I was craving Mexican food and there aren't many options around Kinston so I tracked down this place. I wasn't impressed pulling into the parking lot as it is in a sort of dumpy looking shopping center but I went in anyway. I was in for lunch and I think in total I was there twenty minutes which is amazing. They sat me as soon as I walked in and immediately brought over chips and salsa. Then my waitress came for my drink order and brought that out within seconds to take my food order. It seemed like as soon as she walked away from taking my food order someone else was walking over with my food. Their lunch menu is very long, and I went with the burrito special which was so delicious. Also the chips were warm which I love! I will definitely be stopping in often for lunch because this is a great little place. Everyone who worked there was completely friendly and their speed and food quality was just fantastic. read more

El Nuevo San Juan - Lunch burrito special - Mexican Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

I have been in to eat three times this year, and the last two times after eating there I got sick. The last time I ate there was two days back, in the daytime. I had to ask for more silverware, because the silverware I had been given had food stuck on the fork. The plates they brought out were moist and wet. I was hungry and the next roll of silverware they gave to me was clean. As I was getting up to leave I saw one of the waits - some big, 50-something man, walking out with plates of food. He sneezed, and did not bother to turn his head to the side or cover his mouth. Instead, sneezing into the air. Both the tacos and the rice were lukewarm this time. That night and all the next day I was vomiting, and diarrhea. I am afraid to go back. read more

See all

Very unsatisfied. I ordered takeout and was very clear on what I wanted when I ordered.. When I got home my order was completely wrong. I live 30 minutes out from that restaurant. I called and got attitude when I informed them that they messed up my order. They wouldn't refund me my money but they did remake it and believe it or not it was actually correct the way that I ordered in the beginning like they should have done in the first place. We'll never go there again. read more

This is the 1st time here and I am ordering a to go order sitting at the bar not only do I feel rushed but very disrespected by the head guy there. I am asking questions regarding tacos and he literally cuts me off!!! They bring out my food for here not to go and forget my corn, salsa, dip. I mention this to RALPH and he says oh yeah they were getting it ready no you were too busy rushing me and half listening to me when taking my order. SO RUDE read more

It can sometimes be a hit or miss , good prices for sure. Customer is okay and when you repost a review on there page they give you free food read more

Fast service, nice staff. And delicious food! Definitely recommend the "Pollo a La Crema". read more

El Nuevo San Juan - Pollo a la Crema - Mexican Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

I selected this restaurant via Uber eats after a very long day of driving. Despite the app confirming the order and indicating they were "working on it" upon the driver picking up the order the restaurant stated they had cancelled it. A manager came to the phone and went on to explain they were not sure if Uber would send a driver, was unapologetic and rude. If your establishment is not capable of providing this type of service the don't sign up for it. read more

Located at the Kinston Plaza, this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the region! Our city is very lucky to have it. From the time you walk in, the service is impeccable and you feel welcomed. The food is authentic and spot-on excellent! After living in California for two years, this is the closest restaurant I've discovered for true Mexican food. Make sure to order a side of guacamole and a drink! The ambiance is casual and relaxing, exactly what I look for and appreciate. Their staff always remember me, and that speaks volumes about their service. read more

All great food and friendly staff. We come often and always love it. Definitely a place to try

I recently moved back to town after 10 years and I remember exactly how all of the items I used to order taste (we went often in high school). I have been twice since I have gotten back to NC and both times it was literal dog slop. The beef quality is so bad compared to how it used to be. Honestly Taco Bell has better ground beef and steak at this point. The rice is the same terrible fake rice like what you get at Main Moon in Kinston. It is just junk now. Sorry. I used to love this place. read more

Did an Uber eats from them. The order was totally messed up. Call the restaurant to try to get it straightened out, they consistently hung up on me and put the phone on the counter for an indefinite period of time. At this point I have no resolution. They kept on hanging up on me and did not want to make things right. Do not recommend using them at all in any form. read more

We've been going to San Juan for a long time and the food and service has always been very good.

