Finally some good Mexican food this side of the border. By border I mean the other side of the Rio Missourah, the STC side. Ironically the last time we had a Mexican food craving we drove past this place because it was in a strip mall, and headed to Sombrero's big compound instead. I would love to have that moment back because Sombrero's was awful, and El Azteca rocks! What I really like about it is the bright colorful decor, and the guy who sits there, and strums on the guitar during dinner. Its just a fun place to go, and twice this winter has gotten me out of the cold, and into a summer mindset. I like to pretend I am back in Tucson when I go here, and its 110 degrees out side. I hate winter so much that I would gladly take a 110 degree day, and embrace it ever so snugly. The food at El Azteca is typical Mexican fare, nothing crazy, no 10 page menu like some other places. Ahem! Sombreros Ahem! The food quality at El Azteca is good, and the flavor is outstanding. What I have learned being back in STL from AZ is that the idea behind our Mexican food is "how many different variations of plain ground beef can we make?". So far I have had the carne tacos, tamales and enchiladas, and all 3 have been very good. I would also like to note that their verde salsa is off the chain. El Azteca has a great kids menu as well. With regards to service, it is somewhat lacking at times, but everyone has seemed pretty friendly to me. read more

It is really tough to differentiate yourself as a sit down, relatively cheap Mexican restaurant. El Azteca doesn't seem to care about that "differentiation" as much as they do sending out good food and providing very good customer service. The first thing that I noticed as one of my friends and I strolled in at about 1:30 is that the place was relatively slow for a weekday. I suppose it may be more of a dinner place? But I really don't know that for sure. The restaurant is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks. Anyway, generally what I get whenever I go to a Mexican place of this nature is arroz con pollo. I did the same thing here. It was very good at El Azteca but I still like El Maguey's version better. Probably just a matter of personal preference though. Service was excellent. They kept the chips and salsa flowing as well as the our drinks; all this while providing a very warm and comfortable, unforced personality. Overall a rock solid four star experience. I would definitely be willing to go back. read more

El Azteca - Arroz Con Pollo - Mexican Near Me - O'Fallon, Missouri

Aug 2011 - Mark H posted that this place had been purchased by El Maguey. I got worried, because this is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area (as I had reviewed 12/2010). I called and spoke with the new owner, Manuel. He is not "El Maguey". He is still a minority owner in another El Mag, but he is not making El Axteca an El Mag, nor is he changing the menu/recipes. He was shocked when I told him why I was asking (this review on Yelp!, and assured me that it would be the same as before, but with better management...I guess we'll see about that part. He even asked that I ask for him next time I'm since I mentioned that we frequent them quite a bit.) read more

I'm from Texas and I have had some amazing tex mex and this isn't even close to being good. Guacamole wasn't even from real avocados and the steak fajitas tasted like strips of ground beef. Crumbly and tasteless. Nothing is fresh. This is not Mexican food. read more

My friend and I have tried MANY Mexican restaurants and always order chicken nachos to share. After coming here randomly one day (we were driving by, saw it, and thought we'd stop), we were highly impressed with their nachos. Large serving, lots of chicken, great service. We started coming in here fairly frequently, always on Saturdays in the late afternoon, so the place was never busy. After a few visits they started to recognize us and would seat us and tell us our nachos would be right out. We noticed that the portion got larger, too. More chips. More chicken. They hooked us up! Like every Mexican restaurant, you get free chips and salsa. I typically don't eat the salsa at any Mexican place because it's usually too spicy for me. The salsa here is so delicious I could eat it with a spoon. It's still a bit spicy (so not disappointing for you who like spicy) but it's so amazing that I just suck it up and drink lots of water and then I eat more salsa. If I could buy it in a bottle to go, I would. We've never been here when it's really busy, so I can't speak to the service during that time, but everyone is always super friendly when we're here. It's completely out of the way for us to come here but sometimes we just really want those nachos so we make the drive. Every time we've tried a new place, we always say "El Azeca is better. We should just stop going to new places." read more

