I've had this place bookmarked for a while...sadly the bookmark is getting removed. The good: We were quickly seated and had our choice between a booth or table. We luckily beat the Sunday after church rush too because there was a bit of a wait 30 minutes after we came. For my entree I ordered the lunch special pastor burrito. The burrito was a nice size for lunch. The green sauce had a nice flavor and a bit of heat that the sour cream helped to calm. The pork was marinated very well, was plentiful, and the mandatory pastor pineapple was a nice touch as always. The bad: Salsa, chips, and Mexican rice were bland. The guac on my husband's plate was missing a hint of lime and salt The ugly: Service.....Actually what service?!? The waitress never came back after taking our order. Also, when ordering, I accidentally dropped my straw right by the waitress's feet. I am very visibly pregnant, so bending over to grab anything on the floor is a challenging workout. Instead of offering me another or picking it up for me (it was still wrapped), she just stared at it. I braced myself on the table to pick it up and almost flipped the table (water spilled and items went sliding). Instead of looking in shock, offering to help clean up the water or even laugh, she gave me the Gen Z stare..... this should have been our warning sign for the non existent service that was to come. My main lunch entree was 4 stars (sadly can't say the same for the sides or my husband's), but the service... I honestly should subtract more than 1 star but feeling more generous than they were with their service ;) read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Lunch Pastor Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

Bad service and mediocre food are always a bad combo. Let's start with the chips and salsa. I always appreciate free chips and salsa, however they could've kept these. The salsa had no flavor to speak of. Felt like I was wasting a body motion dipping these because they tasted like plain chips with or without a dip. For my meal, I went with the texanas fajitas with included steak, chicken, and shrimp. Same thing applied from the chips and salsa... no flavor or seasoning. Tasted like they were literally just thrown on to cook with no prep of seasoning. Portion was not best bang for the buck. The price was the same as other places, however, at those other places, I always have leftovers to take home. I didn't have any when leaving here. Service was atrocious. Bad service will make me never come to your establishment again. It seriously irks me. After being seated our first waitress came and didn't say hello or give any greeting. Got straight into asking did we know what we wanted... rude. Once we got our food, we never spoke to her again. She was still there, but never came to check on us one time after that. I seen her, guess she thought her job was done with us. As I was eating my very greasy filled fajitas I got thirsty. I had a drink already, but she never came back to see if I needed a refill. Then later a gentleman (original waitress was still around) came to our table asking did we need anything, I asked for a refill of my drink. I even said please! He said ok, but I wasn't confident I'd get that drink. I told my wife I bet he'll forget my drink... he did. In fact, he eventually came to our table (with no drink) to clear her plates. I was still eating trying to get the greased up fajitas down my throat. I gave him a look, then looked at my cup to see if he got the hint. He looked at me, and it was as if we've never had an interaction in life before. I was done after that. When I checked out to pay there was no line on the receipt for me to add a tip. I don't know if that's standard here, but I want to say that was God and me being on the same page because I definitely wasn't leaving one. Only reason I came here was because my go to Mexican restaurant in the area was closed (well deserved) for the long holiday weekend. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. Most other places around are on par price wise, better tasting food, and way better service. I promise their server will say hi to you, unlike here. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

We went tonight for Cinco de mayo The people who work there are so helpful and caring My food was perfect!! Can't wait to go back!! read more

The staff are friendly, it doesn't take too long to get your order, and the food is served hot. I also think it's a fair price. There are some flies flying around the space though. I like the tacos, chips, and fish but the nachos aren't as tasty. It's nice that they have on site parking and conveniently adjacent to downtown. read more

Very Good Food and Service here. Nice Atmosphere. One of my sisters drove from Durham to have lunch with me here and she really enjoyed the food. read more

