It's been five years since my last review, time for an update. I had a recent opportunity to eat at another Mexican restaurant in Charlotte with some friends who highly recommended it. I tried the Sopa De Pollo & was very disappointed. First of all it was SO small, about 16 ounces & there was so little chicken. It made me appreciate just how good this place is!! You get 32 ounces! Wow, what a huge portion. Lots of fresh white meat chicken, delicious broth & veggies along with avocado slices. Delicious in every way & a price that can't be beat. They also add free chips & salsa, what a deal! read more

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This is the winner for Best Hole-in-the-Wall, Rock Hill edition. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's a whole new world inside! The food is really good. The molcajete is brilliant. The food is cooked perfectly, the spice is just right, and it is a fair portion. They have a nice selection of tacos, but the carnitas with onion and cilantro, paired with the salsa verde, are AMAZING! It's a cute place. The servers are sweet and do a good job, even during the lunch rush. Highly recommend! read more

Stopped in today in Rock Hill as we drove through. I ordered 3 tacos ( Chorizo, Tripa, and Camperno). They were absolutely delicious!!! Queso and chips were good as well. Service was quick and restaurant was clean. Waitress was very nice. Definitely a go to when in Rock Hill! read more

El Molcajete - Tacos!!! Delicious - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

El Molcajete is one of my favorite spots in Rock Hill. It's a small, tucked-away restaurant, but that's part of what makes it so special--it feels like a hidden treasure. Every time I've been, the food has been consistently good. You can tell it's made with care, and it's some of the most authentic Mexican food I've had in the area. It seems to be family-owned, which probably explains the warm atmosphere. The servers are always so kind and thoughtful, making sure you're taken care of without being overbearing. It's the kind of place where you can take your time and really enjoy your meal. If you're looking for a casual, welcoming spot with great food, I can't recommend El Molcajete enough. It's one of those places that feels like home, even if it's your first visit. read more

El Molcajete - El Jefe - 2 enchiladas with steak - rice and beans and mole on top of the enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Came here based on a few menudo reviews. Today must have been an off day - definitely that farm aroma and the meat had no texture so I think it was just crazy overcooked. Also got a taco which was fine. I'll try it again but will order more plate items next time. If it was just the menudo I'd given one star :( read more

El Molcajete - Menudo and carnitas taco - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

The food was delicious! A mom and pop restaurant! Only problem was communication! Our waitress didn't speak enough English to answer my questions! But all in all, a good place! read more

Looks a lot better than the flavor profile. The establishment was clean and our server was very respectful. That's why I gave them a better review but as far as the levels of flavor that I am typically used to when looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. Unfortunately, I didn't find it here. read more

El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Went on a lunch break with a coworker. Had minimal time. Was sitting there for 25 mins before the food came out. It was cold and tasteless. Help was slow and it was not busy at the time. Plus the inside was dirty and cluttered . Very small place hard to squeeze around everything. Would not recommend this place at all. read more

Kay and Naj visits this restaurant for a quick brunch or lunch. We love that it is a family owned restaurant. The menu has a host of dishes to choose from and refreshing drinks. We love the Sangria and sometimes get a 6-pack bucket of Coronitas beer to share. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu, especially when we are not familiar with the dish. We love the home made guacamole. It is a nice environment nothing fancy just a good restaurant in our neighborhood in SC. It is not very expensive either. read more

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Service is friendly, I think it is family run. I am from NC, and these are the juiciest tacos I ever had in my life and I have eaten many places. I got the steak (asada) tacos. They cooked it quickly. Also got the guac. Flavor was immaculate. Authentically cooked. Glad I checked the reviews before I went, I searched "top rated" Mexican food for the area. Prices are fair. Like 2$ a taco. I also got a tortas sandwich to-go, to eat later. read more

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I drove past this place many times and finally decided to try it! I thought their Molcajete was a steal at only $16.95! Most restaurants in the area charge $30-$40+ for the exact same thing! My only complaint is it wasn't served sizzling, still delicious though. No tequila on the drink menu but they had sangria and wine margaritas that were pretty good. I would definitely visit again! read more

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In a small strip mall between Celanese Rd and Cherry Rd. Just tried for first time because of a nacho craving. Rave reviews on Yelp. Ok let's try it. Can't believe I've been wasting my cash & calories at any other Mexican restaurant. Worth every penny & savored every bite! People so nice. Service great. Took my phoned in takeout with less than 30 minutes til close. They didn't bat an eye. All was ready when I got there. Hot, fresh, and delicious. Comes with chips & salsa. We got the Jefe Special. So good! Nachos Trio. Enough for two very hungry people and smothered with the meats. Guacamole has onions & diced tomatoes. Fresh & Yummy! Chorizo dip was wonderful & creamy. Top notch EVERYTHING. We had enough for at least 4 people and I ate enough for 2. Stuffed, happy, and so ready to go back soon. Gotta sleep this meal off first. Maybe lunch tomorrow? read more

