On a Saturday afternoon we had to run to Burlington for some shipping. I thought since this area is so full of Mexican culture and restaurants that we should try one for lunch! Really the Train Wreck bar was our first option but they were closed for vacation ??? Guess we won't go there again. So El Gitano was close. It was dark and empty at 12:30 which should have been our first clue. She sat us and later after we ordered they turned the lights on and music. Chips not very good and really strange Salsa. We were hungry though and I got the two chimis and she ordered steak fajitas. Food eventually came in large portions. Service ok but had to get up to ask for takeout and a bill since one server just chatting with a kitchen guy sitting at the bar on a stool and our server hiding by the pass. Food was really bland and uninspired!! Not awful just not good. We didn't even finish our leftovers! read more

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Service was good. Super clean restaurant. (: But If you're Hispanic you shouldn't expect homemade. read more

El Gitano - Ladies room - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

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So I have been on the look out for saucy cheese enchiladas, craving them really, and this place delivered. First we had the buffalo shrimp, cheese, jalapeños, and shrimp that is breaded and fried, so so yummy. Then I had the cheese enchiladas And they were delicious, good red sauce, rice and beans were also great. We also had the raspberry chimichanga for dessert, crispy, filled with cream cheese and raspberry sauce and fried to perfection. Beside food, the restaurant was bright, and great comfy booths. The server was fabulous, she was fun, really communicated and had recommendations, and and brought us this spicy chunky salsa that was delicious, burn your mouth, but delicious. Great place! read more

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Oh man. The restaurant is bright and colorful, the booth was comfortable and everything looked clean. Long history with Mexican food, and this was as good as it gets in any restaurant in Texas. The Carne Asada was well cooked and perfect. The grilled jalapeño was on point and the green onion paired with every thing on the plate. Refried beans just like you want them with moist fluffy rice. There was only one lady in front of house and she is my favorite person in the building she was helpful, was nice and really made an effort to help us get the food exactly the way we wanted. The ugly hot salsa. Oh take the tums and have the hot sauce. It was amazingly good. A delicious new flavor to a loved condiment. I had the fried shrimp and cheese appetizer. Best fried shrimp I had in a long time, and the cheese was a surprising win. The desserts were expertly fried to the crunchy apex of done. Who ever is chefing the fryer needs a raise. read more

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So good. This location has not missed yet. I get the same thing every time. El Gitano Special burrito. It's stewed pork in green sauce, rice and beans and covered in sauce, sliced jalapeños and some cheese. I always get a side of rice and beans too. I can't finish it all without being miserable but it's just as good later. My bride got the carne asada plate lunch. Perfect portion and she said it was excellent. Service is efficient and the food came out promptly. The place has a full bar and booths and tables. There is a server station in the entry which is huge and blocks the view of the inside. They should get rid of it. It's so imposing. There would be a lot more light in there if so. read more

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I ordered the seafood Diablo otherwise known as carpet of the sea, prawns, crab, mussels, scallops,mussels etc... oh my god it was the best dish I have ever ordered on DoorDash! I've had the same dish in five star hotels in Monte Carlo, ST Tropez , and all over Spain and this beats them all ! Thank you, definitely ordering again soon sorry no pic I ate it all before I thought to leave a review read more

I've been to El Gitano many times over the years. It has never failed to provide excellent service, great food in a very comfortable environment. Regardless of how busy they are, the service is always prompt, friendly and efficient.... without exception. The restaurant is always clean and inviting. The tables are bussed and cleaned almost immediately. The wait people appear at your table within minutes with a smile and fresh chips and very tasty homemade salsa. I can always depend on El Gitano to provide a pleasant dining experience! read more

Came back tonight, this time I was served by Rosa! She had a positive attitude and I felt very welcome eating here at El Gitano. I had a three beef enchilada combo and of course, couldn't leave without having a flan for dessert! I will continue to come here occasionally when I'm around town, thank you so much, Rosa! read more

The carne burrito was awful, no seasoning on the meat, okay sauce, and coated with cheese. The restaurant was nice, I really like the art work on the tables and chairs, and the service was good. With so many other options for Mexican food I won't be back. read more

Great authentic Mexican food with a friendly staff and easy to get to location. We will be back.

My girlfriend and I came in on a random Thursday evening and this spot did not disappoint. Not only did we both enjoy our meals and drinks but our server, Adriana was so sweet! We will 100% be back! read more

El Gitano - Borrego was . Seriously so delicious. - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

Excellent food. Legit Mexican food. I'm from San Diego where Mexican food there is fantastic. So when we moved to Burlington we discovered Mi Gitano! Great drinks and awesome service! My favorite now!! Cute atmosphere! read more

Food poisoning. We had lunch here yesterday 10/3 around 1:30pm and by 11pm I was throwing up and had full blown food poisoning. I am pregnant so we got combo fajitas thinking it would be cooked to temp and safe, NOPE! We will never be returning to this restaurant, yuck!! read more

I went back to try this place again, and it was much better..... The food was delicious, our waitress was nice, and had a good sense of humor... The price is what you would expect with our current economic situation in the world.... I would and will be back.....Parking is on the street.. read more

Excellent Mexican food. Little pricy, but huge portions. Nice ambiance inside and our waitress was attentive. Nice spot in downtown Burlington. read more

El Gitano - Inside. Very colorful. - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

Despite being noticeably understaffed and a lot of traffic, we never waited very long and the food was incredible. The corn tortillas on the enchiladas were out of this world and the mole was so good. read more

How can a long time established Mexican restaurant serve such horrible nachos? Without a doubt the worst nachos I've ever had in a restaurant. The cheese was just one color, orange, and the most unappetizing orange you can imagine. My family wanted me to bring home some dinner for them, but I declined, if this restaurant can't even serve an average plate of nachos I'm afraid to try the other menu items. Our server was nice, prompt, and our nachos came out pretty fast, that is about the only thing positive I have to say. The salsa and guac were just blah, beyond boring. Then there are the restrooms, the toilet wobbled, the sink had no water pressure, only a trickle of water came out, and the towel dispenser was out of paper towels, this is in the middle of a global pandemic. This was my first, and obviously the last time in the Burlington El Gitano, I would suggest the El Gitano in Mount Vernon, I've had a better experience there. read more

El Gitano - Look at the cheese! It looks like goo I used to play with at the day care. Beyond disgusting. - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

A great athletic Mexican restaurant. Friendly staff and great food . My favorite is chicken and rice .

I love Mexican food! Wonderful service; great portions. Quality prep!! Very tasty!!! I love the interior colors! Very bright and cheery! read more

We had to wait five minutes to see anyone at all when we walked in and rang the bell. We were not shown to a table, our hostess pointed to the table and said, "Go-ahead." We had two filthy cups of water. My drink order was skipped entirely and the server rushed off hastily. The food came and while most of it was edible it was super low quality. I ordered vegetarian fajitas, and the broccoli appeared colorless, almost grey and squishy. I picked around and chose to eat just the carrots and they were raw and crunchy. I couldn't eat it. No one came by for the next ten minutes. When we did see the servers they were very pleasant, which is the only reason for the second star. I would choose anyplace else. read more

El Gitano - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

Food is always amazing the staff is very friendly and attentive the vibe is always great good place to hang out for dinner or just have a drink with family and friends. read more

El Gitano - Shrimp and green bell pepper flautas - Mexican Near Me - Burlington, Washington

Really nice find in Burlington!! Great amazing food and staff!! Welcoming atmosphere and great customer service! I will be back for sure!!

Update: Brought my mother in law here tonight and had amazing food and even better customer service. We ordered food to go for my husband and because it was a burrito I asked for the sauce on the side. The waitress made sure that anything that would make it soggy was served on the side and she even put an order of chips and salsa in the bag too. BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER! read more

Mannnnn is service lacking. We were one of two tables. Two servers in there. I had to ask for my tab three times. I am not surprised majority of the orders are to go. Last few times I've been in there service was very poor. Foods not bad but if I want to sit for long periods of time I'll just go hangout at a bar. read more

Having read some of these reviews, I wonder about people. I have never had a bad meal or poor service at El Gitano. In fact, it is a mandatory stop for my brother and sister-in-law, who live in Imperial Beach, CA, and have fantastic food choices both sides of the border. They love this place for its authenticity, great salsa, real guacamole and extensive menu, and they often plan their travels to encompass a meal here before boarding Amtrak at the Mount Vernon station, just a few miles away. Count me in with Irish C., Casey S. and Janeth F. Sandey B. Whidbey Island read more

Had a very nice dinner with very good service. Chilli Relenos are a favourite of mine and I was not disappointed, margaritas very good as well. read more

Good food I haven't found any thing that's not good I also report that the margaritas are the best.

