This is my favorite non-chain Mexican restaurant. From the over-the-top margaritas to the fresh chips and salsa, we get the same thing every time we go, which is the paradilla fajitas. The service is always excellent. The food everything that I have had from here is so good all the time consistently. I have probably dined here at least 50 times in 16 years. And every single time it is so good. Best margaritas in town for sure. We also always get queso, the fajita is there so much that we used to get the fajitas for two and now we just got them for one because there's so much meat and the onions and peppers and you just can't go wrong at this place! Most importantly, get a margarita, the mango margarita I don't like frozen margaritas so I can get mine on the rocks usually rimmed with Tajin. The other cool thing is all of the servers expediters they help each other. I've been in the restaurant business a long time. Nothing in my eyes for front of the house then to have everybody working as a team. And if you stop someone, that's not your server and ask for something they just get it for you. Definitely try this place if you're in town. You won't regret it. read more

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This was my first visit to El Palenque in Spring. You get a friendly greeting as soon as you walk in, this restaurant was packed and lets you know it must be good food. They have a really good salsa to go with their chips. I ordered Chicken Enchiladas with Queso Blanco and it was delicious, i'll definitely be back to order this again. If you haven't been here you're missing out as they have great Food and Service with an exciting atmosphere with plenty of staff that were very attentive!! read more

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Don't sleep on this place! El Palenque in Spring, Tx. has been around for as long as I can remember. One of the servers yesterday has been there since 1998! (Wow) The best Tacos, Enchiladas, Tamales, Rice and even great refried beans! The beans don't normally get any attention but theirs are worthy of some appreciation! Ha! ... seriously. Such a great place. My husband and I ate there yesterday after many years of just not being around it and it was as good as ever. Super clean, a bright cheery dining room, and really great service. Possibly some of the best tortillas you'll ever eat. Sometimes older establishments get "a smell" of cleaner, deodorizer, etc. ... not here! Very nice and welcoming. ... oh and we love them for having Pepsi products! ... Even the water was filtered and good. Can't say that about every place. So much good to say about them.... Still a favorite! read more

El Palenque - Ground beef Enchilada, Tamale, Rice, and refried beans. So delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

New to town and someone recommended it. Should have read the reviews first. Don't want my car stolen or rude wait staff. My guy was nice but had no real recommendation. I got the monday chicken special and it was super average. Why make that the daily special!!?? The beans are an off-putting shade of brown and also super average. Chips and salsa were a giant fail. Corn tortillas were below average. I guess if I come back I have to try the house marg and fajitas. That seems to be what folks are raging about. I'm not impressed! read more

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Overall, the food and service was very good, my only complaint, and I guess I'm partly to blame because I didn't look closely enough at the drink menu, but I paid $19.50 for a skinny margarita which is an outrageous price, talk about sticker shock! lol, and it consisted of quite a bit of ice, I won't make that mistake again lol I will just get a Michelob Ultra next time. Be sure to check all drink prices before you order anything from the bar. read more

All this for about $21 at happy hour!!! Can't beat that. Food and drinks are so good. read more

El Palenque - Enchilada lunch plate. - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

Good Tex-Mex food and Fernando took good care of us. Sit outside if you can. We will be back. read more

El Palenque - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

Absolutely, bar none, the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Service was okay. Told the manager about my sister's tamales, he said he didn't cook them. There were 3 alike & 1 wonky looking one. I ordered enchiladas Verdes with ground beef. It wasn't ground beef. Had dog or cat food consistency. Verde sauce was so lemony, it was inedible. read more

