El Corral is a family favorite. The food is fast, fresh, and amazing. The service is personal and friendly. Juan is like a part of our family! The owner makes rounds to take care of everyone in the dining room. If you like shrimp in your mexican dishes this is the place to be! AC shrimp, el corralon, and shrimp fajitas are my favorites. They pivoted to an effective carry out business during the pandemic. Definitely visit my friends at El Corral! read more

I have yet to find a better Mexican restaurant. I compare every other place with this one!

Best authentic Mexican around. If you like spicy ask for the homemade hot sauce it's amazing. My go to is the chicken or shrimp fajitas. The portions are huge! I can get 2 meals just from leftovers. My husband's favorite are the enchiladas with pork. The option for pork is not on the menu but if you ask them they will make the exception. You won't be disappointed. read more

I understand we are under corona but when the only thing you are do is go takeout you would think you would get it right. I ordered something a specific way. The gentleman that took my order repeated it back to me and we both understood. My son gets it home and it was exactly as I didn't want it as I have an allergy that could put me in the hospital. So when I called to tell them they needed to fix this. He acted like it wasn't a big deal that we had to drive back from Hillsborough to get it. So thanks but no thanks if customer service isn't his priority spending my money here won't be for me either. If this were the first time I can let things slide but this is the third time. I asked when the owner would be in and he said he comes in randomly. Well owner if this is the crew you have covering for you in your absence now I know what the problem is. And yes I used to eat here once every week read more

It's a decent Mexican place but really run of the mill Mexican restaurant. I had the vegetarian spinach quesadilla and it was ok. Good place if there are no other options read more

Out of the americanized mexican restaurants around here, this one stands out. We had great chips, salsa, food, desert, and service. We tried the wings (as a wing eater i love to try them everywhere) They were quite good, with the seasoning in the extremely light batter made them very crispy and savory. The queso was quite good but nothing to fuss over. The fajitas for two was a monster pile of meats and shrimp, and did not disappoint. We also tried the Fried Ice cream, and found it was made correctly. I'm always stunned when other places try to pass off a scoop of ice cream rolled in corn flakes. El Corral served a freshly fried softball of ice cream in its proper corn mixture, under a pile of whipped cream, honey, and chocolate drizzles. 3 cherries topped it off. Be prepared to have to share it. We will go back soon, I can see this place becoming a standard choice for our mexican food cravings. Very clean (100.00 sanitation) read more

El Corral - FAJITAS FOR TWO - Steak, chicken, shrimp, pork carnitas & chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Good Food, Very Clean and Friendly. We dined at El Corral last night for the 5th or 6th time over a few months and each meal was good and consistent. Portions are large. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We eat out every night and hit all the Mexican rests. in the Durham area. This is one of the 3 best in the area. read more

This is so much better than the cookie-cutter Mexican restaurants in the area. The grilled shrimp is excellent, and even better as a quesadilla. Even the salsa was a step above other Mexican restaurants. read more

Pouring rain ran inside this place across from Courtyard Durham WOW what a surprise authentic Mexican - chicken tortilla soup was supreme huge portion followed by pork carnitas dish which was superb and I arrived very late and service / food was great. Don't miss it if your in Durham near the Courtyard. read more

This place was amazing! My husband and I just recently moved to Durham, so we're trying to find places to become our regular go to spots. This is definitely going to be one of them! The atmosphere is so laid back, the people are nice and the food is absolutely terrific!! I cannot tell you how many times we complimented the food while we were there. If you're looking for a great Mexican restaurant, look no further! I absolutely loved it :) I will definitely be seeing you soon, El Corral! read more

This is one of the best places in Durham To get some good Mexican but the treat Other races unfair and think they only want Mexicans to eat there. read more

Mediocre at best; the usual Mexican fare for the American stomach.

How this place has 4 stars is so beyond me! I just moved here from CA and I went here as the #1 rated spot in Durham for Mexican, and I read more than one review that said "best Mexican in America." This is so far from the truth it honestly hurts! Maybe I have been spoiled by CA but this is almost not even Mexican. First of all, queso is as American as it gets. Second, the burrito and enchilada were just fillings loosely wrapped in tortilla. The salsa is sub-par (usually best instant measure of Mexican), and the nachos were just chips with queso! Look, I understand I have been spoiled by Mexican but this is what I would classify as sub-par drunk food NOT Mexican! The beef tips had maybe a 6/10 flavor but that doesn't make it Mexican! The food blatantly lacked almost all Mexican spices, the guac was like pre-made paste, and the burrito was offensive. If people think this is the best Mexican in America they have NO idea. There are fast food places in this country that are better. Gross. Mexican is all about fresh rustic ingredients and spices cooked in traditional ways and at times reaches (at least for me) comfort food status. This restaurant serves nothing like that... this is not a Mexican restaurant ... unless you consider the use of ingredients like rice and beans or "queso" as making something automatically Mexican. What a bummer! read more

This place is awesome. Friendly staff paired with authentic food. I recommend the tacos of any type -- get diablo if you want your mouth to burn. You can order a grande Dos Equis which is huge. We go less often than we used to, but they still recognize us. Very kid friendly. read more

I'm from Texas and know about food Mexican food. While I could not place this is the absolute glory that is "Tex Mex", it's pretty damn close. Get the steak fajitas, and ask for shredded cheese and pico as they do not come with the dish, and enjoy your life. read more

