Yuck, yuck and double yuck! A large group of us went. Service was slow and terrible. Cheese dip was water in the consistency and flavor. Food was just like slapped on the plate and everything tasted the same. No care or through was put into the flavor at all. Will not be going back as there are many Mexican restaurants and most of the others serve fresh food and care about how it tastes and looks. read more

This is a pretty average Mexican restaurant. The best thing about this particular spot is the extremely low prices. The combinations are around $6.25-$6.75. On Sundays, all of the items on their lunch menu are $3.75. Hard to beat those prices, unless you are eating fast food. They also have really good drink specials with low prices on beverages nightly. My husband and I have eaten here on many occasions, and mostly for convenience. I do like their tacos and their enchiladas, especially the chicken enchiladas. One of my favorite Mexican foods is chile rellenos, and I am not a fan of their version. Their version is served in a green pepper, which makes it a lot less spicy than the versions available at other nearby Mexican restaurants. They do have very good chips and salsa which are served complimentary with your meal. The salsa is pretty spicy and some of my favorite of the area Mexican restaurants. Service is always quick. You can be in and out of this restaurant pretty quickly even when it is crowded. All-in-all, this is not a bad spot to get a fast and cheap Mexican meal. I would not consider this the best Mexican restaurant in Raleigh though. read more

Ventured here this past weekend for happy hour margaritas and ended up hanging out to eat dinner too. Margaritas are amazing!! They were a decent size and of course, you can go with the ginormous one if you prefer. We ordered off of the vegetarian menu, which was full of options, but as another reviewer mentioned, lots of beans, not as generous with the veggies. We opted for the veggie fajitas which were scrumptious. The server was on her game, without being pushy. Our drinks were never empty though, and that makes a world of difference! read more

Talk about your fast and good vegetarian fajitas! This is my kind of place! For a date night, we tried this local Mexican place thanks to Psalm's review from April. And she was right, the service was quick, the food was good, and the menu was inexpensive & extensive. However, if you're a Veg, be warned since the only thing with veggies is their fajitas. Everything else is just beans. Oy. However, we ordered a For 2 Veggie Fajitas and only paid $11. That's just $4 more than one order. So come on, how can you beat that? With daily draft/beer specials ($1.50 Dos XX!) and quick food, this is a nice change to the run-around Mexican places that pepper Raleigh. Our service was great, as the guy made plenty of jokes, and made you feel comfortable to be there. He even helped a young lady with her Spanish since she was a high school student - which says a lot, since you can imagine how many times that has to happen. Its a nice place, and if you are looking for simple and inexpensive, check them out. read more

Really fast, really inexpensive, super friendly Mexican restaurant. I found myself in the "Brennan Station" spot for a dinner out with my family. We were seated and served promptly. I had actually been to this location in 2006 and remembered it being pleasant, and was happy to discover that nothing had changed for the worse. The menu is extensive, and I'm pretty sure we all ordered off the "Combinations" page. I ordered the chalupas, which were tasty. Just beware that you really can't have any substitutions. I asked for them with beef and it seemed like we were on the same page, though once I received it, realized it was a vegetarian meal made with refried beans. Not to mention the fact that I ordered a side of refried beans, so it was kind of overkill. The server tried to make things right, though, and brought me a side of beef, which I thought was nice. Turns out, I didn't want or need it anyway. They have a lot of specials during the week, and while the decor is underwhelming, it's a good option when you are craving Mexican. read more

I am not a fan of Mexican foods prepared in America. I had real Mexican 30 years ago out in California and fell in love with it. However America's version of tacos is nauseating to me. Today my daughter asked if we could do lunch here after her pregnancy massage. Of course I said ok. I ordered the Mango Berry Margarita which totally blew me away!!! Yum!!! I ordered the Chicken quesadilla which was the best one I've ever eaten in my life!!! Lots of flavor, crunchy crusty wrap, a little sour cream and guacamole and I was in heaven of foods!! Our waitress was absolutely perfect too!!! I will be taking my husband to this place to eat when he comes for our grandchild's birth!!! read more

I'm a big fan of all of the El Dorado restaurants. They provide great basic Mexican food. They have drink specials almost every day. This particular location provides a Sunday lunch discount that I like to take advantage of. read more

El Dorado Authentic - Mexican Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

Probably the best of the El Dorado locations. I frequented this spot a lot when I lived in nw Raleigh last year but have been a regular at the Brentwood location practically my whole life. This is a family owned business and they provide delicious food at an affordable price. Overall, on their good days, the wait staff are friendly and attentive. I frequently crave El Dorado Speedy Gonzales read more

Terrible food. Food was definitely old. Felt sick later. Yuck!

