Fast service, good food, exactly what you'd expect from a solid Mexican restaurant. However, during the holidays this place transforms into a winter wonderland. They do such a great job decorating. I've included a picture so you can get an idea, but this is only a fraction of the decor. read more

El Rodeo - View from the entrance of the decorations - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

El Rodeo never fails to deliver. We've been enjoying El Rodeo for over 13 years. They are always accommodating, friendly, and the food is great. We had a group of 30 for a birthday celebration for dinner on a Friday night. No problem! Everyone had a good time and the Margarita's were yummy! Thanks again El Rodeo!!! read more

El Rodeo - Birthday celebration! - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Not seasoned the best a bit bland but it's okay if you're super hungry and in the neighborhood with no other options

Nice neighborhood spot in a Carmel strip mall. Much cuter inside than expected. Holiday decor is very festive. Service was excellent and not rushed at all. Several staff checked on us throughout our meal. Menu has plenty of options including seafood and vegetarian. Chips come warm which I like and a side a salsa. The guacamole is ok. We had fish tacos and the fish was grilled which is my preference over fried. Also had a burrito plate. Portions are large. read more

See all

The Christmas decor is colorful and whimsical. We had reservation for 8 people and were seated right away. The hostess was friendly. The table was pretty tight for us, but we managed. The tables are far enough apart that we could easily talk. We sat, talked and laughed for hours and were never rushed. Our server was fabulous 5 star. He was friendly, efficient and checked on us regularly. I had the special Nachos Carbon, which is packed with lots of steak, chicken and shrimp. I thought the steak was a bit tough but the chicken and shrimp delicious. There was a bit of lettuce and lots of chips. The meal was as filling, but I would have preferred a little less meat and more lettuce. My husband had the #12 which was a burrito, chili relleno and beans. He said his meal was normal, but not anything special. My friends had house margaritas that they loved so much that they had seconds. The prices are great. A couple can eat for under $30. There's plenty of parking outside in the strip mall. There was no wait for a table on a Tuesday night. read more

See all

Have the best Halloween decorations!!! Feels just like a haunted house but without the jumpscares. Perfect for the family! Each room has a different theme; Beetlejuice, Alice in Wonderland, Aliens, and circus! They decorate for every holiday. Christmas is amazing too!!!! read more

See all

Always great service and good food. We are all always happy with our food and It is very comfortable to have a hang out kind of dinner. read more

The chicken Acapulco has been my order since time immemorial and it still does it for me. We usually try to sit in the bar to avoid to children but it's chill regardless. I have so many good memories from this restaurant it almost feels weird to review it but I went last Friday and while the portions felt a little smaller (inflation probz) it was still plenty of food and delicious. Order the queso- you won't regret it. read more

We've been frequenting this restaurant for years, both going there and doing carry-out. Service is always friendly and fast, but you never feel pressured. The margaritas are delicious, the chips and salsa are plentiful, and serving sizes are more than enough. We've tried many entrees over the years, and nearly all have been wonderful. Our favorites: vegetarian plate B, seafood burrito, veggie fajitas, enchiladas monteray, quesadilla texana. Love going to the restaurant, too, just to see the decorations (Halloween time is the best, followed by Cinque de Mayo time!). read more

Food was 10/10. I loved the Easter decor. The service was phenomenal. Our waiter was great. We had fresh food. Our chips were warm and the salsa had the perfect amount of spice. I had a taco salad. My sister had the chicken fajita nachos. I'll definitely be getting the nachos next time but vegan. read more

See all

I live in Chicago now but was visiting family in Carmel and we were having a homemade Mexican feast at their home. My kids love Mexican rice, I've never been able to successfully make it at home and I remembered El Rodeo's shrimp tacos from back in the day, they were delicious. So I called and placed a take out order late afternoon for several orders of rice and an order of shrimp tacos. Kinda skimpy portions of rice but tasted fine. We had dinner plans Saturday as well and headed back to Chicago Sunday, brought tacos back but when I unwrapped the foil packets that evening they were flour tortillas with chopped steak no toppings and certainly no shrimp. Called and the lady tried to make me feel silly for calling two day later, which I know is unusual but they were wrapped up, wasn't planning to eat right away anyway, and I paid for shrimp tacos I didn't get so I thought they should refund the item, that's all. She told me to bring the steak tacos in which I couldn't do from Chicago. So she told me to call the manager the next day, I did, knowing full well they wouldn't do anything, and they didn't. Was excited for the tacos and sorry to be out roughly $20 in exchange for crappy boring steak tacos. I won't be back anyway since I'm not local but annoyed by the whole experience and wouldn't come back if I lived next door. I'm sure there's better tacos and margaritas elsewhere and don't appreciate the attitude when it's your screwup read more

