Wow. I live a few miles away, and can't believe this is my first time trying Palenque!! The service was wonderful from the moment we walked in. We chose to sit outside on the coveted heated patio. Lots of room and seating. The food was delicious. We ordered queso, and the biggest bowl was brought to us!! Lots of queso is never a bad thing. Perfect meal!! Thank you Palenque! read more

Palenque Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Kernersville, North Carolina

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This is an average Mexican restaurant with some weird elements for me.. the chili rellenos were stuffed with either chicken or beef and were not cloud like jalapeños stuffed with cheese. Something about the sauce or meat made it annoyingly sweet, at least for me. The guacamole was the smooth blender variety- not bad but not special.the service was really good and our server checked back several times to see if we needed anything. A solid if unexciting 3. By the way, this place was spotless read more

First time dinning here. I love Mexican food. It's been my husband's and I date night meal for close to 20 years. We were part of a larger party of couples, approximately 12-14 people in total. Space was reserved in advance on the covered patio which was ready early for the party and the staff was happy to seat us and get drinks started. Overall the restaurant was very clean as well as the restrooms. The reason for 3-stars is I rate Mexican restaurants on three main dishes which should always be outstanding; Al Pastor, Carnitas, and sizzling Fajitas. If there is a failure with any ONE of these menu items the highest rating I can give is 3-stars! For starters the salsa was bland no taste, no hint of cilantro or spice. Some previous reviews mentioned the chips were thin, I didn't find that to be the case during my visit. They were fresh and warm. The fajitas were great, probably some of the best we've had in years. They were well seasoned and the steak & chicken was very tender. The veggies still had some crunch and weren't overcooked. However, there was no guacamole and a small squirt of sour cream. The rice didn't have any flavor on it, no salt..nothing!, But the beans were nicely seasoned and we were glad the beans didn't have cheese on them. However, we had to request the flour tortillas several times. The Carnitas were tender but had absolutely no flavor or seasoning whatsoever. They were just chunks of fried pork tips in grease, probably fried in vegetable oil not the traditional lard and obviously not with sour orange and seasonings. There wasn't a grilled jalapeño or even any pico de gallo on the side, they were very disappointing. We couldn't find Al Pastor anywhere on the menu. And speaking of the menu it was very large with way too many items. You can't possibly do all of these items justice. I recommend they scale the menu down and do a superb job on the customer "favorites" while offering seasonal items for a limited time. read more

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The food was delicious and the staff were friendly! There was a bit of confusion about paying as one party's payment was taken at the table and the other had to pay up front. Restaurant was super quiet, but it was also close to closing. We will definitely be back! read more

The food was okay today. I got a chicken fajita quesadilla to go with rice and beans as a side and salad, which I usually get lettuce, shredded cheese, pico, sour cream, and guacamole on the salad which unfortunately I did not get today. The lettuce was also very brown, which we haven't experienced before. Our waiter was amazing. Our food was just not on Point today. read more

Palenque Mexican Grill - This photo is supposed to be the salad to come with my meal and dress my chicken fajita quesadilla. - Mexican Near Me - Kernersville, North Carolina

To answer the call of Mexican we decided to visit Palenque. We wanted to dine on the covered outdoor patio before it got too hot. The ceiling fans are delightful. We were greeted and seated promptly. The customary chips and salsa arrived but were not my favorite. The salsa is smooth with no tomatoes and the chips are really thin. Never noticed this before. Anyway we got the fajitas three way for two. It's beef, chicken, and shrimp. The meats were sliced very small but fit nicely on a tortilla. We were pleasantly surprised at the number of shrimp. All three were tasty. It comes with an individual plate of rice, beans, shredded lettuce. It had a squirt of sour cream and a dollop of guacamole. Had to ask for more sour cream. The pinto beans are made in house and are very good. Overall, we enjoyed it and will visit again. read more

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Super expensive nowadays! Definitely not worth the price. An appetizer and quesadilla for $29.... No thanks. Go to Rio's