I stopped by after a day of travel the food coulve been better if it was brought out hot but it was cold. The server was nice but when the owner came by he seemed to arrogant and rude. He clearly didn't care. The silverwear was dirty the table was sticky and so were the menus. The place is decent but dirty. Wont stop on the way back from my trip. Do not recommend read more

El Nuevo always makes the best Mexican dishes in the area quickly and correctly at nice prices. There's not much else that you can ask for---we love this place! read more

My parents go here quite a bit alone or with my cousin who all loves the food here. They usually get fajitas. We also go when I come to town and the past two visits I got the fajita quesadilla and omg is that thing good! It doesn't look like there's too much cheese but when you cut into it that yummy gooey stuff is plenty! I am more than satisfied every time we visit and eat here. Keep up the great work! read more

El Nuevo San Juan - Quesadilla fajitas chicken - Mexican Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

VERY VERY FAST! Delicious food and the host was great. I'm going again tomorrow. Thanks New San Juan read more

See all

San Juan restaurant has became very disappointing to me. I eat there more than any other restaurant. On an average twice a week. They begin giving me a half of bowl of veggie and charging me $16+. I keep telling them its on $15+ but they wouldn't listen. Today l approached the head man. I put my food on his table to show him my concerns. I even showed him the picture of the correct amount. I started taking pictures because some of the servicer give me half a bowl. He kept said l have the correct amount. I lady sitting at the bar started talking to me in a aggressive tone. Telling my don't come at him disrespectful. Get your food off his table. I told her, he is the manager, why can l not speak to him. She continued being rude, while l was addressing the problems to him. I asked for a refund because they refused to fill my bowl with the usual amount. He said no refund and he also brought up the fact that he was told l was the same person that complain once before. They added the correct amount to satisfy me but when l got home to eat it l had too toss it because it was nasty. They food is never nasty so l guess they paid me back. I told him yes because l eat there twice a week and l know what amount it usually is. I told him there is no meats for $16 they could at least put the right amount of veggies. And again l been paying over $16 and l kept telling them that was the wrong amount but look at the receipt for today. I also asked for my money back and he said no refund. I'M TOO DONE!!!! -- at El Nuevo San Juan Mexican Restaurant. read more

This place is great. I stopped in for lunch. Once seated, I was served with warm chips and salsa. My waitress was fast and efficient. My food was delicious! I ordered the pollo San Juan. I paid less than $15 for a full plate of hot food, iced tea and tip. Talk abt a deal! I'll be back read more

I've eaten here for years- since long before they became NUEVO. The day before Thanksgiving, my card was charged 3 times- for 3 separate amounts. When I called them Friday morning to make them aware of the error, the young lady I spoke to told me that this wasn't possible- I must be mistaken. I informed her that I had the three separate charges accounted for in my bank account and I wanted to be reimbursed for the $50 charge that was not mine (the other two were- because when she checked me out she told me the to-go order needed to be paid for separately- another NUEVO thing that's never happened before). When I asked to speak to a manager, I was told that he would need to get back to me when he "isn't so busy." She took my name and phone number, but the manager never returned my call. They did clear ONE of the charges from my card- just not the $50 one that wasn't mine!!! So- to the family who's meal I paid for on Wednesday, I guess you're welcome. To anyone planning on visiting EL NUEVO San Juan- check your bank account immediately upon leaving. You've lost a lifelong customer who will continue to share her experience with everyone in Lenoir County. read more

Much time has passed but Recently gave this place a try again...glad I did! Was not disappointed , it was delicious fresh food, very friendly! read more

I called and placed an order for 2 soft chicken taco supremes and a Tea. When I get there I look at the tacos and they are hard. This is a problem because I don't like hard tacos. I said I would try to eat them anyway, but I opened them to look at them and they both are beef!!! Instead of the 2 soft chicken tacos I got the complete opposite , I got 2 hard beef tacos and no tea. I do not eat beef so I take them back and the so called manger fixed them! When I got home I had 2 soft beef taco supremes! I was mad and tired of the games, so I asked for my money back. The manager was very rude and disrespectful to me. I told him I'll never Oder from there again read more

Food tasted like an store bought meal kit. Each meal (4 persons) was brought out at different times. One item order was never received and was charged. Staff ask about service, was rude after we told them about the service and correction to ticket. read more

Really decent Mexican food! Definitely one of the better spots in Kinston to eat Mexican! Chips and salsa are good, restaurant is clean and service is almost always good! read more

Ambience: Typical Mexican restaurant. Food: Mojarra frita lacked seasoning, tilapia was obviously frozen. Enchilada & burrito were good. Bean/cheese dip was excellent. Service: Waitress who attended to us was attentive & charming. A plus in every restaurant. Synopsis: Kinston's best authentic Mexican restaurant. Will be back when in town & craving for Mexican food. read more

Decent Mexican food, definitely my favorite in kinston. I always get the arroz con pollo, and it is pretty good! The fajitas are pretty good as well. The guacamole is not that great, I do not suggest it as anything extra to order. read more

Myself and my co-worker had supper here last night. It was recommended by the staff at the airport. Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen in most communities. We we not impressed at all with the food. Service was very good. Our food came out like-warm. I had the Chiori Pollo and it had no 'pop' at all. My buddy's food was a little better. Atmosphere was very good and the staff was very polite. The food did not live up to its recommendation. I'd go back to try something else, but that's about it. read more

Excellent Mexican food! We stopped by while passing through town and enjoyed our dining experience very much.

I purchased the lunch fajita and it costed around 15 all together when I got back to work it was barely any meant in it so I called and the lady said oh yea the cooks could have been rushing NEVER AGAIN WILL I GO BK read more

Called in a order tonight.. they said 10min. Ok we get the restaurant and have to wait for our order. You think if you have to wait it's goin to be hot. Oh NO everything we ordered was cold... tacos, rice, beans, enchiladas and even the chips!!!!! Everything well below health code. Will NEVER eat there again!!! My dogs wouldn't even eat it!!!!! They should get zero stars read more

This restaurant used to be very good, but it has gone downhill in the past year or so. It seems very dirty, and the food is not very good anymore. They are not practicing social distancing or cleaning in between customers at all. The last time I ate there, you could tell the plate had been sitting under the heat lamp for a while, and the rice was so dry it was inedible. The people are nice, but the food is just not good anymore. Their last health department report also supported my feeling that they were dirty, because they had multiple violations. read more

Very nice atmosphere seemed to be the local spot, was crowded worker very friendly and service was fast.

Great place for a yummy and quick. Large selection of lunch specials. Salsa is very mild. Friendly and attentive staff too! Definitely will dine again. read more

It's not a lot to ask for no tomatoes on a taco! As I am allergic to tomatoes, it is not an option to just scrap them off!!!!! When I tried to call and have order corrected, I was just left on the phone and then it was taken off the hook. You raise the price of a steak taco to $4.75 a piece and can't even get it right or offer customer service!?! Could at least make the order right or refund the $10 for 2 tacos! read more

We stopped here because few other restaurants in the area are open on Sundays. We were not disappointed - the chips were warm and fresh. The salsa was pretty mild but still tasty. We had the fajitas San Juan and they were served hot, fast and tasty. There was enough served to take home for a complete 2nd meal. Refried beans with Spanish rice were also flavorful. Overall solid Mexican food and we were out the door for $25 including a generous tip for great service. We will go back read more

We dropped by on our wag through Kinston and it was a hit with my son. I found it mild but quite tasty. Not bland, just mild.

Thank you Lord above! You finally gave me a place with great salsa and fantastic Mexican food! I am so happy, I no longer feel I have to kidnap some illegal from San Diego and smuggle them here in a truck to cook for me. My husband had the enchiladas and they were great. I LOVED the Chori Pollo! MMM, I am going back! read more

Food was pretty good. Visited for a college graduation party and it was amazing how attentive the staff was considering the number of people in attendance. Drinks were very good -- margaritas made with fresh ingredients are so much better. Will visit again if in the area. read more

Large place that locals seem to like on Sunday. Why, im not sure. Prices are cheap, wink wink. Sorry to say this is not good Mexican food. Have been a few times over the years and still the same ol' same ol'. read more

I highly recommend the chicken and chorizo tacos. It comes with rice and black beans. The shrimp diablo is also very good if you like heat. Fresh tortilla chips, but the salsa is awful-ask for guacamole or hot salsa. read more

This place is OK for Kinston. But I will not eat here again. There was a sign advertising one price for a margarita, so I ordered one. But when I got my bill, I was charged something different. When I questioned it, I was informed that it was for a small one. How was I supposed to know the difference? And when I informed the guy that his waitress did not tell me, he did nothing to correct the problem. I also brought it to his attention that his signage did not inform the customers. Did you know a small margarita is only 4oz, not 8 or 12 oz, like most other places? If you choose to go, ask questions because they will do nothing to fix it. I've never been to a restaurant that didn't try to make its customers happy when an error was brought to their attention. read more