My husband and I go there on a regular basis. We love the food and the margaritas are incredible!! Great service, and the outside patio is lovely. read more

My husband and I have been there many times before. This time we were stuck in a little teeny tiny corner booth, if that's what you want to call it. VAC blowing on high and it was filthy. Our server didn't speak English. We tried to ask questions she had to go get someone else. They were not much of an improvement. We ordered the cheese sauce for the tortilla chips. It was cold and clumpy within 1 1/2 minutes. It was so cold that I shook so bad and could not even eat let alone enjoy the food. We will never be going back. Clean up the filth and stop putting people in a little teeny tiny cubby hole. read more

Food is wonderful. Staff is amazing.!! I especially enjoy when I get one of these three ladies April ,Andrea, and Ines. they always have a smile on their face and you get great service. read more

We're late to try El Mezcal restaurant, but we finally made it on a Saturday evening. We were greeted the moment we walked in the door, seated immediately and our drink orders taken. The decor is very colorful and bright, similar to Las Margaritas. We ordered queso with our chips and our entrees were white enchiladas and burrito Azteca which was huge! Our food came out very quickly. The flavors were very typical for most restaurants in this genre. Definitely an apparent favorite of OTOTW residents who enjoy a full bar. Glad we can finally check this establishment off the "must visit" list. read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Burrito Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

This place has been here for about 5 years. It is not consistent. Tonight the service was better than usual, but the main dish was horrible. I ordered the Grande Special which had everything. The plate came to the table hot, but the food wasn't. The ground meat reminds me of Taco Bell's. I don't think it was real ground beef. It lacked flavor. I don't think it's worth the money. The Mexican Street Corn was loaded with the white sauce and it overpowered the grilled corn. Won't be ordering that again. It's a good think I don't go there often at all. WIll go elsewhere for Mexican food. read more

This place is either hot or cold!! Let's start with service...either excellent or you are completely forgotten and the latter seems to have become the norm as the ladies love to talk at the door versus taking care of customers. Food is also hit or miss. One time we ordered fajitas and the beef was so tough we could not bite through it. Then the next time I ordered a taco salad for lunch and there was water in the shell...did they not spin off the lettuce?? Margaritas are very inconsistent and we were told each Manager makes their own version. Don't know...we used to LOVE this place but something drastic has changed!!! read more

The food is pretty good, however the service is horrible. The ladies seem to enjoy standing at the front door and socializing with each other instead of checking on their customers. Fortunately there are many other Mexican restaurants nearby which have much better service like La Hacienda and El Toreo read more

We've been here twice now. Both times we've sat at the bar. Today I had the "birria" tacos that are filled with meat and cheese then cilantro, onions and beef stew are served on the side to dip the tacos in. They fill the tacos, then grilled on the griddle until crispy. I heard about these on a Facebook video. If you haven't had them add them to you must try list. My husband had alambre chicken, which is like a fajita on a plate , but top it with shredded cheese. The. They serve with side of flour or corn tortilla. Lettuce, tomato and guacamole is also served with this in addition to the rice and beans. Both of our meals were served with rice and beans. Maria at the bar was fabulous. The food was pretty quickly served and was fabulously delicious! Next time we are in Ocala I will be back and try their fajita salad. read more

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We had an El Mezcal lunch yesterday. I veered off my loyalty to carnitas and had a dish called Choripollo. It is a chicken breast with lots of chorizo bits on top, then covered with a cheese sauce. My wife had the lunch portion of steak fajitas. Both lunches were just delicious, with a nice presentation and generous portions. One notable comment is that everything, from our entrees to the chips and salsa, needed salt. And it has been my experience that if you cook without salt, you can't really add it afterwards and make things taste right. The restaurant was very clean, and the staff was very pleasant and attentive. We will return! read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Choripollo was delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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We stopped in while visiting family in Ocala. The Margarita's were great and very large. The food was good, but nothing earth shattering. Their salsa was perfect with just the right consistency- not too thick. I got a combo meal and the best item was my crunchy, ground beef taco. Flavor was not too salty and the shell was not greasy. I can't give my rating a 5 because 2 of our orders were not correct and had to be remade, but our server was very accommodating. read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Nice restaurant on the corner of a plaza. Place was packed. - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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My "go to" Mexican restaurant in the area. I always ask for their "hot" salsa and mix it with their regular salsa. Yum!!! Last night I ordered their Enchilada Supreme. Usually, they come with 4 different enchiladas, but I asked for all to be cheese and onions. The only thing that kept it from 5 stars was the insides were not quite hot enough. Love this place!! read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Enchiladas!! Yum!! - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Carry out order process is straightforward. They forgot the tortillas for my chicken fajitas. Chicken was dry and overcooked. Pastor tacos also dry and overcooked. Tamale and salsa had good flavor. Rice was authentic and beans were just average. Won't be back. read more

We've only experienced the bar (so far), but are already fans! Bartenders are quick and attentive, and mix excellent drinks. All the staff is friendly, and the décor inside is not to be missed! read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Drink menu - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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This has been our go to Mexican food place for some time. They have a great staff and the food is good. Tonight they had a mariachi band playing to the patrons. The place is usually busy, but the food comes out fast and hot... they even have a guacamole cart where they prepare it table-side. Indulge in some of their delicious margaritas. Chips and salsa appear before the meal, but also try the Queso! All in all a great place to go when you are craving a Mexican meal! read more

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Shrimp on taco was chopped and loaded down with way too much salt. Salsa was like watered down barbecue sauce with smoke taste. Shrimp tacos were chintzy and way overloaded with salt. bean and rices were good .The service Ok but hurried. Beautiful interior. Overall, El Mezecal was no great bargain...not going back. read more

Had been to other Mexican places locally and decided to try here. It is tucked away in the corner of a shopping plaza which means quiet and no traffic. Lively decorations and lighting makes for a fun ambience. Not crowded on a Monday night with Happy Hour until 7:00PM. I started with 2 for 1 House Lime Margarita on the rocks. It was wonderful. Menu extensive with lots of choices. Went with the Quesadilla Guadalajara Steak for an entree. The dish was hot, large, and cooked to perfection. Wait staff attentive, restaurant clean with outdoor seating. Prices reasonable. read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - House Lime Margarita on the rocks - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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10 across the board! 10 food! 10 Margaritas! 10 service! The rather bright lighting reminds of Taiwan eateries. Goes against dining relaxation but evidently there's clearly nothing to hide. Go here! read more

We had a GREAT experience here. Happened by this place and stopped in for lunch. They have TWO patios for seating, one in front and one in back. We chose the back and brought my dog. They were very nice about it. The service was so friendly and easy. The chips are tri colored so a bit of fun. The salsa is very good. Not too hot but not tomato juice either. They were accommodating about my mom's gluten free needs. We lingered after the meal and did not get any stink eye. The food-- very tasty. The beans are standard, rice- looked standard, I dont eat rice. The plates were large you are gonna need a box. The decor is so amazing. This place is going to be by new regular! read more

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If you're looking for a strong margarita... look no further. One and DONE! Food was good too, although I don't really remember it. read more

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I needed a relaxing evening out so I stopped by El Mexicali's restaurant on the Southside of Ocala off of 200. The staff are always pleasant, accommodating and absolutely kind. Excellent and immediate service. Don't miss out on Nancy making your table's specially ordered guacamole!! You won't be disappointed! The restaurant was impeccably clean and the servers were very professional! I had a great selection and be ready to ask for take home cups - you'll need them as portion sizes are quite big! Enjoy... I did! read more

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Great food, service is usually good and excellent margaritas! Nice patio. Mariachi band in Weds read more

Our super realtor took us out to lunch to celebrate our finding a new house. (Thank you Valerie) We sat outside to enjoy Florida's perpetual great weather. We had chips and authentic tasting salsa for an appetizer followed by our tasty meals. Tom had half chimichanga and I had 3 soft tacos. Both meals were excellent. read more

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In town visiting friends . They brought me here for dinner. Was Leary due to reviews, not sure who reviewed here because found El Mezcal to be very good, chic , Friendly place to get good Mexican food , at a reasonable price . They brought chips and dip straight to the table , I asked for hot salsa, which was delivered in a mannerly fashion. I also ordered a horchata . Was expecting a small glass ( usually get 4-6 oz) this was brought out in a 16 oz cup , no need for refills , I can drink down one in 2 sips . I ordered the molcajete , seems every Mexican restaurant I've been to has there own recipe for this, this one was all shredded up easier to make wraps with it. My friends had a burrito. Chimichanga. They looked good and was plenty there. No complaints from either one . I would go again Some may say is busy looking, k liked the hand carved chairs and booths. Looked just like the times I have visited Mexico. read more

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I don't usually do bad reviews mote than once, but bad is bad! A friend and I went to El Mexical for lunch. We have been enjoying Mexican food together for 10 years, and hands down this was the absolute worst! We both ordered simple lunches, her a taco and burrito plate and me fish tacos. I forgot this was the place, several o the ago I got fish tacos minus fish! Well they did not make changes! Three soft shells, lettuce, tomatoes, sauce and crumbs of, possibly fish, her's loaded with sauce and "tasteless", bland.. no one checked on us until the bill came... a half an hour after expecting it..restaurant empty and servers, probably taking a well deserved break. Food , unacceptable, service lacking...several Mexican restaurants in the area...bye bye. read more

Always a winner. Been here about 25 times and never disappointed. Will be back next week for sure as always.

Our whole party enjoyed the great food and excellent service. Definitely going back! The mexican corn on the cob was wife's favorite.

Haven't been back since they were shut down by the health department.... Absolutely nothing has changed..... Avoid this place El Mezcal will try to push the narrative they were never shut down when in fact yes they WERE stopped by the health department for unsanitary food conditions and shut down for multiple months in 2023. Now 6 months later, This place is still in disarray and dirty. read more

Not bad for Florida. Laid back, pretty decent menu (no mole or chile verde) with most of the basics. Nice house margies, friendly attentive staff, several types of salsa. We'll be back! read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - El Mezcal - their signature dish. Not bad! Grilled steak atop grilled chicken. Three different salsas lurking in the background - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Food was pretty good and service was excellent. We were seated quickly. The restaurant seemed clean. We're new to the area and trying different restaurants. At most other places we get a little quacamole and sour cream on the plate but not here - so only 4 stars. read more

About 430pm on Fed.16, I was at El Mezcal restaurant at 8449 SW St RD 200 Ocala and I saw a couple sitting outside with a dog. The restaurant does not have the authorized setup for a dog on it's patio. I spoke with the Manager--Carlos and he said he would take care of the situation. Again on March 1, around 4pm I saw three people sitting on at patio table with a dog sitting in a chair seat. I saw the server pet the dog and the adult feed the dog. Did the server wash her hands? When I left there was another couple sitting at that table. Had the table been properly cleaned? Again on March 3, around 430pm I saw a couple sitting outside with a dog in a baby carriage (thing) with it's head at/near the table. It should be noted: 1. That the restaurant brings these outside tables/chairs inside at night when they close and puts them back out when open. Which means these table/chairs are handled by people who will handle food. 2. These were clearly NON-SERVUICE DOGS. read more

My wife and I recently moved to Florida from the west coast where we have some of the best Mexican food on the planet. I reside in Citrus Hills and no where between Citrus and Ocala has really good Mexican food. I guess if you like crap and fake cheese. No self respecting Latino eats fake cheese, what's with all the fake cheese at all these Mexican restaurants! Anyways El Mezcal rocks, the staff was great, food was great, atmosphere was the best ever. The salsa was a little weak, but they probably do that for all those fake cheese eaters...LMAO. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely drive the 25 minutes to get there, its worth it. And NO fake cheese. LMAO read more

We love this place. They have really good margaritas. We have been going here for at least two years. Our most recent visit we noticed that they have updated their menus and the restaurant received a fresh coat of new paint. It's nice when a restaurant doesn't rest on its laurels and improves your dining experience. Our waitress was experienced and efficient. My wife ordered the ceviche and wanted it placed on a salad. Our waitress made it happen. Good authentic Mexican food at great prices. read more

We were seated and served quickly. It was pretty busy for a Thursday at 7pm. But I was impressed by the table side guac. It was great! Salsa didn't taste the freshest. I've had better. But food came out quick. The burrito was huge! It tasted good, not the best I've ever had but still good. My husbands carnitas were great he said! Overall, I would come back but maybe I'll try something different next time. read more

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My wife and I have eaten here many times in the last 3 years. Large portions. Never had a bad meal and we always bring home leftovers. That's our experience. read more

Food was good, service leaves a lot to be desired. We ate outside and it was a nice meal but our waitress was very distant and refills were few and far between. She was quick to take the check and cash is out, that was the end of any type of service. We will try it again and hope for the best. The food was prepared and delivered quickly. We all liked our lunch. read more

So disappointed we stopped going about two months ago so we thought we would try it again I asked if they change managers and she said yes several times I don't know what the kitchen is doing but it's been awful and you can tell they're not as busy as they used to be it's a shame ordered super nachos had no cheese on them very little lettuce had to ask for cheese and lettuce from the kitchen read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Painted chair - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Some of the best Mexican food and the cutest restaurant that I've been to! The decor makes you feel like you're in Mexico. The salsa was amazing and my husbands mango margarita was the best ever and it was huge! read more

Great food nice atmosphere.lots of help. Fast service. Shrimp fajitas large. Steak wasn't great on fajitas but that's the only issue. read more

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Food, service and ambiance were great. Drinks have way too much ice, could be better. read more

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala - Nacho supreme with 3 different meats. - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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Ate for the first time with My wife and daughter... Nice decor inside...outdoor seating very pleasant.. Service was excellent... our server was Bianca food was very good.. big portions on nice plates.. we found the Margaritas were on point.. This is worth visiting... Will eat there very soon again. Price is right.....as well. Definitely get your monies worth. Extensive menu without being over whelmed.. Food came out fast and hot... read more