It was July 4th and we were hungry! We were staying at a hotel across the street and didn't want to be stuck in a wait line so did our best Frogger imitation and ran across the street to El Mex Kal. My first impression when I walked it was "this is small" and then "it smells so good". The employees were either taking orders, delivering orders or cleaning after the last customer. There was not true "host" so the first available person came over to seat us. The usual chips and salsa (two kinds) were brought over and that salsa was delicious! Our order was taken and although we waited a bit longer than we though we might it was worth it. My go to when I am at a new place is the chicken chimi. No beans, no rice. Just the way I am, simple - si? =) Anyway, it was excellent! The 10 year old picky eater had two hard shell tacos and loved them. Apologies but it's been a week and I can't recall what the 15yr old had nor my BF. The 15yr old had a burrito of some type and my BF had some fashion of steak. It really doesn't matter as all the food was very tasty! We would go again! read more

El Mex-Kal - Mexican Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

This is HANDS-DOWN the best Mexican food Estes Park has to offer. From the hand made salsa that you can order to take home. To the amazingly tasty Fish Tacos with house made seafood sauce. To the low prices and Huge portions, this place is a must for tourists and locals alike that want True Mexican! read more

A very good local choice. As a local, tourist should understand that whole food costs more in Estes. Will probably be 20 to 30% more than what you are used to. The Carnitas are very good here. Also, the chicken quesadilla. They do a great roasted jalapeño. I also really enjoy the taste of their salsa. Salsa is a lot like ice cream, everybody likes a different flavor. They have a nice lunch specials. Having a chicken quesadilla lunch special today. Very good. read more

I truly do not understand why this place has any positive reviews. It was because of these reviews that we actually ended up at this awful restaurant. My husband ordered the build your own plate and ordered two tamales and one enchilada. The waitress brought him three tamales and an enchilada. My husband told her he ordered two and she argued with him. She told him he ordered three. Both myself and my adult son told her no, he ordered two. So she grabbed the extra tamale with her hand and walked away. The worst of all though is that my son got severely ill that night from the chicken fajitas he ate there. He was sweating and pale, vomitting horribly and couldn't get himself off of the floor. His food was the last to be served, so I don't know if they purposely made him sick or if the chicken was bad. Either way, this will be a place to avoid for us from now on. You should too. read more

Place is very solid. Great Mexican food in a small town - with a warm environment. Got the Carne Asada and it was great! Corn tortillas were fresh and had a good quest too! read more

Nachos were just microwaved cheese on chips, no refills on soda, but the complimentary water held me over. Lots of chilli powder in salsa. Husband liked it just to much for my liking. read more

Let me preface by saying I rarely write reviews and if I do, they're usually good reviews. Unfortunately I can't comment on the food here since I wasn't served within the hour I wasted sitting at the table. However; I can tell you this: Hands down, this place has the worst customer service I have ever encountered. I came in with my family during lunch time which was pretty busy, so we didn't mind that the server was a little delayed in taking our order and bringing drinks. After 30 minutes I noticed other tables complaining about the slow service. Then at about 45 minutes, the restaurant was more than half empty, the rush was over. We complained to our server at that point and she apologized and indicated the food was forthcoming (note that we had to engage the server not the other way around). At the hour mark, we decided to throw in the towel and told the server to give us the bill for our drinks and that it was ridiculous to make anyone wait that long. She immediately became defensive and indicated the lag wasn't her fault. We weren't out to martyr the girl, but as an employee of the restaurant, she should have taken some ownership. Instead of arguing the point, we decided to leave and drive all the way back to Boulder to grab some food. The staff is obviously unprofessional and I hope that the owner takes time to reassess the efficiency of their kitchen and quality of their staff If I had the ability to give this restaurant no stars or even negative stars, I would. read more

I've been here several times and it is always great. The fish tacos were amazing! The queso is also worth ordering. Great service every time! read more

El Mex-Kal - Mexican Near Me - Estes Park, Colorado

Small and quiet but staff was prompt when we walked in. Chips and salsa were served immediately and man is the salsa good! And free refills! Wife had chicken quesadillas and she could only eat 2 of the 8 slices. And she said they were great. I had the Mexican burrito and it was also very good. Wait staff was friendly but not overly so. Perfect dinner! read more

Not good. Server was very rude. Food was overpriced and turned to mush by the time we got to the hotel 6 minutes later. We will not return.

Kinda pricey, doesn't really have a Mexican restaurant vibe to it. The food was a bit salty and the salsa wasn't good at all.

