We went back today because we were craving this place, and it felt like the perfect Sunday afternoon lunch. I'm really happy to say that things have improved since my last visit and review. That said, it's still not quite a perfect 5 out of 5 for me. First, they seem to have ditched the service fee. My understanding is that service fees are no longer allowed in Minnesota, so I was expecting them to replace it with a credit card fee. I'm happy to say there was no service fee, no credit card fee, or anything else. The price of the food is the price you pay, plus tax and tip. That is so refreshing to see in 2026 and automatically earns this restaurant an extra star from me. The food is still the best part of this restaurant. I'm sure they're sourcing ingredients from the same places as everyone else, but somehow their flavors are extraordinary. This time I got the Pollo Sonora, and I honestly don't have any complaints. It was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended. They still offer free chips and salsa, which I love because not every Mexican restaurant does that anymore (Chula's in Prior Lake, I'm looking at you). It's nice to see they still include them. This time around, though, I didn't enjoy the white sauce as much. I'm not sure if it changed or if my tastes have changed. The red salsa was fantastic, but I really wish it had been colder. It was more warm or lukewarm, which just wasn't what I was expecting or wanting. My wife got one of the weekend lunch specials for $10.99: a beef enchilada and a beef burrito. She had no complaints. I was honestly impressed that they still offer lunch specials on weekends. We also ordered the large queso appetizer for $10.99. I intentionally ordered the large because I assumed we'd have leftovers to take home. However, the "large" is really more of a medium-sized portion. I'm 6 feet tall, had just finished a workout, and hadn't eaten much that day. My wife was also very hungry. We ended up eating almost the entire thing. For $10.99, I was expecting a noticeably larger portion, so that was a little disappointing. I don't even want to know how many calories we ate just from the queso....but I still think the large should be larger for $10.99. The service also improved compared to my last visit, but I still don't think it's on the same level as many other restaurants. In my previous review, I mentioned that service was the biggest issue, and if you read other reviews, you'll notice it's a recurring theme. This time our waiter did ask if we needed drink refills, which was an improvement. However, service still felt a little slow, and at times it seemed like he was trying to avoid extra trips or additional questions. For example, when he took our drink order, he immediately started walking away. We had to quickly stop him because we also wanted to order an appetizer. At that point we were ready to order our entrées too, but since he didn't ask, we only ordered the appetizer. Later he came back and asked if we were ready to order our entrées. By then we'd eaten almost all of our chips, and he could clearly see the basket was nearly empty. Instead of asking if we'd like another basket, I had to ask for more chips. That's not a huge deal, but it's just not what I'm used to. At most Mexican restaurants, if the server notices your chips are gone, they'll usually offer another basket without being asked. I realize that's a bit nitpicky, but I mention it because it's been a recurring pattern during past visits. The bathrooms were mostly clean, the sinks are pretty cool, and the men's restroom has a baby changing station. The prices aren't amazing, but they're not terrible either. If you're looking for the cheapest Mexican food around, this probably isn't the place. But if you're looking for fantastic flavors and a nice atmosphere, it's absolutely worth trying. I would still recommend this restaurant to friends and family, and I know my wife and I will be back. We're just not rushing to return. They're so close to being a truly perfect restaurant. read more

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Went to El Azteca on Mother's Day 2026. There was eight of us, it was after church/late lunch, so we kind of expected to wait. Roughly 40 minutes later we were seated. They give you appetizers of chips, red salsa, and some kind of mayonnaise based dip. Beware because it'll get you gluttonous very quickly. All in all - it's what you expected for a Mexican restaurant. The food was quick, hot, and the service was kind and prompt enough to a bunch of gringos. A nitpick - the women's bathroom had 1 of 2 stalls out and seemed to need attention, hope they get that fixed. My only complaint was for two fajita platters, a nacho supreme, one tea, and one Sprite, and one bowl of guacamole and queso came to $120 after tax. Seems steep to me? (Hence four stars) At least the food didn't suck, which would I have made it sting. Try them out! read more

El Azteca - Nachos with Steak - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Finally made it to El Azteca and I can see why it's so popular. It's definitely one of the bigger Mexican restaurants around and it was BUSY when we went since it was Mother's Day after church, but honestly the wait wasn't too bad at all considering the crowd. They bring out chips with both salsa and that addictive white sauce they have (I still don't fully know what it is but it's good every single time). I got fajitas and of course dumped queso all over them because that's the correct life choice. The tortillas were hot and fresh, the meat quality was really good, and everything tasted super solid. Only thing is the fajitas didn't come out sizzling like they do at some places, but honestly I think half of that is just restaurant theatrics anyway. Food still tasted great. I completely forgot to take pictures of everyone else's food because we were all hungry, but my nephew absolutely inhaled his chimichanga, so I'm taking that as a glowing review from him too. Overall it feels a little different from a lot of Mexican restaurants in a good way and I'd definitely go back. Decor is fine its decorated as you expect maybe less random. read more

