El Patio Fresh is my go to for a casual Mexican meal in Davis. My favorite thing to order there are the Quesabirria Tacos. You can get a plate of 3 quesabirria tacos with consomé for $14. The tacos with beef birria, onions, cilantro, dipped in sauce are mouthwatering delicious! Can't and won't say no. I've also had their street tacos and carne asada fries (El Patio fries with carne asada), which are both pretty good. They offer burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and other dinner plates. I usually dine there later in the evening and it's not too busy. I haven't had to wait for a table. There are usually 2 female workers that wait on the tables and both are friendly. Only one time, the waitress forgot to put in my order, but usually service is good. To be honest, I like the old El Patio Fresh (before they remodeled) better. I liked being able to order at the counter and choose our own seats. Now, it's table service only. They still have a chips and salsa bar, which is really nice. Their salsas are good. Great place for quesabirria tacos in Davis! read more

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I found this spot on Yelp since it was just a few blocks from my hotel. I went with the asada tacos, and while they were decent, they fell a little flat on flavor for me. Honestly, it made me wish I had ordered the Quesabirria tacos that so many reviews were raving about. That said, the staff was exceptional -- everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back to give the Quesabirria tacos a try next time. read more

I continue to go here when I'm in Davis for Yelp events. I went here recently and not much has changed, which is a good thing. I ordered the Birria Especial, which is the Birria plate with 3 quesabirria tacos. It comes with consume as well. This plate always hits the spot and helped warm me up since it's been cold out. I also ordered the patio fries from the happy hour menu, and wanted carne asada as the protein. This has a surcharge of $1.25. So the fries were $8.25, but worth it for the plate we received. I also got horchta to drink besides water. Service was great. We did not feel rushed, but we did come on a night where they closed early so had about an hour to dine in. The layout is still the same as before, so not much has changed. I got to sit in a both and enjoy my meal. read more

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Came in by for lunch last Thursday and left a happy girl! I walked over to El Patio on my lunch, since I am currently working in downtown Davis the last few months, the lunch options are pretty hard to choose! I have seen El Patio for awhile now and decided to dine in. I was greeted right away, it was a little busy but I was able to score a booth! My server was very sweet and accommodating. She brought me salsa and chips for starters! And then I chose the fajitas plate, I wanted two proteins. I chose chicken but wanted shrimp too. She let me know it would be $4 extra. I said no problem, I always prefer more than one protein in my fajitas. She brought out my plate piping hot and it didn't disappoint!!! So much shrimp and everything was so flavorful! Chicken was tasty! I am not one that likes beans but refried hits everytime! Corn tortillas were hot and made my lunch filling! Salsa bar had a good selection! My total was $23- $24 with tip! Not bad at all and service was wonderful! Will be back when I get another fajitas craving! read more

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Boy do I LOVE El Patio. This is hands down my favorite Mexican food spot in Davis, and in my opinion, it is way better than Guads Tacos & Beer. I usually judge a place by their asada because if I have to load my taco with a bunch of sauces just to make it taste good, then it is not quality to me. With El Patio, that has never been a problem. The meat is flavorful on its own and actually stands out without needing to be covered up. That being said, I do love their green salsa. It is so good, but it does not need to be all over the tacos to make them enjoyable. It is perfect just with chips and honestly takes them to another level. Their breakfast burritos also do it for me every single time. They are consistently good and always hit the spot. On top of the food, their new renovations are amazing. The space feels cute, fresh, and really brings the whole vibe up. It makes you actually want to sit down, stay longer, and enjoy your time there. The workers are always kind and welcoming, and they even offer student discounts, which is a huge plus. Overall, this is one of those spots that just does everything right. Great food, great atmosphere, and a place I will keep going back to. read more

HAVE AGAIN: The crispy beef taco, rice and beans were ok, but nothing special. Good service. NOT HAVE AGAIN: The chicken in the crispy taco looked and tasted like it came from a can. Not at all good. Also the super breakfast burrito with chicken was not at all interesting - too plain. read more

We noticed immediately when entering that this location definitely went through a renovation since our last visit! Nice seating areas, bright signs and menus! Great happy hour with nice portions and breakfast is served all day! We ordered the Mini El Patio Fries with Chicken, Beef Taquitos and Chicken Mulitas from the Happy Hour Menu and California Burrito with Steak. My husband, baby and I loved everything, especially the flavorful mulitas! We would definitely return to try more of their drool-worthy menu items, great staff! SYOY! :-) *Song Credit: Sunny @iksonmusic read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Mini El Patio Fries with Chicken, Beef Taquitos, Chicken Mulitas & California Burrito with Steak, all amazing! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