If you find that real GOOD after Christmas spot don't take it for granted! We decided to stop in at a local Mexican restaurant after dropping in on family. This place had great flavor on everything. The first thing we asked for wa queso dip to use with the chips and salsa that came to the table. They also brought us some very hot sauce and tomatillo sauce which blended well with the queso. We ordered shrimp fajitas and Chile relenos to share. Both were fantastic! We will definitely be back to try more from the menu if we can steer away from out new favs! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Chile relenos - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

See all

I was in the mood for some Mexican Seafood so I did a search on Yelp for mexican seafood near where I live. El Palmar came up and I decided to visit. This is a nice mexican restaurant near downtown Graham. I was seated almost immediately and chips and a beverage were delivered quickly. (Always a plus). I looked through the menu and there are quite a few choices. I decided on the shrimp fajitas and the Tostada De Cameron. The Tostada came out first and it was delicious!!! Ceviche shrimp with avacado on a corn tostada. I loved it. The shrimp fajitas came out next. Fairly standard, but a nice size portion for an item on the lunch menu. There are a lot of choices on the menu, I will have to come back to try something else. read more

Our little one loved the cheese quesadilla, we will be back for family dinners for sure!

Not that impressed with the food. Didn't like the papusas. Probably won't go back...People though we're friendly.

We were in the area, so we decided to stop here for a quick lunch. This place serves up some pretty good Tex - Mex food, with a few traditional dishes thrown in - street style tacos, carnitas, molcajete, etc. There is nothing especially sexy or innovative about this restaurant, just solid food, good service, and reasonable prices. Alice's choice was the Chicken Enchiladas Verde with rice and beans, and I tried the Carnitas Dinner, also with rice and beans. We tried the salsa and chips as we waited, and the salsa is very good, with a nice heat buildup as your eat. The food was out in a short time, and it was mostly all good. The enchiladas were especially good because the chicken was very tender, very tasty, though the verde sauce was a bit on the lite side. The rice and beans were excellent, especially the rice. The Carnitas were ok, but nowhere near the very best around. The pork was cut in rather small chunks, and were a bit over cooked, a bit dry, and there was no outside crust as is traditional with this dish. The enchiladas were enough to bring us back when we're in the area - and I'll try their molcajete. read more

See all

I can't attest to the food or service but I can say that they were not willing to let us use the restroom when the venue next door had a major plumbing problem. We were there for a wedding. There was no one eating in the restaurant when we entered but we were told we could not use the restroom. We had a 70 year old with us and had to drive 2 miles to a gas station. Shane on El Palmar! read more

Blandest chips and salsa I've ever had- added salt to try and give them some flavor. The shrimp fajitas were good and the portion was generous. Server was very friendly and attentive. Work on the salsa. read more

Waitress friendly and helpful. She keeps the glasses full too. Food is consistently good. We eat there a few times a month. I plan to go there for lunch with a friend during my Christmas vacation. I know she will enjoy the food there too. read more

Great little place. Clean as a whistle. The staff is friendly and the service is good. The food is good and presented well. I had a chicken chimichanga with two cheese enchiladas and was impressed due to nothing being over seasoned so as the food speaks for itself. Not spicy but rather on the mild side but I'm sure if you like it hot, they could recommend something for you since the menu has quite a variety. I definitely will return. read more

Its really 2.5 stars. I rounded up. For starters the service was attentive and friendly and the restaurant was clean. A lot of bright colors and over the top but fun murals. Its a small space so on the cozy side. As far as the food it was all kind of bland and a lot of the items were barely warm. It wasn't just my plate either. Most of the things on my wife's plate were barely warm too. In an empty restaurant that isn't acceptable. I ordered the Cheese Chile Relleno,Chicken Enchilada and rice. The enchilada was good. Pretty standard. A very simple sauce. The rice was on the boring side but was the hottest thing on my plate (just barely warm). The chile relleno was almost the highlight, but it was room temperature. The cheese was still very firm though it was battered and fried almost perfectly. That is the only reason I'm going to go back. I'm going to get the chile relleno one more time. If they get it right the second time I'll update my review. All and all there are better options out there but its still worth checking out. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - chicken enchilada, cheese chile relleno, rice - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

NO MASKS! Went in to order takeout. Two servers sitting at a booth unmasked. One approaches unmasked and asks can I help you. Said I was going to order takeout but I see you aren't following COVID safety guidelines. I can see just a bit into kitchen area and there is a kitchen an unmasked kitchen staffer. Told her I'm uncomfortable with this lack of safety and concern and left. She just stood there mutely for the entire interaction after the initial greeting. Too bad because their food is typically good. read more

Fantastic spot for authentic Mexican food. The tacos are awesome, the al pastor and carnitas were both great. I aslo had the choripollo which was outstanding. The chicken breast was grilled perfectly topped with a good amount of chorizo and melted cheese. The choripollo came with rice & beans which both had great flavor on their own, a stack of pipin' hot tortillas and a little salad of lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. I'll definitely be stoppin' back by when in town. read more

See all

Caught in slow traffic on I-40 due to some wrecks up ahead and decided we needed a break from the grind and asked the GPS device to find us a workaround. In the meantime, my bride was suggesting she was hungry (we had skipped lunch on the highway), and truth be told, I think we were all feeling it. The workaround brought us right by here, to El Palmar, about an hour prior to the beginning of a normal dinner rush Chips/salsa were immediately brought to the table along with a drink order request. Service was very friendly and very prompt and the much needed beer after 5+ hours on the road was cold and refreshing. Telltale sign this is not a place that just grabs pre-prepped food off a steam table or from the freezer and pops it in a microwave - it took more than 3-5 minutes to get our food order - in fact, it took about 15 minutes, which was good in my estimation. My Chile-Relleno (stuffed with beef) was good (not over the top great), but the real plus that makes me a fan here - the hot sauce. Sure, there are a couple bottles of hot sauce on the table, one somewhat mild and meh, and the other a brand I like on the hotter side, but when our server asked if we would like to try some hot sauce from out back, my tired eyes lit up - of course I want to try something other than the run of the mill bottled stuff. Good choice, and of course, kudos to whoever made it! My teen daughter did not want to leave, so I asked the personable server if they needed someone to wash dishes and she replied in the affirmative. Of course, my daughter, noticing that she was being volunteered for dish duty, decided it was also time for her to go so we could get back on the road. Note - the parking lot is tight, especially tight by the signage by the road. Just be aware of your surroundings. read more

Great little gem of a restaurant! Stumbled on this place while we were driving through the state headed south. The food was hot, fresh, and authentic. It came out pretty fast too. The staff was very attentive and we did not have to ask for anything. I will definitely be back the next time we are in town! The only downfall is no margaritas. They had a few beers to select from but no liquor. :) read more

The food at this place is delish. I chose the shrimp fajita lunch special, which was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Surprised that the corn tortillas were also fresh and housemade. My husband had the Mojarra frita, which was crisp and had a yummy spice rub. If they ask if you want the special salsa, say yes! The red chile tastes like pure chile with a few aromatics, spicy and tasty. The tomatillo was very flavorful, not as spicy. Service was good and place is very clean. Unfortunately, no masks on staff or patrons. read more

Best grilled shrimp with garlic I've had in North Carolina!! In fact, they reminded me of the delicious garlic shrimp we used to get in Guaymas Mexico. And that is saying mucho! My husband loved his torta(sandwich) with carnitas and the chips and salsa were also great. Though our meal was take-out the service seemed super friendly and I look forward to returning next time we are passing through. read more

I stopped here while traveling on I-40 and the entire experience was amazing. The wait staff were thorough, the food was fantastic, and everyone was extremely friendly. I will mark down this restaurant on a list of places to stop while traveling since I don't live in the area. I usually never leave reviews after eating at a restaurant but I felt compelled to due to their amazing service. The place was nearly packed and I don't think my glass every made it to half full once. read more

