This is a crazy hidden gem in Independence. The atmosphere is adorable. I love the new outdoor porch seating. The wait staff is always sweet and prompt (well, always in my two trips there). The food tastes amazingly fresh. I'm kind of used to greesy cheese puddles but El Pico is so far from that. The salsa is unique and kind of garlicy. Guac is amazing. They have a few avocado options. (I can't swear vegan, but I'm guessing vegetarian?) And the prices are super reasonable. El Pico is my new favorite Mexican in the entire metro. read more

I love Mexican food. I love it. So, when a new restaurant opened on the Square. I was excited to try it out. Now, it took us a good month or so of talking about it before actually making our way through the doors. Every time we drive past the place it was closed. This is reason 1, of 2, for why El Pico only gets 4 stars. Wonky hours. They close at 8 pm most nights. Regardless, we made our way in for dinner one night. The menu is very limited, or streamlined if you will. So much so, that the beverage options only number 6 or 7, no alcohol (reason 2). We both ordered the street tacos. These are not classic street tacos! I was a little skeptical as a result. They were chunky and colorful, ribboned with sour cream. Americanized.....and delicious!!! The ingredients were so fresh tasting. Both of us said the word "delightful" at least twice during the meal. Our second visit yielded the same results with different dishes (chicken tostadas and a beef burrito). Pros-delicious, Mexican-style cuisine; AWESOME salsa, inexpensive. Cons-wonky hours; no margaritas :( We will be back for sure! read more

Dropped in to El Pico with the family for dinner last night; we live not too far from the square, and had been meaning to check it out for some time (especially because there were several rave reviews here). Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the reviews; and was a little pricey as well. The service was ... competent, although I got the feeling our server was new and a little nervous. Chips and salsa weren't brought until -after- we ordered our meal, which seemed unusual. Chips were especially salty, and salsa was nothing to write home about - tasted like it came from a jar somewhere. I ordered the steak street tacos with a side of guac, which were pretty disappointing - small, and the steak was poor quality and not cooked well enough to make up for it, and the $2.50 side of guac was -maybe- two tablespoons. My wife ordered the pork chimi, which was fantastic; it's the only reason this review is 3 stars (and the fact that I can't give 2 1/2). The kids enjoyed their quesadillas, but it's hard to mess up melted cheese and tortillas. The rice with the meal seemed like salted instant white rice with a handful of peas and carrots mixed in, but the refried beans weren't bad. Overall, the food was just pretty average, and seemed priced a little high for what we got. It was somewhat better than some of the greasy spoon Tex-Mex joints in Independence, but not worth the 4 and 5-star reviews it's getting here. I mostly found myself wishing we'd gone for pizza on the next block over for dinner instead, and if I want -good- Mexican I'll drive out to Blue Springs ... but if I'm ever with someone else who wants to go to El Pico, I won't try to weasel out of it, either. read more

Came into El Pico Fresh Mexican Restaurant hoping to cool off from walking around on the historic Independence Square, Boy was I in for a bad time. Greeted by what we thought was going to be a PLEASANT experience. It felt good at first. Sat Down, Started Cooling Off. I placed my order with SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ---NO CHEESE. Along with others in my party, who also had Specific instruction. It all went down hill when we asked for a refill, our waitress fondled my cup in a way, that she placed her whole finger deep down in my cup. But it didn't stop there, when the food came out, my tacos didn't have cheese, but the beans sure did. After saying NO CHEESE. I preceded to tell her that I can't have the Cheese on my beans. She goes in the back, spoons the cheese-beans off and then puts fresh ones on top. "Like There Ya Go" I just couldn't believe it, told her "No, I'd have to have a whole new fresh plate, cause I'm allergic." I wasn't happy, Thank Goodness the manager finally comes and saves her. We tell him how we didn't even get chicken with one of our meals. How our 1st experience was awful. I will say he made our meal on the house, but I WILL SAY, "I WILL NOT GO BACK HERE." SINCERELY, THE CHEESIEST NON-CHEESE PERSON THAT HAS EVER YELPED!! read more

The wait staff was friendly, but the food was comparable to a cafeteria. The margaritas are weak, we each had 3 and never even felt a tingle. read more

