If you want to be charged RIDICULOUS PRICES for very AVERAGE food and service then this is the place to go. Was pretty surprised to be charged $62 for 2 margaritas - yes just two!! Maybe prices are better during happy hour - which conveniently for absolutely no one ends at 2pm - seriously! Service was not good, I literally had to get up and find our waiter. Will never go back. read more

We ate outside and enjoyed the band that played. The margarita's were delicious! The guacamole and the salsa were excellent. I would recommend the fajitas since the meat was so moist and flavorful! read more

Now I know why El Arroyo has a D- rating with the Better Business Bureau! High priced but generic Mexican restaurant that stands out only because of their dishonesty and poor customer service! Be warned that they charge an extra fee for using credit cards and try to keep that fact hidden. No notification anywhere in the restaurant or entrance, no notification in the menu, and the waitress won't tell you either. When I complained to the manager, she acknowledged that they don't reveal the charge but said that if I didn't like it, I could find a local bank and pay with cash. I believe this restaurant is practicing theft by deception and obviously is more concerned with squeezing the finer rather providing a pleasurable dining experience. read more

If I could leave negative stars, I would. I met several friends here for lunch - NOT my choice.... The table was filthy, the floor was filthy. The food was disgusting - zero flavor - greasy - gross. I did not eat much of it. Ordered a $10 Ranch Water Margarita with no taste, whatsoever, of tequila in it. No feel. No taste. $10 wasted. The service, as usual, was beyond sub-par. Again - it was NOT my choice to eat here - given past experiences over the years. The prices are ridiculous - they charge a fee for using a credit card, which they do not disclose - it shows up secretly on your check as a line item "CC". There are SO many better choices of TexMex in the area with MUCH better food for a better price with better service. The next time friends request this place, I will pass. Yuck!! read more

I've lived near this El Arroyo for 17 years and although not authentic it was convenient and fairly good food. It has gone way down since the pandemic. You can only get a menu through the QR code (we were given hard copy menus several months ago) so it can't be due to the pandemic. Tonight for the first time we were charged $6.98 for 8 tortillas and a $3.00 credit card fee. A nacho/flaunts appetizer is now $19.98...this food is not that good. The place was empty on a taco Tuesday. It used to be packed everyday of the week. I don't mind paying a fair price for good food so that isn't the issue, but who pays extra for tortillas? Management better start making changes or this will be an empty building and we will miss the daily funny signs. read more

I only come for the drinks. Not so much the food. Although, they have stepped up their game these past few years! I'm going to review the margaritas first. They are super sweet and icy. They have the consistency of a snow cone and if you drink then too fast, you get a brain freeze lol. The bartender says lots of people order half on the rocks mixed with frozen to lighten the margarita up a bit. But I mix my frozen house margarita with a flavored one and it makes it so much better! I usually order a steak taco bowl and it never disappoints. When you check in, they give you a free order of shrimp diablos which are pretty good! This place has a gorgeous newly renovated patio where they sometimes have bands and tvs outside! So it has a great atmosphere. El Arroyo is a great place to hang out though! read more

Used to be a great place before the virus fear. Menu was robust and very enjoyable, not anymore. Salt & pepper were on the table, not anymore. Had live music, not anymore. Service was great, not anymore. read more

The other evening our party was seated outdoors in the sun during the heat of the day, around 96° f. The back part of the air conditioned restaurant was 100% vacant. I never received my appetizer, nor did my husband. When he finally got his food, it was really cold. He handed his plate back to the waitress and told her it was cold. She took his plate away, but never brought him any food. She didn't come back to the table to ask how everything was going until everyone was finishing their food. When I asked her why she didn't bring him any food, she said they can't reheat food. Understood and appreciated, but why not ask him what he wanted to do? She said she usually does ask the customer, but she said he hurt her feelings, so she didn't want to bring him any food. All he said was "this food is cold." My husband asked her to get the manager, which she never did. I found the manager and she explained they were short staffed in the kitchen. Cold food is on the wait staff, not the kitchen help. I had to wade through 3 groups of wait staff chit chatting so something didn't ring true. She did say she would talk with the waitress, so hopefully others don't have to go through this. Oh, my appetizer that I never got? It was still on the check. Very poor service and bad management does not leave me wanting to come back. The manager did comp my ice tea and cup of soup, so I gave it 2 stars instead of 1. read more

This use to be one of our favorites, sadly it has gone WAY downhill. We had lunch and it was absolutely terrible, dry and tasteless. The price is also outrageous now $60.00 lunch for 2. There are many good Mexican restaurants in the area we will not be returning here. read more

I'd rate 2.5 but its not an option. This place is not for those of taste. It's the basic overpriced tex mex deal. Unlimited fresh nachos and unspicy salsa tho. Food is not super bland but definitely not seasoned enough. Got a taco platter for 13$. Double the price and half the flavor compared to an authentic Mexican location. Oh also, the cloth napkins are old. You can tell by the fraying (: It's a busy place. I went around 5 at dinner time and servers were too busy to care much. I looked around and all the tables were full but not a single person of color so you can tell the intended audience... Overall: not bad but definitely not good. read more

