I stopped going as often because of inconsistent experiences and rising prices. Tonight I tried takeout again. We got fish tacos. The fish was dry, tough and not as good. The tortillas were tough, too. I'm going to have to find another place or make fish tacos myself. It's just not worth it anymore. It's too bad because I really wanted to support this place. read more

Food was very good unlike other places this taste home made really good, the beans and rice were both really good the chili relleno was a little soggy texture otherwise good wife enjoyed her chick burrias said really good taste. Service was friendly and good. Ambience was laid back but off and on busy Don't let the small place look fool you it's worth a try. Price was $47 for all. Next day I shit myself food was bad I guess! read more

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I was referred here from one of the bud tenders at the local dispensary .Cute mom and pop. Chips and salsa lacked flavor but they had some decent specials and it had a homely vibe inside. Nothing to Rave about and if you're a stickler about kids running around of the owners, then I'd go elsewhere. read more

Ordered a chicken burrito with guacamole from El Guanaco. Friendly young lady took my order and cashed me out. Very good burrito. Plenty of meat and had great flavor. Will definitely return. read more

El Guanaco - Fantastic specials that change somewhat daily. - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

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We have been going to Guanaco's restaurant for years. The food never disappoints and it is freshly made on the spot. Love their enchiladas so delicious! Service is great! Highly recommend! read more

I love this place! Chicken is always cooked perfectly. So fresh and lots of flavor. Best rice and beans too.

Food WAS PHENOMENAL!!! Exactly what I'd been craving/looking for, I'm from SoCal so I was ON THE HUNT for comparable Mexican food and this was it felt like I was right back at home! The service was a lot more attentive than I was expecting too! Great place and great vibes! read more

El Guanaco - Potato Tacos with Lettuce and Tomato; Extra cheese Side of rice and refried beans - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

The food is good and all but there's no table service and we went to the front we asked for a carne asada and other stuff ALMOST 30 minutes we waited and only 2 foods arrive weird we thought then another 10 we didn't receive the carne asada and we asked for it she said she didn't wrote it down after she repeated herself 2 times wen we were ordering , the food is good and everything im all about small business but I didn't like it in my opinion but at least the decorations were nice and the music. read more

What. Was. That?!? We get that staffing is difficult, prices have soared and everyone is struggling - BUT that also goes for the customer! We, as well as you don't have the money or the time to accept anything less than acceptable for dinner out. Our expectations are reasonable and we would gladly pay what is now the bus customary upcharge to provide adequate service. But El Guanaco isn't even putting AN effort, let alone the minimum. We show up with the kids and are told to grab a table, gestured to grab our own high chair. Sit there for 10 mins and guess what, you have to go to the counter to ask the snippy staff if there's table service and there isn't! I don't appreciate a place that forces the Karen out of me - Frontera it is... sorry, we'd love to support local but you screwed it up. read more

chips with salsa & guac were maybe the best i've ever had. birria tacos were also very good! the rice and beans sides are decent but nothing crazy. read more

El Guanaco - birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

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Nice family owned restaurant and very authentic Salvadoran - Mexican food. Everything is fresh made nice local spot if you're craving something from South of the border! read more

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I have been going to El Guanaco for years and they never disappoint! My favorite food is fish tacos and they have the best in Western Massachusetts. My favorite thing about El Guanaco is their simplicity. They don't overdo their dishes but rely on their skills in the kitchen to make everything perfect. Also, they serve the best rice and beans. Again, nothing fancy. They just know the right balance of flavors. Whenever I order for take away I never have to wait. By the time I make the 15-minute trip, my food is always ready to go. Must try if you're in the area! read more

Stopped in with a couple friends for some drinks and grub. My friends tried the shrimp tacos and steak quesadillas and both said they were awesome! We all enjoyed the Margaritas and food. All the workers were super friendly. I will be back for sure to try more of their menu! read more

El Guanaco - two people sitting at a table with plates of food - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

Good family owned business! I love there chips and salsa. There salsa is delicious on its own lol

Great Mexican food in a surprising out of the way location. All the food was good, and freshest guacamole I've ever had. And save room for dessert! They have some good ones -- Tres leches cake, flan, and crazy good coconut ice cream. read more

I have been a customer of El Guanaco for over 10 years. I decided to dine in for the first time instead of ordering out. The service was terrible. The main woman owner was busy arguing with two other female workers, yelling back and forth in Spanish. I wanted to pay the check and order another drink so I went up to the counter. There was a female black worker who completely ignored me until I was finally able to make eye contact with her. When I went to pay, I noticed the salsa they gave me was only half way full. I politely asked if they could fill it up all the way and the female owner said it would be .50$ extra for more salsa. Although the food is good, the service is horrible and the workers are rude. I will not be returning to El Guanaco any time soon. read more

