Food, the service was great ..we got seated very quickly..the ambulance was relaxing.

I have nothing but positive things to say about this place. It's now my boyfriend and I favorite Mexican restaurant to go to. Out of ideas for date night? El Chaparral. Just need to wind down with a margarita? El Chaparral! All staff is super sweet, very accommodating, and never had any issues with seating, wait times, or food. Very family friendly and a great place to celebrate any occasions! read more

Horrible food and even worse service. We visited from Houston (from San Antonio originally), but it's been a few years since we paid a visit to El Chap. Today was my husband's 40th and the worst decision we made was having lunch here. The restaurant was 1/3 full when we arrived, yet they seated us in a private room with two large birthday parties and it was so extremely awkward. One other table of two also agreed that they felt weird sitting in there, but they refused to move them to the empty area of the restaurant. The two large groups kept looking over at the two weird tables of 2 and 6 like we were in their space and it was so weird. We felt absolutely displaced and they could have easily put two tables together in their main dining area. Disgraceful. We were an afterthought in this room. We ordered fajitas and what a mistake. The beef and chicken is cur into small chunks, which would normally help poor cuts of meat be more edible, but this was not the case here. We paid $70 for fajitas that my son had to spit out because none of us could chew it. Had 1/2 pound or more of beef on the platter we couldn't eat. I let our waitress know when she asked if we wanted a to go box that it wasn't chewable and it was so fatty we couldn't eat it. She says to us "okay so what, you want a discount or something" I said "well, whatever it is you do, we don't want to take it home." No discount was given. Instead she tried to charge us for the two meals next to us at the other awkward table of two making our check an additional $30. My mother in law who paid our $140 check noticed and asked her to fix it and she did and we were shocked they no discount was given for the beef we couldn't eat on the $70 platter of fajitas. The beans and lard had completely separated and were disgusting. The guacamole had gone rancid. My daughter's chicken tenders were obviously frozen beforehand (which we expected), but weren't even cooked to be warmed through completely and were pale and so disappointing, even for a kid. I'm not expecting Gordon Ramsey style chicken tenders, but warm them all the way through. The service was awful at best because two girls were busy caring for 2 large parities. They left us waiting for refills constantly and walked away while we were still talking because they could have cared less about us. Don't go here. Better yet, don't take someone here on their birthday. If a meal is inedible and you mention it and you train your wait staff to simply say "you want a discount or something?" How weird do you think they is for the patrons eating their meals and paying money there? A discount and an apology should have been automatic. Absolutely unacceptable. In an economy where people don't just go out constantly and pick and are more selective as to where to spend money, to have service and meals like this is unacceptable and pitiful. Spending money on a meal that enjoyable with good service is absolutely a pleasure, but this was the opposite and the waitress didn't even care to make it right. read more

We were a party of five. I ordered the salad with beef fajita and shrimp. Oh my goodness, it was so delicious!! I am definitely going to try that again! The other ladies enjoyed their meals too! Definitely recommend. read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Salad with added beef fajita and shrimp. - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

We have been coming here for 30 years and still love it. The little hole in the wall has changed into a larger totally redesigned restaurant with great indoor and outdoor seating. The food is great as is the service. read more

We saw this restaurant on Day Tripper (YouTube)and wanted to try it. I'm not sure how busy this place is on a regular Saturday but we came for our first time the day before Mother's Day. It was packed but they still had the food out fast! We started with the Queso Chorizo. It's was a tasty start to our meal. I had the fish tacos and my wife had the chicken tacos. They were good, nothing over the top but good for sure. The waiter was quick and helped make our dinner a nice experience. read more

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Not many vegan options. My family said it was a bit overpriced for the overall quality of their dishes. My bf was still hungry after eating his tacos. Packed on Fridays and weekend, be prepared for a line or reserve a table in advance. Nice decorations. Kid friendly, there was a spacious playground outside. Mariachis arrived around 6pm. They play your table a song if you tip them. read more

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Party of 5 adults ate here on a Monday. We have eaten here before when in the area. Tonight 4 of the 5 entrees were too salty to eat. One of us ordered a salad which was good. Very disappointed. We will not be back. read more

