Still a good bang for the buck. The food was spot-on for flavor, and everything came out hot and fresh. The quesadilla had a nice golden crisp on the tortilla with plenty of melted cheese, and the burritos were loaded and topped with grilled onions, sour cream, and guacamole. The sides were simple but fresh--lettuce, tomato, and a scoop of guac--with a solid bowl of salsa on the table. Service was excellent. The wait staff stayed friendly, attentive, and always had a smile, which goes a long way. Portions were generous and the pricing felt fair for what you get. All in all, it's the kind of place that may not try to be fancy, but it consistently delivers good flavor, good service, and a satisfying meal without hurting the wallet. Definitely still worth a stop. read more

El Patron - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Customer Service Needs a lot of improvements. Arrived behind 2 other couples. Receptionist on the phone can tell she was not taking orders, did not acknowledge we were waiting. Two more people came in behind us along with a door dash pick up. She got off the phone took the door dasher.Another server came from the back and took the two people who came in after us. She did not say anything about us being ahead of them. Then a family came in and without hesitation she took them. I told her others had been waiting and she ignored us and took the family back. We have been here before and every time service needed improvement. The only reason why we tried here again is because you are close to home. But this was horrible and we will not return. We would rather drive a few miles than come back to your establishment. Shame on you! read more

yelp should add a 6 star rating, cause that's what this place deserves!! their cheese dip ASCENDS ME TO HEAVEN its so goood! read more

When I learn there was another location just open, formerly Joe's Crab Shack in Central Park. For this El Gran Patron restaurant named Hacienda is much spacious and filled with extraordinary hand painted murals and decors; gorgeous restrooms and decors, a full bar; has outside seating with colorful sculptures. Our server was attentive and friendly. There were 4 items: 1) Chicken tortilla soup 2) Enchilada, burrito and quesadilla combo 3) T-bone steak and shrimp 4) El patron sampler. The chicken tortilla soup was flavorful but the fried tortillas was too much and absorbed it. The steak and onions were served with fluffy rice and refried beans. Surprisingly the steak was thin and chewy to slice. The combo platter was okay but lacked flavor in the sauces. read more

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Faster service, even though the tacos are inexpensive, hardly any chicken, when you have a taco you expect diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, lettuce. Too much cilantro? or parsley.Sorry but 3 x and still too slow. On the plus side they have a great lemonade read more

This location has a charm the others do not. The service is fast, staff are VERY friendly, and the drinks are fabulous. We love their seafood, chicken, beef, everything. We especially love when they have flan. read more

While in town visiting some of Nate's family, one of his cousins told us about this amazing watermelon margarita she had at El Patron. I've been cutting back on drinking quite a bit recently, but this sounded so good. We were seated right away and most of us ordered the watermelon margarita - what a great choice! It was super fresh and tasted just like all natural watermelon juice, with no added sugar or mixes. It wasn't overly sweet, which is sort of what I was expecting. It gave me an agua fresca vibe. So good! I also loved the chamoy and tajin rim that added a bit of a kick and sourness. We snacked on the complimentary chips and salsa as we chatted. Some of the chips here and there seemed a bit stale, but the salsa was fresh and had great tomato flavor. Nate also ordered some sopapillas - they were delicious. Perfectly fried, airy dough drizzled with honey, topped with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Yum! loved this dessert. I'd definitely come back to this spot for dinner - their food looked amazing. read more

El Patron - Watermelon margarita - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Have been going here for a few yrs now. Nvr a bad meal. However; had 1 original margarita there once, that very well could've been a pre-mixed, also SO warm, it had practically melted the Ice before reaching the table.. SO bad. Probably should have sent it back; But didn't want to bother. read more

We went for Taco Tuesday lunch. We were seated immediately. The waitress was quick with our drinks and chips. From the time the waitress received our order was over 30 (thirty) minutes to receive. We almost walked out but we had to pay for the drinks. No one was around to ask for the check. The food came out of the kitchen at that time. The tacos were terrible. The Al Pastor was nothing but gristle and fat. The fish taco was the better option. The chicken was very dry. A very spicy sauce was provided along with a small amount of onions and greenery (not lettuce) maybe parsley chopped very fine. It wasn't worth waiting 30 minutes for this meal. Very disappointing. We have been there numerous times. It will be a very long time before we go back to this restaurant. read more

So I've been to El Patron several times and never had a problem. But today 3/8/2025 I ordered a lunch special from the new menu. Price read $8.99 for lunch special and $5.99 for other item. Total came to $19 and some change. That doesn't add up even after taxes,so long story short the lady said oh sorry lunch special is now $10.99. I know it's only $2.00 but if your new menu has a price then that's what I should have to pay so needless to say I will no longer be going to El Patron's. I recommend you don't go either. read more