Ok, this was a surprise. Girlfriend invited us to Palenque and I had never heard of it. Driving into the location it is an older plaza with just a few businesses. Once we came around the corner there were LOTS of cars. It was busy! Now I know why. We were greeted warmly, found our friends quickly. Tables tops are granite, plenty of seating for intimate dining or large parties. Large outdoor dining with protection from most elements. The food was served quickly and correctly. We were a party of 8. They were good about separate checks. We were so hungry I forgot to take pictures of food. So guess we will have to come again. Haha Just a heads up, if you get a burrito and like some sauce on top? Ask for burrito sauce. Added and extra layer to my meal! Margaritas were made well, full bar, water was kept full. Could be our new favorite place. read more

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A hidden gem! I'm glad we discovered this hidden gem. They have great food and service with reasonable prices. We were a party of 3 with 4 drinks and our bill was right at $50. This restaurant is cute, spacious and clean. The food is well seasoned and has a bit of a grill taste to it. The Birria is definitely in my top picks for the best in the triad. I was surprised they had fried Cornish Hens on the menu and they had the right amount of flavor. This place is definitely worth the drive. read more

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Give me one margarita... There is ample parking. When you walk in, you are greeted by the staff at the counter. They were pretty busy. We were asked if it was ok if we sat in the heated patio. The downside about the heated patio is they leave the back portion of the patio open via a door with plastic covering. The staff walks in and out to serve your food. So the backside of the patio to the right is a bit colder because the heaters are on the left side. We asked to move because we were freezing (late December). They gladly moved us and that made a big difference! When we settled in, they quickly refilled our chips and salsa. They brought our drinks out quickly. Someone always checked on us. The margaritas come frozen or on the rocks. I chose the rocks. My friend chose hers frozen. We both enjoyed our drinks. The food has a nice portion size. We definitely had leftovers. The steak and chicken were seasoned well and the shrimp were thick and delicious in my ACP Texano Especial. The rice was fluffy. They had a selfie wall with a Christmas tree. I enjoyed my meal and the service was excellent. You should definitely try this establishment. read more

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The last time I came there was a cucaracha by the door after we paid for our check. That threw us off. With that being said the food was good. I got a huevos dish with homemade hot sauce. The margaritas were good also. It's been several months since I've been. Our food came fast. read more

Palenque has some new items! Among them are Birria Tacos! I misread the sidewalk sign. It said Birria Quesadillas or Tacos and my heart read Quesa Birria Tacos. We just added cheese after the fact. The corn tortilla had been griddled but was not crispy. The meat was tender and there was lots of it, the consommé was delicious and we didn't leave a drop. They were really good and I would order again with cheese added, because..cheese! Great weather for the patio and the service was stellar, as always. Check out the pix for other new items. read more

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I have eaten here for many years. At some point they changed the salsa and now it is flavored tomato sauce. Very disappointing. I think the food is ok. It has gotten quite pricey. I do understand the prices have gone up most everywhere, however, I had 4 tiny street tacos and a very weak margarita at lunch time and it was 20.00. The tiny street tacos were good but over priced. I have eaten street tacos many places so I feel I can make a decent comparison. Super disappointing. read more

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I didn't get pictures the last 2 times I ordered here because that's just how good the food is! I have a new obsession with the Super Burrito and I highly recommend you try if you love a saucy burrito with all the fixings! I've been eating here for years and I have nothing but good things to say about the restaurant! read more

My wife and I moved to Kernersville a year and a half ago and have eaten here probably 10x since and gotten food to go multiple times as well. We have never had bad service or any difference in the quality of the food and we love it. I can't say enough good things about this place and the owner and how it's run. We have our favorite Mexican restaurant once more. read more

I realize I had to modify my review... They no longer leave salsa at the table. Still the best stop for Mexican food in Kernersville! The place is incredibly well managed, the staff is always on the mark, the food is great, and the price is reasonable. read more

***This is not a review about the food or service. We visited this evening with a group of 5. My issue tonight is the seating configuration in the dining room. All of the tables are stacked together to add maximum capacity, our table was literally 12 inches away from the next. We felt like we were in a feed yard. read more