El Rodeo - Not shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Loved my marginal and shrimp taco salad both were really pothead the cheese sauce was fantastic 10 out of 10

The food was ok but the service was the worst. The employees would just slide everything on the table food drinks. My drink almost fell over on my food. If you like bad costumer serves then good. read more

I have been going to this El Rodeo for quite a bit now, and I was honestly shocked that I have not reviewed it yet. I always experience good service and good food! Our servers have always been nice and very expedient. They have great chips and salsa as well as Chorizo Queso, which is our go-to appetizer! Last night I got the Taco Salad with Grilled Chicken and I literally ate the entire thing - it was amazing. The chicken was very flavorful and grilled perfectly. The shell was fried awesome and had a great crunch that added to the overall flavor! I also got a Dos Equis and it was great! Poured from the draft into a frosted mug and served with a lime... it doesn't get better than that! I will definitely be going back again soon! read more

See all

This is our staple Mexican restaurant. Is it the best Mexican food ever? No. But it's absolutely the most festively decorated and it has the warmest, friendliest staff. read more

Nice inside, they had great halloween decorations up. Food was just so-so. I had the lunch Fajitas they were OK but not memorable. They did seem like they were short staffed but they were all hustling and in the end wait time was semi-reasonable. read more

Have been here twice. After relocating from SoCal I was looking for a go-to Mexican food place. Still on the lookout! Tried this place twice. Both times food was ok. Lacked a little flavor. I for the rodeo bowl with chicken. Honestly I could've gone to chipotle for less money and more flavor. Sadly, don't think I'll try this place again. Really wanted to love it. Service was ok. Second time I went it was soooooo busy and food too 45 mins to come out. Not worth the wait. read more

Rafeal, Jennifer, and ER#7 W Carmel team always serve fresh, delicious plates of food with exceptional service. Been long time customer. Best festive decorations of any and every holiday (esp Halloween). Only wish is for a reliable online ordering app where I can pay after placing order and therefore not have to wait in line to pay for pickup which can sometimes be 10-15 mins wait to pay. Also wish Polio Monterrey was selection on online menu as well. read more

Food is good. Service is always good. Decor is fun for the kids. The thing I can't get over is the overwhelming smell of glade plug-ins. I don't want my tacos to smell like cheap potpourri. read more

Tacos are closer to California taco truck recipe. If you are from California you know it's difficult to find replacement food on this side of the world. Hands down tasty yummy. Great atmosphere friendly service and fast service. Missing a star because I ordered an asada quesadilla to go, on my lunch break and when I got back to my office ... it was a fajita. Not horrible but not what I wanted. Especially being pregnant at the time. read more

Very friendly restaurant. Staff seems to be happy to be there. Busy lunch crowd. We were very pleased with our experience. My wife ordered ENCHILADA, CHALUPA & CHEESE QUESADILLA - 7.75 I got the El Rodeo bowl. (Shredded chicken Rice Black beans avocado salsa) We also had chips & salsa. Very fresh salsa and the tortilla chips were made in house. Very addictive. Both lunch dishes were tasty and we enjoyed them very much. read more

We've been to this particular location a handful of times and usually have great service and good food. This last visit was especially nice. Our server was friendly and quick, the salsa had a little bit of a kick and my taco salad was very good. My husband recommends the steak and chorizo quesadilla, which is loaded with tons of meet and packed with flavor. read more

The food is great, the service is fast and pleasant. But the decorations are over the top! You just have to go during a holiday to see what they have cooked up. The dragon skeleton what is my favorite for Halloween. Always a fun and festive time when I go. read more

El Rodeo - Decorations - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

I notice this spot every week that I go to the grocery store. We decided to stop in. The service was great. The food was delicious. Covid guidelines were being followed as far as we could see. Keep up the good work! Hopefully I will be back soon. There's a few items on the menu I would love to try. read more

Pretty decent authentic Mexican joint. The decor and atmosphere is on point but the prices are a bit higher than most restaurants of the same realm. The price increases may be due to the location in West Carmel just off of Michigan rd by the new Kroger. Everything you'd expect from great free chips and salsa to the side of beans and rice with my enchiladas. Overall a satisfying experience. Although I did get the fried Chile relleno here once and it made me feel sick idk what that was about bc those are usually bomb.com. Check them out if ur in the mood for some amazing authentic tasting Mexican, again not my favorite establishment bc of the price and past experiences but the food is pretty good. read more

Yes, go here. Always good service. Food is not too spicy so ask for hot if you need to. House margaritas are the bomb. Good job crew. Great menu prices as well read more

