Food: The food here is very Americanized but not bad. The issue is that they never seem to warm the food up all the way through. I've been here twice, months apart, and both times they served an enchilada that was so cold the cheese never melted. Cooked food seems like a pretty low bar considering the issue could be fixed with 30 seconds in a microwave. Service: The service is ok. Nothing overly good and nothing overly bad. Ambience: It can get a little noisy but there is a decent amount of seating so you don't feel cramped. read more

We've been the South Portland location, which is good, but we decided to try Brunswick and liked it better. The food was excellent. read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

El Rodeo is decorated as a typical Mexican restaurant- colorful with upbeat Mexican music that was loud enough that it was difficult to hear the conversation around the table or with our server. Our server was attentive and pleasant though. The food was tasty, but not hot enough. Our drinks were delicious and festive. read more

We dined at El Rodeo with a couple of friends about two weeks ago. They started us with free tortilla chips and salsa. We were given enough time to browse the menu. Hubby and I both ordered tacos de birria while our friend ordered his regular chicken tacos and his wife opted for carne asada burrito. We all enjoyed our food. Food was pretty good, prices were not too bad, service was decent. As for the decor, I loved the carvings with bright colors on the dining table. We had a booth which was also appreciated for a little privacy. read more

See all

Awesome dinner! There were 3 of us for dinner on Monday, 3/17/25 around 6:15, it wasn't busy and we were sat right away. It is exactly what I expect a dine in Mexican restaurant to look like. Bright colors and cheerful. The complementary chips and salsa were awesome. Especially the salsa. It was more of a pico de gallo style, fresh, without being overly spicy. We ordered some margaritas and tableside guac for an appetizer. That guacamole was incredible, and I'm pretty sure it had four whole avocados in it. The margarita had to be the prettiest one I've ever had, and it was also delicious. I'm not usually a fan of margaritas, too much sour mix. Not this one though! We did order the Cointreau margarita and I understand from my friends that have been there several times, that it is superior to the house margarita. For my entrée, I had the birria tacos. Listen, I know I say this every time I order birria tacos, but I think these are the best I've ever had. They did not have cheese in them like quesabirria does, but I wasn't even mad. The meat was so incredibly tender and flavorful. The consume was rich and the perfect accompaniment. I also ordered the street corn, and it was a delightful. I appreciate that there were several lime wedges on the platter. I thought for sure I would have enough for lunch the next day, but no. I ate every single bite on that plate. If you get a chance - you should try it! I understand it is somewhat of a local chain. read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Tacos de Birria and Corn Combo - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

Been here a few times and the wait staff, the food and the atmosphere has always been great. We stopped by on Cinco de Mayo and it was pretty busy. We were seated rather quickly and our waiter was very friendly and attentive. A party beside us had the Guacamole Cart and the couple were nice and let our granddaughter watch them prepare it. Nice Mexican Restaurant! read more

See all

The food is always consistently great, whether we get take out or dine in. We never have had to wait for a table, usually we are a party of 2-4 people. Staff is prompt about a minute or less at the host stand and they are ready with menus to bring you to a table. The staff works together to clean, serve and seat people. Table side guacamole is delicious and they can customize it how you like it, extra spicy or mild, with cilantro or without. You just let them know and they make it how you'd like it. So goooooddd!!! I like dishes with huevos. I love their refried beans, so much so, that if I order something that doesn't come with them, I ask for side, which usually comes with nice melted cheese on top. YUM! Our favorites are any style of quesadilla, chimichangas and the burrito Jalisco The chips and salsa are bottomless if you are having a meal for dine in. The margaritas are tasty. read more

See all

A great menu! I appreciate the variety in the combo meals. Nice portion! I should have ordered some flan ... saw it at a table and it looked perfect. read more

My go-to when this Southern California girl needs a good Mexican food fix (which is weekly). The bar for me is whether they have proper shredded beef tacos deep-fried in the tortilla shell, which is HARD to find in New England. No El Paso ground beef crappy store-bought shells for me. The Tacos Dorado is the closest I've found in Maine. They throw the cheese in before they fry it, rather than topping it w/ shredded cheese but the flavor & texture of the taco makes it worth it. Fresh ingredients. Service is always super friendly. Great value. Many are native language speakers, so come w/ an open mind & belly ready to be full of deliciousness. read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Look at the SIZE of the burritos!!! Table side fresh guacamole instantly transports you to warmer climates. - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

We have driven by this place so often but recently decided to check it out. We absolutely love Mexican food and this place did not disappoint. The service was great and the food was very good. We were seated and the waiter came over right away with chips and salsa, which were very tasty. I ordered the chicken fajitas which came with seasoned rice, smooth and delicious refried beans. The fajitas were excellent and had great flavor. The green peppers and onions had a slight char which really added to the overall flavor. The chicken was plentiful with white meat and was well seasoned. We also ordered the "fresh guacamole" which was made table side. Two whole avocados were added. We had so much food to take home that I had two more meals from it. The restaurant filled up with people as the evening was getting started. It is definitely worth your while if you want and crave Mexican food in the Brunswick area. read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Chicken fajitas with sides, "fresh guacamole", chips and salsa. All great flavors and plentiful. - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

Good food , good service, good price. Margarita was passable, a little shy on the tequila. Good value for the.money

Excellent food and staff. Better than the understaffed and chainy margaritas. Never disappointed.

