Cancel

Open app

Search

El Marinero

4.0 (216 reviews)
ModerateSeafood, Mexican
Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order El Marinero Takeout or Delivery

El Marinero Photos

EL MARINERO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Casual
Good for kids
Happy hour specials

You might also consider

More like El Marinero

Recommended Reviews - El Marinero

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Katherine R.

Absolutely amazing! Big your trying to indulge but not feel shitty after this is the place. Great portions and protein. The service is amazing. Truly a hidden gem! 100/100 recommend. Come hungry!

Jen H.

Yummmmm came here for the ceviche and it did not disappoint! The portions are sizable and definitely worth the price. You also get complimentary tostados to scoop up all the fresh seafood. I tried two different types of ceviche, and both were so flavorful and fresh. The food also came out very quickly. There is booth seating and table seating to accommodate any sized-parties. Service was good, but it definitely helps if you know how to speak Spanish. I definitely want to come back and try their other menu items!

Torre Imperial (ceviche seafood tower)
Brittany E.

Craving seafood, the boy and I decided to check this place out for dinner while on our trip to San Antonio. We were crazy impressed with the service, quality, and portion size of the food. We split the seafood tower and oysters preparado. I don't think I've seen a more enormous portion of seafood for such a reasonable price. We actually took some back to the hotel because we couldn't finish it all! We would totally go back.

IG: @foodsnoblegacy
Andy M.

We stopped by at El Marinero for a very quick lunch and really enjoyed the awesome food and lively, music filled vibe of the restaurant. We ordered shrimp tostadas and fish ceviche. Food came out super fast and seafood was fresh and delicious. Portions are generous, we took a box to go. There was a local Mariachi band playing, which made it extra fun and lively. Food: 4.5 stars Service: 4.5 stars Atmosphere: 4 stars Tips: Generous portions Great fresh seafood Casual vibe Low key spot Parking lot on the back

Ceviche de Pescado
Christina R.

Stopped in on 4th of July as we were limited to restaurants in the area for a weekend getaway. This was minutes away from our stay and decided to give it a try. Quickly greeted upon entry and it was definitely a happening spot. Quickly seated and drink orders take for our party of 7. Service definitely felt rushed but our waitress certainly seemed over extended. There was nothing great about the service - we were never checked on after our food came to the table - no drink refills or anything of that sort so we just made the best of what we ordered. Chicken quesadillas - very well seasoned meat, a good amount of cheese, however extremely oily as oil was dripping all over with every bite. Regular fish ceviche - well seasoned, had good flavor, was a good side portion (medium), and had fresh avocado on the top. Waitress did come out with tostadas and Valentina for this dish which was great. Mixed Fajitas (beef, chicken, shrimp) - these are not traditional Tex-Mex style fajitas with sour cream, cheese, and pico to make your own tacos. This is more of mixed grilled meat with onions and peppers as well as tortillas. Meat was seasoned well and tasted great but my big complaint was for being a mariscos places, the shrimp was not cleaned. Between conversations going on my kiddos, I quickly ate one and felt the crunch grittiness and spit out the chewed up shrimp to see the black shrimp poop in my napkin. That's when I realized none of them had been cleaned. This kind of grossed me out and I didn't clean them out, just ate the beef and chicken on the plate. Beef torta - very well seasoned meat and fillings were ample. Margarita - very artificial/sweet tasting and not overly strong tasting. Not bad by any means but def could have improved in a few areas and definitely coupe improve service. As we were leaving there was a singing guitar player who'd just arrived which would be great for ambiance but the place has a bit of echo and with it being busy, it was already hard to hear so adding loud live music would intensify this. Wouldn't recommend for an intimate conversation or small kids or those sensitive to sounds.

Angela M.

recent visit to El Marino Seafood was fantastic! I was there during Lent and the staff were kind and accommodating. The rice was so delicious and perfectly complemented my meal. I could tell that it was made with care and attention to detail. In addition to the delicious rice, the seafood was fresh and expertly prepared. I could tell that the chefs take pride in their work and strive to create a memorable dining experience

Nuh A.

From the music to the food to the drinks this spot did not miss being from Houston I was always let down with SA Mexican food but this is the spot to be if you want some fire!!!! 10/10

Mayra V.

Food was great. Personally for my family and I best seafood we had and didn't get sick from it. The service was great too. The environment was fun with live music. Highly recommend this place. The photos show what my family and I ate.

Dining room
Danica J.

The food was alright but the fries were GREAT but I feel as if the kitchen looked dirty and what I saw is that the plates aren't washed and there was a piece of parchment paper on top but you could tell that it was reused.The service was great and the servers are polite except they have a "give us your number and we will call you when your table is ready" type service. Even though no one is there and the music really ruins the ambiance, don't get me wrong it's great songs but it's overally loud and its as if the singers are screaming in your ear, but it's not their fault it's just that the restaurant is SO SMALL for them to be singing at that volume. But the one good thing about this place is the restrooms, they are well decorated and very clean.

Camarones Agua Chile "Verdes"
Brianda C.

