Such good tex mex!!! The service was a little slow but servers are always really friendly and helpful (and keep the chips & salsa coming). My parents are native Texans and they say El Fenix is the best place in Texas and I agree so not sure what's up with the low ratings. The ambiance of the restaurant is really neat too, it's such a cool spot to eat at after flying into DFW :) definitely one of my favorite family traditions! Will be back every flight! read more

El Fenix - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

Not sure what happen tonight, but the staff wasn't on their 'A' game. Everyone was friendly, place was clean... It seem like we had to ask for everything from menus, napkins, a straw .... we're ready to order, can we have the check please. Maybe they were short handed. The staff and managers were friendly as usual. I'll need to go back and update review. read more

See all

The staff at this location is wonderful and so helpful and knowledgeable. Food was fast delicious can't say enough good things about this location Try the Cheese Enchilada Plate read more

As a lifelong ElFenix fan, I have to say this was one of the most disappointing of links in the chain. The Max is my go to dinner. Both enchiladas were smaller than I was served last month in Casa Linda. The Puffed Taco was barely warm and the shell was chewy. The waiter forgot part of the order. I don't believe in wasting food but the famous salsa came in soufflé cups that were so small I had to break the chips in half to scoop out a thimble full. Please! Let's give this one a redo. I read more

I am a longtime El Fenix customer, almost 50 years. I love their salsa, enchiladas, everything about the food. After they closed the closest location to us, we had to change to the Irving location. Sadly, after numerous visits, we have been forced to take the xtra drive and go to Arlington. Each visit to the Irving store left us more disappointed than the previous visit. Service is poor, food quality is lacking, two of the biggest issues that matter the most. We apparently got spoiled at other locations over the years. Servers always came out within minutes of being seated, chips and salsa in hand. Food was served within minutes of ordering. Not at the Irving location. On our last and final visit there, we literally waited 10 minutes for the server, we ordered bar drinks. Then another 10 to bring chips and salsa along with our drinks. 20 minutes total wait time to order! And then another 10 minutes for our order to come. Note, it was 8:30p on a weekday, and there were perhaps five tables. During the time we waited, another couple came in, we're seated, ordered, ate, and left! Clearly it was our wait person, but that should not happen. After this visit, we were committed not to dine here again. We have been to the Arlington several times in the past, and never had a bad experience. I can only hope the "Irving store issue" does not pass to Arlington. Oh, and as for the link previously posted in response to another complaint review, we used that link and got no response. That was as worthless as the store. read more

One star would not even be my rating if I had the option . They were not attentive waited for service. Shrimp was bland chicken was ok. read more

El Fenix - Sizzling fajita shrimp and chicken - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

Best El Fenix I've ever ate at. Our server Liz was the greatest. flavor of food was excellent, Liz was on top of everything.

Don't know why the 2.5 stars, this place was excellent. Food delicious and service fantastic. Highly recommended A+++ read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

See all

Glad I go to other El Fenix locations usually and that this was not the first El Fenix I tried. If it had been I honestly would be out on El Fenix altogether. Our service was fine, not excellent, but ok. What was not good was the food. All three of us talked about that we did not need to come back to this location. read more

See all

Went for lunch food and prices were good. Service was good and friendly. Got special Froebel's Christmas $12 tamales by dozen . Ver tasty The tortilla soup was good and seasoned chicken taco plate was flavorful . Love the salsa read more

We have eaten many times at this restaurant in the past few years, I haven't been here since Covid and you can definitely tell that it's gone downhill. The two stars rating is due to the horrible attitude of the hostess. When we walked into The restaurant she didn't even greet us just grab menus and had us follow her. She asked if we wanted a booth or a table and we decided on a booth she slapped the menus down and walked away. We had two small children with us so decided that a table would work better and asked her if we could sit at a nearby table which she shook her head and just walked away. While walking away she was saying things under her breath, we were very confused as to why this was a problem. It made us feel very unwelcome and uncomfortable. We asked to speak to the manager who informed us that this hostess is new and has only been working there for two weeks, still doesn't make it acceptable. We don't go out to eat often and it was very unfortunate that this is how we were treated. The food was sub par As you can see by the picture just kind of slopped together. We will definitely not be coming back to this location anymore. read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

Great food at a fair price. The staff is friendly and seem to be doing the best they can. However, this restaurant is so understaffed the service is can be very very slow. I would likely give 4 to 5 stars if they were fully staffed. read more

