In town for a new Auburn admission and this place is near our hotel. Great food! Enchiladas are amazing! Great LIVE music and super nice waiters! Priced perfect for "Tex mex". Definitely recommend! read more

Food tasted great! Ordered the quesadillas, they were so good and was able to sub sides for others, the server let me know. Server was good too, helpful and kind. read more

Okay I loved El Patron. Like I looked so forward to eating there when we passed by on our way to Lake Martin. We just went 11/29 at about 6:00 and I just don't know what happened to my favorite Mexican restaurant. I'm just so sad and disappointed!! Was it from the recent closing and reopening that things had to change? I just don't know. So when we walked in, it smelled of Fabuloso cleaning product. Why do Mexican restaurants use Fabuloso at all to clean?? Like I knew I would be tasting that while I ate, and I was right. That's all I could smell and taste. Next the table was crusty. They came to clean and what a surprise, Fabuloso. Food was okay. My meat wasn't really hot. The tortilla chips tasted of rank oil. Like the oil they cook the chips in needs to be changed. We didn't even finish the basket and we can eat some chips and salsa. My husband went to the bathroom and he said the bathroom was disgusting. They clearly didn't use the Fabuloso in there. We were in and out in 30 mins. It was the most disappointing meal. Also did take my meat home and when I got home my whole bag and napkins smelled like Fabuloso. I ended up trashing the whole meal. I don't know if I'll go back after this. I'm so sad because I loved this place. And if you're a Mexican restaurant owner, stop using Fabuloso to clean. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - 01. Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Ho-hum. Average quality, entree came out before the appetizer, I saw the waitress three times in 40 minutes and the crowd was not big. Too many restaurants in the area to suffer through this. read more

The food was delicious I had the Texas Loco lunch special and the portion was huge. We also tried the Pico Time with our chips, WOW it was like guacamole X10 so good!!! Waitress was very friendly and the service was great! read more

Amazing place with amazing food! Me and my husband love coming here and enjoying the food, it's become a tradition after church on sundays! The service is ALWAYS quick and friendly, and with all the times I've been there they've never been slow. Best mexican restaurant in all of Alabama!!! read more

So far this place has been the worst Mexican food we have had in the area. The wife got the lunch special that came with a soft beef taco with a side of beans and rice. I got the lunch special that came with a crunchy beef taco a beef and bean burrito and a beef enchilada. The beef is just hamburger in a generic taco sauce. The enchilada sauce was also just a canned generic sauce. Neither of which were any good. Would have been 10x better to just use plain hamburger and beans. Would not go back. The staff were friendly though so that was a plus. read more

When getting sat, noticed the table wasn't clean, as well with chips crunching under our feet. The food was what you'd expect, good. The service wasn't the best :/ If I had a better experience with service and cleanliness, I'd definitely consider coming back. If paying with credit card, there is a 3.5% added charge, which isn't uncommon for some places. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - 11. Fajita chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

I come here every once in a while and they never disappoint. The food was amazing. The customer service was awesome and we did not have to wait for a table. The place has lots of space and is very festive. The food arrived to table fresh and hot. Everything was well worth the price. We received our food in less than 10 minutes upon ordering. I will be back soon. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - 31. Enchiladas de Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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I wish I could give less than one star, so disappointed in this restaurant. We were there for a friends birthday party and one family with two children at our table didn't get their food for over an hour. I finally went to tell the waitress about it, as she disappeared, and she argued with me that they got their food. She finally came over to the table to see, only to find the tray of food was left sitting at another table. She loudly pointed to the food and said "see there it is". Were they expected to get their own food? She was not apologetic in the least. Someone else came to me to apologize, and I told them they needed to apologize to the couple that didn't get their food. The waitress later came and rudely told the couple that she was told to apologize, she wasn't sorry at all. The food was also not good at all, not the quality that we had when we went there previously. This used to be my favorite Mexican restaurant, sadly I will definitely never visit again. read more

We must have caught them on a bad day. It was a Saturday and Auburn was playing at home. There were approximately 15 customers total. We had to ask for the game to be turned on. We sat in an empty section. It took about 15 minutes after seating to meet our server. Again, our section was empty. It took another 15 to get the drinks and in total it took approximately 45 minutes to receive food. We were the only customers in the section. The chimichanga was small (when referencing similar restaurants) and was not delicious. The food was a let down. The margarita was not up to par and tasted watered down. They didn't care to bus (clean) the tables next to us. There were dirty dishes on the table the entire time we were there. read more

