Best Mexican in the south of the cities. They have a ton of great meals and drinks, as well as a good lunch menu. The prices are fair and the portions are large. The service is great and the food comes out fast. read more

El Azteca is very mediocre. When we first walked in we weren't greeted by anyone, in fact the staff looked a little annoyed to have us there. When we first sat down, we were handed menus and some chips with salsa and queso. I thought that things were looking up until we began ordering. My friend ordered a dish, and our waitress corrected his pronunciation, which wouldn't have been a big deal if she did it kindly but she did it as if she was annoyed by him. Because she was annoyed, assumingely, she didn't take out whole order the first time and had to walk back out to ask if my friend wanted steak or chicken tacos. Although the staff wasn't great, the food was very filling. It didnt have a lot of flavor, but it got me full. Another strange thing is that not a single employee came to check on us the whole time. No one asked us how the food was tasting nor did they bother asking about dessert or if we needed anything else. They sort of shoed us out of the restaurant. Overall, it's a pretty mediocre place to eat. read more

Went on a Saturday evening around 6pm, the place was busy but we got seated right away. The chips were fresh, but they were a yellow corn and I prefer white corn but they were alright. The drinks were good, although a bit overpriced. The Chimichanga and appetizer I got was fabulous. Super hot, fresh food and very timely from the kitchen. Server was friendly and attentive. read more

Typical Mexican food. Nothing amazing but nothing horrible either. I prob won't ever go back though. After eating Mexican food in Texas, I'm spoiled and can never go back. This place probably tastes pretty good to people who have never lived outside of Minnesota read more

We have a favorite restaurant nearby that we've always chosen over this one and have said many times that we need to try it as they seem to do pretty good business based on the number of cars there. We finally decided to try it. We were very impressed with the decor and it smelled quite good. The service was quite good too. The problem was the food. The chips were fair, but we both felt they may have needed some fresh oil for cooking them. The salsa was very bland and looked like a tomato sauce - but the texture was odd... they also serve a 'Mexican ranch' with it. Not for us. The salsa almost had a cream mouth feel (maybe had some of the ranch in it?), we added some hot sauce and that helped. The combo plate I had came with an enchilada, burrito and tamale. Possibly the worst tamale I've ever had. Looked nice but nothing about it was good. The burrito and enchilada might have been ok but all of them were covered in a dark sauce that was closer to a tomato pasta sauce than a good Mexican one. More hot sauce only helped slightly. My husband had the California fish tacos and thought they were ok - but it was served with a crema sauce that was way too sweet. Really wish the food matched the ambiance. Fortunately we still have an awesome place a short distance away because we won't be returning. read more

This is a go to place for Mexican American food south of the river. My favorite item is the fresh guacamole. Nice touch. Service has always been good, servers are pleasant and attentive. No real complaints. Food is average Mex-American food which I think is the norm around here. Haven't really found a great Mexican joint yet. read more

Our waiter barely spoke English. Food wasn't anything special - it was bland as can be. My Carne Esada came with some lettuce and a dab pico da gio (however it's spelled), when I asked for some more since it was the only source of flavor on my plate, he said that it was an extra $2. WTF??? read more

All these south of the river Mexican restaurants are very similar... El Loro, El Toro, etc. El Azteca does stand out a bit for a few reasons. One, Rudy (or Rudolfo). He was an awesome server in bar area! Started my night off right was a decent margarita on the rocks while we waited for our table. Our next server didn't have quite the same personality, but was quick. They have the best salsa verde there - caliente! Tread slowly, even if you are a heat-seeker! Chips were crisp and refilled upon request. The beef is actually better than the other Mexican restaurants. The chicken was moist, but wasn't shredded so I wouldn't say the same. The deep fried cheesecake rolls are very tasty, but extremely rich. I'd share those and skip the fried ice cream. read more

We used to eat here often as it is close to our house. It was never a great place to eat just convenient. We are located in a food wasteland out here in suburbia. Tonight we revisited the place and attempted to use one of the Dining Club cards that we had purchased last fall. After showing the waiter the card when we sat down, ordering the two required drinks and our meals we were told when we were finished eating that we couldn't use the card. The waiter said his manager said they couldn't be used during happy hour. I have no idea what hours or days are for happy hour but there were no such restrictions listed on the card. The so called manager refused to honor the card as well. He said they take no coupons during happy hour. We sat in an area with lots of families and their screaming kids and this was no happy hour scene. Since the food is mediocre at best and the owner/management is of such a shady nature, I will never set foot into this place again. Let the gringos have it. read more

