This restaurant quickly became our go-to dinner spot. We found El Local on Yelp about a month ago and decided to try it out. It was a very busy Friday night, but the service was fantastic. Every server and team member was engaged with the tables, with more than one server checking on us (and others). They were also great at making recommendations for our food, since we had never eaten there. I forgot to take pictures but we've been back 3 times since! The food has been fantastic! Fresh herbs, tender meat, flavorful ingredients and everything we've had has been great. Previously we tried gorditas (soooo good), enchiladas and two kinds of burritos. This time, we chose quesabirria and shredded beef enchiladas. Both were fantastic! Even more, the drinks are incredible. The bartender has made a few different drinks, including margaritas and mojitos and they're never too sweet, just refreshing and delicious. The vibe of the restaurant is very easy going, fun (with some Latin music on) and relaxing environment. It's been very clean on each visit as well. Can't wait to go back! read more

El Local - Shredded Beef Enchiladas, rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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The hype is real! After reading all the reviews and seeing all the yummy pics, we decided to stop in and try it for ourselves. We came on a Saturday around 5 and it was busy, we were told there would be almost an hour wait on the food and there wasn't a table available so we sat at the bar. It was worth it. I had met the bartender at an event before and was pleasantly surprised to see him behind the bar but he was working his magic and the drinks coming out looks beautiful. He took great care of us. We ordered flautas and a torta, the food came out in 20 minutes and it was soo delicious. The food felt and tasted so authentic. The space is not small but not big and it's def unique but festive and cool. We tried visiting again on Thursday for dinner but this time there was a line outside, we need to time this better but worth it. read more

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If you're looking for true authentic Mexican food, you're on the right place! food was so bomb that I even forgot to take a picture of it and that says a lot. Friendly staff, great ambiance, amazing food! read more

El Local - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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El Local was great! We enjoyed our dinner and the staff here are patient and great with answering questions. The place was clean and not very busy. It's hidden in a strip mall so easily missed but worth the stop. read more

The food here is delicious and the staff are amazing! They were super busy but continually checked in on us while we were waiting and throughout the meal. Absolutely will be back! read more

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We stopped by this little gem after dropping our kid off at university. We chose the tacos. We ordered different kinds: al pastor, chicken, pork, chorizo, beef etc. the stand outs are definitely the tripa and the Lengua. Had to order seconds on the tripa so delish highly recommend to stop by here if you're in the mood for tacos! Very feasibly priced and service was quick. They also served chips on the house with very good salsa, especially the salsa verde. Lots of seating! read more

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One of our favorite taco spots! They have Thursday taco deals! Drinks are fancy and service is great! Great little spot! read more

El Local - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

The fact this place did not pop up as top Mexican place on here is such a crime. We went last night for the first time after passing it often for almost a year now. We got The Trio, which is guac, pico and queso. It was so good. The guac was so fluffy and fresh. We also both got carne asada tacos, Al pastor and tripa for which we had zero complaints. We are doing Dry January so unfortunately did not try any drinks but we will definitely be back when we are not! Will definitely add this place into our rotation. read more

I went here for the first time with three others. The food and service was FANTASTIC. I am originally from CA so I know street tacos pretty well. 10/10! There was quite a variety on the menu as well. Go check it out and support local! read more

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This is hands down my new favorite spot for tacos -- both for the taste and the price. They start you off with free chips and three different salsas. The green one (I'm guessing salsa verde) instantly became my favorite -- super fresh and packed with flavor. My wife and I each ordered four tacos, and they were amazing. The tripa taco was so good I had to go back for a second one, and my wife had to try it too. These are true street tacos -- smaller than your average taco but absolutely loaded with flavor. Just cilantro, onion, a squeeze of lime, and a little salsa...perfection. If you love authentic, flavorful tacos at a great price, this place is a must. read more

El Local - Free chips - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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Another restaurant we found close by that had really great reviews! Do not pass up El Local. We came on a weekend, mid afternoon for a later lunch. We decided to give El Local a try as we were craving some good authentic food, we were not disappointed at all! Started with chips and queso, which was very good! Went to our entrees of Burrito and Tostadas! The size portions were large so we ended up having to bring about half of everything home. If you are looking for great authentic food, El Local is a great place! Staff is very friendly and takes the time to go over any questions you have. read more

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Such an amazing gem! Walked in and the place was packed! Indication of great food and service! Kudos to Chef Alan and Castro! We will be back sooner than later!! read more

Great food! Ambiance is okay and service is good. Give it a try! I've seen lots of small groups.