I have dined at El Patron a lot over the years and it's been about a year since I have been in as I have heard some rumors about the restaurant going down hill. So I decided to stop in today and have lunch and I must say the rumors and stories are not far off. The food is definitely not as good as it has been in the past, the service was subpar and the cleanliness of the restaurant is questionable. My server today greeted me at the hostess stand and took me t my seat, he then asked if I wanted a margarita which I declined and asked for a water instead. A few minutes later he returned to ask if I ordered a coke, I said no a water and he said okay and left, a few minutes later he returned with chips and salsa and again asked what I wanted to drink and again I said a water, he returned a few minutes later with a glass of water and left to service another table. He returned and I was able to order the burrito Azteca and the Chori dip. As I sat and waited for my meal the waiter returned 5 minutes later and on the fly past me repeated my order to me like he had for forgot to put the order in and I said yes that is correct. I honestly expected the order to be wrong by the time it arrived. The meal was not as expected, the burrito was packed full of rice and beans there was almost no chicken in it at all. It was disappointing. The Chori dip was okay,. The restaurant though has a fly and fruit fly problem and they aren't just in the bar area, this is in the restaurant area. Fruit flies and flies landing on the table, food, glass, straw, and flying around your face and head. It really made the dining experience terrible. I most likely will never return to this restaurant after today's experience. read more

El Patron - Burrito Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Very good . Comfortable seats. Very professional and attentive. I would recommend. read more

El Patron - a plate of grilled shrimp and vegetables - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Chris and Veronica top tier. Chris was very attentive and respectful. Recommend great drinks and food. Highly recommend

Visited here after wanting to try it for a while. They have dine-in and takeout service during COVID. I loved that the staff was extremely friendly, on top of it, and in between order was either checking in on us or cleaning. The restaurant is very well kept, and sanitization occurs between parties. The food was really good. I had the enchiladas banderitas (stuffed with chicken and topped with their red, cheese, and green sauces--delicious). My favorite were the cheese and green sauces because they had a kick to them, enough to make my lips light burn. If it's too hot for you, top it off with a Patron margarita (5 out of 5 stars). The chicken was seasoned really well and the beef was very good too but that enchilada was not as filling. My dinner companion had a pulled pork burrito and it was awesome. Filled with rice and beans, really well-seasoned pork, and topped with sautéed onions and sour cream. The sopapillas we had for dessert were in point. Plenty of parking out front. Parking spots in front of the restaurant reserved for takeout pick-up. I think we've found our favorite local Mexican restaurant! read more

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This place is the $hit. Great food. Great drinks. Awesome staff. I recommend 110%! Voted best in Fredericksburg, many years in a row. You will love it. read more

Used to be my favorite Mexican spot but since management changed , taste of food is also changed . Staffs used to be friendly now everyone runs around like a chicken with their head chopped off! Always had my Camarones Al a diabla here but the sauce is no long spicy. won't be back. read more

Food is fresh, full of different flavors and the service just tops off the whole experience. The music is authentic and festive. read more

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Food is okay for someone who likes west coast Mexican. However the cheese sauce gave me the worst food poisoning I've ever experienced. I was on a toilet for days and had a horrible gurgling stomach gas a diarrhea. I did return and I stay away from the cheese there I've been okay since. I'm not lactose intolerant so I'd beware of the cheese even if you're not. read more

The food is good but the service is absolutely terrible every time. We tried 4-5 different times because anyone can have a bad day. Doesn't matter where we sit or who the server is- it's awful. We will only order to go now. read more

The food and service has always been great! Every time I've been here. There pico de gallo is wonderful!

food was ok but. service suck young girls more interested in getting attention . talking to much not checking on the customers. and cleanness is. a minus. dirty aprons shirts chew by the cow read more

Food was great, service as well, I'll definitely recommend this place to everyone. Very clean fast service and good for the whole family read more

The was flavorful and the portion size is good! The Patron margarita was great and I only needed one lol! The staff was very friendly and the bathroom was very clean. The only thing I can say is that I didn't favor the salsas much they were a bit bland and mote like sauce than salsa but that's it...will definitely return! Great prices and kids meal as well :) read more

El Patron - Chile relleno, ground beef enchilada and burrito - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Carry out is always perfect. Never forget what we order and always more food than we can eat in one night. We have never ever been disappointed in El Patron. By far the best Mexican restaurant on this side of the 'burg! read more

The margaritas are huge and strong and the food and service is always amazing! They are always my go to place

So Order some good steak and some more food today, get my price, get to the location on White Oak road in Fredericksburg too pick up my, food... Pulled up to the restaurant, some girl come to with zero mind in her head, she gets my order and my cash money walk away, 5 minutes later, she come back give me the food, and just walk away... I check my bag I looked for receipt and my change back nope nothing.. I call her back immediately and ask for my receipt and and change back, so she just give me my receipt back and no change... I don't understand why are guys hired people like they...and receipt don't shows how much money I give to her nothing... Well I can say this just not cool. I like they food but I don't like they serve people... read more

El Patron - a receipt for a train ride - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Stay close to a bathroom. I can testify that there is a reason they had so many health violations ! Not good. I will NEVER eat there again.

