This is a pretty decent joint if you're looking for some good Mexican food in Boston! I ordered the taco barbacoa (slow-cooked shredded beef) that was cooked very nicely and will definitely fill your taco needs albeit being a tad bit pricey (5 USD) for just one taco. However, given its quality and decent fillings, it is definitely worth it! I usually can eat a lot and seldomly ever get full in one sitting, but that was before I feasted on the pork chimichanga. For 16 USD, you will surely not be able to leave the restaurant complaining about how little the portions are or even be able to walk out normally after your *attempt* at finishing the chimichanga. Packed with marinated pork, melting and oozing cheese, and salsa, I would definitely recommend it for the hungry and starving souls! read more

El Centro - Taco Barbacoa (beef) - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Margaritas were like water. No explanation Server was unresponsive to the comment... whatever... locals were drinking bottled beer... which I admit was cold. First time visit but if you don't pass the Margarita test, it's tough to want to return. read more

Came here on a recommendation from a friend. I will not be returning. The rice beans and steak all needed seasoning. The staff is incredibly nice but that cannot save a restaurant from bland food. I wouldn't recommend this place. Hopefully anyone else has better luck. read more

The Arepa appetizer was buried under mountains of wet lettuce, which masked the crisp corn flavor. When it comes to entrees, the Enchiladas are fabulous. The asparagus in the veggie version was perfectly crisp but cooked, the soggy was baked out of the enchilada, but even the edges of the tortilla stayed unwrinkled and moist. The red sauce is solid, I've heard the green sauce is better, but when it comes to the enchiladas, you can't go wrong. Speaking of going wrong, learn from my mistakes! The chimichanga was one of the biggest food mistakes I've ever made! A chimichanga is supposed to be a deep-fried burrito, not a sad slab of meat rolled in a tortilla and slapped on a plate. The flavorless meat which wasn't even salted. There was literally nothing else in the chimichanga, and water from the lettuce made the bottom of the tortilla soggy and slimy. Gross! Sadly for El Centro, this lack-luster chimichanga cost them 2 whole stars. Between the arepa and the chimichanga-water, it seems like El Centro specializes in veggie enchiladas and soggy lettuce. If you decide to eat here, order the enchiladas. It might be the only safe dish on the menu! read more

El Centro! My new go-to for neighborhood Mexican food. Coming from the West Coast, it's been depressing how bleak the Mexican food choices are in New England. I'm not saying there aren't some out there, but there really haven't been many that have truly won me over. Last night was my first visit to El Centro and my guest and I were warmly invited to go sit at the "mini" bar and drink some spicy sangria while we waited for a table to open up (they don't take reservations). The spicy sangria was right on. It wasn't too spicy, but it reminded me of Christmas in Mexico...if I'd ever been there for Christmas. Once we sat down at our table we ordered some "El Centro" guacamole and their grilled corn. The guac was superb with the addition of cotija cheese sprinkled on top. The grilled corn didn't have a wow factor. The romano cheese spread on top was lacking in flavor. More heat please! The star of my meal was their tortilla soup. It was very flavorful and most definitely did not skimp on the chicken or the avocado pieces on top, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The pork loin with pineapple taco was also very delicious and the soft corn tortilla definitely had homemade flavor (because they are homemade!) Our waitress was very friendly and our food was brought out in a timely fashion. I do believe as we were walking out the door that I said "alright that's it...I know where I'm going next Sunday night for Mexican...El Centro!" read more

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Vibe is okay, but a little too dark. I got the chimichanga but was not impressed-it didn't have any flavor/seasoning and tasted watery. We didn't get water until I asked for it and took a while to be checked on at table. Not really pressed to come back unfortunately read more

El Centro - Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Good service at a comfortable spot serving Mexican food. Good choices on the menu and the servers are great with suggestions and info about ingredients. I appreciated that they let me substitute beans for a double order of rice. I had the Chicken Enchilada and it was good, although it was a bit bland for my taste. That's not to say the food isn't good. This particular dish didn't quite pack the punch I was hoping for. That said, I'll come back again to try something different and enjoy the charming atmosphere. read more

