As a lover of all things Tex-Mex, I also enjoy the history behind how it came to be. I grew up in an El Chico loving family, the brand which introduced Tex-Mex to the world. El Fenix is what introduced Tex-Mex period in 1918, none of the amazing food and brands we enjoy today would exist without its rich history. Pre-seating service left much to be desired, I never enjoy when a restaurant is empty and it's perceived as a chore to request an empty booth right next to the hard chair tables they place you at, not across the restaurant, literally just the table over. Our server was very friendly though, and the food was great. Maximillian's Delight is the plate I'd recommend to anyone wishing to have the truest representation of Tex-Mex. The chips are among my favorite in the world, though I do prefer a salsa with some more heat. I was also served the best, most crisp Diet Coke of my life. read more

Service is slow on is what is supposed to be a busy day for Enchilada Wednesday. You would think they would have decent staff. They finally brought me chips and salsa but have yet to take my drink order. I'm wondering if they will ever bring me silverware and the napkin since I already have the chips. So far this has been a disappointing experience. Final results, no one came around asking if I needed a refill on my drink even though my empty glass was sitting in plain view. I hope others had a better experience. read more

We've been eating here once a week for years. I don't know what's going on with this place but the past few weeks have gone way down hill. First of all, it smells like sewage when you walk in. Next every week is all new employees but not near enough of them. There is a man and woman that I think may be managers but they do more standing around than working. The man actually yelled at one of the waitress who thought he ask for sacks but apparently he ask for boxes. When we got there tonight around 5:30, every booth had dirty dishes on the table that no one had picked up. The food is fine. It's at a good price but what you go through is ridiculous. read more

The chips is stale and very old tasting!!! I ordered the fajita enchiladas it was old taste like it was made two days ago,so overall I didn't enjoy EL Fenix!!! read more

Never ever let them seat you in the bar area. You will be ignored until you search out a manager, if you can find one. We finally got our food, which was okay, but then had to wait a long time for the check. We got someone else's check and they spent another half hour trying to fix it, but they never did. Will contest the credit card charge when it gets posted. Stay far away from this restaurant! read more

14 hours and 3 doses of Immodium later and I'm STILL sick as a dog from the cheese enchiladas I ordered on DoorDash last night. Never again.

The service is so slow. When you walked in and it smelled like sewage. I have ate here for 30 years and never experienced this poor of an environment and service. Won't be eating there again. read more

Grew up eating El Fenix, and sadly, it isn't the same as it used to be. However, this location gets it pretty darn close compared to other locations. Been a few times and it's always consistent. Service is good. read more

First of all let me start off by saying I was enjoyed my self at first until the waiter as was me and my man finish eating. Hell, When we are ready to leave, we will leave. It was my birthday. I was enjoying talking with my man. This is the location at 3904 towne crossing blvd, Mesquite tx 75150. (972-279-8900) I don't know if he was just addressing us in here because we were the only African Americans in here but did not see him ask anyone else to leave. This is not how this company should treat people. Hell, I could have chosen any place to spend my birthday on and I chose this place but will not be back. I'm letting everyone know to stay far far away from this place. read more

Just arrived, ordered and waiting on food. Been here before a while ago and it was great. Well the food or appetizer are here and their freaking awesome y'all! Again, love this venue and you just can't go wrong at this location. read more

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El Fenix has been around for many many years. They have very tasty food. The atmosphere is great. The staff is sometimes not really that friendly in this day and time restaurants have a hard time keeping staff so I don't complain about that if you have a chance to eat at El Fenix , remember that you're eating in a place filled with history. read more

Not sure what is gong on here as it smells like sewage throughout the entire restaurant

Best Mexican food in Dallas!! Wonderful service , clean and comfortable atmosphere. A Dallas legend.

We were so amazed that this restaurant provided all the food for a former waitresses funeral. We're so blessed and thankful for the gift to the family and thought it was far above what most would do. Thank you for your generosity and we will join you when we're in the area. By the way my husband really enjoyed your food. read more

Great food. The server was attentive also. Always like this place. Have come here since I was a kid, so it is nice that it is still around and still has great food. read more

El Fenix has consistently good food, and the Mesquite location has the best, most friendly service of all! Servers are always so friendly and nice. Their chips and salsa are legendary--that's why they sell them at the checkout. Enchilada special on Wednesdays comes out fast and hot. Always a treat to eat here! read more

El Fenix - Wednesday Enchilada Special, cheese with queso on top. - Mexican Near Me - Mesquite, Texas

I'm currently writing this review from within the restaurant, and it's not going to be good. Let me start by saying the best thing I had all night was my water. The chips were decent, the salsa was extremely watery, the queso was runny, the guac wasn't mixed with anything. The taco I had with my dinner plate was pathetic, they essentially just threw what looked like grocery store shredded cheese on top of dry beef. The refried beans had no consistency, the tamales were half decent, and the rice was ok. Our server was fairly responsive, but was hard to understand at times as he spoke fairly quick and with a very heavy accent. But nonetheless, 7/10 on his part. Would I come back here for another meal, not really. For reasonably priced tex-mex, you get what you expect. For all the locals in Dallas, I'm sorry but this isn't really solid for a night out. read more

