El Azteca. The Aztec. A civilization which rose to and held power for centuries. Their leadership, in some indirect fashion, has led to the craftsmanship of El Azteca - A slight chain of Mexican restaurants in a 30 min radius of Bergen County. I will copy and paste this review across the Park Ridge and Mahwah locations so emphasize my appreciate for their consistency in providing great Mexican food. If you are consistently performing, Linguini will take care of you. Like I've taken care of many others. I will bring you to the top with me. If you backstab me. Oh if you come for me at the top, you will reach an abyss so deep you may end up digging to China. Don't test me. I'm not that guy. Anyways, I've tried a lot from Azteca. Most of what they've got is a 4/4.5 out of 5 but I'm rounding up for the full experience. Phenomenal price point. Variety of food that all comes out well. Performs well in restaurant and when the food travels. Friendly staff. And local business of which I support. I suffer from GGS - Good Guy Syndrome, sorry not sorry. My motha, bless her soul. I legit mean bless her soul. Be nice. Pray. Bow down to her. She doesn't eat much food but she even loved the taco salad here so much that she asked to go again. So much protein, so well seasoned. Just as their other options showcase as well. My personal favs are the Kash Burrito and the, what I'd call "trademark" Cod Burrito. Never have seen it elsewhere like this. The wrap is toasted wonderfully, great rice, great salsa. I mean this place just does it real well. I've had tacos, appetizers, desserts. Never let down. El Azteca is consistently good. Constantly pushing out quality product. Is it the best Mexican I've had? No. But it's the most underrated. Being a consistent 4, makes you a five in my books. It's like that girl that's occasionally a 6 or occasionally an 9... you can't bring her home. But that girl that's consistently a 7 or an 8? You let her meet the fam. I don't where I'm going with this one. All I'll say is STOP. Stop going to Chipotle, Bubbakoo's, etc. when you could be supporting a better quality and friendlier priced location in El Azteca. Thank you in advance. I will be watching - LB. read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

Every time absolutely everything was so delicious. Churrasco asado,black beans and amazing rice and pico de gallo. Enchiladas suizas, black beans and rice. Always consistently delicious and generous portions. And this was takeout, everything was hot. The staff there whether you eat there or take out are so friendly. Try them! read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Churrasco asado - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

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After work on Friday, my husband and I had dinner at El Azteca. This was our first time here. My coworker recommended the place to me a while ago. The food is fantastic! We started with chips with guacamole and salsa, plus jalapeno poppers that caught my eye on the menu. He had a veggie burrito and I had steak fajitas. The food was fresh and flavorful. Will definitely come back again! read more

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Stopped by on a Saturday night to pick up tacos and a quesadilla, plus a side of black beans. The order was ready quickly and well packaged, although we did get some bean juice on the containers. The chicken tacos, two for $5 and change, were on the small side, but they were absolutely delicious. They're more of a street-style you might get at a taco stand in Mexico, with diced onions and cilantro. A bonus was the tiny containers of pico de gallo and guacamole, which were both delicious and fresh. The gorgeous, greasy quesadilla was massive and loaded with cheese. It would've made a meal in itself. Located in a strip mall, the restaurant itself had high ceilings and stark fluorescent lighting, which isn't necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing, but the food was SO GOOD that I wouldn't even care about the decor if I had sat down to eat. I can't wait to try more of the menu! read more

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by a friendly waitress and told we could sit where we liked! I told her right away I wanted the Street Corn, as it was a special and posted on the door on the way in. We ordered tacos and they came out quickly. My only annoyance was that the street corn came out while we were eating the tacos and not before as an appetizer. The waitress apologized and it was really not a big deal. Inside is clean and nice - not overly stuffy or too casual. I've been here before and I've never been disappointed by the food or service. read more

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We stopped here as we pass through New Jersey. Started with chips and salsa, horchata, passion fruit mojito and tamarind soda. All good to start. Food came out fast. Our daughter picked a chicken quesadilla from the kid menu and was able to eat most of it. My husband had the carne asada, ground beef, and chicken tacos; he was surprised he liked the ground beef taco the most, I enjoyed the steak fajitas which came out piping hot with 4 warm flour tortillas and rice and beans. I also had a single pork tamale with green sauce which had a good chunk of pork in the center and not salty. Went well with hot sauce that was on the table. Everything was seasoned well and freshly made. The service was courteous and timely. Ambience is bright with a tv playing in the background. read more

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The food was simply divine! Every bite was bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. The food was spiced well and did not leave a bad after taste! The woman who took our order was wonderful--she was warm and friendly, making the ordering process enjoyable. The restaurant wasn't crowded, providing a spacious and comfortable setting to enjoy our meal. I highly recommend this spot! We stumbled upon it while in the area, quickly Googled it, and thought the pictures looked amazing, so we decided to give it a try. It certainly exceeded our expectations! read more

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The one time we had their food it was decent but greasy. However their service is rude and awful. If you don't carry a dish, just say so. Don't take the order and then inform on pickup that it is not available. Not only rude but tried to turn it around on me. read more

Placed a pick up order at this place. Food was cold, dry and no flavor. Rice was dry and tasteless. Ordered red enchiladas that had no red sauce. Have no idea how this place calls itself a Mexican restaurant. read more

Our order: Birria tacos (3) 4 pulled pork/carnitas tacos 2 roasted pork/Al pastor tacos 2 grilled steak/ carne asado tacos Plain churros (3) Legit PLAIN churros like no cinnamon sugar, maybe that was a miscommunication. But it tasted like it could of been amazing Large horchata Service: We ordered our food to go, the lady at the register was friendly and patient as we decided to order. As we waited the place was really clean as well as the bathrooms too. The restaurant had Mexican decor, but the setting is more modern. read more

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The food here is disgusting! Greasy! Filled with fat. Horrible. Don't waste your money.

New to authentic Mexican food. Oh my...delicious. Very fresh. Great service by a happy smiling server. Clean. Spotless restroom. I ordered fajita beef birria. Super yum. Definitely coming back to try other things! Great parking, read more

This restaurant has the best tacos and chicken burritos! Highly recommended. Savory, flavorful, and you get a lot for your money! read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

Went to El Azteca, food was very good and the place was clean. The main issue I had was, our sever was inpatient in everything we asked her , including asking her what a particular dish looked like her response to us was " l don't know you can read the description " then as we were checking out we asked for the check along with a take away container and cup for the sauce , she let out a bigggg sigh that was so loud my wife and the lady next to her heard it . My complaint is not against the restaurant but who they have representing it with her awful and annoyed service. read more

I am from Mexico and I look for good authentic Mexican food and this place it Legit!!! My favorite thing are Sopes! Sopes al pastor or chorizo or carne azada, or all 3! Their birria tacos are messy but super yummy as well! We like bringing our friends here too! Place is nice and clean, stuff is f I recommend this place for sure! read more

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Disappointing.. we ordered some take out and among other things, ordered fish tacos and fried calamari. The pick up experience was fine, but wow, the fried calamari portion was ridiculously small for the price ($14). I actually thought someone ate some of it, or there was a mistake. Maybe the mistake was ordering this at a Mexican restaurant. It was ok but didn't stand out to me. Then the fish tacos were some of the saddest fish tacos I've seen. A tiny cut fillet with red cabbage and some chives. 3 of these for $15.55? C'mon now. There was nothing else other than a little cup of coke slaw or something. It was pretty bland and mostly tortilla shell. It was a very disappointing experience for the price paid and maybe it would have been better if we ate in? If these are the same portions they serve in house, that's just ridiculous. Pretty disappointed. It was not worth the price that was paid. read more

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Absolutely delicious Mexican food! I am a Mexican Torta lover and this torta was pretty amazing. I ordered the Carne Asada Torta and it was so tasty! The carne asada was perfectly seasoned and the jalapeños, avocado, lettuce, tomato and cheese are the perfect compliments to the meat. I've had better bread in Tortas before, so that would be my only suggestion. Guac and chips are great. Fresh ingredients. Chips needed some salt but they were nicely cooked and crispy. read more

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This is a fine Mexican restaurant, great for families and kids. The portions are very large. The food is good and the service is very good as well. The salads were huge. read more

Ok when the 1st store opened up in Park Ridge it was A number 1. Best Mexican around for a couple of years. With "El Hefe" as the boss. Then something happened. Trying to save money??? Maybe. Just order 2 Chorizo Burritos. Very tasty NOT ENOUGH MEAT. Mostly Rice. I am not paying $12 and a half dollars for rice! I hope it changes back read more

