Great choice for dinner! Delicious food - recommend a pitcher of the lime margaritas - yummy! Nice size portions - fun music and nice service. We will come back!! read more

Loved the portion sizes. Unlimited chips and Salsa with great chilli sauce. Waiters were super patient and kind and the place is really humble. Great food which doesnt cost a bomb, I would recommend the fried ice-cream for dessert read more

Someone I no longer talk to recommended this place so I brought my other friend visiting from NYC to this place since I was sure it was going to be delicious. The staff seemed overworked. Our waitress kept walking away from us while we were talking to her and the food was cold, late and uninspired. My friend thought I was a lunatic for ever coming here considering its hideous exterior. Great margaritas though! read more

Came for lunch. The fish tacos didn't have much flavor. My wife's taco and guacamole were also bland. Service was friendly but slow.

The service was not the greatest but the food was pretty great. the cheese sauce is the bomb!

One of the worst experiences just now: My coworkers and I have loved this restaurant up until this point. As frequent visitors are food was always hot, fresh, and delicious. However, when you call to explain to them that this time your order is wrong, they tell you to bring it back to fix it. We order on our lunch breaks and bring it back to our office. We do not have the time to bring it back for you to fix your mistake. Also, when you order something and add something on, and even possibly pay for it, they forget to add it, then instead of offering to fix their mistake, they tell you well you need to pay more. Also, when you find a hair in your food, and explain this to them, they treat you poorly, tell you it is your fault and hang up on you. Lets just say it takes one time to eliminate all the great times we had. I believe we will be finding somewhere else to go out and eat, instead of this place. Customer Service should be on the top of your list since customers drive your business. Hopefully when we get in contact with the owner, things will change read more

The food is good but I didn't really feel well after I'm glad I tried it but I don't think I would go back again.

I've been here a couple of times both on week days and weekend. I take friends there all the time. It's the best Mexican food in Buffalo. Every time I go I get seated right away, and they bring chips and salsa almost immediately. There margarita are good and there food is always good. I recommend it for anyone looking for good Mexican food. read more

Cheap, good Mexican food, and REALLY good Texan Margarita's (which, I learned, means "more alcohol") . I always get the same dish when we go: the Chicken and Chorizo and it's always good - with enough left-over to take home. The language barrier makes it a little more challenging but we don't mind one bit. And we've never experienced the slow service the others are talking about on here (and we usually go during the week). ??? Bueno! read more

My go to Mexican has taken a major dive in the last few months. So disappointing. Meals were delivered 5 minutes apart. Food was just ok. Flies swarming my head and Meal. New ownership? Management? I won't be going back. Hasta la vista el palenque. read more

The jumbo steak burrito was ok, not good, but ok. The salsa is too spicy for the flavor to come through. Service was also ok. Everything was ok. Absolutely no tequila in the margarita... read more

Great authentic food and delicious margaritas! This is my favorite place for Mexican food in Buffalo. The prices are very reasonable, especially since they use Patron in the margaritas. read more

I like the food, but I'm considering not coming back. The kid who's always working the counter clearly doesn't want to be there. Every time I walk in to pick up my order (I always get takeout) I find him leaning there, using the counter to support himself as if he can't even be bothered to stand up properly, staring off into space with a bored expression on his face. On this occasion, I approached him and told him that I was there to pick up an order. His response was a simple "Ok," and then he continued to slouch and stare out the window. After a minute or two, a waitress came by and started putting my order together, at which point the cashier finally shuffled off to retrieve the chips and salsa to go with it. All the while, he kept rubbing his eyes. Someone ought to tell him that he cannot rub his eyes and face, and then turn around and handle food bc that is a health code violation. I didn't bother saying anything bc this is not the first time this has happened, and I'm pretty fed up. He doesn't seem able to string together a complete sentence either; as he presented the bill he said something unintelligible (in English, I'm not complaining about the Spanish). I stopped tipping here for takeout a long time ago, bc I'm afraid it'll go to him. On top of that, one of the items that came with my meal was left out. Also not the first time this has happened. read more

Awful. Couldn't get a receipt for luncheon ordered. No one speaks a lick of English.