Two of us liked our burrito and taco combination lunches, fairly tasty. And salsa is good. However, the one who got the much more expensive steak-chicken-shrimp fajitas did not like them at all. He said something was "off" with the flavor. Therefore middle of the road rating. read more

so good !! everyone was so friendly and the chips and salsa were fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Mexican food was actually tasty. The service, however, was not good. The server was not friendly, and was slow. Someone in my group ordered a hamburger, and the patty came out under-cooked. When it was brought to our servers attention, they said they could not cook the patty properly, because it's not a Mexican dish. If that's the case, why is it on the menu? The Mexican burrito is good, as is the salsa. read more

This food was amazing and our server was lovely. We love Mexican and this place is the real deal. Best salsa too!!!

The food was good, but it's not worth the uncontrollable digestive issues ensuing afterwards. My whole family has been having digestive issues as of this evening and we had dinner there around 8:00. 4 hours later, the house smells like Bronycon. Not to mention, we had a large group, but my sister did not get the beef burrito she requested. She got a chicken burrito. At the end of the meal, the waiter was very polite and asked us if we wanted any boxes. We did not want any, and he didn't seem to understand. All in all, the food was actually pretty good. But I would've liked to have known that I would have uncontrollable gas afterwards. Also, please warn the customers of the very very spicy salsa. 3 stars because the waiters were actually very very polite, and the food was good but beware of the gas that may ensue. read more

I am from Los Angeles, home of legendary Mexican cuisine. I never expect much outside of so cal, but this place was very good. A little worried when we walked in and the place was empty but it was full by the time we left. Very nice pleasant service, fresh chips and salsa. Tasty sauces on the lunch menu. Rice and beans were very good. I avoided the other mexican joints in estes park based on bad reviews. Come hit up this place. You won't be disappointed. read more

Is there a health department in Estes Park? If so, perhaps they missed this place. The roast beef in the green chili verde had to be long expired. The same or similar beef occupied my wife's picadillo tacos. The only saving grace according to her was the spices covering it up. The only thing that tasted ok was my Daughters cheeseburger. Perhaps there are better menu items that are better but I won't ever get a chance to try since we are leaving town. The service was good at least and that was what got the second star. read more

We had a conference with 50 people at the YMCA of the Rockies and called around Estes Park looking for caterers to deliver to our location. El Mex-Kal was incredibly easy to work with, the food was delicious, the prices reasonable, and the conference attendees were very satisfied. We will certainly do business with them again. read more

Delicious Mexican food in a warm & homey environment. Authentic and tasty, the burritos & fish tacos were both yummy & filling. The setting is family friendly. Generous portions, preceded by warm nachos & salsa. read more

A little hole in the wall with great food! We were a party of five that was seated promptly. We had a variety of dishes and all were excellent. Highly recommend! read more

What an authentic Mexican restaurant experience!! The smells outside will drive you in, the salsa is chunky and tasty and the people here are so nice ! Oh and did I mention they have the big glass cokes?? When I'm back in Estes colorado I will definitely return ! read more

My husband and I thought the meal we had here today for $30 rivaled the excellent meal we had last night for $100. He had the pork burrito, I had a crispy relleno and shredded beef enchilada with guac. My daughter had the grilled cheese (not much for Mexican food). About half way through I said I was going to have to stop because I was stuffed, but low and behold we practically licked our plates clean and rolled out of there. The staff was overly accommodating of our special requests and kept our drinks and salsa filled. There wasn't much ambience, but we felt like we got a lot of bang for our buck! We were visiting from Denver and will definitely hit this place up again next time we're in town. read more

Pretty good! Dad got a chicken burrito (lots of flavor) and I had two al-a-carte tacos (basic, but just right for me). Reasonable price, friendly servers. Expensive margaritas. read more

This is the worst Mexican food I have ever had. Their salsa tastes like cheap tomato soup with cilantro added. My wife had chalupas which were "disgusting". The meat was awful and the chalupa shell was chewy not crispy. I had the tacos al carbon based on another reviewer's recommendation. Big mistake. The meat was tough and tasted bad. Our bill was $42 including tip at lunchtime. read more

This was absolutely the worst Mexican food I've ever put in my mouth. Clotted cheese in the chilie rellenos and the blandest sauce and rice. I ate the pepper and left the rest. My friend had fish tacos and she could only eat three bites. I tasted it and it was some type of smoked white fish in sour cream. Our margaritas were warm at the bottom despite the ice on top and the waiter told us they were all pre-made. We wondered about how safe that was for margaritas to be stored warm. Our bill was over $50 and we didn't finish anything, not even our drinks. What a rip off. read more

