Update: Sadly, they closed permanently a few weeks ago, due to ongoing health issues. They will be missed. I have a dinner group that eats at various local restaurants on a monthly basis. El Pobre is one that is on our rotation because the food is consistently good, reasonably priced and the service is also good. It can't be easy to wait on a group of 12 to 15 boisterous ladies, but they take it in stride! read more

Good service. But $59 for 2 carne asadas yea crazy. They didn't hesitate to take the money very expensive.

A hidden gem! A tiny, hole-in-the-wall kind of place but the service was friendly and quick. I had the pollo fundido which was filling and flavorful. They have TONS of menu items and accommodated my picky friend with a plain quesadilla without blinking an eye. Have the horchata! read more

Drove all the way here because yelp recommended this place based on my searches based for "open now" and "full bar" well they're not letting customers on the building for service and only allow takeout and delivery. So no. They're not serving alcohol and they're not open now. What year is this? 2019? read more

El Pobre Mexican Restaurant - What is this? 2019? - Mexican Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

So, we were looking for something different from the typical food that is found in many of the other Waynesville restaurants and cheap Mexican was what the others in my party wanted. So, begrudgingly, I went. Bottom line, this place was average Mexican food. I wouldnt go back here again. I only up this from two stars to three stars because the service was so good. Several in my party complained about the food to which I said, well you are the ones who chose this! I guess if you are really wanting some non fancy Mexican, this is the place, but, if you are a tourist in Waynesville, stick to the fancy places! read more

First impressions are important, sadly it was not what we expected. The rice was undercooked, still hard grains of rice, and the rest of the food was not good, nor was expected based on the reviews. They were only allowing take out and could only order outside. This could be temporary because of Covid, or because they were understaffed. read more

Hole in the wall that is a delightful treat in service, food quality and price! Yelp offer was a free sopapilla with 20 in purchases and we were FULL, so we got them to go and 5 hours later when we opened the tin...they were still absolutely delicious and I can't imagine how spectacular they'd have been 'fresh'! The menu has a great selection of traditional and innovative dishes. There are lunch specials which are a great value as well. Hot, fresh tortilla chips come with salsa almost the moment you are seated...but there is a fabulous salsa bar as well where you can get the type of salsa you are craving. They have a spicy pineapple salsa that I'd buy a jar at a time it is so incredible! Our server was a very amiable young man who knew the menu well and helped my husband and I narrow down our choices to a carnitas burrito (me) and a cheesesteak quesadilla (him) and his descriptions were SPOT ON for each dish! We had half there and took the other half home with the aforementioned sopapillas and they were just as good reheated for lunch the next day, too! Does it look fancy? Nope! Does it cost an arm and a leg? Nope! Is it so yummy you'll want to come back day after day? YES INDEEDY! What are you waiting for....GO!!!!! read more

El Pobre Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

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My go to. They are the best when it comes to takeout. Their potato burritos are out of this world.

Ordered the Carnitas dinner. Overall okay but pork was very dry. Chips were not fresh, almost stale. Pick de gallo and salsa were good.

Great food, great service. Brian was awesome and the pork was definitely home made. I'd go back for sure. Thanks!

I am very impressed. I guess they are new here. The staff could not be any nicer. The food was really amazing and the prices are very reasonable. Will definitely be back. read more

El Pobre Mexican Restaurant - Excellent food. Great service and very reasonable prices. Will definitely be back. - Mexican Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

I am never disappointed. Even in takeout. The best salsa in town. Super fresh. Tacos are full and tasty.

Basic food but quick service and decent price. Nothing special. Tortilla chips had lots of oil.

