Excellent, authentic Mexican. The wait staff are friendly and efficient, the menu is large and interesting. This large restaurant is located in the rear of an indoor mall with many stalls containing everything from children's clothes to an insurance agency. read more

One side is for parties and the other side is a mall with a restaurant in the back. I enjoy eating at the restaurant and that's what my review will be for. But I will say the event space is HUGE. But as I've never rented it myself I cannot speak on that aspect. Love: - Carnitas - Macaroni and Chicken - Pork Dish - Salsa Verde de Aguacate - Quesadilla (corn) del pastor Like: - Drink: Agua de Melon - Drink: Agua de Pina (pulp gives it a weird texture though) - Side: Arroz - Chilaquiles - Side: Lentejas Ok: - Quesadilla (corn) de pollo - Taco: Rajas (didn't like in taco form) Disliked: - Choritacos read more

Solía pedir en este restaurante todo el tiempo a través de DoorDash. Lamentablemente, hoy he ido al restaurante a hacer un pedido. En cuanto entré al restaurante, saludé a las dos mujeres. A cambio, solo me miraron. En mi cabeza, estaba pensando que tal vez no están abiertos y había entrado demasiado temprano. Así que acabo de salir del restaurante. Luego procedí a hacer mi pedido por teléfono. (Cuidado, todavía estoy en el estacionamiento.) La señora respondió y dijo: "Buenos". Respondí: "Eh, ¿estáis abiertos?" Y acaba de colgar el teléfono. Realmente me sorprendió, así que volví a entrar y le pregunté a la señora si mi dinero no era bueno. Lo último que dijo fue que no había oído nada. Eso sí, ella colgó en cuanto terminé mi frase. Soy una mujer afroamericana, y siento que la interacción fue muy motivada racialmente. Realmente odio que ya no pueda conseguir comida de aquí. Es desconcertante que me juzguen por el color de mi piel. I used to order from this restaurant all the time through DoorDash. Sadly, today I went to the actual restaurant to place an order. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I greeted the two ladies. In return, they just looked at me. In my head, I was thinking maybe they're not open and I had walked in too early. So I just walked out of the restaurant. I then proceeded to call in my order over the phone. (Mind you, I'm still in the parking lot.) The lady answered and said, "Buenos." I responded with, "Hey, are you guys open?" And she just hung up the phone. It really shocked me, so I went back in and asked the lady if my money was no good? The last thing she said was that she didn't hear anything. Mind you, she hung up as soon as I finished my sentence. I'm an African American woman, and I feel like the interaction was very racially motivated. I really hate that I won't be able to get food from here anymore. It's just baffling that I'm getting judged because of my skin color. read more

El Mercadito - Some of the orders I placed. I used to eat here all the time - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I went with a friend one afternoon and I must say, I was appalled. The food was absolutely amazing. I had the steak and my friend had quesadillas. We were blown away. Thanks again. read more

Delicious and authentic sauces. Clean restaurant. The beef asado beef tacos are delicious! There weren't any pieces of gristle as I chewed the beef. read more

This was a hidden gem to me and one that definitely needs to be experienced! This market is very rich in culture, fashion, fun, and resources for the Hispanic community. Literally, they have everything to be considered a one stop shop! They have a barber shop, tire shop, restaurant, recreational activities, and an event store! Anything you need you can find it here. The price point are super affordable and the quality of items are great! I visited with my job for an Hispanic Heritage Month event and was immediately in awe of how rich the culture is. They had amazing vendors with loads of resources, dance, food, and much more! If you have not yet, do yourself a favor and go! read more

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I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is your spot. You know it's good Mexican when the majority of the customers are also Mexican. They have a wide variety of menu items with different meat/veggie options for them. You can order a hurache with shrimp, beans and cheese, nopales or anything else you can think of. I love the options. The food is amazing and they have great customer service. I love that they provide hot salsa and green salsa in addition to the regular chips and salsa for no additional cost. The restaurant is located in a building with a few other businesses including a tire shop. You could order food and eat while getting a tire change which is super convenient. If you want authentic Mexican you definitely have to check this place out read more