We came as a big group hungry after a gorgeous am of zip lining in Helotes. Cool decor throughout and large space to hold many parties. Unfortunately, I haven't been too impressed with the meals I have ordered recently. I ordered a ground beef taco salad a few months ago, which was ended up being too salty. This trip, I ordered a frozen non alcoholic mango margarita and the two step dish from the lighter side menu. Non alcoholic frozen mango margarita- weird consistency- thick and syrupy. Hard to even sip through a straw. I had to return to server and just decided to drink water. Two step- I have had many puffy tacos and this one was not the puffy consistency I thought it would be. Normally puffy is light, this taco was thick and had a heavier texture like a cake. I left most of it on the plate. The enchilada was just ok- drenched in too much cheese- I just ate the inside and it was very salty. Sigh... Service was slow Military discount offered read more

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Friendly wait staff, even for a busy Saturday evening. There was only two of us and we wouldn't be able to take any leftovers with us so we ordered fajitas for one. It was more than enough for both us - and it was very delicious! The salsa is very good, as well. Definitely recommend. read more

Third time here and once again, food and service were great. Celebrated a birthday dinner today and everyone had a fabulous time. Their desserts are also a must try. Highly recommend trying this place. read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

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Food is fantastic. I've never had a bad experience. I've tried many different dishes..... all good. Waiters are wonderful.

My daughter and I ate lunch at this wonderful restaurant. Our waitress was very nice and attentive to our table. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was quiet, the tables were spread out so as not too tight and the food was delicious. There is seating inside cozy settings with saltillo tiles as if you were in a garden. There is also a full stocked bar inside and an area for a private event if desired. I ordered the Carne Guisada Platter and my daughter ordered Carlos' Special, their signature dish. The meals were exceptional. Unfortunately one of the owners daughter passed away some years ago and in her remembrance, a Jardin was named for her, "Jessica's Jardin" . The Jardin is in back of the restaurant and it is very nice. There is a Margarita bar, a pretty green flower garden, a water pool, and a Jungle Jim for children to play on. There are tables and chairs to sit also stand-up electric heaters just in case there is an outside event in the cool weather and the Jardin is accessible by ramp. RECOMMENDATION: Overall, I would return to El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant in Helotes for another exceptional meal and a short trip for some shopping in Old Town Helotes. read more

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Food was overly salty and overpriced for what it was. Server was slow and rude. She made us feel like she'd rather be somewhere else. The feeling was mutual. It's been several years since I've been here. It's not what I remember. Won't be back. read more

Huge restaurant with nice decor inside. Staff were very friendly and food came out in good time. Prices were also really good. read more

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The drive up I was not too impressed. We had to wait 30-45 minutes for a table. The restaurant is typical TX/MEX decor casual with an outdoor patio with fans/sprinkler. (Hot summer heat) service was great and the food was better! They had live music outdoors with mariachi indoors. There is also shaded playground for the kiddos. Been back twice both times very enjoyable! read more

Great classic authentic mexican food! Nice ambience & large menu options. Staff was very professional & prompt! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

Saw this restaurant on a YouTube channel where someone went to eat and the food looked delicious! Had to check it out myself. Service was great staff was great! I will definitely be going back! Got the mole enchiladas and they were chefs kiss read more

There was great service. Host and waitress gave great service. Just that I want to encourage the dishes with meats like chicken with cilantro rice was very dry. I guess it was overcooked and hard and the meat that was a tenderloin $30. I thought it was very hard as well. we were expecting a little bit better quality with these dishes. Broken Rice tasted dry Ambience was nice and clean. read more

We were a party of 13, more than half of us did not like our food. Very tuff meat, beef and chicken. I would not recommend. Great place for kids to play, but lots and lots of mosquito bites I would not recommend read more

One of our new favorites since moving to TX. Great atmosphere, quick seating, fast service and top notch food! Drinks are great too! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Strawberry Mango Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

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One of the best Mexican restaurants in the San Antonio area have gone back several times will continue to go back the server that took care of us as taken care of me before excellent service. read more

Always a good choice best if you have it at restaurant. But this is the only place I will order chalupas from to be delivered as they stay crispy. Enchiladas are the only one I will eat unless I make them. read more

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What an awesome place! Don't let the packed parking lot fool you. Come on in for a wonderful Mexican meal surrounded by bright authentic Mexican decor. The food and service were awesome! There is something on the menu for everyone. Although the bar area is quite small, you can order a drink while you wait for a text that your table is ready. They seat you pretty quickly even on busy nights. El Chaparral also boasts a pan dulce counter as well so you can take some sweets home. I appreciate the Mariachi's going around asking for requests. Their presence definitely adds to the ambiance. I loved the garden/jardin dedication to Jessica as well as reading the family's story. Helotes is a special place and local businesses like El Chaparral are keeping it that way. Honoring traditions of food, love and music the true Tex-Mex way! Órale chicos! read more