The food was delicious. The staff were kind and prompt. We will most definitely be back.

The place is decorated and music playing great atmosphere . I had the carnitas a la mexicana !! Just great the pork was so tender and the fresh jalapeños peppers were great . Wife had the pollo a la creama . She loved it ! read more

Not the best Mexican restaurant in Maine, but good. I liked the supreme nachos, my husband liked the barbacoa beef burrito and margarita, and our grandniece liked the cheese quesadilla and rice. read more

Aside from wonderful food, a huge shoutout to the El Rodeo staff in Brunswick! I was there yesterday (and had a great lunch) and apparently left my wallet on my seat, filled with cash and all my cards. I was pretty frantic when I realized it was missing but when I called El Rodeo they said "yes, we've got it, we are holding it for you". Maybe I'm a bit jaded these days but I felt really grateful for their kindness and honesty. Thank you El Rodeo! read more

Loved their giant margaritas, friendly staff, ambiance was decorative and it has good food. Their guacamole is the best I've had in a long time. read more

Our table had the Three Salsas Enchiladas, Supreme Nachos, Quesabirria Tacos, and a Pastor Taco. Everything was delicious. Specifically though, the pastor had a perfect pineapple twang, and the mole sauce hit hard with deep chocolate and cinnamon notes. I would absolutely recommend either of those. We also got Tres Leches, Xango, and Flan for desserts. The flan had a chunky custard feel to it, and the cheesecake chimichangas looked great, but the Tres Leches was a great hit to end a great meal. Well done. Our server Luis was extremely polite and attentive, even though his tables were all full. read more

Everything is good here. Have not had a bad experience yet and this is probably my 14-15th time eating here. Service is great and ambience and music is spot on!!! read more

As I've said in other reviews, I was born in and lived in Texas for 30 years, so I'm picky about Mexican food. This place was *packed* on a Friday night. The line was out the door, and we almost left. I'm glad we didn't. We were told 25 minute wait when we gave our name, but it ended up being literally 5 minutes. Nice seating and ambiance. Loud, but was crowded. Huge menu with a whole separate vegetarian section. Chips and salsa were better than most places. I ordered a jalapeño margarita. $12, I expected a normal size glass. It was HUGE. It looked like those 2 people sharing glasses. I also can't overstate that this thing is SPICY. It has jalapeño infused tequila. Now being from Texas, I have a strange pride with my spicy tolerance, and this was a challenge. Do not order this drink if you can't take very spicy. It was good and strong , but I'm not sure I'd do that again. I ordered the vegetarian combo which was a burrito, chalupa, and cheese enchilada. Generous portions and delicious. Even my husband who gives praise very sparsely said it was the best meal of our Maine trip. Came to $90 without tip for 4 people with non-water drinks (1 alcoholic.) Honestly the entree and drink prices were a bargain. Service was friendly, a little slow, but nothing crazy for as busy as they were. Highly recommend! read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Jalapeño margarita - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

I live in North County San Diego, but I visit Maine frequently and have numerous relatives there. I've lived in California for 40 years and I have come to appreciate good Mexican food. Just as American food is regional, so is Mexican. I prefer food in the styles of Oaxaca, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Jalisco, which are in the middle of the country on the Pacific side. I try to avoid the Baja style or the Dallas/Fort Worth style. I like El Rodeo, though it is certainly possible to order bad food there because their menu is so large. A Mexican restaurant in Maine can't afford to be specialized. If people come in search of "Mexican food", the restaurant needs to be able to accommodate them, whether their expectations were formed in Texas or Arizona or California or even Mexico. So I order carefully. I've had the Molcajete, the Mole Poblano, the Pollo Jalisco, the Camarones al Mojo de Aho (garlic shrimp), the Burrito Birria, the Burrito Jalisco, and a couple of other things I can't remember right now. I keep going back. The chef knows what he or she is doing. I have not become a fan of their soups and I haven't tried their steak (except as components of other dishes) or their enchiladas. I'll probably try one of their desserts on my next visit. read more

I tried to explain to my waiter that I have a gluten allergy and asked what was safe on the menu, the waiter didn't understand and brought someone else over, who told me there are ZERO (their words) gluten free items on the menu. So we left. The menu says please inform your waiter of food allergies, but apparently the staff is not trained. If you have a gluten allergy beware... read more

I enjoyed the tacos de Birria. They were flavorful, crispy and saucy at the same time, and the beef was very tender. The tacos dorados were generally really good, but the potatoes in one tasted like they were a day old and reheated, so kind of stale. The service was quick and attentive and the dining room pleasant. I would definitely go again and try some of their other dishes. read more

I was so excited when El Rodeo opened a Brunswick location. We used to drive from Freeport to South Portland to eat there. They have yummy Haapy Hour specials- $6 house margaritas, $6 beef and cheese nachos and 60 cent wings. I believe Tuesdays are $2 Taco night. But they are street tacos with yummy fillings. We love their cheese dip, burritos, quesadillas and our fave is the fajitas Brava for 2. It adds chorizo and carnitas among the steak, chicken and shrimp. It is HUGE and yummy! read more

See all

Friendly and efficient wait staff but the food at lunch is straight out of a microwave. Dinner may be better?