The margaritas were good but the food was just So so. This is a great locals hang out for drinks

My best friend in the entire world recently went to this restaurant. It started off as a great time yet my friend was continuously harassed by the waitress and food runner staff. The food runner brought out to the wrong table and my friend told the runner that the food did not belong to them, and continued to get charged for the meal that he never ordered. After this experience I have no respect for this business as every employee are sad little liars. read more

Nope. We are here tonight . And their computer system has been down for over an hour. I requested to speak to a manager, who did not show up, she just sent another server to our table , who didn't even express sympathy or empathy for our delay. They didn't offer complimentary drinks nor the food, which was less than 50 bucks, for each couple , we were a total of 4 people. My party nor myself had any cash so we had to stay here . We are still here . They offered to WRITE DOWN our credit cards info to run the transaction later ( who does that ?) We've been waiting for over an hr. 7-9pm read more

Service was poor and food was not very good. Fajitas had no spices, onions and peppers burned beyond recognition. Rice and beans were cold! Beans were not edible. Waitress was ditsy, brought us silverware and took our drink order. No chips and no menu. This place was not up to the hype that i have been told. I will not go back. read more

This has always been our family restaurant and we decided to try it again... the food was pretty good! Prices have changed but that's pretty much everywhere! We we're disappointed that they didn't have lice music like before but it was Friday night so maybe that's why read more

Everyone knows El Arroyo in Texas, and for good reason. Whether it is your cup of queso it is this - consistent. When I walk in, something about it feels like home. I love that I can explore the patio, or sit inside or at the bar (whether I am inside or outside). There are plenty of TVs scattered about inside, and the bar has a great, seperate feel from the rest of the place, and that is pretty cool too. I always enjoy the fish tacos, and used to LOVE the cheese enchiladas. The chips are great, and the salsa. Is the green kind, with a bit of spice. If you are in town, and see that witty sign, stop on in for some great Arlington Tex-Mex and some good, cold beer or a margarita. I think you'll be glad you did. Only real con: Parking lot can be pretty small, but you can park at the car wash next door, no worries. read more

Love this place & great margs! I was a hostess here in high school and the food is so good. Patio offers a fun atmosphere. read more

El Arroyo - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

This place is wonderful for a family dinner date, the food is great and the drinks are amazing!

Wow! We've cone here for the last 2 years and happy hour was the best in south Arlington.....well.not anymore. They changed their happy hour....and it sucks. Not sure we will be back. Our Margarita 's were supposed to be 3.95....we were. charged 4.95....don't advertise one thing and do another. I have photo of the special ... read more

El Arroyo - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

We have been going to this place for 10 plus years as a good watering hole. Food is only decent but we like to drink on the patio. For about the last year they have been charging extra for using a credit card and also adding the tip into your bill before you even get the check. And then still leaving you a space to tip on top of that. Super shady!!! Just check your bill and pay cash. Or just go somewhere else. Very bummed that we lost a good patio. read more

Best Dang Queso EVER! (spinach con queso) we always get it extra melty!! Great staff, margaritas & they always whip up our special order! Kennedy Special - Grilled fajita chicken, sliced and on a bed of rice! Topped with QUESO!!) Thank me later!! My go to! read more

Food is not that good. The enchilada plate was what I got and an appetizer and the food was really dissatisfying. No flavor and the red enchiladas taste like they just opened a can of hunts tomato sauce and poured it on top. read more

The service has gone down hill in the last few months while the prices have gone up by $3-$4 dollars on some of their plates. My wife and I attempted a dinner date at the Cooper El Arroyo on 9/1/19 and after waiting about 15 minutes for even water / chips and salsa to arrive at the table I asked our waiter about them. He stated that chips and salsa were "so-and-so's" job and we'd get them eventually. He then went back to chilling with some of his coworkers by their teller. I looked at my wife and stated "this experience isn't going to get better" and we got up and left. It was not busy. read more

This is restaurant was awesome the service is awesome the drinks Margaritas are great the waitress are are great great place to go and relax have a margarita read more

You can't beat patio drinking and $4.00 18oz. margaritas during happy hour. Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is always amazing. The shrimp diablo is incredible and is totally worth a try!! We also love the nachos, pork tacos, and their chips and salsa are the best. They have a fire roasted salsa that I love. You also HAVE to try their queso. Some of the best in the land. I've never sat inside their restaurant, but I would definitely recommend that the patio is the best place to be. You should get there early if you can because they get busy fast and happy hour ends at 6pm. read more

See all

We've been eating here for years. Walked in today, masked up due to the recent uptick of COVID-19, and THEY WOULDN'T SERVE US. I can only assume they are COVID deniers, anti-maskers, or "spreadnecks". We won't be back. read more