The best Aguachiles I've had so far!!! Super super spicy and citrusy. Service was super fast and menu is straightforward. There isn't descriptions of the food so you need to ask waitress for further details. They have live music at night. Was pretty loud but at least the band was good!

Mariscada
Andrea I.

Food here is great!! Me and my family have been coming here since they opened, they never disappoint. Fresh seafood and service is great always. The place is always clean and the music is good! Fully recommend!

Dosarita
Jody M.

We love this place. My husband and I discovered this delicious place just west of downtown. Great drinks and food.

Original Mexican food
Jose C.

Came here to celebrate my sisters birthday and the choice and selection looked amazing ! If you're a seafood lover this is the perfect spot for you. Give it up to my dad for finding the perfect Mexican seafood restaurant. Everything was cooked to perfection, nothing was burnt or undercooked. I defiantly want to come back and try more of the selection. I had to get the grilled fish since I just had my wisdom teeth pulled. But nice environment to be in. Very energetic atmosphere.

See all

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of V G.
9
94
155

20 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Betty B.
14
388
229

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Food service and ambiance was good. Good variety. Went with a group of 10. Food didn't take long

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Food was excellent. Service was good. Ambiance was nice. Tea was excellent. Great choices, nice variety of seafood.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Nuh A.
0
19
7

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Food was that good. I was starving and forgot to take a pic. Just know it was worth it .

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jody M.
72
6
22

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of J L.
3
84
53

2 years ago

Food is really good. The ambiance was cool. A group of musicians were playing live music on the Friday I was there.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great food and excellent service. The Pulpo Tostada was on point. Will recommend this place to people looking for Mexican Mariscos.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Its was really good customer service, fast food and fresh food! Definitely would go back again!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Laura d.
53
162
229

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Sam H.
100
651
1406

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 6

El Marinero Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Marinero

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Seafood 3,685 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Pollos Asados Los Norteños - Half chicken

Pollos Asados Los Norteños

4.7(1k reviews)
6.5 mi•Eastside
•$$

We came a little after 8pm, pretty close to closing, and the grilled chicken was easily the…read morehighlight of the meal. We ordered the half chicken ($11), and I was honestly surprised by how juicy and moist it still was inside. The outside had a wonderful smoky charcoal flavor, and the marinade was flavorful all the way through. It also came with rice, corn tortillas, red and green salsa, grilled jalapeño, lime, and grilled onion, so it was a really filling meal for the price. We also tried the Bean Burger ($9.79), which was a fun combination of a beef patty, refried beans, cheese, chipotle sauce, and pico de gallo. I enjoyed it, although I personally would have loved a thicker layer of beans. The green salsa was SO good that I ended up buying an extra container for about $5 to take home. The restaurant itself is very casual and no-frills, with a big charcoal grill that really adds to the atmosphere--you can see and smell the chicken cooking. It feels much more like a local neighborhood spot than a polished tourist restaurant. Service was also very friendly and attentive. Even though we arrived late, we never felt rushed, and our server checked on us several times to make sure we had everything we needed. I would absolutely come back for the chicken and green salsa.

The grilled chicken is incredibly seasoned well, the rice is always fresh and the beans are packed…read morewith flavor, as well as nice and hot. Service was fast and attentive, searing took a little bit but this place is always busy so expect a short wait. The atmosphere was bustling with customers and hungry folks. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Photos
Pollos Asados Los Norteños - Inside

Inside

Pollos Asados Los Norteños - Half chicken

Half chicken

Pollos Asados Los Norteños - Bean burger

See all

Bean burger

Iron Cactus San Antonio - Doughnuts

Iron Cactus San Antonio

3.4(2.3k reviews)
1.5 mi•Downtown
•$$

Iron Cactus was a great find. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the food was excellent. I…read morehad the Mexican meatloaf, which was definitely not something I would normally expect at a Mexican restaurant, but it was unique and wonderful. The chorizo and ranchero sauce really made it stand out. The Mexican street corn on the side might have been even better. That stuff is seriously addicting like crack. I could have eaten a bowl of it by itself. Definitely a place I'd come back to.

Iron Cactus sits right along the River Walk and has a pretty good-sized space. Walking in, I could…read moreimmediately tell they were going for that moody, dimly lit, relaxing atmosphere. Now listen I enjoy a good mood, but this setting went a little past moody. It was DARK dark. They could definitely bump those lights up about two settings and still keep all the ambiance. lol Thankfully, the food and service needed no adjustments. Our waiter Stephen was really nice, attentive and quick throughout our visit. Thanks for taking good care of our table! We tried the paella and steak fajitas, and everything came out nice and hot. Both were enjoyable, but we also need to talk about those spicy mango and watermelon margaritas because the drinks definitely DELIVERED. Flavor was there, and so was the pour. Overall, we had a good experience. Nice River Walk location, hot and tasty food, great drinks and friendly service. Just turn those lights up enough for me to admire the meal before I eat it.

Photos
Iron Cactus San Antonio
Iron Cactus San Antonio - Hickory Salmon Salad

Hickory Salmon Salad

Iron Cactus San Antonio - Iron Cactus on the River-Walk

See all

Iron Cactus on the River-Walk

El Marinero - seafood - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...