Great sit-down Mexican restaurant, slightly off the beaten path. The service is top notch: friendly, fast, and attentive. Prices are very reasonable. $5 lunch combos, $8 specials, $2.50 Mexican beers on Thursdays (I'm sipping a cold Negra Modelo as I write). They really mind the details here, and it pays off. The salsa is perfectly flavorful. The refried beans have a hint of cumin or some such spice. Chips always come with ranch dip. You get the picture. All the standard combo meals, specials, margaritas etc are done well here. The reason I keep coming back? The Burrito Monterrey - Steak and chorizo burrito smothered in cheese and flanked with beans and rice. I haven't found anything like it in other restaurants in the area. Its what keeps me driving back from my office downtown. Gourmet it ain't. But its top of the class as far as reasonably priced Mexican is concerned. The food is delicious, and the great people running this place deserve your business. Check them out! read more

Don't go here! If you want to get what you pay for I say beware of this place. Me and a friend went here one day before work that evening. We ordered nachos with all the fixings. It was quite unpleasant on the palate. Normally when you get nachos you get shredded beef but not at this establishment. To say it was as bad as Taco Bell is an insult to that establishment. The food loosened my friends bowels for days. So, when we come into the restaurant and are seated, we notice it's pretty much empty so we expected service to be prompt and timely. NOT! I sat there with an empty drink for at least ten minutes before anyone even looked in our direction. Not saying anyone bothered to get up just saying we were somewhat acknowledged. I will not be returning to this establishment for anything in the future. read more

We go here once a week, staff is great. We love their Michelada and drink specials are also great. Decor: once you walk in you may not think much of it. After being a regular we have to add patron to our weekly menu. read more

We live nearby so hey lets eat dinner at El Patrón... Good reviews and we agree. The meat is well-seasoned. Rice is good. We noticed a few Mexican families eating here so that was a good sign. The only drawbacks: 1. The salsa for the nacho chips was a bit bland. Definitely could use a little extra chunk or spice. A side of molcajete would be awesome. 2. The guacamole... No chunk at all, disappointed. This should be freshly made and not approach the frozen type. 3. Junkie asking for money outside. A little more vigilance outside would be nice... Other than that I think we'll be back, its economical and the food is worth it. read more

Followup visit today was very disappointing. Service and menu selection (and prices) were very good; but, the food was just average. Taco salad was a disappointment. Fish tacos were perhaps ok to someone; but, the fish was grilled and minced such that there was no real fish taste or texture. I'll have to try the Hillsborough affiliate to see if they've lost the magic or if it was just an off day. read more

Went for dinner with my family and everything was so delicious! I love the tacos de Birria, and the margaritas ummm they were my favorites! I'm please to say that I'll come back another time! read more

My son is a huge fan of Mexican Food. Out of all the places we go this is definitely at the top of his and our list of Mexican eats. Have always thought the service and speed excellent. We are huge fans. read more

No more TACO Tuesday Stay away until they bring it back. Best waitress also left. Going downhill fast

The waitress was awesome! She gets a 9 out of 10. She was faster than the butler on Mr. Deeds. Food was good. I give the food a 7 out of 10. I will go back. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Enchiladas with beef, refried beans and rice. But you should have already knew that. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Patron is great. I recently took some friends there and they were having an unbelievable dinner deal- $5.95 for one of their 30 combination dinners. It was cheap for a large selection of food as well as a large amount of food. I also have had their ACP and it is great. The food is always served super hot and they are pretty quick. The restaurant has always been very clean during my visits. I also like that it is kind of hidden so they are never really crowded. They have great drink specials throughout the week. The staff is always super nice and smiling. The environment is really casual and relaxed. There is also outdoor seating if you want to enjoy the weather. This is a good option whether you're looking for a casual place with friends or family. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Enchiladas and a chalupa. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I just realized I never posted this review this winter. I don't like posting negative reviews, but I feel like someone needs to because there is a 4 star rating on yelp, and if I were you I would go to Toreros before I would go to this place. (And I much prefer El Rodeo to Toreros). So we felt bad for the guy standing outside flipping his sign around in the snow + love Mexican food + needed a margarita + people had posted decent reviews on yelp about this spot = checking out the El Patron. Boooooo! Not a good decision. The server was nice, the restaurant was pretty, the drinks were o.k. The menu looked like your straightforward "Mexican" food served here in the US. How did they f it up? I don't know. It wasn't inedible. But it wasn't good. Aside from a tourist trap my little brother was dying to go into in Mexico, I've never had Mexican food that I could complain about because it's (usually) just that delicious to me. Maybe the ingredients weren't fresh? Maybe it was an off day? I'm not sure what it was, but with so many great options, I will not return to this place. read more