If you're looking for Tex-Mex in the area you might want to think about On The Border. Even though they're always busy they have the personnel to make sure everything is fine more than just once or twice. That's the biggest flaw about this place. If you don't get here before 12 there's a good chance you're not going to get good service. When you're in a time crunch you really ought to try somewhere else. Service aside, El Fenix actually has some tasty grub. Better than OTB. They start you off with complimentary chips and salsa which is miles ahead of what you get at the other place. The menu is extensive and the entrees on the lunch menu are pretty reasonably priced. The food is fresh and it comes with the typical sides you think of when you think Tex-Mex. I usually get the Special Mexican Dinner as it includes a cheese enchilada, two tamales, a meat taco and a soft cheese taco. Good stuff! This place used to be a Don Pablo's (remember those?) so there's a very authentic feel on the inside. If it we're for the service I would definitely come here way more often. Time to step up your game, El Fenix! read more

If you want to sit around for 3 hours and stare at your empty chips and drink glasses and never even receive your food then be sure to check out this location. Where the food is always hot because it never leaves the kitchen. Manager doesn't care about anything. This location desperately needs new leadership. read more

The food here is awesome! It seemed more authentic than i typically get back home (we were in Dallas on vacation). Chips and salsa were great, and both my husband and I thought our meals were really good! read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

Based on the reviews I wasn't really expecting much coming here and I was actually surprised at how good our meal was. The chips and salsa were a good start. The chips crunchy and not oily. The salsa was decent, not at all watered down. My sister and I shared the veggie fajitas. The waiter did a great job listening to us and executed all our odd needs (my sister is gluten-free and we are both vegetarian). The fajitas were pretty hearty and I was filled after 2. The service was prompt. It was quick, easy tex-mex. read more

District Mgr called and had a card for free dinner delivered to house. Manager in store shod have handled it, but thanks for the card. We we will go downtown dallas. read more

I've eaten at this restaurant on several occasions and I couldn't ask for more professional and courteous waitresses than Elizabeth she always greets us with a smile, and makes sure that our glasses are full. I would strongly recommend this restaurant so if you go ask for Elizabeth read more

What great service we received tonight! Our server was Maria Guadalupe Tapia, she was Awesome! All the traits you are looking for, personable, friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and fast. In addition, the food was hot, beautifully prepared and delicious! Highly recommend you to visit El Fenix - Irving and ask for Maria. You won't be disappointed! Thanks, Maria! Sincerely, Ken y Marlene Coleman read more

El Fenix is a Tex Mex institution in the Metroplex. They've been doing it right for over 90 years. I developed a love for this place when I worked downtown and would hit the Wednesday Enchilada special for lunch. After a long abscence since going there I hit it up the last time I went to vist my folks and I have to say the rest of the menu holds up well to the enchies, but they're my favorite. Their chips and salsa are also an experience. The salsa is flavorful and not that hot, and the chips are light and crispy, unlike other tortilla chips. We had a really good server who handled atable with a toddler very well. He was conscientious enough to make sure the hot plates were well out of reach of my grabby-handed son. Would definitely go back when I'm back in town. read more

The guy who took my walk-in order acted like he doesnt like people. And that was scary. Train them to say welcome, thank you, and you are welcome. Its not like English was his second language. read more

Went here for an anniversary early dinner. Our server was Maria and she was WONDERFUL!! Chips and salsa were plentiful. We ordered Baja fish tacos and combo fajitas. Delicious!! To top our meal off, Maria brought out a dessert for us to share. Maria, you are great! read more

First off I have to tell you I am not a huge fan of Tex-Mex but I have learned to appreciate the good stuff. This was my first time to an El Fenix and it will be my last. The first thing I notice is the salsa is worse than out of a jar. Not a good start and it is my belief that if your salsa sucks most likely so does your food. So I was really undecided about what to order. After changing my mind 50 times I finally settled on Santa Fe Salad. Can't screw that up right? Well in the opinion of some I guess they didn't but it was so bland and I think I found about 3 pieces of avocado in my salad (its the first ingredient after lettuce?). It looked more like it got thrown in on accident then it was supposed to be in my salad. The bacon was undercooked and I am not sure if there was actually a bean in my salad. Fix your salsa El Fenix. read more

We were hungry and I saw a big sign for this restaurant and decided to have lunch there, parking lot seemed full so I thought they probably got pretty good Mexican food. Staff were nice but felt like we were getting rushed.. We ordered the beef chimichanga and chicken crepe, worst Mexican food we ever had, they looked very nasty!! We didn't finish them and got lots left. I will never go back to that place just because for the food. read more

Needed to pickup quick takeout for a group dinner. The food is passable Mexican. The service and cleanliness of bathrooms is lacking. I nicely informed the hostess working with me on the transaction that I paid online and she retorts: I don't know. I then show her a double charge to which she turned her back to me. Finally a manager came to reverse the transaction. Wouldn't recommend this place - even if you're desperate. There's other places nearby with better service, cleanliness and food. I mean who doesn't fill up their soap dispensers in the face of the coronavirus outbreak? read more

