My kids took me to El Arroyo for my birthday. I gave them five stars for the delicious food, but had a few concerns which are noted below. One star lost for the concerns, and also because they do not give chips and salsa!! You have to buy them. We started with the flour tortilla chips and salsa, and the queso that was served with three corn tortillas. Both were good, and we would definitely order it again. However, you get a 2 ounce cup of salsa -- very stingy!! I love to drown my food in yummy spicy salsa. There was no spice to the queso -- it is Oaxaca cheese which melts fantastically but does not have a lot of flavor. We ordered the three carnitas mini tacos for the table. They were delicious!! Topped with Parmesan cheese and crema ... we wiped them out! I had the carnitas sopes, hold the lettuce and tomato. They came just as ordered, puffy, crispy, and yummy! My son had the chimichanga with carnitas, wet. I thought it could have been more crispy, but my son loved it. Could have softened a bit with the sauce. My other son had the shrimp tacos. The shrimp portion was generous, and the crema was tasty. It just happened to be buy one get one on Margarita pitchers, so we couldn't resist. They were some of the best we've had! Plenty of tequila -- not at all watered down. We will definitely eat there again, and can't wait!! Don't listen to some of the bad reviews regarding the small portions of the antojitos. The meaning of antojito is "snack." They are small, but the quality is scrumptastic! The service was speedy, our water stayed full, and requests were taken care of quickly. I'm glad I picked this place for my birthday. And now the concerns -- Concern one: the reception area is tiny -- the desk is huge and does not leave room to wait. There are signs that say to not block the servers and walkway, but no place else to stand. We entered and were told it would take five minutes -- not to be seated, but to just add our name to the list. There were no others waiting to add their name to the list. You can wait outside, but we were there on April 2nd and it was a chilly evening at 7:00 pm. No matter where we waited, we were in the way including in the bar. I would recommend taking the gargantuan desk out, move the little podium from the dining room, and add a bench or two. Concern two: we were seated at a freshly wiped booth -- super appreciated, but the bench was wet. We did not realize until after we sat down. Seating should be dried before seating guests. Concern three: the hostess very openly fixed her hair at the front entrance. There were bathrooms literally 10 steps away. She spent quite a bit of time and started out facing the wall, turned toward the door, then back toward the wall. I'm not sure if she handles food, but some training is needed. read more

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Deciding where to eat as we passed by this place and a local suggested it. There was one other couple in the restaurant. I tried the relleno and my husband had a burrito. The relleno was undercooked it was hard I didn't finish it. My husband's burrito was small and not good for the price we paid for it. Wayyy too much sauce. Our friend ordered bean dip but we got this salsa type dip. The beans are not typical beans, I'm not sure if they were chili beans? But usually we get normal pinto beans at mexican restaurants. Again not sure what kinda bean dip that was. We will not be eating at this place again if we pass through this place. read more

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3 years ago I left this place a 5star review. It's sad how it has changed. We used to drive here every weekend just to have dinner here. It used to be great. Now the flavors are all gone. We always order the tacos estilo asadero, and the last 3 times we've got them they're off. No salsa, no flavor, all we taste is onion cilantro. We came this last Saturday, ordered them again, the carne asada had no flavor not even salt. Chorizo was bland. And they forgot the rice and beans I had to ask THREE TIMES for my rice and beans.... The place was busy but come on now,.. I finished the liter of coke bottle before the food came out... that's how u know it took forever. the service needs help, servers were stressed and couldn't handle it. It took over an hour to get our food, literally almost an hour and 30 minutes, all that wait and the food had no flavor, and they forgot the rice and beans...... also ordered the chile relleno with red sauce and the sauce is just dry chile flavor, this place lost its rhythm. We hope you guys find it again because it's truly sad this was one of the only good restaurants here and now.... I don't think we'll be back... atleast not for a long time until they (hopefully) make changes. read more

Really great carnitas, but left us wanting more. Portions were too small for the price. Their handmade tortillas are good, however, smaller than average. Seating outside was nice and cool next to Woods Creek. read more

Love their Sonora location. Only dined once in the new Murphys location. Needs help in decor and ambience. Food was good. Waitress not very attentive but the owner was in house and kept checking on us. I'm definitely going back for my 2nd opinion read more

An Update, we went back on a Thursday and everything totally changed....Food wasn't half as good and the service wasn't as good either. Start with the salsa, salsa is very important in a Mexican restaurant. Last time we were there the salsa was fire roasted, this time it wasn't and it was vinegary and chunky, much like grocery store salsa. I had grilled chicken tacos and the grill chicken didn't have much flavor, last time I had a grill chicken burrito bowl and the chicken was crazy good.. We again and Carnitas but the flavor again was dull.....I need to know WHO COOKS ON SUNDAYS BECAUSE I WILL ONLY GO WHEN THAT PERSON IS THERE, get some consistency! read more