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In the mood for a chill, quick bite, we headed to El Azteca because it's close to our house! Plenty of parking available in their dedicated lot. The interior of the space was well decorated, with plenty of seating for various group sizes. Our server was on top of everything... Even without writing a single thing down. No mistakes on our slightly complicated orders. The food was great! No frills, but not a bad bite. I ordered the Burrito Mex, which came with half steak and half chicken, onions, and all the traditional sides. It was a great serving size and tasted solid! The meat was a bit dry but nothing some of the included cheese sauce couldn't fix. We'd definitely go back! read more

El Azteca - Texas Margarita Victoria Beer - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Ordered takeout this time but have dined in multiple times before. Service is fast and friendly! I ordered guacamole, and chicken fried rice which is just arroz con pollo with a different name. The guacamole was chunky yet creamy and hit the spot! The chicken fried rice was cheesy and filling and was a large portion. I'd order some side tortillas with this dish next time since they aren't already included. Other menu items I've had here before have also hit the spot! This restaurant is worth checking out if you are in the area. read more

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In terms of their food, this is exactly what you would expect from your standard Mexican restaurant. Is it the best food you've ever had? Perhaps not, but it sure is delicious just the same. Our server was very kind and the place felt nice and bright. read more

The food here was good, left very full and I took my whole meal home after lots of chips and dip. This restaurant was one of the more pricer Mexican restaurants that we have been to in the area. We got here around 4:45 on a Friday night, not many people in to begin with. Service was pretty slow and the waiter only came over if it was pretty evident that we needed him. Ambiance was nice, we wanted to sit outside on the patio due to it being 70°+ but they did not have patio furniture out. Overall it is nice because it is so close to us, but in the future we would probably go to a different Mexican restaurant in the future. read more

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The food is very good and authentic as it should be, also waiters are very kind and more when they interact in Spanish. The times I went, I tried the quesabirrias which they are very tasty they are greasy (how they should be) the taco is a corn (or flour) tortilla filled with shredded birria meat and melted cheese. And little messy but good read more

Had the Cancun enchiladas and it was unique and amazing. Their version of this dish has avocado with the fish in the enchiladas along with scallops and topped with a creamy sauce. Also had a mix of spinach and jalapeño which was very good. read more

We stopped by later in the evening and it wasn't too busy. The food was okay. My husband liked his quesadilla. I had the Enchiladas Vegetarianas and once again they weren't very warm inside. We had to flag down another waiter after 10 minutes to obtain our check. read more

El Azteca - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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The food is always amazing! The restaurant is is quiet and well kept, even whet there's a lot of people. I the rellanas are great, the San Jose burrito is great, as are their quesadillas. They keep flan in stock, and it's always good! Their drinks are also good if you like alcohol, but we don't always get them. I don't know why, but I am absolutely addicted to the ranch-like dip that comes with the chips, and after years of coming back I don't know why, but I just can't get enough... Last visit we finally tried the molcajete, and it was straight fire! 5 stars without hesitation! read more

We had. terrible experience. The waitress was rude, she acted like she didn't even have time for us. After she brought our food she never even bothered to come back and check on us. At one point I asked a different waiter if we could have some sour cream. He said yes and we never saw him again. When we were ready to leave we waited for quite awhile for our bill but the waitress was at the front talking and looking at her phone. I finally went up and asked for our bill and some to go boxes. Needless to say, there was no top given. And the food was sub par. read more

