Looking for a bite after an evening at the track, we stumbled on this gem. The ratings on Yelp were solid and it didn't disappoint. Come hungry though. The portions are huge, authentic and delicious! The atmosphere is cozy and it feels like the servers and kitchen are all family. I had the Molcajete (for one) and it was fantastic, but enough for two! My wife had tacos of some sort, she said they were on par with the best she's had. Cold Cervesas, great food and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. El Molcajete won't be a secret for long! read more

I came here on a recommendation and was really pleased with the quality of the food. It's a great restaurant - well appointed with convenient parking across the street. The service is excellent - efficient and friendly. Most importantly, the food is great. I got a trio of street tacos - 2 Lengua and 1 tripa. Delicious!!! Completely recommend you find and eat at this gem of a restaurant. read more

Amazing food in a little tucked in restaurant near U of L's Belknap campus. It has a reputation of being really busy at lunch, and I can see why! We went on Memorial Day hoping the crowd would be lessened (and it was!). We were greeted with a tasty warm salsa that might have some molé base. I ordered the enchiladas with green, red, and white (queso) sauces. The dish was deceptively huge as each enchilada was stuffed with chicken. When the meal comes, there are 4 additional sauces you can add to your food- all have some heat to them- and all are yummy! read more

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Wanted to try a New Mexican place, and we came across this gem. Prices are very reasonable, I got two steak asada tacos for like $4 each. A little heavy on the cilantro but still tasty. Came with a couple of sauces that were great for dipping them in. We also got a burrito that was very delicious and came with queso on top. If your wallet is tight and you want a good Mexican style meal, give this place a try. read more

El Molcajete - Steak asada taco - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Our favorite tacos in town. I get a vegetarian trio--nopal (cactus), rajas (poblano), & veggie (which is a black bean taco). $2 each (wowza). Husband gets barbacoa, steak, & chicken, deluxe style w lettuce and sour cream. We both get flour tortillas bc we prefer them to corn, but the corn tortillas are very good. We should also just order 2 each but can't help ourselves so end up ordering too much and taking one each home. The poblano queso is great, as is the house salsa. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Wow! Love this place. Great food and very affordable. My wife had the cheese quesadilla with spinach and I had one of each of the vegetarian tacos. I do like spicy food but the tacos had plenty of flavor without adding anything. Our server brought us five options for sauce. The food came up fast and tasted great! read more

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Small and very casual. This is a small neighborhood spot. My margarita came in a bottle. That was a bit of bummer. I was really looking forward to an actual margarita. This will do, I guess. However. That salsa is amazing. It's served warm so don't get weird about it, Susan. The staff is friendly and patient with questions about the menu. The shrimp tacos were delicious and well seasoned. The guacamole was fresh as fuck and fantastic. read more

The food was delicious and the service was even better. The food did not take long either. Place is a little small. Don't blink or you will miss it. Food and sauces are delicious. I had 4 tacos and menudo. But don't take my word for it , go and try it out for yourself. read more

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I wanted to try this place for years. I saw it on DoorDash with a very reasonable 0.49 cent delivery fee all the way to our house in Clifton. Man, the food was to die for. I knew this place would be good when I found that they had sopes on the menu and even had a wide variety of them (tripe and lengua). The sope was the biggest I've seen. Even bigger than the ones I've had in Mexico, and it was very authentic. The barbicoa on top was melt in your mouth good. The birria tacos were also stuffed with delicious tender meat. My husband loved his pollo y queso that came with fresh corn tortillas. The chips and queso were top notch and came with homemade green and red hot sauces. Both were delicious. Since I got it delivered, I can't comment on ambience or service. However, if I'm near Churchill Downs, I will definitely try this place in person. Amazing and authentic Mexican food. read more

This is my go-to spot on this side of town for authentic Mexican food. While the place is very small, the atmosphere is always lively, which mirrors the decorations. The servers are friendly and helpful. I love that they offer four sauces, two of which are spicy, and that the complementary tortillas are served with warm salsa. This far, I have not eaten any dish that was a disappointment. I will continue to eat here because the food is flavorful and the service is friendly and fast. read more

