Have you ever accidentally shown up at the wrong time (too early) for a party? That's what it felt like, when we stopped by for lunch on a Friday. It was open for business, but there was only one other group of two in there with us-and only one server-who was also the bartender. It was a little odd. I'm sure this place is popping at night. Our server (who was chatty at the end-businesslike before) told us there's karaoke on Friday nights and a DJ on Saturdays. I'll definitely bring the friends back for that. The drink menu is large-it would be a fun night spot. I'm just not sure I'd come back for a weekday lunch. That's not the food's fault, though. I had chicken enchiladas verde (very nice) with some of the best Mexican rice I've ever had. The margarita was also good. You can tell this restaurant has been around awhile-there are echoes of genres past, with different decor still lingering (the lighting, for example). But I love the murals outside, the bar surrounds, the signage by the stage area and the other Mexican touches. I also really like the vintage windows-it's a nice nod to the past. And it's spotless in here-so clean-with lots of tables. I also thought the prices were fair. I hope they thrive! read more

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This is NOT the restaurant El Patron anymore!!! The new name is 200 Copas Bar and Grill. Let me start with this is NOT a bar and grill!! This is a nightclub that happens to serve food. We did not know that walking in. They all looked at us like what are you doing here? My husband even said is this a restaurant? So we asked for a menu - which is a QR code. Yes- they have food. We decided to sit at the bar and at least have a drink. It was early so no a lot of people. Everyone seemed confused as to how things worked. Most employees spoke Spanish and we do not. A bartender did speak English. He asked what we wanted and took our drink order. He was nice. We did end up getting food. Chips and salsa=$10! Other items were priced fairly. We asked for water and he claimed they only had bottles of still water=$4.50. But we saw someone else get a glass with ice/water at another table. Also be warned there is a "service fee" of 15% (for what I have no idea) and if you use a credit card 3% card fee. We searched on line to see what people said about this place and some other reviews on Google said they charge $10 to get in although we were not charged anything to come in. In the end the food was pretty good. Bottom line- this is a nightclub with an identity problem as they are trying to serve food as well and it just does not have a restaurant or bar&grill feel to it. We won't be back as not our scene, but also wish them well with the clients they really are trying to attract. read more

Came in on a Saturday around 5. There was no one else in the place when we showed up and there was no in the place when we left an hour later. The salsa tasted like it belonged on a pizza. The spicy salsa was pretty good. The queso was cold when it came out. I got a shrimp verde, my shrimp were cut in half (long ways) which was weird but no biggy. My shrimp did have a couple that still had some shell on it. Looks cool inside and outside, everything else was a no go. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Shrimp verde with shell - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

My steak frites were delicious, my husband said the steak tacos were 7/10. the service was excellent though and very attentive! the Ambience is confusing because it has multiple styles of decor inside, the ceiling is peeling and the chairs and tables have damage significantly but then the chandeliers are gorgeous. All in all; we will go here in a pinch but will continue to look for our go-to spot! read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Steak tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

We've been looking for a Mexican food resturant, that wasn't Tex-Mex or a food truck, since we moved to Tampa and we finally found it! Small, cozy, and beautiful building right down the road from us with delicious food and amazing drinks! The waitress was very nice and helpful! We will definitely come back soon! I will say, the only downside is the 20% gratuity they added to our bill of just 2 people... I didn't question it since our service was great, but next time I will be asking why. read more

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You know that dream where you went to work with no pants on?...that's how it feels walking into this place. We arrived at 4:45, we were the only customers in the restaurant, we thought they were closed. An hour later, we were still the only people in there. Their salsa tastes like tomato sauce with basil, gross. Their queso comes out room temperature, gross. The chips don't even have salt, and forget salting them yourself, there's none on the table. Our waiter came over maybe three times total...for an entire hour. We each ordered cold shrimp dishes...mine took 30 minutes! My husband's came out 10 minutes after mine. They rationed the rubbery cold tostadas, only two per person folks. The decor was nice but it appears like the owner is going for a "club" vibe and said fuck this restaurant business. Maybe the club is where it's at! read more