This place is amazing! Me and my mom don't live in Fort Myers but if we come back we will 100% visit this place again. The service was amazing they check up on you to make sure everything is good, recommend items, and always have a smiling face! Shout out to Roxan btw! The food was so nice and fresh you can tell they are not lying with saying it never touch's a factory. All in all, if you're looking for a nice and kind ambiance for Mexican food I would 100% go here! Kindest Mexican place in America! read more

The tacos were amazing, but after seeing a server petting the two non service dogs next to our table INSIDE we were very upset and did not finish our meal. They asked us to leave and we paid. Did not tip, but they tacked on a $30.00 tip anyway. I have reported them to the Health Department. read more

El Local - Pets welcome inside???? - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

Been to el local several time me and I am convinced this guy s the best Mexican in self. Very crowded but worth the wait. Definitely try the red sauce, it will change your life. read more

Very pleasantly surprised! So authentic and the Al pastor is so good (made without pineapple)! I had the street tacos and some of the best I've had and I grew up in San Diego! My husband had the flautas, just as authentic, outstanding! To make it better, the music is grooving....we just ordered a mezcal old fashion and a margarita on the rocks. Let me say that El Local is the real deal with outstanding authentic Mexican food and incredible cocktails. We've found an original new spot, a twist that is absolutely incredible! So happy to find this hip Mexican restaurant. Don't pass this place up and the service is top notch. Seriously! We live in Cape Coral and will absolutely come again and again. Don't pass the experience, Diamond in the rough read more

El Local - Cold beer, margarita on the rocks and the absolutely best Mezcal Old Fashioned! - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

I called 5 hours to see if they would be able to sit our team of 27 for dinner that night. They said they could. Our server, Robert, was attentive, quick and kind! The food was delicious and everyone left happy and full! Thank you El Local for the hospitality and the ability to fit us in! read more

El Local is in a strip mall. We walked in and ad soon as we arrived, we were welcomed immediately. It's a cute mom and pop place with plenty of seating. They accommodated our party of 4 adults and 4 children. They are a wonderful local restaurant with delicious Mexican cuisine! Even the plates were rustic and lovely! The food was delicious!! So good and authentic! read more

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We ate a late lunch (4:00) at El Local. I had a Rum Runner & a Banana Hammock & my husband had a Margarita. All were very good. We had the El Trio appetizer - fantastic!! Then we had the taco special $1.75 each. We had a polo, chorizo, carnita & al pastor. They were all delicious! Pedro made our drinks & served us as well, he was personable & attentive. You have to look for the restaurant as the sign is not lit but it's in the strip mall with Matt's Red Hots. read more

Who knew? This little spot has some tasty authentic food. We were greeted and told to sit anywhere we wanted. A menu was given to look over. Service was a little slow, but very pleasant. Chips with pico was $7.99, but extremely good in taste. Portion was small for the price. The two chicken street tacos were very tasty and served nice and hot. The Chimichanga, on the other hand, was a bit greasy, soft and not crunchy like I've had in the past. It was just okay in taste, but very big. I will definitely return to try different dishes. read more

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We love this Mexican restaurant when we are in Ft. Meyers. Authentic, good portions, great salsa. Friendly efficient staff. Plenty of parking. We have never had a problem getting seated. Highly recommend. read more

This place is AMAZING! Incredible food, great service, clean and attentive service. I hope the seasonal folks don't ruin it. I will be back many times. Tacos are true street tacos and surreal margaritas with fresh lime. read more

Wife and I made a 1st time visit for evening meal. Hidden gem! Very friendly attentive servers. Was moderately busy but prompt. We had Sopies and Alambra. Excellent entries. Full of flavor. Not just tacos burritos and etc. Kitchen is producing fresh new versions of homemade Mexican. read more