Palenque Mexican Grill - Tables are stacked next to each other. - Mexican Near Me - Kernersville, North Carolina

Chips and salsa were delicious, meal was impeccable. Service was out of this world. This is my new to go Mexican restaurant for the time being! read more

This is hands down the best Mexican restaurant around!! They have the tastiest rice I've ever had. We also all agreed they have the best beef for their tacos, burritos and enchiladas. So yummy!! All the wait staff is very friendly. Our waiter kept coming back and checked on us numerous times and refilled our beverages. Even offered us all to go cups. The basket of chips were warm and fresh and we could tell they were straight out of the oven. Can't wait to go back! read more

Food was very good we get the Birria tacos. Sometimes the burrito is red as if cooked in the sauce and sometimes they are more white but either way delicious. Customer service is always great. Ambiance is nice and love that we can sit outside as well and enjoy. read more

First off... don't advertise being open until 10 and close at 930. I came in to place a Togo order and was told they were closed although there were multiple people in the restaurant still eating. When I tried making 3 attempts to call 20 mins prior to 930 no one answered. When I went in to see if I could place the order inside 3 employees were standing at the counter "flirting". I asked why they couldn't at least answer to say they were closed the jerk at the front made a remark saying "simple to think if we're not answering, that must mean we're closed!" What a nightmare. The only reason I even came up here to begin with was because they had screwed my order up a few nights prior and promised me a free meal. Not only has this place started charging ridiculous prices, they also are rude and cocky. What a punk. He's lucky I did not stoop to his level. I wish people were made to be accountable for their actions. Especially at a restaurant. read more

Average Mexican food at best. We used to eat here often but move a few miles away and had not been here for a couple of years. I could not believe how much the prices have gone up and then charge extra for everything. Our local(Rural Hall) Mexican restaurant is much better and authentic at half the price. Honestly, I think Taco Bell would beat this place read more

Food, cleanliness, service, atmosphere is superb. I loved the unlimited chips and salsa brought to the table from the start. Price was not expensive and reasonably priced. read more

I've liked everything I've had on their menu. I usually go either the tacos or the soups. This place impressed me with the number of soups. I believe there were 5 on the menu. The seafood and chicken were both great. I like the enclosed outdoor seating. Since there isn't much to look at around there, having it enclosed gives it a nice intimate feel. The owner always comes by at some point in the meal and asks how you are enjoying everything. Everything is top notch. It is part of our rotation. read more

Food was excellent. Salsa was it bit on the ketchup-y side, at least, that's how I saw it. We went at the end of the night, so maybe they were trying to keep from making more? Service was great and everything arrived in a timely manner. If you are in Kernersville, I do recommend you visit. read more

The three of us decided to give this place a second chance. Two of us have a Hispanic background (Spain) and do know Mexican food really well having spent a lot of time in northern and central California where it is really plentiful and often terrific. I would have to say though that this place did NOT cvut the mustard. The first thing we tried - salsa and chips - were mediocre. The sauce tasted canned, like ketchup as another reviewer mentioned. We ordered the guacamole Ranchera - a very small portion for $10.99. Really? Vastly overpriced for this and the dish was only half full and not much avocado in it. The chicken taquitas had stingy portions of chicken in them. The (orange) rice was completely bland and the refried beans tasted canned. Absolutely canned. Service was okay. The chicken enchilada was not good -- the chicken was tough and once again, the sauce tasted canned. This place is really expensive and portions were meagre. Hard pass. read more

This place is always AMAZING! I'd offer a picture but the food was so delicious, we ate it right away. The staff is courteous and on point. Our server was Wendy and she anticipated our needs and took great care of us. There's so much seating that you rarely have to wait. The food is fresh and they are accommodating of substitutions. Enjoy! read more

Solid Mexican cuisine in Kernersville. I was super satisfied with the taquitos tipicos - flavorful shredded beef in crispy shells with tons of queso and pico de Gallo on heaps of yummy rice. The margarita I got was really good - great taste and strong, but not too strong. The staff was very friendly and they were wearing masks and sanitizing menus... but social distancing is not enforced here. The checkout area was super crowded with people waiting to get seated combined with the checkout line. Not necessarily a poor reflection on the restaurant. There is a lot of seating, but definitely note that the tables are very close together. The staff was efficient and friendly, the prices were fair and good portions! read more

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Good food, nice atmosphere. Five stars if it had a bar. Very friendly and helpful wait staff.

