I am always open to trying places regardless of my predispositions. My opinion of El Chico prior to March 30th was that it was most likely a terrible restaurant. On March 30th my experience at El Chico confirmed what I believed. There were three of us eating so we ordered some appetizers and a few meals and shared everything. Everything was bad with the exception of the guacamole, which was surprisingly delicious. They made it out of all fresh ingredients table side. The combination fajitas were terrible and rubbery. I cannot recommend this place to anyone, but there is one scenario that someone should dine at this El Chico. Here is that scenario: You are at The Buckle at Sooner Fashion Mall shopping their unbelievable selection of Affliction shirts. After spending two hours looking through their really cool bedazzled dress shirts, reversible beanies and beautifully designed t-shirts, you realize you are really hungry. You can't leave the mall though, because you haven't done your fedora shopping for the afternoon. You realize that El Chico is right next door and you can get a quick meal in and still shop for fedoras all afternoon! In this scenario it would be acceptable to eat at El Chico. read more

I'm going to use the phrase "chipotle drizzle" a lot in this review, so brace yourself. I was ready to give them a 3 star review because the place is so much cleaner and the renovations are really nice. It looks so much better than it did before. Unfortunately the service wasn't great today. Our server was constantly there asking us if we needed anything, but basically failed to pay attention to anything that we said. We waited a long time to order as he chatted with another member of the waitstaff and when he finally came back and took our order a few items had to be repeated as he was leaving the table because he had already forgotten. I still had hope though. Then my tacos came out. I had made sure to order a specific type and not another because I had tried them both and one was awful. The other I liked and wanted to have again. Simple enough. My tacos arrived and they weren't what I ordered. I pointed it out to the waiter who brought the food to our table and told him the tacos I wanted were the Fajita Chicken tacos -- the ones with the "chipotle drizzle", to which he responded -- "Nah, you ordered the wrong ones. You meant to order the Cascabel tacos and they have the chipotle wine sauce." Well, I knew what he was saying wasn't accurate. I didn't want the Cascabel tacos, I wanted the Chicken Fajita tacos. Either way, the tacos on the plate were not the ones I ordered. He proceeds to tell me that I asked for the wrong thing, that the chipotle drizzle is the same thing as the chipotle wine sauce, they'll fix it, whatever. By then my waiter has arrived to see what the issue is and they decide to take my plate back and "fix" the issue by adding the sauce they believe is missing. When the tacos come back they have some kind of sauce on them that I had definitely never had before and it was in no way a "chipotle drizzle." It was the wine sauce which the second waiter informed me was "the better choice anyway." FYI -- it wasn't. It was gross. At this point I'm feeling like I'm putting these people out just to get the food that I ordered, but I asked my original waiter if he could please bring me the menu. We confirmed that the tacos I ordered were indeed supposed to have a "chipotle drizzle" but no one would admit that the mistake was made in the kitchen and now I have this offensive chipotle wine sauce on top of the tacos and they're telling me it's the same thing. Newsflash -- I have ordered these tacos before and this is not what was on them. I gave up and just took the food as it was because I could see that the guy who brought the food out from the kitchen wasn't going to budge -- to him this was the "better sauce" and apparently I needed to be pleased with his assessment and accept it. The staff needs to learn the menu. Regarding the rest of the service, it took asking our waiter for chips 3 times before we got any to go with the table side guacamole we ordered. His feigned attentiveness was annoying and it seemed pretty useless for him to ask if he could get us anything else when he literally forgot everything we asked for. read more

Not sure of his name, but the bartender on 7/7/21 at 2:00 has been amazing! There isn't a single employee in here working harder than he is. Running the bar, answering the phone and call in orders as well as tending to nearby tables, he hasn't stopped running! Always polite, kept drinks full, quick to take orders. Honestly, we thought he may have been the GM with how hard he was working. Great job! read more

Good eats and affordable prices. Several of the dishes have improved over the years. Their blanco sauce for their chicken enchiladas are delicious. read more

El Chico - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

So el Chico is not the same anymore I think new people are working and is has seen better days. I order the same time as my family and one of the workers forgot my order and it took them another 20 mins to get mine to me and also there food is not the same. Hope this is helpful for other. P.S if I could rate in negatives I would! read more

Not only was the food delicious, but the customer service was excellent! The owner personally served us, the prep cook came out and made sure our food was correct. The staff was very friendly, and my family and I definitely felt welcome. And for so cheap! read more

Great food great service. Always fast and always delicious. A good lunch place especially if you're in a hurry. read more

The last two times we've been there the host staff has ignored us or seated other groups before us despite not being a large party (family of 5). We were there at opening today and had the hostess seat multiple table that hadn't even put their name on the wait list before us. I guess they're doing so well the didn't need our money today. read more

I ate here on a recent trip to OK and I loved the mixed grill fajitas accompanied by a delicious and refreshing margarita! The staff was friendly and fun, and I look forward to eating here when I visit Norman again. read more