This place was surprisingly amazing. From the decor and signs, to the music and food. The service was good too and she made great recommendation. All of the food tasted authentic and the drinks were strong. The appetizer was probably the hit of the night, the queso fundido. It was sizzling as it got to our table and was packed with flavor. The chorizo inside of the gooey mozzarella was amazing. The drinks were great, i ordered the fruit pebble drink but my favorite was the coco margarita. I ordered one after i finished mine. Def will be coming back since the waitresses told us they have hookah and a dj on certain nights. read more

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Please read the health inspectors reports on this place, it has been shut down several times for rat infestation. This started in September and as of the most recent reports in November there was still rodent activity (and roaches). If it were just once I wouldn't even bring it up because things happen but they can't seem to get this under control. My husband and I used to love this place and go once every couple weeks. The food and ambiance was always good and the servers were nice, I just so happened to look up their reports one day and see the multiple closures over time and the same violations over and over, makes it seem like not a safe place to eat anymore. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

MOLCAJETE AKA Mountain of Meat! This place is pretty awesome. If you're hungry and want good Mexi-Sexy food then come to joint and order the molcajete and a Michelada; you wouldn't be sorry! As long the quality of food and price don't change then this place is GOLDEN! read more

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Update- unfortunately I have to change my review. I still love the margaritas but the ceviche I usually order went from a meal sized bowl to this guacamole dish, still the same price. They want to tell me that it's the same size. It's definitely not. It still tastes good but it's an appetizer size for $18.99. Very disappointed. Looks like we will have to find another Mexican restaurant. I love this place. Try their ceviche and one of their margaritas. Also their steak fajitas are so good! We have had the best experiences with their staff. Definitely try them out. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - $18.99 for an appetizer sized ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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Great service and great food. I had the steak chimichangas. Definitely try one of their strong Margaritas

Riverview needed a good Mexican spot and this one IS IT! The food was great, big portions, the drink are amazing and strong! Top shelf liquor. Inside is also very cute with a big bar and lots of seating. read more

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Really cool place with great authentic Mexican food and atmosphere. I ordered steak, chicken and ground beef enchiladas combo. It came out as three chicken enchiladas. Was half done before I caught it. They brought me out the correct combo and I walked away very full, with tomorrow's lunch already made. All six enchiladas tasted fantastic. Hence...the 5 stars. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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Last night, we discovered this new place right on 301. We really love the decor and the music. The food was good and not expensive, and we enjoyed our drinks. The service was good. The parking lot is not big and it's a little dark. Apparently, they have live music , therefore, I will probably give it a try again on a weekend. read more

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What a treat! The restaurant from the outside looks like it might be more bar than grill, but that is further from the truth. The food is very authentic, mouth watering and the staff are extremely welcoming. My son and I tried it for the first time today, but we will be returning. Support this local friendly business! You won't be sorry you came. read more

Trying this new Mexican restaurant. The building where this restaurant is located used to be some other Latin restaurant, as a matter of fact, I want to say this is like the 3rd different restaurant in the past few years, but, compared with the previous ones located there, this one has a much better chance of making it. Their food is pretty good. They give you complementary chips and salsa, the chips where not hot, nor did they tasted fresh, but it could have just been that I received the bottom of the basket pile. Place was pretty pack around 8pm on a Friday and service was pretty fast. The staff is friendly and always checking up if anything else is needed. We ordered a Chipotle burrito which per my son it was pretty good. My other son ordered the Tacos De Birria which he enjoyed and I shared the chimichanga with my wife. Ordered 1 shredded chicken and the other one ground beef. The tacos and the chimichanga came with a side of rice and refried beans or beans. Now, the refried beans looked more like soup beans as the consistency seemed a bit too watery. Food overall was good, inside the restaurant felt a bit too dark, almost like a club vibe. There is parking all around the building, the doors are located on the long side of the building, at night, they blend in with the wall décor murals. I know my review may sound a bit negative, but is not. The food was good, and the prices were on the average side, not too high, not low. I would definitely come back for more. read more