El Palenque - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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I used to dine here years ago with family. It's been over 10 years since I've been back. My special education team at one of the elementary schools I provide services to chose this location for a going away party for one of my favorite teachers. Plenty of open parking but can get busy at the restaurant. Academy is in the same lot. We were seated fairly quickly around 4 pm on a Thursday afternoon. The place wasn't packed. I'm impressed that they were able to get food and drinks out for 12 people in a timely manner. FYI, they don't make mojitos, just margs. It wasn't what I was craving, so I stuck with water. I know, boring. Chips & salsa: Chips are good. Salsa is too runny and lacks acidity. Tampiquena: I liked the cheese enchilada. You can tell it's real cheese and melted so nicely like queso. The refried beans are seasoned and flavored well. The rice didn't have much flavor. The beef skirt steak was a little overcooked that it wasn't tender enough to roll in the tortilla. I cut them into strips. The meat itself tasted grilled but wasn't salted or anything. The corn tortillas were a good size and held up well. It didn't fall apart when stuffed with the fixins. Flan: Made similar to the Filipino flan, which is supposed to be smooth like custard but hold its form and not as thin as creme brulee. This one was a little grainy, which means the eggs in it were overcooked. Good caramelized sugar flavor though. I ordered beef fajitas for 2 to take home to my parents. They handed the knotted bag to me. I asked about the flan, and the waiter said it was packed in the bag. I was going to eat that at the restaurant. I got to my parents house to unpack the bag and noticed that they forgot the rice and beans. They only packed flour tortillas. What a shame. read more

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Shared parking lot with other stores, plenty of parking. Plenty of tables and staff. Greeted right away and seated. Drink orders taken right after chips and salsa arrived. Food arrived with in 7-10 mins. All hot and fresh. I ordered Flautas and I love flautas and this place hand rolls them, not frozen pre made crap like other places sell. Drinks and chips refilled often and waitstaff checked on us too. Great service and the food was excellent. Will be back read more

El Palenque - Flautas...qty 3, I ate one before I remembered to take pic. Charro beans come with also...not in pic. - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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Delicious, Fast, and Amazing! I love their steak fajitas! A fun tip: pay a few extra dollars for the butter sauce--it's to die for! The house margaritas are fine, but the top-shelf option doesn't add much. Be sure to ask for the green sauce; they don't always have it, and they won't bring it unless you request it. Seervice is great, food comes quick, quicker even on weekends when it is more crowded because I think they make a lot of faijias non stop. Boracha Beans are good, Refriend is better. Serving Size is GREAT unless you make a to go order. (like most places) read more

El Palenque - My Birthday With My Wife Enjoying Steak South of the Boarder Sizzle - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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Having been coming here for a long time. Great ambiance, food and staff Too bad they close early even in weekends.

Came here for the very first time on 1/14/22 at 5:30PM and it was extremely packed, which was a signal that this place had to be good! We moved from the Austin area and we had Taco Palenque up the street from our home so we wanted to see if this place was similar. By the way, Taco Palenque was AMAZING! So this review is in comparison to TP. Plenty of seating options (inside, patio, bar area) and pretty spacious. The service was also prompt, which is always good, especially during this time with staff shortages. No wait to be seated either, it was immediate as soon as we walked in. We received chips and salsa immediately upon being seated, which their salsa comes warm (LOVE warm salsa). We ordered the taco plate, tostadas and beef fajita quesadillas. We wanted to try tacos first since it was our first time and we love tacos! Their tacos were very fulfilling and they stuff them with a lot of meat. The shell is also homemade (just like Taco Palenque). Pretty good tacos but I've had some quite better. I think the meat was just different. The tostadas were also really good, I got mine without beans. I'm a real big fan of Taco Casa's tostadas so I was comparing them to those; and I think Taco Casa's are better, but I would def get the tostadas from here again. My partner got the beef fajita quesadillas and they were BOMB - we both liked them better than the tacos and tostadas. My partner is really picky when it comes to quesadillas and has had some not so good ones, and El Palenque's were on top of the list. Overall pretty good place, didn't get any drinks (might get those next time). I would have to say that Taco Palenque does taste better! I would give them a 7/10. read more

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Service suck waiter was very rude and nasty he was very inpatient like he wanted us to hurry up never again