Dinner tonight was so good. Very clean, very friendly staff, for was served quickly. Great margarita and chips and salsa too!

Yum! I ordered the Tripletas dish which included shrimp, beef, chicken, guac, lettuce, rice and sour cream with peppers and onion. Whoa! This dish was cooked to perfection and its hard tontell from the picture, but it was a lot of food. Both of the steaks were hidden under the shrimp and sides. Flavors were super good and nothing was better then the other. All super flavorful and juicy. Highly recommend you check this place out. A+ read more

Palenque Mexican Grill - Yum! - Mexican Near Me - Kernersville, North Carolina

This is a great place to eat. The food is awesome and the service amazing. Family friendly and the people care about your dining experience. Very clean and food is out quick. If you have not eaten here you have to try it, you won't be disappointed. read more

Palenque never disappoints and I considered this place as the more delicious Mexican restaurant in Kernersville. Their portions are plentiful, service is always awesome, and location is big. The food no matter if you go for a tried and true ACP or something adventurous on their menu, it will always be a good eating. Definitely worth the money and time spent at this location. read more

Customer service was good, decent atmosphere but bad food! The salsa dip was tasteless and puréed like it came straight out of a can. Ordered a side of fresh guacamole dip (that was ok), shrimp tacos came 3 fried shrimp in a flour tortilla covered in plain lettuce and loaded shredded cheese. It's a Mexican restaurant, I was expecting a shrimp taco with fresh cilantro, lime,, guacamole, Pica da Gallo, radish perhaps but nothing, just bland! So I returned the "fried shrimp" for "grilled shrimps" instead! So basically, I filled up on chips, the side order of avocado dip and 3 shrimps! I was starving. I just cannot explain the disappointment I was left with. Never again! American restaurants serve better tacos than what I was served in a Mexican restaurant.! read more

We had found several Mexican food restaurants in Kernersville but weren't impressed. Just happens to drive by Palenque and stopped in. It was so good we have been back several times, and every time the food is outstanding , the service is great and the staff is always so polite and helpful. Highly recommended! read more

I have eaten here hundreds of times and have no excuse why I haven't left a review yet. We eat here at least once a week and sometimes more. All I can say is they are consistently fantastic. The service is hands down the best around. The staff is attentive and the food is always delicious. Portions are plenty substantial. How many restaurants have you had the owner come to the table and thank you for your business? Well that happens almost ever visit here. read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Kernersville. Awesome outdoor dining available. The food is excellent! They fajitas are always freshly prepared, not greasy or overcooked. The ceviche is AMAZING!!!!! Run, do not walk to try it!! You will be hooked. Lots of excellent options and generous portions. A definite "go to" in our house for dinner or lunch. read more

Located off Route 66 in Kernersville this is a little gem. Actually a big one, as they have ample seating in 2 sections. There lunch deals are amazing and affordable every day. Every employee is friendly and accommodating. Your drinks are always topped off and orders come out timely. The decor is pretty and pays homage to the old times of Mexico. Food is tasty as well as drinks! Definitely on my top 5 for Mexican in the Triad. read more

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I'm from walkertown, and I grew up eating El Maguey and the place is absolute trash and keep raising the prices AND have wine margaritas This place however is my new favorite New Mexican spot, the food is always piping hot with great flavor, service is always fast and friendly. And the margaritas are AMAZING!!!!! I will travel an extra 10 minutes for better food and drinks any day!!! read more

Palenque Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Kernersville, North Carolina

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There are other Mexican restaurants in my area that are the exact same experience but a better price. It's decent Mexican food.