It is the little things that set this place apart. I came here mainly because of the split among my fellow yelp elites, with some seeing this as a 5 star exceptional and others as a 3 star average. I am happy to report they are both wrong. It is far better than a 3, newer, cleaner, better service, more authentic and better decorated. They probaby ordered something boring like a taco and got a taco, this unimpressed. We ordered from the dinner menu and the steak Mexicana, the fajitas and Chicken quesadillas were all excellent. Well prepared. Excellent Cuts of meat. The dessert sopapillas were were equally delightful. The salsa served hot was excellent. The Mexican colored chips. Green, white, and red were a very nice touch. Fresh. We ate a lot of them. Great selection of beers, good cocktails. This is the best Mexican restaurant in Magnolia, Texas at this point. Downside is it is tucked into the back of a strip mall. There's only so much they can do with the modular space. They distressed the furniture to make it look older. But that's obviously fake. Almost five stars. I might even give it five stars. Because it's maybe even a touch better than a four. read more

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I'm new to Texas originally from California, and I also lived in Arizona, so I have pretty much tried Mexican food from all regions. As a Latino who grew up eating Mexican food daily, I don't hand out praise easily. I'm a foodie with high standards, and I give honest reviews with no fluff. That said, El Jarrito is one of the best spots we've tried so far in Magnolia and even compared to places we've had in Houston. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5. I ordered the chile relleno plate. Normally it comes with either cheese or ground beef, rice, and refried beans, but I customized it to one cheese and one ground beef with charro beans instead. They gave me zero pushback, which I appreciated. The cheese relleno was better than the ground beef one in my opinion, but both were good. The rice was actually better than most places around here. The charro beans had good flavor, about a 3 out of 5 for me, but could have used more meat. We also ordered hard shell ground beef tacos. They do not offer shredded meat, which would have been nice. Flavor was good and my wife enjoyed them, but they use pre made taco shells. If they homemade fried those shells, that would have taken it to another level. Our friend had the combo, cheese enchilada and taco, and she loved it. The enchilada was solid. Now let's talk about the salsa. The house salsa with the chips was fire. Fresh and warm, which is different in a good way. My wife had never had warm salsa before and really liked it. The guacamole was fresh. We asked them to keep it basic because we have a toddler and did not want it spicy. They nailed it. We added our own lime and salt and it was perfect. We ordered three micheladas. The cups were on the smaller side, but the mix was good and the mugs were ice cold. No complaints there. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly. The place was clean and we were taken care of right away. Overall, based on flavor, service, willingness to accommodate, and feedback from everyone at the table, it is a 4 out of 5. We will definitely be back and are looking forward to exploring more of Magnolia, but for this neck of the woods, this spot holds its own. read more

Why 3 stars? Because, sadly, it was just okay, at best. --- --- --- I hate writing reviews that are less than glowing. I especially hate it when the people I interacted with at that business are all really nice. But it's important to be honest, and in the interest of that, I'm rounding up to 3-stars here if I am purely discussing the food. We ordered all of the staples that we also do when at a Tex-Mex spot: chips & queso with beef fajitas. I will point out the one thing I did enjoy: the rice and beans. The refried beans had a smokey flavor to them. It tasted like they could use a pinch more salt, but I thought they were definitely better overall than most places. As for everything else... The chips? I have to give them 2-stars. I'm not sure if they were less fresh or what, but we just weren't fans. The salsa was really lacking and looked pretty unappealing too. Things improved when the queso arrived, but it was probably average, at best. The beef fajitas came out sizzling like crazy. I was so excited to dive in, but sadly, the beef was very low-grade. They were definitely cheaper than other places at $17, but you noticed the apparent drop in quality. I also ordered a Jamaica agua fresca, a drink I always love every time. Once again, this one missed the mark. I am nowhere near smart enough to tell you why or how, but it just didn't taste quite like it should. Again, everyone we encountered here was top notch friendly. I feel awful for dropping this subpar review on them. But I also have to be real about what I experienced. If everything is 5-stars, nothing is 5-stars. And this was more like 2.5 stars for me. read more

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Food was fantastic! Had the street tacos and queso - super yummy! Margarita was delicious. Want a great place. read more

El Jarrito - Street tacos - Mexican Near Me - Magnolia, Texas

I REALLY recommend this restaurant, they have Really nice waitresses, the place is a beautiful culture and it's Perfect for Mexican people and other people who love Mexican food. The food was so good and tasty and I really recommend the Jamaica drink which is like a sweet drink. read more

