Walked in and it was crickets! Hey........ That's awesome. I love my space. They sat us down and we got our drinks within 7 minutes. Giant beer please! Chips were hot, they bring salsa and cheese. Chips are lacking salt almost entirely but the fact that they were warm totally made up for that. I ordered chile rellenos, and a burrito, with a side of rice and beans. Huge portions... I couldn't finish it all. Id be FAT AS FUCK if I did! Darin ordered chicken tacos, Madison ordered the kids taco and rice and beans, and Diana (always the odd one out) had chicken fingers and fries! Everything was good! I'm not complaining about anything other than the fact we had to wait for refills. I give it 4 stars because Diana's " chicken fingers" we're probably chopped up chicken patties from the bag! I'd go again. read more

El Loro - Off to a good start! - Mexican Near Me - Crystal, Minnesota

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This is a severely underrated Mexican joint. El Loro is the place to go if you're in the area and craving some delicious authentic Mexican food. The staff make sure that your experience is quick and delightful so you're not waiting for your food for an hour. Would highly recommend. read more

These guys are ballers! The staff was on top of it and the chips and salsa flowed like water. Prices are affordable and the fajitas and nachos made me a believer. Best Mexican joint we've found in the cities so far. This place makes me want to do the cha cha. Left 'em a serious tip for the Comida Bueno. read more

Great eat-in and takeout experiences! I've gone to El Loro a few times to eat in the dining room and I've always had a good experience. I haven't found any of their food super spicy so if that's your thing then you might want to another place but overall the food has hit the spot. I particularly like their tostadas. They are huge and you only need a few to fill up. Also, the white creamy sauce they bring with the tortilla chips at the beginning of the meal is delicious. I was particularly impressed that they even gave me a side of chips, salsa, and this white sauce with my takeout lunch a few weekends ago. Note - I wouldn't necessarily consider this the most authentic Mexican food experience but it is a great spot for the Western suburbs. My only gripe with El Loro is that it is really annoying to get to. There isn't a direct route and tons of stop lights. read more

I've eaten here before and the food was good, but when I came in today something was off. The wait staff was very slow bringing back drinks/ food. Many of the people in my party didn't even get their food and just sat there. I ordered Combo #24 and my enchiladas were barley warm. My friends ordered some wings and coffee and the wings themselves were cold, and the coffee had a piece of hair inside of it. Not only that but the drinks were watered down and tasted like dishwasher fluid. Wish I could say good things but today was a huge no-no from my friends and I. read more

Went here for dinner over the weekend. I had the shrimp chimichanga, and was pleasantly surprised that the shrimp were of the larger variety. I don't remember what my husband had but he said it was alright. Overall your average Mexican fare in the States. read more

I've been here 3 times and every time has been great. The food is good, the wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable and my water glass stayed full the entire time (I drink a lot of water!). Each plate has large portions that could easily be shared between 2 people. The food is excellently seasoned and comes out fresh, hot and prompt. They have a lot of options for vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores alike. They also have a DELICIOUS homemade ranchero sauce which makes store bought ranch dressing seem pathetic, sad and disgusting. The one time there was a small mistake they immediately apologized and brought me a brand new plate of food super quickly (I almost felt bad the guy looked so apologetic). We had the quesadilla, enchiladas (OMG!!!! YUM!!!), chile rellanos, and a taco, and a chalupa today which were all great. There are also some dishes that come served in hot hot hot cast iron bowls still sizzling. Try it you won't be disappointed! Did I mention the fresh chips that were still warm when they came out with salsa and ranch? Omnomnomnom read more

This place has to be decent being that it is able to compete with Chipotle right across the street. Right? The service is attentive.. so much that it seems like you snap your fingers and you already have that refill you asked for. Last time I was there, I had the three chicken tacos for $4.99.. Couldn't finish them because they packed them with tons of fresh, super tasty chicken. I have never heard a complaint about this place and it is super affordable. If you're in Crystal, this is one of your only options besides the 100 chains here. read more