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This is my go to spot for authentic Mexican food. The staff is great and they really care about customer service. This place is tucked away from the main street but it is huge. It looks like this place is a mall with a restaurant in the back. We ordered take-out over the phone and was told 15 minutes. Food was hot and ready when we arrived. The Good. Food tasted great and was huge. Gorditas were tasty and the quesadillas were amazing. The burrito was also well worth the price. They do not use the gooey queso. They use like a grated cheese. This place is more authentic mexican food than Tex-mex. They use more veggies and thicker bread than tex-mex and they do not use much cheese. I prefer this authentic food. I will return. read more

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It's ok Because it got good food and good drinks and games hella good foods and ice cream read more

I've only had two dishes at El Mercadito, mixed fajitas and the shrimp and rice with cheese sauce! Both were very good and tasty! It has a real laid back family type atmosphere and the employee are friendly and helpful! The service is great! It's a great place to bring your family for authentic Mexican cuisine! read more

I had lunch here today and couldn't believe how amazing everything was, our server was incredibly nice and attentive. There was a little thing on our table with two or three buttons, one was to call your server and the other was to request a check and I can't recall the rest but I thought that was very cool of them. When we pressed the call button our server was at our table in a matter of seconds. The queso had a perfect consistency and was super delicious not like cheaper runny quesos I've had at other restaurants. I also enjoyed looking at the market. read more

My first time ordering was in a Mexican mood and wanted to try something new so I decided to place an order the chiclen cheese rice was delicious and the shredded chicken quesadillas was good too my eyes was bigger than my stomach I couldn't eat it all but sure did enjoy it read more

Interesting place, one stop shopping and food. A mini mall, arcade, restaurant, etc....... It reminded me of my childhood when my folks use to take us to Tijuana, except for the major noise pollution. Loud and different music from two different TV'S and the kitchen, kinda funny at first and then just got on the nerves. The chips and salsa were good, bland ice cold rice, chicken taquitos (didn't care for the seasoning ) and the chili relleno was just plain funky. The highlight was the refried beans and the salsa rojas. Unfortunately not enough to bring me back. read more

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I legit am still sick. I got food poisoning from their tacos I order. 4 tacos de asada y 4 de chorizo. They look weird at first but after eating 1 later in the night I started throwing up. read more

One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the city of Memphis. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

If you are looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the place to go. Don't expect Tex-Mex food here! The owners originate from Mexico City and these are their recipes. I have been to Mexico City and this is the closest thing to it in Memphis! Everything in the menu is delish, cant go wrong at this place. read more

This is definitely the spot for some great Mexican food. Service was quick , friendly and accurate. The food was excellent . I had the huarache with carne asada !! This is a must ! Last but definitely not least , the salsa was spot on. Plenty of heat but not enough to draw out the great flavor of the food !! read more

This place is a mall. a restaurant, and a salon. We have been here a lot for all three things. They now have a buffet at lunch. I liked the variety but didn't like the taste of some of the items. I have eaten at the restaurant and enjoyed the food there. read more

So I've had mexican all over the country (LA, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami, etc) & this place delivers on what you would expect, which is delicious made to order Mexican food. The restaurant is part of a larger Mexican market, clearly designed to be a home beacon for Mexican & other South American transplants. Although not a white tablecloth sort of place, it was certainly NOT run down and the customer service was fine. Although most menu items had an English explanation, if you don't speak or read Spanish you might have trouble communicating with the waitress. I had the Carne Asada ($14), chicken & steak empanadas ($3.50 each), all to go. The food took about 10-15 minutes, as you would expect, everything was delicious. read more

This is probably some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. It's really authentic and everything is cooked really well. I got the Fajita Nachos and even though it had beans (I hate beans) I thought it really complemented the dish very well. I came with my grandparents and both of them enjoyed it, even my grandfather who doesn't really like Mexican food. The only thing that keeps this from being higher on the scale is that it felt like eating in a food court at the mall because that's what it practically is. It's a small area at the very very back of the indigenous market they have set up in there (I almost thought we had the wrong location). If they could either buy a building in that shopping center and stay close to the market or move out on their own into their own restaurant building, I'd probably give this place 4.5/5 Overall, it's a 4/5. If you don't mind being a little uncomfortable/eating in a busy market or plan on taking it to go this is a good place for you. read more