The food is ok... If they ever bring it to you. I came in with my husband and toddler on a slow Sunday evening. There were about 3 other parties there. It took a while before we were greeted and seated. Then it took about 5 minutes before someone asked if we wanted water (YES!). A couple came in after us and our waiter took their order first! After finally ordering, we waited about 20 minutes and the waiter finally came to tell us our food was still cooking. We ended up leaving and getting our food to go because my daughter was getting so cranky.The food was average at best, definitely not worth waiting for. To top it off- no atmosphere. No music, nothing on the table but salt and pepper shakers. They did seem to have good drink specials, so if that's all you're looking for you might enjoy it. read more

Awful! I went with my son for lunch, going on some decent Yelp reviews and this place is anything BUT authentic! I ordered stuffed Chile relleno with Taco. It was a stuffed bell pepper and bland taco. Queso was a tiny, watered down soupy, bowl of sauce. And $8 for 2 small beef burritos with a cheesy sauce and nothing else. It was not crowded for lunch and food still took too long to serve. Never again! read more

We decided to get out today and check out some place we haven't been before. This place is near where we live so we decided to give it a shot. It was kind of blah inside. Which isn't necessarily an indication of whether or not a place is good but just saying, this place has no charm, just looks old, worn and unloved. The food was OK. Edible, but nothing to write home about. I make better Mexican myself at home in my own kitchen....and I'm not Mexican. And while I didn't order it, I saw on their menu that they have chili rellenos, which I love and would have ordered, except theirs is a stuffed bell pepper. I believe it's usually a poblano not a green bell pepper. I opted to pass. Instead I ordered a combo of a tostada (which they called a tostaguac, basically a tostada with some guacamole on it) and an enchilada with a side of refried beans. The beans tasted like they came from a can, no flavor, just bland and they tossed a clump of cheese on top which didn't even have a chance to fully melt on top of the dry, tasteless beans before they brought it out. The enchilada and tostada were OK, but like I said, I make better food at home. Staff was OK but not phenomenal and didn't make up for the lackluster food. We should have stayed home. read more

First, the sanitation grade is 90...I should have turned back then. Service was slow but nice enough, however, my chicken soup tasted so fatty and aged that I couldn't eat more than a few bites. The menus are so ratty that I didn't really want to touch it and my Diet Coke had a dish-watery taste...super disappointed. read more

El Dorado Authentic - Looks great, but tastes like oil & fat :( - Mexican Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

Not a fan of there customer service or food. Always super long wait after we order, and food is just average.

We were promptly seated and provided water, chips and salsa. We ordered a margarita and our food. The margarita came about fifteen minutes later with salt and sugar on the rim. Over an additional 25 minutes later (after the staff came out with their own food and ate) we got our food. It was beyond greasy and burnt. I had to get up to ask for the check. One of the staff member's child was in a booth hanging over to speak with other customers. I did complain but was just told they were sorry. read more

When my wife and I arrived, the person that ultimately greeted us took at least 10 minutes to come to us to finally seat us. It took another 15 minutes for a server to come to our table, granted at this time there were only 3 other tables that were occupied out of about 20 tables and booths,( they were NOT busy). We ordered drinks, a beer and a daiquiri, and a couple waters, the chips and salsa came after another 5 minutes or so, and finally after another 10 minutes, the drinks arrived, we ordered at that point, and then it took approximately 35 to 40 minutes for the food to arrive. The food was Luke warm other then the piece of chicken I ordered, it was so hot that I nearly burned my mouth. It appeared that the place was in the midst of they're shift change. The server was very inattentive and never came back to ask if we wanted any more drinks. Finally the server brought the check, and my wife and I had already made the decision that there would be no tip given. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to president Biden. Ambiance, what ambiance ?? read more

Grrrrrrrr! Take out takes forever! I don't understand it! The food is pretty good most of the time. The variety is good. They've got a lot of vegetarian options. But take out is soooooo slow! If you want take out, plan an hour and a half ahead. read more

It's alright, my quesadilla was good but service wasn't too great, server could barely understand what i was ordering... $27 for 2 quesadilla's and drinks? I think she overcharged us... oh well read more

Fantastic time here! Authentic Mexican food in NC! Margaritas are on point and love that that they love the locals! They are local to Raleigh! Dad started the first store on Capital and several stores after, mom carries on with children manning these stores! Just had the Carne Asada and it was delicious! It's very close to our home and will be over here soon enough! read more