I've visited a few times. Quiet place in downtown Independence, interesting decor, fair number of menu options... Imagine it as being Mexican-Light... A very washed out version of Mexican food. Technically it's what it says it is, kind of. Light flavor, which can be nice if you don't want to go into a food coma. Prices are a bit high (guacamole was a tiny amount for the price) and staff is overall nice, though something is missing... Either they take forever, or seem petrified of interacting with you, or it's so slow they just talk amongst themselves without thinking a guest may need something... So while they are nice, they fall short in some aspect or other. Don't go in a hurry, nor starving, you'll be upset and not satisfied. If you want flavor, this is not the place for that. I think the most flavorful items were their tacos a la carte, their platters were ho-hum... It's not horrible, we have been there after all about 3 times for various reasons, but mostly because it was near. Not really the place I would make a point to drive to... But I don't mind it if I'm in the area... Then again, I would not jump of joy and excitement for getting to dine there. Not great, not terrible, ok if I go there, ok if I don't. 3 stars. read more

El Pico Mexican Restaurant - Daily specials x - Mexican Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Poor experience today. All you can eat enchiladas. I was told it was 8.99. Billed 11.85. Food was cool after a long wait and I was never asked how it was or if I wanted seconds. read more

I love Mexican food so I had to check out El Pico. My boyfriend and I went for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, we were the only customers there. We both ordered margaritas, our server told us that their ice machine was broken, so all they had was frozen ritas. They totally tasted like the premade mix stuff you can buy at the store. The salsa was really good, while the queso was a little on the bland side. I ordered the chicken taco salad which was also a little bland. My boyfriend ordered a chimichanga, he seemed to enjoy it. The menu was pretty small, most of which were tacos. Also our server was not very friendly. I'm not sure we will be back. read more

I will give only 3 stars for now as I have only eaten there once and I always give a place more than one chance. I always like to try a new place and here is one. Good thin chips, white cheese dip great. Food good but portion size a little small for the price. Disappointed they didn't have tamales. Will try it again Small places need business to succeed so give it a try. read more

Great lunch....Taco salad. Super fast service, people are very nice. Place was clean even though they were busy. We just moved in to the neighborhood, so we will be back! read more

Everything was amazing. The waiters were so friendly. It was clean and very welcoming. The food was excellent. I went with my Grandma and she has a normal hard shell toca, I had the three "mini" enchiladas. We both thought it was the best thing we've ever have. The prices were not bad either, it was $16 for two people. You might a different experience, but I'm definitely coming back! read more

Great place for a happy hour. Food and drinks are awesome. Staff is friendly and courteous.

The stuffed burrito is delish! The salsa was the right balance of tangy and spicy, but not too hot. Our waitress was very attentive, and the food was hot and fresh. I live about 25 minutes away, with many mexican restaurants around. However, this little gem is worth the drive. Best part: not another el maguey clone! read more

The food is way more fresh than an average Mexican restaurant and the service is awesome!

We had passed by this place several times and never tried it until a few days ago. My husband (who is extremely picky!) and I sampled the queso blanco, enchiladas, and burrito plate. I will just start chronologically with the service. Service was great. The waittress was extremely friendly and attentive. The restaurant is small (it is the old buildings of the Independence Square), but it's cute and inviting. The chips, salsa, and queso were delicious. The chips were fresh, lightly salted, and crisp. The salsa was amazingly flavorful, one of my favorites. My husband hates tomatoes and could not stop raving about the salsa. The queso blanco was, hands-down, best queso I've ever had. As soon as I tasted it I knew something was special about it. It's rich without being overpowering, and amazingly flavorful. My husband loved the enchiladas. I ate a chicken burrito and added avocado. Everything tasted amazing, fresh, and impeccable. I can't speak for the beans, as I do not like beans and asked to not have any. The rice was a different take on Spanish rice from what I'm used to (La Fuente or On the Border style, for instance), but I think the rice was very good. We are actually planning to make this spot our new to-go-to Mexican place. read more

The Independence Square has a restaurant I can now regularly visit! I enjoy supporting my hometown and this food was good with a smidge difference. Street taco Tuesday!!! read more