Would give negative stars if I could. I got a fajita vegetarian burrito, expecting bell peppers and onions. NO. Potatoes, green beans, carrots and mushrooms? What? The taste was terrible to the extent my friend I was with didn't even take 3 bites before just giving up and going somewhere else. Waste of time and money. read more

For chain Tex-Mex, El Chico is hard to beat. I've been eating at this location for about 30 years. It's generic but tends to be flavorful. The fake queso is the best I've had anywhere (but only at this location, oddly). My favorites include: steak quesadilla, steak fajitas, "street tacos" (they call them something different) and the chimi combo. Unfortunately, the quality and strength of their drinks has gone way downhill in the last year since they opened up the stand-alone bar. read more

My husband and I went on Monday night at 6:00 8/3/20. We were seated quickly, and was asked to share a menu. There were no other people there. His food and mine made us both deathly ill. Their food is sub standard, the menu has been shortened to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchaladas, period. The El Chico's experience was a fiasco. On top of the food being lousy, they charged $21.00 for two margaritas. We will never go back. read more

Never liked their over priced, low quality food anyway, but these kinds of business practices are unacceptable. I just wanted the Yelp community to be aware of them. http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/5395/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQBzAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAyADkA read more

The relish and queso are good, and most of the food was decent. Our waiter was sweet. I like how they build the nachos so that they look like little perfect triangular beds with chicken pieces tucked under cheese blankets on bean mattresses. I hate how their beans taste strongly of animal fat. Yes, I know real refried beans have lard in them, but somehow most avoid tasting like some dust-bowl grandma sneaked into the kitchen and and poured her entire jar of bacon grease savings into the pot. I ordered a Mexican Martini, which was on the menu (and because I was missing Austin), and no one knew what it as or how to make it. I'm pretty sure I drank an entire shaker of sweet and sour mix. It's worth a stop if you're trying not to break your shopping stride (also, it's handy to duck into their bar if you want to have a drink while shopping), but if you have the time, drive to Ted's Escondido. read more

Best salsa and top shelf fajitas!! We also like Wed. Night enchilada night! Always get good service!

The food is good. Decent tex-mex menu and prices that are affordable. I would give it 3 stars for the food, but the service sucks which means often you do not get the food that you ordered. Sometimes a reminder or two helps, and other times it is just more work than it is worth. The staff is friendly, it seems that they mean well. This location just does not measure up to some of the much better places (Alfredo's, Taramahara, Chellino's) in the area. A few times each week we are right across the street at lunch/dinner time - and will just keep on driving from now on. read more

The service is fantastic! Recently under new management, the atmosphere and the food are both a certain combination of wonderful. I'll definitely be back. Would definitely recommend the top shelf guacamole and fajitas! read more

I have always enjoyed the El Chico location since I was a child. The service is friendly and the management makes a point to ensure everyone is doing fine. Typically their food tastes of authentic Mexican cuisine, with bold spice and flavor. I particularly enjoy their Burrito Con Queso and Chicken Tacos. And of course you can't go wrong with fresh chips and queso immediately upon entering. Great atmosphere and great food for everyone! read more

I moved to Norman in 1995 and this was one of the first restaurants I ate at because I ate at El Chico as a child with my family back home. I have eaten here ever since. The managers have been here for the entire 20 years and many of the servers have been here a long time as well. Once you become a regular customer they treat you like family and even new servers are normally good. It may not be as great quality as other Mexican reataurants, but it is great prices and the food is good. read more

The food was okay and they took precautions for daughter's food allergy but the server who didn't say a word dropped the food at our table with bacon on my daughter's chicken fajitas. Our waitress was nice and had the cutest baby bump, and I had told her no meat or dairy in the beans. My daughter only eats chicken. But when they brought out her fajitas with bacon, the waitress argued that bacon was in the name of the dish. Also, less than 2 minutes later when the wordless server came back with the plate minus bacon but a strong bacon taste in the chicken, we were told that they remade the dish. When my daughter was sick before finishing her food, the waitress argued that they didn't just take the bacon off, they recooked it. How can they recook chicken fajitas in less than a minute and replate it and why did it taste like bacon and make my daughter sick? We won't be returning. read more

Wasn't very busy when we went with our kids but we ended up waiting for a table for about a hour or so. Food was okay, have better. Kinda pricey. Not worth the wait though read more

Queso is gross. Food tastes like a bad TV dinner. Would be closed if it weren't in a mall and there weren't foot traffic all around. Save your time and money. read more

Every thing tasted as if was a t.v. tray dinner. Margaritas were the best part. Wait staff was nice . Nothing special go elsewhere if you want better Tex-Mex read more

Much like the mall it's located in, El Chico serves its fairly humble purpose. It provides a decent-to-good sit-down alternative to a food court meal while shopping. There are stand-alone El Chicos out in the wild, but honestly I don't know why. They're a fine choice when taking a break from shopping at a mall, but once you leave there are far better options. When you do come, come hungry; they don't scrimp on the portions. read more

We frequently eat on Wednesday's at noon for the enchilada special. The staff are always friendly and the food is good. Other family members eat there almost weekly and order a variety of menu items, including bar. In the last couple of years they have remodeled with the entrance is on the main corridor of the mall and the restaurant is clean. For the price and service, we have found El Chico, Norman, to be one of our favorite local restaurants. read more