I'm a mexican food truck/cart person so I have never tried El Patio but boy was I missing out! We stopped by after work for a to go experience but ended up staying and enjoying the clean restaurant and everyone was super nice--I wish I got our server's name because she was awesome and had really cute nails! My partner and I ended up getting all their happy hour food menu to try and they did not disappoint--the happy hour menu is affordable and great serving size! The meat in the taquitos and mulitas were super generous and the green sauces for the tortilla chips were perfect for spice weakling like me! I also tried their mango margarita with the tajin rim and it was so tasty and not like the Costco mix Ha! We also got to enjoy the horchata which we also loved! As for my entree I got the seafood burrito with battered fish and I liked that it wasn't too wet (usually the seafood burritos I've tried are extra saucy). There was a little crisp and again the filling was super generous and the burrito was pretty big--I was only able to eat half and was already satiated! We'll be back! read more

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Food: I. had the taco plate which comes with 3 street tacos your choice of meat. I had two carne asada and one pastor. The tacos come with cilantro and onion and a side of rice and beans. The hubby had the same but with chicken. The asada tacos were nicely seasoned and quite tasty. I didn't enjoy the pastor as much as it had a rather sweet taste to the meat. The cost was $13.99 which is excellent for such a meal. Heck I've paid more at my local drive thru. They even had a special with 2 street tacos and a house margarita for $15. If you're looking for a quick, delicious and well priced meal then this is for you. Ambiance: The place is very clean with a bit of a diner feel to it. Situated on a corner it never gets old watching the students and locals walk by so I guess you have built in entertainment. Service: The service was good but being that this restaurant is pretty new the staff still needs to gel. The servers were both very nice and helpful Parking: It's downtown Davis and street parking so be patient Overall: I'm definitely throwing this place into the rotation. Good food, friendly service, and good pricing. A nice menu of cocktails and entrees including vegetarian options read more

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My beautiful wife, baby daughter, and I stopped by the El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill in Davis, CA while we were visiting Davis last night. Let me tell you, this location went through a transformation from a gloomy place to a bright and fresher restaurant. We were promptly greeted when entering and were seated. They had happy hour deals all day every day as well as breakfast all day everyday. My wife decided to get a steak California burrito and for myself, I got two mulitas, mini el patio fries, and 3 taquitos plate from happy hour menu. Mulitas: crispy, packed with tender chicken and guacamole; both my wife and daughter really loved them and tried to take them away from me! Fries: mini fries topped with tender chicken and sour cream, cheese, and guacamole; again both my wife and daughter loved them. Taquitos: crispy rolled tacos stuffed with beef topped with cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole on a bed of lettuce; again both my wife and daughter loved them. California Burrito: classic California burrito with steak; my wife loved it but would trade my mulitas for her burrito. Overall, great service, awesome food, casual ambiance, which both my family would return to. read more

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Nice little Mexican joint right in downtown Davis. Abundance of street and paid parking lots. This place is like the college special! I mean that because everything is soo well priced. The happy hour from 11am-11pm is just wild. I got the house margarita and two el pastor tacos. El pastor was super tasty and it came with a roasted jalapeño which was phenomenal. Definitely recommend this place based on price and quality of food/drink. Inside is also very clean and designed. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - House Margarita with Chamoy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

I first came to El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill for a local event and had no idea it would become one of my go-to spots every time I pass through Davis. Since then, I've been back more than five times--and it's officially a must-stop for me and my daughter! I'm obsessed with their loaded taquitos--crispy, flavorful, and packed with goodness. My daughter is all about the cheesy quesadilla, and honestly, I sneak a bite every time. The food is consistently fresh, satisfying, and served with a smile. One of my favorite things is the spacious back seating area--it's perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal without feeling cramped. The place is always super clean, and the location is easy to find right in the heart of Davis. Yes, it gets busy (which is a good sign!), and parking can be a bit of a hassle sometimes, especially during peak hours. But trust me--it's totally worth it. If you're in Davis and craving fresh Mexican food, El Patio is the spot. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