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This is the third time I have been to this restaurant and it is fabulous. The salsa, the tacos, the burritos, we tried a lot of different items and they were all excellent. I like that they have several different types of sauces out on the table. Don't sleep on this place. Enjoy! *Consumer restaurant etiquette Please note that I almost always dine between lunch and dinner. Why, because I can, that and I know this is the best time to get the best food and service. If you are dining during peak times, please allow extra time for fresh prepared Food. God bless! read more

The service is great, the food is great. The guacamole is the best I have ever had and the sangria was surprisingly very good. We love their Fajita Wednesday specials and highly recommend checking it out. As good as the fajitas were, the carne asada blew me away, it was juicy and the flavor is much better than you typically find at other restaurants...my wife was full on her chips and queso until she tasted my carne asada Also, the chicken tacos are phenomenal! Some of the juiciest chicken you will ever have! read more

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This was the most authentic Mexican food I have ever had on the East Coast. Highly recommend!!

We love molcajete! Real food mostly supplied from the grocery store next door. Highly recommend. We've never dined in here, but have taken out multiple times and always a good experience. read more

SO GOOD omfg such a hidden gem. Lived in Rock Hill my entire 20 years of life and never stumbled upon the restaurant but passed by it all the time. Probably the best and most authentic Mexican restaurant I've eaten at and I've eaten all over the world. SO glad my boyfriends parents recommended it and ate with us so spontaneously before we headed back to Columbia for school. Love how close to home this place is and the portion sizes are amazing. The prices are so fair and cheap and I love it so much. Was so hungry after work and class all day and forgot I had these leftovers so instead of getting moes Monday's I'm devouring the rest of my taquitos meal. I didn't wanna Order too much because o currently wasn't hungry but I barely made it past a half taquitos before getting full. I munched on a lot of chips and salsa and queso and drank a lot of water prior. These leftovers are just as good if not more delicious (bc I'm so starving) and saving me right now. So much so that I was inclined to write this review because good food should never go unnoticed. We got to the restaurant and were immediately seated on a Sunday afternoon around 6. We were served chips and delicious fresh salsa. Upon munching that down we got refills on both and the chips were fresh and hot. We ordered queso as our appetizer and ordered our food. My boyfriends mom got the chimichangas and said the spinach quesadilla she got previously was good. I forgot what my boyfriends dad got. My boyfriend got the el molcajete which he surprisingly finished because he was so hungry. We ended up with 3 to go boxes and went on our merry way but man do I highly recommend this restaurant. Found our new Mexican spot. read more

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This place is unbelievable! I think this is the best authentic Mexican (not Tex-Mex!) restaurant in the entire Charlotte metro area! It's a little divey but I think that just adds to the charm! It's at the end of an old shopping center close to a neighborhood and off the beaten path. One thing to know about this place is bring your appetite as the portions are huge! My friend ordered the chicken burrito and couldn't finish it. It was huge! The queso with chorizo is fabulous and not to be missed as they use homemade chorizo. The chorizo used is easily the best that I have ever had. Of course, how can you pass on their signature dish, The Molajeto Bowl which is grilled meats and grilled cactus served in a hot stoneware bowl. Fabulous! read more

Our Favorite Authentic Mexican Restaurant!!! The Menu is varied, but all fresh! Service is quick and friendly! Comfortable and private booths for a unique dining experience! read more

Service was great and so is the food . Beer could be colder was my only complaint. El Molcajete steak and chicken with shrimp read more

El Molcajete - El Molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Delicious, authentic Mexican food. The tacos are amazing (my favorite is the Arroz Con Huevo) and it's fun to order the Michelada Con Camaron. read more

My husband and I order take out and truly feel that this is the best Mexican food in town. Quesadillas, chimichangas and fajitas are sooo yummy! You will not be disappointed with their queso ! Very affordable also. read more

The food here was absolutely DELICIOUS. We were very happy we gave this restaurant a try! read more

El Molcajete - Chicken nachos and a wine margarita - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

This is one of the best kept secrets for Mexican restaurants in Rock Hill. It doesn't look like much from the outside, however inside is nice and clean. The food is the BEST. I highly recommend El Milanese. read more

Really enjoyed my visit here! My friend found it on Yelp and we decided to give it a go. I got the horchata to drink which was...other worldly. The best horchata I've ever had - so creamy with so much flavor. To eat I got the pollo asado and it was such a simple meal done so well. The seasoning on the chicken was amazing and I loved the onions on top that I was not expecting. It came with their homemade tortillas (flour or corn). I got corn and they were perfect. Rice was fluffy and flavorful as well. I would definitely come back if I'm in the area again, I was just here for a wedding. read more

El Molcajete - Horchata - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Sadly no draft beer! I love the large XX draft, bottle beer doesn't do it justice. The people were friendly and service was very good. The food was just average. read more

Let me start off by saying that my hubby and myself are originally from the west coast, so we are very picky on our Mexican food. We have been coming here for quite some time now (not sure why I hadn't gotten around to writing a review yet!). We have tried many other local Mexican places in the Charlotte area, and this is our favorite and a standout to us. We really enjoy their salsa (and they have hotter stuff than just what they put out if you want it). We have tried everything from their tacos (so good!) to fajitas, burritos, and more. The service has always been very good as well. read more

Tried this place with the family. There were 6 of us, and the restaurant is a little small, but had a little area to the side for larger parties. The server was nice, very helpful and attentive. The real star was the food. We all ordered something different and it was all good! Skillets came out hot and sizzling, and tasted so fresh. read more

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Absolutely fabulous! I love finding those hole in the wall places that have good food. Delicious! Bravo! Try the Jefe special!

Let me first preface this review by saying that I am a self-confessed Mexican cuisine elitist. I am constantly looking for the absolute best there is, and let me tell you this, I have found it. From start to finish, this eatery is the absolute real deal! Everything, and I do mean everything, on the menu is wonderful! The authenticity, preparation, freshness, flavors, presentation of their dishes, tacos, tortas, is everything I had ever hoped for and more. I wish these wondeful people many years of continued success. This is not something you just come across every day. They have literally carved out Mexican cuisine greatness and brought it to Rock Hill. For that I am very thankful and will continue to show my gratitude by returning to dine again and again and again From a very appreciative and happy customer, Thank You! read more

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Mexican style tacos rather than the Tex-Mex or American-Mexican you might get elsewhere, this is pretty good stuff. I'll take the word of other reviewers that this is authentic but you can trust me that this was definitely tasty. I ordered three tacos from a young lady who seemed to understand pollo and asada and chorizo. While I munched away at (free) chips and salsa, deliciousness was being prepared. I don't know anything about shelled roasted peanuts. I had chips here on a Saturday at lunch time. The three tacos arrived, looking great. Maybe a little heavy on the cilantro but underneath that, muy delicioso. The meat was cooked nicely and each had a different flavor and texture. Yum! read more

El Molcajete - El Molcajete in Rock Hill SC - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Great food !!! Service is great!! My favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in Rock Hill.

Great first-time experience, good prices, plentiful servings. I had the "Jefe Special" which included two chicken enchiladas with delicious red mole sauce, a slice of steak, rice, and beans. Everything was served up hot, and with two different sauces on the side. Seating is primarily high-back booths, a plus when you want to keep a safe distance from other diners, as well as making conversation easier. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and all four of our entrees came out quickly and at the same time. We'll be going back! read more

El Molcajete - "Jefe Special" - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

Been going here for years and its my 86 year old Moms favorite so I try to take her every few months. Fantastic menu, food and service all for an even more fantastic price. read more

We choose this spot after reading the reviews. We are stuffed full of goodness! the service was amazing and the food was incredibly delicious!! read more

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This has become our favorite go to for Mexican food in the area. Food is consistently good and fresh. The service is very good also. My favorite dish is the shredded beef tostadas - not on the menu. The fajitas and authentic tacos are also delicious. This is a fairly small place and might pass it by if not aware of it. No draft beer, but decent selection of bottle including Dos Equis, Modela, and Pacifico. Also wine and very good homemade sangria. Trust me on this one - TRY IT!!! read more

El Molcajete - Shredded beef tostadas, chiles toreados, and cold cerveza!! - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

This Mexican food was delicious. The restaurant's decor is beautiful and it is very clean. Our service was great and we will definitely be back to try something else on their menu! read more

This is one of Rock Hills Hidden Gems. we drove past other Mexican restaurants to come to this one, and are so glad we did. Atmosphere was excellent. Food was excellent, service excellent, prices excellent, promptness excellent. you will not regret stopping here. Truly a wonderful Mom and Pop establishment. enjoy! read more

Gotta say, I don't understand the very high rating here. I ordered 4 street tacos (2 asada and 2 pastor) plus a side of rice and beans. Also, tried the house sangria. The sangria was acceptable, not bursting with flavor, but it was good. The rest was extremely bad. The rice was slightly undercooked; the beans had little flavor; the asada and pastor were under seasoned and tough to chew. The corn tortillas for the tacos were downright stale and I could barely even bite through them. I ended up just mixing the meat in with the rice and beans. All the ingredients seemed low quality/grade. That meal was 25 dollars, so not all that inexpensive either. Service was good, but the food was so disappointing that it didn't really matter. Will not return/do not recommend. read more

Great specials! Authentic food! And service is top notch! Best I've had in a long time.! Will return again