I know, I know, but simply put their CHIPS ARE AWESOME! Always good dependable food. We love the cheese enchiladas and their happy to substitute Charro Beans for frijoles for no additional charge. For apps, their Guacamole or the queso with beef is wonderful. Margaritas are the best!! read more

El Fenix was a nice place to have lunch. We were seated fairly quick and had a server who was super attentive and ensured that our drinks and chips+salsa was full at all times. I ordered their taco salad which was really huge! It was my first time to have something like that and I was disappointed. read more

El Fenix - Taco Salad - Mexican Near Me - Mesquite, Texas

The food was good, but the lady added $4.99 for a queso that we neither ordered nor received! When I told her about it, she disappeared for about 5-10 minutes and when she came back, she showed me a slip with a credit to my credit card. But I just checked my card balance in the app, and they never took off the 4.99! No ambience is worth this. If they correct the overcharge, I'll update my review. Until then, avoid this place. I intend to, read more

While the food was tasty... that night I had extreme gastrointestinal issues that lasted into the next day. I needed a prescription so I didn't dehydrate and need to go to the hospital. I think the food was the culprit. Avoid if possible. read more

Go here all the time .was loved ,but I went there last week and the salsa was watered down ,you couldn't keep it on a chip. I ordered beef fajitas. The meat did not have much flavor and a ton of onions but not hardy any bell peppers . Asked for corn tortillas, got flour. I'm not sure if they got a new mgr or what. Didn't see anyone. Usually the mgr is walking around checking on customers. Not any more. read more

Wow, can't believe it's been so long but I've been going to El Fenix for about 30 years or so. Yikes. We've been in Houston for several years but usually visit El Fenix when we're in the Dallas area because we can't find "El Fenix cheese enchiladas" in Houston. We also love their queso and chips and usually take home a couple bags of chips and a large container of fresh queso (not the stuff in the jars!) so we can enjoy them in Houston. Unfortunately our food during the recent visits aren't quite the same as we remember when we lived here and before the takeover by Firebird. The rice has been changed and reminds me of rice made from a mix in a box. So we'll just have to order double beans from now on. And my sister's salad had a sad, lonely slice of avocado on her salad. Wish we had taken a picture. Service was a bit harried as our waiter didn't write down our orders and had to come back as ask us for a reminder. But, all in all, I'm glad El Fenix is still in business and will continue to visit as long as they don't change the chips and queso recipes. read more

El Fenix - A Christmas tree sopapilla for email followers. Thanks, El Fenix! - Mexican Near Me - Mesquite, Texas

Awesome service Really clean bathrooms Excellent soup Great food Wife was a bit cold and put her jacket on. Manager came to table / asked her if she was cold and would adjust the temperature By the way - did I mention the excellent salsa? If I lived here / I would be a regular Guadalupe G. Is an awesome waiter read more

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On 22 January 2023 we had a surprise birthday Luncheon for our 92 year old Mom. The waiters Jacee and Stevie were awesome in handling 30+ guest. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. They were amazing in helping us to set up for the dessert ; mini bundtinis of various flavors. Thank you all for being accommodating !!! We will be back because Mom loves El Fenix Again, thank you for the great service and food. read more

I found the food to be excellent. The salsa was really good. Has a taco and beef enchiladas. They were some of the best I've ever had.

Marisela was amazing. Never let our drinks be empty. Food was delicious and fresh. I will definitely go back. Very much worth the price. A wonderful place to eat out read more

50.00 down the drain we love eating here I came in and made an order and 15 minutes later my food was ready! Awesome right? I love two streets away from here, two streets! All the food except the cheese dip was cold not fresh the steak meat tasted like it had been sitting out under a heat lamp. This is definitely the worst trip I have ever had here. No food was missing and the service was fast. Our server was kind and helpful read more

El Fenix - the receipt for the game - Mexican Near Me - Mesquite, Texas

This location has the best food, staff and service. I recommend Jimmy! He is fast and attentive. If you can't have Jimmy, ask for Lupe or Andy. read more

Loved eating here, the food was great and so was the service! Ms. Eli and our waiter, Pablo, were very helpful, and overall absolutely amazing!! Thank you El Fenix and to all the workers! Your work is truly appreciated during this pandemic!! God Bless!! read more

Their waiters are always very friendly, food always arrives hot ,,, never have to wait for food to arrive..... beverages are always refilled promptly... Cashiers are always friendly read more

Horrible food and horrible service. Beef fajitas, last I checked, were a darker meat. Our beef fajitas looked like pork. They didn't bring us utensils and the plates they brought with our appetizer were dirty. Restrooms smelled bad! The icing was the $3 salsa for a small cup of spice salsa. Never again even if it was free. read more