Our New Favorite Restaurant! This place has the BEST Mexican Food for the cheapest price. The employees are SUPER friendly, and very, very kind. This is the BEST Mexican Restaurant in North Carolina. I ordered 3 soft tacos and 1 hard taco and we had queso as an appetizer. Yum Yum! Thanks for the awesome food, great service, and wonderful experience. We love El Pobre! read more

My boyfriend and I arrived in Waynesville late one night and wanted fast, satisfying food, so we called El Pobre for a to-go order. The man on the phone was very nice, and told us our food would be ready in 10 minutes. Very speedy! I ordered the fajitas nachos, which had lots of chicken and vegetables. Very large portion, especially considering it's a starter. I also ordered the guacamole salad, which was simple, but plentiful. Their food hit the spot. I'd order from here again. read more

Food was Awesome!! Service was excellent! The chips and salsa were very fresh. Will eat again!

Meh. It was a bright and stormy evening on Canada Day. So Mexican it was. 1. No margaritas. I suppose a license or. Local law. 2. Fun but sporadic waiter in a moderately busily situation. 3. Facilities spare... very spare. 4. Food. Well it tasted good and was plentiful. We didn't leave hungry. 5. The salsa bar... the one that says "very hot" means it. You have been warned. Not bad... just not great. I doubt I'll go back, but only because there are alternatives. read more

The best Mexican food I've ever had. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, especially the salsa. I tend to judge Mexican restaurants by their salsa and El Pobre's is dynamite. I could drink it. I have drank it. Overall, El Pobre is a fantastic dive. read more

Very good Mexican food. I only knock a star off for the building...it is old and not really well decorated. But...if you want really good Mexican grub, go here. Great service too. read more

With experience in 5 star travel and dining, Quite Honestly, the best authentic Mexican you will find...in my opinion...anywhere! Food is fantastic, and the staff is outstanding. I speak for all others in our party with this raving 5 star review. Thank you! read more

Very good solid Mexican restaurant. Great prices and service. Have a great experience every time. There's a small salsa bar, try the Salsa Mexicano, it's pretty hot but has depth of flavor I've not found any where else. If I have a doggy bag I always grab a cup to go. Give it a try. read more

Finally decent Mexican food! I have been to three different places so far and this is the first Mexican restaurant out in Western, NC that is doing things right. The queso was delicious and not at all watery. The salsa bar is great and has a lot of options to try out - I really enjoyed the beer salsa. The house salsa was also great really flavorful and chunky. I have the Vegetarian combo with a tostda (a little bummed that it didn't have a gauc salad on top) burrito, and enchilada (one of the best I've had). Prices are on par with the other Mexican places in the area. My only gripe is that they don't have margaritas, just beer. read more

Service is always prompt. Food is also great. Nice place for quick food. Been eating here for several years off and on and it's always a good experience. We tell everyone that asks that it's a good little place to eat. Try them out! read more

Definitely the best Waynesville has to offer. I tried the build you own combo. Tamales and a chili relleno. Very pleased. Excellent salsa. Great beer selection. read more

My first time visit was great. The only down side is that they do not have liqueur to make margaritas. The two entrees for $11.00 is a great deal and a quick, easy, cheap way to fill up. The service was great. We were greeted by two servers quickly and our drink order was taken right as we sat down. No waiting for chips and salsa either. I highly recommend this place. read more

Not the greatest service and food was just average. Was expecting it to be much better.

Fantastic little Mexican place. We were visiting and my Aunt and Uncle took us here. Salsa especially the pineapple salsa was amazing! I had the chicken enchiladas and they were wonderful. Service was excellent and all staff was very friendly. Will definitely be back!! read more

This is THE place to come to if you want Mexican food. Everything is perfect and it's pretty cheap too! The best part is the service! Everybody tries to relate to you (Like real people you know?) and makes it their attention to make your day better. Best Mexican Food Restaurant PERIOD. Thank you. read more

The food was reheated leftovers and the plate was scalding hot. I will not be returning.

Very impressed with my experience, food was great! Will definitely be back! 10/10 would recommend

The Mexican host was very solicitous and eager to please, so I'm sorry to complain. The waiter was a bored, humorless teenager. The salsa was fresh, delicious and homemade. The corn chips were nice and hot, thin and crispy. The refried beans were cold. My fajitas were cold, too, but at least had flavor. My bf said the bbq chicken tortilla was good and he's picky. The guacamole was tasteless. read more