It is painful to post a less-than-complimentary review after such a friendly welcome and good service. The first problem was the difficulty parking in the tiny space available. And, the food! Perplexed as I am by the more favorable reviews, I must be honest. Based only on the lunch specials, we could find little to redeem in the food. Even the iced tea was undrinkable. Guacamole that looks and tastes like store-bought is unacceptable. If it can't be freshly made without any kind of creamy filler, don't bother. The refried beans were cold. The chips and taco shell were Old El Paso wannabes. The cheese enchilada was uninspired. The only redeeming item was the beef taco filling; that was well done. I'm always pulling for locally owned restaurants, but this one needs to be repurposed, sadly. read more

My visit to El Norteno was great! I was immediately greeted when I walked through the door. The restaurant had a positive atmosphere and the staff were very friendly and happily answered any questions. My food was delicious. I highly recommend El Norteno! read more

Be aware: I only gave it 4 stars simply because I've only eaten there 1 time. This is a VERY traditional Mexican restaurant. The 'Enchiladas Suisa' was completely fantastic! Their salsa is also quite good. They have a big menu. The owner/chef has been in the food business for a very LONG time (cooked at 'El Charro' for 20 years-- an old Tyler institution!) They have a wide range of beverages (alcoholic and other) -- I only had a soft drink -- but many other people were getting lots of different types of drinks. I am going back there soon. I also submitted an update, but: be aware -- they are now located on ENE Loop 323 (just around the corner from their previous location). read more

I was recently recommended a spot that I've never even heard of and now I'm finding myself wishing I'd go restaurant exploring more often lol. Today I had the absolute pleasure of eating at El Norteño Mexican Restaurant. One thing that really stood out to me was the way I greeted when I first walked in. An older gentleman walked up to me and said hi as he stuck his hand out to shake mine. He then told me I could sit wherever I'd like. I later found out that he was the owner. Shortly after sitting down, I went over the menu and decided on an entree. The Enchiladas Suiza. They brought some chips and salsa out shortly before I ordered my food. The chips were excellent and so was the salsa. Not even 10 or 15 minutes after ordering and my food was already coming out. I jumped right in and I honestly didn't stop until that plate was clean. The food was really that good. The enchiladas had an amazing green sauce and some melted cheese on top. The chicken inside the enchilada was definitely seasoned and surprisingly falling apart tender. Even the rice and beans had a unique, but delicious flavor to them. Although I know I shouldn't have, I asked what they had for dessert. The owner told me about their Happy Donut. He described it as a deep fried Mexican donut with ice cream on top. I had to ask for no chocolate drizzle on mine (thanks COVID). It came out shortly after. The donut itself had the perfect texture to it. Nice and crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside. The contrast of the warm donut and the cold ice cream was just what I needed. Overall I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for some great authentic Mexican food. The owner seems like a great person, who's obviously dedicated and passionate about what he does. It was very nice getting to speak with him. I also noticed that he treated everyone with the same level of kindness. From shaking peoples hands as soon as they walked in to going up to tables multiple times and checking on them. read more

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My husband and were looking for a new place to eat and unfortunately we chose here due to it being right down the street from where we live. This establishment says they are open until 10, which they are not. When we arrived at the restaurant it was before 9 pm. There was not but one or two people inside the restaurant so I knew we would be in and out fast. The waitress seemed a little irritated, which I didn't understand at first, but now I realize it's because everywhere online says this restaurant is open until 10, but they close at 9. So when we arrived they should have actually been closing. I would never go to a restaurant right when they are closing. When we were leaving the establishment well before 10, we let the owner know the food was great and we'd be back. All he said was "yes we close at 9/920". I called the restaurant the next day to apologize for coming in so late because I would never do that, and let them know that the website says they are open until 10. The owner of this restaurant actually went off on me until the point where I was crying lol. (I've read before he was very ugly to his employees which is why he can't keep workers. Maybe why he's so short staffed?) He said I had no compassion for the employee he had making her stay late when she was sick, saying he's the owner and he gets to choose when they close daily, things of that nature. I told him I had no clue why he was going off on me when I called to apologize for coming in so late, and notify them they may need to update their times on the website. I was not trying to complain to anyone, not posting reviews, anything. Just trying to notify straight to him. I asked my husband to come in the room while I was on the phone with the owner, and THEN the owner started apologizing and asking us to come back. Then after ending the call because I was so upset, the owner tried to call me again. I called back to him and he again was apologizing asking us to come back, saying he was the owner and needs more workers, etc. While telling him why I was upset and why I would not be coming back, he handed the phone over to a waitress instead of talking to me about the issues. I apologized to the waitress because this is not her problem to deal with and ended it at that. read more

El Norteno - Mexican Near Me - Tyler, Texas

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this place is fire the food is delicious! the customer service is great!! hot sauce is great too!! me and my hubby loved this place! we will be back read more

This place was excellent! Huge menu for a smaller size restaurant! Everything looked soo good! The chimichanga was HUGE and the beef wasn't just run of the mill ground beef or taco meat, it was chopped up steak that was marinated in a delicious marinade! The chips and salsa was great and we also ordered a bowl of queso and it was excellent as well! The chips tasted house made, so crispy and corny! The owner was here on a Saturday afternoon at 4pm which seems unusual.. dedicated to this place! He was very friendly and attentive on top of having multiple waitresses helping each other to make the meal great! Can't wait to come back! read more

El Norteno - Main dining area - Mexican Near Me - Tyler, Texas

This new location is AMAZING! Great upgrades from the atmosphere to the food (which has always been great). The new staff is f

Great service and food! Reasonable prices. And their Strawberry Margarita mmmmm! Clean and attractive dining room. Attentive wait staff and friendly service all adds up to a new favorite neighborhood restaurant for my household read more

Delicious food! Owner and staff were very friendly. My wife had the quesabirrias plate and it did not disappoint! Recommend. I had the chilaquiles torta and it was delicious as well (presentation was nice). read more

I don't typically leave reviews, but this place was insanely good. Wonderful service, perfect flavor. I ordered salsa to go I was so impressed. read more