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Idk why this restaurant has an overall average star rating it does? I've been here more than a few times with my friend who frequents Davis. Each time the food has been awesome and the service is timely. I grew up in a household of home made Mexican food, so that's where I'm coming from. I'm not sure where the lower star reviews are coming from in relation to authentic Mexican food? Maybe from those who haven't had exposure to authentic Mexican food? Recently they updated the inside and it looks more modern and nice inside. With this upgrade they also now have a full bar. Whereas before I believe they mostly offered draft beer I believe? Before they had an open chips and salsa bar that was free and you could get as much as you wanted. Now there isn't an open chips and salsa bar where you serve yourself with the remodel. But, our waitress brought us as many rounds of chips and salsa as we wanted. The chips and salsa still are free as they should be at any Mexican restaurant. Before the remodel you paid for your food 1st. It was more you your got your food from the counter once ready, you got your own chips and salsa, your own soda if you ordered a fountain drink, or went up to the counter to ask for certain things. Now with the remodel it's more service centered where your waitress or waiter checks in on you, things are brought to your table including, drink or chips and salsa refills. Your bill is brought to your table to pay. It's more restaurant service centered now. Now the food all is delicious and authentic tasting. I've had their quesabirria torta, quesabirria burrito, quesabirria tacos, and other tacos, another combo burrito with carne asada. All of it has been tasty and delicious. My ultimate favorites have been the quesabirria torta and the quesabirria burrito. The quesabirria burrito has a cheese crust on the outside, so good omg. What I like especially about the tortas is beans are added just like I had growing up. Not all Mexican restaurants have beans on their tortas. The service has always been timely and now most recently with the change it was still timely and our waitress was attentive. This is definitely a hidden gem of Davis. read more

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About a year ago I used to have a tradition of going to el patio every Friday with a close friend of mine. We loved it. The reopening changed a couple things since then. They removed the salsa bar, and the place feels a little more formal now. The chips are served by a waiter instead with a salsa on the side. The food itself though has improved imo. I got the surf n turf burrito and they toasted the sides. It was filling and tasted better than any other burrito I've had at Davis. Will be returning fs read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Surf & Turf Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

Food and service were spot on! I ordered the two taco with a house margarita and was completely satisfied with my lunch. Server was very attentive and checked in often and even brought another basket of their yummy chips! I think the only thing I didn't like, was the choice of music playing. When eating at a Mexican restaurant I want to hear their music, not top 40. But if that's the worst of it, I say check out this great taco spot, you won't be disappointed! read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Chicken Taco - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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I've been to this location several times, both at the booth and the bar- and every time the drinks and service have been phenomenal! They offer my favorite Piña Colada in Davis, and the Bahama Mama is delicious as well. The bartender/waitress have always been friendly, and check in to make sure you're happy with the drinks. Some of the alcoholic beverages are garnished with a pretty flower, and I love it when they do that! Looking forward to going back soon. read more

Stopped by on a quiet weekday for lunch. The service was lovely, warm, attentive and genuine, which I really appreciated. The restaurant itself was clean and modern, though the vibe was a bit on the quiet side when I visited. The food was okay not bad but nothing memorable either. read more

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First time I've ever been here and I have nothing to compare it to in terms of how it was before vs. now. I ordered a carnitas and carne asada mulita. Although I was expecting two small mulitas, I have to say that the portions were generous with a lot of meat and guacamole. I usually don't eat grilled onions or jalanos, but I tried it also, and liked the, too! Overall, the food was filling and very delicious. I was craving carnitas and this definitely hit the spot! The indoor dining was casual and the service was pleasant. I recommend it! read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - I forgot to take a photo of my food! Here's my order! Two mulitas (carnitas and a carne asada)! Yummy! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

Decided to give this place a try for lunch. This place had a great vibe with lots of seating and great service. We ordered from the happy hour menu which was a nice treat. The food was delicious with lots of flavor. We ordered the taquitos and the mulita plate from the happy hour menu. Yes they do have a full bar as well. read more

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Great prices. Menu has lots of appealing choices. Dining room is clean and comfortable. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Shrimp tacos, happy hour taquitos, street taco carne asada - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

Located in downtown Davis, this is a great restaurant and bar, which offers a student discount (with ID). Excellent happy hour specials. $7 food menu and $5 drinks! I highly recommend their quesabirria especial- 3 crunchy, fried tacos with shredded beef and cheese. Upgrade to the combo, which is $3 for beans and rice. Homemade tortilla chips and salsa (green and red). read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Especial combo with beans and rice. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

Solid spot for a quick bite. If you're hungry and looking for something casual, this place does the job. The ambiance is nice, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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I've been coming here for a long time and used to really love this place, which is why this experience was so disappointing. I ordered carne asada fries with chicken today for the first time in a while. While eating them, I immediately noticed something was off, the chicken smelled strange, almost like a sushi restaurant lol (but not lol) and the taste was noticeably fishy. I wasn't sure if the chicken was cooked on the same surface as seafood or if there was cross-contamination, but it was enough to make me uncomfortable. Unfortunately, not long after eating, I started having stomach cramps and had to use the bathroom repeatedly. Typing this with severe abdominal pain and gas. This experience completely turned me off from coming back, which sucks because I genuinely used to enjoy this spot. I hope this is something the restaurant takes seriously, because food quality and safety really matter. read more

