El Patio is a SOLID Mexican restaurant. By the time you've scooted Inyo one if their great booths, the complimentary bottomless chips and very very good salsa arrives. Service is perfect. Atmosphere is filled with traditinso Mexican antiques paintings, there's even an authentic saddle thrown perfectly over a short wall seoarating the outer ring of booths from the inside courtyard. Which is what El Patio means in Spanish. There is no outdoor patio. The patio is inside. But no matter. The quaint sounds of the occasional train horn arriving and leaving in the background, are covered up by an actual god's honest rendition of"Volver" makes this a wonderful Mexican dining experience. The food easily meets and then often beats expectations. Enchiladas, Tamales, Chile Rellenos. All three Crispy/Soft/Street tacos. All four Steak/Pastor/Carnitas/Chicken meats. A special Burrito menu is mind blowing. Then there's breakfast. Then there's dessert. Flan, Churros platter with cream and chocolate dipping sauce, tres leches cake, and fried ice cream. I'm sitting here now. I've ordered. Hurry up and get here I can't wait much longer! read more

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It's been a long while since we last came here. We came back for a family dinner/meeting. As usual the service was great! The ambiance was well suited for our meeting/dinner. This time the food was great. Muy delicioso!!! Everyone enjoyed the foods which made the meeting more peaceful and enjoyable! read more

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Loved the old Texan vibe of the restaurant. Felt like we were in 70s in San Antonio or Mexico. Outside it feels like a deserted place. Like who would even go here. But I read the reviews and we wanted to give it a try. Glad we did. Firstly and my favourite today is the fresh chips and salsa. My hubby and I downed 3 trays of fresh hot chips haha. Too good. Crunchy warm perfectly cooked and seasoned paired with delicious salsa. The margarita was ok. It's $19 tooo steep and the syrup was too strong. I didn't like the drink. We got the tres amigos plate with shrimps, chicken and carne. With rice and beans. This was fine. But it's 29.99$ .. me and hubs shared it and it's a shareable item. I felt the prices are too much. But we loved the vibe. Transported us to another decade and another county. Ambiance is great. Service is so fast! read more

El Patio Original - Million Dollar Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

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Let me start off by saying my husband recommended this place because as a kid it was delicious and the hot spot. Our experience today was not even close to his memory. I ordered the chili verde and it was watery and had no flavor, the beans and rice were bland. I couldn't even eat my food. My husband ordered the el pastor taco platter. From the moment they set the plate in front of him it smelled like rancid dog food. I thought he was exaggerating and I took a bite. I could barely swallow the food it was so disgusting. Now my husband is at home sick. To top it all off, we ordered house margaritas and they tasted like lemon water. We will never be back to this place and what a terrible way to ruin a memory. I don't know how they are still in business. I highly suggest you pass on this place!! read more

El Patio Original - El Tacos al Pastor Platter - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

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Okay I love this place. Been here about 5x now. I love eating at nice fancy restaurants, but this is my neighborhood Mexican spot. Sure the ambiance is lacking and dated, but the service is always really friendly and fast. The food is authentic and yummy, can't really mess up Mexican food! Their flan is authentic and nice and creamy. And who doesn't love fried ice cream! read more

El Patio Original - Deep Fried Ice Cream - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

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I really felt like having Mexican foods for lunch so I decided to try a new spot. Therefore here I am at El Patio Original. The outer part of the restaurant was unassuming and the inside is a little dated. Our waiter sat us down at an area in the edge on the outer circle of an circular region in the restaurant. There is an inner circle inside that area where I can see people performing there from time to time for the patrons of this restaurant to enjoy some time ago. It is now just extra seating area. The menu is pretty straight forward and the ambiance felt pretty old school. I ended up ordering: Fish Taco Platter (lunch special) - 5 / 5 What made this dish special for me is how they fry the fish in this fish taco. The freshness of it from the fryer with just the right mix of cabbage and tomatoes and that killer sauce definitely hits the spot. The bean paste with the cheese is to die for. From the looks, you might say what's the difference between this bean paste and others right? Sure, almost all Mexican restaurants serve them right? See, the magic is in how they make the beans and everyone does it differently. For me, I think it's in how they brew these beans and the cheese they use to mix in together. The blend had an unique taste to me and I loved it. All in all, the taco, beans, in combination with the rice really mixed in well overall. I think the ambiance of the store says it all. This spot is an old school Mexican joint that has had its glorious days in the past. It delivers solid food but it definitely need a major facelift inside the restaurant. This would include upping their service level and the look itself. I think it's almost there, in terms of food, yea, it's solid and I'll be back! read more