Listen during a time when staffing issues are an issue. You have to be a little more patient. Staff looked to be a little down and disappointed. Mainly because they had so many tables to take care of from what I could see. The food is tasty there for sure. My reason for 3 stars is due to spending 100 on a lunch bill. And they still found the need to charge a 3% credit card charge. For this I will not be coming back. Sounds like a small charge but it's the point of it. The waitresses and waiters were truly doing all they could. And for that we thank you!! read more

Good food, good service, friendly people decor is nice, ambience is good. Heard the owner is in San Antonio, but I don't hold that against him or her. read more

So nevermind! Sadly, not our go-to anymore when we're in town. The waitstaff pretty much acted like we were in the way...if they noticed at all. It's loud, so only go if you want to yell at your friends. Food is still fairly good, just get it to go and you're set! :( read more

Had a great experience outdoors with live music at just right temperature. One of my favorite places to eat. For appetizer chips sand queso with meat... Usually get the fish plate and Today tried the enchilada burger without onion so amazing crisp bun. Meat just right and cheesy. read more

See all

It seems like the staff has decided to stop wearing masks. We were there on Saturday afternoon and so many people were either not wearing one or had it down around their neck. It was the risk equivalent of attending a wedding. The customers all came in with masks on as required, then were exposed to servers and bartenders not wearing them. Risked exposure for tacos.. Put customers at risk, staff at risk. If that is your policy , put it on your sign. "we don't require masks, at least eat well before you get COVID" What changed since two weeks ago? This was a safe place to eat. read more

Over priced, under flavored, feeling of desperation. Ick; I've been there twice - first time and the last time.

Great place to go for the weekend to hear live music and drink Coronaritas!! I had a great time the only reason im putting a 4.5 is because the price for the enchiladas was not what I expected they were good but I usually get 3 enchiladas in other places and i only got 2 so I thought that was a bit pricey but they were so good! Also my husband didn't enjoy the Juárez tacos the beans made the tortillas very soggy so he didn't like that and then it had to much cheese sauce on top but other then that great vibes and music and awesome drinks!! read more

Well we decided to give this place another try after not being here for so long. It was not good, well my plate was not good. I ordered a chicken chimichanga which it is supposed to be deep fried. It was just a burrito. I told the waiter it was not deep fried so he took it back. After a few minutes he brought the same one back and said the kitchen said it was deep fried Chimichangas are my go to food lately, so I know the difference between deep fried and not. This was not. I told him to take it back. I was not going to eat a burrito. He offered for them to "refry", but I declined and told him to remove it from my bill, as he hadn't yet offered to do that. No manager came by to speak with me. Hopefully the other menu items are good. Not sure if we will be back. read more

It was an awesome place to go! Outside eating was amazing! Our waitress was great and we enjoyed our time celebrating our son's birthday! read more

El Arroyo - Birthday celebration! - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Texas

The old bait and switch! Picked something out from the online menu, the only thing I wanted was a certain enchilada (there were 8 different ones featured) , went to the restaurant, waited, sat down, looked at the menu and saw only 2 kinds of enchiladas. I asked the waitress and showed her the website, to which she replied, "oh yeah, that's our online menu. it's wrong." Just flat out. Been wrong. Always wrong. Wth? Who has a "wrong" online menu these days?? And not just kinda wrong, TOTALLY wrong. So because I had invested so much time already, I went ahead and and ordered something else. It was mid. Salsa was watery. Won't be going back! read more

I was really surprised to see servers and other employees not wearing masks. Not enforcing this very visible mandate had me worried about what other health codes were being broken out of site. read more

Sheyenne was awesome!!! Even with a super busy night she made sure we had everything we needed and made sure our order was right :)

While my family and I have been faithful customers for years, I am not pleased with how they handle to-go orders now. I called to place an order and was told that they will only do orders via online. So I ordered online, this is convenient if you do NOT have any substitutions or changes- thankfully we did not. When my husband went to pick up our family order we were informed that chips and salsa do not come with online orders. I have never heard of charging for chips and salsa, we were not asking for extra, just the regular side that usually comes with it. They no longer do that, so $7 extra for chips and salsa - won't be back for a while. read more

Absolutely the WORST customer service! I wish we could leave ZERO stars! We called ahead to make a reservation for a birthday meal for 15 people. They don't take reservations. OK, well then that probably explains why the service SUCKS so bad! We used to.come here 2 years ago, and quit because the service continually declined and we finally decided to stop enduring it! On this particular evening, we arrived at 5:15pm and waited minutes to get the table set up. The orders were handled fairly simple and straightforward. Several had issues from correct drink, correct menu items and two in our party had to wait until nearly everyone else was done eating to finally get their meals! But the real kicker was when it came time to pay! They took more than 45 minites to sort it all out before we finally decided to leave, telling them they could call the police, but we were DONE! Went home and wrote this in the hopes that we could save someone else from experiencing this hellish nightmare! We will NEVER go through this again with them! read more