Several years ago this was a good place to eat but their food is going downhill. I don't know if they've changed owners or cooks or what has happened. The customer service is still pretty good but their actual food, not so much. It's not horrible but it's barely passable. But it used to be good. I usually get a burrito or chimichanga but they have become bland and tasteless. Which is strange since it's a Mexican restaurant. You would think there would be more seasoning and more lively flavors but that is not the case here. At least not with those two menu items. When I get a dish that includes rice or beans, they are often cold or barely warm. The last time they spread the rice all over the large plate to make it look like I was getting more than I really was. All that did was make the rice even colder. Even the plate presentation is bland and boring. Sometimes all the food is one color and they don't even bother to sprinkle the plate with a garnish of a few green onions, tomato, or parsley to add some color or visual interest. El Cerro Grande's whole vibe these days is "We don't have very good cooks and we also need to cut corners to save money and we don't really care about the details". This used to be our go-to place where we would meet up with friends for dinner, but we have decided to try some other local Mexican Restaurants. It's not that it's a terrible place, it's just not a very good place either. read more

The cheese enchilada was filled with white American cheese. So inauthentic and just tasted like eating fat. Pretty sure the enchilada sauce came from a can. Even the pepper and onion enchilada had that awful cheese. I had to practically beg for peppers and onions not just peppers or onions. The chicken on my second enchilada was so tough that I couldn't chew it. I wanted horchata to drink and after awhile long while, the waiter came with a quart sized bottle and said you had to buy it that way! Ridiculous that you can't buy a glass of it. The only good things were the rice and beans although I had to eat around the American cheese (again!) on the beans! Why can't they use Mexican cheese? You can buy it anywhere! Probably because it costs more. My husband ordered shrimp tacos and the shrimp were good. read more

We used to eat here a lot, but it had been a while so we decided to have dinner. I was very disappointed with my meal, Fajitas Del Mar. It had little flavor. I actually added salt three times to it, I kid you not! My wife got Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was also bland. The chicken was low quality. It was fatty/lumped and had no flavor. She used to get this often and enjoyed it in the past. Otherwise, our appetizer, Pico de Gallo Mexican-style, was decent. The waitress was friendly, but inattentive. We had to ask someone else for the salt and pepper and she let my water run out. My wife mentioned the blandness of the soup to her and she didn't ask any follow up questions to show some level of concern. All in all, we won't be returning. read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Fajitas Del Mar - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Amazing food, servers, and incredible ambiance!! More reasonable prices compared to the many other Mexican restaurants I've tried! You can't go wrong with dining here! read more

A girlfriend and I came for dinner last night- we were in need of tasty drinks and some delicious food. She ordered the massive margarita and the arroz con camerones which is normally my favorite dish. However.... I saw that there was a new addition to the fajitas offering- CHEESY FAJITAS! It was the perfect meal- steak fajitas, onions, green bell peppers, covered with cheese, with a side of refried beans, and another side of guacamole, sour cream, and pico along with several warm tortillas. It was delicious, filling, and went perfect with my mango mojito. read more

See all

El Cerro Grande is a Wilmington must try! They opened in 1991 and they have three locations. The Ibarra family owns and operates and they are a wonderful and sweet family. I went to school with some of the kids. They provide great quality and service and growing up going here often it's very cozy and nostalgic. There is a huge menu with something for everyone. Check the online menu on their website for pictures of menu items! Another great Mexican restaurant in Wilmington is Zocalo Street Food and Tequila. It's more upscale definitely different vibes but both are delicious food and great service. Check them both out! read more

I was hungry for Mexican food and drove by this place, so I decided to try it out. I ordered a lunch special, the Speedy Gonzalez: A beef taco, chicken enchilada and rice. It came out quickly, along with chips and salsa. The chips were nice and crispy. The salsa was plain. No heat to it. The taco shell had a nice crunch but the beef was bland. Absolutely no flavor. The same with the chicken enchilada. No flavor at all. And the red sauce that topped it tasted like a mix of tomato sauce and ketchup. Really bad lunch. I didn't even finish the enchilada. Service could improve. The waiter never came by to see if I needed anything and I had to wait for a bit to get my bill. The place is pretty noisy with music in the background and hearing noise from the kitchen. Thanks, but I won't be returning here. read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Speedy Gonzalez. Chicken enchilada and a beef taco; rice too. - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