Food was okay, but more attention to cleanliness would go along way towards making a more pleasant visit. They should either clean the kitchen and kitchen floor or do not allow it to be viewed as you walk past to go to the restrooms. Made me not want to finish my meal. read more

Had to wait 25 minutes for a seat. Once we got in and ordered our food and got it started eating it was nasty. table next to us they had spilled chips all over the floor nobody cleaned it up. Had to go use the restroom and those were also gross! Will not be back! I'm surprise this place is still in business in the mall. read more

I waited 2 hours for my food and it came out cold and the food is expensive and crap also the managers are very rude

They have such a joyful and family friendly atmosphere. The location is very convenient... Stopping in for some yummy mexican food after a long day of shopping is a great deal for almost anyone. Speaking of great deals the Tex-Mex for 2 is a smart idea if you're looking for the full experience. It comes with an appetizer your choice of 2 entrees and a free dessert! Great Job El Chico! read more

Service is always amazing fast and pleasant manager is doing a great job!! Food is excellent

The food is pretty good for the most part, but the service is a little lacking. I placed a to go order and when I came to pick it up there were several people waiting at the bar that also had to go orders. The bartender was the only employee in sight, and he was really busy. It took me 15 minutes to get my order because he was the only one working up front. Not only was he the only one up front but he was also in charge of answering the phone which is a corded phone. He could have helped us much quicker had he possessed a cordless phone. Get the man a cordless phone. It is 2016 after all. read more

I've eaten here since the early 90's and always had a great experience. I've noticed over the last few years the quality is going downhill. The queso is watery, the service is iffy and the portion sizes are shrinking. Now I prefer Ted's cafe read more

The fajitas came out sizzling, my mouth watered, and yes, they were delicious. The guacamole was made fresh by the table side, it not only tasted good but it made me feel good to have those fresh ingredients. It's kid friendly, had several cousins with me one who is an ardent Chipotle lover and she is now an ardent El Chico and Chipotle lover. The top shelf queso is the epitome of supremely excellent queso, no other mexican restaurants queso really compares. The service was warm and friendly, and there was more than enough delicious food for an incredible price. read more

This restaurant is the best bet for Mexican food in the greater OKC area. I recommend the following top shelf items: 1) Queso 2) Fajitas 3) Guacamole You will not regret your visit to this restaurant. The food is always hot and service is first class! Oh by the way, if you are of age, I recommend the grande house margarita! read more

We have lunch here almost every time we're at the mall. Service is always fast and friendly. Wednesday enchilada special for $4.99 is a great value. It's run of the mill Mexican food but we enjoy it. I wish they served green chile! read more

Every time I go here, the service is awful but I continue to go back because I like the food and convince of it being inside the mall. A few months back my mom was in a wheel chair and they made her feel extremely unwelcome and acted as if it were a big deal to have her in there. Yet, 6 months later we tried to go back today. I can honestly say that after my experience today, I promise I will never go back. When we were waiting to be seated, the male host stood there for 2 minutes without saying anything or acknowledging us, which was really awkward..but not a huge deal. I had 2 adults with me and my 1 year old son, he asked if a booth was okay and I said, "yeah and we will need a highchair." He said, "okay" and sat us in a front booth. After getting sat down he asked if I would like a booster seat or an actual high chair, and I asked for a high chair because my son is too small for the booster. He got the high chair, gave us our drinks and we figured out what we were going to order. The male host came back and told us he would be our waiter, and asked if we would feel more comfortable in a table because of the hot food trays coming out may "scare the baby in the walkway." I insisted he would be fine and the waiter just stood there staring at us. Then, a female waitress with red curly hair came up and said, " you can't sit there because its a fire hazard you'll need to move." At that point, we decided to just leave. From before we even walked in, we felt unwelcome. Then we felt lied to and pushed around. I also felt inconvenienced being asked/told to move, because moving all out stuff AND a baby isn't a 2second ordeal. From now on, I will be going to Tarahamaras off of Robinson/porter, where the staff is ALWAYS welcoming, the food is great and I never have a bad experience. El Chico has lost our family as customers for sure, no more "second chances" for them from us. read more

Service is terrible, bar not stocked and food average at best. New bar and look was why we came in thinking it was going to be better than last time. We were wrong read more

I highly doubt if it is a Mexican restaurant. The chips are disgusting. For the Fajitas, even more disgusting! The worst Mexican restaurant I have ever been in. Expensive but disgusting! read more

When my food got there the waitress dumped half the food off the plate. I had asked for a another and the lady that brought it said oh you should have just picked it off the table read more

Probably the nastiest, dirtiest place in town. The floor was littered with straws and food. My table was not clean. I sent my utensils back. The menu was stuck together with queso dip. It was, probably, the most filthy restaurant I have ever been inside. Needless to say, I left before the waitress got to my table. Disgusting. Had to laugh, I just looked up El Chico on the Norman Mexican food sight, and it was rated three places behind Taco Bell!!!! This place is a dump! read more