My wife and I usually get a hankering for good southwest/Mexican style food once a week. For Americanized versions, this isn't bad. Nothing to rave about, but it's certainly satisfying. read more

ATTN: ANYONE FROM SOCAL I know how hard it is to find anything out here that even slightly resembles Mexican food from Ca..... (y'all what the heck is with this white cheese sauce on EVERYTHING...and ground beef tacos, burritos, enchiladas yuck) anyways, I am thrilled to announce El Patron to anyone craving salsa that doesn't taste like Pace. You absolutely can't go wrong with the molcajete, and my personal favorite is the shredded beef burrito banderita, hold the cheese sauce plz. Awesome awesome staff, and decent selection of Mexican beers. It's not perfect, but I would say its as good as a mid-range chain Mexican restaurant in SoCal. read more

Not sure maybe we had a weird night but it was just pretty average to me. Don't get me wrong the lengua and carnitas were beyond good but they didn't stand out when it comes to other places like el pino or e jimador. We started with ceviche and it was so disappointing. Fake fish and chopped up shrimp with a ton of tomatoes and red onion. Barely any acidity like real ceviche. No real chunks of real fish. Just was watery and bland. Even after putting lime on it. Salsa was mediocre as well. Didn't taste super fresh or flavorful. Was missing acidity again and just a tiny bit of heat or salt. Service was great and friendly. It was probably the highlight of our meal. read more

El Patron - Carne Assad, lengua, and carnitas tacos. Good portion but nothing stood out as special about them. - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

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I'm so happy to have finally tried El Patron! The two of us ordered enough for 4 people, whoops. *I really wish they had Pozole. :( FOOD & DRINK: - Complimentary chips and salsa: The chips were fresh and crisp. Salsa was good too. - CEVICHE $10.99: This was executed so well. The ratio of ingredients was perfect. Crabmeat, shrimp, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado. The avocado was so fresh! Portioned enough for 2 people, mmm, possibly three. - NACHOS SUPREMO $9.99: Fresh tortilla chips, beef, shredded chicken, beans, cheese sauce, lettuce, and sour cream. The portion was smaller than I expected, good enough for two people. The chicken was SO good! - LUNCH FAJITA $7.99: Portion was well worth it. I opted for steak, and happy it wasn't overcooked; seasoned very well. Cooked with grilled onions, pepper, and tomatoes; served with rice, beans, sour cream, and your choice of tortilla. - ENCHILADA, BURRITO, & QUESADILLA $6.99: The size of this for the price was insane and they don't skimp! The flavors were so good! - PATRON QUESADILLA $12.99: Filled with chicken, steak, shrimp, onions, peppers, and tomatoes; side of lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. Tasted just like the fajitas, just put into a tortilla, still delicious! - SUPER BURRITO $11.99: This thing is GINORMOUS! The husband said it was really good - STRAWBERRY MARGARITA $can't remember: Got it frozen and this was one of the best margaritas I've had. STAFF: PAOLA was great. Very attentive and stopped by at the right times. Drinks were always full! OVERALL: I highly recommend trying them out! We really enjoyed this place. Everything was amazing and we left feeling very satisfied. The total bill came to $93.66 (everything above +2 Modelo drafts) Left with a bag full of leftovers which still tasted good after reheating! Oh and yes, they are in compliance with COVID rules. Masks are required and people are being sat 6 feet apart! read more

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Let me start with the food, It's always good. Better if you eat it there. Ambiance, it's a nice place. Service, If you eat in there its great. However the TO-GO orders are lacking a QA Check. I ordered on line tonight and I ordered a pic-3 meal which included a Taco. I asked for Dice tomato. I got none. even though it was printed on the pickup ticket. I guess that my beef is that they are not paying attention to what is printed on the food order slip. David Vail read more