First time here and I'd definitely come back. Service was timely and the food was good. As someone who's spent time in Mexico I hate Tex-mex. Authentic Mexican food is so much better and this place didn't disappoint. We had birria tacos, chicken quesadilla and shrimp tacos. The chips and guac were good too. I'd skip the salsa--it tasted like tomato sauce rather than salsa. Tostitos brand salsa would have been better. I had the Jamaica and it wasn't watered down like some places. We'll definitely be back. The food was greasy but not to the point of making me stay away. read more

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Enjoyed the al pastor and chorizo tacos, accompanied by a fine red sauce. Would vote for al pastor given the spicy-sweet contrast. And the free salsa with chips was surprisingly robust. I had a partially obstructed view of something that looked really good a few tables over, possibly nachos, but the people were in the way. This is why I'm adamant that restaurants should always have mirrored ceilings, but regardless this is a good spot. read more

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Best in the area. Super nice staff. Delicious classics that keep me coming back a lot.

Recently discovered a gem in my neighborhood that I did not know existed! El Azteca Mexican Restaurant was an amazing experience. The food is freshly made when you order it. The servings are very generous and the food is amazing. The Sangria is a joy! The waitresses could not be nicer. Want great Mexican food, go to El Azteca read more

Been going to this place for years. Probably since they opened up and I love them. Not sure if this is a 1 time thing that happened today.. Ordered 8 tacos for pick up over the phone and they said it'd be ready in 20 minutes. Get there to pick up exactly in 20 minutes and they tell me it's going to be another 15 minute wait and that they had some big orders to fulfill. So that's fine I get it. 15 minutes go by and I ask about my order again and they say it's ready. I go to enjoy the usually amazing tacos and they are ice cold. As if they've been sitting out for a half hour. Honestly so disappointed in this experience. I love this place but this was a big turn off for future visits. read more

We did a pick up for dinner, the food is decent, counter help was ok- one person nice, another with attitude. There are better places to try, so probably wouldn't go back. read more

We thought we'd be getting delicious food, the menu has a wide variety of options, but I will say there is No Authentic Mexican flavor in there food. Unfortunately we won't be coming back, the tortillas were cold by the time we received our order of tacos, torta bandera, and huarache. read more

The food and wait staff are TOP SHELF. The place is calming and cool. And again; the Food is DELICIOUS!!!! read more

Wow. Ordered takeout here because I didn't want to spend money at Uno Mas. And oh my lord... this was incredible, ESPECIALLY for the price. I've been at places where this quality costs 3x as much. This is abetter value than chipotle down 17... and the quality is a on a different planet compared to Chipotle. Went in, service was quick, place was packed. Cute little place. Tried a bunch of small items just to see what I liked from here and I liked it all. Beef empanada was banging. Super tasty. Had beef and chorizo tacos, were destroyable. Got refried beans and rice (was least liked item... and still good). Had a steak sopes that I was surprised by. 11/10 price for what I got. Wife got a quesadilla and she enjoyed it. I highly recommend. Will be returning! Will update if anything changes read more

Largest portions for the fairest prices! Best carne asada burrito I have had in a long time. Perfect portions of rice, meat, cheese and other delicious fillings. The little crunch from the flat top right before serving to the customer really took it over the top for me. Entire staff was as attentive and friendly as any 5 star restaurant. Definitely will be back ASAP! read more

Initially, I previously rated this restaurant a 5 star as the vibe of the place is nice and the food is usually very good. I have been coming here frequently for the past couple of months and unfortunately my experiences haven't been very good as of recently. I had 2 experiences that I would rate a 0/5 stars. Had rated it 5 stars due to the delicious food and tres leches however I have to take stars away now due to: - food contamination/mix of foods such as pineapple (i'm also allergic to pineapple so that made the mistake worse) - Tres leches had been served bad, it was sour and bitter, got food poisoning from the tres leches - Food has recently lacked flavor - Wrong order, ordered al pastor tacos and received chicken - Napkins came with bugs in it - Waited 30+ minutes in the restaurant after ordering to receive my food for takeout. They saw that I was waiting the entire time as I was toward the front. My friend and I saw that everyone who came in after us was getting served so we went up to ask and they had one half of the food in the back ready but they never packed it up. Then the other half was packed and next to them and they never told us and they didn't apologized for the delay which would have been appreciated. - Poor packaging, sauce was all leaking out of the container. The brim of the container top was coated with sauce and stained our car even through a bag. Have had leaking issues and poor packaging issues 3 times now. read more