Ate there tonight. Warm, comfortable, good plentiful food. Very nice, very colorful but not overly lit ambiance. There are plenty of tables out of view of the TV over the bar. The fresh chips hit the table about 47 seconds after we sat down. Drinks within a minute. Food also came fast and hot (careful of the plates!!). I had the shrimp burrito. Delicious. My daughter had the chicken nachos which bore that white cheese (Queso Quesadilla?) which tastes to me like velveta, but she liked. Wait people had no personality but are very good. Hey, it's your basic Mexican place, but it's a keeper. read more

We had received one of those mailers with advertisements/coupons and such in the mail and it mentioned they had a lunch buffet. We normally hit a buffet somewhere for lunch every Friday so we decided to visit. We arrived right at 11am and were quickly greeted and seated. A very polite and friendly server took our drink order and asked if we wanted menus or the buffet. We choose the buffet which they were still setting up so he warned us it would be a couple of minutes. In the meantime chips and salsa showed up so we munched on those and chatted. Within a couple of minutes our server returned and said the buffet was ready so we proceeded up to it. The buffet is by no means a "Golden Corral" or anything, but for a restaurant this size it was more than reasonable. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of food, while I will eat Mexican food it's not my favorite as I'm not a bean fan and I expected a lot of things with beans in them. Now there were a couple of things that did have beans as well as a separate pan of beans, but there was plenty of food that didn't have any. While I wasn't overly hungry I did find plenty of things for me to eat; and my wife and roommate were extremely happy with the food. I especially liked the cheese enchiladas, and the fajita mix made for a reasonably tasty fajita - especially since it was a "buffet". I appreciated the fact that there was not only plenty of mexican cheese available, but that they also had liquid queso out as well as I really like that on my rice. Our server was very attentive, especially for a buffet and was one of the most polite servers I've ever dealt with. We're not really drinkers so our beverages consisted of tea, soda, and ice water - and I will say I appreciated the fact that there was plenty of ice in my water as that's a pet peeve of mine. I believe the buffet itself is $7.99 (give or take) so our total with our beverages and tax was about $31 for three which for a lunch buffet in this area seems to be about average to slightly above average. I did give five stars as I was rating this against other lunch buffets; so keep that in mind. It was our first time there so we haven't been in for an actual non-buffet which might change my view; but as of now I'm sticking with the rating as is. read more

Can't say much but the food is amazing. The staff was mediocre but this is a great place to stop by if you are craving Mexican.

Great food and great staff! Having eaten at most Mexican restaurant in O'Fallon/Wentzville I can say their food is well above average. Quality ingredients! read more

I've hit nearly every Mexican restaurant in the Ofallon / Lake St. Louis area, and this one is the best as far as food quality. It's really, that good. I would even say not only the best in O'fallon but absolutely one of the best in St. Louis. The decor is maybe not as fancy as some of the other resturants, but if you want top-quality Mexican food, you really need to try this place. One of my Huevo's Chorizo, outstanding Mexican sausage dish. The only negative about the place is that menu is extremely hard to read. The low lighting just compounds the low contrast of the text color and the background on most pages. Other than that nit-pick, it is far better than any other Mexican restaurant in the area. read more

Great food and excellent service! We have been trying to find a good Mexican restaurant in Lake St Louis and found this gem. read more

I'm back! It's been a while due to a busy work schedule but I'm back for my favorite nachos! Nothing short of exceptional each and every time! Great service, extremely clean, better food. Can't go wrong with El Azteca! read more

Horrible customer service. Would not honor lunch prices during lunch! Rude Will never come back. read more

Neighbor family friendly atmosphere. Owner gets to know patrons. Specials everyday along with margarita specials.