I just wrote a negative review about Happy Mexican on Hacks Cross Road. After leaving Happy Mexican, we found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a go. I moved away from Memphis in 1995 and just returned this month. Let me say, that the old Hickory Ridge Mall area where I spent my mall rat years is quite different these days! El Mercadito was a breath of fresh air! An unassuming strip mall entrance leads to a Mexican market place with stalls for various goods (electronics, car parts, clothing, jewelry, etc.). But if you look down the main hall to the very end, you see a food counter. Technically its a smoothie counter. Back to the right of the smoothie stall is El Mercadito. The seating looks something more akin to a mall food court and the counter where you order and pay looks much the same. It immediately reminded me of some the best food I've eaten around the world. I was cautiously optimistic. El Mercadito IS A GEM! The food was amazing. The portions and prices are very fair. My 3 year old got the chicken nuggets and fries which I had to stop myself from eating. I had the chicken fajitas and my wife had veggie fajitas. The flavors were more authentic than the predictable fajita flavor you get everywhere else. The execution was great as neither plate was overly greasy which allowed for you to taste the actual chicken and peppers. The chips and salsa were not particularly fancy per se, but the salsa combined with the (presumably homemade) green hot sauce was a new taste for me. My son was excited because he was able to ride a couple kiddie rides, which provided a nice cheap reward for encouraging him to finish his meal. I had heard that the Hickory Ridge area, "had gone down hill." My take is that this once overly manicured conspicuous consumption zone has given way to a refreshing diversity that is offering authentic flavors and cultural expressions that are not merely geared toward white suburban middle schoolers. I'm glad to see metro Memphis becoming more culturally diverse and I'm overjoyed to have stumbled upon this amazing restaurant in my former middle school stomping ground. Turns out I still have reason to go around Hickory Ridge even if I have no need to step in the old mall. read more

Excellent$ Great deal for prices Very authentic mex fair I was just thrilled I have been there twice and the ceviche was totally amazing. Good sized proportions and you will have to get take out boxes. Fajitas were fresh, moist, and tasted authentic. Bring the family! read more

Great friendly staff!! Fantastic food!!! Shrimp ceviche was awesome! (Thanks for previous suggestion) Babacoa taco and chorizo taco really good! Homemade tamales were out o' sight!! I can't recommend this place enough! We will be back!! read more

We went to eat at this place invited by Jarrad and family and the truth is an excellent place, exquisite food and very good service I give five stars. Fuimos a comer a este lugar invitados por Jarrad y familia y la verdad es un excelente lugar, la comida exquisita y el servicio muy bueno le doy cinco estrellas. read more

I just ate the best authentic Mexican food I've ever had. They even had items on the menu that most other Mexican restaurants don't. For example the Gorditas....I've rarely seen those....they're excellent.. read more

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Mixed pupusas were amazing! This was my first time having them so I'm not sure how it compares to a Salvadoran restaurant - but it was one of the best things I've eaten in a while! read more

I placed a DoorDash order from this restaurant. It was my first time trying this restaurant and I must say it was amazing!!! My order was correct sometimes sides can be forgotten when doing to go orders but everything was as I ordered. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and sopas. I normally don't like shredded chicken because it's usual dry from other restaurants with similar menu items but this chicken was so moist and delicious! The sauces I ordered on the side are great a little spice but not to much definitely a 5 out of 5. This is my new Mexican spot for sure. The menu seems more authentic with tripe and lengua options. I will be recommending and returning. Sorry no pictures to upload and it went away so fast lol. read more

The food is ok, but no good service and they charge us the prices higher. They have one price in menu and charge you another high price, plus they charge you till and doubt even tell you. I don't come back read more

Let me start by saying that I prefer a little cleaner establishments. I sat by the window in full view of bug droppings on the window sill and a dirty wall and floor. Second mistake was the buffet. I think that it may have been good but since it was cold, I didn't eat much of it. I MIGHT try it again but order from the menu. It's also a little pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants. Over 15.00 for a buffet and drink- lunch. read more

