What a step down. We loved their aquachile when we went a year or so ago. We had to come back. Back then they substituted octopus for shrimp in the aqualchile as my spouse is sensitive to shrimp. We saw they had greatly expanded their coastal Mexican concept with an entire picture menu of offerings, but no prices nor descriptions. So we just decided for a repeat - oh, the aquachile is ONLY available with shrimp? Well, a year ago... "it's only shrimp." - My spouse is allergic to shrimp. "We have other offerings." - So you won't repeat a year ago? --- Finally, "ok, but you won't like it. [Given the attitude, probably a correct statement.] And it's about a 60% higher price if you want octopus". [maybe cheap farmed shrimp versus frozen octopus?] We were traveling across Idaho and had not eaten that day. Still, I decide not to have anything. My spouse decides on a taco salad with shredded beef. She has it, I munch on the chips and salsa. Later [TMI - read if you wish], we had to make an emergency stop - she was feeling quite sick and had diarrhea. And we had already avoided shrimp. We won't be going back. read more

My partner and I loved this place when we dined in 2023. We tried them again in early November 2024. Actually made a special trip to visit since our first visit in 2023 was so amazing. I'm not sure more could have gone wrong. I have a shrimp allergy. None of their Aqua Chili's have seafood other than shrimp. in 2023 they were able to substitute octopus in place of the shrimp with only a $5 up charge. When we asked this visit they said they could not do a substitution. When we said they did this last year our server went back to ask the chef and the chef said to double the price of the entree. So we looked over the menu. My partner filled up on their free refills of chips and salsa and I ordered the taco salad. It was good in taste, reasonable in quantity of food. BUT...it caused me an upset stomach within 15 minutes of finishing my meal and then some diarrhea about three hours later. Not a good recommendation. I'm not sure it was food poisoning, it might just be a sensitive stomach to their ingredients. However I did not experience this discomfort last year. As to the service, it was not very good. We had to ask for water refills and salsa refills. The server was not friendly when we asked for no shrimp and please substitute with octopus instead. Overall not a good experience and they definitely have gone down hill in the last year. And their prices have increased. I will not return! read more

El Caporal - Taco salad - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

This is the families go to Mexican restaurant in Burley. We had the queso dip and it was awesome. It have the smooth cheese with lots of jalapeños. It's a must have appetizer. Then we had the steak and chicken fajitas. The meats were very tinder and tasty. Others in our group had the enchiladas suiza and really enjoyed them. A good choice for couples or large groups. Our wait staff was very attentive to our group of 11. read more

It was okay. Every once in a while you find an amazing small town restaurant. This meets basic standards. Very standard rice, beans, and salsa - although the salsa did have some fresh elements to the standard bottled version. The mole seemed like it was missing something to give it depth. Cumin? Allspice? Like a banjo missing two strings, but it was decent. My friend really liked his steak fajita. Nice sear with pepper flavor not overwhelming. I had a sample and enjoyed it. read more

El Caporal - Mole enchilada platter. - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

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The service is the best of any restaurant you will visit in the entire magic valley area. The inside has plenty of seating. Booths, and tables. Lots of TVs to watch sports. The food. Mmmmmm. I have been here several times. The chips and salsa. Money! Ask for their spicier salsa if you need to. I ordered a Molcajete loco. My wife got their steak fajitas. For the most part the Molcajete was good. The bacon wrapped shrimp....bleh. Yucky. I don't enjoy my shrimp being that well done. No bueno! Everything else fantastic. My wife enjoyed the fajitas. I have had their other Molcajete dishes. Those are great. I do recommend this restaurant. It's good food at a reasonable price. read more

El Caporal - Steak fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

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Olga was our server and she was amazing! She checked up on us multiple times and recommended certain dishes. She recommended the Colorado Burrito which tasted amazing! This restaurant was much better than other dine in Mexican food restaurants with food that didn't upset my stomach (which is a normal problem for me). Amazing service here! Would recommend! read more

Decent lunch at this location. Much better than the Twin Falls location on Addison. Tried the calamari for an appetizer as we usually love it most places, and I'm sorry, it was so bland and nothing worth eating we boxed for our animals. Reminder to stick to the usual go-to menu items at a restaurant not specifically geared toward seafood. Our bad. read more

Another great meal at El Cap. Staff was friendly as usual, food came out fast and tasted great.

I love coming here when I'm passing through town. The food is delicious and the lunch menu prices are so affordable.