Average food and terrible service. We were a party of six, 5:30 on a Saturday night. Fairly busy, but nothing abnormal for a Saturday night - no large parties, etc., that we could see. Seated fairly quickly, and the chips/salsa/drinks came in an appropriate time frame. After we ordered our food things went south quick. Will highlight three specific issues: 1) We ordered two kids meals - pointed at the menu and confirmed the order with the waitress, who at the point had an attitude already and seemed irritated that we were asking questions about the kids options. When these arrived, they were NOT the kids meals (which included rice, beans etc.,) but just the specific item we ordered - in this case a single taco and a single quesadilla. We had to divvy our meals up so the kids had enough food. When we told our waitress, she didn't apologize, or bring the extra kids meals items, but said that we had specifically ordered those individual items, and not the kids meals. Blatant lie. 2) We ordered the fajitas for two meal. They brought the meat out first, which was sitting there for more than 15 minutes before the tortillas, guac, salsa, rice, etc. was brought to us. Absolutely ridiculous, and never experienced this at any other reputable Mexican restaurant. By the time we were able to eat our fajitas, the meat was cold. When we complained to the server, she had the same irritated attitude and said it was coming. We asked to speak to the manager, who said no other Mexican restaurant has all the other fajita items ready to eat right away, and this was normal. Again no apology offered. WHAT?? 3) We had to ask four times for water. The fourth time, our server stuck her hand up in our faces, cut us off and said I'll go get it. We did not get our waters until our meal was almost done. By far the worst service we have experienced in any restaurant. Absolutely baffling. We spoke to the manager, who offered no apologies, and after much conversation finally agreed to drop the kids meals from the ticket. We won't be coming back here. Service was terrible, management seemed like they had no idea how to run the place, and the food wasn't nearly good enough to make up for it. Good luck to you if you try, though with how bad our service no place to go but up! read more

The Fresh guacamole was amazing, lots of flavor along with my burrito San Jose, I would get both items again the next time we go there. Food had a lot of flavor, highly recommend if looking for good Mexican food read more

El Azteca - Burrito San Jose - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

I've been here many times, the food is always good. They give you free chips, salsa, and white sauce while dining in. I love the white sauce, which is one of the reasons I eat here. The staff always seems friendly and they have good service. They have seating indoors and outdoors. read more

El Azteca - Chicken taco, rice, tortilla chips and enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

We hadn't been back here in years but the restaurant remains a very bland, middle of the road Mexican restaurant that caters to Minnesota non-spicy tastes. Pros: service was fantastic. Once we got our order taken, drinks came out fast and dinner was right behind. They start your table with complimentary chips, salsa, and a white ranch/cheese dip. Chips were okay, salsa tasted like Pace, and the white sauce was underwhelming. But it is free and they bring it right away, which is always nice. I had carnitas and husband got a combo of three items. Everything was fine. Nothing special, nothing bad. Very middle of the road as I stated up front. Portions were plentiful. Would have been nice if they asked you your spice level like at a Thai or Chinese restaurant. Every table in there was white so again, if you are a native Minnesotan that wants solid Mexican food, this is your place. If, however, you want more modern and spiced Mexican food, this is not it. Prices were fine. Was super surprised at how reasonable the drink prices were. We'll be back to sit in the bar and grab an app along with a big beer or cocktail. read more

As you offer lunch fajitas , which were good, why no lettuce , sour cream , tomatoes, cheese with it? Disappointed I had to pay an extra 4.99 for a crema salad to get those items Normally served with fajitas on the dinner menu. Not sure if I'll visit again. read more

The service is great, the food always comes out very quickly. The queso is very good and overall the food is good. Only negative is that it is a little expensive. read more

I just had a late lunch at El Azteca. I was seated very fast, The decor was nice, but best of all the food was delicious. I ask for my servers opinion between two lunch options. They gave me a third. I took it and was not disappointed. The atmosphere was casual, it feels like a place you go to get a full belly to get on with you hard days work. With that I mean well worth the money. Even if you are not going back to a physical job I highly recommend it. read more

Food fabulous as always but the restaurant is old, dirty and in need of a top to bottom cleaning and sprucing up. read more

El Azteca - Walk in our booth - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

Oh El Azteca!!!! What has happened to you???? Where are you???? This USED to be our absolute favorite Mexican food place. BUT You have changed and unfortunately I have made the decision (after several more attempts to give you another chance) that I am breaking up with you for good. If you look at ANY of your reviews on Yelp, Google & Trip Advisor can you not see that your customers are no longer happy? You have completely fallen off the cliff! This is a LOCAL restaurant and I do not foresee you staying in business because you are not the same place you once were. Overpriced food that is NOT even good, $4.25 plus tax & a tip for a soda, skimpy portions, and blah food. Too sad that you didn't listen to your customers. RIP El Azteca Pssst...Mi Pueblo is right now the street and it was amazing! Our new find! read more

$4.25 for pop. This used to be my fav Mexican joint around. Done with it now. Food was overpriced. Servers no longer polite. I'll be looking for a new cantina. read more

Great food. Good service. Very busy restaurant be patient. Sonia M was an amazing server and they were super busy but she kind and sweet and worked hard to get to all her tables with a smile! read more

My wife's family looks for any excuse to come here. You can't go wrong with bottomless chips. The fajitas are on point and the staff is always very nice. read more

Table side Guacamole was amazing! Great food! Great service! Coming back again and sharing with friends! read more

