This one-star review is not a reflection of our server or the quality of the food. We've always enjoyed eating at El Patio, and it's been one of our family's favorite places to visit whenever we're in High Springs. Unfortunately, after our experience yesterday, it will likely be our last visit. Our server was kind, attentive, and did exactly what she should have done. At the beginning of our meal, I clearly informed her that my mother has a severe, anaphylactic seafood allergy and that extra care needed to be taken to avoid any cross-contamination. She acknowledged it and noted it with our order. Partway through the meal, my mother asked if I thought there was shrimp in her food because she believed she had tasted it. There was only one bite left, so my husband ate it to check--and it was indeed shrimp. Because my mother has a life-threatening seafood allergy, every minute matters when it comes to preventing a serious reaction. I immediately notified our server, who handled the situation professionally and went to get the manager. Unfortunately, the manager's response was one of the most disappointing customer service experiences I've ever had. Instead of asking if my mother was okay or apologizing for what had happened, his first response was to ask whether we had "proof" there was shrimp in the dish. Since the food had already been eaten, of course there wasn't a piece left to show him. When I asked if he genuinely believed we were making this up, he nodded and said he "kind of" thought we were lying because "this happens all the time." Being accused of lying while dealing with a potential anaphylactic reaction was unacceptable. Food allergies are not inconveniences; they can be life-threatening. Luckily I had Benadryl on me to help sustain the reaction until we got home to give her further care. This review is ultimately about food safety and management. Restaurants have a responsibility to take allergy notifications seriously, and managers should know how to respond with empathy, professionalism, and concern when something goes wrong. Instead, we were met with accusations and disbelief. I also requested the owner's contact information, and initially no one was willing to provide it. Thankfully, our server eventually did. It's incredibly disappointing because we've loved El Patio for years. Sadly, this experience has completely changed how we view the restaurant. I sincerely hope ownership addresses both the kitchen's allergy procedures and the management training surrounding food allergies and customer care, because the next family may not be as fortunate read more

If you're cruising through High Springs, Florida and you don't stop at El Patio, you're seriously missing out. These tacos are GNARLY in the best way possible. Packed, flavorful, and dripping with that real-deal, no-shortcuts authenticity. The meats are seasoned to perfection, juicy, and cooked with obvious care every bite hits hard. Fresh tortillas, bold toppings, and that perfect balance of spice and savor that o keeps you going back for "just one more." The vibe is laid-back and local, service is friendly, and the food comes out fast but never rushed. You can tell this is a spot that takes pride in what they're putting on the plate. Whether you're a taco purist or just hungry for something that actually delivers, El Patio is a must-stop. Come hungry, leave happy, and don't be surprised if you're already planning your next visit before you pull out of the parking lot. @travelingfoodguys APPROVED read more

See all

Came here for dinner, the inside is large, fun and festive. Our waitress was kind of lackluster, but we all have bad days sometimes. I got the Maria Special which is Chicken or steak, grilled. Topped with melted cheese, grilled bell peppers, onions and tomato to on a bed of rice for $9.99. I got the steak, it was pretty good. No complaints here. read more

See all

Nice spot to try in downtown High Springs. No surprises, just good, honest Americanized Mex standards. Live music on the patio, but it was HOT, so we ate inside. Super fast service, VERY reasonable prices, and nice decor. My chile relleno dish was great, and did NOT include mashed potatoes, which was weirdly stated on the menu. A great variety of drinks (mmmmmm Sangria!!) satisfying fresh chips and salsa, and all the standards. EXCELENTE choice if you're in the area!! read more

EL Patio - Not a bad version of "the usual," chile relleno - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

See all

Great Service by the bartender. I had a Sangria Margarita. It was tasty. We shared the Beef and Bean Nachos. It's enough for two. I asked for Salsa on the side and it was delicious. We willl go again. The only thing is that they had no soup in the bathroom. read more

See all

Americanized Mexican food here. Ordered the Chili Relleno, my "go-to" dish when trying a new Mexican place. Was very surprised to discover the seeds were still in the pepper! My friend ordered a dish with no peppers in it; when it arrived the peppers were obvious. She sent it back and got a new dish. Chips and salsa were okay. Nothing spectacular. Will try other restaurants before coming back here. read more

This food was not good. It was very American like Mexican food. I got a chicken quesadilla. The tortilla wrap was hard and the chicken was a bit tough and not tender. The beans on the plate make my quesadilla soggy and the condiments did not come on the side and as a result also mixed in the beans. The chips did not taste fresh and the white queso was bland and flavorless. I also got a mango margarita but it was served in a beer glass. The restaurant was not packed and the service could have been better. The server kept forgetting about us even though there were not a lot of other guests. Additionally, the menu had too many items to choose from. Unfortunately, I would pass on this place if you are looking for authentic Mexican food. read more

See all

As usual in any Mexican restaurant we were served chips and salsa. The chips looked like they came out the bottom of the barrel and were all pieces. The salsa was good but if you don't like spicy, be careful. We just wanted something to tide us over for dinner so we ordered the street tacos. There was plenty of meat I'll say that. The service was ok until she saw we weren't ordering full meal. read more