El Centro - Chicken Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

If I could rate it less than 1 I would. Nasty servers and mid/trash food. I took one bite of the salmon and didn't want it after order a bunch of food, I told the server (KORA) and ask to take it back. Her and another waiter proceeded to argue with me that that's not their policy. What kind of restaurant doesn't let you take back food if it was bad?? Also me and my girlfriend were the only black people in there. Despite not wanting the salmon, I asked for more drinks. After they finally took back the salmon, they immediately brought the check and ignored the drink requested. I told Kora that it was clear they wanted us to leave and she agreed. Don't go here if you want good food or be treated correctly. read more

I love the vibe of this place. Great food, drinks and ambiance. It is located on a cute tree-lined street in the South End.

I've been looking for great Mexican food since moving here from Tucson, AZ. The barbacoa reminds me of home, so good. I removed a star since I've requested no onions on our takeout orders twice, but both times the order arrives with them. read more

It was so good, I went with my significant other and boy oh boy was this delicious the Margaritas were phenomenal and very strong I must add. We had a couple passionate rounds when we got back if you know what I mean, so thanks for that El Centro ;) . Enchiladas and Burrito muy delicious, this place rocks. read more

I have both eaten in and ordered from El Centro. Both times I got a combination of different tacos. All of them were delicious. I have also tried the margarita and it was pretty delicious. Really recommend to anyone looking for Mexican food in the South End! read more

Great guac and salsa - chips were fresh, too. Carne Asada burrito was excellent, as was the pastor quesadilla - great food! read more

Got tacos, margaritas, and quesadillas. Great authentic cuisine, GUAC was tasty. Small portions for the price. Ambience was decent.

We stopped in here for a drink while waiting for a table at Orinoco across the way... Service was slow, but the place was jam packed. Took us about 15 minutes to get margaritas even though we were seated at the stools right in front of the small bar area. The 'ritas were good though, and the food looked tasty. Fairly priced for quality/quanity of the beverage at roughly $10-12. I am probably going to come back to try the food. read more

Omg! This place... food, service, everything is perfect. The owner, Pedro and his hospitality makes you feel so welcomed.

Tuesday is half price tacos! Who doesn't love tacos? This place is great. We have gotten take out twice since the pandemic started and the food has been fast and hot. Great quality. Staff is always fantastic. read more

Great food and environment. Loved the music and feel of the place! Went around 2:30 on a Friday and it was empty. The service was very friendly and efficient. The tacos are good but a bit expensive. $5 a taco. The margaritas were very good though! Also the guacamole sprinkled with cheese is delicious! read more

El Centro - Great guac! (10$ for tacos/ 5 for guac on the side) - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Just went to El Centro from the first time for a "Taco Tuesday" with the boys. Tacos were half price and VERY good. Not just your typical chicken or steak tacos, they put a twist into their menu that will keep you on you toes. We also got guac as an app that is a must try. Service was good and quick, no complaints. The restaurant itself is sandwiched between brownstones in the South End but once you're inside you'll feel like you're on a mini-vacation of Mexico! read more

El Centro - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

PROS: - The house hot sauce is quite spicy and good CONS: - They gave us one serving of chips + salsa for the table when there were six (6) of us. 2-tops got exactly the same amount. - They would not let us put tables together to accommodate us even though there were more than enough open tables. So we sat on one of their weird, super narrow, angular bar tables in the way of the front door. - They never came to check on us after we ordered and after we received our food. - They wouldn't give us separate bills, but let us pay with individual credit cards on one bill, which I *know* is more complicated than just giving us separate bills. - The refried beans are like soup: thin and runny. - First restaurant I've ever encountered that undersalts their food. read more

what a cute little hidden gem! very cute (but small) atmosphere - but they did just get some patio space outside! delicious food with lots of options. very inexpensive and quick! I get takeout a lot since I work nearby. a must try! read more

doesn't look like much when you walk by but MAN! LOVED it. Celebrated my anniversary here and found this place on a whim. Loved everything we put in our mouth. The owner and staff were super nice and attentive Definitely coming again! read more

