We've been driving by here for months and the place is always bustling. We finally grabbed dinner here the other night. Service was excellent, we were seated quickly and orders were taken with smiles and delivered with accuracy. The ambiance was good, the murals and decor are spot on. As far as the food... I'm not sure where to begin. It wasn't bad, it was just extremely mild in terms of flavor, and we prefer far spicier offerings. The prices are very fair and the portions are generous. If you are looking for a place with food that won't burn a hole through your stomach in terms of spice, then this may be for you. If you're looking for the spiciest enchiladas this side of the Mississippi, then I would recommend skipping this ones For our family we may not add this place to our regular rotation, however we will certainly be back to drink margaritas on the patio when the weather warms up. It was obvious that many of the patrons enjoyed their meals and were having a good time, so at least give this spot a try. read more

If you go into the meal knowing this is a chain American Mexican restaurant, your expectations will be met. It's all pretty standard and decent. Service was excellent and they were accommodating when we sat there for hours catching up. read more

This restaurant is closed and went out of business.DO NOT order any foods online, since their website still taking order.

We have never had a bad meal here. Prices are reasonable and we get our food in like 5 minutes. Been here dozens of times and will be back again. read more

They do actually have tortas and they are fantastic. The bread is great. The portion is huge. It's messy but damn it's good.

The service was very nice, I will start off by saying that. But everything tasted old. The leattuce, salsa, steak, everything in my grande burrito and everyone at my tables food tasted old and gross. Very very disappointed:( read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - grande Burritos Grande - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

The food is amazing, I had the chimichanga and rice. The staff was friendly and the food came fast. The ambiance is a typical Mexican restaurant. read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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Great fajitas at El Loro! If you like delicious charred veggies and tender meat, order the fajitas for two. This plate has shrimp, chicken, carnitas pork and steak. It's huge and we always take home enough for a second meal. Service is fast and friendly. Salsa is fresh and mild, but they do have several types of hot sauce if you need more heat. Cute decor with colorful murals. Full bar. We'll be back. read more

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Food was good, with descent size portions. I just wish I was able to try the stuffed jalapeños. They ran out of them on a Sat afternoon. Our server/bartender was very nice and attentive. read more

This is a fast-food restaurant, and not a good one. Their food isn't fresh, homemade quality or authentic. ex: they use canned beans. I don't believe the cooks take any pride in the meals they make for patrons. read more

It is just ok. If you want tacos in a pinch and you live in the area give it a try. They do have a nice patio and the margaritas were good but the food was pretty average. I think it all starts with the chips and salsa. The chips were ok but the salsa was bland. I got a burrito for dinner. It was well seasoned but again just average. Lots of parking. read more

From the parking lot the restaurant looked a little rough...could use some paint and general clean up but it looked busy so I gave it a try. We were seated promptly in the restaurant that was well below 50% occupied and fewer than 5 guests in the bar area. Chips were fine but our basket was 1/3 comprised of small, broken chips making me wonder if it was refreshed after prior guest. The salsa was chilled, obviously homemade, above average spicy and appeared freshly prepared. El Loro offers a large menu with reasonable pricing including a number of lunchtime specials. I selected an entree from the regular menu; Fajita Taco Salad (see photos) which arrived promptly and hot. Unfortunately, by the time I was halfway through the salad, the remaining ingredients were swimming in liquid (see photo). Really disappointing as it would have been easier to finish the salad (which had become a stew) with a spoon. Our server, who was friendly and took our order promptly upon arrival, disappeared until we were almost finished eating. If she had checked on us earlier my lunch partner would have shown her the large chicken bone found in her lunch menu Taco Salad. Another server (maybe a manager type?) refreshed our soft drinks. By this point the restaurant was less than 20% occupied. Ahh...the restrooms. The men's room floor was sticky and the towel dispenser wasn't working properly but apparently the ladies side was even worse. The floor was described a "the worst ever...my shoes almost stuck to them," and the room was "really dark." That's the kind of thing that causes me to consider the cleanliness of the kitchen...know what I mean? I love Mexican food and prefer to spend my time and money with independent owners/operators of all cuisines. At the same time every Yelper should expect a better experience than this disappointing spot that ignores attention to service, food and cleanliness basics. Drive past...there are so many better options. read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - Fajita Taco salad that became way too watery to enjoy. - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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It's was ok. Not bad. Not worth mentioning. Portion was adequate, I thought I was getting a tamal and got a quesadilla (cheese and flour). Not sure if I'll return. Other yelpers say is great? read more