We went to El Local for dinner tonight and all four of us loved it. Robert was our server and he was wonderful. He explained several dishes to us and gave us recommendations when I asked. This is the best Mexican food I have had in Ft. Myers and maybe the best I've ever had. Everything tasted delicious and fresh. The guacamole, pico, and cheese trio was delicious as were the chips. All of our main dishes were very generous and 3 of the 4 of us had left overs. We all agreed that we would definitely be returning. read more

I have never had a bad meal here, very affordable as well. Local husband and wife place and the food is incredibly authentic. Hidden Gem, haven't tried? Go! :) read more

El Local - Logo on wall- - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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I normally don't leave negative reviews, but this experience has happened multiple times and needs to be addressed. Every time my friends and I come here, the staff seems uninterested and unwelcoming. We've had employees act like they don't want us there, and on more than one occasion our orders were either forgotten or significantly delayed without any communication. We're always respectful customers, so it's frustrating to feel ignored and not taken seriously. A restaurant should make guests feel welcome, not like an inconvenience. I hope management sees this and works on improving customer service, because the current experience has been very disappointing. read more

The BEST Mexican food that we've ever had! My husband got the street tacos. I got the gorditas and our daughter got the chicken quesadilla. It was all incredible! The chips are homemade, not the stale chips you get from most Mexican restaurants. Service was great. The food here is amazing. You will not be disappointed. read more

El Local - Chicken gorditas - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

This place deserves its five stars! Everything we had was delicious. The potato chorizo taco was so yummy! The quesoBirria was yummy although they were on the smaller side. They were delicious and I love that their tacos are served with slices of cucumber,radish and lime. The steak quesadilla was large and so good. Salsas were delicious and flavorful Beans are So good read more

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Just back from a delicious dinner at El Local. First time we went and the food was great and the potions were generous! Our waiter, Robert, took the time to go over the menu and let us know what his favorites were. Thank you, Robert! We'll be back soon! read more

I never leave reviews but after I came here I just needed to share my experience. If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Staff is so friendly and welcoming, sat down and was immediately greeted with a server. Quick and amazing service and EXCELLENT food! I have tried many birria tacos and these are the best I've ever had! This is my new go to spot, I constantly recommend this place to all my friends and family! read more

El Local - Birria Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

Service, people, and the food were amazing. I will become a regular! So authentic. The ambiance was fun.

I have only ordered to go items but the food was exceptional and so was the service. You can tell the employees care about the level of food they serve and the service they provide. Coming from a border state, I know authentic Mexican food, this is it. Prices are great and you can tell they probably come in early to prepare sauces and tortillas and other foods as many family run businesses do who give that extra to their customers. That's why I love patronizing small family run businesses like this one because you know how much love and care they put into each meal. I highly recommend the Carne Asada tacos they are filled with grilled meats and veggies and spray some lime add some salsa and trust me it might be the best thing you've ever eaten... Lots of adult beverages like Margaritas, Sangria, Cervesa, Micheladas and more make the perfect complement to a delicious meal. Enjoy Ft Myers.... read more

Went back again. Again, very decent food (except their cheese dips... milk with cheese on top and no flavor), but I am still traveling the seven seas in search of any hot sauce (roja and verde) at all. Every time I ask for extra (they give you like two tablespoons). And every time, they never return with anything extra.... read more

Absolutely love it here. Food and drinks are consistently delicious and authentic, the vibes are great, and the Pedro the bartender makes you feel right at home. 100/10 read more

This is the place to find tacos. Small, quaint place off the main road. Step inside and it's a bit bigger than anticipated. The food was amazing and service was quick and friendly. This was a great find as I wander around for the day. read more

Other than the AC not working (which sucked) , the food was AMAZING and the drinks were DELICIOUS!!! Definitely craft cocktails And you have to get the queso Service could always be better here but it's not bad! read more

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Pedro was amazing, highly recommend sitting at the bar and getting his customer service! Drinks were top notch, truly spectacular at what he does! Not only were the drinks next level, the food was amazing. Will be a go to of ours, so glad to have found this local gem! Already thinking about the next time I can get the Piña Verde and Queso Fundido! read more

I don't have enough great things to say! Employees are so friendly and prompt, food was very authentic, and the environment was clean and so cute! Can't wait to go back! read more

Visiting Estero once more! Went for lunch, most delicious, consistent, fresh hand made food. Recommend if in the area. Go hungry read more

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