DON'T GO HERE!! Looked like nice mexican restaurant. The food was delicious. But ... the waiter got our order wrong twice and wouldn't accept his mistake. Another waiter who we mentioned this to wouldn't give a hoot about it claiming he didn't take the order and therefore he does NOT care. He became visibly angry. When I paid the bill I didn't add a tip because of the terrible attitude of the waiters. This made the cashier angry and he asked to leave the restaurant. Sure we were leaving but rather upset by the behavior of the entire staff. I have tried reaching Lily who I believe is the manager there, but she is never available. I am surprised this place has not been shut down. Avoid this place. read more

Considering I am a man of MANY words... this one is simple... if you miss Chi-Chi's Search no more and get down to THE restaurant to eat authentic Mexican food! I wanted to try it for about 3 years and kept pushing it off untill "later" and now I eat there on a regular basis. My average bill was about $30 for 2 people. Simply incredible! read more

El Palenque may not be "authentic" Mexican to some people, but it's about as good as it gets in the Western New York area. I used to go here when it was a Denny's, and the food is far better than a Denny's ever dreamed of being. Sure, the Margaritas are served in a glass the size of a bird bath, but that's not the only reason to go. The food is good, and the service is good, even though they usually only have one or two servers on at a time. We frequent El Palenque's quite often, and have never been disappointed. read more

Food was good but service was excruciatingly slow. Tried to get the manager but he was "busy cooking." Will NEVER return.

Good authentic Mexican food. The drinks are fantastic and well portioned, if you're adventurous get the Jumbo or Monster Margarita (one will do). Food is reasonably priced and portions to price is worth it. Service leaves you wanting more but the authentic atmosphere and friends will make up for it. read more

I am traveling through the region and stopped by yesterday to enjoy a decent Mexican food and I have to say that I liked it very much. The place was busy, so I guess it is popular, was kind of crowded. I went there for lunch and the lunch menu was good portion and it didn't seem to be old food or anything like that. The waiter was very polite and served me very well. I enjoyed my time and food over there and I would recommend it to my friends and family. read more

My husband and I have been coming here for four years . We love the fajita nachos and margaritas. We got extra chicken on on fajita nachos . And charged $ 6.00 extra . For probably a little over a 1/4 of a chicken breast. I m outraged. That was one of the biggest rip off .. I have worked at a number of restaurants the last ten years and extra chicken for $6.?!This place is 86ed from our list of go to restaurants . We had two inconvenient experiences and questionable charges on bill our last two visits. . . From the same server . Being a restaurant worker myself I still tipped.. but adios El Palenque read more

This is probably the worst mexican restaurant I've been to in my life. Mexican food is my favorite so when I found this place close by to where I live a few friends and I went to check it out. The ambiance was nice and the service was also nice but the food was absolutely terrible. However a month later I decided to come back and give it another chance and ordered something else of the menu and yet again I was disappointed but this time it made me sick to my stomach after I went home. A few weeks later I was talked into coming here again with some friends and the food portions were substantially smaller and again I went home and was sick for the next 2 days. So enough said I won't ever be coming back and tell anyone I know not to come here. read more

The service was absolutely terrible. Waited for literally over an hour after they gave us our to go boxes for them to bring the check. Every time they would pass they would intentionally avoid eye contact when we tried to flag them down. A family actually came after we got our to go containers and got their check and left before us. Only rating it one cause you can't put zero :) read more

Horrible service! I cannot believe they're still in business. First we asked for an extra plate and the waiter says for what. Then every time we asked for something he would walk away mumbling words to us. The employees are just sitting there looking at you like money. Ruined my date! read more

Probably one of the worst spots in Buffalo for Mexican. The only high point is the staff is usually very friendly and attentive. That's about the only good thing about the place. The parking lot and entry sidewalk are dingy, dirty, and littered with trash and cigarette butts. Not a good sign regarding the pride the ownership takes in the restaurant. The food is not good. The menu items are for the most part pretty simple, yet when I requested the Taco Salad have ground beef substituted for the grilled chicken I was told they couldn't do it. Why? Absolutely no idea. The salad that did come out was literally a chopped 6oz grilled chicken breast, handful of shredded iceberg, and a spoonful of sour cream inside a big fried flour tortilla shell. Almost no flavor and nothing worthy of reccommendation. The beans and rice were mediocre. Salsa and ships were decent however, but nothing out of the ordinary. Won't go back. read more