Food is good, but the kitchen stumbled last night,10/27/2014. I ordered take out food and every now and then there would be a distinct taste of dishwashing detergent - as if the utensils or pots had not been rinsed properly. I reported it to the manager this morning. I wasn't asking for a refund or any restitution, but she was offended that I waited until the next day to inform her. She said the dishes are washed by machine, not by hand, so I told her maybe the machine needs to be checked. So if you notice anything off about the food, report it right away. I can't tell if they would be gracious or defensive about a complaint. read more

i've only been twice, but i've already decided that el corral is my new favorite mexican restaurant! everything there is good, and it's CLEAN (99 sanitation score, such a turn-on). the queso is probably my favorite thing-- i could definitely make it into a meal by itself. the entrees are also delicious, not to mention HUGE. i've had the chicken fajita quesadilla and the chicken fajita burrito-- both were great and impossible to finish. as an added bonus, the margaritas are probably the best i've had at a mexican restaurant (not quite up to par with nanataco, but still good), and a half-pitcher is more than enough for two. read more

This is our go-to Mexican cuisine, for comfort food. My usual is the Fajita or the Quesidilla Fajita. Great dish, and never a disapointment. They always serve more than enough, though. Love the nachos - they are always crunchy, like it's fresh off the oven! The prices are pretty reasonable, (and look for those coupons available in the mail). read more

1.99 for all import bottles of beer. We had the Nachos special and the Burritos with carnitas platter. More than enough for two. The pick di call was excellent. The waiter told us about each plate a nd the service was excellent for a full house. A very tasty meal and very reasonably priced. read more

El Corral - Great food great beer great service what else is needed. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place is near my work. Their menu is extensive! Anything you order will be good. The lunch menu prices are affordable. I love the guacamole!! The shrimp quesadillas are some of the best that I have had. I definitely recommend this place! read more

Best Mexican food in durham! Fresh food & great service.

First time here and really liked it. Ordered a half pitcher of margaritas with my boyfriend and we couldn't finish it. It was endless! A very good deal. I had the enchiladas verdes with shrimp. They were very good. Couldn't finish that either! My partner had the chicken fajitas and really liked them. Overall the food is really good and you get a lot for your money. Will definitely return here again! read more

This is my go-to Mexican restaurant. Great prices,service,and food! Love the enchiladas and fajitas.

If you are in north Durham and craving Mexican food, you then have a lot of choices. Are you the "all Mexican restaurants are the same" type of person or an "aficionado of fine Mexican cuisine for which pallet is discerning" type of person? If you are the former, go anywhere you'd like. However, if you are the latter, then go anywhere you'd like. Although the food is really good, it's the same thing as every other Mexican restaurant. The staff is very friendly and the owner is one of the nicest people around town. So, I am basically saying stop in for nice people, good food and a lot of whatever drink ails you. But, don't expect anything especial other than what you would expect from a run of the mill Mexican restaurant. read more

My husband and I ear hear often! It is VERY consistent with the quality of their food. The margaritas are great too and they don't make weak drinks either. Highly recommended! It's a very casual and priced well. read more

Slow service,I ordered the burrito deluxe the chicken was tasteless and had a huge piece of fat in it. The salsa was nothing special just like other Mexican restaurants. read more

Excellent!! When we travel out of town we like to find local restaurants that have great food at a good price. We found the best of both at El Corral! Food was fresh, served hot and delicious. Service was super. read more

We've been coming to El Corral for 10 years now. Always delicious food - always great Margaritas - always attentive and friendly service (Jerman is the BEST!) - I dare say "El Corral serves the best Mexican food in the USA"!! read more

Always a great Friday night choice for our family. We had the Yolanda's, shrimp tacos, and enchiladas. The waiters and management are always prompt, polite, and attentive. read more

This place reminds me of the Mexican restaurant of my childhood - something about the queso they use I think? It is the perfect family Mexican spot... the decor is comforting and happy and it is solid, somewhat Americanized food. The portions are big and it's maybe a little bit pricey compared to some other options. read more

Rich and delicious a real surprise. Sometimes the food is a bit on the gooey side, nice ambiance, fast service, one of the better class of mid-level Mexican restaurants. read more

This is a great place to get excellent Mexican food. The staff is always friendly and the food comes out quickly and it always tastes great! Highly recommended. read more

El Corral is an average Mexican place. Some dishes are above average, some below average. In my experience a lot of the food has had too much sauce. I don't like food that's smothered in sauce. If you do you might like El Corral. The most recent time I went here I ordered the burrito enchiladas. I personally didn't enjoy it. A large part of this is probably because I don't like food smothered in sauce. A Mexican place with nothing special. read more

I ate the mojarra and lengua tacos...nothing impressive. What was awful was the fried ice cream, which sounds appealing but it's not crispy and definitely not fried before served. I wouldn't come back to this restaurant so soon. read more

A solid meal. Really like the queso dip and the ACC. Not the real deal- Americanized but solid.

Eat here pretty regularly with a group of good friends. Great service, if not the friendliest. Of the more traditional Mexican restaurants here in Durham, probably the most consistent food. Clean and comfortable. read more

This place had the best Mexican we've had in a long time! Went there with the entire family and everyone left fat & happy. Cannot wait to go again. read more

Been here 3 times, first two times the food was ok, the third it was terrible. The salsa taste like water, the waiter was rude and there was a kid running around the whole restaurant, for over 20 minutes. I would suggest avoiding this place. There is better food next door and other Mexican places that are better around Durham. When I asked the manager about the kid running around, the response was "we're a family restaurant" how does a family restaurant mean an undisciplined kid can run around screaming the whole time? read more

Good place for Mexican food clean food is pretty good staff is very nice. Salsa sometimes has a tomato paste taste to it

Food is fine. Nothing out of this world, but yummy. You'll find all your standard favorites. Parking is sometimes difficult.