I used to love coming to El Patron, but after the last two experiences, I will not be returning. I am unsure of the servers name, but I had him the past two times I've gone in. As someone who works in the restaurant industry, it is detrimental to know when you can and cannot serve someone alcohol. Our server tried pushing margaritas to our table the first time I was served by him, and continued after declining. Since we declined, he ignored our table until we had to flag him down to get our check. The most recent time I went, he again started pushing for us to get margaritas. He tried to coerce my friend, who was incredibly intoxicated and was only looking for food to help with that, into getting a margarita. He asked before we even made it to the table, even though my friend could barely walk straight, and I stated he wouldn't be getting anything to drink and only food. Once we sat down, he looked at my friend and said 'cheese and guac dip on your tab right?' And then said 'and a margarita on the rocks for you', to which I firmly responded no he will not get a drink, I already told you this. He then offered a meal to him, I asked how much it was and he said $12, but in reality was $14. After our food order, he ignored our table for the entire time. Then, when it came time to pay, he proceeded to count my money in front of me and watch the others at my table write their tips in. This is incredibly unprofessional and very rude. Along with his pushiness and terrible attitude, this was unacceptable to me. It would also have been nice to get my quesadilla with cheese in it, but when I got home and went to eat my food I found they missed the main ingredient. It is one thing if you're out of an item, but at least let your customers know before they order. Overall, the food and service was terrible and will not be returning. read more

El Patron - Hawaiian Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Food is amazing and the staff are friendly and professional. Eat in or take out. El Patron Quesadlla is a meal !!

This is my family's go to for casual Mexican food. The dishes have always been spot on. My wife loves the chimichanga with shrimp.

Great food. But, if you want to have a conversation or dine alone In peace, do not go at dinner-especially on a Friday or Saturday. The noise is deafening and staff cannot seem to keep up. Asked for water when my drink was delivered and never saw it. Another server brought my plate and said it was "very hot" but placed it in the middle of the table. When I pulled it toward me, it was indeed very hot. (Thank you, Otterbox.) The server did not return and the chatter at the larger party next to me was so friggin' loud and inane, that I went to the hostess station and asked to pay. If you do like to dine alone, know this: No guest Wi-Fi and no signal for Verizon customers. Next time, I will go for lunch, pick up and take home, or go to Marco's. :-/ read more

El Patron - Well, I DID ask for a "small wieso." - Mexican Near Me - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Had the absolute best carnitas tacos I've ever had! Cut shopping plaza it's in, cute on the inside, good service, average salsa - but those tacos. Swoon! read more

Before coming here, I do not think I have had my food served to me inside of a hollowed out pineapple! The pineapple fajita is amazing, and the only thing I get here. The chips and queso are good as well, I eat off my bffs sometimes. THe chips are nice and thick, which I like when I want to dip them into something. The queso is the white kind, that's so much better than yellow queso dips. The pico de gallo here is so good, and I didn't think that was really something I had to say was good or bad, most pico is just "eh" for me. I have never actually eaten in this establishment, I have just had the togo food. I highly recommend this place. It's such good Mexican food. My typical go to is Pancho Villa but they are absolutely competitors for my business! read more

We went to the one on 316 White Oak Rd Ste 101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405 and it was great. The staff is great and they are smartly handling the Covid issues with masks, spacing, cleaning, etc. Mexican food is a very personal choice on what you like or don't and we've struggled to find one in the area that we really like. We've gone to a local place in Stafford that is very popular but I think the food is ok but most folks like the prices. Not sure, again it seems like everyone defers on what they call good Mexican food. I grew up in Texas and spent my early years in the military in California and Arizona. I consider that a pretty good background on having experienced the real deal and the chain restaurants. I loved this place. Besides almost passing out on getting a chip stuck in my throat, the entire experience was great. BTW, the staff was very concerned and helpful when they could see I had that chip stuck and was beginning to panic before it cleared. Wasn't the chips' fault, I was just steady eating :-) Anyways, I ordered the ceviche despite a few reluctant guests at the table. They ultimately consumed the ceviche with great speed. I could go for a bit more citrus on the dish but they do provide extra lemon and lime to supplemental. It was great. I can't recite what everyone got but I ordered the carnitas dish to make tacos and absolutely loved it. Everyone else was equally as impressed with their meals. The staff continued to check on me which I thought was very kind of them. Probably not a great statement to have someone keel over in a restaurant right now :-) Seriously, good eats, you won't be disappointed. read more

Excellent excellent excellent! Pretty much sums it up. Prior to going , I was getting gas at giant next door a few weeks back and could smell the food from there. Our first time going was in the evening a few days back. Lot was packed already around 430 pm but there was still ample room inside. Chips and fresh salsa were great. After ordering our food..... the wait was not long at all. Every dish I seen them bring out to other tables looked better than the next. Our next visit for a lunch was just as good. Really glad this place opened on this side. Cinco de Mayo : Hats off to all the staff at el patron ! Even with a packed lot and this covid virus, food was excellent . read more