BE AWARE OF THIS BUSINESS. It is against the Texas business and commerce code to charge extra to pay with card. We told the manager name "Santos" about the concern and he told us that "The workers did us a favor by sitting a party of 11 because we are too many people". We were celebrating a birthday and we were just voicing that it is illegal and he told us that. This is unprofessional and customer service was not priority. Food was mid. Never come unless you want to be charge extra and have this Nice ass manager taking care of you. We are never coming back! We will make sure this goes viral. read more

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This was my first time visiting and I'd definitely go back. Drinks and food were great and staff was amazing

This is my father in laws favorite restaurant and I'm not sure there's a close second favorite. Service is quick and there's plenty of parking. The restaurant is nice and large, so you don't have to wait almost ever to get in. I almost always get fajitas here. I think they are some of the best in Houston. Everyone should be put bacon in the fajitas. The margaritas are always on point too. The decor of the restaurant looks a little dated in my opinion. Other than that, not a lot of bad things to say about this gem read more

Amazing food must try the Yucatán!! Salsa is also amazing, waiter was polite and also homemade corn tortillas

Alfredo had outstanding customer service. The food was great, I was in and out within about 7 minutes since I ordered my food to go at the counter. You should definitely try it out if you haven't been here yet! read more

Service is amazing food also amazing everyone there is nice and it's a nice place to hang out and eat I do recommend this place

I have been coming here for over a decade and they never fail me. Anyone who lives in Spring knows about El Palenque, it's a staple. The margaritas are top of the line and they have been that way since I've been coming here. What I love most about this place is that they are consistent! We ordered sangria margaritas, $3 shots, nachos, tacos plancha, and tostados. All was muy delicioso!!! No complaints. Love this place! Huge shoutout to our bartender Fernando! He was busting his butt when we were there and he provided great customer service! Thanks Fernando!!!! read more

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My best friend brought me here because it is one of her favorite places to go. I can tell you that afterwards I completely understand why! The mango margarita was probably one of the best I have had! The queso had good flavor and the chips where fresh and you could tell they were made in house! I had the fajita tacos which were good and had great flavor! I thought however that they were on special and once the bill came found out that they were not... the service was mediocre but the food and drink was awesome! I will definitely be back! read more

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Don't let the outside fool you. They are serving up some pretty good food here! I got the tacos al carbon. Really good beef fajita. I told the guy I wanted beef fajita and he brought out mixed. I cannot stand chicken fajita. Oh well you guys lose a star for that lol. Back to the food. Comes with Avocado which is really good. . Wish it came with sour cream for the price you pay near 17.00 put some dam sour cream in the plate and quit being cheap. The chips and salsa are good. Very good warm red sauce. The tortillas don't see home made. When that guy said mix tacos al carbon I wanted to RKO him lol or body slam him in the table lol. Other than that I really enjoyed the food. I will def go back when I am in the area. Management. Don't be cheap! Make real tortillas and put some sour cream on the plate. read more

El Palenque - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

This restaurant was very good. They had quick service and good food. The flavors were strong as intended. The workers are friendly as well. I would recommend going to this place:) read more

Sooooo goooood! I've been twice since the beginning of the pandemic, both times for takeout and both times the food was absolutely delicious. The chips and salsa are always great and so are the quesadillas and shrimp and crab enchiladas. The only thing I have to worry about when I go here is not overeating! The portions are plentiful and the food is TOO GOOD! read more

El Palenque - Shrimp and crab enchiladas, chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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My truck was broke In too while I was having lunch the waiter was looking toward my vehicle the whole time it was getting broke In too and he was like a look out I'm assuming anyway according to Deputy this happens all the time here at this restaurant so unless you want to get some mediocre TexMex food I wouldn't even waste time at this place read more

Clean establishment, friendly and prompt service. Table ordered numerous dishes, decent sized portions fairly priced. Taste didn't scream 5 stars just basically middle of the road Mexican food. read more

