I stopped by this Mexican restaurant when I was visiting our friend in Allentown. The food was ok nothing particularly special but it was prepared well. Portions sizes were fair for the price and the staff were friendly. It's a fine spot for Mexican food to try out for a one time meal. Parking can be tricky. I forgot to take pictures of the food but I have some from the inside and menu. read more

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DO NOT ORDER FROM THEIR WEBSITE. They do not have control of online orders. I placed an order on their website for BBQ Ribs. I called the store to confirm the order and was told the item was not available and the order was cancelled. I never got an email that the order was cancelled. I called and spoke to the one person that speaks English and was told I had to call another company but he did not know the name of the company, so I had to go back to the website to find the telephone number to call: "From the Restaurant" 1-866-883-6967. I spoke to a person name Alex, who asked me so many questions, because he did not have access to the system that controls the order. He told me that I would get a refund in 5-7 business days. I still have not received an email that I will get a refund. USE CAUTION when dealing with this company. read more

I went in the other day and I had such a amazing experience. My friend and I dined in and went for some tacos. They tasted really good and authentic. I usually went to other Mexican spots around Allentown, but I do like this spot very well. I would come back here again when I'm nearby. read more

I was nearby for work and had a taste for Mexican food. Did a quick search and narrowed it down to this place and another and ultimately chose to eat here The place is small and I imagine parking can at time be a little tricky but I was able to find a spot right out front. The restaurant is small but clean. The staff was super friendly. I ordered the chicken fajitas. The meal came with chips and salsa. The chips weee good, the thicker kind. And the salsa was really good. It wasn't spicy at al which was fine for me, and it had a sweet taste to it. I really liked it. The fajitas came out with a generous amount of corn tortillas and rice and beans. Everything tasted so good. The fajitas were seasoned well as was the rice. The beans were more like a bean dip but had a good flavor as well. The meal was super affordable and was enough for me to have lunch the next day. I'd go back if I was ever in the area again. read more

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It's good, but don't go out of your way. Good food and service. Salsa was fresh and they offered two mixing sauces to add to suit your tastes. Mains were tasty and portions were generous. Cons - avoid the booths. When someone sat down at the booth behind me, the shared seat back smacked me in the back of the head. And every time she moved it jostled me. If we are in the area again, we may stop. But we can get similar fare elsewhere. read more

El Patron - Chimichangas and Traditional Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

To start as usual I'd like to touch on allergen awareness/understanding. We made Laura's nut allergy known and the waitress was very understanding. The waitress reassured us that there would be no problems with our food. She said she had allergies herself and that as long as we don't order the enchiladas Laura would be fine. They boil nuts for their enchiladas. I was a little thrown by this but didn't concentrate on it too much. We were just happy to be in a safe environment and their food online looked great! We ordered chips and guacamole and veggie quesadillas. Simple and nothing too crazy because I had a show to play and wasn't extremely hungry. The guacamole was average and the same went for the chips and salsa. Average but good. Then the quesadillas came out. Dear lord. I don't know where to start. I didn't swallow a single bite. My girlfriend ate a few before her stomach turned. They looked wonderful on the surface but when you bit into them you were greeted with what seemed to be a steamer bag of mixed soup veggies that someone pulled out from the back of a freezer. In what universe does peas, green beans, and carrots belong in a quesadilla? It was wet and tasted like a can of soup was splashed into my food. I spit out my only bite and tried to salvage any part with no success. This makes me sad honestly. This review makes me sad. The waitress was very kind and we tipped her for her service. The food was just unpalatable. Please. For the next person. Fresh sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers. They go a long way. Save the frozen soup veggie mix. I'll be honest though. I couldn't see a reason I would go back. read more

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Our favorite Mexican Restaurant in Allentown!! Service and food are fantastic!!!!!!!!

The waitress was so nice and accommodating to our large group, the food was delicious!!!! Very Authentic flavors; and the service was fast!!! Close to PPL center as well. We ate here and walked to PPL center! read more

Mexican food is my absolute favorite, and I have tried a lot of Mexican restaurants. This one gets VERY VERY high marks. We ordered to go through Grubhub, and since I ordered nachos (which were AMAZING), they waited until the very last minute to cook them so they wouldn't sit and get all soggy before we arrived. You don't see that kind of thoughtfulness much anymore. The food was DELICIOUS and the service was wonderful. We will be back, even though we live in Hellertown and this is a bit of a drive for us. Totally worth it. So good. read more

I have tried food from many mexican restaurants and this had the best food I've ever had. Great service!! They also have delicious desserts.