Clean, newly remodeled family friendly Mexican. Similar to El Rodeo, Torero's, etc. but no replacement for late Durham Bandito's. Pros; Fast service, abundant serving size, good prices. Cons; Refried beans are a little too mushy, red sauce was the same on everything and lacked flavor. Really enjoyed this place over all and hope they are successful!!! Will for sure go back. read more

fabulous food! great prices! awesome service! They always take care of US and today for Valentine's Day we really wanted to stay home to enjoy each other as well as a great meal. Needless to say El Patron Mexican Grill really helped to make that possible. The to-go service was just as great as when we dine in. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Hands down Best Mexican restaurant!!! We enjoyed our Valentine's Day take out! Great food Great prices EXCELLENT SERVICE! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

If I could rate this ZERO STARS I would. THEY REPLACE QUALITY LIQUOR WITH BOTTOM SHELF. The MANAGEMENT IS TERRIBLE. I ordered a shot of Jose Cuervo. Took the shot and knew immediately it wasn't Jose. I asked what liquor was poured and they couldn't even tell me. Then showed me a tequila bottle called Dego. Or something. I asked for the manager and my server said the person who poured my drink was the manager. He was very rude about giving me any old thing and told me what he poured and Jose are the same thing. That was his response verbatim. He had other tequilas, I could've gotten 1800, Don Julio, Patron. They didn't offer me a different kind because they were out. HE CHOOSE to give me the cheapest kind. I had an headache all last night because of the really cheap liquor and would strongly recommend NOT going there. I'm a bartender and service is just key. I'd strongly suggest dining somewhere else! A lot of other great Mexican restaurants in the area with way better drinks, service, and overall dining experience. read more

I can say I've ate at my fare share of Mexican restaurants and I will say, I eat here once a week for lunch and it is consistently great food! I usually spring for the pollo chipotle, fresh ingredients, chips and salsa are delish, staff is friendly! Stop by, you won't be disappointed.. read more

Excellent lunch specials. Five and six dollar options. The service was great. Ask for the salsa picante and tomatilas!

This used to be my favorite Mexican restaurant and the food is generally good, if you eat in the restaurant. However, takeout food is a different story. They tell you that the food will be ready in 10 minutes, but it's ready in 5 minutes, so your food is getting cold before you even arrive. Then they pack the hot food (enchiladas) and the cold food (fried ice cream) in the same bag, so your hot food is cold and your cold food is melted by the time you get home. I can tell you that melted ice cream is not good on top of beef enchiladas! read more

Having just moved to Durham from NYC, I've been pleased at the upgrade in Mexican food selection. However, I was very disappointed with my combo meal: the enchilada was filled with ground beef (this is a game changer for me) and the sauce on top of the dish was very bland. Oh, and the rice not the true Mexican rice that sets really authentic places apart from the rest. I had to douse the whole dish in hot sauce to make it interesting. BUT, the prices are low, the service is nice, and the inside is cute. My boyfriend ordered the carnitas and was much happier than I was. I wouldn't write this place off completely, but I would caution against the combo meals. read more