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I forgot to take a picture because it was so yummy town. Best fajita I've ever had and not because it gives me attention. And they didn't even have margaritas read more

We got her at 5:30 on a Friday night and they were slow. They definitely picked up as we sat there. The service was laid back and friendly. We had a bean sope, bean gordita, and shrimp fajitas for dinner and then shared the fried plantains for dessert. This was a very good find, thanks Yelpers! read more

El Molcajete - Mmmm...fried plantains - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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A friend wanted to try this place out because she'd heard how good it is, so we went today for lunch. Absolutely fantastic. Authentic flavors, with offerings that you won't find in the regular chain spots. The salsa was served warm with the (also still warm) chips, and the flavor was like nothing I've experienced elsewhere. There was not a crumb left on anyone's plate when we finished. Prices were great. Staff is incredible, friendly, and efficient... which we saw first hand since the place filled UP for lunch. I am thankful we live close by because I'll be bringing my family in very soon. read more

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Quality ingredients, authentic preparation, and reliably excellent results over a number of years in a charming corner shop location just SW of Belknap Campus. read more

When we're at Churchill Downs, it's hard to resist heading across Central Avenue to El Molcajete for authentic Mexican food. Add friendly service, and you have a great little place for lunch. One of my favorites is Chile Relleno, and El Molcajete has the best I've had in the Ville and the Lex. We shared a small order of Ceviche which proved to be quite large for two, so don't be tempted to order the bigger size. The neighborhood is iffy, but we always seem to find a parking space right by the restaurant. 37 read more

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This place has the best enchiladas. It is usually not too crowded, but the last time I went, they made me share a table with another family. Other than that, the service is pretty good. read more

I was visiting Louisville recently and had one of the best Mexican dinners I've had in a long time. We had various tacos and some salsa along with some french fries and some bottled Coke. It felt very authentic and I would highly recommend it. Great service and awesome dining room. Definitely give it a try. read more

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They charge you more than what is listed on menu!!! This is plain false advertisement. See photos for receipt and price menu. EVERY ITEM IS MORE THAN LISTED. When I pointed out, the manager stated out there's an obscure sticker at the front of the menu that I should've read and it was my fault for not knowing. Customers are just supposed to know prices increased but STILL nowhere do they list the actual prices... Manager was defensive and combative at me, at one point almost yelling at me, as I was pointing out how unfair this is. I asked another customer (who was also paying) if they knew price increased and they had no idea either. The manager then cut in to say "it was only $1-2 more per item" (so about $7) to the other customer, trying to make me feel stupid for bringing this up. If it's so little, then... price what you listed. It's simply not right nor fair. This is why we have consumer laws. Ultimately the fault is with the owner who really should know better. Two stars because my table service and food was quite good, but neighborhood is indeed sketchy. read more

El Molcajete - Menu cover - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Small place in what looks to be an old house corner near Churchill Downs. Lots of locals and business people in there for lunch. Salsa very different than a typical Mexican place but excellent, chips thin and hot. Food and service excellent as well. They have a limited selection of beers and other drinks although I didn't get a chance to try since it was lunchtime. Definitely recommend read more

Authentic style food in a low key style dine in establishment. Casual and easy to miss when walking by, it's a neighborhood favorite. The menu has a ton of variety, the food is delicious and the assortment of salsas and sauces will have us returning for more! Service was helpful and kind! read more

Have never had a bad meal here. Five star veggie tacos across the board. And the Alambre is so good. Great service. No margs though.