We were warmly welcomed by the hostess and were brought right to our tables. All of the employees spoke both English and Spanish fluently. There was an authentic feel to the restaurant and there was beautiful artwork on the wall that brought the culture there to life. All of the employees were very kind and patient. Our waiter brought out the free chips and salsa they offer, which were amazing. Both the red and white salsas were a hit. The red salsa was tomato-based and extremely flavorful. Even I, someone who doesn't usually enjoy red salsa, found it to be rather enjoyable. The white salsa was wonderful and by far my favorite. It too had a kick, but a very minor one that you would find in some bites. Even though it was busy it took about 15-20 min for our order to come out, right away we were asked if everything looked good and it did. In fact, everything looked wonderful. Everybody else was pleased with their order and dove right in. My chimichangas were excellent, the queso on the outside was plentiful, covering both tortillas completely and leaving me extra to use with every bite. I also got a chicken quesadilla which was also juicy and blasting with flavor. With relatively normal/good pricing, as well as excellent food I would definitely recommend El Azteca and will definitely be returning there in the future for north of the border Mexican food. read more

El Azteca is pretty close to home but not a place we go to very often. The parking lot is always full and there is generally a 10 minute wait to get a table which isn't too bad. The food is not very americanized - which is a good thing. The portions are always generous and it is impossible to leave the place hungry. The service was not so great, they are rather slow and many times I was unsure if they understood what I was asking. read more

My son was visiting from out of town today and we stopped in for a cocktail at around 3:00. There were 3, maybe 4 employees we encountered and I have to say they all must been having a very bad day. No pleasantries, no smiles. I ordered Sangria that typically come with a variety of fruit. No fruit. Now he served the Margaritas with the typical fruit and smiles. I will definitely never return to their establishment and I also left no tip. read more

Had just moved from st.louis and went here for some Mexican food. Should of went to taco johns I guess. First off they didn't seem to understand coke does not mean diet coke because they kept giving us diet coke even though we kept asking for coke. Second they will not give you a scoop of guacamole with your entrée if it doesn't come with it, why I have no idea. They just said to my wife no guacamole for you. I had some on my plate so she just used that. then you actually taste the food and eh completely forgettable, I got the chicken enchiladas and hey someone forgot to put any seasoning on the chicken, plus it was dry so whoopee. People seem to like this place I have no idea why perhaps they have super duper margaritas or something. read more

This place was the best Mexican food I've had so far in the Twin Cities, which isn't saying much.... I liked it well enough, but have had MUCH better. If this was any of the other places we have lived, it would maybe get a 3 star rating for just being "ok". The food is quite spicy. Luckily, I like spicy food. However, it was way too spicy for my 5 year old, even ordering from the Kid's Menu section. And my kid LOVES Mexican food. LOVES salsa. But was unable to eat much of her food. If you go here, leave the kids at home. read more

DO NOT GO IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES/SENSITIVITIES!!!! Told them I was allergic but I was still served my allergen in a side dish which I ate some of before I realized it had my allergen in it. When I asked to speak to a manager they were too busy to talk to me! Then the waiter brought our check with no discount! I again asked to speak to a manager but was told they were busy. They didn't seem to think it was a big deal and did really care that they just made me sick for the rest of the night! read more

1. The language barrier is ridiculous. 2. Ground beef is SALTIER THAN THE OCEAN FILLED WITH PRETZELS! 3. Tea is disgusting. 4. Waiter pay no attention to you at all, he just keeps walking and clearly sees that you need a refill. 5. HE DIDN'T EVEN GIVE US NAPKINS. AM I SUPPOSED TO EAT MY FINGERS TOO? I didn't leave a tip and won't be coming back. read more

I love this restaurant. The food & the prices are good. It's a family restaurant, but it still has a full bar. This its not a sports bar so it isn't noisy. It's a nice place to eat good in generous amounts and have a good time with your family and friends. read more

Service good....food bad. My wife had tacos and said the ground beef tasted like it had no seasoning. My enchiladas were not good.

Best Mexican food in the south metro. The mocaljete dinner for two is insanely delicious. read more

El Azteca - Mocaljete and giant beer - Mexican Near Me - Apple Valley, Minnesota

The food was great but we didn't have enough flour tortillas to finish off the fajitas for two. But the food will definitely make me come back for more. read more

Gross! I ordered a new salad off the menu but asked for no onions. When it arrived there was one large chunk of onion (a wedge of about 1/8th of the whole onion) that had stuff all over it. I couldn't tell if it was covered in mold or it was covered in floor dust/ick. The way it was placed on the plate and the the fact that it was the only onion on the whole salad made really wonder if they were messing with me. Our waiter never stopped back so after a few minutes I flagged down another waiter. He offered to get me another but at that point I was so grossed out there was no way I was eating something out of that kitchen. They didn't charge me for the salad but my meal was ruined and I'm done with that place. Our waiter never stopped back to check in or apologize. Stay away from this restaurant! read more

If you were STARVING for Mexican food, and picked this place, You would never get your food and dying of starvation would be better than this Mediocre place. the worst service I have ever had and the LAST time I eat here. You get served better at the DMV read more

Every time I come here, the food and service is both wonderful. The servers are all very polite, friendly and quick. Our food is always delicious and prepared quickly. read more