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Rural Alabama and Tex Mex are two inseparably confused entities that learned to coexist, bond through fiery iron skillets and forget the diffusions that political dialogue so disturbingly generates. After all, a wondering visitor to the south would struggle to find a town without a place so cozy and energetic, as a Mexican grill. Be it called Guadalajara, El Tejano, El Patron...there is a room for all of them. El Patron stands within the town of Opelika and its admiration by locals can be quickly witnessed through the parking lot that gets filled up even at odd times that can't be classified as lunch or dinner. The lunch specials run through 3pm and the portion of steak fajitas is so generous, so juicy and so soft that resistance is futile. Of course, chasing it down with a massive Dos Equis on draft and the extremely kind servers, one quickly discovers the many reasons for the full parking lot. The chicken fajitas were good as well, but the chicken not particularly juicy and cut too thin for the length of preparation, thus drying it out. Sides of rice, beans and sour cream are incredibly generous and tasty. Ultimately, for the $12 bucks paid, the portions are something to rival and the prices seem straight out of early 2000s. El Patron is the spot to get a filling, delicious meal, leaving with a sense of otherworldly satisfaction that would be nearly impossible to feel elsewhere. read more

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I ordered the Fajita Chicken Quesadilla and it was so good and fresh.It didn't take long for me to get my food at all or a table.The service was pretty good and helpful from the start I came.The overall experience was pretty good especially considering the fact we went when it was busy on Cinco De Mayo.I also had the frozen mango margarita.The ambiance was very festive and very nice. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - 9. Fajita quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Great food! Fast friendly service. We went on a Sunday night around 7 PM. Lots of people here but the restaurant was adequately staffed. Food was excellent and delivered quickly. Live entertainment wasn't even bad either! Best Mexican restaurant I've been to in a while. read more

The food was decent at best... There was good flavor but I was disappointed when the beef came out to be regular ground beef vs. the traditional carne asada. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Always a great dining experience with these guys! The Tacate Light was cold and the Margaritas were lit! The Menudo is some of the best I've had in Alabama. I also had the molcajete. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - 41. Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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I went here last night for the first time with a group. It was taco Tuesday, BOGO on the tacos. I had the de pollo and the tacos de carne. The shredded chicken was surprisingly flavorful! It must have been marinated well! The beef was quite flavorful as well. Both fillings we generous. That's really all I ate except for a side of guacamole. I suspect the chips were store bought. Just meh on those. I wish I could remember the name of the server. He was very attentive and nice. read more

Literally the worst customer service and dining experience I've had in a while. This was my 5th time at this establishment and the 4 other times weren't nearly as bad as the experience I had yesterday Someone else dropped chips off. We waited almost 10 minutes for our drink order. I had to go to the front to see what was going on The waitress finally got our drink and lunch orders. We had finished the platter of chips and she asked if we wanted more and I said yes please. Then she brings out another platter of chips and just lays it on top of the old chips instead of just replacing it.. Then the food came out. I asked for extra vegetables which I did not receive. I also asked for one of those big roasted peppers and did not get that either. For some reason, we were not given 3 silverware so I asked for silverware when she dropped the food off and did not get it so I had to use my toddler's fork who then couldn't eat her food. At this time, I also reminded her I ordered extra vegetables. Mind you, we have a 3 month old baby and a toddler with us so we don't go out to eat very often. After basically already finishing my shrimp fajita, she realized I was still waiting for the vegetables and she told me it's cooking.. not sure if she forgot to place the order or not. She brings my extra veggies and I'm already finished so I ask for two to go boxes for myself and my toddler. From the moment we sat down to paying, this was not a pleasant dining experience. We will not be returning. read more

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Margarita flight was a good deal and tasty. Waitress was sick which grossed me out a bit, but we didn't get sick so...But the food was delicious! read more