Yes! This is the same owners as the restaurant in South Portland. Brand new spot up here in Brunswick! Has been exceptionally busy every night since they opened. There is outdoor seating available. Mask wearing, and social distancing. The service was friendly and attentive. The food AMAZING! I live in New Mexico for quite a few years, and THIS is the closest to authentic that I've found in Maine. the only thing that would make it better? Blue corn tortillas and green chile! My Meal was delicious, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the menu is LARGE. Try it out!!!! read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Enchiladas con mole - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

Hands down the most authentic and incredible Mexican restaurant in the state of Maine. The service was incredible, and the food was out of this world. Everyone was so friendly and kind, and our food came right out. Everything about this place is five stars, especially the decorations, tables, and chairs. I wish I could rate this place more than five stars, it truly is unmatched. read more

See all

Just had lunch there and had the biggest bone in my food! I won't go back most disgusting thing ever! Everything was dirty and sticky.

So good! Friendly and attentive staff. Big cocktails and huge portions of delicious food. Pretty authentic, which is hard to find this far north. read more

The decor is fun and festive. The food feels reasonably authentic;; at least what many expect Mexican food to be. The margaritas are huge, and the portions are good. Best of all, everything is very tasty. I especially recommend the fajitas. read more

Good food, good ambiance, average service, they need to make their own tortillas. Last time I celebrated my birthday and the strawberry margarita's tower was really good, but the waiter took so long to attend the table. read more

Great Mexican food and awesome service. This is our go to place when we want Mexican food. You can even get drive up food to go.

Stopped in for dinner as it was close to where we were staying. Place was clean and had a cool vibe. We were promptly sat and drinks and apps taken. So far so good..we ordered the table side Guac which was exactly as it says made fresh at your table with mortar and pestle! Delicious! The food arrived quickly there after with ample portions, the Barbacoa burrito was outstanding as Were the other choices by the fam. Highly recommend stopping if you're in the area looking for good Mexican food at reasonable prices. read more

This place was great the food was amazing and the portions were on the big side and the staff were all very sweet and helpful the place also had a lot of cool art pieces and the tables art definitely art pieces atmosphere is fun and chill loved it 10/10 would go again. read more

El Rodeo Brunswick - Nachos Supreme Burrito Carne Asada Super Fajita Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Brunswick, Maine

Went with friends last night and had a great time. The Burrito Birria and $6 margarita were both HUGE. The steak fajitas did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and, while it took a little while for our waiter to take our order, the food came very quickly. Waiter was personable and professional. Pleasant atmosphere. read more

Great food, great service and excellent frozen drinks. I love the Texas fajitas! If coming to Brunswick this is a great stop. read more

Good food, generous portions and great pricing. Outside seating was lovely and very good service.

Meh.... Moving to this area from out of state has seen me giving up a lot of foods. Especially Mexican. I'd heard several times the food here was good, but didn't consider that it was locals who were telling me it was good. The food was below average, at best. The service was terrible, but I get that it was a Friday night. The food just wasn't that good. It was bland and under-spiced. The salsas tasted flat and like they were made of canned ingredients or store-bought. It looks the part, but doesn't really deliver. If you're from out of town, keep driving. This place is lacking. read more

The food is literally amazing. Best Mexican I've ever had. Our host was very polite and sweet. Service is amazing. Besides the noise of all the people this place is perfect. read more

I was starving so I stopped here. Almost as soon as I walked in a knew I was making a mistake. I sat at the bar and the bartender didn't appear for at least five minutes. The Pacifico on tap was fine. The free chips were okay, but the salsa was overpoweringly salty. In fact, everything they served me was overpowering salty. If I had to choose two words to describe this place those words would be salty and sloppy. I ordered the "chicken enchiladas supreme." The enchiladas were brutally salty, almost inedible. The lettuce they served with it may not have been washed, and the end of the head of lettuce was on my plate too. They provided me with maybe a half a teaspoon of sour cream. The rice was dry and flavorless, and also incredibly salty. This is terrible food and I would be embarrassed to serve this salty slop to anyone. The staff was friendly, literally the staff and the beer were the only redeeming qualities here. And please, let me describe to you how insanely salty the food was, if I can. Have you ever swallowed water at the beach? From the ocean? That is less salty than this. The salsa, which would have been fine with no salt, was like red brine. Unsurprisingly I was pretty disappointed. It seemed like a typical northeast "Mexican" restaurant, which are never great, but I've never been so disappointed in a meal anywhere before. Sorry for the long rant, but it's been like half an hour since I ate and I can't get the saltiness out of my mouth. You'd be better off going to Taco Bell up the street, and they're not even a good tbell location. read more