I can't stand the smell of the inside of the restaurant, so I couldn't wait for nice weather so we could eat here (we only come here when we can eat outside). As I was drinking my beer and eating my food I kept tasting the smell that is inside the building. My husband agreed. I thought it was just the smell wafting and effecting the taste so I took my food togo. Today I was excited to eat my leftovers for lunch and I could still taste the chemicals. Sadly, because of this I will not be returning to this establishment, and recommend others not dine here either. read more

We have visited this spot many times. It is entirely too conveniently located to is. Over the years they have done really well and we keep going back but our last visit was less than... We showed up for an early dinner withbour two toddlers and were promptly seated. Our waiter was great. But there was this geoupnof staff hanging out at the front not only less than welcoming but I got the feeling I should not be there. It was uncomfortable. The food was as it is. Americanized version of Mexican food, but we really felt a lack-luster attitude from those that were there. I am not sure we will make it back. I have a steong preference to actual mexican cuisine but I also dont want to encounter that energy again. :( read more

Great service! Margaritas the size of my head! We had such a fun family dinner at El Loro. I wanted to try something new other than the usual burritos I normally order. I got a molcajete which is basically steak and chicken, peppers, cheese all served on an extremely hot volcanic stone bowl. It was a large portion and I could only finish about half of it! Made for some great leftovers! read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Interesting little restaurant in coon rapids. Staff is friendly and service is quick. Decor is vibrant and inviting. They were fast to solve a communication issue with an order (one order wasn't added to the order) food was pretty good. I got enchiladas and asked for more lettuce to make it a salad. I would go again. read more

Second time here and it's amazing. The staffs absolute to cater to customers while approaching closing time is immaculate.

Used to be really good but the food just doesn't taste as good anymore. the chips aren't house made like they used to be but they are store bought Margaritas were good though. read more

Mostly disappointing - I won't be back. If you like bland American style fake Mexican food with lots of iceberg lettuce, mayo, flour tortillas, and rice - then this place is for you. If your standards are a little higher, you might want to skip this one. GOOD: 1. The service was very good (until the end). 2. The food came out quickly and piping hot. 3. The prices were all very reasonable. 4. The restaurant itself was very bright, cheery, and clean. 5. The stuffed jalapenos were pretty good (but they didn't need to be served on a mountain of iceberg lettuce). BAD: 1. The food ranged from boring to sub-par. For example: the salsa dip was watery & bland, the white cheese dip was watery & bland and tasted overwhelmingly like mayo, and the entrees were boring and featured lots of iceberg lettuce, sweet blobs of mayo, and white flour tortillas...light on the good stuff like meat. I would have gotten more flavor and satisfaction at Chipotle or Taco Bell. 2. Our server helped himself to a $10.00 cash tip at the end of dinner. Our final tab for 2 people was $34.84. We gave him a $50.00 bill and intended to let him keep the $5.16 (15%) and we'd keep the 10 dollar bill. But he came back to the table with $5.16 and he had already pocketed the other $10.00 (equaling a 30% tip). I was pissed and I wanted to complain to the manager. But my cousin is a kind-hearted born-again Christian. He said that the server must need the money more than we do so we should just let him keep it. I deferred to him and we left without making a fuss. But I'm not as forgiving of this kind of crap as my cousin. I need to mention it here because it completely ruined the previous good service we had received and it left a VERY bad taste in my mouth after dinner! I'm glad I tried out El Loro but I definitely won't be back. Two stars. -Daddy Maxx Retro read more