I dined here for lunch on a Wednesday. We arrived at 11:30 and were the first guests and had our choice of tables. Several others arrived and were quickly seated too. My friend is vegetarian and gluten intolerant, so most of the items on the regular menu she could not eat. I had noticed a Vegetarian Menu sitting on the host podium as we walked in , so I got up and grabbed it. She decided to get the Vegetarian Burrito served as a bowl. Interestingly, the bowl option was not mentioned on either menu we saw in the restaurant, but I knew about it from their online menu. I ordered the El Patio Burrito, as I had it once before and really liked it. We both enjoyed our lunches and had plenty left over for a future meal at home. We had a pleasant lunch and since UC Davis graduation was a week earlier, it was easy to find parking in downtown Davis. I love when the students go home in the summer and return downtown to the permanent residents. The restaurant was doing a brisk business, so I guess they don't need to rely on those students. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Vegetarian bowl with no sour cream. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

Second time here but I won't be coming back. Restaurant remodeled and added a bar area. We use to order then just grab a seat and grabbed our own salsa and chips. I thought that was so much better than how it is now. Only 2 waitresses. I ordered a chicken taco salad and I didn't like it. I like their chips. I won't be back. read more

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I Love, love, love this place! I love the menu options that el patio has. I mean davis has a small downtown area but they couldn't have chosen a better location. It is right across philz coffee and raising canes! My go to is surf and turf burrito! it is the best of both worlds. I love that they offer fresh chips and salsa, i mean what mexican restaurant in davis doesn't at this point. There is also surf and turf fries but i think i prefer the burrito version. I love that they are generous with their meat servings. I love how each bite equal parts, protein, carb and sauce! The chiliaquiles is also tasty. I think you can add chicken and I asked if I could add carne asada and they were able to accomodate that. can't go wrong with rice and beans tho! If you see a long line, scan the qr code and order online, I'm sure you will get your food much faster. There are plenty of seating options. you order first and sit wherever. No read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Chilaquiles Plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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This review is updated for the reopening: How sad! Safe to say I miss the old, welcoming ambiance of el patio. Nonetheless I came in with an open mind. They removed the actual "patio" inside and incorporated a full bar and booths around the edges + more LED/ cool toned lighting. More importantly, this is now a table service restaurant- but WHY?? Upon arrival we were seated and asked if we wanted water and chips for the table. We said yes and the waters came out shortly. Spoiler alert: we never got the chips. We weren't serviced before our main courses came out so we never actually got the opportunity to ask for some. Close to the end of our meal, the bill was brought to the table and I asked if they still did student discounts. She just swiftly said "yes" and walked away immediately- and not to go apply it for us LOL. At this point I just let it go and chalked it up to horrible service. If they want to transition into a more modern restaurant with table service they seriously need to take the time to train their employees better. If the food wasn't good, I would knock them down to 2 stars, but the birria is still a hit. Hopefully they just need more time to adjust to this change, for their own sake! read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Especial - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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I have been craving these birria tacos ever since I tried them here at El Patio. Definitely the best ones I've ever had and will forever be looking for a spot that can top it! The tacos had such crispy shells, tender meat, and consomé to make each bite burst with flavor. The cheese held everything together perfectly, and the tacos are served with a side of onion/cilantro + lime wedge. As for the El Patio fries, they were nothing special but tasty nonetheless. It was definitely missing some flavor and needed salsa to enhance it. Complimentary salsa bar/chips are available which was a plus. Service was fairly swift and everything went smoothly. The inside houses a good amount of seats, but it could be difficult to dine in if you come with a large party (6 or more). read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - El Patio Fries w/ Pollo Asado ($9.99) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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I'm super happy whenever I get a chance to stop into El Patio Davis. I've been a patron of the Woodland location since my undergrad days at UCD (carne asada fries, horchata or shrimp burrito were my go-tos), and this was my third time eating at the Davis spot with friends. On my first visit, I tried the birria taco special and Mexican Coke; the second visit was a California Burrito with asada and a horchata. Friends orders have ranged from crispy potato tacos, to surf and turf burrito, carnitas nachos, fries, even churros and ice cream. They were out of bread for tortas. The enchiladas also look good too. Most recent dinner, I went with a super quesadilla with birria as the protein, which came with guacamole and sour cream on the side. This was absolutely massive, and let's just say consome was not needed for the birria filling itself was already so plenty juicy on its own. I finished it and was thoroughly stuffed, yet left just enough room for dessert. Lots of table seating. Self-serve complimentary tortilla chips and salsa bar. Extensive menu, placing orders were quick, and the food was also not much of a wait at all. Colorful interior decor and lively music, too. Located on E Street next to Insomnia Cookies, across the street from Raising Cane's. When you're craving Mexican, don't count out Downtown Davis! read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Super Quesadilla with Birria - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