Me and my husband love this place. every time we go we have had good food. They give you large portions so it was nice to have some for lunch the next day. I have gotten the enchiladas, and the veggie fajitas. I think the veggie fajitas would be better if they didn't use cauliflower or broccoli. Peppers would be better. read more

Fried ice cream is AWESOME! It alone was worth the visit. The sampler platter with beef, chicken, shrimp and cheese quesadillas, a fantastic white cheese sauce, spicy hot wings and dipping sauce was very tasty. I had a combo platter with beef burrito, enchilada and tamale. They filled a large platter, so the beans and rice come on a separate plate. The salsa that comes with the tortilla chips was very good! A little sweet and spicy, freshly made. Reasonable prices, colorful atmosphere, friendly staff. Highly recommended, we will return soon. read more

El Azteca - Mexican Near Me - O'Fallon, Missouri

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Do not pass this place up because it's in a strip mall. I've been going to this place for a few years and just now tried the carnitas. Not just carnitas, but specifically carnitas with red sauce. If you like tender, SPICY pork you have got to try this. It comes out in a bubbling cauldron-like vessel. It's a huge portion that will leave you extremely satisfied. The pork is not fatty either. Comes with the usual rice and beans. You've got to try it if you like spice! If you prefer mild they offer a green sauce also. read more

The BEST Mexican food around! The BEST & strongest margaritas! The BEST Fried Ice-cream I've EVER had. We have tried other local mexican places & regretted not going to El Azteca. Now the only Mexican place we will go. Friendly on the ball staff & great prices! We are frequent patrons! You won't be disappointed. ;) read more

This was my 3rd and my last visit to El Azteca. Last Friday we decided to go out for "National Margarita Day" and from a prior visit (at least what we could remember) they had great margarita's. When we walked in the hostess didn't greet us just kinda stared at us and asked "how many?" I looked behind me jokingly and then looked back and said 2? Then she said we would have to wait, she then left and came back with another employee i assume was the manager, she said we are out of menus is that ok? Seeing that the restaurant was about 50% sat I just said sure. As we are being taken to our table the "manager" goes to the table next to us and asks the couple if she could use their menus and she would give them right back. They hand over the menus and she gives them to us?! REALLY?! 10 minutes passes by and the server finally comes by our table we looked at each other to see if the other was ready and the server abruptly starts to walk away and says I'll come back when your ready! Which we were! We order our margarita's and get rushed to order our food too. Our food arrived around the same time as our drinks kinda awkward, and I have to say it was bland and tasteless. No traditional flavors or feel. The carnita's you can tell microwaved and the refried beans were dried over and very pasty. Important things to focus on in a restaurant is QUALITY! They definitely missed the mark. There are many Mexican restaurants in town that are many times better. I don't believe in bad days either that is a term that should never be used in this industry. read more

Our family goes to El Azteca about once a month. It is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. I should, however, make this disclaimer -- We have lived in Texas, Arizona, and California, where we have had an abundance of really good Mexican restaurants to choose from, and if El Azteca was competing against our favorites in those other locals, it would not quite measure up. That being said, comparing to the Mexican places around here, its the best. The decor is colorful and inviting, but it could use some touching up (torn booth seats, for instance). The staff is friendly and service is fast. One of our favorite dishes is the Carnitas Verde, but really, everything is good. read more

I love this place. It's cinco de mayo, jam packed, but the team here was on the ball. I had a group of 12 people and was seated in 5 minutes. Super friendly server and awesome owner named Manuel. Manuel will make you feel like family, even on cinco. It looks like this place has really stepped up its game from the previous times I've been here. There are a lot of New items and signature dishes added on to their newly made menus. Most are high lighted with pictures and symbols. This is great, because now they've separated themselves from the crowd... It makes it not boring. It makes it feel adventurous, and you don't expect that so much in a town like this. They had the cards game on to entertain us on all their tv's throughout the restaurant... Awesome. The best part.... The food! I feel bad for not taking pictures, but I got so excited when my meal came and had demolished it before had realized...I should of took a pic. Like I said before, thus pace was jam packed and on the ball... My family's order was out in LESS than 10 minutes and hot! You can't ask for better service on cinco de mayo! I had the Chile Colorado...a spicy beef tip dish in a roja salsa, with your basic sides, added side of guacamole which is free unlike most who will charge for their pre bagged stuff. The dish was perfect. Kids split the chicken quesadilla with the works... No kids were starving tonight. Wife had a shrimp dish served on a bed of Spanish rice..she inhaled it. Tonight's experience was great, the service had always been the same, they've stepped up on the menu. I recommend. read more