DO NOT EAT THEIR FOOD! We ordered takeout and the food was wrong and just bad. Called the restaurant to let them know and was told they were too busy to fix it. read more

Amazing food, amazing service, and amazing margaritas. I have nothing bad to say about my experience. Oh yeah, the chips and salsa and I think queso was fire AF! Will always come back here. read more

I frequented this business often before and during COVID. Today my husband and I went for dinner. First my order was wrong and had red meat added to it. When I tried to explain I don't eat red meat and there was red meat mixed in. The waitress acted like she didn't understand, I showed her the steak, she took my plate and I could hear her laughing as she walked away. She returned a couple minutes later, most likely with the same plate. Then she never came back during the remainder of our visit. We were never asked if everything was okay with our meals, did we want anything else. The host brought us the check, we gave our card to pay for our meal and he returned a minute later and said the internet is slow and asked if we had cash. I don't normally carry much cash. But I happened to have cash on me, I pulled out cash and gave it to him. My husband had a good view to the front counter and could see them inspecting the cash. We didn't finish our food nor did we take any to go as it started and finished all wrong. It was the worst experience I've had in a very long time. I wont be back. I've instructed our employees that we won't be doing any more employee lunches their in person nor delivery. read more

Horrible! They were ok as a sit down restaurant before COVID hit last year, but using delivery services has affected this restaurant. They have become total sh*t. I have ordered from them 3 times in the last 6 months and will never order from them again. They can't get an order correct to save their lives. A simple order of 2 entrees and 2 sides they screw it up; over and over. Never again. read more

I got take out. I ordered an hour ahead so there was plenty of time to get my order prepared. When I got there to pick it up the cashier seemed very confused. I went over my order with her several times. She finally handed me my order and I paid. When I got home my order was all wrong, it wasn't even close to what I ordered. On top of that the food was terrible. I will never go back. read more

El Loro is your typical Mexican restaurant. They have decent margaritas and salsa but I wasn't over thrilled by their queso or main dishes. I ordered the pollo loco and thought it tasted fine but nothing to write home about. Standard grilled chicken with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a little shrimp. Also came with refried beans, rice, and tortillas. The reason I wasn't as impressed is it was very bland flavor wise. read more

Filthy. Rude service. Unappealing, microwaved food. The empty lot should've been my clue.

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. Side note: El Ezteca, El Loro, El Toro, etc are all the same place, owned by the same people, with the same menu, and yes, the food tastes the same. It is a chain, it just doesn't appear to be. With that said, I have to say, well, it's ok. I know people who passionately love it, but I just think it's ok. The chips and salsa and that white sauce whatever it is, is really good, but everything else I have tried, I either didn't like, or just thought was ok. I am not a HUGE Mexican food fan, but I do enjoy it on occasion. What's great about this place is you get your food VERY fast, almost too fast! I would never NOT recommend the place, but I also wouldn't rave. The same with the others from this chain that I've tried: El Ezteca, El Toro..etc. read more

This place may have slow service but the food makes up for it! The carne asada street tacos are delicious !

Not really authentic Mexican, but I love the atmosphere. Their drink specials. And their free chips and salsa.

TERRIBLE service for so-so Mexican cuisine. I will NOT be back. My family of 4 (husband and 2 small children) visited this restaurant for Cinco de Mayo. We arrived around 7 PM (after swimming lessons) and were told it would be a 15 minute wait. It was Cinco de Mayo, so a wait was expected and even though we had tiny tots with us, we decided 15 minutes was more than tolerable. Unfortunately, after contemplating leaving several times as we watched countless tables sit un-bussed, we were seated an HOUR later. After being seated, someone brought us chips and salsa immediately, but we didn't see a server for a beverage order for at least 15 minutes. After being asked by a server if we had been helped (seriously?), she took our order, delivered beverages and then rolled her eyes at me when I asked for a straw. Then, another HOUR later, our food was delivered. During that hour, we didn't see our server once. No apologies for the wait, no asking if we needed anything... NOTHING. It was apparent that this place was seriously understaffed (especially for Cinco de Mayo) with what looked like 2 hosts, 1 busser and 3 servers... but it was also apparent that none of them cared. 7 PM was already late to be arriving at a restaurant with small kids, but leaving there at 10 PM without so much as a single apology or smile during the entire time we were there was simply unaccepatable. read more