El Patio Original - Fish Taco Platter (Lunch special) - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

The food was okay; not fantastic, but good. Service was very attentive... I like their sangria. We'll probably go back, there aren't many competitors in Fremont for Mexican food. read more

The mole chicken was super flavorful and a little spicy. My friends enjoyed the fish tacos and chili verde. read more

El Patio Original - Chicken mole - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

I've been here a few times and each time I've really enjoyed the food and the ambiance. The place is clean and well decorated. We love the chicken and rice soup. And the enchiladas are amazing. Service is quick and to the point. The free chips and salsa are a great start. I enjoy being here and I will be back. read more

El Patio Original - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

I grew up eating at El patio, back when they were in the Glenmoor shopping center. I remember everybody was so excited when they moved to the new location (which is their current location). Their food used to be so amazing and the place used to be packed! I would constantly eat there, enough that servers knew who we were. I moved out of the area quite a while ago but have gone back every few years. I had even eaten in their other locations in Tracy and Manteca (closed now), but nothing was as good as the original El Patio. Recently visiting my parents, they wanted to take me back here to reminisce. And to be honest, we were severely disappointed. If it was just based on food, it would be probably a two; the service was the best part and our waiter is what made me give it a three. The chips were stale, the food really lacked flavor to be honest. It was nothing like what it used to be. I now live in an area where there's a taqueria on pretty much every corner, so I know what good Mexican food should taste like, and this is not it. And it's telling, because the restaurant was pretty empty. There was probably only four tables in the huge place, which was lunchtime on a Saturday. It's pretty sad, to be honest. They really need to change their food. And FYI, for those people who have gluten allergies, they add flour to their red sauce. Not only that, but it was pretty expensive for a lunch. For three people at lunchtime, with two soft drinks and one water, and just lunch plates, it was over $70. Wayyyy too expensive for what we got. I doubt I will ever come back again, which saddens me. read more

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Super good. I had never been here so it was a new experience. Traveling to Fremont first off is a drive from our place. Once there the service is quick and drinks are tasty. I suppose they are known for their Cadillac margaritas. I had a paloma because I prefer that. Food was as authentic as you can get. Prices are good for the amount of food. We definitely will come back to this place. read more

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Good food. Good service. Nice to get out of the heat. Quiet but nice. We had the chicken enchiladas with verde sauce. Delicious. read more

El Patio Original - The restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

This place went from a neighborhood favorite to a no go. The food quality is not the same. The beans tasted like canned rosarita beans which I do not like. The cheese enchilada lacked flavor. The service was kind of slow but that was due to a large party function so I understood why. Prices of course went up like everywhere else, but not worth it anymore. Sorry to say the quality is just not authentic. read more

I like it - try the churro dessert. They sing happy birthday... Long time Fremont location read more

Ordered chicken fajita platter and chicken mole platter both delicious and tasty. Chicken soup was good too. Very friendly wait-staff. Music not too loud not too soft. Restaurant clean, air conditioning helps on hot days. Very pleasant experience. read more

I really like this place, the food is great, servers are tentative, It has been a go to for over 20 years. read more

I have fond memories of El Patio from my teenage years. I hadn't been I quite some time, but my friends son wanted El Patio for his birthday dinner. The restaurant was nice and clean and there was plenty of parking. Our server was good, and everything came out correctly, unfortunately some of our party got food they didn't like, the chips were so stale that salsa couldn't save them. I got a combo plate and the tamale and chimichanga were really good. However I can't ignore that my wife and friend of ours got served subpar food. I tried my wife's meal and the meat was bubblegum. While I can't say they do everything bad or good... I'm not sure I'd return to eat here. Especially with the quality of Mexican food you can get in the area. read more