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Finally, a good Mexican restaurant! Having lived in California most of my life with excellent Mexican, moving here with the poor Mexican choices was a major disappointment. We tried El Patron based on other Yelpers' reviews and boy were they right. I had the enchiladas supreme, 4 enchiladas -cheese, chicken, ground beef and shredded beef. All excellent. Wife had the beef chimichanga's which were loaded with shredded beef. It's a little pricey but so is Taco Bell now. This is 10 times better, no comparison. Take if from a Mexican food snob, El Patron is the real deal. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Enchiladas Supreme before - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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Best Mexican food I've eaten in quite a long time. Everyone was nice & the atmosphere inside / lighting inside / out was awesome. The food was top shelf quality & flavorful. Wish I didn't live in New Orleans so I could eat this at least twice a week! read more

We were hungry for some Mexican Food and wanted something different. This place did not disappoint. The food, service, and the ambiance was great. Definitely will be returning. Chips and salsa was great too. read more

Visited El Patron on a Friday night around 7pm and it was the beginning of a rush. After we sat at the bar tons of people starting to come in. We were able to order with no problems. The staff took great care of us and they tried their best to keep up. I thought they handled it great! THE FOOD WAS GREAT! And even better the margaritas! 10/10, very excited to have a local mexican spot in Riverview. Will definitely come again! read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Queso Fundido! - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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Food was amazing! If you're looking for good birria tacos this is the place!! LOTS of meat super juicy highly recommend. Ordered a Mangonada wasn't my favorite & that's coming from a mangonada lover . Didn't taste much of mango or any spice just alcohol which isn't bad if that's what you're going for but overall service was amazing & quick , very cute place to take pictures ! read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mangonada - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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We ordered Birria tacos and Molcajete patron! Yum!!! We enjoyed the food and ambiance. We wiuld recommend and would come back. Our food came fast since there was not a lot of people there time we went on a Sunday around 1 but people started coming after that. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Molcajete patron - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

AMBIANCE: 7.6 / 10 SERVICE: 9.2 / 10 FOOD: 8.8 / 10 Finally! A real Mexican joint to eat at! Come through and check it out. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Steak Burrito at its best! - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

I decided to check out those new location when I was craving some Mexican food. The first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful mural on the exterior of the building. The inside of the restaurant is decorated nicely and clean. There's a stage/dance floor area where they have live music on the weekends. The menu includes all your traditional Mexican dishes and some unique ones. The drink menu has a wide selection of fruity drinks. Margaritas are my favorite so I will be back to try more flavors but I started with a passion fruit margarita. Our server said they will be staying happy hour in the near future. The food came out hot and fresh. Everything was flavorful and delicious. I found the prices to be reasonable, especially for the barria tacos and the portions large. The service was great as well. I will be back and definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

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What a hidden gem! We loved this establishment! Very neat and clean inside! The food and drinks were amazing! The service was spot on, the wait staff were amazing! read more

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Great service, the food was fantastic I been trying to find a place with a real Mexican flavor and this is definitely what a been looking for. We started with queso fundido that is delicious then I ordered some steak tacos that were on point and also order an enchiladas plate. Tbh I forgot to take a picture of the food but here is one of the drink I had read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Coronita - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

Drinks are tasty and strong. The guac and barria tacos are my fave! I gave a 4 because service was slow and restaurant overall was too warm. We will definitely be back! read more

I really enjoyed my visit to El Patron. The atmosphere was inviting with warm welcoming staff. The food was really good, exquisite presentation, and well portioned. I will definitely go back and take friends. Nice vibes! read more

I'm a huge Mexican food fan, authentic Mexican and will even dine at Tex-Mex establishments if the food and experience is good. Regretfully speaking this is not the case for this restaurant. Food was below subpar, no flavor, very bland and follow up service to see how we were doing was nonexistent. I love supporting local businesses and hopefully management cared enough to see this review as constructive criticism. We ordered Tacos Al Pastor. It was not marinated as you would expect. It arrived with what appeared to be baked beans and a tiny scoop of yellow rice. The other dish was a veggie burrito which came with sliced carrots, mostly, and a heavy white sauce. We chose this spot due to 4star reviews, however, either other customers have bland taste or are extremely generous with the ratings but I have to be honest and absolute regret having to provide this type of review. I'm only doing this so it improves and if not then to warn others. Such a shame because the ambience is wonderful. But dine-in experience on a Taco Tuesday evening....meh. Put your sombrero hat on and go elsewhere amigos if you want authentic Mexican food with flavor and good service. read more