It was my birthday and I really wanted Chiles Rellanos. I was excited to try El Patron because they had pretty good reviews. I ordered over phone around 5 or 6 on a Tuesday and was greeted with a pleasant hello. I asked for chiles Rellanos and the person on the phone didn't know what I was talking about. Let me preface by saying that I did look at the menu online and they did serve that dish. So after about a minute of trying to pronounce it every way I could think of, she repeated it back to me and was like "the peppers"? I told her yes. We also ordered enchiladas. When we go our food, we had containers of beans, rice, enchiladas and then a small container of what looked like 2 roasted jalapeños. I was super disappointed. I ended up just sharing the enchilada with my husband and it was kind of dry. They got me my food in a timely fashion, and they seemed like really nice people. I didn't get food poisoning either so I'm giving them 3 stars....but I'm super disappointed a Mexican restaurant didn't know what was chiles rellanos, especially since it was on their menu. read more

El Patron - Chiles Rellanos?.... - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

What a comfortable, relaxing place. Staff was friendly and kind with excellent service. Soup is freshly made. Tacos were absolutely awesome. Totally enjoyed my afternoon there. Desserts looked fabulous. I just couldn't fit it in. read more

I purchased the pictured "Bizcocho Dominicano" at C-town in Lancaster. It was an instant regret from the first bite. I looked up the bakery using the info on the label. To my surprise it's a Mexican restaurant in Allentown. No wonder it tasted nothing like a Dominican cake! read more

El Patron - NOT an authentic tasting Dominican cake - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

I love their tacos , & their orchata drink . Definitely recommend . Only issue I would say I have had in the past is that they don't always have carnita meat till way later in the afternoon . read more

Food tasted delicious and authentic. Waitress was super friendly. Incredible value for the price. Will come back 100% read more

El Patron - Huaraches with meat choice of pork/pineapple - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Ordered through seamless/grubhub. Half the issue was the driver, half the restaurant. Paid for the order and delivery. We received Chinese food, not our order at all, and for someone named Alec. Noticed the order was off just by the drinks included, but opened the bag to peek in to see what had been delivered in case we were mistaken. Wrong order still so called the driver and he came back to pick it up and said he would go to the restaurant to bring us our food. Never came back. We called the restaurant to find out about the food and were told to PICK IT UP OURSELVES. Though we paid for delivery. Called the driver again and he said to get another driver because he was already out of the area. Canceled the order through a Customer Service rep on seamless, who was very kind, and am not even going to try looking to order from this place in the future. I work in Customer Service. This was a fail on all sides. And in response to the business owner's response to my review, I understand the rules of delivery and everything you posted. But regarding the customer service in your own establishment, that needs adjustment. read more

My friends and I went there for the first time yesterday.Food was excellent and you also got big portions. I recommend it to anyone that loves Mexican food. It's the best place in Lehigh Valley. read more

colorful appropriate music pico sweet not too spicy food is appropriately mexican-esque read more

This is my new favorite Mexican restaurant. The workers are so sweet and already recognize my face. The tacos are extremely good, especially the carnitas and chorizo. If I could eat here everyday I would. I recently tried the Tres Leches cake and was amazed at how good it was. You can not be mad for the price of the food either. I'm hungry talking about this right now. Nothing makes me happier than their tacos. This is a must try!! read more

El Patron - 2 carnitas and 2 chorizo tacos with 4 limes!! - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

This was absolutely the most bland and flavorless Mexican food I have ever tasted. While the staff was friendly and welcoming, the quality of the cuisine is easily topped by most chain restaurants. I was both surprised and disheartened at the massive difference between my experience and those of other reviewers. I won't be giving this spot another chance. read more

Outstanding and attentive service. Very flavorful chicken taco. Guac has a bit too much onion for my tastes, but fried tortillas in tostadas were perfectly crisp. Would definitely return! read more

El Patron - Server surprised me with this carefully decorated flan! - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Definitely the most authentic Mexican food I've ever had in allentown. We shared the el patron nachos and I had the shrimp rancheros for my meal. Everything was perfect, homemade, and delicious! Byob. read more

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The tacos there to me were disgusting the taco and meat were so dry not even moist i jusy dont like it.