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This place has okay Tex-Mex, my Birria street tacos were just boring. Four small corn tortillas with a small scoop of meat and onions. Not a real birria taco, no cheese, not fried, no dipping consomé. My wife's chimichanga was basic with hardly any spice. The saving grace of the meal was her Tamarindo margarita, good spice level and a perfect pour of tequila. Now why they earned a 2 stars. The outside seating was gross, the furniture is dilapidated and covered in old grease and food. And my wifes water had lipstick marks on it and little brown flecks all on the inside. It was our 1st time at El Chaparrals and most likely our last. read more

Good food, consistent in taste. They greet you with friendliness, chips, and a small bowl of beans. I tried the taco salad in a large taco puffy shell. I chose picadillo, and I thought it was good. My friends had the cheese enchilada with a crispy taco, a choice of shredded chicken or picadillo. My salad had guacamole as well. We were celebrating a birthday and got a slice of Tres Leches cake, and we purchased sopapillas, which were fresh and tasty. No tortillas were served with the meal. Our waiter gave great service. read more

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Great value for your money. Large servings. Can handle large amount of customers and plenty of parking. Also outside patio.

I had take out from El Chaparral and the food was amazing. Truly authentic and not TexMex. The people working there were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend! read more

Food was good. Service was fast and ambience was excellent. Better than average Mexican food.

The food was excellent and our bartenders Caleb and Armando made the best Margaritas our family will be back for sure

Please do something about your restrooms. It is doubtful we will return until they are improved. Also, I didn't like the Margaritas. Maybe better fresh than from a frosty machine. read more

My coworker told me about this place so we had to try it out! We're new to San Antonio and are always looking for some great places to eat at. Noah, our waiter had some great recommendations and they did not disappoint! The chicken enchiladas with the jalapeño crème sauce and the asada street tacos were delicious. Noah was great. Very personable and service was excellent. After talking with him a bit we found that we had a lot in common. He's lived in some of the places we've lived at. Small world. Great food and excellent service! We will definitely be back. read more

Quick and attentive service, loved the atmosphere, very traditional atmosphere, little touristy. Food was good quick and nice selections. Beer was ice cold! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Taco & enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

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I don't know what I did to deserve to get treated like this all of a sudden, but wow what a wonderful experience! What an amazing spot for a wonderful date!!! The Margaritas were so Yumm and the atmosphere just gorgeous yet comfy. The back side view from the patio was so beautiful, reminded me a bit of home !!! Our server was also so attentive and sweet! Great place! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

We go to El Chapparal restaurant all the time. Service is fast and friendly. The menu has so many options. It also makes Tex-Mex dishes. Very tasty. Salsa and chips are always great! I highly recommend El Chapparal. Now I'm hungry! Just thinking about it. Enjoy read more

The food and the service was phenomenal my sever cas was absolutely amazing i 100 percent recommend the gabriels nachos my sever was kind and very respectful when i asked for a swap on my dish because i was not satisfied with the original she was understanding and kind all throughout my service i totally reccomend this restaurant!! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

Classic Texan Mexican food, on the border of Tex Mex but a bit more Mexican than classic Tex Mex. They have a nice full service bar and a variety of baked goods, too. The vibe of the restaurant is great too, which you should expect when a place has been around for 50 years. This place is a Helotes landmark! Their menu is pretty expansive and they do also have a separate breakfast menu for 8-11 on the weekends. Same as everywhere, they have decent chips and salsa while you wait for your food. I enjoyed the fact that they bring your beans before your entree, so you can eat it with the chips. Just a little thing but it's nice. I ordered the chimichanga with picadillo (seasoned ground beef). The picadillo is exactly what every Mexican restaurant is trying to do with their seasoned beef, really flavorful. The chile con carne and queso was great too. Would definitely get this exact dish again. read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

We love Mexican food- and this is the best we have found in our travels across the country. AMAZING food! Full of flavor- and bonus- when heated up the next day- it was just as good! Not gross or rubbery. The staff is amazing and friendly. Cute place inside and out. They have outdoor seating as well. Definitely recommend! read more

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant - Helotes - Sooo good! - Mexican Near Me - Helotes, Texas

Our favorite place in Helotes!!! It's always busy but they have plenty of friendly staff members.

Worst customer service!!! Alex the waiter needs to listen to what the customer wants. He needs to be trained or get another job