I asked 3 waiters 6 times over 30 minutes for possibly the most simple and basic of requests, a beer. Each assured me it was coming and somehow not one person managed to bring me a beer in that same thirty minutes. I don't know about the food, because I got up and left after waiting patiently for the beer. But if it's as "slow" as the waiters and the service then I imagine it's absolutely terrible. Will never go here again. Worst service I've had in a very long time! read more

Anyone who is not spanish would think is very delicious place to eat. But My GOD the food was terrible. No taste, no flavor. I order biztec with rice and bean. And it was a mix of little piece steak with a corn sauce from the blender. I left the hall plate. not recommended. From 1 to 10...1 maybe read more

Wow this place is amazing! The chimichanga was extremely fresh and flavorful and the tres leches cake was delish. The staff were extremely nice and welcoming. I can't wait to go back! read more

I've never once had a bad experience at El Centro! I highly recommend their empanadas (barbacoa or chicken) and their barbacoa enchiladas with chipotle sauce are out of this world. Their picante margaritas are incredible also. The staff is always super friendly and kind and I cannot wait until it's warm enough to sit outside on their cozy patio again! We're planning on moving apartments later this year and a large factor in our next location is proximity to El Centro. It's my favorite place to eat in the South End by a long shot. read more

Cozy place the food was really good and the drinks too. Music was very entertaining and the atmosphere was inviting to have a good time. The only thing I have to say is that while guests are waiting to be seated since the place is too small there was really not an area were we could hang were we didn't feel like a bother to the waiting staff. I also thought of some of the appetizers a bit pricey for the portions. (Empanadas, tasty but is just one small empanada cut in half). We asked for water and they never brought us, but they were as attentive as they could. read more

Love it!!!!! Definitely I will come back! The guacamole and chorizo was delicious. I had the chimichanga, I ate it almost everything (but you can split it with someone). I like the sangria too. I don't know if the owner was the one that come to my table, he was so nice, he bring us the different styles of meat so we can try a little bit of everything. I love the decoration of the place and the spanish music. Highly recommend read more

I was looking for a good Mexican restaurant in Boston and we surely found it. The food is excellent and the service is great. Will definitely be back. read more

By far the best & most authentic mexican food in Boston. The plates here are to die for & so are the margaritas. Cant go wrong with tacos, toastada, or one of the specials. The carnitas verde was expecially good. FYi no reservations here! read more

I got a chimichanga. It was delicious. I eould definitely come back to try the different menu items. My friends got rhw vegetable enchiladas which they also liked. This was one of the better Mexican places I've tried in Boston. read more

El Centro - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

El Centro is my favorite Mexican food in Boston! Most recently, I ordered a carne asada burrito bowl and haven't stopped thinking about it since. The atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant, and despite the small size of the restaurant, I'm almost always able to be accommodated immediately upon arrival. If it weren't for consistent service hiccups, I would rate this place five stars. During my last visit, two orders for my party of five were incorrect. The server graciously corrected the issue, though, and was knowledgeable about the menu's gluten free options. read more

Loved the cute little restaurant and lay out. Of a side street with outdoor seating. Servers were friendly and attentive. I ordered the shrimp in chipotle sauce with rice. Rice was mediocre but pleasant enough. The sauce had a kick to which I appreciate. The price didn't match the taste for me unfortunately. My meal was $16/18 dollars, I expected a lot of flavours. Regardless, the portion size was just the right amount. read more

El Centro - Shrimp with chipotle sauce $18 - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I really wanted to like this place and perhaps they just had a bad day El Centro is a neighborhood place in the South End. It's kind of crowded with about 20 tables and some outside seating along with a small bar in the back First the good: the waiters work their butts off. There was only two serving everyone yet they were still attentive The guacamole was very good. It seemed homemade and fresh However, the chips tasted like styrofoam. They were store bought or tasted that way My main was the chicken dish..huge gobs of tough, old meat with cold rice. My girl only only had a couple of bites of hers I want to support locals, but it is a two street...please show me you care to improve read more