This place is great! We were in the area and wanted something to go. The cheese quesadilla was very cheesy and totally perfect for two kids who live on cheese and love. Huz and I got the veggie burrito which was big enough for us to split for lunch and save the rest for dinner. It was huge! But I am not saying that in a bad way. It was DELICIOUS. Loaded with beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, I was shocked to find carrots, green beans and more! They were not kidding when they said it's a veggie burrito. Totally hit the spot. Their house salsa was tasty and we got the green sauce too which was actually pretty spicy. I wanted to give special mention to the staff. When we were paying the lady at the register saw that we were putting a tip and she stopped us and goes "no no, you got a to go order you don't need to tip! We just want you to enjoy the food and if you do, come back!" I thought that was just so nice. Like, nothing was in it for her to tell us that and no manager was present who she was trying to impress. I've already told friends about this place and we can't wait to come back. read more

El Patron - Veggie burrito - remembered to take a pic before we finished it! - Mexican Near Me - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Had the chicken fajitas and they were amazing great food and flavor. Has become one of my favorite Mexican restaurant.

Food is ok, I had the steak tacos and steak quesadilla. The food wasn't bad but nothing compared to taqueria al jalapeño on 6th. I'll stick to my spot because it's always great food. read more

Literally the best tacos in the area... nothing fancy but worth it if you want AUTHENTIC

Really good food, but service was slow. Legit authentic Mexican food, good prices. Worth the wait.

This place always ends up on restaurant week but I don't know why. It's in the middle of the hood in Allentown. Every time I've come here, its been sort of sketchy. There was once a couch outside of the restaurant all ripped up. I think that only happens when people are looking for drugs inside the couch...#wolfofwallstreettypeshit. Tacos are good.. but honestly.. there's so much better in Allentown for way cheaper! This is a neighborhood filled with hispanics and mexicans so I'm a bit disappointed in El Patron. At least they have a bar.. the owner should really think about giving out free tequilla shots.. read more

I wish the family that runs El Patron would adopt me so I could eat their incredible food every night. We had the chicken tamales (creamy and divine), soft tacos (the perfect size, and seasoned to perfection) a fajitas plate with chicken, steak and the best chorizo I've ever had, and what looked like 10 pounds of gooey goodness in the queso fundido. And our waitress? She's the daughter of the owners and the sweetest, most attentive young woman you'd care to meet. We're definitely going back. And we're bringing friends next time. read more

The food is fresh and authentic Mexican food. From the Mole (chicken-big breast) to the deliciousness 3 for 5$ tacos... and the host , owner and staff make you feel like you are eating at home! YOU WONT REGRET! read more

El Patron is as authentic as it gets. Wonderful food and a lovely wait staff. We have enjoyed many delicious meals and they can serve gluten free if requested. read more

This place is a hidden gem. The exterior and interior are both nicely decorated. The staff was very inviting, attentive, and helpful with dinner suggestions, and the food was fabulous. It's a BYOB, which is also a plus. I should also add that the restaurant is very clean. I have recommended El Patron to my family and friends and we will definitely be back. I'm very happy we found them. read more

I love love this place!! I could eat here everyday !! I love the food and the cook! The Dominican cake out of the world! The staff is amazing!! Check out the al pastor tacos! read more

Great. The Pico is spectacular. Service was friendly and fast. All the food was delicious and economical. Highly recommended.

Wow this was fabulous. The salsa was amazing. If I wasn't from out west I'd make this a frequent stop.

El Patron will blow your mind. It just will. If you want Mexican food, authentic, flavorful in a quaint, restaurant setting coupled with excellent, attentive service and reasonable prices, this is it! And to my knowledge the only place in the entire Lehigh valley that combines all these traits so successfully. By the way, when I say authentic, I mean it. I have been to Mexico, and I do not mean my taco experience is limited to some fancy resort on the coast. This place can rival the street tacos in Mexico City. Usually, unless I pay more than 100$ for a mean for two, I NEVER comment on the service or the ambience. For traditional, authentic ethnic cuisine, I usually care only for the taste, but I cannot help myself here. The ambience was a faux mexican village/town. Nice clean tables and chairs, not too claustraubhobic. An extensive menu with enough options for everybody. Before vegetarians complain, this is NOT a place for vegetarians, please go to salad works! I am so tired of people who come to eat Mexican food and complaining about limited vegetarian options. Anyways, I digressed from my actual purpose here. To review my experience (5 till now) at El patron. The waitress is probably a family member of the owners. She was very helpful, very competent and makes excellent suggestions. We have had quite a few of their menu items. While you wait for their appetizers, you can enjoy nachos with home-made, fresh salsa. They offer the usual tacos, sopes, tamales, enchiladas, fajitas etc along with some really authentic items like Molcajete (Grilled chicken, steak, chorrizos and shrimp cooked in ranchero sauce, with a cheese quessadilla), Pollo al mojo de ajo (marinated chicken in garlic sauce sauteed with sweet peppers and anejo cheese) and Mar Tierray aire (charcoal grilled sirloin, shrimp, achiote marinated chicken served with spicy tomato sauce). They make their own tortillas and that absolutely accentuates most of their food. The tacos are absolutely perfect. Fresh, home made tortillas, perfectly seasoned meat, marinaded with delectable flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro. My personal favorite is the lingua (tongue) and the carne asada (marinated pork) taco. I usually order an order of tamales with tacos for appetizers. The tamale is made fresh and to oder. Moist, well seasoned corn meal, steamed just right. I usually order pork tamales with a mix of their home made sauces (both red and green, just order two tamales and one each of the sauce). Their home made sauces are extraordinary. Their verde (green) sauce is milder and very fresh. A hint of citrus, explosion of cilantro and a mild heat of green peppers. Their red sauce is richer, smoky and has a wonderful heat of jalapenos, paprika and ancho/pasilla peppers. Just try their molcajete. My favorite on their menu along with their Mar Tierray. It is served in a heavy, stone crucible. It may look a little intimidating, but the flavors are to die for. Moist, flavorful steak, perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breast, 5-6 pieces of shrimp pieces and one grilled chorrizos cooked in a wonderful ranchero sauce (basically a very traditional mexican sauce and has many variations, their sauce is a flavorful, rich sauce with a mild heat in the background). After their appetizers and mid-way through their entrees you will be very, very full. Take my advice and pack the left-overs and save space for their tres leches cake. It is made in house and is as good as I have ahd anywhere in Mexico and mexican neighborhoods in New York. Overall, a gastronomical experience at El Patron will sate every culinary cravings you might have. A complete meal for two will rarely exceed 40$. In summary, the absolute best of Mexican food in the Lehigh valley (as good and sometimes better than places in Mexico) made fresh in a beautiful family owned restaurant. The food is authentic, un-pretentious and does not compromise to cater for the American palate. Bravo! El patron you are the best in what you do and you deserve every accolade you get! read more

Went there on 3/16 in the early afternoon. Place is small (appears to have seating for about 45) but very neat and cozy. We were the only customers. Ordered Chimichanga, steak and shrimp fajitas. Waitress brought nachos and two types of salsa. One she said was hot the other mild. The hot did not seem too spicy to me. Food came in a timely manner and was piping hot. Food was excellent! Tables are a little small to hold all the food that was brought. Service was excellent although being a non-spanish speaking patron, we had some minor communication glitches with our waitress. For dessert we were looking forward to some fried ice cream but unfortunately, they were out. We will go back some other time and get some. Total bill for four including soda and tip (18%) was 55.00. You can get away with cheaper fare. The menu is rather extensive so you could pay as little or much as you wish. Items appear to range from 7 to 15 dollars. Parking is at a premium but you can use the lot at the nearby St. John's Lutheren Church. Will be sure to go back again. read more

I went with friends to this restaurant on 5/5 after seeing 5-star ratings on Yelp... the food was far worse than anything I'd throw together last minute, which makes me think that instead of going out to a 5-star-Yelp-rated Mexican restaurant on Cinco de Mayo I should have just gotten some boxed Ortega something-or-other from the grocery aisle. Each dish, whether it was the soggy Chilaquiles w/ steak (a couple of crumbles of ground meat and gray-water sauce on soggy triangles of flavorless tortilla), or the deep fried flautas that were apparently forgotten in the fryer for way too long, or the enchiladas suizas that barely looked, least of all tasted, as if the chef gave a damn about what he was serving to his guests, EVERYTHING was a bland flavored, runny, soggy mess of gray/green flavorless slop... even the refried beans were of the consistency that, were your puppy to expel this, you'd rush it to the Vet emergency room.. it was literally watered down to the consistency and taste of a thin, barely-muddy soup.. really disgusting. The waitress, and staff/chefs, seemed completely ill prepared for a only 1/2 full restaurant on this night.. but the food, I suspect, is terrible no matter what day of the week.. one-star is my gift to this review since, if I were homeless and starving, I WOULD eat here again, but only if a passerby didn't first offer me a half-eaten, day-old WaWa.. read more