I'm not a big fan of everything on the menu, but when they get it right, they really get it right. I especially like the large nachos with shredded beef, which is perfectly seasoned. The staff is always really nice and attentive. As for the pricing, it's hard to beat the reasonable cost. read more

Yes the food is fine, but the service is not so good. I think the problem rests in the layout of the room, where the staff is well away from the entrance, and remain unaware when people arrive. They also don't see the booths where people are seated. The Mount Vernon location is where I will continue to eat. read more

This is the place by which I measure all other Mexican food. I have been coming here for years and it is still my favorite hands down. My favorite is the Chile relleno because the pepper is always tender but the outside crispy and light with a beautiful sauce served over. Also their tamales are the best! Light fluffy, yet moist and delicate and soooo flavorful. The masa is so good I could eat it all by itself. A lot of other Mexican restaurants have really toned down the spice for us Gringos making the food unseasoned and flavorless, but not El Gitano. I really love that they have the perfect amount of heat and their salsa is the same way. Recently their awning fell off and parking has been difficult due to construction and the fact that the church across the street takes up all the public parking. Please don't let that keep you from this hole in the wall gem that needs your business and support. Your efforts will be rewarded with great food! read more

I opened the box of Mexican food & was hit in the face with the intoxicating aroma of refried beans & rice. Then I saw the shrimp & attacked them. Then I saw the steak & attacked it too. It was one of those meals that you don't want anyone to watch you eat it because you may look a little savage!!! Everything was cooked to perfection & I still think about those shrimp! OMG those shrimp...you really must taste the shrimp to understand what I mean!! Please don't let this restaurant go away & it will if you don't show your support! Thank you to all of the employees working here! read more

Its a very festive, happy place and always crowded. They have parties, and celebrations. They take reservations. Their food is great, margaritas fantastic and its a great place to eat!!! I love to eat there. read more

Best Mexican food in the PNW!! Great service too. Per my Texan partner, "finally, food like i grew up with".

The food is always so delicious and the employees are so kind. Taco Tuesday is a must because they have karaoke, $5 margaritas and discounted tacos ! I highly recommend read more

I've definitely had better Mexican food locally. I ordered the steak fajita dinner plate. The meat was tough and overall flavorless. For 2 meals and 3 kids meals it was $75. A little higher than other places. It is pretty small in there too. The server was nice. read more

Love el gitano!! They always make you feel like part of the family- food taste more authentic then other placed- this location has by far the best nachos, hands down!! read more

This is absolutely one of the worst Mexican places I have eaten at. Terrible service and food. Please do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. read more

When I went in yesterday we were the only customers at the restaurant and surprisingly the service still was slow. Also there was no music playing at all which can make a lunch date sorta awkward.. Besides that though the food was delicious and the price wasn't to bad either. read more

This is a good restaurant...the food is very good. Service can be a little slow sometimes because they get pretty busy at times but the food usually comes quickly and hot! read more

(Note: I think this location has gone through a management change since I was there a few months ago so it MIGHT be better) Our experience...Horrible service! My husband and I went here a few times. We would walk in the door and the bell would ring. The place would be empty and still nobody would come to serve us. We would hear them laughing in the back. I walked outside and came back in to have the bell ring again but still no service. This happened all three times...the first two times I had to walk to the back and let them know we were there. The last time we walked in, the place smelled like urine, and still no service. We walked out and I called them from the car and complained. Also our server the two times we actually ate there didn't speak a word of English. She understood the names of the food and that was it. Food is good but TOTALLY not worth the trouble! We now go to the one in Mt. Vernon which is soooo much better. read more