Tasty and quick take out. When I ate in the restaurant it was very slow and the margaritas were too sweet. I always get the arroz con camarones(shrimp with rice that comes with onions and zucchini mixed in). It's a little spicy but the cheese sauce from the rice calms the heat. read more

We've been looking for a new, close-by Mexican option since Las Palmas hasn't been cutting it lately so we gave this a try. Overall the food was decent. I'd skip the cheese dip though because it's really watered down. The service was not friendly or attentive and some of the younger family members of the owners or staff were in a back booth watching videos on a phone or tablet with the volume way up. We re-seated ourselves to a quieter spot. We had two kids of our own with us and it was still a real problem. Overall the food wasn't awful nor standout. Service needs improvement. read more

The food is kind of plain but decent. It is served lightning fast and is very affordable. However, they are in desperate need of an interior renovation. The outside of this strip mall was recently overhauled, and El Dorado does not live up to it's surroundings. The bathrooms (at least the men's) is not a pretty sight. read more

RACISTS against African American patrons!!! As I stand waiting to be seated, three Caucasian families come in, and they're seated Immediately! As the waitress (Anna) passes me for the second time, I say "Excuses me! Are you really going to blatantly ignore me standing here, again?" The waitress says sorry, then proceeds to seat the family in line behind me! The waitress (Anna) passes by me again and said sorry, and kept Walking passed me!!! I then ask a female employee (blonde haired) at the bar to get the manager. As, I'm still standing in line, the waitress (Anna) proceeds to ask the next Caucasian family that comes in the door, behind me, how many are in their party. I said "This is the Third time that you have blatantly ignored me standing here! Are you really going to act like you don't see me standing here waiting?!" She said sorry once again, and looked at me like she was damn stupid. After asking to speak to the manager three times, by two different employees, Issac finally comes strolling to the register. He proceeds to apologize and say how it's not racists. Really?! The only African American person in here, waiting at the door, is the Only person not acknowledged to be seated!?!! Even after I said that I've been waiting here, and blatantly ignored!! And the manager didn't even bother to help the situation. I used to frequent the El Dorado restaurants, but Never again will I spend a cent in any of these restaurants!! I will be filing a complaint with the BBB first thing in the morning. And I may even contact the news station. This behavior will Not be tolerated. read more

El Dorado is the best!!!! They have the absolute best salsa and guacamole...every dish is fabulous!! Everyone is always warm and friendly...we've been dining there for over 15 years!! read more

Hostess greeted me with a blue tooth device in her ear- having a conversation with someone else waving me to follow. Once seated I was given a menu that can't be read because the background is interfering- the dip is like water and the corn chips stale. The only thing saving this place is our waitress who is friendly and that the food arrived quickly. Yes read more

Heard about this place from a friend. Fantastic food. I got the Tacos de Carne Asada. They are traditional, fresh & hot. The food and service was spot on. Great place & worth stopping in. Extensive menu, can't wait to come back. read more

El Dorado Authentic - Mexican Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I recently dined in at this restaurant. The food was okay and, as I was finishing up, asked if I could order a burrito to go. The waitress brought me my to go order and I paid for my food (after waiting 30+ minutes for the check, while being one of only two parties dining at the time). However, when I got home, I found I had a cheese dip that I had not ordered and received the wrong burrito entirely. Though I understand I probably should have double checked my order before leaving, I decided to call to inform them that I had likely received someone else's order. Instead, I was berated by a female employee who stated that if "I wanted something done about it, I should ride back" (being that I live 30 minutes out of the way, this was out of the question). While I attempted to explain that I had a bit of a problem with paying $10+ for a burrito that I never ordered in the first place (and cannot even eat due to dietary restrictions), she stated that she "had to pick up her kids, and did not have time to deal with me". I understand that business is tough right now, but I was at least hoping for some attempt at a resolution for THEIR mistake. I will not be dining here again and will be sure to share my experience with others. I guess if you want mediocre food and a horrible customer experience, look no further! This is certainly the place for you! read more

If you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine look no more!! Delicious food, great portions and good service.