El Azteca - Table side guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

This is sad.... sad sad sad. My bff who is a vegan and I came to eat. I am not a vegan but a major creature of habit.. Rice Queso Tortillas French fries What evs- I like it. We ordered a large gauc and when he brought it the aerver asked if we wanted it fresh so we said yes- he grumbled and rolled his eyes and ran away- Eventually coming back with the cart- but never actually making it. He ran away again... brought us our food My friends meal- the vegan bowl had cheese. He told him "excuse me sir, this has cheese- can you please make it without- I don't eat cheese." The server murmured under his breath "Tu dijo". We both looked at each other and said whaaaaat? "No pedí queso" my friend said. He responded again out loud "tu dijo". All I can say is a say is - I seriously don't think a vegan would ask for cheese and NO WAY is it okay argue like that. If one of you misheard- just say so- don't tell us he asked for cheese when he didn't. read more

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My wife and I like this place. We like the tableside guacamole that they make custom to your liking. If you want more onion or Jalapeños then just ask. Maybe you want to leave out an ingredient, they can do that too. The decor is fresh and seems like Mexico inside. They have good margaritas that are discounted for happy hour. You can find this place in a strip mall right in front of Home Depot, right off of county road 42. They have good food and low wait times. Writing this is making me hungry. My last review was in 2016, I felt the need to update it. Enjoy the photos. read more

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We have been going to El Azteca since they first opened. When we go to other Mexican restaurants, we compare and always find we like El Azteca' beans, rice, and cheese sauce much better than others. And no one compares to their chiles rellenos! They are very cheesy and the outside batter makes it even more delicious! Different family members like the shrimp tacos and the fajitas. We have liked everything we have tried. The wait staff are friendly, helpful, and quick. This is one of our favorite restaurants. read more

Yes! You can smell the amazing food as soon as you walk in! We were greeted and seated immediately. The service is attentive, fun and very nice. The lunch specials are totally worth every $8.99! We didn't have an adult beverage this time, but gives us more of a reason to go back! Really enjoyed the food and the service! Totally going back to try more of the food! read more

El Azteca - Burrito, enchilada and rice lunch special - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

Nice atmosphere, clean, friendly staff. Food came fast and it was very good. We used to come here all the time, when we lived in the area. Came back for a visit; and it didn't seem like anything had changed and it didn't disappoint. read more

This is a one visit review . . . was up in MN on vacation . . . I've lived in Arizona for 10 years where good Mexican food is a dime a dozen, and I'd put El Azteca up with some of the better ones. The food was above par, the place was nice inside, clean bathrooms, and the service was excellent. Chips were refilled, and the server split the check among five of us without batting an eye. I didn't have any of the desert, so he even split that among just the other four which was outstanding Was there with four of the whitest guys you'll meet, and they all rave about El Azteca. I'd have to try more of the menu to rave, but the combination I had was very good. There's a queso sauce appetizer that they were drooling over, and they loved the fried ice cream There are so many places I want to try when I visit MN that I'd be hardpressed to go back, but if that was the call for the night, I'd certainly go happily read more

El Azteca - El Azteca Restaurantes Mexicanos - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

Meh. They Raised the prices for flour, corn and rice. Bland. It was better a few years ago. Won't be back.

I had a 5 star experience at El Azteca! The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was very romantic. I loved the low lighting and the soft Spanish music that played throughout the restaurant. I ordered the Burrito San Jose and upon receiving, I noted the fresh smell of spices and tomatoes. I sank my knife into the meal, easily cutting past the soft, steamed tortilla and revealing a mixture of grilled chicken, shredded chorizo, brown rice, and black beans. The chicken is cooked thoroughly, to the point that the meat easily pulls apart in my mouth. The meal itself was very rich, leaving me feeling full before I've even laid eyes on my dessert. Speaking of dessert, I ordered the Kango! The platter was a sight to behold, despite it's petite size. A fried tortilla dusted in brown sugar wrapped around a cheesecake filling sat on a white plate, cut in half and covered in thin chocolate and caramel drizzle and rainbow sprinkles. Next to the Kango, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a swirl of whipped cream laid assiduously. The tougher and chewier texture of the tortilla allowed for a pleasing crunch in contrast to the softness of the rest of dessert, perfectly balancing the consistency of the food. I paid the bill, a mere thirty or so dollars including tip, and left a jubilant customer. The staff was so kind and quick, this restaurant is worth your money! read more

El Azteca - Burrito San Jose - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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We love their fajitas for two. The peppers are cooked perfectly with a little crunch, not overcooked, and it is loaded with beef, pork, shrimp, and chicken. The tortillas are always warm and fresh as well as the chips and salsa. Very good value and tasty food for the money. The staff is always friendly and efficient with food service. See you next time. Thanks read more