There was no customers when I walked in but man. I just have to say the house margarita was the best I ever had!!! I also ordered steak tacos and they were simple. But delicious probably the best I've had in a long time. There street tacos stlye and they were quick!! Again I know I i was the oo lay one but it wasfresh and really good. I will tell many people about this Place and come more it's like a hidden jem. Thanks to the cook and server! Also. I have to say I did down two margaritas pretty wwuivk and the server waited a few minutes before givinggmE my check which I really appreciated because I did get a tad tipsy so they know how good there drinks are if you know what I mean. And I just really enjoyed it. read more

El Guanaco - House margarita $4!!!!!! Sooo good!!!! - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

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Lunch today. I admit I have not been there for several months so I decided to go and get a Chicken Chipotle Burrito to go. At lunch my work center used to order there once a week, usually for the $5 Burritos. Today I paid almost $10 for this. Ok, it was really good but the price change is a bit much! I showed and telled my coworkers about the price change and they freaked out! Double the price? Again, our lunch budgets haven't grown so our work center will not be going back! We understand costs may increase but this is too much.. sorry. read more

This restaurant was awful with following covid guidelines. Their masks, if they were wearing any were not on properly. Which basically makes them pointless. The mother wasn't wearing her mask half of the time we were there. The father/cook has his around his chin most of the time. One of the two children were actually wearing the mask properly while the other wasn't wearing one. I would have left if i wasn't there on a date. I didn't want my date to feel uncomfortable with his choice of a restaurant. The food was actually pretty great but during this pandemic it's important for people to be following proper procedures to ensure the safety of everyone. read more

Atmosphere is a 4/5. But the food wasn't able to keep match. The lengthy wait for my order was also unfortunate. Could be a staffing issue and not how they normally run, but as my first visit, might of been my last... read more

Friendly but not especially attentive. Generous portions. Moderately tasty. Ordered pork burrito expecting carnitas, but got small cubes of cooked meat. Oh well. We've tried it, and will try another next time. read more

El Guanaco - Pork burrito - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

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First time was a good time even though it might not be the most authentic Mexican food, the flavors were very good, subtle and well balanced. Every Wednesday is $5 chicken burritos and it is a large portion filled with rice, beans and chicken wrapped in the customary tortilla. The hot sauce I believe is made in house and is just plain fabulous, if you like it spicy that is what to order. They have a variety of cold soft drinks and a goodly number of Jarritos selections; you're gonna need it if you opt for the hot sauce. All in all the service, friendliness and the food will bring me back. read more

El Guanaco - Chicken burrito and Mandarin Jarritos. Excellent! - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

I love this place. It's not even a 5 minute walk away from house and this place has stopped me from going to Taco Bell. It all tastes nicely homemade and is easy surpasses Frontera and On the Border for me. It's a small ran business and it's normally never that busy. I've heard from some of my friends they've dealt with rude service there but everytime I have gone and sat inside I've had great conversations and passed jokes with the waiters. This is also one of the only places I could find horchata which I am always excited to have. read more

First and foremost, how can you have a restaurant reflecting a Salvadoran name but not have any pupusas? Well, after dining here a few days ago this question quickly left our minds as we ate at this now Mexican restaurant. We first started visiting El Guanaco when they were the little hole in the wall restaurant up the road, but have not visited since the shop moved to a new location. Before we loved their freshly made selection of food, but our most recent experience left us dissapointed. Here are a few of our thoughts: 1. The Mexican food here was average at best and they didn't have a lot of items listed on their menu. My wife ordered a jamaica and chicken encilladas which the restaurant was out of. 2. I order the chiles rellenos which were average. The cheese was hard and not melty while the rice and beans tasted like they were out of a can. 3. The salsa was terrible and the chips were cheap, I know that seems picky but I love when Mexican restaurants take pride in there salsa (I guess I eat too much Mexican in the Boston area). 4. The waitress was polite but absent, and didn't understand our orders (she spoke English but didn't understand the Spanish menu). In the end, we will probably bypass this restaurant in the future with the hope that someday they will have pupusas. Until then we will eat some from a few shops in South Amherst. read more

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Awesome mexican food served with great hospitality. I came in for lunch and had the carne asada steak tacos with onion, cilantro, tomato, rice and beans, and an order of fried plantains. Steak tacos were good but could of used a little more flavor. Corn tortillas were spot on as well as the rice and beans which were some of the best I have had. Fried plantains were a great compliment to the meal. They were prepared sliced lengthwise which was a little different than what I have had in past with plantains being pressed like silver dollars dollars. I prefer the latter because they are more tender. Service was very friendly and their is plenty of seating available. They also serve breakfast and have many more mexican dishes available. All in all this is a great place to get your mexican flare on at a great price and quick service. read more

El Guanaco - Carne asada tacos - Mexican Near Me - South Hadley, Massachusetts

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Their portions are always generous and the flavor is true to their description. Delicious is a good description; original flavor with native spices is more accurate! read more