Got the spinach enchiladas and the 3 chicken tacos to-go. My mom got the tacos, and she said she liked them and I got the enchiladas and was kind of disappointed. There wasn't much filling, and it was kind of meh. I over stuff my enchiladas as home, so I expected more, but this was just spinach and cheese, so it didn't feel very filling. Maybe if it had mushrooms or beans or artichokes or something to fill it more. read more

EL Patio - the bar area of a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

Being from Miami, a place like High Springs, FL probably isn't going to have as many culinary highlights as home. But, needing option for a meal, we landed here and weren't disappointed nor were we particularly impressed. Solid Mexican fare in a place where there aren't very many more options. One weird thing of note, was that I was going to order the Gator fajitas, thinking that was more of a rarity that I wouldn't find often back home. When I asked how it was, our waitress said she hadn't had it, that people like it BUT that she didn't think it was real gator. I replied "well what is it, Crocodile?" She really didn't know so I figured I'd skip it, because I can't even imagine what you'd use as a gator substitute. read more

See all

The service was pretty slow since the place was packed and unfortunately there was only one waitress. She did the best she could but the other waitress showed up as we were leaving. The food was good and we will definitely be back. Also for some reason it was packed. They had to put us in the back room that wasn't normally opened for lunch! read more

First time here, and two hours after eating a burrito dinner, I began to throw up all the food violently. That was followed by severe GI issues. Never eating here again obviously. read more

Food is okay and always quick. The service is always good but especially sebastian! We had sebastian and he was amazing, funny, and answered any questions we had immediately! He definitely made the environment lighter and we left with smiles on our faces. read more

Kaylnn is a great bartender. Very friendly and prompt service! The birria tacos were excellent. Will definitely be back.

Loved the decor! Beautiful and colorful. The food however, was not. We noticed a strange odor when we walked in and thought maybe it was the spices but it was a little off. Chips were stale but the salsa was good. The chicken wings were good and crispy. The ground beef in my chimichanga was very bland and the inside didn't appear to have anything else but the ground beef. It was topped with a runny white cheese sauce that added nothing but sogginess to the meal. Tacos were small and if you wanted onion or tomato it was extra. Margaritas were good. read more

The el patio burrito and Birria tacos are absolutely bussin! Mouth watering and Delicious my my my I love this place I'll definitely sink my teeth into another burrito again! Our waitress did fantastic! 10/10 RECCOMEND! read more

EL Patio - Birria tacos, burrito, margarita - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

Came to El Patio for the first time a week ago. While the food was lack luster, the service was incredible. My server was Sebastian and he was quick, hilarious, attentive, and charming. He took care of all of our needs and really made our experience at el patio worth while. read more

I ordered the El Patio burrito with a margarita, not only was it delicious but it had all the good stuff in it! Our sweet server, Mowgli, was so friendly and attentive! She really helped our dining experience be top tier! read more

I ordered tacos and a cheese quesadilla with a sprite. When we got there they were rude. They tacos were halfway cooked. The quesadillas were barely warm. The sprite was only the carbonation. It was horrible. read more

We were looking for a place for a quick bite after hanging out at the brewery. Mexican is usually dependable and solid. The reviews were not too good and they were not highly recommended by others we had talked to. I must agree. Our server the batendar were really good but everything else was just ok. it was late and close to closing time so maybe that contributed but everything except our server just seemed to be going through the motions. We started with chips and Salsa. The salsa was pretty good. I did have to add hot sauce though. Chips were a little stale. Chips n salsa. The salsa was pretty good. I did have to add hot sauce though. Chips were a little stale. We also had some drinks. Standard Mexican beer for me. Debbie wanted a special Margarita. The bartender actually came over to get what she wanted. This was nice. The drink ended up being pretty darn good. For dinner we got the El Patio special which was a combo of pretty much every meat they had. Some of the flavors were pretty good but mostly over cooked. Overall it was just meh. So over all I would say a stop in here to the bar and snacks would be the best bet but until there is a little more 'heart' in the cooking I don't think we would come back for dinner. read more

See all

First time coming here and we had excellent service. Mindy was awesome!! The food was great as well. You get a good portion for what you pay. Well worth the drive. This restaurant was clean and bigger than what it looks from the outside. read more

Great friendly service, nicely decorated, clean, wonderful food. My only complaint is that there are so many dishes to choose from makes deciding what to eat difficult. Prices are more than reasonable and portions were more than enough. Just happen to be walking around town and so glad we ate here. A real treat with authentic Mexican food. read more

Server was good but as far the food horrible. Have given el patio a good few chances to catch back up and today was my last chance. I got a number 10 with red sauce and verde on the side. My verde on the side had a hair in it number 1 didn't eat it luckily. Then my rice tasted at least 3-4 hours old it was hard and stale. Beans were so watery they wouldn't even stay on the fork literally fell through the fork. The enchilada itself disgusting dry and barely even warm. read more

EL Patio - Salsa verde with a hair in it - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

See all

Food wasn't all that great, nachos were soggy, margaritas tasted like the cheap stuff you get at a liquor store that's premade, had to get up and go in search of silverware so yeah probably not gonna go back read more