My wife and I passed by El Palenque many times and wondered what it was like. We stopped in one evening and were seated immediately. After that, everything was down hill . It took us about 10 minutes to be served and that was only after I went to the cashier . They had forgotten about us . My wife ordered something that was supposed to have beef in it. It was mostly all fat and very little beef !!! The fried ice cream was a cruel joke, it was as hard as a brick. The waitress never came to check on Us . In view of the service we got, I can see why. El Palenque is a slap in the face to all Mexican restaurants. How they have stayed in business this long is a mystery. Go to the Pizza shop across the street, at least your money will be well spent. read more

In accordance with the previous reviewers, the food is as close to "authentic" as you'll get in Buffalo, to my knowledge. Or as I told my boyfriend (who is from California where they have entirely different standards for Mexican food) it's the least shitty. You know, like winning the Special Olympics. I've all but given up on finding genuine ethnic food in Buffalo, with the exception of a few Vietnamese/Korean places, so I enjoy this place mostly for its value and its giant freakin' margaritas. Almost everything on the menu is under $10, most entrees are less than $8 and they are fair potions as well. For $6 you can get a jumbo (really, they're not kidding here) margarita in a variety of flavors that is sweet without tasting like it's straight from a mix. Really, the food is about 3 stars, but I bumped it up to four just because I love enormous drinks. Subtract another star if you've actually had REAL Mexican food. Also, someone correct me if there exists in Buffalo an actual legitimate ethnic restaurant. read more

It's sometimes said that once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and thrice is a pattern. Well, I've now concluded that there is a pattern involving eating at El Palenque, and it's not a good one. Over the past year-plus, my wife and I (both appreciators of Mexican cuisine) have had three meals there. Each time we've come away quite disappointed. Our first meal there was a lunch, at which the food was poor and the service adequate. Our second meal was a dinner, at which the food was a bit better (though not great) but the service was horrible. Our recent third (and final) meal was a dinner with a group of family members and friends where BOTH the food and service were horrible. Regarding the food, I've now tried a variety of their menu items, and have found the beef dishes horrible, chicken mediocre at best, and pork okay but not great. Rice is consistently dry and hard. Refried beans lack typical taste and have a sawdust-like consistency. During our last visit, our server provided as poor service as I have ever encountered in a restaurant setting. He was inattentive, sour and dour, and seemed to be generally disinterested in his job or service or customer satisfaction. When he failed to bring requested additional napkins and condiments, I thought that perhaps it was due to a communication failure or language barrier. However, communication failure or language barrier do not account for or excuse a failure to provide silverware, or to put the wrong dishes ordered in front of each patron, or simply disappearing for extended periods of time, or to fail to offer obviously needed beverage refills despite the menu's statements of "free refills". As our group was dining there on a weekend evening, on a very cold winter's night, we were enjoying each others' company if not the meal itself. About 45 minutes prior to the stated closing time of the restaurant, as some in our group were finishing their desserts, I noticed a chill in the air. Within 5 or 10 minutes my nose was cold to the touch, and running. The heat had ceased! Other patrons around us were clearly reacting, most donning their coats as they hurriedly worked to finish their meals to leave. In retrospect, I thought perhaps that the chill in the air was intentional, perhaps not just to save a business expense but to help clear out the remaining diners. If so, mission accomplished! Not only for that night, but in the future as well for us. So as to not be totally negative in this review, the menu is extensive in its offerings, and prices are very reasonable. However, in this case it does seem that one gets what one pays for, if not even less. We will not be returning to the El Palenque, instead seeking our Mexican cuisine at other, better, more satisfying local eateries (which, fortunately, there are several of locally!). read more

This is a restaurant I go to quite frequently. I have always loved going there because the food has always been delicious. Last night, February 18th, my girlfriend and I went there. The female server that works there is horrible. She never smiles, she will make eye contact with you, knowing that you need something but she ignores you. Last night she checked up on us maybe twice the whole two hours we were there. I then wanted to order fried ice cream.. It took her a half hour to come to our table. Every time I would try to get her attention she would just stand behind the counter doing nothing. The two men that were serving were BUSTING THEIR ASSES OFF getting people their food and she barely checked on any of her tables. Then, I had to go to the counter to get my check, rather then someone bringing it to us. I did not tip her and I wrote on the receipt that her customer service skills were horrible. To top it all of, I got food poisoning. It was the ONLY place I ate so of course I know it was from there. And she probably did something to the food, wouldn't surprise me. read more