I have never been to this location before last week, but I've been to other El Rodeos around Indy. It is located on the corner of 106th st and Michigan. I loved the decor and feel of the place when I walked in. I also noticed that they had a really cool bar towards the back. I was there for lunch though, so did not indulge in that. I knew I was going to have a large dinner later that day, but my friend who was visiting from out of town wanted to go out to lunch together. When the waitress came to check on us, we had been talking and barely looked at the menu so we asked for a few minutes. The issue is that she didn't come back. We waited for about 25 minutes and eventually had to ask one of the waiters if he could grab our waitress so we could put in our order. That was a little frustrating, but we weren't in a hurry or anything to we weren't too upset. I ordered the grilled chicken salad since I was trying to eat light and already had a good amount of chips and salsa during our wait for our waitress. I was a little surprised when the only salad dressing options they had were Ranch and French? I mean I've never ordered a salad here, so I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't that. I ordered the Ranch, which came in a packet. Our food came out pretty quickly. There wasn't much to the salad (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, chicken). I really liked the grilled onions on it though. They definitely added flavor. The chicken was also seasoned well, but I got a couple of weird pieces that I had to spit out. Overall the experience could have been better, but I still really enjoy this place and would be back and order my usual go-to meals. read more

El Rodeo - Grilled chicken salad - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

My husband and I went to this particular El Rodeo tonight for dinner. I ordered the chimichanga and after a few bites realized something was "off". I asked the waitress if I would see a menu and then realized the description of my item was definitely NOT as described in the menu. When we got home my husband read the description of his entree online and he too did not receive what the menu claimed he would. It was so disappointing and I want others to be aware of this. read more

Pretty pricy compared to other Mexican restaurants you go to. But that's what you get for going to the one in Carmel. This place was very busy but we were seated fairly quick. Decorations were nice, and restaurant itself was clean. It's pretty big place so good for a big party. Our server was nice but since the restaurant was busy, he wasn't really attentive. Just FYI, chips and salsa are free per entree. If you want more but you only ordered one entree, you have to pay around $2 (see photo). Which is not usual for a Mexican restaurants that I've been to. Food came out quick but food didn't come out hot. margarita was GREAT though. It is strong, but it was delicious! I will probably not come back here though, because there are other Mexican restaurants that are cheaper, have good margaritas. read more

See all

We love this local Mexican restaurant. Staff very very friendly and hard-working. They welcome you like friends. Clean, well-lit, festive restaurant with various seating options. Menu reminiscent of typical Americanized Mexican restaurants, yet offers well-made tasty fare. Margaritas are excellent. Pricing fair. We vmeetvup with local friends and family often making this one of our favorite neighborhood spots! read more

Was there today for lunch advertisement on wall was expired should be removed, ordered drinks, for them but no chips and salsa, finally waitress came to take orders stilll no chips and salsa, so I was not able to order . Very upset that everyone else got the chips with the drinks except my table . Brought the chips and salsa same time the other person s order.. not good. read more

I just had to update bc we ordered take out last night due to Covid. We have loved going to El Rodeo but we aren't eating in yet. We were so impressed with their takeout! Not only did the food taste amazing as always but everything was packaged so nicely in a great, easy to carry bag with handles. Not your normal flimsy plastic store bag. Definitely one of my favorites for Mexican food! read more

I love Mexican food, I could probably eat tacos or fajitas every day. I had not been here for a long time, but met my mom here. My tacos were fantastic! The staff could not have been more friendly! I certainly will be back! read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Get the tacos al pastor and the fajita nachos! They are so tasty! Service was great, too, and they always decorate amazingly for every holiday. What a great place to eat! We highly recommend. read more

I would give less than a star, but I can not. The only thing good about this trip was the host. The food dried out and cold, prices higher than average Mexican restaurants, server was flat out rude and the manager did not care. This place was great prior to the fire... never go here. read more

Good food, great atmosphere and wonderful employees! We have dined in, carried out and even catered!

Food is CONSISTENTLY delicious! I always order the Fajitas and they are yummy!! Love the margaritas also!

The food is fantastic, and the staff are extremely nice! We love this place. I'm in love with the taco salad, and the chilie poblanos.

Seated immediately when we arrived, but were not greeted by our waiter for several minutes once we were seated. The chips & salsa were delicious while we waited on our food to promptly arrive. Both of us ordered the enchiladas rancheras. They did not disappoint per usual! Overall, love coming here for the excellent food, but on occasion the service is slow. read more

El Rodeo - Margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Carmel, Indiana

Service was prompt and prices reasonable but food was just average if that. Very generic and doesn't taste very fresh. I'll drive there extra 10 min to go elsewhere. read more