***Third Visit*** When you visit Wilmington and you want authentic Great Mexican food with an AWESOME VIBE come visit El Cerro Grande! I've completed a couple reviews on this awesome place but the 3rd time might have been even better than the previous two! El Cerro Grande which comes with two enchiladas, chili relleno, taco, tostada + rice & beans! I also tried their Fish Taco's, Chicken Fajitas, and you can't go wrong with a cold Michalada or Beer of your choice! Super chill and the wait staff was excellent! read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - El Cerro Grande - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

My wife and I just ate at the Monkey Junction location in Wilmington. We have eaten there many times and had no issued. Today was somewhat different! I ordered the APC dish which is normally my favorite! The rice was so dry that it was so crunchy that it appeared it had been cooked for quite a while and then served! I asked for extra salsa twice before our waitress addressed us! I would have sent my food back but do not like to eat food that has been sent back to the kitchen. Hopefully this review will be addressed for future guests. Larry D White read more

We love El Cerro grande, this location in particular. The food is delicious and the service has always been good. We have taken out of town guests here and they have all loved it as well. Great place! read more

First time here the reviews were good, so let's check it out. Let me start by say Adrianna made this visit, she was friendly, cute as a button and so easy going. The salsa was not bad but it was bottom shelf brand I am sure, very watery and just tomato saucy. We ordered the Guatemalan Avacado dip, It was okay, just not a lot of Avacado, and sort of bland, it was lamost like you order they slam everything in a food processor and send it out, never marinated. We got the Fajitas and they were decent, not any better or worse than anyone else. The Margarita the wife got was just so unflavorful, I think they skimped on the booze, they make it big and fancy but....not so good. We have been here a year and we are still looking for good Mexican food and that search will not stopp here. read more

Service was great, a little short staffed but the waitress was very nice. Food was great! Wish I had asked for cheese instead of meat in the chili, but it was really good . The restaurant was a little cramped and crowded but overall really accommodating at everyone. I liked it a lot read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Special Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We have been going here at least once a month for about 2 years now. The food is always spot on and the service never fails. The margaritas are pretty good as well. We enjoy the atmosphere and are always welcomed with smiles upon arrival. Overall, it's a good place to get some great food! read more

The atmosphere and decor were great but let's get to the food. The chips were average. The quesadilla I got was The smallest quesadilla I've ever seen. Rice was solid though. This place is average at best. Service was great btw read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Quesadilla Rellena - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Love eating here! Service is great and I can't get enough of the homemade hot sauce! Great food, drinks, and service! read more

See all

This place stays open a bit later than most places in CB so we decided to give it a try. Their selection is similar to any tex-mex place, so you really can't go wrong! The food was very tasty and the servers were very nice and accommodating even though we came in closer to their closing time. Great place for a quick late night bite! read more

Can not say enough great thins about El Cerro!! The food and service are top notch. They always remember your drink order, and have the chips and salsa always coming. read more

Forgot to get a picture! Server is wonderful as always, but I don't think he listened to what I wanted fully. I asked for one spinach and one chicken enchilada! Extra shredded cheese! Now normally they ask if I want red or green sauce and I always prefer green! The dish come out flowing with red sauce- so much that the food was just horrible- couldn't even eat the chicken enchilada at all. Now I did get the fried ice cream- which is always ON POINT! Best crew- always good food- just think the crew/team need to make sure they listen and confirm orders! First time I had a bad experience so I will be back! read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Skinny Margarita!!! Yummy!! - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I ordered the Caporales burritos and my friend got El Papi burrito. Both dishes were SO yummy! I also got a mojito which was really good. This was my like 3rd time eating here and I always enjoy the food and service. read more

See all

This place was recommended by many people but I was very disappointed in the food. The tortilla was gummy and raw tasting and the beans lacked flavor. The only good thing was the rice. Sadly had two bites of my enchilada and couldn't eat it. read more

Very yummy always good been going for years nice service amazing atmosphere the salsa is the best love it!