This place is very two faced. It can be fantastic one day and a nightmare the next. I can't think of a time when I haven't enjoyed the food. Their chips, salsa, and refried beans might be the best in the area. Unfortunately the service is what needs improving. A lot of the waitresses/waiters are rude and incredibly slow to get the check. I almost always have to walk up to the hostess station to pay well before anyone bothers to bring one. My other large complaint is the cost of take out. If you plan to call and pick anything up, expect to pay plenty more than in restaurant and receive less food. read more

First- let me say I rarely give anything this low a rating. BUT- this was BAD. Came in on a recent visit to Burley- and while I get that this area might be slim pickings when it comes to choices- that's no excuse for terrible service, wrong orders and waiting over 20 minutes for a check (that we only got because we asked two people, as our server walked by at least 6 times in the process and purposely avoided looking at us). Waited so long my husband decided to go sit in the car and let me deal with it because it was just so long and he was over it. Food- it's ok- BUT - not worth the terrible service (slow and bordering on rude). Literally no soda refill, my "flautas" came out as a chimichanga, and the taquitos my husband ordered had been fried at least two-three times longer than they needed to. We should have chosen the chain diner next to the Best Western (next door)- and probably would have been faster and much friendlier. Just cause you are one of the few options- doesn't mean you should be like this. read more

It was like deja vu all over again. I'm still loving this place as much as I did when The Love Of My Life Hubby brought me here on our 2nd date. I order the same thing Molcajete Loco every time. I do come here regularly now at The same table and same exact waitress Sandy which is definitely preferred. read more

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I came here twice this week, firstly was for dinner when I ordered el Diablo shrimp and today was for lunch, I have chicken taco salad. Both meals were excellent, Service was very good, quick, and attentive. I will be back when I come back to Burley again. read more

This is the best Mexican restaurant. The staff is amazing. The food is delicious. The atmosphere is amazing. We will be back again. Thank you. read more

Excellent food and service and we were a party of 17! Our waiter was funny, charming and quick! I like that all the servers came to help with the large order and we were all served at once. read more

El Caporal - Not sure what this was called but the gentleman that ate it thought it was wonderful. Shrimp, scallops, fruit, veggies. - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

This place is one of the best Mexican restaurants I've been too. The waiter truly loves his job and it shows. Now a days it's hard to find good service. This waiter knows the menu and super attentive with a smile. The food is delicious! We had three different seafood dishes, all unique flavors and plentiful portions. The ambiance is very clean with Mexican music in the background. Super clean bathrooms too. If you're anywhere near here, stop in for yummy food. read more

El Caporal - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

Best sit down Mexican food in Burley. The restaurant is nice and clean. The food is tasty and the service has been great each time we've been. read more

This place was ok but the service wasn't good and the enchilada sauce tasted like plain tomato sauce. There are soooo many Mexican places in the TV and we probably won't be back to this one read more

El Caporal - a bowl of chips and a bowl of salsa - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

What a nice find to have a coastal seafood Mexican restaurant in Burley, ID. This is a large restaurant venue and is decorated festively. It was very busy for lunch on a Sunday with the church crowd and the travelers passing through. The service could have been more attentive but they were very busy. Whoever is running this business really knows how to turn tables and keep production up. The chips, salsa, and bean dip were all excellent. I ordered the fish tacos and was pleased that they were served as street tacos on corn tortillas. The filling was tasty and includes some hot pepper which left my lips burning - very authentic and delicious! Wife got the Pollo a la Planta. The chicken was very tender, seasoned well with a char - excellent. The beans and rice were both tasty and made fresh, not too salty either. Her only complaint would be that the flour tortillas were bland and needed some salt. Service was friendly although a bit tardy, probably because of the Sunday lunch rush. Great place to eat some good Mexican food. read more

Food was good. Service was good. Kind of a standard Mexican restaurant. Can't really say anything bad about this place, but nothing really stood out either. read more

It was my first time there and it was for lunch. I ordered seafood molcajete, it was fine. It was huge and I didn't finish the whole thing since I feel like there is something missing in the flavor. My server was okay, but after I got the food, he never came back over to refill my drink or check on me. read more

I am so glad we found this place! we were looking for some good Mexican food and found it! I had the chicken enchiladas and my husband had the chili Verde burrito. Good price, good food, good service! We will be back! read more

This is my favorite Mexican food fix when passing through Southern Idaho. I stop here every chance I get. Friendly staff and good food. I've never left this place disappointed or hungry. If you're in Burley Idaho, it's worth a stop and close to the Highway for quick, easy on/off access (when the freeway and overpass aren't under permanent construction). read more

I will be back... from start to finish, great experience! Started with fresh chips and salsa which was excellent. The star of all three dishes was the ribeye steak which was tender and cooked to a perfect medium rare. That said everything was excellent from the enchiladas, tacos, and chimichanga.. I will say the shredded beef was well seasoned and definitely is recommended right behind the ribeye. The Restaurant is clean and it's clear they take pride in their establishment. Staff is friendly.. if my next experience matches this experience I'll adjust my rating to 5 stars! read more

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Service was good. Very attentive. Food took a long time to come out. Fajita quesadilla was pretty bland. Chips and salsa was good though.