Been coming here for years, and it's a hit or miss. Some visits remind me why this place is such a staple in the area, but other times are regretful. Familiar faces with the servers; some waiters are enthusiastic and others don't seem to care at all. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating in the main dining area, the bar, and the outdoor patio, but parking is a nightmare most nights & especially on the weekends. My favorite menu items are the queso flameado (some of the best I've had) and enchiladas that are rich & consistent. But, you can get much better tacos & burritos elsewhere. The charro beans are lacking, too. The fajitas are pretty good, the tortillas have a nice chew, and the salsa is warm, chunky & flavorful. The margaritas are poured strong! Prices are all decent. Overall, it's a good place to meet up with friends, enjoy a stiff drink, and indulge in authentic Mexican food. read more

Will Never Ever go back. Last Friday night my granddaughter and I went for dinner. Not a fave of mine for TexMex but, eh. I put pepper on all my food, first thing I grab for. I took the lid off because it wasn't shaking out, came out in lumps, didn't look right, I got the pepper from the next table and took the lid off, same. I poured it onto an empty plate and bugs everywhere. DISGUSTING. I'm hoping everyone in there heard me. The owner came up with a line that was crap. Protecting his interest of course. But not protecting the consumers. Stay away from read more

Love this place. Excellent food, drinks, and service. Will definitely be back. Highly recommend

My coworkers and I came on Cinco de Mayo and it was so much fun. I pass this place on a regular and the parking lot is always packed. They have a sign on the door stating mask are required but people were walking in without them. With all the craziness I totally get not trying to force people. We sat outside on the patio which is a new addition to the restaurant and it is nice. The top shelf Margarita was good it didn't have that over powering Tequelia taste. The environment was awesome! They had a mariachi band, Corona girls handing out free Coronas, and they were throwing out free swag glasses, hats, and koozies. The reason I rated 3 stars is because even though the atmosphere and drinks were great the food was lackluster. I ordered the Pollo Loco and my chicken was dry. I order the carne asada with mushrooms for the hubby and the meat was tough. The beans and rice were decent, and the salsa was pretty good. I would go back for drinks or happy hour, and maybe appetizers. read more

El Palenque - Outside Patio - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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Just picked up a to go order here for lunch today and carried my daughter and her baby carrier in with my son also and the lady at the front that was up there with the to go person was so sweet and offered to help carry my to go order to my car because she saw my hands were pretty full. Such great customer service! I've been going here for years and this will always be my favorite Mexican restaurant! read more

I can't seem to put my finger on why I'm going against the grain with the review for here because there are a lot of positive attributes that I like about this place but not enough for a person that really isn't into Mexican food to bring them past the threshold of "wow, I'm coming back here". Welcome to El Palenque and if you're learning Spanish you might not know what this word means exactly because it's not a commonly used one. Palenque in Spanish means a "[wooden] palisade or stockade". In modern usage, it means an arena, or a cockpit in cockfighting. I did not see any fowl going at it in here nor did I hear any cheering going on in the kitchen so it's safe to say that you won't get caught up in a vice bust by the local authorities. Parking is ample, it shares the parking lot with a lot of other big businesses but it holds it's own. Once you step inside this no frills building thinking it was going to be just a modern place where there was not much thought put into the outside, you will be transformed into almost "little Mexico" eye appeal where it seems like the budget to decorate was put on the inside. It's like they turned a building or house in Mexico outside in. Every part of the restaurant is neatly decorated with either bricks protruding out of the walls to make it look like you're looking from the outside in, to the overhead banners, articles and such that give it a little flash that you're in some party in Mexico. The atmosphere is pretty cheery. This would be a perfect place to celebrate a get together, family gathering and even birthdays. I wouldn't call this a place to take a first date. The prices here are a little steep, how steep? There are nachos here (regular size) that will run you over $20 but they use prime quality meat here, that is thing. You will not be eating any shoe leather here and nothing comes on a plain jane plate, you almost get the VIP treatment when you can see how the food comes to you in presentation. If price is not your matter then yes, $44 for a parillo plate for one or $80 for the larger one is a perfect choice for you, but you really have to be a lover of Mexican food so this might be for you. Service was pretty attentive, in fact very attentive as I can remember. I studied around occasionally for a few minutes and notice every table in other sections got pretty much a good eager hands on service provided by knowable waitstaff. Nobody texting in the back here while your food is sitting at the window. They did drop the ball on one occassion by delivering someone's chicken fajitas with no tortillas and did not get here till the plate was not sizziling anymore but that doesn't seem like something that is often miscued here. Neighbor style helping is done here but they auction your food off at your table, no chair place numbers, minor. My beef fajita Quesadilla was good. The meat inside was cooked medium rare as the way it was cut and presented had the open face looking right out at you. Accompanied with the Quesadillas were a side of sour cream, guacamole and a few grilled onions. For a non fan of Mexican food it rated up to a 4/5 for me, 4/5 for presentation, 3/5 for price ($12!). The only real negative thing I can think about for here was the Michelada. It was weak, not caljones and thought were put into this one. I guess you could say it looked more watery when I poured my beer into it (at least a medium red is what I look for in Micheladas with a good eye sight of hard ingredients floating around in the swirl). That too is just a minor thing and should not keep you away because of that, just order something else instead. Remember, this is really a 4/5 star if you like Mexican food so I apologize El Pelenque for the stinginess of the stars but you can guarantee I will be back whenever this place is mentioned in a group function again. read more