We went in for a late lunch so it was not busy. The waiter was good and received our drinks promptly. My wife ordered a margarita. It was one of the worst she had tasted and asked for something else. We were sitting in bar area and he got the bar tender to come over. My wife told her the Margarita was not any good I would like a different one. She said she would make another one, but it would have to be charged for that one because she would be losing money if she did not and she was the owner. She said she had had 3 sent back that day. I told her it sounded like she needed to change how she made them with that many complaints. We put 50.00 dollars on bar and left. read more

The prices are reasonable as the portions are plentiful! It's Mexican food, which I LOVE. Flavor should've been phenomenal but it was only... a'ight. I had a mudslide to start with and it was nearly flavorless! Kalua, Bailey's, rum, and amaretto with ice cream? There's no way it should've been so lacking in flavor! I drank about 1/3 since I can only have so many carbs AND it didn't taste good. I was cheating, but wasn't going to fully do so when the flavor wasn't even worth it. It was cute in presentation though. For my meal I had the chicken fajita salad sans the flour tortilla bowl and it was good! The chicken and veggies were well seasoned and cooked. The portion was plentiful and nice looking. The waitress was very nice and attentive! It was pretty busy on a Friday night, and I was part of a company group. All in all, it was a good time. I'll most likely visit again. The mudslide took off 2 stars! read more

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The food was good, altho the timing of the delivery a bit disappointing... We ordered a table side guac to be made and she took awhile to being it so that about when she was mixing it the hot entrees were delivered. But we worked around that. Probably the only thing I was really disappointed with was how dirty the bathrooms and entryway were. The glass on the doors filthy. The ladies room was bad. At the very end the waitress was like thank you for being patient even though we are short staffed. Up to that point we we had no clue that was the case, as we were one of two families in the section. read more

I made sure to visit this place THREE times before I made a review. The first time, amazing. The second, astounding. The third... consistent! Amazing and astounding. This is the best Mexican restaurant in the Auburn/Opelika area. This might be the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to in my life and that's just being honest. The food is so good! Well seasoned. Presentation is on point. The staff are SO friendly and will even be patient with you if you attempt to practice your español. The margaritas are GOOD! Never watery and you can taste the tequila. The prices are reasonable. I've been here three times and I've decided that I'm a regular. 5 stars. Nothing less. I'm on margarita number 3 as I write this. Omg, amazing. This is the longest review I've ever written. So deserving. Omg. read more

Food was very good! We ordered chicken enchiladas, chicken chimichangas, & pollo loco. Also, got a margarita on the rocks which was made well! Highly recommend & will return. read more

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We were seated immediately at the end of a busy night. Drinks were brought quickly. But then waited 12 minutes to order. We did ask for chips and salsa (free) with cheese dip (approx $5). Took a while to bring these items. The cheese dip was incredibly soupy. It is watered down so much it wasn't really edible as it ran everywhere. Had to abandon the cheese dip and go back to the salsa. Food was faster and good. Overall- will return. Minus the cheese dip read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - Enchiladas and tamale - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Cute little Mexican restaurant. Came here for lunch. The server was really nice and got the food out pretty fast. It's not the best Mexican food I've ever had but it's not the worst either. Somewhere in the middle. I ordered a glass of horchata, cheese dip and one of the combinations plates. I enjoyed it and would definitely try it again. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

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It's nice inside, but the lunch special of chilaquilles was a disappointment. This is a dish I like and have many times, but their version wasn't good. The chips and salsa were decent, the rice and beans were typical -- and the best part of the meal. The service was good, but the parking lot looked like a place that had gone out of business, trash was stacking up and the grass needed mowing. read more

We visited again to relax and enjoy a slow Sunday, we had terrible service, even the manager knew, but that did not change the service. We ask for a regular dish and got a totally different one, we had drinks and one of the drinks came without being asked as frozen and an upcharge. We missed Kim and the only thing we can say if they do move to logans this has to change or many of us will not support this kind of service. The owner needs to get some perspective with this service read more

Best mexican food in the area! Flavorful meals and delicious drinks. Lots of room for big parties.

Ultimately I am very pleased with this restaurant. I ordered the chicken fajitas on their lunch special and was not disappointed. They give an acceptable portion for the fajitas entree. My friend order the shrimp Fajitas and was also not disappointed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to others, and I can't wait to go back and try their margaritas. The only thing that I would add is possibly hiring more servers, because I did wait a while before I was able to order, due to the server having such a big section. Overall this restaurants is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the auburn/opelika area. read more

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Me and my cousin & family went there to celebrate our birthdays. We had a great time, great food, great drinks and great service. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - El Patron did us right for our March Birthdays!! - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

We really liked our first time here. The service was attentive and the waiter was very nice. You get warm chips and salsa to munch on before your meal and there was a variety of hot sauces at the table to spice up the salsa. We each liked our meals- we got the tortilla soup, 3 meat/sauce burrito and carne asada taco plate with rice and beans. This restaurant is "Tex-Mex." It's a bit on the pricier side- my soup was about $15...yikes! However it was yummy! The menu is way too big and a bit overwhelming. They could probably cut the menu in half and just focus on doing a few dishes really well. It always worries me when the restaurant's menu is a novel and serves soooo many different foods. read more

This is the place to go to if you're craving some good Mexican food. I was worried the food wouldn't be as good when I found out they were changing locations but I was wrong. Their new location has a lot more space, has nice decorations, and it's clean. As for the food and drinks, everything was delicious! You will not be disappointed. read more

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My boyfriend and I had a lovely experience here. They had a sign saying that they were understaffed, but at no point did it feel that way. Our server was funny, attentive, and gave great recommendations. There were also other staff who came around throughout our time asking us if everything was good. All the food and drinks came out quicker than I was expecting (in a good way). It was delicious and filling as well. For being understaffed, every aspect of our dining experience was excellent, and we look forward to going back. read more

Adequate attention from new bar tender, delivered chips after my dinner was delivered, beer was cold

The steak on my salad was chewy like beef jerky. The guy who brought out our food missed a couple of things. We told him and he was rude and said you have to take it up with your server. So I told the server when he finally came around. We we're almost finished with our food and he finally brought out the missing items. We said it was too late. He still charged us. The prices are high but the food and service was low. read more

So me and my son decided to eat here tonight, and when the waitress took our order my son ordered the California burrito, he asked her what meat can he choose and she said chicken steak shrimp or all three. my son said there's no extra charge if I get all three meats and the waitress said nope. After about 30 minutes of sitting there with no chips and no refill on drinks, the food finally came out, no complaints with the food. Food was great! Now all of a sudden a different server shows up, so we asked for our check and when the check came out they charged us for shrimp. I asked the new waitress what happened to the other girl said she had to leave because of car issues? Huh So anyway I explained to her while we were told and then she went and got some young lady from the front, the young lady from the front told us oh sorry the first server is new she just didn't know. So I said oh I understand but we should not be penalized because your employee doesn't know what she's doing. She said well I'm sorry but you're going to have to pay for it I said no problem but this is terrible customer service. I said if I have to pay this additional charge just be aware your penalizing the server because I'm going to take that amount of money off the tip I would leave! She said oh we don't care. Just thought you guys might like to know how your people up front are running your business, I realize you guys are busy now because you're new but keep in mind it's the regulars that keep you in business which I will no longer be. read more

Atmosphere was nice, food was good. I got the chicken enchilada verde, I wasn't super impressed with my dish however my husband got the pastor street tacos, and they are definitely worth getting again. Service was not bad, we were not greeted at the door, just kind of stared at and we had to greet first even though the people were just standing there looking at us when we walked in. Our waitress was great, manager came around a few times to check on us. Will return for the pastor street tacos! read more

Pretty good mexican soups. I had the tortilla soup And my sister had the shrimp soup. They come in large bowls and plentiful--lots of shrimp and chicken. We like tortillas with our soup so we also ordered extra tortillas--they were very thin. The salsa that comes with the chips is pretty mild. We Came kind of late, close to closing time. The swept and put the chairs on top of the tables around us. read more

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My favorite item is the El Patron nachos with fajita steak. It's still just as heavy, rich, and satisfying as I remembered. Chips and salsa are always good. It tastes wonderful as the edges of the chips are slightly burned and hotter than the rest. It's strange how empty this place seems. This observation happened after we kept seeing people leave the restaurant but we never saw them walk in. Where were they hiding? I thought we were the only people in the restaurant. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Opelika, AL - El Patron nachos with fajita steak - Mexican Near Me - Opelika, Alabama