Good food ...fun decor...nice service. But the drinks are weak and clearly made from a mix. Otherwise

I wrote a review 6 months ago, and don't recall what I said. But Yelp is prompting me to finish it. I remember that the food was excellent and the staff was extremely nice. I most likely had Chili Relleños, as it's a favorite of mine. Now I'm getting hungry! read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in here Saturday for lunch after a relaxing day at the beach. The Yelp reviews were good, and we were both craving Mexican food. El Cerro Grande did not disappoint! The chips were hot and fresh, and the salsa had amazing flavors. It was so good! We also got a small side of guacamole dip, and that had great flavors as well. We were both thirsty and craving a good margarita. My boyfriend got a small Texas margarita (he was driving), and I got a medium Texas margarita. We both loved them! But, I thought $13.99 for a medium was too expensive for the quantity of drink I received. My BF ordered the Speedy Gonzales with a beef taco, enchilada, rice (it was supposed to be rice OR beans, but they gave him both) and chipotle cheese sauce. He loved it! I ordered the El Cerro pulled chicken tacos. They were delicious! Our waiter was the best!! I can't remember his name, but he was great!! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

Food came out fast waiters are nice and friendly the steak was juicy and the shrimp was too the Refried beans are good which is rare read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Steak and Shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We searched for Mexican food around the area and this restaurant had over 1,000 reviews (4.4 stars) on Google, but sadly very little reviews on Yelp. So we decided to give this place a try, and we are glad we did. As with other mexican restaurants, we were given chips and salsa (but the salsa that was provided could be store bought). So we ordered hot sauce, then they brought out the fresh salsa dip that was pretty good. We ordered Shrimp chimichanga (excellent, flavorful, Shrimp was juicy, it came with refried beans), chicken burrito supreme (pretty good, it came with rice), Seafood chipotle (the shrimp and tilapia was smothered in chipotle sauce, but it was too tomatoey/sour for our taste). The mango margarita and coronarita were also pretty good. The portion size for the food and drinks were pretty good for the price. The decor and environment of the restaurant were also pretty "Mexican-y". Would recommend this place if you are in mood for some Mexican food. read more

See all

Although the staff is very enthusiastic and friendly, the food leaned a little too much on the bland side. Since moving to the area two years ago from Texas, we have been looking for a decent Mexican restaurant. We have found a few but many cater to people with milder palates and El Cerro Grande fits that mold just like the closest "Mexican" restaurant to us, San Felipe. We won't be going back. read more

Always delicious food. I get the queso fajitas with queso on the side. They used to put the cheese in my fajitas, but it would burn the cheese. So instead, you put it on the side and you pour it on yourself. It's amazing. read more

It's a go to for us since 1990. When you want predictably good Americanized Mexican food this is the place to go. Good quantity and good flavors. Always get the queso! read more

One word- Margarita.... Very strong and tasty!! There have huge portions and the food is just fresh and great or maybe it's the strong margaritas lol We normally come here with a big group and they have always been very accommodating to our rowdy crowd! read more

This place is amazing! Great portion sizes, and a huge menu to choose from. The drinks are also a great size for the price. Entrees, desert, and drinks we tried were all amazing. We got the ACP, ACC, and the fried ice cream as well as margaritas and we were not disappointed. We will definitely be coming back! read more

I was in the restroom and observed a waitress enter in, use the restroom, blow her nose and leave without washing her hands. That is utterly disgusting. I will never eat there again!!!! read more

Two stars because the wait to get it wasn't long and the establishment was clean. Everything thing else, horrible. It took forever for our food to come out. When my food finally came out, it was cold. Ummm oh no not acceptable especially when I'm paying 11+toppings for three little tacos. Anywho, the waitress sucked. She didn't come back to check on us. No refills what so ever. I had to go to the greeters stand to get the waitress. Then when it was time to go, she had the nerve to stand there with her arms crossed and wait for us to give her our debit card when she brought the tab out. Not only was did she have an attitude with us, she was kinda rude to another customer. We won't be returning that's for sure. read more

El Cerro Grande Mexican Restaurant - Had to get my food Togo it took so long. - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

amazing food. i got the taco salad and i'm very picky, this was very good. however, the ambiance was very overstimulating as loud drums would be banged what seemed like every 5 minutes. definitely not a chill and relaxed place but still good read more

The best Mexican food in Wilmington. Great food, great service and great drinks. Give it a try

Three stars because the manager wouldn't turn the heat up. It is very cold in there and you need to wear a coat to eat. Too bad. Place has potential. read more

This is our go to place for great Mexican food because it never disappoints. The service is great even when they're busy. Always get the carne asada and I finish the whole dish. Prices are great too. read more

We have been frequent diners at "The Big Hill", for 25 years. Always clean, always fast, always tasty, and always a lot to eat for the price! Huge menu and plenty of drink selections. Impossible to go wrong by trying El Cerro Grande. read more

Thai food is mad good fr fr ong get anything on the menu and it is bussin fr I like the chimichangas

Abel helped us with a family meal for our office party! He was super accommodating and friendly! The taco bar worked perfect for our group. Thank you Abel!!! read more