The reviews were good so we gave this place a try. Maybe those reviews had given us higher expectations than they should have. The service was slow. We had to flag down someone to order our drinks which didn't arrive until after they gave use our salsa and chips and they were gone. Thankfully they were large cups so we didn't have to ask for multiple refills. The salsa was good. Different than most the red salsas we eat when having Mexican food. We also ordered the choriqueso and that was great which had us anxious to receive our main entrees. Sadly when they arrived they were nothing too special. My burrito wasn't even warm enough to melt the queso cheese on top of it. Thankfully I ordered half beef and half chicken bc the chicken was about all I picked out of it to eat. The beef was too gristly. The Alambra my husband ordered wasn't sizzling at all but was nice and hot on the fajita plate. We both tried each others and decided the alambra was for sure the best option. We flagged down any waitress we saw to ask for what we needed. The restrooms were clean, I will say that. The place was busy the whole time we were there so I'm hoping for their sake it was just bad timing on our part with the food quality and slow service. For these reasons I'd have to say take a chance with caution. read more

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I've heard so many great things about El Molcajete, so when my work gave us the fun option of ordering a Hispanic sandwich for lunch (i.e. a torta, arepa, etc.) I was excited to see some sandwiches on EM's menu. I ordered the Cubano. This was not a Cubano. This sandwich is served with chicken, Mexican sausage, ham, bacon, eggs, jalapeños, American cheese and mozzarella cheese on fluffy bread. Compare this to what is typically on a Cubano: two kinds of pork, melted Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, grilled on panini-like bread. Now was EM's sandwich bad? No, it just wasn't a what I was expecting. This sandwich was also large and in charge in that I was only about to eat half. I'm excited to try more things on EM's menu because I think they missed the Mark a bit on this one. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Its been too long since ive been back, but the food was on point. Food comes quick and you'll find you won't be talking much on account you only want to enjoy the food. 100% recommend read more

I absolutely love this place. It's a hole in the wall place near Churchill Downs and is a hidden gem. They have a huge menu and really good prices for the portion size and quality. There are a variety of unique sauces to try & delicious agua frescas that come in huge cups. Recommend; Chile Rellano & Carnitas tacos. read more

What a great local find! I enjoyed the enchiladas molcajetes, served three ways, and an order of veggie burrito as well (they put cheese inside the burrito, so if you are dairy-free, cuidado!). The salsa that accompanies the chips is unusual and delicious, with a real grilled char taste without being too spicy. Plenty of Mexican beers to choose from. We avoided ordering a margarita because it appeared that they were all pre-mixed. The service was friendly and helpful, but not super attentive -- one waitress for the whole place on a night when they are 2/3 full may be cutting it close. Not a big deal, but as an example they brought extra napkins without asking but silverware came after the food. There was no return to the table for refills or a second round of drinks. But still, friendly, and when a plate was delivered incorrectly, she swooped it away and replaced it quickly. Situated right by the local (and infamous) horse track, this small restaurant occupies the first floor of a corner house, offering seating for less than 40 people at any time. Parties larger than 4 should note that there is a round table in the window that could fit 5-7 (tight) and a row of tables that can be pushed together to serve 10 (or a tight 12 with chairs at the end). Is it the best Mexican you've ever had? Maybe not, but it was real good. You could bring a friend here and be confident. Yes, the pricing is suspicious -- some menus have the updated pricing and others did not. But it didn't feel like anyone was trying to put one over on us, so there was no reason to argue. I would visit this place again. read more

TOP SECRET--Queso birria tacos--They aren't on the menu, just ask for them! The consume was a little too salty but the tacos were awesome. I really loved the authentic feel of this place. read more

El Molcajete - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Every time I go here I try something new and it's always am more then satisfied with my meal as well as my experience. They have the nicest staff and they always smile with their hearts and their souls. I'd give them 5.5 stars if I could! read more

The smell of cat pee from the up stairs ran us out of there quick. Lost appetite immediately

The neighborhood looks a little sketch but it's completely worth it. Best birria tacos I've had in a long time, shrimp tacos were great as well. Very large portions for the price. Will be back for sure! read more

The food and service at El Molcajete deserves more than 5 stars! I've visited this location twice by the time of this review. With both visits the service was prompt, steady, and extremely friendly. The food...oh my gosh...it's simply enjoyable. For starters, their salsa is different from what I've come to expect of salsa at Mexican restaurants. Their salsa was warm, brown (not red), and with onions and cilantro being visibly dominant. I'm not a huge fan of cilantro, but it certainly worked to my liking. The tortilla chips arrived warm and had a very slight sweet taste. Between both visits I had the plain Cheese Dip and Poblano Dip. Both were excellent, but the Poblano Dip was especially tasty with the presence of the poblano peppers - yummy! On the first visit I ordered the Nachos with steak. It was surprisingly massive. More than enough for 2-3 people. The ingredients tasted freshly made, they were plentiful, and bursting with flavor. I couldn't eat it all, so I ate the rest later at home. I will say the nachos didn't taste as good after sitting around for a few hours. The second visit I ordered the Burrito Molcajete with carnitas. The carnitas meat (slow simmered shredded pork) was well seasoned, tender, and moist. The burrito was huge and included all the fixings inside: carnitas, lettuce, beans, rice, cheese, and tomatoes. The burrito was fantastic. It needed an extra of absolutely nothing. Just dig in and enjoy every chew. Lastly, I can't say enough about the quality customer service. The employees worked as a team to ensure all customers were served promptly and given the right amount and kind of attention to make their visit and meal were enjoyable. They did an impressive job at managing the crowd demand from dine-in and take-outs. There were plenty of both types of traffic during my last visit (all booths were taken, so I lucked out at the last available seat at the bar). Note that there aren't multiple sizes of cheese dips or soda. One size, one price. Done, and done. Free refills on soda in what looked like a 32 oz cup. read more

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Stopped into this little hole in the wall for some takeout. Quick, easy to order, and friendly young man at the register. My veggie tacos were stuffed with fajita vegetables. Next time, I'll eat in. The tacos would be better eaten right away instead of carrying out and driving home. read more

El Molcajete - Veggie Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Good service, excellent food, friendly, and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for?

Amazing FOOD, great friendly service and did I say amazing, delicious authentic quality food. My family were in this area of Georgia for the first time for a Basketball Tournament and we gave this place a try. We ordered take out and the attention to making sure we had everything we needed to enjoy the food at the hotel was going above and beyond. The restaurant was close to our hotel and I wish we would have made it there earlier to enjoy the location. The restaurant had a great decor and the servers worked as a team in all areas. Will return on our next trip there. read more

The food and service at El Molcajete is legit. Additionally, they serve the largest bottles of Modelo I've ever seen in my life. LOL read more

El Molcajete - Food - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

It seems like only yesterday, but six years ago, when El Molcajete first moved to the neighborhood (and they were around the block on 3rd Street), it was a big deal for me, personally. The number of decent Mexican eateries inside the Watterson was paltry, and here was this little oasis that had become a big draw for Mexican laborers. The current location has a little more polish to it, but the menu and execution haven't really changed at all. The main difference, really, is that the word has gotten out that the food is good here, and the clientele is not as reliably solid Latino/Latina. And better still, El Molcajete has a lot more competition for my taco dollars. (Taco Dollars [täkō dälrs], n. - a per diem allocated expressly for tacos, as nothing else will quite do.) Nothing ever knocks my socks off, but the carnitas is solid, they have nopales and lengua, and sometimes straight-ahead is exactly what's called for. read more

Salsa was so WOW. The warmness and spice make it the talk of the town. Service was great and we LOVED the food. They decor was very peaceful and I have decided this is my happy place. I hope you come here so we can share the experience. read more

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This was delicious authentic Mexican food. The chimichanga had a full breast in it! Enough for 2 and so juicy. I never had it prepared like this and now I don't want it any other way! My husband loves lengua and he almost licked the plate! Prepared almost like a spicy stew. Our friend got a burrito that was huge and full of truly tasty steak. We will drive out of our way to go back! read more

El Molcajete - Chimichangas - Mexican Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Spacious, clean, nicely decorated, diagonally across the st. from Churchill Downs. Large, varied menu w/specialty dishes from (I think) the State of Veracruz, so there are dishes with tropical ingredients, I have never seen before in other Mexican eateries, like food wrapped in banana leaves. Wait help is friendly and they are happy to explain some of the dishes I was unfamiliar with. portions are large and always had to eat my leftovers later. .During my last two visits to Louisville, I took friends who were also impressed with the food. be returning this coming fall and will definitely be eating there again. read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants I've experienced in the country. Great sauces, authentic flavors, and inexpensive.