Steak ranchero 3/5 satisfied craving but nothing special. Service. Giving some grace as i dined sunday night. I asked for a rice side to go after my meal. Waited. Waited waited. It's rice. Why is it taking so long? Well. Went up to counter and my waiter entered it as to go. As in like doordash. So i would have been sitting there forever if i had not gotten up to the front. Front desk is confused. Goes to kitchen. Another coworker sees my rice. Calls my waiter to confirm. I pay and leave. Very. 3 star place. They're not very put together despite like a lot of staff are running foods, taking orders and so on. Would not come again unless I had a craving. Lastly. I ended a baby fly buzzing around my table. But! Nothing seemed unclean on tabke ware and glassed. read more

El Patio Original - Steak ranchero 2025. 3/5 nothing special. - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

The waiter was very kind and professional. However, the food was a miss. We paid extra for avocado- we were served a side of avocado dressing. Two of us had that experience. Paid extra for chicken for the salad. Literally 4 small thin rubbery strips that sat atop the salad. dried chewy skin. very bad tasting. Literally like scraps. My husband said his dish was watery and we asked for a high chair - it never came. My mom has a leg injury and we asked for a table not a booth - we were at first told " no". I had to ask someone else and was given the OK. In short - I wouldn't go back. Careful what you order it is deceiving. read more

I recently drove an hour for the chicken rice soup from here. I crave that especially when under the weather, and it didn't disappoint. I have missed this place. It has been around since the late 80s when it was over at Glenmoor and it was a tiny restaurant back then. Just great food! I've always loved their tamales! It's wonderful to see it's still around, the place is big and very spacious and the food is still amazing. It was worth the 2 hour drive just for to get their soup! Muchas gracias! read more

came here for a company holiday lunch. The server was attentive and managed a large party well. She was patient and took everyone's order accurately. They have a bar for anyone looking to get drinks before sitting down. The menu had a decent selection of entrees to choose from. The restaurant inside is big inside, plenty of capacity. Everyone enjoyed their meal, I had tacos and they did not disappoint. I would recommend coming here again if you are in the area and looking for some good Mexican food! read more

I dont understand why this place only has 3 starts. We come here often and always have a good experience. For starters, the chips and salsa are delicious- the chips are not your typical flimsy chips - they are substantial, grainy and delicious! My husband ordered- for the second time - the street taco plate which as is most of their plates-- very generous, full of delicious well seasoned beef and chicken. I ordered the chicken mole, also very good- a very generous serving--accompanied by a basket of fresh corn tortillas. This was all accompanied by several glasses of strong margaritas and Negro Modelo on draft. All in all, another excellent meal at El Patio. read more

don't order from doorDash or GRUBHUB because they have poor And expensive service, It's better to dine in person instead of ordering a delivery. read more

I cannot believe that this is my first time here. It's literally by my work. Since there's a lot of taco truck along Fremont Blvd, you just want to hit those spots. This restaurant is huge inside, good to sit down with friends, chitchat and have a meal. I came for lunch with my co-workers, there's 4 of us. I got a taco salad with grilled chicken and loved it! Very good and fast service. It's good for us since we only have 1 hour lunch break. We will be back for sure. read more

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01/28/23 Dinner It's been years since we've eaten at El Patio, but we came Saturday night with some friends. I started out with a Pina Colada. I'm pretty sure that they left out the alcohol as I didn't taste or feel anything at all (and I'm a lightweight). I ordered my usually go-to fish tacos. They came out looking amazing, but the tortillas were so thin and flimsy I could not even pick them up without making a huge mess. I ended up just picking the fish and toppings out and eating it without the tortilla. It tasted good but not exactly fish tacos if you can't eat it like a taco. My husband got the Chicharrons con salsa. The meat was extremely tender, and it tasted good! He did say it would probably be better with a green sauce instead of the red sauce for some acidity. Good dinner and I'm glad we got to dine at this often overlooked Fremont favorite. read more

El Patio Original - Chicarrones con salsa - Mexican Near Me - Fremont, California

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I dont know what all those people are complaining about. The food and service was amazing. - great tacos - amazing chimichanga - delicious enchilada. Nothing fancy or flashy, just great traditional Mexican food. read more

El Patio is my favorite restaurant in Fremont . When I came here during happy hour, the server allowed my friend and I to order the happy hour from the tables. The fish tacos I got and the Asada fries were full plates and very delicious. The servers came by to refill our chips and salsa. My other favorite dishes are the 2 or 3 combo dinners I like street tacos, tostadas, and mini burritos. The tostadas are very crispy and unique to this place. I also love ordering breakfast huevos con chorizo. Everything comes with a large serving of beans and rice. read more