Food was good, ambiance was okay. There was a gentleman who had a little too much to drink and sat outside and started to say profanity to my son and I. Aside from that, sitting outside was nice since you hear the creak. Tacos was okay, nothing fancy. If you are in the area I recommend for a late bite. read more

Worst experience of my life. We went in the place wasn't very busy we had heard such great things and traveled over to Sonora for a date night. We really were excited to try this due to the reviews and people told us it was great. We simply had to change seats, our waitress came over after 10 minutes of sitting we wanted chips and salsa she told us we are out. We had no silverware and ordered to sodas and water. We never got our water and sodas took about 15 minutes. The waitress then came back eventually and said they did have chips and salsa and we ordered food. She took another 15 minutes to bring us chips and salsa. After about 35 forty minutes the only person to refill our drinks was the hostess we had to ask her. Finally after and hour of waiting we asked the waitress for our food to go. She said ok no problem we had plans to go somewhere else. After another 15 minutes we asked if they had even started our food and the answer was no. We ended up just getting charged for the sodas and the chips. We left hungry and felt like our business was unwanted. They never even cared enough to bother to take care of us. read more

Service was crap, we showed up at 545 and sat with no silverware or service for 10 min. Once our waitress came we simply asked for chips and salsa and to our luck they were out, I asked for water and soda to wait never brought us water it's now 647 and we still haven't gotten food or salsa fukkkk thiss read more

The churro desert was absolutely amazing!!!! Flavor was incredible... ice cream good quality and churro was thick and soaked with a cinnamon vanilla chocolate mix... liquor too I want another order NOW read more

The location is cute - we sat outside on a sunny day and it was nice to enjoy our lunch on the patio by the creek. The host and the server were very friendly and we were seated quickly. However, I felt like the service was just okay only because we waited a while to receive our food. Once we received our food, it tasted great. My boyfriend ordered the Veggie Bowl (add rice) and said everything tasted fresh. I ordered the Birria Ramen and it was very tasty. The street sign said the Birria Ramen was $15 but we were charged $16. We also ordered chips and salsa for $2 - kind of a bummer to pay for chips and salsa when most Mexican restaurants give them out complimentary. Regardless, $2 isn't a lot of money and the chips and salsa were good. It was a nice experience overall and we will probably come back when we want something a bit more upscaled than a typical taqueria vibe. I also want to try their margaritas! read more

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Went to El Arroyo on our anniversary Sun Nov. 17. Met the owner Andres and were greeted warmly. They served a complimentary taco while we waited for our food. The food was excellent and we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We highly recommend them to all. read more

Came to this crowded restaurant and were seated in a timely manner, waiter was friendly though obviously stressed from running around serving tables and took his time getting our order. One of us ordered the vegan bowl because they loved broccoli, when it came out no broccoli..asked waiter what happened and he said it doesn't come with broccoli until the menu was checked and he had to admit it should have, and said they ran out. Offered some mushrooms on the side instead. His friendliness took a massive dip after that too. What they should have done is comped that plate as they screwed up, not lied about what goes in the vegan bowl. Otherwise the food was good but this left a bad taste in our mouths, so we won't be returning. read more

Absolutely wonderful service. It was a quiet day there. They were extremely accommodating. I brought my 8 month old baby with us and everyone had a great attitude and we're so sweet. The food was phenomenal, they even made my chimi in the shape of a heart (the carnitas had the best flavor & were shredded not chunked, how I prefer it) read more

El Arroyo - Carnitas chimichanga with sour cream - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

Great ambience and food. You have to pay extra for the chips and salsa however well worth it. read more

El Arroyo - The Chicken, Steak, and Shrimp Molcajetes. Tortillas, rice, and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

Emily was very informative and kind. We had a blast and the food was amazing. We shared a bowl, and it was one of the best tasting dishes I have ever eaten. We sat outside overlooking the pond and lights. Wonderful atmosphere and great food! read more