This used to be hands down one of my favorite mexican resturants. I havent been there in about 4 years so I figured I would give it a try, bad idea. I ordered the quesadilla rellana, the chicken, peppers and beans on it looked like it was all thrown in a blender, just a pile of mush, and it tasted horrible. There was also a beef combination dinner ordered, pretty sure the waitress messed that part of the order up. The beef that was on the plate looked like pureed cat food and tasted like road kill. If you can't cook good mexican food at least serve a good margarita, nope, that was horrible too, pretty sure it was just watered down sour mix. On a more positive note, the salsa was ok. read more

We really enjoy this place. The food is of good quality...not sure how authentic, after all, it IS a Mexican restaurant in a place VERY far from Mexico.It doesn't matter, we enjoy the offerings anyway. Always seated and served very quickly, definitely a plus. read more

For authentic Mexican food in the Buffalo area this place is tops. Please note i said the Buffalo area. Compared to Mexican food I've had in choice other cities I think El Palenques would be 3 stars. Over the past few years there have a variety of Mexican Food options popping up around town. Most are of the chain/cookie cutter variety ex. Cinco de Mayo, Salsaritas, Moes...but if you want an authentic tamale or enchilada this is the place to go. Located in the former Denny's on the Boulevard the interior is not much to look at. the food definitely make sup for it as well as the truly Jumbo Margarita's they serve. the food is pretty good and very reasonably priced. My usual is the Special Texas-a chicken and bean quesadilla and chicken chimichanga. My wife usually gets the Fajitas and we are rarely disappointed. There was a questionable spell about a year ago where we were getting smaller than usual portions and the food was very inconsistent. i can affirm they have resolved these problems and we haven't had a bad meal in many visits since. their chips and salsa are some of the best in the area. A decent variety of vegetarian options and as previously stated quite reasonable. I have had better Mexican food, but not in Buffalo. read more

I used to go to this place often until recently when I went with my family. We were served something that would make dog food seem like gourmet. When complained, the waiter very nicely and politely agreed with how bad and old the food was but said there was nothing he could do for me as the owner wasn't there. He politely brought me my check. Will never set foot in this nasty place again and haven't been able to eat Mexican since. Gross! read more

Unsure as to why this place is getting low reviews. We were seated as soon as we walked in. Salsa and chips were on the table in just a minute or two. Maybe 2 minutes later they were taking our order. The only mishap was my husband spoke quietly so they misunderstood his drink order for water since I had ordered water first. I agree. I thought he said water. Salsa had a good hot spice to it which I love and the chips were still warm. Didn't take long for our order to come out either which was a surprise. The beans were good but then again I'm not a fan of beans anyway. The fried chimichangas though were outstanding. The beef tips were tender and juicy and it was full of flavor. Hubby had tacos and burritos and he loved his as well. Only complaint would be the attention to the table. We only saw our waiter once after we ordered and barely had time to order desert. However, we would definitely come back. read more

First time here and last I've never seen fluorescent green margaritas that taste like flat kool-aid the grass was uncut in front of the building that should have been a sign of the quality of care the service was terrible and as we walked out after the first bite the server didn't even care why read more

This place is great! If you love shrimp, this is the place to get it; it's succulent and crunchy (I recommend the shrimp quesadilla). The other food on the menu is awesome too. It is a casual dining experience so don't expect people to hover over your water glass w/ a pitcher. It is authentic. On the menu, they explain what comes w/ the meal. Dessert is great too if you have room in your stomach afterward. Enjoy! read more

I gave it three stars because the TX margaritas are delicious and quite affordable and the wait staff are efficient and friendly. The food is expensive for being Mexican and it is average at best. My favorite plate so far are the jalapeño poppers. read more

This place was a nightmare. We would have gotten a better tasting, fully cooked entree and quicker served at a convenience store. The health department needs to surprise them with a visit read more

BEST PLACE TO GET MARGARITAS. The food is also awesome- plus, free chips and salsa. It's always a great time there.

Just moved back to Buffalo from LA, dying to have Mexican food....waste of time and money to go to El Palenque. Food is ok, nothing to rave about, definitely NOT great, good, or even mildly close to anything but BAD Mexican food. Service was ok, waitress was checked out, messed up order and tried to run down my mom when we were leaving (mom walks with a cane, so NOT cool). Very disappointed, but, then again, coming from LA, we know GREAT Mexican food and should not have been as surprised as we were. Holding out hope that great Mexican food will arrive soon to Buffalo. read more