Our daughter's former favorite restaurant so when she came to visit we took her there. She had not been there in 5 years and was disappointed. The tortillas on the soft tacos were dripping in oil, and overall the food was bland. The chips were good, and the waiter was excellent. read more

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Their catering, to-go and dine in are all consistently good. Unlimited chips with the best salsa to start our meal, a pitcher of margaritas, followed by a salad with creamy cilantro dressing and Chile Relleno and enchiladas are our go to. I also really love their rice with the chunks of carrots this is the one restaurant our family consistently comes back to! We love that the employees recognize us and often know our orders from memory. We appreciate the family atmosphere. read more

It was a very bad customer service. The food was not delicious. The person who took the order. I feel like he was high because he didn't know what he was doing or understand. I will never come here again spend my money like that no way. read more

I ordered the super famoso burrito, chicken tortilla soup, and michelads for me and my friend as a pick-up order. The soup was too salty and the burrito was just kindy of soggy. The micheladas were alright though. Ordered pick-up after the lunch rush and it was completely dead in the restaurant and yet it still took them almost 20 min to bring out my order. read more

We have been here twice now for dine-in and once for take-out. Every time I have enjoyed what I've gotten! My favorite has been the wet burrito where they smother it in enchilada sauce and cheese. I have yet to find something I didn't like! Service has been pretty good through and through, just a little slow at times! Tacos: 8/10 Wet burrito: 9/10 Chicken tortilla soup: 9/10 Churros: 7/10 read more

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Been eating here for years, never disappoints but my last visit I had menudo and the cook must've been hungover because he forgot to add some seasoning. Lol. I will always come eat here though. Great spot read more

Spacious and delicious. Great staff. Ample parking. Safe neighborhood. Go check it out

Went to El Patio for a party of 8 for my mom's 77th birthday celebration and had a bad overall experience. When I called and made the reservation, and told them it was a birthday, they said, "bring paper plates if you plan to have a cake." I didn't plan to bring a cake, but since I was given that instruction I thought maybe they didn't carry candles to place on a birthday dessert. So I brought a cake, candles, and paper plates. This was when things got a little weird. I asked them if they would keep the cake in their refrigerator until we need it. It was awkwardly accepted, so I asked if they would put the candles in when we finished our food. They said they think they could do that. I said I don't have a lighter, but they said they did. At this point, I am expecting that they can get the cake out to us and we can sing to our mom. I'm also expecting a cake fee, which I would happily pay. Nope, nope, and nope. When we were done with lunch, they left our plates on the table for a long time. I asked if they could be bussed so we could do birthday cake. They seemed pissed when they were bussing the table, then brought the cake out in the bag, put it out on the table, and walked away. It was like a grocery deliver. No knife, no lighter, and no good experience. We just brought the cake home and did the birthday. They could have simply communicated and told me how they'd like to do a birthday lunch. I have been to El Patio, and they were better than this before. Not only did they drop the ball on a birthday lunch, but the food was not as good as I remember. The carne asada was leather. Well seasoned, but leather. The tamale tasted frozen. The Chile relleno was oversaturated with oil and left a puddle on the plate. People at the table said their carnitas was good. I thought this might be a go-to restaurant for birthdays and celebrations, but after this experience I would advise everyone against having a birthday there. read more

They gave us just enough with just that amount left to take a little home with a full tummy. Although it was hard to stop eating the tamales. Great to mix with the great rice and beans. We went around lunch 11:45 wasn't to crowded yet. I was real hungry but I don't think that was the reason the food was really good. Can't wait to go back. read more

Is there a new owner? Food is super bland and service could be better. The rice and chicken was overcooked with NO flavor - also we were never offered a refill on our drinks and ended up eating our ice to survive the dry food. Spent almost $100 for 2 plates and 2 fountain drinks. Go spend your money somewhere else... read more

Jessy made me the perfect Old Fashioned. Totally recommend! Can't wait until next Friday to order another one. read more

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Service - we had a big group and the staff was very attentive Ambiance - very spacious, very clean, great for large groups Food - I had crispy tacos with shredded chicken. The chicken was dry and the shells tasted stale. The chips tasted as they were store bought. Not impressed with the food unfortunately read more

The restaurant atmosphere was very nice, the food was good but the service was not as good as it could have been.