This place knows how to do taco Tuesdays - half off tacos! :) I got to experience this the other week and i was super impressed. They really load up each taco and they're all so flavorful. I liked the fish and al pastor ones. We shared guac and ordered three tacos each and I was stuffed. I'm surprised the place wasn't as packed, it's such a great deal read more

Do not come here for lunch if you are in a rush. When we arrived, everyone had already been served and almost done eating so my party of three were the only ones that needed service. Service was slow as molasses, strike one. My friend and I ordered the burrito which is supposed to have guacamole but we were informed that it didn't come with guacamole. Why list it that way on the menu then? Strike two. My friend chose something else but I stuck with the burrito with barbacoa (shredded beef). The barbacoa was so bland. You would think something so tender would have some kind of flavor. Nope. I had to drench it in hot sauce in order to make it edible. Strike three. Never again. Cute place and cheat eats but what good is it when you have to douse your food in hot sauce to make it edible? read more

I love it, this place is just amazing 100% recommended, love their half beso mexicano half strawberries margarita. Their queso fundido and tacos are very good. read more

El Centro - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cozy little Mexican spot that has a lot of authentic charm to it the selection of food is perfect giving a selection of many different dishes to choose from. What can happen when the restaurant and the good food it offers go wrong? Service. The customer service that can spoil the whole night, when the waitress displays eye contact and fails to approach the table and ask for assistance when the desire for desert is all but lost when the check is brought. Customer service to a small business is the center piece of survival I hope they focus more on it. read more

El Centro has been one of our favorite restaurants since moving to the South End 5+ years ago. True authentic Mexican food, great drinks and great service. For some unexplained reason, the service has deteriorated badly over the last 6-9 months. It takes the wait staff a long time to take your order and even longer to bring your food to the table. Because of back to back bad experiences (and our love of their food) we started ordering take out, or at least trying to. The last 4 times we wanted to get take out, the phone has been busy. We called back 11 times over a 30 minute period, each time the phone was busy. We ended up ordering from across the street and on my to pick up the food I stopped at El Centro to see what was up. They 'accidentally' left the phone off the hook! I told them that they lost a $100 Order from me and probably another $800 - $1000 from others who tried to order but they didn't seem to care. We tried again a few weeks later and same thing; phone was busy. We stopped trying for a while and gave it another try today (Cinco de Mayo). We called at 12:30pm and of course the phone was busy. We decided to walk down and eat there. We let them know the phone was off the hook and they thanked us. They took our order, forgot to bring us the chips and salsa we ordered (had to ask 3 different people before they finally got them). The food took about 30 minutes to get to our table and while we were waiting, I tried calling their phone just to see what would happen and it was still busy! No one was on the phone. I really don't understand what is happening here lately but it's really upsetting as their food is still great but it seems like they don't want our business anymore and apparently don't want to deal with take order orders either. My recommendations would be to get a real business phone with multiple lines. Not the cordless home phones they have now which they leave on Talk by 'accident' all time. They also need to add more waitstaff as the service has gone way down hill. Hats off the chef though as the food is still excellent. Please address these issues ASAP or you are going to lose your faithful clientele and our word of mouth recommendations as well. read more

I have finally found my Mexican food gem in Boston. Coming from Arizona, i have been searching for great authentic Sonoran based Mexican food. I had a steak quesadilla and chicken taco. both meats were extra juicy and cooked to perfection. There is no doubt why this small place was listed on Thrillist as one od the top Mexican Restaurants in the Country. Simple, Authentic, good value, great service. This place was pefecto for a casual dining lunch/brunch experience. Next time we tackle the Margaritas... read more

El Centro - Quesidilla Con Steak - Mexican Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts