El Norte Mexican Grill: A Dallas Tradition Full of Flavor and Fun "Every visit to Dallas begins with a stop at El Norte. It is the kind of restaurant that feels like home the moment you walk in." For many families, certain restaurants become part of their story. For us, El Norte Mexican Grill is one of those special places. No trip to Dallas is complete without a visit. The moment we step through the doors, we are greeted by an atmosphere that feels like a lively gathering place somewhere deep in Mexico. The décor is bold and eclectic with bright colors, hand painted elements, and fun touches everywhere you look. It brings a smile to your face before you even sit down. Ambiance and Décor The atmosphere is one of the things that makes El Norte so memorable. The interior is vibrant and full of personality. It captures the spirit of a true local cantina. Plenty of restaurants try to create energy, but El Norte does it naturally with a mix of color, texture, light, and joyful noise. It is a place where families relax, friends gather, and guests immediately feel at ease. There is something comforting and familiar about it even if it is your first time visiting. Menu and Drinks El Norte has one of the most extensive menus of any Tex Mex restaurant we have visited. There are countless options to choose from including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, combination plates, and a full lineup of specialty dishes. One of our favorite features is the build your own plate option which lets you choose one to three items with their signature sides. Speaking of sides, the sweet potato casserole and the squash casserole are both outstanding and easily worth ordering on their own. During our visit I enjoyed a crispy taco, a pork tamale, and a chicken verde enchilada. Susan chose the steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas which arrived sizzling, fragrant, and delicious. Their drink menu includes everything from classic margaritas to fun specialty cocktails and they always serve them with a generous pour. Food Quality Food quality is where El Norte shines. Everything is flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. They serve what we consider to be the best chips in Dallas. Light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned. We always order the appetizer sampler because it includes our favorites. Stuffed jalapeno peppers, creamy guacamole, chicken chalupa, and queso. It is a wonderful way to taste a bit of everything and it sets the stage for a great meal. Service The service has always been warm and friendly. El Norte is a true local spot and the staff reflects that spirit. You feel taken care of by people who truly enjoy what they do. Our food arrived quickly, drinks were refreshed without asking, and every request was met with a smile. Value and Pricing El Norte offers exceptional value. The portions are generous and the pricing is very fair. In a time when dining out can often feel expensive, it is refreshing to find a restaurant that delivers big flavors, big plates, and a sense of hospitality without an inflated bill. Overall Experience El Norte Mexican Grill is a place we will always return to. It is authentic, comforting, and full of character. It is the type of restaurant that we look forward to visiting again and again. If you love flavorful Mexican food served in a lively and welcoming atmosphere, El Norte is a must try. The Culinary Duo Rating: read more

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Ok, even after that last experience, I gave it one more try. Last time. I had the Chile Rellano (cheese, which in my view is the ONLY way a Chile Rellano should be prepared). The absolute worst Chile Rellano I have ever had! The Chile was tough (cut it with a steak knife tough), the cheese was almost non-existant, and the "sauce" was hiding wherever the cheese was. Breading? Nope. None. The beans were, again cold, lumpy and hard; Rice? Cold and no flavor. Service sucked. I told my server everything was inedible and he did nothing about it. When it was over, I order the Tres Leches Cheesecake, first asking the server how it was. His answer: "Pretty good! We don't make it here." Good enough clue for me! read more

I had dinner tonight at El Norte. As soon as I walked into the back dining room, I could smell a nasty sewer smell, which really gagged me. I ordered the brisket tacos, which were too salty and not nearly as good as they were a few years ago. El Norte restaurant really needs to work on 1) getting rid of the nasty pipe or sewer smell and 2) improving the quality of their food. read more

Great Mexican restaurant that takes you right back if you've ever been there. Warm setting with flavorful food. I met a group of 20+ friends and we were able to get one long table cobbled together for us, but we could have done the patio too. The quesadillas look good and I'll get that next time. I had an appetizer since I was eating light that day. Service was great and they had a 6 buck frozen margarita special with Mango that was really good. I've been to this place for 30 years now and it is better than ever. read more

The best beef quesadillas in Plano! Loaded with delicious marinated fajita meat cooked perfectly. Loaded with melted cheese and I add fresh chopped jalapenos. The pico, guac and sour cream along with there fresh made salsa take it over the top. We shared an order of Smokehouse Jalapeño's and my wife ordered the enchiladas. Great service in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Beef Quesadillas with added chopped fresh jalapeño's - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

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I wanted to check out a random new tex mex spot so I used yelp and found this spot. The environment was that of any typical texmex place. Kinda like a smaller on the border. Service was good. While the waiter seemed new, he was still attentive. I ordered the camarones de juan plate and also the fish taco plate. Also ordered a michelada. The michelada good. The camarrones de juan were super good, would def order again. The fish tacos were a miss, the tortilla crumbled as i tried to fold it. The tacos lacked flavor, def needed some type of salsa or juicer slaw. The reason for the 2 rating is because when we were leaving, we quickly had to use the restroom and we both also threw up while in there. They seem to have a drain/sewage problem and smelled sooo bad that it almost made us throw up. Other than that seems like an ok place, just dont go to the restroom here. read more

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A fancy restaurant this is not, but the food, particularly the queso, is good. Friends and I split the queso (nom nom - could eat this all day every day) and I ordered the chicken enchiladas as my entree, which were fine. I do think given the number of fantastic Tex-mex spots in the area, there are better places. That said this was still pretty darn good. Ambiance was nothing to write home about, but as I mentioned the food is good. read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

Mommy/son lunch date :) El Norte has been a family fave for 15 years! The homemade fresh chips are so light & crispy...and their salsa is delicious. We have tried almost everything on the menu from the famous award winning blanco queso to their delicious margaritas! Chuck used to be one of our fave waiters! read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Quesadilla, Tx brisket tacos, Enchilada lunch special, unlimited chips/salsa ;) - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

Over the top service... We placed a catering order for a party of 50 right before Christmas as we wanted to serve delicious Tex-Mex.... well, absolutely no disappointment. First, the abundance of food provided was far and above what we expected, Furthermore, we were not nickeled and dimed to death over every little extra such as extra cheese, guac and sour cream. Antonio (the owner) delivered and set up the event using restaurant quality serving dishes himself. Lastly, on top of the food being top notch the price was incredibly reasonable. Some of our guests commented they had never been to El Norte but now were certainly going to give the place a visit. do yourself a favor, not only just eat there but have them cater for you...Muy Bueno and well done Antonio. read more

Service was good, but my food was not. I ordered brisket tacos. The meat tasted old to me, and the charro beans tasted the same. We liked the complementary sopapillas. I noticed a faint sewer odor when we sat down. Ick. read more

Two stars for the service. Came here for lunch and had the stuffed chicken. It was like jerky. The cooks just reheat everything in a microwave. This place has fallen down since all the fabulous reviews and I won't be returning. Prices are high for mediocre food. There are better options for Mexican in this area. read more

Ate here for a birthday celebration. First time back in about 6 years. Enjoyed the large portions and the food! read more

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Tonite was my first ever questionable experience here. I have sought out Tex Mex here for 25 years. Ive noticed a little inconsistency in my last few visits. Last visit was great but I didn't get my usual tex mex order. Tonight I was feeling cheese enchiladas and brisket tamale! So after a movie, I headed to El Norte. Without going into too much detail(this visit doesn't deserve it) I will just say they've hit bottom. Long story short I always know when the food has a tectonic shift,it usually involves new ownership. So after considerable back and forth on two menu items, I had ordered that weren't right in any galaxy in the known Tex Mex universe I bluntly ask, has this business changed hands? The reply was guarded with a twisting hedging body language so, I know. Nothing wrong with a new owner. That is unless they start monkeying with a decades-old success formula. This happens occasionally and sadly for me. Everyone loves to find a dependable go-to for a great favorite meal. The same thing happened recently at one of my favorite Thai places. The problem here came in the form of some questions about the offerings and confusion over what was served me. I then asked for a manager and the Gas Lighting continued. I was perplexed and still am! They just made it way too hard and I dont like to be BSed, especially for no reason. Just spit it out. 20 years ago you couldnt get a seat in this place. The food was exceptional and won national acclaim. Right before my eyes I see all that hard earned good will melting away. Southern Living, D magazine and others raved about this place. Unfortunately, Im not investing my "treasure" on their learning curve so Ill be moving on from this establishment. Its been a good run but, Rest in Peace El Norte. Dont Go! read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - a person dipping a tortilla into a bowl of salsa - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

Our favorite Tex Mex joint in town. The queso is phenomenal - get the "El Head Honcho", you will not be sorry. Oddly enough, I think our favorite item is the oversized crispy tacos, though I don't think we've had a bad thing here. Always appreciate the Daily Specials, too; Sunday Sopapillas are a staple for us. Service is pretty consistently good, and prices are very reasonable. The new daily Happy Hour is great - a margarita for $4.95 is always appreciated! Yes, the restaurant is older and the decor can be somewhat reflective of that, but honestly, I think it just adds to the charm. read more

Best margaritas!!! Salsa is always sooooo good. Love coming here. Service is almost always just as good as the food.

We knew coming here the Tex-Mex wasn't going to be the best, but the food tasted so salty and the texture of the chicken was so tough that I would be surprised if the meats were cooked that morning. It tasted like they reheated the meat in the microwave, throw on a pound of salt, and lightly heated the "tortillas" ( if you can call them tortillas ). I am just hoping we don't get sick. The waitress was nice, if a bit inexperienced. read more

Great service and nice atmosphere. I got the chicken quesadilla special. I could only eat half the quesadilla because it tasted like it was lathered in a lot butter. It was just too much. The chips were good. I don't know that I would go back. The meals that my friends had looked mediocre. No one was impressed. read more

El Norte is a neighborhood restaurant that shows its age through it's decor. I believe it is family-owned. A grand burrito, quesadillas, and marcelinos tacos were ordered. Service was good. Food was basic and did not have a fresh and well- seasoned taste. Food did not meet the return visit category...adios! read more

Had great expectations for this place. A friend had suggested we go here several times based on the queso and the chili relleno. So after months and months of waiting, I finely get my chance. My mother orders soft beef tacos with corn tortillas. I order the chili relleno. What we got was the soft beef tacos on flour tortillas and the "stuffed chicken." Tacos were ok, and yes disappointed over the wrong tortillas but just decided to let it go. Then I get a dish that I couldn't figure out. It was like a reverse chili relleno. Chicken wrapped around a poblano pepper. I was certain the waitress heard me correctly. I didn't realize this was the wrong dish until we paid. So bottom line, don't care for the stuffed chicken and never got to try the chili relleno. The Mexican squash side dish was nothing more than a very few slices of yellow squash swimming in white queso...couldn't eat it. Very disappointed. Perhaps the waitress was new? After the stuffed chicken, not sure I want to go back to try and get the dish I actually ordered. read more

The chicken flautas are to die for! I've been here twice with a friend and have loved the food and margaritas! read more

Been coming to this place since I was in high school. Their chips and queso never let's me down. It's so tasty. Our waiter was very attentive. I got the tilapia and it wasn't the best(it needed more seasoning), but there was a lot left over! Definitely could have split it with someone. My friend got the chicken Monterrey and she absolutely loved it. My mom got the Cabo style tacos with shrimp and was happy with her meal. It's a great hole in the wall restaurant with cute, random decor that I think they picked up at garage sales. The place has great vibes and I always feel at home there since I grew up in Plano. read more

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Stumbled on this place driving by as it's lit up with lights so we decided to check it out. They have a special every day (check it out online) which includes both food and drinks. Walking in, the place smelled delicious of food. The enchilada special and and Cuervo top shelf margs were the deals on Wednesday. My dad got the enchiladas Verde and I got the roasted chicken poblano. The tomatillo sauce is a bit salty but overall the food was good. The roasted chicken poblano had a unique taste with the apricots insides and is definitely worth a try. They also have regular and special sides (an up charge) as options. I tried the creamy corn (special side) which was delicious. My only note to the restaurant is letting ppl know there are bacon bits. Not everyone's dietary restrictions would allow for this and it could be frustrating. My only angst, and it's definitely a personal one is that they do not have spicier salsa than the one they provide initially. I love salsa and the spicier the better but they only have the mild salsa. Not a big downfall, but would be nice to add some selections to salsas. For a local spot with fast service, good tasting food, budget friendly, and great deals, definitely give this place a try. Also, it seems like margaritas are their specialty so I would definitely check that out if it's up your alley! read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Roasted Chicken Stuffed Poblano - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

Great food with quick and attentive service. They have different daily specials for both margaritas and entres. It's always really tasty and a cute spot. It's a family favorite. read more

Best chips and salsa in DFW. Plates are gigantic and are priced at the same price of a kids meal at a fancy restaurant in frisco. Everything is made from scratch and is delicious. You have to come. read more

Loved this place! Great service, chimichanga and the happy hour margs are with a lot of flavor options that aren't super sweet.

Highly Recommend! Quick service, super friendly and attentive staff.. and the food is amazing. I've been here about 5x now and order different dishes each time. Never disappointed! The environment is fun and has great energy! read more

I was very excited too try this place after stopping in and smelling how great the place smelled. We ordered the stuffed chicken, a chicken chimichanga, and an order of the white queso. Not sure why they packed a bunch of lettuce with my chimichanga but I was able to keep it aside. The flavors were a little lacking from some of the other places I have tried but still good. They give you a large bag of chips plus plenty of sauce to go with it so that's always a plus. read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

El Norte is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Plano. Chips and salsa are great. Jumbo margaritas are a must. The food has never disappointed us. We go here often. read more

Firstly. PLEASE STOP CALLING THIS MEXICAN FOOD! okay thank you bye. But seriously. Everything tastes like it comes from a package. Heated then served. The tortillas; both flower and corn microwave heated. Even the lettuce looks from a package. THE "queso" not even cheese. I think it's Velveeta. This is sad I AM NOT A PICKY EATER. My first sign should have been in the name "Norte" the second sign was no Latinos or Mexican ppl walking in to dine. PORQUE NO ME AVISARON!! Here's your sign. On the other hand we were greeted and seated right away. Our FOOD ALSO CAME RIGHT AWAY ‍ read more

El Norte Mexican Grill - Fajita combo. Beef & chicken. Se ve sabroso pero no le crea a él photo! Puro bolillo viene aquí. Pobres no saben lo bueno. ‍ - Mexican Near Me - Plano, Texas

Service was adequate and very efficient. I'd say when we got our food it was not hot. Shame because it tasted good. We will probably try it a few times before I can actually tell you it's good. However I must say they probably should redo the parking lot. Little rough. Ambiance was cute. read more

The food is fire. And I'm picky. Much better than most chain Mexican restaurants. The service is good and nice. The place teeters on being run down vs having charm. Food is my most important quality. So I'm gonging back read more

So my house is right next to this restaurant & went tonight with my daughters & parents The steak quesadillas were prolly the best I've ever had & the hostess did the most amazing job too read more

The chips and salsa are bomb. Probably the best I've had since being in TX for 10 years. I only had chip and salsa and a couple of beers because I'd eaten earlier but my wife ordered food and I stole a couple of bites and it was delicious. She got the Tuesday taco special. Grilled marinated beef tacos with rice and beans. Little sides of cilantro, chopped onions and a hot sauce. We sat on the patio and it was comfortable and clean. The whole place has that clean yet lived in look that an English pub has. That's the best way I can describe it. We plan on going back or getting takeout for sure. read more

Had the combo chicken and beef fajitas. Flavor was ok. It tasted like caramelized onions not much of the chargrilled taste. It was served on a metal plate not a cast iron like I'm use to. I did like the chips and salsa which was crisp and not stale and the salsa had an ancho chile? taste. It was a bit smoky and sweet and not spicy. read more

First time here with family, came on at Friday just before the Happy Hour rush. It's one of the few none chain Mexican restaurants in the area. They have a small parking lot, not sure if they have any overflow-space. Host was friendly and we were seated way at the back in a booth. Ambiance is casual and restaurant was mostly clean when we visited Our server Trent was friendly and responsive. He knew the menu and helped us pick the favorites. These were the recommendations: Drinks: --------- $7.50 - Senorita Mango 12oz Frozen - Wife loved it Food: -------- $14.50 - Pork Montana - I thought the sauce was a little too sweet. Large portion for the price. $13.00 - Beef Quesadilla - kids loved it. Large portion Overall, good neighborhood place to eat with family. read more

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NOTICE: Check your credit card statements after you eat here. I got double charged and went to discuss with the manager. He said , we didn't charge you twice and check with your bank. I presented a bank statement show him the double charge. You have been warned! A few over charges a week or month effects the bottom line. read more

I've been here about four times and I've always enjoyed the food but I've got to say that the food experience left me disappointed today. I ordered a plate of fajita nachos. I was surprised by how they looked when the server brought them out (not appetizing). Biting into the chips seemed kinda soggy or rubbery (like they had been reheated), and the cheese seemed to echo those sentiments. The fajita meat was nothing more than little slivers of chopped meat and was somewhat sparse. There were very few "chunks" of fajita meat - just mainly tiny little pieces sprinkled about. It's too bad because I really liked this place. Won't be going back anytime soon. read more

Pretty good i can't complain Mexican food, Mexican food a lot of times. This one was pretty good. I just ordered tacos, so nothing special.

Flavorless. This restaurant does not belong in Texas. Staff was nice, but that's only good thing I can say.

Food isn't very good. Place has a weird smell and the tables had some strange liquid on it. Service was okay. The person who seats the tables was cold and kinda rude though. read more