I liked the food here fine but in an area with so many good Mexican options, El Molcajete doesn't top the list for me, especially with another restaurant close by with a similar menu that I'm partial to and find to be better. The Mex/Tex-Mex menu is plenty diverse, and the combination platter is a good deal if you'd like to try several things. Our steak was cooked medium rare as requested. I was disappointed by the horchata which tasted and looked artificial and syrupy; the texture and flavor were both off. The decor is quite cute and charming. 3.5. read more

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Great food. Great service. And a byob definitely helps the cost too. We will definitely come back.

This is a hidden gem. The food is authentic and delicious every time. The staff is friendly and accommodating. We have been coming here for years! It's BYOB, too. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Chicken Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

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Friendly service. The atmosphere is cute. The food...as soon as I tasted the first chip I knew I was in trouble. They tasted and smelled of old fryer grease. Horrible. My meal was marginal, and many hours later it stayed with me in all the worst ways. I love Mexican food. I will not be back. read more

Food was great and the service was friendly and attentive Its going to be on our list to return to soon read more

Ugh this place was awful. Guacamole was flavorless. As were the shrimp in my shrimp cocktail which was served with a bowl of flavorless tomato sauce. We ordered the cauldron and it was just a mix of meat and melted cheese. But i think the worst was our server. We asked for a glass of seltzer and fresh lime. We were given a pitcher of half seltzer, half tequila and loaded with lemon. Asked for a Jarritos, never got it. Constantly had to ask for our table of 8 to get water. There are so many better Mexican restaurants to choose from that won't test your gag reflex. Please save your money and your taste buds and eat elsewhere. read more

Great food however the ambience leaves a little to be desired, but the quality of food overcomes!

The food is very delicious and authentic. It was served right on time and a great hot temperature. The service from Venny is professional and he's attentive. The ambiance is inviting and calm. Great place to dine. read more

We came here after another restaurant that was suggested to us for Mexican food was closed. The place wasn't packed or loud, but it seemed very clean. The server wasn't too talkative but very friendly. I ordered the Chimichanga, and my lady love ordered the Taco/Enchilada/Chili Relleno combination platter. The beans were really good. Chimichangas were good, as was her combo platter, but could probably use just a hint of spice for a bit of a wow factor. All in all, not bad. A good little spot for a bite to eat, and talk. Price wise, it was about average. Not too expensive. I'd like to come back and sit outside when the weather warms up. read more

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Came here for lunch on Cinco de Mayo & had a chance to sit outside & enjoy the nice weather. You get chips & salsa and a small cheese quesadilla when you sit down at the table. They had specials when we get so I ordered the burrito, enchilada & taco combo platter which came with rice and beans. We also ordered guacamole & chips as an appetizer but they forgot about it & brought it after the food was out - not the end of the world but just a note. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

Pros: Good food. Fast service. Cons: *Not all staff speaks English; this is a problem when you need something. *SURCHARGE FOR USING A CREDIT CARD The biggest reason for three stars is the CC surcharge; GET RID OF IT. Price is a bit expensive for a BOYB Resturant. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - WiFi password - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

As fans of Mexican food we were excited to try this new place. We went on a rainy weekday so there were very few patrons there. We were greeted and seated promptly. The place it decorated a bit haphazardly and to me just doesn't look well kept or clean. The floor was very greasy/slippery. It was like skating on ice. I watched the servers and they were sliding around all night. The menu is big with all the traditional dishes. We had tacos, burritos and a chicken dish. The food is mediocre at best but the prices to me are over the top. Sorry but there are to many other places to eat than to ever go back here. One and done for us. Enjoy read more

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Best local find this summer! We have been here three times and it was delicious every time! It's byo so very affordable too. From one of our parties experience I do suggest if you are getting beef to specify shredded or ground to avoid disappointment in assuming it one or the other. I suggest to try it here the people are wonderful and the food is delicious read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

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***IF I COULD NOT PUT ANY STARS, THAT WOULD BE MY REVIEW*** After this one time I'm very surprised that this happened...there were dead flies in my enchiladas! Needless to say, I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna getting food from here again considering that when I get my food, my work team at CityMD gets it too. But SOMETHING was definitely off today because it wasn't JUST mine. Two coworkers of mine, 3 all together, had the same thing happen. What happened? In all the times we've all ordered our food from there, this happened. This needs to be amended cuz I'm sure that if it's not, it's not gonna end well. Respectfully, I'd like for something to be done to make this right. Let's see what happens... read more

Great authentic food. Nicely decorated. Cute outdoor seating. Friendly helpful staff.

I was very excited to try El Molcajete because the area has a large Mexican population. Sadly, El Molcajete was quite mediocre. We ordered guacamole, queso derretido con chorizo and tamales for dinner. Everything was ok, nothing really outstanding about the food. The tamales were served like enchiladas! The rice and beans were flavorless. I wouldn't give this restaurant another try. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

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Food was completely average, and that's trying to be positive. (A better choice is Chili's, if that's your thing) Prices are really high for what you get, and I wouldn't say portions are particularly large. Almost everything on the menu is $25. And they were skimpy on ingredients like seafood and beef. This is the most expensive mediocre Mexican food I've ever had. We wanted to try something new, but left this place disappointed, and won't go back. The location leaves a lot to be desired as well. It's definitely not as nice as the pictures look. read more

Awesome food, byob, and nice outdoor area. I'm filling the character limit I'm filling the character limit I'm filling the character limit read more

My husband and I go to the Chase right next door and have always wanted to try this place. Tonight, we went for date night and loved it! They start you off with salsa and chips (standard) and gave us a mini quesadilla too. We ordered guacamole, empanadas, a combination dinner #6 and a California burrito. All the food was great! It's BYO so we also brought tequila for margaritas. When we walked in, the restaurant was empty but quickly filled up - there was no change in service... it was consistently good. The server was attentive and friendly. The food came out quickly. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Wanted to try the new local Mexican spot. Love the outdoor seating and the BYOB is a big plus. Wait staff was very good and we enjoyed the small complimentary quesadilla. We enjoyed the food and the small el Molcojete special which was super flavorful. I'd love to give it more stars but the pricing is significantly higher than comparable local offerings and there's not enough diversity of price points. Unless you're getting an enchilada, most entree's are $24.95. Separately, we were disapointed in the credit card fee but even more so in not knowing in advance that there's a fee. Seems like something that should be printed on the menu. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Small El Molcajete Special - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

We called ahead for reservations and I go on byob. - we brought our own tequila which they mixed into margueritas for us. At $4 a piece it was worth it for the experience. Maybe next time we will make our own to save a few dollars Danny our waiter was excellent. I'm a vegetarian and ordered the combo platter. Danny explained that I place of all cheese choices they could make vegetable entrees. He was very passionate about their offerings as so I left it up to him. My dinner was amazing. Enchiladas filled with mushrooms, peppers onions and zucchini topped with mole, red sauce and green sauce. So delicious. We are thrilled that we now have a go to Mexican restaurant minutes from our home. read more

My friend and I were the only people in there for dinner on a Friday night. Bad sign. However, from the amount of staff, it seemed they were expecting a crowd later on. Typical complementary chips and salsa (I love when I read reviews of people that are amazed by this, when 90% of Mexican Restaurants do this but I digress...) Service was friendly and attentive. Food was decent, as was portion size, but it's quite expensive for a BYOB. Menu is all platters. Can't just get tacos or a cemita. This is really covered and smothered Gringo Mexican. Many places in the area are more authentic and much cheaper. I'd rank this place somewhere between a chain joint like On The Border and a real Mexican place. No reason to go back, sorry. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Combo #6 - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

Bugs on the wall .. bar counter extremely sticky .. fingerprints and food on the walls.. huge hole on the floor by the bar tell the waiter the issues I see and he walks away shrugging it off it's no big deal .. ordered food to go brought out my food to stay .. then brought me the wrong food to go ..then brought half my food to go the other half to stay .. but made sure to charge me for the food right away . Got 2 dinners and guacamole for 63 dollars which is extremely expensive .. never again read more

Couldn't live without the chorizo Californian Burrito. Beautiful setting and great staff.

Amazing food!! Doesn't look like much from the outside and it's BYOB however really authentic little local spot, highly recommend

We had dinner at this cute little place in Riverdale NJ. The staff was polite and attentive. Set in a cozy dining room.The food was very tasty. We had chorizo, chips and salsa with guac for appetizer. Then we had an assortment at the table for the main.Salmon special, burritos and a chicken dish. All very good. Its BYOB and we brought our own birthday cake to celebrate. The portions were more than enough and the presentation was nice. They did not rush us. Room to improve? It was VERY warm in the room. The heavy scent of the air freshener from the restrooms seeped out into the dining room while we were eating. And the fee for using a credit card was a bit steep. We will return. read more

Had food delivered from El Molcajete tonight and it was absolutely delicious. We had the chicken fajitas, chips and guacamole, pico de gallo, and the churros. Everything was delicious and the chicken didn't have any nasty parts (if you know what I mean). Only complaint is that it is a bit pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area. However, it's definitely worth the occasional splurge. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area. Will definitely be getting food from here again! read more

Today was the 3rd time I came to this restaurant. The first time, shortly after it opened (months ago), I stopped in for dinner and somewhat enjoyed the food and the servers were attentive. the 2nd time which was about a month later I stopped in for a burrito....and paid almost $20 - are you kidding me right now? Today, was the last time I will pay to eat a meal there. I ordered a combination plate which came with an enchilada, a burrito and a hard-shell taco. EVERYTHING TASTED EXACTLY THE SAME. The taco was mushy and had about 2 shreds of lettuce (not your usual refreshing taco and no crunch), the burrito had some red sauce on it and I think it was put into the over because the sauce was dried out (didn't ask for a wet burrito, so wasn't expecting sauce on it, nor was I expecting the chicken to be pulled chicken in red sauce) and the enchilada was ok - not much tomatillo sauce (which is what I requested). The server asked me how I liked the food and I said it wasn't good at all and explained why. The manager or owner came over - which is always a good gesture when a customer is unhappy. I explained again why I was dissatisfied and she proceeded to make recommendations for the next time I came. I told her I didn't think I would be back - I had lived in California for 11 years and I know Mexican food - her response was that she is Mexican. And that means what? OK.....so, a free dessert? A percentage off the check if you didn't want to take the entire meal off the check - like most managers would??? Nope - full price for a HORRIBLE MEAL. I will not be going back - ever. If you are passing by....just keep going. I don't believe they will be in business much longer. They're always empty as they were today.......I don't see it getting better unless they fire the manager and the cook and start over. If the one who came to my table is the owner - shame on her! read more

Do not hesitate to try this place. I have dined all over NJ in search of authentic Mexican and here it is. I'm so mad I waited so long to try this place. The food was beyond amazing..freshness, portion size, authenticity- I felt like I was back in Mexico when in the past when I vacationed I would reserve private in home cooking meals to experience true Mexican cuisine. This is our new staple spot! read more

As fans of Mexican food who live local we wanted to try a mew place and support local. We were disappointed from beginning to end. The food took so long to come out and we were with our kid. We were waiting about 30 minutes (there were not a lot of people there and they didn't appear to be doing too much takeout). Then the waiter said the cook made a mistake with our dishes (how both?) and it would be longer. We finally got our food 15 minutes later. We had been waiting so long for all our food (appetizers included) that by this time our kid was done and we had to get to-go boxes for both of our entire entrees. As I was packing up I asked for the manager. She came out and I explained what happened and how we are local and it was our first time here and we were really disappointed. Her response was to get me a plastic bag to put our food in. Barely an apology and no offer to do anything to give us a reason to come back. On top of this our table was never cleared of any plates or cups we were done with unless we asked. We asked for beer glasses and the waiter gave us two glasses full of ice (?). We eventually got regular glasses but had to leave full beers there when we left because the meal had taken so long. Lastly, they charge a 3.5% surcharge for using a credit card. This is without any notice whatsoever and just appears on your bill after you give them your card. Overall, extremely disappointed and wouldn't recommend. Quinta de Reyes and Cinco de Mayo are both close and much better so no need to try this place out. read more

Went last year when they first opened. Tacos were very runny, everything was kind of bad. But I wanted to support so we didn't complain and just left. told myself I would just not go there. Over a year later I order from DoorDash or whatever and tacos come soaking wet and so was the quesadilla. Really disappointed. Was about to save tacos by rewrapping then at home but couldn't save the quesadillas. Maybe if you go in person it might be ok for you but I'm 100% done. read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Soaking wet Quesadillas. - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

My husband and I love this place!!! BYOB which makes it even better! The restaurant is clean and service is wonderful. In the warmer months they have an outdoor patio which is fabulous. read more

Great Mexican food! Wonderful Mariachi Band. Bring your tequila and beer. Had a wonderful time! read more

El Molcajete Mexican Resturant - Mariachi Band - Mexican Near Me - Riverdale, New Jersey

We ordered one of the combos and it was really delicious. They even gave us chips and dip! Will definitely be ordering here again. Good Mexican Food. read more

Service is great and the food is delicious!!! if You like Flan this is your place, it's perfect! was there twice in one week it was that good! read more

Service was great! Staff was very friendly. Wife and I ate outside on patio. Vibes we're great. The food was so good!! read more

Really great authentic Mexican food. LOVE coming here.... Such a great place! You can call ahead if needed but we've never waiting a long time..... it's a hidden GEM !! read more

The food and service was fantastic highly recommend great Mexican food.Our next visit back to New Jersey we will be dinning there again.

Not the place to go on National Margarita Day (2/22). I was disappointed. My beef quesadilla was chewy and lacked edible attraction

We tried it recently for the first time. I thought that it was good. Our waiter, Mr. Hug, was great. He was attentive and friendly. The food was good. I had a combo dinner. The enchilada was delicious. One of our party had a chicken dish that was just ok. The complimentary nachos tasted strange. We'd probably go back another time. read more