I went there for the first time Monday night. I didn't even know the place existed. My experience was wonderful. We were seated right away, drink order was taken and chips and salsa were served, which were very good. Light and crispy chips, salsa was very tasty. Our server was very friendly and efficient. I ordered the ground beef enchiladas and loved them! Everything tasted fresh. The margaritas were very good as well. I am looking forward to returning and trying other items on the menu. It's definitely worth a visit. read more

My daughter and I are huge fans of Mexican food and were excited to discover this on the Historic Independence square . We were greeted and seated quickly. The hostess/server was polite and efficient . Our orders were taken quickly and the food was served piping hot and fresh. The only problem that we encountered was the smell of mold and dust in the environment. My daughter is asthmatic and sneezed and wheezed a lot . We had to leave quickly. I'm excited to see the square come "alive" again but wishing the business owners would invest in some Kilz before painting the walls and ceilings and get those ducts cleaned out. read more

It's so so. Not great but not terrible. It's near where I work so if I get desperate I'll order but would not go out of my way. At least the food has some seasoning as opposed to Ted's in lees summit. read more

I hosted a large party there and 20% of our orders were incorrect. I ordered an avocado burrito - with black beans and NO cheese and I specifically told them that I am a vegan. I received a burrito with refried beans (pork fat). No problem, I understand mistakes happen, however they brought my second burrito and it had chicken! I promptly told them my meal was over. Not only was I bummed that they messed up my order again, but they wasted the life of a pig and a chicken. They apologized and told me those that had incorrect orders would receive free desserts. I appreciate it, but they brought me ice cream - again I'm vegan, I don't eat dairy. I would hope that a restaurant would understand the differences between vegan, vegetarian, dietary allergies. read more

Decent Mexican not the greatest not the best , friendly staff just really small portions for the price. 3.5 stars. Maybe I'll be back if not I'm not really hungry. read more

We loved the food and it was very good close to authentic as close as most can get and there was reasonably priced

We really enjoyed our meal here. My shrimp burrito was ginormous and really tasty, and the best part was the shrimp was cooked perfectly. My husband liked his taco salad, and he was excited the lettuce wasn't from a bag with the little carrots, they used fresh romaine. Our server was very nice and attentive. Will be returning. read more

went there 6 weeks ago....we were the ONLY customers in there about 2:30 in the afternoon, we were greeted and made our drink order and it took the waitress almost 10 minutes to bring our drinks and chips and salsa, 10 minutes later resteraunt still empty she came back to take our order, 35 minutes later we got our food and the resteraunt was still empty,,,,we were their only patrons at the time!.....the food was stale, luke warm, closer to cold than warm....WE WILL NEVER GO BACK read more

Let me preface this by saying I was visiting from Houston where we really have Tex Mex. I was not expecting much. Chips seemed freshly made. They were not greasy and were crispy. The salsa and quest were great. Unfortunately the fajita steak had no flavor. It totally lacked seasoning and was over cooked. The fajitas included a generous portion of red and green peppers and onions. Service was friendly. read more

We stopped in for lunch, I had the pork street tacos, and Toni-Ann had the burrito bowl. Friendly staff, food was out quick and the ambiance was consistent with the culture. We both agree that both entree's were delicious and we looking forward to coming back and trying some of the other meals. read more

Wont lie the food is good but over priced. VERY over priced. 6 bucks for 1/3 cup of guacamole it not even being fully made huge chunks of alvacado still there in the little it it costing another 6 bucks to refill. I found a hair in my food and the waitress was mad i pointed it out saying "Well what do you want me to do about it? Take it off do you want to continue eating it?" Uh no im not going to eat food that a hair was in. She took the meal off and gave us our check it was 12. 40$ for 2 drinks guacamole and extra cheese and sour cream. Asked for the extra because they skimp out on the cheese it being alot of meat and lettuce very little cheese and little sour cream. We didnt mind that extra bit. We set the cash down to pay our Bill it was a 20 we layed down she took it and walked away saying "'ll be back with your change!" I replied "Alright Thank you" she responds with "Have a good night" and walks away to the booth infront of us and sits down. We sit there for 15 minuets and wait patiently. Couple more minuets go by and i go to the bathroom and come back the waitress is STILL sitti g in the booth talking to customers the money no where to be seen. I leave angrily. I call the resturant and ask to speak to thw manager. I tell him the situation and HE gets an attitude as well "So you are wanting to come get your change back huh?" I said yes and told him we would be there shortly but before i could finish he HANGS UP ON ME. Needless to say I WILL NEVER BE RETURNING. Good food or not i wont be treated like shit and my money taken. read more

Went here this past weekend and had a great experience. The food is yummy and the service is wonderful.