I have long appreciated El Fenix's tasty Tex-Mex. Good service, good food, always. In particular let me point out the exceptional chips. Fresh, very thin, very crisp, just the right amount of salt. You don't need salsa or guac or queso but it's good too if that's what you prefer. Normally chips are not important enough to warrant a mention, but these were so good I thought I would. read more

This restaurant messed up my order and then blamed the delivery company for it. I order fajitas for a football game get together and they did not send any tortillas. Rather than taking ownership for the issue they promised to send the missing tortillas, eventhough the rest of tge meal would be cold when they would be delivered. After not receiving anything an hour later, I ordered puzza for my guests and called El Fenix Mesquite back abd they did not apoloize, but told me they would give me some free queso if I came to pick the tortillas up. I told them I would bring the fajitas back and wanted a refund. When I got to the restaurant I gave them the fajita meals and asked for my refund, but they said it was nothing they could do for me. They said Eventhough the issue was them leaving out something from the order I needed to xall the delivery service and ask for the refund. Poor customer service, this will be my last order from El Fenix Mesquite. I am sure they do not care. They also sent me a gallon of leaking lemonade which caused me to have to mop my kitchen. Thanks El Fenix Mesquite! read more

El Fenix would get 3 stars for overall service and food, but it's the tortilla chips and salsa that bring it up to 3.5 stars. We arrived as a group of 15 for lunch without reservations and they got everything together in five minutes. We had one server and she was friendly and had all of our orders correct. I asked for water without ice, and that's what I received, but I was never offered a refill like everyone else. She was very proactive about bringing a new coke for someone who was almost done with their first and refilling ice waters at half way. While waiting for our food we devoured the chips and salsa. The chips are airy and wonderfully crispy. The salsa has a nice consistency and some spice. Our waiter brought refills on salsa and extra chip bowls. I ate a lot of chips and it caused me to get pretty full. All of our food somehow arrived at once and hot (remember 15 people). I ordered the chicken tortilla soup bowl for $7.99. They poured the broth into the bowl with the rice, chicken, and avocado. It was a satisfying soup, but I think the broth could use a little more flavor. The chicken was well seasoned, so that helped. Because I ate so many chips, I couldn't finish the bowl. Next time I'll order a cup. Some other details: clean bathroom, background music wasn't too loud, an older crowd. Take your receipt to the front counter to pay and buy their chips for $3.79 or other goodies. I would come back for just the chips, salsa, and guacamole. read more

Went to el fenix with a group of business colleagues and was disappointed. Service was rushed and hectic. Food quality was low...very low. I ordered carne asada and what came out was shoe leather. You might say it is to be expected at this type of restaurant but hanger steak (or skirt steak) isn't expensive and is a texmex main stay. And it wasn't just the carne asada which was poor. The rice was flavorless and the re-fried beans were tasteless mush. Many many far better choices in Dallas/Mesquite than El Fenix. Avoid. read more

Be warned, the chips are addictive. This North Texas institution has been cooking up Tex Mex for gringos before your grandmother was born. You might say they know a thing two about it. The Mesquite location is placed along the Restaurant Row next to Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster. You cant miss the sign. Inside you can expect a wait time on weekends and sometimes at lunch. The $4.99 Enchilada Wednesday deals are legendary, and other competitors across the DFW area offer similar deals on Wednesdays based purely on the innovation of El Fenix. The menu ranges from hardcore Tex-Mex to some authentic Mexican dishes, to some new lighter choices that were added when the company was purchased by a 3rd party a few years back. I will typically get some sort of Enchilada combo plate, as these are the best things here. AVOID THE FAJITAS! There are far better places to find Fajitas. The highlights at El Fenix in Mesquite are the service, the chips and salsa, and the Enchiladas. The con's are the rising prices, bloated menu, and location. Anything is a better choice than Jalapeno Tree. read more

I don't recommend eating here. The service is decent and they constantly refresh your chips and salsa, which tasted pretty good. That's where the positive stops, unfortunately. I ate here with 9 other friends, tonight. Everyone ordered something different. Everyone had the same reaction to the food. Honestly, it was very bland. It had no spice to it. I had the idea of dumping hot sauce on it, to try and maybe add some flavor. The waiter informed me that they do not have hot sauce. He brought me more salsa, instead. The food seemed like it was straight from a can, into a microwave. Not one to go box was taken with us. My friends won't trust me to choose a restaurant for a while after this experience. Take my advice.. do not eat here. read more

Placed an order December 16 for a pick up order on December 21 at 11:30 AM. got there at 11:30 talk to two cashiers detailed me their pack in my order it was 10 minutes after 12 and they were still packing my order needlessly to say I got annoyed and canceled the order the ticket was supposed to be voided I'm waiting to see if it goes through my bank or not. This is the first time I have had this problem at this location I don't know if they've changed management of what. But I do know I will never step foot in that restaurant again. read more

This new drink is great. Our waiter Lupe was awesome as well. Great lunch experience.