Jefe...this is for you because I know you...people don't offer help like this to a business, they simply go elsewhere. We just had lunch here. The Chicharron...tasted like OLD Pork. Definitely not fresh. We couldn't eat them so we sent them back. The Skirt Steak...one was burnt. It was medium rare, but still over seared on the outside and left a burnt taste in the mouth. The Pico de Gallo with the Skirt Steak. Was mostly tomatoes. Very little onion, very little peppers, very little cilantro. It used to be so flavorful and robust. Not today. The back door was wide open for at least five minutes before I finally got up and closed it. It was freezing in the restaurant. I think a delivery guy propped it open to make his life easier and to ruin the dining experience for the customers. Of which we were the only ones the entire time. We were there from 12:15 until we finished our meal. The entire time, we were the only table with patrons. Lunch time on a Thursday in Mahwah? That's bad. We asked about you. Apparently you're on vacation this week. But we also got confirmation that you don't come around much anymore. We figure you are focusing on one of your other restaurants. IT SHOWS!!! We won't be back until we can be certain you have fixed the problems. The food needs to be fresh. Throw it out of it gets old. Take the hit. It's better than losing customers. Tell TJ to tell us to try again and we will. read more

Food is usually solid with generous portions, last chicken taco order was very disappointing, small portions, barely any chicken,or other ingredients, at $2.50+ per taco there are better places to take your business!!! read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Chicken taco - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

Based off Uber eats order. Quick delivery. Guacamole was okay- not the best I've tried. The two tacos to the left were a bit dry. The other two were really good. They also have a huge bag of chips (not pictured). Basically my lunch and dinner. read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - B - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

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7/2022. This is a fine informal restaurant. The are in the ACME shopping center. We ate in for dinner. The dining area was fine. The bathroom was clean. The service was good. The food was excellent & portion sizes were good. Yes we will return. read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Ground Beef Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

I grew up on fantastic Mexican food in California, and this place doesn't disappoint. Makes me feel like I'm back home. Excellent variety, super tasty sauces, clean tables and friendly staff. Highly recommended! read more

El Azteca Mexican Restaurant - Grilled Chicken Huarache - Mexican Near Me - Mahwah, New Jersey

Stopped in for a late lunch while in Mahwah. It was just OK. I ordered pork tacos that had to be returned. The pork was literally like cardboard, dry and inedible, maybe it was the crumbs from the pan? It should not have been served. I sent it back and they removed it from the bill. The nachos were burned on the edges, not my favorite way to enjoy nachos! They were left in the broiler too long. I didn't want to make a fuss cuz I was already fussing about the dead pork! It was the end of the lunch shift and we must have gotten a tired chef who wasn't paying attention. We probably won't return next time we're in town. The place was clean, however, and others seemed to be enjoying their meals. read more

I have been multiple times now and it is incredible each time I have gotten the birria tacos, the tortas, the normal tacos, the empanadas everything is exceptional and service is always great the food is delicious and I am hooked! read more

This cute place is in a strip mall. It is very modern looking and clean. We loved the gray ceiling! The salsa and chips were average but the guacamole was great! We got chicken tacos, tamales, and shrimp a Diablo. We liked what we got ( my sister really liked the tamales). The rice and beans that came as a side were average, nothing to write home about. For me, the three stars is because I am a huge Mexican food fan. While this wasn't bad food, it was anything remarkable (and I need great salsa and chips). read more

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Pretty good strip mall Mexican take out and dine in place. Very casual place and there are people who come in for their take out food and wait by the register or in open area in the middle of the main room between the rows of tables along each wall. Started with the salsa and chips and also some quacamole. Really liked both the salsa and the quacamole. Both were flavorful and chunky. Guac was fresh and a little spicier. I had the carne asada plate. I actually liked all the platter fixings better then the steak itself. The steak seemed different with a different consistency and flavor then I am used to with carne asade. Actually it was a little less greasy then usual, and seemed like a different cut and different spices and preparation then usual. The lady had the pork tacos and thought the flavor was a little different too. Another had a wet chicken burrito and really liked it. Portions are really big. Decent place. read more

Wonderful service and the fish tacos reminded me of the story of Jesus taking a fish and piece of bread to feed the masses as this fish fed my massive appetite for oceanic fare. The rice and beans were on the verge of being too salty, but were just perfect, like a good kiss full of tears, like after not seeing my husband for 3 years when he was shipped off to Iraq. I'm only giving it 4 stars though because no Mexican restaurant can call themselves "authentic" with out Mole on the menu. Seriously I understand this a pretty white area but we want the mole! read more