El Palenque - Eso es la sabrosa con carne de fajita. Cuesta $10 - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

Friendly greeting and great service. Good lunch menu with plenty of food. Salsa & Guacamole were fantastic. So refreshing to have great customer service these days! We will be back! read more

I've been coming here for over 10 years, and I compare every place I go to to El Palenque. The service is always great, food is consistent and I've never had a bad experience here. Will always be my go to! read more

Been coming here since I was 7. Never had quite an experience like this. The food was phenomenal as always. But let me tell you.. the Sprite was delicious. On a whole new level of soda. I never thought I'd be so compelled from a cup of Sprite but this made my evening. Will be coming back 10/10, would recommend. I've had about 12 cups since I've been here. I originally came for margaritas but this Sprite immediately changed my mind. And boy! Let me tell you, I am thoroughly impressed. read more

El Palenque - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

The Caldo has always been spot on!! strange but that seems to be my meal of choice at this restaurant!!! worth giving it a try! read more

El Palenque - Caldo special on Wednesday!!! Worth a visit! - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

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this is my FAVORITE mexican restaurant. I always recommend it to everyone who wants REAL AUTHENTIC Mexican food. as a Mexican who always eats in Mexican restaurants during special occasions, this restaurant is by far the best. I even sometimes come during my lunch at work. If that doesn't show how quick their service is, i'm not sure what will. I can easily have enough time to sit, order, eat and chat all within an hour. Never had a bad experience here!! read more

This used to be a good place food used to be fantastic but I think they have kind of fell off and to me it's more of a senior citizens place don't get me wrong their drinks are good but the food is not so great if you're looking to just have good drinks a meeting or take your grandma to lunch this will be the place read more

El Palenque - a close up of a margarita - Mexican Near Me - Spring, Texas

I gave this place another try because it's right by my house. After my last two pick up orders, where the cheese was like rubber, I wasn't for sure if I would go back. But they finally picked up the phone to take my order. I called twice. Was on hold for over 20 minutes. Not a busy time of day either. I ordered the tacos al carbon, queso & salsa. I thought I was getting a small order of queso, but it was $6.95 for a cup. My total was $31.93 Which is a lot when you are ordering for one & to go. I was a little surprised when I went inside to pay for the order, but it is what it is. The tacos al carbon steak meat was delicious, very tender. The flour tortillas were also very good. I'm glad that I tried something different, because I would definitely buy this again. The queso was not one I would order again. But their salsa is very good. They serve it warm. Very good salsa! The manager is very nice, always very helpful. read more