Stopped in while visiting family. I was shocked at the vegetarian options. They had about 5 different options to choose from. That's not easy to find in the Chi. Usually I have to modify my own meals. What i wasn't impressed with was the food. I ordered a veg meal with a bean burrito, chalupa and a quesadilla. The bean burrito was just that with semi melted cheese and tomato sauce on top. The quesadilla also had semi melted shredded cheese and was just ok. The chalupa was a toastada cover with beans, lettuce and quac. Only cool thing was the insane 60oz Margaritas! read more

Fabulous: The Burritos Mexicanos is the best entree I've had at a mexican restaurant. We drive 20 miles to come and order this entree. It is a very cute place. Great chips, great service. ABSOLUTELY fabulous value. The fajitas are on the smaller side of what I would deem a normal entree (but I can eat a lot). The enchiladas verdes are great along with many others. Two people can walk out being totally satisfied with a bill under $20. Can't do that at many places anymore. read more

I have been to many El Loro locations but this place has tarnished this chain forever. I walked in with my children Friday May 15th. I was seated with a cold greeting and arrived at my booth only to wait 15 mins before I confronted Cheyenna and asked if someone could please serve us. She snootily replied "yeah what do you want" I was so taken back by her response I requested to speak with management. She once again replied In a condescending tone "yeah" The conversation became less than pleasant when I decided to leave the restaurant with my children and she mockingly slouched down to their height and waved goodbye. I have been trying to teach management since this incident and have left messages and still have received no reply. read more

Went to celebrate a birthday! Our food came out quick but the taste of it wasn't so great.. My mom's dish was shrimp, steak, and chicken. The chicken tasted fake, the steak was dry and very under season and there were only 3 shrimps in the dish. It was a $15 dollar dish.. The enchiladas dish tasted bleh! Just ground beef put into a tortilla and with tomatos dropped on top. The place wasn't tasty at all.. Won't be coming back ever!! read more

This place is almost exactly like El Rodeo in Maple Grove which is a good thing.they bring you the warm chips and the best white sauce dip in the world. Reasonable prices and fast. Check out their specials. Great food. read more

I have been eating here for many years and the food and service is great. The bartenders are phenomenal. They don't skimp on the booze.and it's always on point. read more

have been going here since i was a baby and the quality has never altered. the kindest staff, last time i was there i told my server i was turning 21 in the next few days and wanted to see her but she wouldn't be working that day so she brought over her favorite person and promised me i would have excellent service, she wasn't wrong. el loro, i love you. never leave. read more

I love this place, it has good authentic mexican. You have to be smart and try not to fill up on the chips and salsa, otherwise you will not be hungry for your food. Most days of the week, it is busy, so I would suggest getting there before 6pm. I would highly recommend this place. read more

We got there at 5 pm and it was not busy at all. We asked to sit on the other side were we always sit the waitress took 15 minutes to take our drink order, the food was not good at all and it took them way too long to bring a box for our food and the bill. I live in crystal and have been there before but that service ended my visits there. read more

I don't know what happened to this place. A couple of years ago I would have advocated this restaurant as one of the best places to eat in the Twin Cities. A lot has changed since then. Tonight I had the enchilada and tamale combo and it missed the mark. Service was below par (we never got a refill even though we asked for one), portions have become reduced, and the salsa & guacamole seem to have been watered down. The renovations although are nice and opens up the lobby but it no longer allows for a quality dinner ambiance as the bar activities carries from one end of the hall to the other end. I hope they go back to the ways that made them a staple favorite and leave out the desire for franchise expansion and commercialization of their products. read more

The setting was nice - typical mom and dad pop Mexican restaurant. Salsa was great! We had no idea what the white sauce served with the chips was and didn't really eat it. The food was salty - beans and rice were great. I'd sick with burritos and tacos. read more