The service here was fast and attentive. We went here for "Taco Tuesday" and we were not disappointed. The street tacos were flavorful and for $2.00 each, a great deal! I love a good booth and they had plenty to choose from. read more

The fish tacos were the best taco I've ever had. The jalapenos in spicy salsa were the icing on the cake. I will come back here every time I'm driving past Davis. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Fish Tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

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My friend and I came in last Saturday and had a delicious lunch! The menu isn't too extensive but they have PLENTY of options. We ordered the birria taco special, a crunchy chicken taco and the spicy shrimp taco. Our favorite was the birria. The taco was pretty big and was packed with meat. The beef was tender. The best part was that it wasn't oily or fatty. My friend didn't really care for her crunchy chicken taco or the spicy shrimp taco. She said the chicken was bland and the spicy shrimp wasn't really spicy. The spicy shrimp taco was also very hard to eat because it was so full. It would've been better as a tostada. I ordered my husband a super carne Asada burrito to go and he really enjoyed it too. The service was great. The gal behind the counter was patient and friendly! Our food was served quickly too. They have an open kitchen concept too so it's cool that you can watch them put together the dishes. All in all, I'd come back for those yummy birria tacos! read more

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Love the food! The quesabirria tacos are my favorite and quite filling. I feel like people are too critical of the new interior...it's a college town. What do you expect? I absolutely love the updated interior. It is modern and clean and the perfect place to eat out with friends or family. It's pretty quiet and relaxing as well. Staff are friendly and quick as well read more

I haven't been here in several years but decided to give it a try tonight... The first time I ate here I thought the food was just ok... but I'm glad I gave this place a second shot. I ordered the quesabirria tacos (I know shocker... but it's my favorite!) and these did not disappoint. The meat was tender the spices were perfect it had maybe some cinnamon in it which was delicious, I don't think I've ever had lime on them before it wasn't bad at all! The only thing that left me meh was the beans and rice. Together they were ok but the beans by themselves were not great.. read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

I came here after el burrito because the margaritas were not good and they had no blended drinks on their menu? The food here is good and the red salsa is so good! And the new bar is spectacular! Maria is amazing and made great margaritas. 10/10. read more

Enchiladas sauce was thin and flavorless- haven't been back. I loved the kids plate, but eating in the restaurant was disappointing

We waited for a full hour after ordering only to find out that the kitchen made an error and haven't even started on our food yet and the waiter had to retake our order. The restaurant was barely even crowded as well. I would get making an error but not even approaching us as we were waiting as we had to call them over is just really bad service. Can't say much about the food because we didn't recieve any... read more

There was a nice walking area outside with many shops nearby. The inside was pretty standard but was very clean. They had a complimentary chips and salsa bar which was a great appetizer. Everything pictured fed 3 people comfortably and was affordable when we all split it. El Patio Fries 3.5/5 You have to have these immediately otherwise the fries get stale really fast. I loved the flavors and dressings on the fries and am glad I tried it. Would I get it again? No. Did I enjoy eating it? Sure! Quesabirria Taco 5/5 The BEST birria tacos I've ever had! Gooey cheese and perfect "dip" to compliment the slight crunch of the taco. The meat oozed in flavor and went perfectly with the lime juice I squeezed on. Absolutely amazing dish and I would come back to Davis just for this. Please get this when you go, you won't regret it! read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Taco El Patio Fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California

I really enjoyed the reimagined El Patio. The decor is beautiful, including a very cool bar. We were greeted at the door, seated at a comfortable booth & given chips & salsa right away. I had the El Patio fries. For me, I topped them with black beans, cheese & sour cream. They were delicious! I also tried the Bay Breeze Refresher mocktail from the bar. Crisp with a tangy refreshing finish, it was very good. My husband had the shrimp tacos & he really enjoyed them. The decor, food & service were excellent! Thanks! Will definitely be back. read more

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quesabirria especial ($12 after student discount) i usually don't crave quesabirria tacos, but i decided to give it a try here and i loved it. it was hot, good amount of meat, & the sauce was the most flavorful i've ever had for quesabirria could use more cheese but would definitely get again read more

El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill - Quesabirria Especial - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Davis, California