Love the food here it tastes homemade. Everything is good the tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. They have great margaritas and They have good specials too. read more

I love this place. I love the family that runs it. It's a mix of Mexican and El Salvadorian food. They know us when we come what we want- The pork burrito of course. It is huge, flavorful and filling. The rice has the sabor; and my island people know what that is. It's not fancy but it's good food a decent prices. I love the laughter and comradery among the staff. It's like a little piece of home. Breakfast is always good. Love the sausage! read more

Legit Mexican tacos etc. Good vibes. Haven't tried the Salvadoran cuisine yet but soon. Carne Asada tacos and burritos Fish burritos too. Had the beef tips as well and they are super good. Do it! read more

I stopped going to Guanaco even though I was a regular. Food quality was declining and the wait for the food was insane. As well as getting orders mixed up. Kind people but the food is just not the same. read more

I'm somewhere between 2-3 stars...I wanted to give it a two because I'm sad, but I'm giving it a three because I have fond memories. This place used to be one of my favorite joints in the Holyoke/South Hadley area. It was in a TEENIE building and it was cozy. They just moved to a new location and it's much bigger but that doesn't mean better :( First off, they don't have papusas anymore. REPEAT -- NO PAPUSAS. My heart is broken. I used to come here specifically for those. Now that this place is mostly just burritos/tacos/quesadillas, it's kind of a generic Mexican restaurant. I'm saddened - I hope they bring back the papusas and I hope they bring back some of the charm that the old location used to have. read more

Came to El Guanaco for an impromptu dinner with a classmate. Our server was friendly, engaging, and prompt. The house margarita was delicious, and I'm extremely picky about sour mix: this was light, not too tart, definitely not too sweet. I got the $5 Wednesday special chicken burrito with hot sauce. Delicious, simple, enough for two meals. I'll definitely be back to try more of what they have to offer! read more

The food was pretty good.. however no one had a mask on, won't be returning until Covid is over

Been going for abt a year. Everytime i bring in my iced tea no issue. Their fridge doesnt work and the waters tsp. The lady walks over in english i ask her bout the $ special she answers in English. Then turns to my bf and looks him and only him in the eye to speak spanish stating i cant bring in my drink. We never buy their drinks so I'm not taking money out their pockets. They also never had an issue this whole year. I found it disrespectful addressing him and in a language I don't speak when she speaks English well. Plus you've never had an issue was it bc I inquired about your $1 taco oppose to out normal 13 meal. I got up and walked out lost 6 customers right off the bat over this. DON'T EAT HERE. Their 1 not Mexican food like stated. Cooks Dominican she's Salvadoran. 2. Fridge doesn't work been out for months. Just plain rude plus the food is ok if I had time i always drove to spngfld anyways for tacos. They were the 3rd backup. Decent taco. Not my fav around but the closest one I like. Needs more flavors across the board. The shrimp and chic don't taste like anything read more

This place served me the worst food I've ever paid for. The burrito was absolutely awful. The cheese was cheap and indistinguishable. Neither the rice nor the beans were seasoned. The tortilla tastes like paper. The chips were clearly the lower end of store bought chips and stale as well. The 'pico' they provided w the chips was actually decent but it was def NOT pico de gallo. The only positive is that it was absurdly cheap and came out fast. read more

I been there twice for breakfast. I drink coffee with milk (instead of cream) and was charged an extra $0.50 for enough milk for two small cups of coffee. I wasn't told of the extra charge until I received the bill. Feeling that perhaps they didn't want to deal with providing milk I brought a container with two ones of milk for my and my wife coffee. The waitress said that we cannot provide our own milk, and made us uncomfortable causing us to leave. It is unfortunate as we have known the owner for approximately 20 years, and will not go there and cannot recommend to our friends. By the way, I discussed the uncharge with the owner when the first time I was charged. read more

Poor excuse for a mexican restauraunt, terrible customer service. They keep erasing my review. The woman who is part owner was talking negative about us in spanish, thinking we didn't speak the language. Boy was she wrong. Keep your money and spend it somewhere else. read more

I'm not going to lie, 10 years ago this place was AMAZING. Since then, the quality has gone down, the prices have gone up, and the customer service isn't good at all. read more

I was really hopefully about El Guanaco, but my experience was that of something to be desired. The service was very slow and we were a table of three and there was maybe six other customers in the whole place. I asked my waiter what the 'Chipotle Dinner' was and they responded "You got me bro" and just stared and me and didn't even bother to go ask. The food was not that great once we finally got it. My shrimp was overcooked, the chicken enchiladas were very soggy. Really disappointed. read more

Used to be an even smalller "hole-in-the-wall" but what a find! Family-owned and operated. Excellent value and excellent food. If you are looking for fancy, go elsewhere. But if you want friendly service, good quality food and great prices, this is the place. Pair it with trip to Tower Theater for a movie and you have a great night or afternoon out! read more