I'd have to have a 60 oz Margarita to even Barely tolerate this place. The service was some of the worst I have Ever seen. Anywhere. The waiters viewed the both of us like we were from another planet. The service was just dreadful. Instead of coming around to check on how things were, we saw them standing inside the doorway and watching us, talking amongst themselves. Then going back to, I suppose, the entrance and foyer, which is apparently where they hang out. The place was in No way busy by any means. The hot food was cold. We had to flag down and request what others are writing they received automatically, like water, chips, salsa. When I went to pay the tab, the "host" felt it necessary to explain to me what a Tip is. Really?? I know what a tip is, and I did leave one -- very small -- but very generous considering the dreadful treatment we received. Almost didn't leave That. For the staff -- the TIP is To Insure Promptness. It is Not a requirement if you cannot treat customers with respect. After reading the reviews here, I can only make one assumption, because unfortunately I've seen it before. No one mentioned that anyone in their party used a wheelchair, crutch, cane, etc. I used a crutch. Evidently that is a foreign thing to the staff. Evidently that put me in the category of "Contagious, Harmful, Ignorant, Defective, Ready for Hazmat." One word for this staff .. Understandable in Spanish as well as English -- Karma. read more

Fantastic place for the $! You can't go wrong with this place! You're always greeted by friendly staff and as soon as they find you a seat you get your chips and salsa - no waiting or whatsoever! You order something from the menu boom it's on your table just like that within minutes. Tasty food outstanding staff! One of my favorite restaurants in town! read more

Worst service ever. It started when we were seated at a booth that was obviously too small for our party of six. The waiter messed up both of our kids' orders and failed to make it right despite two requests to please bring out what my daughter actually ordered. And when I asked for a refill of my water, the waiter basically told me to take my friend's water. read more

Food Was amazing and the service was quick. The staff was friendly . atmosphere was comfortable it's close to home and I'll be back most definitely . thank you read more

What really prompts my rating is the service. Just horrible in my opinion! Ordered fajitas and they came out sizzling and looking good. Unfortunately I didn't get my sides and tortilla shells. 7 minutes later they finally came out and I had complained to the server that the meat was cooling off by this point. He then grabbed my fajitas and even though I told him to leave them, he took them off to the kitchen to warm them up. Didn't see the server for another ten minutes in which case he said I would have my meal in a couple minutes. Well I cancelled my meal order and shared a friends fajitas. The taste was bland and needed a lot of help. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone! Better service and food at Taco Bell! read more

The thing that gets me about el loro isn't their generic, mediocre American Mexican food, but that they claim it is "authentic." The service was good and the waitstaff friendly, but if you are looking for real Mexican food, you'll be disappointed. read more

Not too crowded for a Friday night but waited a long time to even get our order taken. Then once it was taken it took almost 30 minutes for 3 beef tacos and we never got our drinks. Don't think we will be returning. read more

El Loro - Mexican Near Me - Crystal, Minnesota

I went here many years ago with a friend and he had used the mens room. While in there one of the cooks had taken "a number two" and didn't wash his hands. My friend told the manager and he then begged my friend to keep it to himself and he would have free drinks whenever he went in. I went with him for the free drinks a few times but never ate there again. read more

The food is always very good! Anthony is my favorite waiter, he always makes me smile and his service is great

Two years ago, I would have given this place rave reviews, but the service and food have become increasingly lackluster. I have had to wait long periods of time for my bill during most of my visits, and sometimes I have had the wrong things put on my bill, and then had to wait for it to be removed. If you do stop by, though, I suggest ordering off the a la carte menu. Not only will you shave a couple of bucks off the already-reasonable prices, you will avoid the whole "Oh my God I ate the whole thing" issue that comes so often after being served a huge plate full of beans, rice and enchiladas. The 32-ounce margaritas are also a great deal at about $8. For better Mexican food in the area, I suggest El Toro or Teresa's. read more