Firstly, the outside seating is gorgeous. There's a small canal/creek right to the side of it that is steps below the Main Street. We first wanted to try their salsa and bean dip. The bean dip was great. But their salsa was alright. The taste was just not quite what we were used to and the portion size for the salsa was also on the smaller size than we were expecting. But I get it, coming from LA where there are a myriad of Mexican food restaurants with unlimited chips and salsa, we came in a little spoiled. The chicken Chipotle house burrito was great. The grilled chicken had nice grill marks and fantastic seasoning and charred edges that gave it a nice, textured crunch with almost every bite. The chipotle sauce was not too spicy at all and helped bring the wet burrito together. If anything, I would have liked some more cilantro and maybe some race onions to get a nice crunch with the burrito as everything was on the softer side. The chicken enchiladas were pretty good. The cheese inside was a great addition and the sauce was definitely not skimped on. With moist chicken and a decent size, my wife left satisfied (though her stomach was definitely filled with bean dip, chips, and salsa haha!) The prices were also very reasonable and we didn't feel like we broke to bank to eat here for dinner. read more

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Owner is fantastic and the food is always amazing. Definitely stop in on your way to or from the mountains.

We really enjoyed our time here. Even though the flies were a bit annoying out on the veranda, that was our choice. It was beautiful out there. There was a small breeze. And it was a nice intimate setting. Our server was very kind and attentive. The food is very fresh but not overwhelming with flavor. I was surprised by the pescado al pastor. Super fresh and well proportioned. The ambiance was great being seated above the stream. I'd sit here every time. All our servings were more than ample and prepared with skill. We recommend this restaurant. It missed 5 stars because the plates came out one at a time and the last one the server had to go find. Also our screwdriver and long island took almost just as long. Fix those and they are guaranteed 5 stars. read more

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Update! We got the molcajete tonight. Best molcajete we have ever had. GET IT!! New restaurant where the old Mi Pueblo was. Noticed it today and decided to try for dinner. Very nice inside and nice menu although I didn't take a picture of it. My boyfriend and I both got the street burrito smothered, mine with verde sauce and his with a chipotle crema. We got the marinated chicken. He said it was the best wet burrito he has ever had! I agree. It exceeded our expectations so we will be back. I think they just opened very rec read more

El Arroyo - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

Excellent food!!. I had been several times here and o had to said is one of the best Mexican restaurants in authentic flavor. The tostadas are delicious. I love poblanos Chile's o Chile's rellenos, is a very expensive plate because takes long time to prepare and clean, had been twice that I order Chile relleno and wasn't removed the seeds and veins, (I attached picture). When this happens is very hard to eat because is extremely spicy "enchiloso" and bad for your stomach. Unfortunately this is the second time I can't eat it. Please pay attention to that. Customer service is inconsistent. read more

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We've been going to ElArroyo for some time now.They have some of the best Margaritas. Their food is very authentic and the green sauce is excellent. We order the guacamole every visit so we always get chips and salsa included. read more

Maybe it was the "busy holiday" maybe it was understaffing, regardless it was a terrible experience all around. Waited over an hour for our meals. Server not once checked on us not even to refill our water. I understand being busy but unprepared and straight ignoring tables is unacceptable. Food was comped but even then it was still terrible tasting and not as described on menu. Don't bother with this place. read more

Good food..Highly recommend! Atmosphere was nice especially sitting outside. Waitress was very helpful. read more

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The location down by a cool mountain stream in the middle of town can't be beat on a hot summer day. It's also scenic. The tacos and flautas appear to be prepared with authentic style, but the chicken they use tastes canned or I would have given 5 stars read more

Delicious! Was headed to Yosemite and needed a quick lunch at the halfway point on my drive. Found this place on Yelp and was skeptical as I drove through the heavily non-ethnic streets of Sonora, but boy was I happy I took the chance. The service here was AMAZING - very attentive staff, kept checking on me, and offered free chips and salsa when my meal took a little longer than expected. And the food. My goodness, who would have thought such great Mexican food could be found in Sonora?! I believe I order the chicken Crispy Tacos. Yum! I'm from the Bay Area and spend a lot of time in the predominantly LatinX community of Fruitvale. The food here could easily fit right on in with the best of the best. Happy I stumbled onto this little gem during my journey. Wish there was an El Arroyo in my neighborhood! Thanks again. read more

El Arroyo - Chicken Tacos, chips & salsa! - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

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Went for Father's Day and got to sit outside with a nice view and sound of trickling water. We had molcajetes and they were pretty good. My dad got steak and I got steak, chicken and shrimp. We left very full and happy. Next time try the creamy chipotle sauce instead of Chile verde read more

Great food, cool location, nice ambience. Problem lies with the service. We didn't get checked up on once, no water fills, no "how are we doing". She didn't drop off the check for 20 minutes, and still after I asked for it for another 10. I had to pay at the register. read more

El Arroyo - Taco - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

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Food was amazing , the outside seating was very lovely except some flys here and there . Will be coming back for the birria ramen & tacos (: read more