My family and I have been visiting this restuarant since it has opened. I would say we are way above average Mexican food enthusiasts and this Mexican restuarant is the best especially south of the river. The proportions keep us coming back and their pico de gallo is heaven on earth. While the food isn't straight from a Mexican mother's kitchen, I believe most everything on the menu is prepared to order. Love the employees here too! read more

I have only been there for lunch (about 20 times over last 6 years) and it has been awesome every time. I typically get the burrito San Jose. It is huge and tasty!! Service is fast and friendly. I absolutely love the place read more

Best Mexican food in the south metro. Absolutely love the burrito San Jose. Wait staff is always nice and on point.

me and my wife went this place , the fajitas were terrible and my wife had tacos and a quesadilla and she couldnt eat them they were so bad, what a waste of money ! read more

They will not honor happy hour and they will not make any effort to see that you come back. We ordered "two small frozen house margaritas" because it was happy hour. Ultimately, they charged us full price because we didn't specify which size glass. When I talked to the server about it, and he talked to his manager and they were adamant that I should not receive the happy hour price. I've never had this issue in any other Mexican restaurant and I absolutely love Mexican fare. Too bad because the food was ok and the service was otherwise timely. Given all the other decent Mexican restaurants in the area, you don't need to bother with El Azteca. read more

Good Mexican food. Great staff. Chips come often. Food is pretty good. I came from Chicago so we usually get really good Mexican food on every corner. Not to bad read more

There isn't a single bad, or even vaguely unfavorable, thing to say about this wonderful place! One wouldn't expect to see this level of authenticity in Apple Valley (I love my town, but it's a fast food mecca), but El Azteca knocks it out of the park every single time! The staff is top notch, super kind and respectful and the food is just unreal! Be sure to try their white sauce when you get the chips as you sit down. It's insane! read more

My wife and I went there Friday evening and got sick over the food. I am still not feeling well.

The food is good, portions are very generous, and the servers are very polite and attentive. They have very reasonable lunch specials. I like the Speedy Gonzalez. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We have been here many times over the last 7+ years but maybe never again. I like the fajitas & so does my daughter, she orders vegetarian I the steak. When they come the only thing to put on them was beans & dried out rice. Used to get a little plate with cheese, tomatoes & sour cream but not this time. I asked about it & was told no longer so I requested some sour cream & was charged extra for it. THEN I see the table next to us getting their plate of condiments so I asked again & was told they ordered "The fajitas for two" so that gets it automatically. We actually paid more since we had 2 separate orders but was charged for sour cream. read more

On the positive side, our waiter was attentive and pleasant, and our entrées arrived very quickly. Unfortunately, the food was rather lackluster. Our personal rule of thumb is that if the salsa is mediocre, don't have high expectations for the rest of the meal. That rule held true in this case as well. Baja tacos were quite flavorless, and the sauce appeared to be some honey-mustard concoction that was a bit out of character for a Mexican restaurant. Chile verde was OK. read more

Previous visits to this establishment food has been pretty darn good however the language barrier is an issue. Furthermore service is hit or miss, mostly a miss usually staff ignores you. In April 2016 placed an order to go when I went to pick up order again language barrier an issue, lost my order, then my order given to someone else. Finally after getting home with my order food was cold and horrible. Most other customers I observed looked agitated at the long waits for any kind of service for example; paying for their bills as dine in customers or takeout customers. If the owner would stop being such a tightwad he/she would pay someone to solely work the front desk who is bilingual . read more

No, this is not a "Americanized" Mexican restaurant. Why would you want that? The prices were reasonable, the staff was friendly, and portions were big. I didn't finish everything by far. It's not the most flavorful stuff but still quite good. Tableside Guac is only $6.99. I'd go back read more

Even on a busy Saturday night at 7pm and a full parking lot, the wait was less than 10 minutes. They hussle!! The food is always delicious. Highly recommend El Paisano Pollo. Have had many of the same friendly and efficient wait staff since they opened. Family, maybe? Regardless, they make you feel like you're part of their family, too. read more

The chalupa was a hard corn tostada. The food here is mediocre, prepackaged and bland. I wouldn't be surprised if the chili rellenos were frozen from a bag. If you like cheese sauce from a can, this is your place for small portions at a big price ($7-10 for a small bowl that they call large). The margaritas were strong but the beers had inches of foam. read more

This place has absolutely amazing food and great chefs. Good atmosphere. Only downside is although the staff is quick, they are do not seem to want to listen to you very well. They have messed up my order a few times. But they were quick at getting me the correct thing and fixing the problem. read more

The food is terrible! Tacos were served soggy. Chicken is the canned type, as my son was eating his store bought taco shell the grease from the ground barf was running out the other end...barf. Ordered the carne asada for $15 and was served a cube steak that was killed twice then killed again. Taco Bell is a more suitable place than this. Oh ya, by the way I lived in Az for 20 years and never heard of " Mexican Ranch "but they do serve it at the El Azteca..lol read more