I firmly believe you ought to give a place a fair shake when judging the food/ menu, and service. Try them more than once, we all have off days. They seem to have off days more often than not. Recently, the food improved. It went from blah to tasty, but the rate at which the orders are filled wrong is breathtaking; as if they aspire to be the Mexican Micky-D's. If you want to eat here, go sit down. At least then you can send your incorrect order back. But CAVEAT EMPTOR for your take-out orders - they have yet to get it right for me & my family. This means they are off our take-out list from here on out. Their loss, for sure, but then again, I can cook Mexican, and we only eat here when I feel like I need a break anyway. If you like to play roulette with your order or enjoy parr level cuisine, this is the place for you. If you want authentic Mexican, eat at a co-workers house. As for me, I'll be ordering my tamales by mail from Broward County. read more

Served meal no silverware. Had to wait 6 minutes. Food getting cold of course. Tortillas sticking together, hard/overcooked. Ordered ribeye steak Tampiquena medium. Once again it came well done. Tortilla chips, well they emptied the chip bag as all we got were tiny fractions of said chip. Next time to the Alachua store for sure. This High Springs store needs work. read more

Worst Mexican food ever. I ordered a beef fajita. The ingredients were a plate full green peppers. No beef. If it was there it was invisible. read more

Mediocre Mexican food at best. Service was uninspired. All in all, look for another option.

Hard pass. This place used to be solid with decent prices and average food. They've declined sharply this past year with prices now absolutely ridiculous and it seems the food quality is decreasing at the same time. The service is not bad but nothing impressive. Would not recommend unless you're just hoping to grab a beer and watch a game. read more

If I could zero stars I would. Queso and beans very waters down. Food was over cooked, not seasoned and just over all terrible experience. Do not waste your money here. read more

I just plain like El Patio. There's nothing that jumps out at you that is unique or exceptional here. Even the waitstaff can have good and bad days where you might be met with a smile or total disdain just for making an appearance at the counter. Beyond that, the food is always consistent. I like the burrito and enchilada plates the best. Hardshell tacos are also really good. The home made picante is arguably best East of the Mississippi river. Not kidding, its that good. If you're looking for fast inexpensive mexican then this is your place. My buddy swears by their burgers. Ive never had one but many patrons also order burgers. Who would have guessed that they served a fair burger too. Parking is good and the restrooms aren't too bad. Be careful walking out the exit door because it empties out to the drive through lane. :) read more

EL Patio - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

Dined at the bar... the happy hour margarita was undrinkable. The salsa was not exciting. The chips and chimichanga were good. Mexican food is usually pretty basic. So you gotta have killer salsa or yummy drinks to stand out... everything was just average or below. Waitress was nice. read more

Every time I have been there, the service has been fast and friendly, and the food. Very very good, I especially like the shrimp fajitas.

1st the other reviews on here are Way Off!! The service was great ! The food was fantastic!! I had the fajitas combo was out of this world!! My fiancé had the chicken enchiladas was super fresh and the salad verde was excellent!!! So happy we stoped I'm here! read more

EL Patio - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

Nobody in the restaurant was wearing a mask, not even the servers. Scary. The spinach enchiladas were ok, nothing special. But at least they do have several vegetarian options, which is appreciated. read more

Food was pretty bussin, the rice was pretty good, and the french fries smelled really nice. The horse was pretty shoddily built though, so gonna have to dock points on that front. The server was nice and receptive, but didn't let me blast party in the U.S.A on the PA system :(. read more

EL Patio - The horse in question - Mexican Near Me - High Springs, Florida

The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. The service is very good. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends. The atmosphere is cozy and casual. read more

This place is truly bad! You have been warned! I don't understand how this place has maintained a 3 1/2 star rating on Yelp much less stated in business! Where do I start? I was there with three friends and all of our food was very bad. I got the combo platter which had a burrito, an enchilada and a tamale. The burrito hardly had any filling in it. The corn tortilla on the enchilada was raw. The tamale was dried out on the outside and burnt on the inside. Somehow they managed to screw up the orders and gave one friend a chicken enchilada when they ordered a cheese enchilada and vice versa. Another friend ordered the fajitas. The steak that came with it was tough as shoe leather and was absolutely inedible! The grilled shrimp were OK though. The rice was microwaved and the refried beans were horrible! The refried beans smelled and tasted sour! In fact my friend got sick from them! I also felt queasy after eating here so their sanitation is suspect to say the least! It was margarita Monday so the margaritas were on sale for $2.99 each. I guess I shouldn't expect much for that price but the margaritas were terrible! They did have a sufficient amount of alcohol in them but the margarita mix was atrocious! The only bright spot was that the service was decent. Our waitress did what she could to make things better but there's no helping this place! We couldn't even finish our meals. If I could give this place zero stars I would! Remember you have been warned! read more

Nobody would serve us. Sat for 20 Mins. I finally walked to the kitchen and they acted like it was Inconvenient serve us read more

I think this is a run of the mill Mexican restaurant. Quality food but nothing here is unique/wowing, except maybe the copyrighted 4kids logo on their menus. read more