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, authentic style food, and it's delicious. Will eat here again! read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

See all

Authentic fresh food and a reasonable price! I will eat there again. Servers worked as a team and made sure we were well cared for as new customers. read more

El Palmar Mexican Restaurant - Fantastic fresh local salsa and many traditional favorites. - Mexican Near Me - Graham, North Carolina

This is my favorite Mexican food restaurant in the area. It's brightly colored and usually loud but still cozy. The staff is very friendly and I appreciate that they take the time to interact with my kids wether it's cooing some words to my infant or letting my toddler try on a sombrero. The salsa and nachos are just average but man do they fry a mean tilapia. It's always seasoned to perfection and their rice is so flavorful. The thing that keeps me coming back is the fajitas Palmar. Steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, onions, and peppers. Absolutely phenomenal. I totally recommend this restaurant! read more

This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It's much better. El Palmar cooks unique and authentic dishes you won't find in your average a Mexican restaurant that caters to "gringos". If you are looking for more than the typical taco you must try El Palmar. read more

Hands down the best authentic mexican restaurant in Alamance and possibly beyond... All ways consistent, quality, hot, friendly service and fair pricing. Try the El Palmar plate or coctel de camarons and I bet their are hits if these types of meals fit your taste. Now if I could convince them to make and server tamales! And a good selection of beer too. Their hot sauces are the best. Love this place! read more

My fiancé and I tried this place for the first time a couple of weeks ago for dinner at the recommendation of a coworker. The food was authentic and delicious. I got three carne asada tacos and a side of rice. The meat was cooked perfectly and the lime, cilantro and onions were perfect toppings. My fiancé got the chimichangas and was super impressed. We will definitely be making this one of our regular spots! read more

Food was awesome me and my lady and daughter ate there today and ive eaten there many times my favorite is the torta the bread is hot and soft meat never over cooked just all around great sandwich. You want the best mexican food in the county this is the place. Today I had the burrito steak supreme it was meaty and i had 2 tacos with it omg awesome. She had a shrimp quesadilla with avocado was off the chain she gave me a taste I like to have lost my mind. I love this place and they got a really great kids menu as well. If you want the best mexican food eat here trust me you wont be disappointed. read more

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, authentic style food, and it's delicious. Will eat here again!

OK, Mexican/American fare - you know what the deal is. It's quick and easy. You get chips and a beverage (a beer if you're cool) and then your food comes out like three minutes after you order it in various iterations of tortillas, rice, beans, and cheese (and meat, if you're into that kinda lifestyle). This place does not reinvent the wheel by any stretch. It did exactly what it was supposed to in terms of my reaching gastronomic satiety. That's worth about 2 1/2, maybe 3 stars. Maybe. But this place get four stars. "Why?" you might ask. Well, I'll tell you. Most of the MexiMerican places I go to play typical fiesta music over the speakers. Not so at El Palmar. During the course of my dining experience I heard Scorpions, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Ratt, and Quiet Riot. I think I also heard some Foreigner, but that's neither here nor there. Point is, I heard some damn good eatin tunes. Songs that make you want to attack your plate. If I wasn't on a schedule, I would have holed up there all day and cranked my appetite to 11. Staff was pleasant. Sufficient parking. Hats off. read more

It's all about the food. El Palmar has an extensive and varied menu. On a recent visit, my wife had the chile rellenos and I had the bistec a la Mexicana. The peppers were grilled to perfection. The sliced steak was excellent rib steak, and it was juicy and flavorful. The dinners came with rice, beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, avocado nd sour cream. You also have a choice of flour or corn tortillas served separately. The sodas are large, and they offered to refill them several times. They serve two different house salsas. In addition, they have 3 different commercial hot sauces available. Be careful of the habanero! I added it to the house salsa that came with the chips. I went a little overboard, but the taste was great. The wait staff is excellent, and the prices are reasonable. This is the most authentic Mexican food in Alamance County. It's our new go-to place. read more