About 3.5 stars. I really don't see what the hype is from the prior reviews. And I had pretty average expectations going in, but the reviews make it seem so much better. The food was decent; I don't expect super authentic mexican food in a small town in kentucky. The service was okay. We were seated right away, but our waiter did not seem very interested in us. We had to ask for chips and salsa, for silverware, and for more chips. While other tables around us were being checked on, and given refills of chips etc. The thing that bothered me the most was the vegetarian menu. I asked if the beans have pork in them, and the waiter said he thinks they do. I asked him to double check or see if there's an alternative, because I think beans are pretty crucial to a mexican meal. Then he just says, yes they do have pork. This was not mentioned until I asked, and they are included with all the veg options! Also, I'm not sure about the rice as they may have chicken stock or something in it as well. So I ordered vegetarian fajitas and just ate the veggies with salsa. I did appreciate that they had real veggies: zucchini etc, but they had more of a boiled taste than fajita grilled taste. Overall decent mexican food and meh service, but vegetarians beware. read more

Excellent service! Great Food! Highly recommend the Mexicana. Delicious chicken, shrimp, steak, fajita style over a bed of rice topped with queso...yum! read more

I'm in love with El colonial. They've always welcomed my little family. The food is phenomenal. We each have our go-to's that we get everytime. I get the burrito cancun, my boyfriend gets the special LA casa, and my daughters get kids #2. It always consistent and always delicious. There a younger man that works there that it always so sweet to my daughter and makes her giggle everytime. We come once a week but tonight was exceptional. We went with two of our friends for my daughters 4th birthday. They treated her so well and all wished her happy birthday multiple times throughout dinner which made her night. She loved being sang to and getting a funny face of whip cream. So much love and hospitality here! Best restaurant in all of Ashland. Would 100% recommend. read more

The chicken fajitas weren't too good.... The vegetables weren't cooked fully. The chicken didn't taste right, they are bland and had no taste really. However, go ahead and order the fried ice cream! That was awesome! read more

Curb side service, the best in the tri-state. So fast so easy. The food was delicious

We have been patrons at El Colonial since it opened. Our family enjoys the delicious food and the friendly staff is amazing. They make special occasions such fun and truly care about their customers. Everything is fresh and the presentation of the dishes is excellent. Margaritas are so tasty and everything is fairly priced. If you want a great atmosphere, awesome food and the best service in the tri-state give El Colonial a try. Enjoy! read more

The food and service was outstanding. We have only lived in the tri-state area for one year, and this is the first time we've eaten at El Colonial. It is by FAR the best Mexican food in the area! We've lived all over the country and know good, authentic Mexican food. It's also very clean. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed. Especially with the chile rellonos and tamales. read more

The best mexican food in the area! Servings are large and the prices are great! Meals are served hot and quickly. I have called ahead for take out and it is ready quickly also. Always waiting at the counter when I arrive. Delicious! read more

Wow! Hidden gem in a strip mall. Tried and enjoyed chili relleno, stuffed with cheese, chicken enchiladas, with rice and beans. Everything tasted homemade. Best part was the dessert- apple tart with vanilla ice cream. I would come back just for that. Hubby agreed everything we tried was a winner. We will be back! read more

Love, love, love this restaurant!!! The only place to go for Mexican food!!! The best service in the tristate, great food, awesome atmosphere, fast service and inexpensive. Chips and salsa is superb. Thank you for this gem of a restaurant! read more

The food was okay, but the salsa is crap. The nachos were okay but there are better Mexican restaurant in town.

This is probably one of the best restaurants in the Ashland area. Great food, fast friendly service. Great margaritas. What more could you want. read more

What a fantastic place to eat! From day one, El Colonial has had great service and food. My family ears take out from there at least once a week! read more

Favorite Mexican restaurant in Ashland area great food and service. Owner is usually walking floor and checking on quality and service. Staff are great also check out his brothers store in south point Casa Grande same great service and food read more

Nice atmospheric with friendly staff. The salsa is tasty and the chips were fresh and hot. The plates were tastefully presented. The Burrito Cancun was delicious with tender flavorful chicken in a satisfying cheesey cream sauce. Bean were just refried beans and the rice was uneventful. read more

My favorite Mexican restaurant in Ashland! Diego the owner is fantastic! He walks the floors to make sure everyone has been taken care of. They staff are usually always friendly and food is always hot and fresh! My family won't go anywhere else! And they don't serve alcohol! Which is a big plus for us! You don't need it with all that great food! Great family atmosphere! read more

Hawaiian fajitas are excellent. Chips and salsa are replenished quickly as needed. They give you individual salsa bowls so no need to worry about the dreaded double dippers in your party. Service is always friendly and efficient. Highly recommend. read more

I have frequented this establishment on many previous occasions and came to expect, great service, good food, timely food delivery and a pleasant atmosphere. Today was terrible, left standing to be seated when the place was half empty. Had to locate lunch menus ourselves after requesting them 3 times. Finally received our waters and cold stale chips. 27 min later we asked the manager if our food would be coming soon, he said "in a few minutes" no apology or explanation ie; very poor customer service. My lunch mate received her cold meal on a hot plate. Mine came (room temp) minutes later with the reason that they had made the original with beef instead of chicken. No apology offered. The menu states "topped with cheese sauce" the cheese sauce (about 1 tbl) was on the bottom of both of our meat portions. Very different from prior experiences. Toward the end of the meal, the manager came and offered us dessert on the house, we declined and he said "you don't like sweets?" Rude! Still no apology. We asked for the bill. No bill came, we got up to leave. Finally as we were leaving, the manager said, "sorry for your delay" A little too late buddy, we wont be back. A proper apology, a hot meal according to the menu description would have gone a long way here today. read more

Food is decent enough. Waiters are not very attentive to their tables, and they all look like they want to be elsewhere. How can our server walk by our table 3 times and not notice we need more chips and drinks??? We had to ask him on his 4th time walking by. Prices (especially on appetizers) are a tad high I think. And if you get a to-go order be warned they give you one small bag of chips and one small salsa...even when you order 4 entrees so make sure you tell them you need enough to feed how ever many people you're ordering for otherwise you'll run out in seconds!!!! Bottom line, eating in would be a better experience if the staff was polite, attentive, and didn't always have a ticked off look on their face! Get some happy waitresses in there or something, your waiters are depressing!!!! read more