This was my first time visiting this location but I've been to their Lowell restaurant a few times. We went on a Saturday before watching a movie at the same plaza. Their parking lot is very spacious so that made it extra convenient. We were greeted as soon as we entered and were brought to the bar area. Our server Joel promptly greeted us and took our drink order. When it came to appetizer, we were going to go with guacamole and chips. Joel asked us if we wanted a recommendation and he suggested getting the guacamole with chicharron. I was not sure about it but was glad we went for it. The pork rind added a different taste experience and I'm glad I tried it. For my main course, I went with carne asada. My steak was perfectly cooked and tender. Rice and beans were good. For dessert, we wanted to try their churros. Neither one of us was impressed with our shared dessert. So probably wouldn't order churros again. There was lively music playing in the background. Place wasn't very busy and service was great. read more

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El Porto is a mixed bag, but the margaritas absolutely steal the show. Easily the best part of the visit. Strong, well-balanced, and exactly what you want. We ordered the burrito and the fajitas with rice and beans. Both were fine. Decent flavor, nothing offensive, but nothing that made us want to come back specifically for the food. Standard Mexican fare done at a "good, not great" level. Bottom line: come for the margaritas, treat the food as a supporting act. I'd happily return for drinks and an appetizer at the bar.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

After going to big blue with my daughter we wanted some Mexican food and always see this place in the loop. Decided to give this place a try and we are glad we did. The service was amazing, drinks, chips and salsa are always filled. The ambiance is chill. You can still talk and the decor is typical bright colors and it's a nice vibe inside. Let's get down to the food.. Carne Asada- it was cooked to perfection and the beans were amazing. We loved this dish and will definitely be back. If you're in the mood for some Mexican food then be sure to give them a try. read more

El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Methuen, Massachusetts

El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill opened at The Loop Methuen in the former Margaritas building. A full service Mexican restaurant & bar was definitely much needed at this shopping center. El Potro also operates other restaurants in Lowell, Malden, Chelsea, and Somerville. El Potro offers an extensive menu of traditional and specialty Mexican fare including tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, steak dishes, chicken, seafood dishes, appetizers, salads, and desserts. The pricing is moderate high. The full service bar also serves draft beer, bottle beers, wine, spirits, mixed drinks, tequila, margaritas, and dessert drinks. I stopped by El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill for dinner over the weekend on their second day of business at The Loop. I got here just after 5pm and the place was starting to get busy. I was seated at a high top table in the bar area on the right side by request, so I could catch the Red Sox game. Like old Margaritas, the layout of this Mexican restaurant and bar is the same as before, bar area to the right and dining room to the left. All of the chairs have nice colorful artwork. Mexican music was blasting a bit loud over the speakers. It took about 7 minutes for a server to come over to take my order. I actually scanned the QR code for the online menu. I was given complementary chips and salsa (medium) and ordered the Grilled Steak Fajitas Carnitas ($21.95 plus tax) and ice water. The entree arrived in 20 minutes after ordering, but I did have to request soft corn tortillas which is included with the fajitas. The big hot plate of food was full with chewy slices of grilled steak, sautéed with peppers, onions in a light tomato sauce, served with yellow rice, soft refried beans, tortillas. Garnished with cheese lettuce, pico de gallo and sour cream. These fajita dish was pretty good and very filling. I finished everything, but passed on dessert. The check was $23.49 with tax and before tip. Overall, the food was pretty good tasting and similar to other good Mexican restaurants close to my NH home. The service was a bit delayed with several staff running around as the place was becoming a dinner rush. Would I come back here? I would, if I was already in the immediate area and felt like having Mexican food. [3.6/5.0] read more

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Food is always decent. A little pricey but never had bad service. Bar tenders are friendly. read more

Very happy they took over this spot from Margaritas. Food is good, staff is excellent, queso is delish! They are opened later and the kitchen serves late too! read more

What a great spot! The Mexican food was delicious, and the service from Elias and Chepe at the bar really made the experience. They're an awesome duo! Definitely 5 stars. read more

Excellent Mexican! We had a birthday party there 15 people and service was amazing! Santo and Rudy were very attentive and helpful! Great service Methuen Loop location read more

I ordered the Enchilada de Camarones and they were amazing! My family fell in love with my plate as well. Every ones order was on point!

Another visit, another new item to try. The Flauta's were pretty good! I'd buy them again.

I absolutely loved the food here! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and very reasonably priced -- such a great value for the quality. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and the hostess and waitstaff were wonderful -- super attentive and friendly throughout our meal. My only complaint was the music -- it was much too loud, and we found ourselves shouting just to talk to each other. If they turned the volume down a bit, it would easily be a 5-star experience. Overall, I'd definitely come back and recommend it to others! read more

Mi experiencia en el restaurante El lugar es precioso, la atención excelente y la comida en general súper deliciosa. Todo estuvo perfecto... excepto el arroz. Para mi gusto quedó un poco por debajo del nivel del resto de los platos. Creo que si mejoran ese detalle, la experiencia sería verdaderamente de cinco estrellas porque todo lo demás estuvo espectacular. ¡Definitivamente volvería! read more

Absolutely great service! We will come dine again. My husband and I were seated at high chairs by the front host and immediately changed to a more comfortable booth by the waiter named Wilber which was a great call. The drinks came super quick and food was sizzling and smelled and tasted fresh and delicious. The appetizer was also very pleasantly presented. Wilber was so friendly and so professional I wish I could give 10 stars!!!! Definitely a great change from Margaritas! Give it a try you will not be disappointed!Also, Mariachi Bands playing every Wednesdays!I love El Potro! read more

Our first time there tonight. We started out with chips and salsa and added guacamole. The chips were fresh, the salsa had a bit of a kick but very good. Guacamole was delicious. My husband got the enchiladas mole. Very authentic with a great depth of flavor. I got a steak burrito which was very tasty. Great waitstaff as well! read more

Went here before we went to see a movie near by. The food was absolutely delicious, the service very good and the atmosphere was good. I'll be coming again. read more

First time at El Porto. The burrito with pulled chicken and chimichanga with pulled beef were delicious. There's a depth of flavor to the food unlike what I've found at other nearby Mexican restaurants. And it came out fresh and hot. Chip and salsa were great too. Atmosphere and service was above average. read more

The food was not the best but was edible. The service was really not the best our server didn't really have any manners and was rushing through it all. We had a pretty hefty wait an hour for our food and 15 minutes for dessert. read more

if I can put zero stars I would . me and my daughter ordered a flan the manager Rudy did not care that my daughter was allergic to cinnamon which he even failed to give us a dessert menu I asked for a refund he declined my daughter took only a small bite of the flan to try and he said he can't return it and I have to pay for it I would assume he can trade it for another dessert or compensate but neither or was done rudy was literally laughing in my face making a mock of my situation. careless and never going back there again customers should be right the manager Rudy made me experience the worst time ever In this restaurant DONT RECOMMEND read more