Ordered takeout w DoorDash and took longer than expected. Chipotle burrito and the enchiladas were tasty. The churros were just bad , like over cooked hard pizza crust with cinnamon and sugar. read more

Charged full price for a virgin drink, tack on an extra chicken fee (I never asked for extra chicken), extra fee for using a CC, and a facility charge?? All together there was $12 in overcharges!! read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

Horrible food! No flavor, no seasoning. The staff was fine. The facility was fine. Drinks were ok.

Pros-Great service & atmosphere. it looks like it turns into a club later in the evening. Had a DJ set up. Food is very authentic and hot. Birria, enchiladas & fajitas were all delicious. Very good rice & beans! Generous refills on soft drinks. Cons- It was very hot inside and were told AC was broken. Our waitress & bartender were not sweating, so that tells me they were used to the temperature. The drinks were inconsistent, did not taste the same even though two of us got the same. And my husband asked for Jameson & sprite and they said they were out, despite a large bottle being on the bar. Would definitely go back & try other dishes & see if that AC is really broken! read more

I certainly enjoyed my visit to El Patron. The restaurant is very nice and has a lot of nice art and a cute little area to take pictures. The service was great and the food came out quickly. The staff was friendly. I ordered the California burrito and it was delicious paired with a pineapple coconut margarita. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

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Food is delicious, service is always great. Staff is friendly and very helpful. I threw a party there on a Friday night and the staff was great! Margaritas are delicious! They have salsa night with a DJ. This place is a lot of fun. read more

Vine al El Patrón y la pasé súper bien tremendo rumbon. El colombiano Andrés el mejor bartender! Ah! Y el ceviche riquísimo. Se baila y se pasa buenísimo. read more

El Patron Grill and Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Riverview, Florida

Chips and salsa are store bought and rice is very lake in flavor. The chicken enchiladas were stew meat and not very good. Staff is overall friendly however they don't do much for the guest experience. As far as atmosphere goes this place is very very brightly lit and is trying to be modern but does it too loudly. Need to work on atmosphere and flavoring/ freshness of the food, and diversity in drinks, ie. Mexican Coke and Horchata read more

I'm in heaven!! I read about this restaurant on Nextdoor. Hubby and I have been trying to find a place with good Mexican for since we moved here over 12 years ago. we were spoiled in California with great Mexican food on every corner. so we went here for dinner tonight. The place is small, not the greatest atmosphere, but we don't mind that. we were greeted as soon as we walked through the door. our waiter, Louis was great. Very friendly and always checked on us. He made me one great margarita, not stingy on the tequila!! Yummy. I ordered the steak Chimichanga. it came with rice and beans and two Chimichangas! They were generously stuffed with the shredded steak. very tender too. can't say a bad thing about my meal other than I couldn't finish it all! I found it to be a bit pricey, but well worth the cost, and I don't say that very often. Louise brought the check over in a treasure chest, nice touch!!! Id like to give a shout out to who ever painted the murals on the building. The sugar skulls are magnificent! Definitely recommend this place if you are craving good Mexican food! read more

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Great food. Food was excellent and the service was pretty slow. We arrived it was empty and then the place got busy. With that said, People that arrived after us got served before we did although the food was terrific. The service sucks so I give it. Three stars based on the service read more

Wow! Apparently El Patron has been open since October. I wish I had discovered it sooner. I loved the decor. The outside is painted "graffiti style". The establishment is very clean and the service is on point. They have a full bar with some very creative, eclectic drinks. The food menu is quite extensive as well. We tried the empanadas with half chicken and half beef. They were very good. We also enjoyed the Shrimp Tacos, Enchiladas Especial, and the Two Chimichangas with rice and beans. Everything was delicious! The shells for the tacos seemed paper thin. I was worried as I picked each one up but they stood strong and never fell apart. I was impressed! I highly recommend El Patron! read more

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