got the steak tacos combo with refried beans and rice. Highly recommend.

Th only word I can say is Amazing! Guy Fieri from the food-network has got to come here and do a show!!!!! read more

I can't believe I've never left a review. This was Daddy and my favorite Mexican food restaurant in Tucson. What a better place to spend his Angelversary. Daddy would mix it up but I almost aways get the shredded beef enchiladas with creamy Chipotle sauce. I could eat it by itself It's always good and always fast friendly service. read more

If you decide to eat here... pack your patience.... Service is poor. Food is nothing great... I've had better Mexican food.

Hello all! I took a few pictures but I do not see how to load them on a desktop pc. Starters are the salsa and chips. Two types of salsa, a chunky and a more of a puree with a little heat. both salsas were good. Wait staff was very helpful I had the Pescado Veracruzano, a cubed fish in a red sauce with potatoes, grilled peppers. served with Spanish rice, refried beans. Very good meal! will be back to try some other seafood on the menu. Some people say the seafood seems strange for Mexican food. I say not so, I think that we have been ruined by corporate food. Look at a map of Mexico, there is a lot of coastlines which means that there is a potential for even more seafood from Mexico. read more

Where to start. The service was not good. Very non chalant. We had to wait a few minutes to be seated. They weren't that busy. 4 other people in the restaurant. The food was less than spectacular. Very bland. No flavour whatsoever. I have had store bought guacamole that had more flavour. I had a chimichanga, and my friend had a quesadilla. The quesadilla were 2 flour tortillas with American cheese inside. No flavour. The sour cream she ordered to was extra. The chimichanga was absolutely flavourless. Taco Bell would have been a step up from this place. We went to the restroom after the meal. No air conditioning. I am sorry but it's 114F outside. And no a/c. Well we won't be back. Too bad I can't get give negative stars read more

Found this restaurant while driving in circles looking for another, and we were so glad we did. This is authentic Mexican for sure. I had Chilli Rellanos, and my husband had the taco dinner. We both had frozen margaritas which were delicious and refreshing. The scrumptious food was served quickly by a friendly server. Had no complaints other than it was too cold in the restaurant. Overall would definitely recommend this great restaurant. read more

Was in town for work and wanted to find a local place for lunch. Great service and excellent fajitas.

The carne asada was great. Food has great flavor and the we got a pretty decent piece of meat. However, there was hardly any rice, beans or guacamole on the side. Besides, it was really cold. They forgot to bring us the tortillas as well. My hope is that it was just an off-day! I just ordered another carne asada plate to check... Same! read more

El Merendero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona