I've been here multiple times and I have to start with the salsa. It tastes like pasta sauce and I cannot get behind it. The food on the menu is always good though and I've enjoyed everything I've had including enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, etc. I've never had a fajita here but they look really good. My other qualm with this place is the cost. It is very expensive for what you get and somehow the alcohol tax here doubles the bill. The margaritas are basic tequila with margarita mix and cost a little too much for my liking. The service is always good here and the staff is super friendly and hardworking. The inside is very typical Tex-mex with carved out booths and plenty of seating. read more

El Mezcal - Steven special - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

We were not expecting much but surprisingly the food was very tasty. I ordered the taco, enchilada, burrito lunch special. The enchilada sauce was super tasty. read more

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The food was outstanding. I have some allergies and they totally customized my order for me. The waiter was friendly, helpful and engaging. We came in on a Sunday after church before the rush. Food came out fast, fresh and hot. We had the margaritas and they were outstanding. Not sure why they have 3 stars. We will be back again!! read more

El Mezcal - Cleared the plates it was so good!! - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

The service and menu is great. The food, beverage, price and vibes are all good. My kids love it too.

Great food & amazing margs! Service was wonderful, atmosphere was chill and authentic. read more

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Food and drinks are great! Service was spectacular. I highly recommended this place! It is the best read more

El Mezcal - Rueben Margarita is so good! - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

Just because it's close to my house, I've gone there about 4x in the past year. Each time the service and food get worse and worse. I will not go again!!! Last time I went the order was wrong and the waitress MIA for almost the entire meal. Another waitress had to help notify about our order, bring the new order, and refill our drinks. At the end of the meal we had to ultimately go to the bar to pay the bill because our waitress just would not return to the table. If you're craving Mexican I would recommend going somewhere else! Try other places like: The Fold, Canrina Lorado, Diablos Tacos & Mezcalería, Camp Taco at Lost Forty Brewing, etc. read more

The Food is Good @ this location! I had a FAT Fajita Wrap filled with CHICKEN,Bell Peppers,Onion!(Delicious)Our Server Freddy was& Funny AF!(The chick helping him wastoo!)We had a Good Time!My Nieces & Lil Sister enjoyed them selves!The kids are picky eaters! One had White Cheese Dip & the other had Fries!I didn't know Mexican Restaurants had French Fries! read more

El Mezcal - Fajitas Quesadillas,Burritos Rice & Beans,White Dip,French Fries & 2 Margaritas!& a Shot #NationalMargaritaDay #FamilyTime - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

As someone that would not consider Mexican food at the top of my go to restaurants, I still enjoy a good taco. El Mezcal gives me just that! (Plus free chips and dip, which should be a given) I have been to several Mexican restaurants in Little Rock, both upscale and not, and this place may be my favorite. Parking is fairly simple with street parking, or the big Kroger lot next door. The ambiance of the place has the authentic feel of a traditional Mexican spot without trying to doll everything up. My friends and I stopped by during our lunch break and were seated immediately. They are known for their good drinks and I could tell why with an extensive drink menu. I went with their Mexican tacos that comes with your choice of four tacos (roughly $3 a piece) and salsa. They have an assortment of meats that you can split into 2 and 2 or just get all four of the same. The tacos were probably one of the best I've had in Little Rock. My friends who also ordered some agreed as well. Altogether, we were in and out within a hour, which was great for a quick lunch break. The convenience and value of this place can't really be beat. read more

El Mezcal - Mexican Tacos (Steak and Carnitas with extra garnish) - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

Pleasantly surprising. unpredictable flavors yet also very comforting at the same time.. Alamabres is a spicy dish- has all the right ingredients in the right amount. Never too much much and just the right amount. It's a very Youthful and adventurous dish but not something I would suggest you eat everyday. Pleasantly surprising, unpredictable flavors yet very comforting at the same time.. Alamabres is a spicy dish- all the right ingredients. "It's probably far too Youthful and adventurous for an old man. read more

Experience was great for takeout. While I didn't call ahead, my lunch was quickly prepared.

Service was good. Restaurant was nice inside. Drinks are good, especially margaritas. The salsa was bland, but spicy. The Mexican rice was also bland. The refried beans, shredded chicken quesadilla, & cheese dip were tasty. Tex Mex like On The Border is definitely better than this. Just my opinion......I'll probably only come back for drinks only. That's it. read more

El Mezcal - Sangria Margarita on the rocks - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

Very authentic vibe. Salsa is on point. Get a large margarita while you wait on that food. Awesome stuff. read more

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Nice restaurant with very kind servers. The food is good and I'll go there again. There are a couple of suggestions. The tortilla used for enchiladas seems to be store bought. There is zero heat in any of the food. That may be perfect for some. I like chilies and heat in my Mexican food. Please ask customers about serving spicer salsa and dishes. Chips are great. read more

Took the family there and everyone said it was the best ever. Service was prompt and not intrusive. Food was correct temperature and orders were served promptly. read more

I'm not sure what the bad reviews are about. Our service was timely, courteous and accurate. The food (eso the rice) was unique. I had the chicken burritos (they will be smothered in cheese if you want cheese on it. Large space, large bar. My friend wanted a mimosa but they didn't have champagne. Perhaps an area they could work on. Also the neighborhood is so cute. You could go and have a coffee afterwards at Mylos or walk around and do groceries at the Kroger's so the area could cater to your entire evening. Will come again. read more

I have eaten her 5 times now... hoping I could eventually post a decent review our newest neighborhood Mexican restaurant... I can not. Every time I've eaten there, my order has been wrong to the point I had to send it back (2ce on this last visit). It was inedible and the server didn't even come back to check if it was ok, or to remove it from table since only one bite was taken. I've ordered an assortment; tamales, fajitas, tacos, the chimichanga (the worst) and finally the steak quesadilla (how do you mess up a quesadilla?!) I would recommend going here for cheese dip, salsa, and margaritas, only!! read more

Awful service and my small group was charged for the chips. $18 for chicken and rice with veggies. Vegetables tasted fresh at least.

Excellent, excellent, excellent! Food, Service, Prices, the best! Had the shrimp fajitas with a beer. Inflation has barely touched this place and I HIGHLY recommend stopping by if you're in the mood for Mexican food. read more

El Mezcal - Mexican Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

Very impressed. Best Mexican in AR by far since moving from Texas. Salsa could use some kick but all other food is very authentic and service is fast. read more

My husband and I decided to give this place another try since it's right in the neighborhood and La Hacienda gets so crowded. This visit was way better than the first time we went right after they opened. Super nice staff and very clean inside. We liked the music this time-- made the place feel more lively. Lots of margarita options and a pretty big menu. We had the fish tacos and the vegetarian chimichanga. Both were good. Guacamole app was also pretty good. We weren't crazy about the salsa, but it wasn't bad. Next time we will save room for dessert! We're glad to have a new, yummy spot in the neighborhood! read more

Where do I even begin?!? Friendly staff, tasty well made cocktails and oh so delicious food! I judge a Mexican restaurant by how well they can make sautéed jalapeños, cheese dip and SPINACH enchiladas! Let's just say I couldn't stop eating! Being new to the area, I'm so thankful my husband and I stumbled upon this authentic gem! I cannot wait to return! read more

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The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Their drinks are delicious and so is their food. I'm surprised it has such low reviews! I recommend coming here for some good Mexican food and great service. read more

Floor manager passed our table several times! But made sure to touch all the other (white) patrons... they really should consider shutting down for a day to provide proper training on service... I was warned by my neighbors but thought I should try for myself being that I live near by... I can't complain and say that the food was awful; other than my food was cold when brought to the table which is odd only being 4 or 5 tables occupied tonight... never will return EVER read more

Just recently starting going here. The first visit, the salsa was a bit bland. So we tried a couple of other Mexican restaurants, they were good, but the entrees were not nearly as good as El Mezcal. So we went back and the salsa was wonderful, so they have become our got to place for Mexican food. What we've determined is the salsa is made onsite and it is just slightly different each visit. Other than the initial visit everything has been superb! The service has always been great. Even with Covid restrictions related they are still taking safety measures. read more

Great food! Great service!! Best margaritas in town! Love to dine in and order take out! Always fast and fresh read more

Nice staff, good cheap Mexican food! Drink & food specials, right in the neighborhood. A+!

THIEFS!!! I ate there 12/20/2020 Me and my gf ordered margaritas both on the rocks. Hers came out frozen. She didn't care too much. We ordered our food and it was good. Our total was $73.65 I paid with my Debit card and she left a 15 dollar tip in cash. I wake up the next morning with an $83.65 transaction. They Added an extra $10 for a tip on top of cash!!!! read more

Just left there. We didn't even take our food with us. So much salt in the food! Blech! Salty guacamole, salty tacos. I had to drink a lot of water when I got home to wash the salt taste out of my mouth. read more

This is hard to write as the anticipation was great. However, this place is mediocre at best. In fairness, I need to give it one more try, yet our visits have been less than good. They need a major reality check in order to survive and pronto. They messed up our drink order and left them on our bill after complaining and they admitted they messed up. The salsa and chips are as described earlier; meh. The flautas, a simple basic dish that's hard to screw up was not that good. And a dish that was boring and missing melted cheese. Sure, the manager came over to apologize, yet too little , too late. Again, I'll try uno mas hoping we're surprised to upside. read more