El Azteca - Check out the awesome shirt I got for spending $30+ ! That's Fred bird with a margarita! - Mexican Near Me - O'Fallon, Missouri

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Great, friendly service. But the taco salad was just thrown together. So much so that the water from the lettuce just left a liquid mess in the bottom of the "bowl." A little disappointed in the lack of flavors too. Maybe I'd come back to try a dinner meal sometime, because the reviews are favorable, but lunch doesn't seem to be their string suit!! read more

It's our favorite place to celebrate our family birthdays. The service and food are excellent. My favorite plate is el torado. I highly recommend it. read more

Another disappointing Mexican restaurant in St Charles county. Poor quality meat in fajitas - it looked like beef was run through a blender. Margaritas were from a mix, as was guacamole. Food served at lukewarm temps. Completely tasteless chimis. Will not return. read more

EN FUEGO! Great food and Awesome drink specials all week!

My family comes here to eat if we are in the area. We like it here. I had the fish tacos. They were individually wrapped and hot. The salsa was good-lots of cilantro and onions with some heat to it (unlike the tomato purée-type salsa most Mexican restaurants serve). I think their food is better and fresher than the other Mexican restaurants here in St. Charles county. read more

Chicken tasted like it was boiled and beef tasted "weird". Chips and salsa were good but it's hard to mess that up. Don't waste your money!!

I really enjoy their food, excellent choices and all yummy. At one point they offered a buffet-not sure if they still have it bc I haven't seen it in awhile but it would be great if they brought it back. read more

Another great meal and experience courtesy of Manuel's crew. Great Margaritas as always and they really go out of there way to make you feel like you're at home. read more

Not a big fan. I go elsewhere for good Mexican. The salsa is especially bland. Service is good but the food is blahh...

My wife and I dined there hoping to find a nice place serving Tex-Mex and we were not disappointed. the food was fresh, delicious and brought to us quickly. The margaritas were very good as was the service. The only complaint we had was that the chips were a little stale...other than that I think we will definitely be back!!!! read more

Typical Mexican food joint. Service was mediocre. Kids eat free on Sundays from 3pm - close. The only stipulation is one free kid's meal per adult entrée. I just happened to order a $10 "appetizer" (Grande Nachos) as my meal, but to my dismay it was not listed under the "entree" section, so it didn't count. Not an issue, just throwing it out there. Food was also mediocre, but the prices were reasonable. So, if you want a quick mexi fix that's economical, this place would get the job done! read more

Mediocre food; a little pricey. I won't go back, but I've had worse.

Great place for delicious quick Mexican food. Always great service when there! Their food comes out quick and if there ever is a problem, they take care of it right away. Friendly staff and the most delicious chicken fajita nachos! read more

The food was delicious and the service was phenomenal. A great restaurant run by great people!

Always friendly staff and always great tasting food! We have been going here for years and will continue, because of the great staff and food. read more

I have been to this establishment 2 times. This last time was with a party of 5. My overall opinion of this establishment is better than average. It is not my favorite, however I have been well please both occasions. The service has been good both times. And the Food has been good. No complaints. read more

I called in an order for 730 pu home at 737 food was cold not warm but cold called but no manager available last time

The meal was fresh! Delicious! Service was quick and friendly. Food came out really fast - a bit too fast as our appetizer came with our food. Otherwise a perfect experience! read more

Really good food and really good service. It is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in St. Charles County.