Very good rice and street tacos! They also offer Mexican beer! Price is right and staff are friendly, we will be back.

I tried this place when it first opened, and had a very bad waitress. I waited several months to try again, thinking it had time to get it together. But today I noticed the same waitress (luckily I didn't have her) treating customers the same way. And again, my order was wrong. The upgraded platter/meal came with about a tablespoon each of rice and beans, not worth the extra money. When I mentioned to the Manager my order was wrong, she said, "Oh, they must have wrote it down wrong" and walked away. They did not adjust my bill or even acknowledge me after I placed my order except to collect my money. I will NEVER try again, encourage anyone I know, or any tourist I encounter on my daily walk around the square to eat there! EVER! Oh, and Yelp won't let me use NO STARS so I gave it ONE. read more

I visited El Pico earlier this week during a stop on a road trip from Chicago to OKC. Instead of looking for highway fast food, my road trip mates and I wanted to stop in Independence for a break from driving and to see the Frontier Trails Museum. We found El Pico through a search for restaurants in the area and were very happy with our selection! The service was excellent and the food was great, with perfect portions at a very reasonable price. We got the avocado burrito, chicken chimichangas, and avocado tostados and we all enjoyed our dishes very much - I think my favorite part was the salsa - we spoke with a woman I assumed was the manager/owner and I asked her about it - she said they make it fresh daily. I really enjoyed everything about dining at El Pico and will definitely stop by again if I find myself going by Independence again! read more

Fantastic rice and STELLAR service!! My boyfriend and I both had their street tacos, and we both preferred the beef but all were delicious! House, on the rocks margarita was delicious too! We'll be back, for sure! read more

I went to El Pico with a good friend of mine when we started the evening we decided to sit outside and unfortunately it had started raining but our server was quick to help us bring our stuff inside to a nice booth. The reason I gave this a 4 star and not a 5 tho was because it was very hard to concentrate and have a conversation with my friend due to the VERY LOUD music. My service was very good overall although I felt rushed to give my order. It being my first time I would've like to look over the menu a little more. Also, she didn't ask about dessert or do any suggestive selling! My friend and I both got the street tacos and I couldn't even eat the pork or chicken but the steak was delicious! Also after I told my server she quickly took the two tacos I didn't eat and replace them with no charge with the steak. I was so impressed with the food that I called my Mother and invited her to lunch this coming up Monday! Overall great food and friendly service! read more

My husband and I LOVE El Pico. The avocado burrito is my favorite. My husband likes the nachos. We often go on Friday for "Shrimp Night." The food is always fresh and delicious and the service is fast and friendly. They also have some of the best chips and salsa we've ever tried. We often recommend this place to friends and family who visit us from out of town. We can't say enough good things about El Pico. If you like Mexican food and haven't been there yet, give El Pico a try. read more

Was sat by "Sam" who forgot our silverware, which we got up and took from a nearby empty table. I asked for a beef burrito and chicken enchilada a la carte. Our food came out pretty timely. No complaints there. But my chicken enchilada never came. I asked our server about it and he told me I "was mistaken." I reiterated what I had ordered and he told me I did not.. I asked to at least order it and he told me it actually isn't available a la carte. I asked to speak to the manager and he said he was the manager.. Young kid, but okay. Then I expressed that it's rude to tell customers they are wrong. He said he wasn't being rude. At which point I wanted to leave, but my company persuaded me to stay. Sam eventually decided to "comp" me 50% for the incident. However, the sour taste left in my mouth made me sign up for Yelp just to share this experience. Joint might be fine. Food was okay. Look out for "Sam", 5'9" black hair and pretty rude. read more