Really bad. For a new restaurant opening in Hillcrest, I'll eat my taco hat if this place remains open in 12 months. Slow service, bland food that's an insult to proper Mexican food, and a general lack of anything special. Completely generic and nothing Hillcrest or Little Rock should be proud of. What a shame. read more

This place is this biggest disaster I've ever seen in a family friendly neighborhood beginning with the wretched dishonest hostess. Despite there being 8 empty dirty tables, my wife was told there was a 45 minute wait. After a very curt and inhospitable exchange, my family and I left. My wife called after we had come to grips with how we were treated and asked to speak to the manager. The same hostess didn't think to mute the phone and called out to who was listening that this was the bitch that had just left. After 2 minutes the "manager" got on the phone and made it utterly clear my experience didn't matter. Keep this place off your list. It does not belong in Hillcrest. read more

Lunch on day two of this restaurants life and there is hope. Salsa had some kick- didn't taste like it was out of a large jar from Ben E Keith. Cheese dip was pretty bland. I had the lunch Chimichanga which was good and the rice and beans had good flavor. Huge portion for $8.99. Had the afternoon off so tried the Texas margarita and thought I was going to have to get an Uber home. Stout! Almost $40 before tip for two lunch specials cheese dip and small drink. Problem areas were service and speed. It wasn't crowded and I was looking for my server who was talking with the other employees somewhere where I could hear them but not flag them down. Food took 20 minutes for tacos, beans and rice. Not speedy. Final pet peeve is please cut the doorbell that goes off when someone comes in . If you aren't attentive enough to know someone comes in, you're going to have problems. Great location potential. Will check back at some point but they have tweaking to do. read more

Not all the HYPE I visited this location today around 5 p.m. and the place was not very crowded. I asked for the empty table by the window, so that I can people watch on the Kavanaugh street. Finally, a waitress came to my table and inquired what I wanted to eat and/or drink.. I said let me look over the menu... it is huge. The waitress finally came back and took my drink order, now I have read a lot of reviews that said that the margaritas were the "bomb"...naw they are NOT!!. I order the Texas Margaritas which should come with Grand Marnier, it was weak. Oh WAIT, some previous reviews stated the salsa "had some kick-didn't taste like it was out of a .... jar"....yea I think it did!! So I decided on ordering the Flautas (4), which only comes in chicken I hate to admit they were lack a flavor, plus it took me at least 30 minutes to get my meal, mind you the restaurant was not busy when I placed my order. The guacamole was pretty good, that my ONLY positive on the meal. By now it almost 6p and finally the waitress did come back to check on me. I was by now totally disappointed by this whole service, meal and the whole experience. I will think twice if I will revisit this restaurant. I apologize for this review, but it is facts!! read more

The best kept secret and the best Mexican food in all of Little Rock for its value, food, service, drinks, atmosphere, ambience, music, and authenticity. Extra points for great vegetarian options. Thank you, Aris, for your extra friendly service and smile today! You made my day. read more

Worst food and service ever. There was so much red sauce on the enchiladas it was a revolting plate of goo. And the filling was skimpy. The waiter spent so much time on his phone that we had to get up and go get him twice. He showed his annoyance both times even though we were courteous. And we were the only table in the restaurant. We asked for the manager just to let him know they could have done better. We were told the manager wasn't in. Naturally. I would give this restaurant 0 stars if I could. Never, ever again. read more

These bad reviews must have come right after opening. I found the service fast and attentive...and not invasive. My carnitas were delivered even before we could finish our guacamole, and they were tender and well seasoned. The rice and beans both rocked. My dinner mate raved about his martini. We ate a ton, had leftovers, and only spent 54.00. A winner! read more

The first time we went the food was just okay. Since then we've been back twice. The food is a lot better and the service was good. The servers were courteous and we received our food within minutes of placing the order. The food was hot and the drinks were ice cold! If you weren't impressed the first or last time you were at El Mezcal, give it another chance, you might enjoy it! read more

The new general manager is amazing and super helpful, and the servers are all fun, personable, and courteous. The food is priced well (maybe even under priced) and portions generous n delicious! I always leave here satisfied. The only thing is it's very chilly in there, but with more foot traffic coming in and out it's hardly a negative (I prefer to be chilled than sweating anyways). Definitely recommend! read more

The drinks are delicious and the food is even better!!! The food was seasoned perfectly. I've never had shrimp or chicken taste like that and the barbacoa was bomb. read more