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My daughter and would love to go here again! She initially said only Burger King would do... But then! She finally said yes and swears it's her favorite place in town now! She had the quesadilla but ended up eating half of my meal instead! Took the rest home for leftovers and couldn't be happier! I had the Jalisco: https://www.elloromexican.com/items/jalisco?location=el-loro&menu=menu. Grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, onions, tomatoes & bell peppers served on a bed of rice & smothered with a special cheese sauce. It was mouth wateringly good! Grab a margarita while you are at it and be prepared to ask for a box! Absolutely amazing! read more

Food is ok but service is awful. Not to mention the happy hour online is a lie.. as are most things in this God awful state. Wouldn't come back d/t service alone.. slow.. no one in here.. forgetting stuff on our order & rather expensive compared to their online deals. Bummer read more

Super authentic. I'm from a small town in Florida where we were surrounded by Mexican food. I just recently moved up here to MN and stopped here for a lunch date. The food was delicious it gives me the save vibes as the restuarants I'm used to. The atmosphere was super cute too. read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - Shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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It's a great place. Great employees! The food is great for the price. Is it 100% authentic, no but it's great to get inexpensive food!

We've been to this location several times. I would really say that their service is inconsistent at best. While I've enjoyed the food, we've had several weird experiences here. The first time we came, we were with 2 friends (so a table of 4). We were going to a play after dinner, but we arrived about 2 hours before the play, and we had plenty of time. We were seated at one of the worst tables I've ever been sat at: off in the corner, it was very difficult to access. My friend with his walker had quite a bit of difficulty but did not want to ask for a different table, so I let it go. (But really, this table should not exist.) Our server was doing a great job until suddenly, he was no longer there. We asked other servers to get him, and they just got what we were asking for. We asked for the bill, but no one ever came back. Finally, we just went to a computer near the front door and waited for a server to come by. She said, "Oh, he had to leave." Really?! No one even told us our server left, and we weren't given a new one? That's pretty bad. We've also been for happy hour, and the service was completely inconsistent, although I don't think our server ever actually left work again! They just kind of wander off and are gone for a long time. If they correct their service issues, I would probably eat here more often. We like the food and it is close to ARCC, where we see a lot of plays. But for now, it is unlikely that I'll come back. read more

First time here. Ordered the Chimney Chonga, Chicken Loco, 3 Beef Tacos. Meat was NOT Seasoned at all on all three meals, was very bland. Salsa Mayo Chip sauce was different and good. Food was Hot. We had a Margarita, and that watered down, could not taste alcohol at all. Atmosphere was ok. BUT The Booth, OMG. I'm not a big man, skinny type. Good luck fitting in the seat, let alone getting out after your full. Not worth it for the leftovers. read more

Amazing tasting food with the amazing flavors the rice and beans are amazing. Quick and friendly staff and workers.

Came here to have lunch with a friend. It was the first El Loro I've been to. This is a family-owned chain of restaurants with locations in the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and a new one opening soon in Sauk Rapids. The family are authentic Mexicans, some know little English. We asked one of our servers some questions, and he could not understand us. Of course, warm chips come before your meal. They are served with salsa, and a white sauce. We tried to ask what the white sauce was, but our server couldn't understand us. We both ordered lunch specials. They came out quickly (I mean like lightning fast) and were tasty. The refried beans on both of our plates were pretty runny. The serving size of my chicken chimichanga was smaller than I anticipated it would be. I was expecting something more the size of a large burrito. Over the course of our meal, the female server brought us 3 baskets of chips, which we appreciated. She was very friendly. The restaurant, which looks like a converted Country Kitchen, is decorated and painted with Mexican artwork and colors. There's also a patio out front where you can eat outside. Overall, we were pleased, and would return. I'll have to try the locations closer to home. I would probably try ordering a meal that was larger. read more

Eh, it was okay I guess. Nothing special but not bad either. If you're a snob for authentic Mexican like my wife you should skip this one, otherwise it's good. read more

This just was not good on any front the food was cold the cheese in the cheese enchiladas was not even melted. We ordered the fajitas without bell peppers it was mostly bell peppers. The server never came back no reason to complain since we would not go back. read more

I really like this place. I have been going there for years. My mom introduced me to them my senior year in high school and I'm almost 35 now. The food outclasses a lot of the other authentic Mexican places around. Portions are huge, the staff is amazing, the prices are more than fair. They frequently host Mariachi bands as well, which is fun! Some things people may not be too fond of may be that they do use a lot of iceberg lettuce as beds for many food items. Some people may be put off by the fact that many of the staff only know minimal English, which doesn't bother me at all, as long as I can get my order across. All in all, I will continue enjoying El Loro as long as they are open! read more

I ordered 6 meals for the 6 of us. I also ordered extra salsa. We did not receive the extra salsa and were shorted one of our meals. We weren't charged for either but it was still annoying to get back to the hotel and realize we didn't have all our meals. We ended up sharing which worked out in the end. The lady that took my phone order seemed super distracted and in a rush which was why I repeated the order to her. She spoke very quickly as well, so it was hard to understand her. read more

This is the worst restraint I've been to the server was so bad and the food was cold and must have been sitting for hours. Everything we asked for anything we never got it. I don't recommend this place it a No go read more

El Loro Mexican Restaurant - Bland sauce - Mexican Near Me - Coon Rapids, Minnesota

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the environment is good and calm The waiters and the manager know how to treat their guests, the food is delicious and the cold beer is unique. read more

fantastic service, food came out quick, the margaritas are delicious, restaurant is clean. I would definitely go back. worth the visit.

In addition to my previous review of El Loro, I wanted to add that my second visit was great. Once again, the service was fast. They need to get an award or something for some of the quickest service I have ever experienced as a customer. Tip: BUY THE CHEESE DIP. Another tip: COME DURING LUNCH TO GET THE LUNCH SPECIALS. I had the steak fajita quesadilla and it was too good to be true. Keep in mind that El Loro does not serve authentic Mexican food, but rather, Americanized Mexican food! read more

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My family and I were staying next door at Super8. We were craving margaritas. We ordered a pitcher. It was pretty good, So we ordered another pitcher. Then we ordered the cheese dip with our chips. When we got our bill it was $71.00. We all looked at the bill and said that there must be a mistake here. We did not even eat anything but the dip. What our waiter did not tell us that we ordered the top of the line tequila. In the Menu there were no prices listed...for what kind of tequila we wanted...just what sounded good to us.. plus now we needed to add a tip, which we did. Now it's $84.00 read more

The "Fajitas for two" plate is wonderful. Huge skillet of sizzling meat (steak, chicken, tender pork and shrimp) plus onions,peppers and tomatoes all seasoned perfectly. It comes with the usual sides, rice, beans, lettuce, guac and sour cream. The meat and veggies get a nice char, which I love. (I hate fajitas that are barely cooked, they need a little blackening) Colorful decor. Fast, efficient service. The servers are not chatty, but that's because they are moving so quickly to bring every thing I need. I have also had the chicken quesadilla and it was very good. Love the chips and salsa. read more

While dining here I overheard a man say: "This is the best Mexican food I've ever had," he was clearly an idiot. This is only the best Mexican food if the only other place you've ever eaten in your life is Taco Bell. If that's the case, I weep for you and in your best interest, this place is garbage. The service is rude, the chips are stale, the salsa comes from a jar, and the food will leave with a depressing sensation hoping you went anywhere else. Anyone giving this establishment more than two stars has never had decent food. I question whether the kitchen staff has ever prepared food in their lives. As opposed to asking what we'd like to eat, our waitress stood at the corner of our table holding a pen and paper angrily waiting for us to start talking. It is my impression that she was a mute because she said nothing the entire time. It is in everyone's best interest to drive a great distance to a better restaurant than ever go here just because it's close. Avoid. read more

Food is great, love how fast the service is. Manager is very understanding guy. Was very empathetic when I had an issue with customer service of member. read more