Can't say enough great things about this place the quality taste and service is always . Every-time we come it's sooooo delicious. I finally tried the tacos Al pastor and OMG! I am super picky about good tacos these are legit great. My family loves coming here. The drinks are always the best and big and we bring out of town guest here all the time. The website they have isn't the best but if you're in the area there off Hardin Store Road. It's a family owned restaurant so we love supporting our local spots. read more

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Tried this little place while I was traveling in Magnolia today. It was quiet and had a cute outdoor patio. The customer service was great. Kind hostess and the gentleman who waited on me I believe was a manager. The salsa was warm and has a nice medium kick. Chips were your normal average chips! The beef fajitas were good. 8/10 and the fried ice cream did t disappoint. I'll come back if I'm ever on this side of town. Oh and they had Wi-Fi! read more

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So empty parking lot at lunch on Saturday should have been first clue. Food was ok at best. Hubby's soft tacos were full of water. Tea was a cup full for $3 and not that great. Enchiladas beans and rice were ok at best. Service was bad. We were one of two tables and had to get waiters attention just to get a tea refill. They do serve lunch menu seven days a week but it's not cheap! Nice enough to give Veterans discount but waiter failed to fill out ticket properly so still didn't get full discount. Sorry but not impressed! Try lowering your ridiculous prices train your waitstaff and you might fill up at lunch. If you fail to get a tip now you now why. read more

It's been 5 months since we first visited and today we took a bigger crowd after Church. The food was amazing and the service is superb Everyone was impressed! read more

Very good food and service. Everything came out quickly and tasted great. Would recommend to others

We have been coming to El Jarrito since they opened! The service is amazing. We are never waiting for chips or refills. They know our 6yr old son by name and remember his order! The margaritas and food are always delicious! This is our go to restaurant if we are eating out! read more

This family owned business is a gem. We love coming here, ordering to go and have even used them for some of our events at home. Their fajitas are amazing, the flautas delicious. plus, the staff is super attentive and the space super cute! read more

Today we visited this restaurant by chance, to my surprise, not only did we have one of the best food experiences, the service was spectacular from its owners, Guillermo and Beatriz. Great food and super cold beers! This is the Mexican restaurant we were looking for! You should try it! read more

El Jarrito - Mexican Near Me - Magnolia, Texas

First night they've opened and the service is exceptional! No slow downs, orders are spot on, food is delicious, and the staff are just wonderful! Let me recommend this to all of you who are looking for some great local Mexican cuisine in your community! read more

Good food and the service and staff are very friendly. Had the papa nachos smothered with gravy, carne asada tacos and burrito. All were very good. Salsa was nice and spicy. read more

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We had takeout from this place couple of nights ago and were very pleased with the flavor and preparation of the dishes all around. We ordered 2 fajita beef burritos and tacos al carbon. Some of the best Tex-mex I've encountered in a while. The order was filled and brought out quickly. I was there during a slow time and one of the employees was mopping an already clean floor. Even with a mostly empty dining room the ambiance was good and I could easily imagine a bustling and noisy room with some cool style and atmosphere. Nice job! read more

Service was quick to be seated. After looking around at the establishment it projected a nice ambiance of a Mexican restaurant. The waitress was quick to bring the menus and take our drink order. We ordered the shrimp enchiladas, made to order to my daughters specifications, the street tacos, and a sampler for appetizer. I must say the food was very tasty and came out piping hot. Most definitely would recommend this place read more

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This restaurant reminds me of what a restaurant is supposed to be. It's family owned and The family members actually wait on you. They are exceptionally nice and the food is excellent. My family used to own a restaurant and we can go back to this place so we can remember how it feels when your family gets together and takes pride in what they do and the food they make, makes people want to come back. I highly recommend this place. Diana B. read more

Absolutely love this place.. they are from Jalisco and have an authentic flavor to their food read more

El Jarrito - Tortilla Chicken Soup - Mexican Near Me - Magnolia, Texas

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It's a mom and pop Mexican restaurant and we WILL be back! Not overly expensive yet great food! Service was wonderful. My husband and I walked in, we're seated quickly and got our drink order and brought chips. I couldn't figure out what to order. I asked the waiter (owner I think, Guillermo) If I should get beef tacos Al carbon or tacos Al pastor. He made me a plate with BOTH so I could try them. My husband had the combination enchiladas. Both dinners were excellent as well as the queso. Waiters all kept our chips and glasses full. I'm excited to visit again!! read more

This is a great little family run restaurant. This will be our new go to! Margaritas and food did not disappoint. The service was spectacular from the time we entered the door till we left. Thank you! read more

The beef and chicken fajitas were just ok and and rice and beans were cool, as in room temp. Had a side of charro beans that were great, best I've had in a long time. Chips are thin and fresh but the salsa was weak and bland. Service was ok but a few mistakes about what we ordered and what we got starting off with the wrong beer. read more