I've been to El Dorado a couple of times. The food is OK, nothing that particularly stands out. Service can be a bit slow and disorganized when it's busy. This trip we ordered a guacamole and queso and the waitress forgot. A person in my party ordered a vegetarian combo but got a meat combo. read more

Food can be good if you eat in. Have typically done take out and have to say 90% of the time the order is incorrect! I just need to do a better job of checking my bag before leaving the restaurant! But honestly shouldn't have too! For take out the condiment portions are very small, so make sure you have what you want at home; or be prepared to pay up $$ if you ask for additional with take out. In my opinion, we're just tired of either driving all the way back to return and then pick up the correct order and worse is they don't seem to care..... read more

It's tex mex made by staff that just don't care, with ingredients you wouldn't buy at the grocery to cook your own tex mex. I've been there three times because of it's close proximity and have given up on them. How do I know they don't care? I personally ordered the same dish each time and each time it was made differently. The chips are always over cooked, the salsa is jarred junk, and everything is covered in processed cheese. My wife and I lived close to Texas for awhile and know that fresh vegies are important in the cuisine and bean past from a can is as gross as it sounds when you say it out loud. Go to Dos Taquitos, Chubby's Tacos, or any of the other Mexican places around instead. If you want to lower you standards to El Dorado levels then save yourself some money and just hit Taco Bell 5 minutes away. read more

it's your typical watered down version of mexican. I was a regular for years due to the convenient location and the reasonable prices. I never had a problem dining in but take-out is another story. they always seem to treat take-out orders a nuisance and I always end up waiting longer and longer for my to-go orders. after several to-go order mix-ups, I've removed their phone number off of my phone. I'm now on the look-out for another cheap but good mexican joint in the area... read more

I have been eating here for years, until this past Friday I will NOT be returning. The issue is not waiting for a table on a Friday evening, the problem was the terrible customer service from the waitress we had. Once we were finally seated, still had to wait another 20 minutes for drink order and then another 20 minutes for food order. As my table ate on salsa and chips, the waitress comes over and ask did we need more salsa, we replied yes. Then she never returns back to table, she walks by a few times and I say excuse me can we have more salsa. The chick keeps walking....FINALLY I say enough is enough. We paid for our drinks and left. Customer service is key to a business once I feel you've let me down in that aspect...my dollars will be spent elsewhere. read more

It's terrible, disgustingly dirty all around from the chipping paint to the dirty men's room. This is lost definitely not a place I would take my family I'm happy I attended with a coworker. All together it was miserable food that would be better suited to having been cooked in a microwave (I'm sure it was)... Slopped on a plate in disgusting mush of food. Add to this the staff who were the Spanish cast of Jersey Shore, or so they thought with tight knock off Ed Hardy shirts and spiked hair who in essence barely could handle a simple taco order. Truthfully if you go here, if you can sit an wait the 40 minute for three beef tacos and much of rice I would still recommend as an alternative perhaps catching Ebola as a less painful way to end your life. read more

El Dorado Authentic - Lunch menu - Mexican Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

Arrived at 5pm , only two other parties were there at the time . Ordered our food , waited a hour for the food . Service was extremely slow , food solid 3 out of 10 . Flavorless, not seasoned at all. Queso running and tasteless as well. read more

How does this place even have three and a half stars? Meal was so gross. I ordered chicken nachos to eat in and enchiladas to go. How does a Mexican restaurant screw up nachos? The cheese sauce was the consistency of water. There were no topping on the nachos. Just chicken, burnt chips, and runny cheese. I was hoping they would redeem themselves with the taco and enchiladas but they didn't. Runny and flavorless. read more

Disappointed. Came in on a Sunday afternoon, place was empty but seated in an area where there were three table still filled with previous diners' left over food and dirty plates. They were never cleaned while we were there - very unappetizing. Food only ok. Queso dip was good, but some of our food was burnt. Kids liked it, but we will not likely return anytime soon. One star read more

I have tried to like this restaurant especially given the convenient location. But, I have time and time ran into issues. Their most recent sanitation rating is not impressive, there was no one answering the phone to take call in orders and then I had to wait to order once there while others working there were not busy. The food is sub-par compared to other local Mexican food restaurants and I feel like there is just a lack of trying. read more

Extremely slow service. Food is ok but nothing great. We waited forever once we sat down - for water. We waited forever for the waitress to return to take our order. We waited forever for the food and then waited forever for the check. They must be very short staffed. A year ago we loved this place. Now we are not planning to return. read more

Ended up here for lunch one day because we were starving and there was a ridiculously long wait at Brigs next door...so Mexican it was. And I was glad we went here because my food was delicious! I ordered a spinach quesadilla--lots of fresh spinach. Yum! My date said his chicken enchiladas were really good too! Fast, friendly service. Not my favorite salsa or guac in the area, but adequately tasty. read more