Popped in after a long day of hiking. Seemed to be popular with locals, which was a good sign. Delish margarita, great fresh, homemade salsa (our server said her mom makes it daily) and flavorful chicken fajitas! Decor was a little run down but quality of the food made up for it! read more

I go to this restaurant weekly if not more. i grew up in the middle of Arizona where the population is predominantly Mexican, and i have a Mexican Step Mother, so i know what I'm eating and ordering. The food is very well prepared on the premises and fresh daily. I have asked for items that are not on the menu and was well served. They have a shrimp dish that is cooked in some kind of cooking cream and served over rice w/ sliced Avocado on the side that will curl yoyr toes in Ectasy!! Try it when you're here. It's the best Mexican food in town! read more

Nothing great, nothing terrible. Just mediocre Mexican food. We were in a rush, and this was the first restaurant we came upon, so we definitely came here out of necessity. Staff was very friendly, salsa was fresh with a good flavor. We ordered the Mexican chicken burrito and the expresso pork burrito. Both were ok. Probably wouldn't order either again. read more

I really like the food here. The Carne Asada was amazing. Try the tamales. They are light and taste wonderful.

My favorite Mexican food in Estes Park! The service is friendly and the Margs are good so I will return time and time again.

Very poor quality food and terrible service. Take my advice and do not waste your time or money on this restaurant. There is much better in Estes Park. The avocado tostada was awful. At first glance it appeared okay but the shell was mush. It must have sat in the kitchen and absorbed the liquid. My Mom tried to improvise and just add chips to make her tostada crispy. My onion and cheese enchiladas were literally loaded with onions and that's all I tasted. The iced tea was instant and bitter tasting. The total experience was highly disappointing and it took a very long time for the waiter to come back for our order and also for the food to be brought. I love Mexican and it's a shame this one is not good. Will not ever go back. I wouldn't have even given this restaurant a one star. read more

Service was good. Started with a shrimp cocktail which was really good. My boyfriend had the shrimp enchiladas, they were the best thing that I tasted there. I had the combo plate with a Chile relleno, chimichanga burrito with shredded beef, and a chicken enchilada. It wasn't anything I'd go back for. It wasn't very good. And the shredded beef tasted funky so I didn't eat any more than the one bite of that, don't wanna be sick tomorrow. Horchata was good. Salsa and chips were good. Nothing was spectacular. Nice server. read more

This place is pretty average. I have eaten here twice, and the first time was excellent - just got a taco, rice and beans. Not too difficult to screw up. The second time I got a lunch combo with an enchilada and taco, rice and beans. I felt like the presentation was sloppy. I don't expect too much from Mexican restaurants considering everything is almost meant to be eaten as one, but the beans were draining into everything making the whole plate soggy. Then the melted cheese on both the beans and enchilada was too much for me. The rice and taco were both good. The two other people I was with both got chimichangas and really enjoyed them. The salsa is excellent. Maybe it was just an off day for my personal order, but here are a few other interesting observations I made. Our waiter was also the manager, who sat on their phone almost the whole meal. The AC vents and surrounding ceiling are pretty gross but no, it is not floating down into your food. Overall, it's average, as I've said. read more

Lousy service, owners kids running around making a lot of noise. Food was awful, I have had better mexican food in a T.V. dinner. WAY overpriced. read more

Casual atmosphere, fantastic chicken fajitas. Service was terrific - quick, friendly, and accurate. Highly recommended for a quick, filling, casual Mexican dinner. read more

This place is amazing! I'm from California and know real Mexican food and this is it. Definitely get a tamale. Yum. The margaritas are only ok but the food makes up for it! read more

This is my second time eating at this restaurant. We came upon it earlier this year when my daughter recommended it. Its out of the way from the heavy tourist traffic, and well worth the slight detour from the main street. Being from a Mexican family, I know what authentic Mexican food should taste like. They have great fajitas, chilie rellenos and just great food. The owners are very friendly as well. I highly recommend it. read more

OK, for Estes Park this is a decent Mexican restaurant. I had the quesadillas, decent. We also had fajitas, they were actually very very good. Pretty good chips and salsa. Even though it was very busy the staff was very friendly. As an honest review, we will visit this spot again next year. read more

Visiting Estes Park & some locals told us to eat here. Ugh. Not worth it. Cheese dip is like Nacho cheese, salsa is awful & mixed drinks were awful. Waiting on our fajitas now..... I'd like to just leave. Fajitas were horrible. read more