When we pulled up I wasn't sure of where the restaurant actually was. Not being from Memphis and using the yelp app to find Mexican food, I was a little perplexed by the outside from the parking lot. However do not let the exterior trick you. I had 3 friends with me from Alabama. This is def not the food they were used to. They played it safe and got the quesadilla and chimichanga. I dove in on the buffet. This food here transported me back to my younger years in Texas. Having grown up in San Antonio and south TX I am usually disappointed by the Mexican food I come across. El Mercadito however did not and will not disappoint. Don't come here if your idea of Mexican food is a quesadilla. Stay at taco bell!! read more

You will LOVE it! It is authentic and fast (but not too fast). They also offer delivery so you don't have to worry about all the surcharges for UberEats and DoorDash. You can't beat these prices! I'm so glad I live and work within 4 blocks of this place. Now, about the taste and quality, I don't even have the words to describe it. It is so rich and humble and flavorful and proud. You can taste the intent and effort they put into the food. The customer service is top notch, from the cashier taking my order to the delivery guy. El Mercadito es mi favorito! (I'm so full, y'all. I couldn't even finish it. I got the chori steak tacos.) read more

I went to this place based on the reviews and wasn't disappointed. The food was great. Even the beans were great. The food is so good the place should be packed. It now my favorite Mexican restaurant. Try it if you love Mexican. You won't be disappointed. read more

Horrible Customer Service all around. The food was good but the service was poor. I brought my class and we were dissatisfied with the service that we received. read more

Ordered the caldo de mariscos (seafood soup) and it was so damn good. Full of crab legs, shrimps, and mussels. Their asada huaraches are good and their lunch buffet is 100% authentic mexican cuisine. Love this place. And try their barbacoa on the weekends. Delish! read more

El Mercadito - Mexican Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Wish I could rate this place with no stars at all ! Horrible horrible customer service! The place is so run down in the inside !

Love this place. The food is awesome. Been to Mexico many times and this is the same as the wonderful food in Mexico. This is the real stuff not Tex Mex. Carne Asada is wonderful. Very casual and fun. read more

The best Mexican food in this area and it's not even close. Truly authentic Mexican food. The carne asada is the best I've ever eaten and the salsa is outstanding. read more

The best authentic Mexican in Memphis with some good texmex offerings as well. The buffet is top notch, and all the ingredients are crazy fresh. Excellent chips and salsa with some special hot sauces on the side for ramping up the spice level. Best fajitas I've had in Memphis as well. I come up about once a week and will continue to do so for as long as they are open. Very cool environment too! read more

Ok I gave it one star for this reason: I called at 7:30pm, I asked are they still cooking to-go orders? The receptionist said "yes". (SN: I've gone to quite a few Mexican restaurants and not once have I gone and they didn't serve Chimichangas.) I asked how much was the shrimp chimichanga? The receptionist, at first, said she couldn't hear me. I spoke louder and repeated my question. She then says "we have a lot of shrimp". I say " Im sure you do". And asked again about the shrimp chimichanga. She then said they DIDN'T HAVE shrimp chimichangas! I said "what Mexican restaurant doesn't serve chimichangas"! (SN: They may not have a shrimp chimichanga but surely if they have chimichangas, you can request a different meat option). So she finally added that to my order. I then asked how much was her queso dip and chip, she says" Our chip and dip right?" I said "yes". She says "our to-go size is $4.50". I said ok and added it to my order. 20 mins later I go to pick it up. I stayed polite and smiled. She bags my order. I walk to the exit analyzing my bag. "Where's my chips" I asked. She looks lost and then goes to the warmer, pick up what was in the warmer with no gloves or use of sanitation. It's flu season! Gross! Then she says all I have is a little. I was pissed because she first wanted to short me. Then she was the person who took my order, why didn't you check while I was ordering! The food was great. She was the only person I had an encounter with so her lack of product knowledge and negligence earned her a one. read more

Excellent food, fresh chips. Very good sauces. Reasonable prices. Located in a mall. Very good service.