Lovely family owns this local restaurant! Food is excellent and it's a smaller, quieter atmosphere than some of the big chain places like Gringos. We also like that's it's close by and we are supporting hard working family owned! Give it a try! read more

Been here a few times. Zoe is always our server and her service and drinks have never disappointed. Wife and I try new drinks every time and not only are they amazing but we haven't even made it halfway down the drink menu. Vampiro and prickly pear are the current favorites. Food is awesome too read more

El Jarrito - Mojito - Mexican Near Me - Magnolia, Texas

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We have been coming to El Jarrito almost once a week since they've opened. The service is a 10/10. The food and drinks come out hot, fast, delicious every single time. They know what my 4yr old orders and ask if he's ready for it as soon as we sit down. The margaritas are delicious! The pastor torta is the most delicious torta I've ever had in my life. Our family loves El Jarrito and will forever be loyal customers! read more

Ask for a margarita made with patron And they informed me that the margaritas are pre-made and they can not do that, yes this was for a on the rocks and there was only 1 other customer in the place not like they where busy. Food was ok but a little salty read more

Still fabulous!! Quality and flavor still increfible. They have a lunch menu as well as full menu and everything we have tried has been wonderful. read more

Delicious! Hector is an amazing and attentive waiter, the drinks are top notch (prickly pear margarita is amazing) and the food was great - we tried both types of queso, the street tacos, fajitas, wings and papa nachos, but my absolute favorite were the enchiladas! Would highly recommend! read more

My husband and I have been here several times. The food is consistently good and they have yummy margaritas. I keep getting the burrito California and putting queso blanco on top. My husband tries, and has enjoyed, different plates. The fried ice cream is delicious! They accommodated me buy putting honey, instead of their sauce or chocolate, on top. Tasted better than my favorite fried ice cream as a kid! We had the opportunity to talk with one of the owners yesterday. She's a lovely woman and mother. This is a neighborhood eatery you want to see succeed! read more

Surprised this place is not packed all the time. Service is outstanding and the food is great. Wife loved the prickly pear margarita and would have settled for onion fajitas from the order. Flavorful and a delight I will be back to sample additional items read more

Double check you check before leaving Been there 3 times. Tried to let them get their act together! A No Go. They have their kids waiting tables. I have no problem with that...IF they do a good job..And they do not. 1st time cheese in the enchilada was cool (not warm), and the kids were too busy sitting at a table across the dinning room talking and playing on their phones to notice I was signaling. And I got my tea glass filled only once. 2nd time I order the same. The cheese was warmer, however again I ran out of chips and salsa, and only got one refill of tea. 3rd time I order a como plate. Again the cheese was cool, the beans were just warm (not hot) and the rice was a bit dry..and take a guess on how many times my tea glass got filled. The 2nd and 3rd time I thought my bill was a bit high compared to what I order, so on the 3rd time I checked before I left a tip. They had added a surcharge to the check I asked what it was for and was told BECAUSE I used my card. I told them it was not legal surcharge a debit card in TX just a credit card, however they said their bank said they could. Never mind what the state law is. So at this point I took the surcharge out of the tip (their kid's) and will not be back read more

This is by far one of the best Mexican food joints around the area. The shrimp el Diablo has great flavor and some seafoods heat behind it. The beans and rice are great. Awesome salsa for the chips. I'm picky when it comes to Mexican food and I will return here. Glad it's close to home. The staff is really friendly and nice atmosphere. read more

Great tacos al Pastor and Margarita on thé rocks. Guillermo and Beatriz are the owners and awesome people. I will definitely be back.

The food and drinks are awesome. Definitely coming back!! Service was awesome, very attentive. Thank you read more

The food here is just delicious and such nice folks working here too!! I highly recommend this great restaurant to everyone!

One of the best Mexican restaurants around here and surprised it is not always packed. The service here is great and they are always nice to our little kids. Margaritas are fantastic and love their steak fajitas. Our go to spot for quick, high quality, and reasonably priced family dinner. read more

Great neighborhood place. Attentive and friendly service. Good food and salsa (you can ask for it cold ;-) )

Excellent service--really nice family owned business. Great HH margarita prices and great margs!!!! Great ground beef enchiladas, warm, thin, crispy chips, salsa not too hot or too mild--happy medium, and very clean. Definitely check this place out for great Tex-Mex! It's a young restaurant so the menu is small, but what they do is great! read more

This is by far the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to!! The service is outstanding and as well as the food. Place is nice and clean and wonderful atmosphere!! read more