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This restaurant in Riverbank still a true Mexican restaurant with great food and service! The chips and salsa still arrives at the table as always been! NOT and added appetizer with extra charge ... read more

El Arroyo - Fajita bowl from a Mexican restaurant in Riverbank that still treat's customers they way it use to be ... plenty of chicken & veggies - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

We went for cinco de Mayo and they had the buffet instead of the regular menu.. it was awesome! They had two different soups, quesadilla bar, fajitas, chile verde, Colorado, rice beans.. all was really good! read more

We were seated immediately since the place was not crowded. We ordered our drinks and appetizers which were served quickly except for the one alcoholic drink, a margarita. After approximately 15 minutes we had to remind our waitress the drink had still not arrived. She quickly returned and said the bartender was still working on it. The place was still not crowded and only a few patrons were seated at the bar. About five minutes later the drink arrived. We were a party of five with no special requests and ordered straight off the menu. Two of the five requested an order of rice and beans on the side. Four of the five entrees were delivered, while we waited on the fifth entree to be served. After approximately five minutes we had to track down a server and ask about the remaining entree. A few minutes later the last entree arrived. However, the side orders of rice and beans for two guests still was not served. We had to track someone down again. Did I mention they served me the wrong order and it was not realized until I started to consume it. Needless to say it was not a good experience. To make matters worse the guest who received her food last was late getting back to work because of the delay. The only consolation was the fact the food was fine, not great, but decent. Regardless of the poor service I did not fault the waitress as she still was given a generous tip. read more

the food was delicious and the waitress very polite and helpful. having dinner here with the water running trought the river was very pleasant, read more

El Arroyo - pleasant restaurant and very nice waitress - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

What a find! Stopped in Sonora after our hike in Calaveras Big Trees - South Grove. Danny created the most delicious margarita for my husband. Cadillac Patron with fresh squeezed grapefruit. I prefer vodka, so a Greyhound with a splash? of pineapple juice - excellent! We ordered the carnitas plate and the vegan bowl. Carnitas were as good or better than any anywhere, including Mexico. read more

El Arroyo - Vegan bowl - Mexican Near Me - Sonora, California

we ordered the special-1 soft chicken taco,1 hard shell chicken taco,also came with rice and beans- 1-miniature tacos 2-beans were flavorless 3-rice was dead- 4-tortilla chips were stale/dead how about I trade 1 miniature special -as received-very small portions !! for miniature dollars-sounds fair to me- I guess its called shrink flation- the dollar is worth less so I guess the quantity and quality is less-however- the restaurant was very clean,restrooms were clean- good luck- read more

I would argue that this is the best Mexican restaurant in the county. The ambiance/outdoor seating just really does it. A few too many bugs for my liking but I guess that's what you get for choosing outdoor. I've heard a lot of people complain about the charge for chips and salsa. I would agree that it's steep but I understand the argument for doing so. However, I would suggest that wait staff remind customers. I forgot you have to request it and sadly didn't get to enjoy any. read more

The location, ambience, and staff are great here at El Arroyo! Really appreciated their vegan options and delicious drinks. Definitely recommend stopping here if you're in Sonora. read more

Been here 3x now and it'll be our last. First time last year food was decent, well prepared authentic. Today it was nothing more but mediocre. I ordered a burrito bowl, it came packed with beans and rice and dry carnitas. I asked for salsa, something to spice it up a bit. Took 20 minutes to get that, food was cold by then and to add insult we were charged an extra $3.00 for the chile that this bland dish needed. I'll stick to the taco shop near Habit. Sad that restaurants have to nickel and dime their customers. read more

Great food and service. Love the downtown location. El Arroyo is one of Sonora's best!

El Arroyo surprised me with wonderful food and out-of-this-world cocktails! We were a group of 12-15 people, and there was a bit of wait time, even at 6:15, but it was worth the wait after a long day on the ski slopes. Sonora has this cozy and charming downtown; El Arroyo is a not-so-hidden gem. They were short of staff on a Sunday evening, but we met Noel, who greeted and treated us nicely and patiently. The menu contains many traditional Mexican dishes, including Tacos, Burritos, and Fajitas. Each dish is carefully crafted and has flavor. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, making it an excellent value for your money. The service is exceptional, with the friendly and attentive staff going above and beyond to ensure every guest is well cared for. They are happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. They entertained our request to make vegetarian Molcajete, and boy was it worth it! And before I end my review, COCKTAILS! Do not come out of the restaurant without trying their blended mango margaritas! All in all, we had a very good experience despite being a large group with 5-6 kids read more