I have dined at this location at least 30 times. I would say one of the best Mexican options near and in Apple valley.. I've ate here probably twice a month for 5+ Years. Most of the time the service is great. They are very personable and will make an effort to make sure you're having a good time if you appear welcoming. However, there have understandably been a few service flops due to the regular-ness of my visits, but whenever I've had an issue they will do what they can to fix it. A good friend and I love to come here for lunch. We usually split the burrito San Jose (a VERY large but VERY delicious burrito) and get the homemade tableside guacamole as an appetizer. If we finish it all it is a major feat. I would HIGHLY recommend the guacamole. They will make it how you like.. so I always have them add a little extra jalapeño for more of a kick. Also anything with their white queso cheese is delicious. They also will have some sort of drink special everyday throughout the week.. from $3 house margaritas to 2-4-1 bottled or tap beer. They can accommodate large groups as well. I came here for a birthday party with about 30 people and the food came out in a timely manner, although they had some difficulty separating our checks, so I'd recommend making it very clear at the beginning you want separate tabs to make it easier for them. All in all I've always had delicious food here, which is why I keep coming back! Great lunch specials and happy hour! A great go-to for the Apple Valley area. read more

El Azteca - Burrito San Jose. Definitely enough to split with someone or take as leftovers. - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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Fast service and delicious food every time and I've been going for years! great place to bring the family or meet up for margaritas! I'm a meat eater but the chile rellenos here are too good to resist! read more

So. Disappointing. I hate that I have to leave this review ... This used to be my favorite Mexican restaurant in the metro area when we lived in the south metro. But the disorganization and the extreme attitude of the service was enough for me to say, nope never again. The wait for tables was 20 minutes and the entry way was packed. They had plenty of tables open though, they just only had one person who bothered cleaning up he tables off. Hardest worker in the whole restaurant IMO. Once we were seated, the waitress was a crabby individual from the get go. We ordered our food, I asked for silverware since I had none and ordered an enchilada. The waitress acted like we asked her for her first born ... it was actually quite ridiculous. Then when she brought the food out, we asked for more water. She didn't even acknowledge we had said anything ... At this point her tip wasn't going to be much, I save my big tips for good service. When we paid (in cash) I told her we didn't need any change and to have a great night. On our way out we ran into a group we knew so we stopped to say hello. The waitress came over to us and said here is your change (after I saw her counting what we had left her). I told her that it was hers to keep. She pushed it back at me. We said please keep it. She then forced it in my hand. It was hands down the most AWKWARD restaurant experience we had ever experienced. I went back to the table and put the cash down. If she doesn't take it, maybe the person clearing the table will. Either way, it was completely inappropriate. Food was okay. Typical. read more

On Monday, we needed a place for dinner that wasn't "fast" food but a sit-down that would still get us served and out the door in 30-40 minutes. El Azteca fit the bill. We sat in the bar area and enjoyed two-for-one margaritas. Keeping it simple we each ordered single side items. I had two tamales and black beans, and it was almost too much food given the chips and salsa that is common in Mexican restaurants. The salsa is not super spicy and they offer a white sauce for dipping too, which is kind of like a spicy ranch. I'm sure it's not good for you! Our server was attentive, and the food was very prompt. After I'd ordered my tamales I was thinking how I kind of was wishing I'd ordered something saucy/cheesy. To my delight El Azteca serves their tamales this way. Most of the time I've had them served to me still in the husks. The tamales were tender and the sauce and cheese added moisture and some kick to them! I love black beans, so while these were good they could have been bumped up another on the spice kick spectrum The margarita was alright. They might have spilled some liquor in them but not much but not complaining too loud with 2-fer ones! All in all I've had better Mexican food but for the neighborhood restaurant they do a great job. And for $19 and some change (before tip) we had a nice meal. read more

El Azteca - 2 tamales, black beans, margarita, and chips/salsa - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

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I used to enjoy stopping here but I swear tonight even the retried beans were watered down, the hard shell tacos were mushy. Help is hard to find so I hope that's the real issue, I'll try it again but if it's the same next time, I'll move on. PS Trump is the real president read more

Not a super special Mexican restaurant. Expensive for the quality of food. It would be a better restaurant if the prices were a little cheaper. Salsa was bad. It lacked a lot of flavor. It was really watery and tasted watered down. I had to add salt and hot sauce to make it better... and chips..well those weren't any better. They were very hard and kind of stale. On a good note: The waitress we had was nice! Pictured below is our enchilada supremo. I think that is what it was called? It looks a lot prettier on the plate but i forgot to take a picture of it. read more

El Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota