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    El Centinela

    3.6 (73 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    Business Info

    EL CENTINELA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Centinela

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    Quesadilla Texana with veggies
    Cindy R.

    I was craving Mexican! So the husband agreed and we decided to try out El centinela in flowery branch since our favorite one is in Braselton. It was pretty mid. Food was bland, not a lot of seasoning to none. The chips and salsa were okay. The service was okay, nothing out of the normal or over the top. Overall it's a little outdated and seems to be like any other Tex mex restaurant in Georgia. This one can definitely go in the "nothing extraordinary but scratch an itch" pile.

    Tara B.

    Three stars is pretty generous for the experience we had. No issues with our server at all. The issue is the food being super bland. Started off with chips and salsa, pretty standard. Appreciated the warmth of the chips and the salsa was decent. I also ordered bean dip. This is one of those that should be pretty standard, I mean it's only beans. But for whatever reason it tasted like it had some type of burnt unpleasant taste to it. I am taking all of it home with me to see if it's something that could be doctored up, but to be determined. I also ordered the veggie fajitas, minus the cheese and sour cream. The serving size was pretty big which excited me. The vegetables include onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and broccoli. The vegetables lacked a great deal of flavor. It only tasted like it was smoked, but not seasoned. I'm not sure if it's one of those places that relies on the meats and cheeses to provide the flavors for the dishes that they have, but as a vegan it was quite disappointing as the food was very bland. We were in the area and decided to grab some lunch after a business meeting, but I can't say that I would visit them again.

    True story
    Daniele D.

    Was a little frustrated because I felt like the server was not listening. There were only 3 of us at the table. Placed our drink orders and put the wrong drinks down in front of us (I normally wouldn't complain about something this small but I've had stomach surgery and can't have any carbonation). We asked for cheese dip without jalapeños, got jalapeños in it. The reason I gave my review 4 stars though was because my quesadilla was PACKED full of steak. Went to the bathroom and it cracked me up. Instead of removing the broken locks, they just went up the door adding more locks.

    Their "Chile Relleno"
    Spencer T.

    As far as Mexican restaurants go this one is ok but my problem with them is the food took way to long to come out and they don't know what a Chile Relleno is. I spoke with the manager and he was adamant that their recipe was correct regardless of how many pictures of chili rellenos I showed him from a simple google search. He said they called what I showed him a Poblano pepper but that is the name of the pepper not a recipe.

    "Vegetable Salad" a colorful treat. Sauteed veggies (add chicken or meat.)
    Ticia Y.

    I've eaten here on a number of occasions, and I think the only complaint we've ever had is that the entryway is smooshed and cramped if you're trying to get in and then wait for a table. You feel like you're spilling over on top of the folks either eating at the adjacent booth or table, or that you're in the way of other people waiting to pay at the front desk. I've never had any major concerns with the service; some staff is more friendly than others, but overall dining experiences at this El Centinela have always been positive. I've tried to eat as many different dishes off of the rather large menu as I've been able to try, and none have disappointed me. For the other Mexican restaurant options in the surrounding area, this one makes my belly smile the most!

    These are NOT enchiladas suizas...not even close, they are actually enchiladas de mole.

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    2 months ago

    Food was great, we were seated quickly and the service was friendly, fast and efficient. We'll be back!

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Our favorite place for Taco Tuesday. Eli is the best waitress and we always request her section.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food and great service. Always prompt with the beverages when you walk in the door.

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    2 years ago

    Super great food and service. Great attitude and atmosphere. Well running restaurants

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I have never entered any establishment where you are not greeted. Totally ignored trying to pick up an order. Never again

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    This place is extremely busy on weekends. No mask, social distancing in place, tables all spaced closely together.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Love this place. Food is great and a large menu... something for everyone. Usually a long wait on Friday nights but worth the wait.

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    6 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

    This is my favorite place for Mexican takeout during pandemic :) Reasonable price and good food.

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    El Taco Jalisco - Lengua, shredded beef & carnitas tacos with upcharge for lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & grilled onions (w/rice & beans)

    El Taco Jalisco

    4.5(279 reviews)
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    My partner and I stopped by El Taco Jalisco on 04/03/2026 around 12 PM for lunch, and even though…read moreit was a bit busy, we were pleasantly surprised that we were seated immediately--always a great start! I ordered the lunch special with two tacos (pastor & chicken) and swapped the beans for rice. It was my first time trying pastor, and wow--I was genuinely impressed. The meat was tender, juicy, and packed with a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory flavor that really stood out. Definitely a 5/5 for the pastor taco. The chicken taco was decent--well-seasoned, mildly juicy, and satisfying, but not quite as bold or memorable. I'd give that one a 4/5. One thing I really appreciated: the meat didn't have that dry, overcooked texture you sometimes get at other taco spots. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. My partner ordered the carne asada plate (charbroiled fajita steak with pico de gallo, avocado, rice, and tortillas, with beans swapped for extra rice) $15.99. He said the steak was nicely charred, tender, and full of rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. The plate was filling and well-balanced, and he gave it a solid 4/5. Overall, a great lunch spot with fresh ingredients, quick seating, and flavorful food. We'll definitely be back!

    El servicio siempre es bueno, muy amables pero la calidad de la comida no siempre es buena. Ordene…read moretacos de asada esta vez y la carne estaba medio dura. La agua de jamaica estaba rica y no dulce. Talvez varea la calidad en diferentes dias pero hoy no estubo buena :(

    Photos
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    Very cool Mexican themed tables & chairs!

    El Taco Jalisco - Lengua, shredded beef & carnitas tacos with upcharge for lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & grilled onions (w/rice & beans)

    Lengua, shredded beef & carnitas tacos with upcharge for lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & grilled onions (w/rice & beans)

    El Taco Jalisco - Lengua, shredded beef & carnitas tacos with upcharge for lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & grilled onions (w/rice & beans)

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    Lengua, shredded beef & carnitas tacos with upcharge for lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & grilled onions (w/rice & beans)

    El Centinela - mexican - Updated May 2026

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