I feel lied to by the previous reviews. The food was just ok, but I thought that since this town was so small and it had a lot of Mexican restaurants the food would be a lot better. Service was slow which was whatever, but it's just basic tasting Mexican food. Slightly better than Taco Bell. read more

El Caporal - Shrimp Fajita - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

Great food- good service- nice and quaint place to eat. This place always seems to be full daily

Fantastic staff! Very friendly from the moment you walk in. Great atmosphere and a bonus is a live Mariachi singer! He is absolutely awesome!!! What a voice! I had the carne asado and it was perfect. Passing through Burley and stumbled in this gem. You must stop and eat here!!! I would give it 10 stars if it was allowed. read more

Originally, I was as craving menudo. I had called ahead and asked if they had any. I was told they did. After arriving at the restaurant and ordering the waitress returned to the table to notify me that they ran out. I was disappointed. However, I ordered the molcajete as a second choice. And I'm glad I did. This was surprising to find out in rural Burley, Idaho. The seafood wells still fresh and the dish was packed with flavor. I'm glad I ordered this. I'll be returning. read more

El Caporal - Seafood Molcojete - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

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Best Mexican restaurant in IDAHO? Possibly I know it has to be in the top 5 at least. On our way to Boise we decided to give this baby a try, was in the mood for some Mexican food on a Friday night! We arrived about 6:30 and ten parking lot was about 2/3 full, when we left about 45 minutes later it seemed to be clear full, that tells you something. I'm sort of a parking lot watcher if it's busy then you got a good restaurant. First of all the chips and salsa are very good in fact the Salsa is great. Hot & full of onions and other good stuff just thick enough for the salsa to really stay on the chip! Ok I honestly can't remember what everyone else had because me n the lil woman got a salad ok that was Connie's idea ;and the very deliciously famous "Molca Jete Loco" it was incredibly most excellent! While we was walking in there was a group of about 12 Mexican guys and I noticed a couple of those babies on their tables so of couture had to ask our waitress what they were. What they are is a HUGE bowl of Mexican goodness with lots and lots of great, cheese everywhere probably 2-3 different kinds, shrimp wrapped in bacon, steak , cactus, and one very hot pepper, be careful with that one, and I'm not sure what else! Definitely be back to explore more of their menu!!! read more

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This is the real deal! Authentic Mexican food that tastes great, delicious drinks and a nice atmosphere weather your looking for a nice place to take a date or a venue that can accommodate your big family reunion this is the best Mexican restaurant in Burley, I'd. Every time I come I try something new the menu is diverse even if you want chicken strips or ceviche, they have it, don't see it ask, they will be glad to try there best to accommodate you. The owner is a doll, and the service is wonderful. Definitely a place that's one of our family's favorites. I give this restaurant 5 out of 5 stars for food menu atmosphere and service! You won't be disappointed with El Caporal. read more

If you're in Burley and craving authentic Mexican food and a wonderful time than El Caporal is your place. From the moment you walk in the door the atmosphere is very exciting and welcoming. Their chips and salsa are truly addicting, with the salsa having the perfect amount of spice and flavor. Their menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of different tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. My personal favorite is the steak and chicken fajitas. The flavor in these fajitas is unmatched, along with their fresh tasting Pico de Gallo and guacamole to go along with it. The portions on this dish are honestly enough for two people, but I love taking the leftovers home for the next day. Pricing is reasonable for the amount of food every dish serves. Service is extremely friendly and always looking to please. Friday and Saturday nights can feel a little hectic with lots of people and longer wait times, but once you're seated you are guaranteed a great meal and service. Overall, El Caporal is must-visit for anyone who is looking for a quality, authentic Mexican meal with a welcoming Idaho feel! read more

Well I have to admit this is some decent Mexican food and being from Texas that is saying something. Flavors are good - sauces are good and chips are good. Service is a bit spotty but solid - and I ate here 3 days out of the 5 I was in town. I would recommend this restaurant and with the serving sizes there is plenty of food and I mean a lot so you can take some back to your room or share. read more

El Caporal - Beef in chili, pork and relleno. Rice and beans...a huge portion and very good. Served with chips and torts...huge portion. - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

To go order: The food was not that good and delivered cold. Everything was buried in cheese. The management has decided that charging $0.75 extra per ordered item for packaging your to go order is a good idea - NOT. Left a terrible impression. You don't charge your sitting customers if they ask for a box, why are to go orders special? VERY BAD move. There is no disclosure regarding this surcharge...so patron be ware. The food was good anyway. Taco shells were over cooked. Meat has little taste. Tamales were buried in grease. Heavy hell no - don't eat here read more

Great home style Mexican food with great atmosphere as well as great service. Definitely recommend this place for a great meal. read more

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So delicious. I had a shrimp and steak combo that was one of the best meals I've had. Service was great. The Mr had a burrito that he loved. Everything was spicy and tasty--not bland or too hot. We can't wait to get back. read more

Out of two Mexican restaurants we tried here in Burley, this was by far the best. I give it a 3 because it doesn't offer anything you can't find elsewhere. Staff was friendly and very accomodating, and place was very busy during our meal. Obvioulsy it's a favorite amongst the locals as well. read more

El Caporal - Mexican Near Me - Burley, Idaho

Best place in town great drinks nice people I love this place. Get yourself a margarita!

We had the best waiter and the jalapeño margaritas were awesome!! Great food great service!!!

Outstanding Mexican food. We got a cheese enchilada,pork tamale,Chile relleno combo with the Texas style beans. Everything was fantastic. Fried ice cream for dessert. Service is good. read more