This was my husband and my favorite Mexican spot in Durham area. However, I placed a Togo order over the phone with the manager on duty. I used the menu online to decide what I wanted. According to that menu the mixed fajitas (chicken and steak) were $12. When I tried to place an order for 3 orders of the chicken and steak fajitas the manager said that menu was old and that he could make me chicken and steak fajitas for $14.60. I said to him "dang y'all went up 2 buck on those plates" (I said this in a playful way) he said "yea its the new menu" so I asked" do all of these plates come with there on chips and salsa??" He said, " no that's going to be $1.50 each additional". At this point I was starting to get frustrated. I felt like he was just making up things to charge me more so I told him just forget it. Then he says " no I won't charge you". So I said okay fine. I drove all the way from Hillsborough to pick up my order. I get there and my bill is like $55 dollars. So of course I say let me look at this receipt. The receipt show -fajitas=$14.00 +add chicken +$2.50. Which is a total of $16.50 per plate (and keep in mind I got 3) I was like heck no you said $14.60 on the phone. He said well it's the new menu, it's the new menu. So I said well let me see the new menu. So he grabs it,( like he doesn't want to at all) and at first couldn't even find them. When he does find it. I read the fajitas section. There wasn't even a place for steak and chicken fajitas #1 and #2 I could have just got The Texas fajitas, which are (chicken, steak, and shrimp) and it's bigger for $16.00. (When he saw this he looked at me all dumbfounded and said,"well it's the computer" I asked him why in the hell I was being charged more for less food??? I told him if you were gonna charge me that much I should have just got the damn Texas fajitas. He literally ask me "well do you want to wait 15 more mins for the Shrimp"? I was literally so mad and told him hell no! I just drove all the way from Hillsborough. I'm not waiting again. He literally wasn't going to do anything to try and make it right. I told him it would be the last freaking time I ever step foot in that restaurant and that they ripped me off. I usually don't complain much and I have spent a plenty of evenings dining In at that restaurant. That manager had seen me and my husband multiple times. And literally treated me like I was some kind of idiot. Never, Never ever again. !!!!! read more

If you have not ate here yet you should! I love this place everything I come it gets better and better

Thought the food was solid but not overly compelling. But wouldn't hesitate to eat there again, just don't think I'd drive very far out of my way to do so. My carne asada tacos were good; very good portion of meat and it was clearly freshly grilled. Rice and beans were okay but not especially well-seasoned. Cheese dip was okay, but again, not impressive in any way -- bland with no special seasoning. Vegetarian friend said her cheese and potato burritos were fine but nothing special. The service was excellent, sweet tea was great, and I liked the ambiance of the place. I gave 3 stars because this place is seriously a solid "okay" -- just not compelling or interesting enough to go very far out of my way. Taco Tuesday (apparently $.99 tacos) did get my attention, so may give that a try as well. De gustibus, as always. read more

Came here for dinner on a Sunday at 6--- place was mostly empty. Margaritas are good though I'm not positive the skinny margarita was made with fresh juice as our server described. It tasted like mixer to me. Service is prompt and efficient. Crispy taco tasted fresh and quite good. Cheese enchilada was nearly flavorless as were rice and beans. I needed the salsa they provided with the chips to make it a wee bit lively. My co- diners enjoyed their enchilada verdes and beef fajitas. Because they have a large menu, I assume not everything is amazing... But rice and beans.... That's part of Mexican food DNA.. And I'm no gringa. read more

I have eaten here at least 5 times, both for lunch and dinner. Food is great for the price, typical mex menu. You can't beat the $5 lunch combos. They come with chips and salsa too. I would give 5 stars except one night for dinner, I brought my dad who is in a wheelchair, and the guy at the hostess stand watched me struggle with the door and wheelchair instead of holding the door for me. They have a small entrance that required some maneuvering. Anyway, I still get take out. read more

Good restaurant. Try the Vallarta. A great mix of shrimp, scallops, and peppers in a light yet delicious red sauce.

My family has been to The Patron a few times since it opened. The staff is very friendly and this is a good place to go with big groups or small children. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with green sauce the first time and enjoyed it so much I have ordered it twice since then. The prices are about the same as another Mexican restaurant nearby, El Coral, and I think the food is about the same. We will be back again soon!!! read more

I have been here a handful of times and have had better experiences in the past. They weren't terribly crowded which allowed us to get our food quickly so that was a plus. The service was also very attentive, keeping our glasses full and refilling chips and salsa. The only downside this time around was the Arroz Con Pollo my girlfriend ordered had chicken that was overlooked and extremely dry. I had the California burrito (which is huge by the way) and it has the potential to be delicious. It was stuffed with steak, rice, beans, guac, and jalapeños. What bothered me was that every time I bit a piece of steak I had to tear a large piece of chewy fat off of the bite. By the end of finishing the meal, I had a large pile in the corner of my plate of nothing but fat from the steak. I finally took some of the leftover chicken from the ACP and stuffed it into the burrito myself. I will return and give this place another shot, however it was not my favorite place to have a meal. With so many options for Mexican food in Durham, you have to be on point to really wow the customer! read more

First time visit...waitress very attentive and patient as we needed a little extra time to review the menu. We ordered two combinations. One was a chile relleno, chicken enchilada and hard beef taco. The other was chile relleno, beef burrito and hard beef taco. Prior to these items, it was the usual chips and salsa. Their salsa is excellent. It has a nice bite, flavorful and enough chunkiness. Chips were perfect. On to the meal...The tacos were excellent. We noticed at the entrance they have Taco Tuesday for 99-cent tacos. Definitely will try that soon. Size of the burrito and enchilada were somewhat small. One chili relleno was about half the size of the other. Both were good....one was much more spicy than the other. Ordered sweet tea and it was as if someone's mom from the South made it. Tea great...Noticed they had craft beers for $2.99 everyday. Nice atmosphere and bar has a large TV screen and other TVs throughout the restaurant. When leaving and paying, they seemed to really care about the customers. read more

Got a vegetarian dish - forget its name but it's like a potato enchilada. Anyway the cheese was gross American and potatoes tasted like boxed mix and the whole thing was bland. Margarita wasn't bad though. read more

4 stars for prompt service start to finish, friendly and courteous employees, a noticeably very clean restaurant/table/seat/menu, comfy booth seating, and food served piping hot. Pico served with my lunch was very fresh-looking and tasty. Foil wrap over my fish tacos helped them stay nice and hot through my lunch. I'm glad we were enticed by the Valpak coupon to try it. My husband really liked his combo lunch--chile relleno, beef taco, chicken enchilada--and cleaned his plate. read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town! Warm staff, a lot of menu options, low prices, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food. They are also really family friendly - the staff always stop to say hi to our 1-year-old! I love their guacamole, their enchiladas, and their chile rellenos. Highly recommend! read more

Not sure what the other people who reviewed this place got but I ended up with a plate of bland dog food quality steak fajitas for 12.00 they were absolutely horrible. Not sure how a Mexican place serves bland food. My wife got a chicken dish and took two bites before tossing it directly in the trash can because it was "inedible garbage" Don't waste your time eating at this rat hole unless you like bland, dog food quality Mexican try Don ceilios instead read more

I want to give it a bad review for their manager and his unwillingness to accept a restaurant.com certificate that I had. They still are up on restaurant.com listed as new. The manager kept telling me that it wasn't for that restaurant and it clearly is. When I got there I showed the certificate to the waiter who told me to just give it to them when I paid. You'd think if they weren't accepting the certificates they wouldn't be listed as new and still be active on the site and you would like to think that the staff would be aware of it. The manager just told me sorry, to trade it in for a different certificate but was unwilling to honor it. Other than that the food was pretty good. I will not go back and I will encourage others not to go as well. Customer service is very important especially where there are a lot of other good Mexican restaurants nearby. read more