This is my uncle's family's favorite restaurant, and they took me here while I was passing through town. We ordered delicious margaritas, and shared an order of cheese dip and guacamole, both good, though slightly different from the Alabama Mexican restaurants I am used to. I REALLY enjoyed my Tomatillo-Covered Chicken Enchiladas which came with rice, sour cream, and a little more guac. Also, one more note about the interior: it was surprisingly nice and very spacious inside! We were seated at a large table in a front room with great lighting. read more

I expected more from El Fenix. This restaurant is in a great location and has plenty of parking and excellent decor. I was seated at the table closest to the noisy kitchen even though the dining area was less than half full. Service was great, but the food was lackluster. Chips and salsa were good but my cheese enchilada dinner was a disappointment. The plate was burning hot but the cheese inside the enchiladas was not all the way melted. Side of rice was decent but the beans were gross, a mix between refried beans and ranch beans that just had a weird taste. read more

I don't LOVE this restaurant, but I don't hate it. For a chain, El Fenix is pretty good and I like that it's a Dallas-based chain. Prices are decent. Their chips and salsa are yummy. You can't go wrong with fajitas/margaritas--even if the margaritas aren't that strong. I tried their new avocado/vegetable enchiladas last night and they were good! Two of them came with rice and black beans for $8.95 and I think that's a decent deal. Their other food is pretty run-of-the-mill, but honestly, I'd rather rely on an OK chain Tex-Mex place like El Fenix than get BAD food from a small business (which, unfortunately, has happened more times than it should have. :-/). They have cheese enchilada plates every Wednesday for $4.95 and they also are pretty good at having other various specials going on each month. The only thing that kinda sucks about the Irving location in specific is the service. It's not always bad, but bad service does happen here and I can say the service is consistently inconsistent at the very least. If that is a big deal for you, then maybe opt out of dining here. They do offer a survey option at the bottom of your receipt though so if you like to provide feedback you can (and get a code for a free cup of queso!). Overall, I like El Fenix and I'll eat here again. read more

Food was great! We had the Tilapia veracruz and El Jeff. Maria, our server, was super!

What a great restaurant. Roxy, our server, was so wonderful, so friendly, so respectful of our Covid concerns. The entire restaurant was so prepared for dealing with the current crisis. We came last night and got take-away, and decided to dine in this evening. The tacos were great, the tamales delish, the fajitas looked wonderful and the enchiladas sublime. So sad I don't live closer or I would be here all the time!! Come, dine and enjoy! read more

from the moment we walked into the restaurant until the time we walk out the staff was friendly and went above and beyond to make our stay nice. The food was hot and tasted so good. read more

Best fajitas its a must try!! Come by for happy hour!! Good margaritas great servers you will not be dissapointed

All I can say is what Mexican food restaurant doesn't have limes for the coronas or anything spicier than the tomato sauce they call salsa. Plus, the margaritas were watery. This place was disappointing even for a chain restaurant. We will not be coming back. read more

I'd rather eat at taco bell. The food just ISN'T good. My husband and I were baffled by how this restaurant has been around for so long. Don't waste your time or money. read more

We love to come to El Fenix in 183 Irving, service is not great! It is Fabulous !!! Starting with Brenda the hostess always has a wonderful smile. Then, Ray is the best server ever. I tell you I have been a server myself, but Ray is the man! He knows our order by heart. Here they work as a team because when Ray is busy with other tables another serves Griss comes and helps even knowing Ray will be serve our table !! One more thing,chips and the food are great !!!! read more

Rough night, normally I have no complaints. This day the taco's were stale, service slow, out of items. Will go back everybody has a bad day. Clean friendly always generous. read more

Food was good not amazing. Got in and out for lunch quickly so works if you are in a hurry. Would probably come again just not real authentic Tex-mex read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Irving, Texas

See all

If I could give it a .5 I would. Their food is so basic. No love goes into the making of the food. I got the driest rice with the order of steak fajitas that were filled up on the skillet by nothing but onions. I honestly hate leaving bad reviews. But I would never spend a dollar here in the future. read more

Service here is HORRIBLE. The majority of the staff is not friendly, and they act like it's an inconvenience to get you anything. The food is just okay. Nothing special. It took us quite a while to get chips and hot sauce as well as drinks. Would not eat here again. read more

Stopped in because it was close by and was very tasty! The atmosphere and people were very friendly and helpful. If I'm traveling through again, I'll be sure to stop in again! read more