El Patron Mexican Grill

436

506

528

1 year ago

"Fast tasty Mexican on Hillsborough Rd across from Harris Teeter near I-85 exit" I've been coming here for over a decade now, and this place has consistently gotten better over time. Now, I come every few weeks and thoroughly enjoy the place. The service is excellent-- always treated VERY well. The staff answer questions, and MAN the food comes out fast. I've been here even with a group of 14 people and we still got our food in under 10 minutes. The quality is strong. My go-tos are the fajita burrito and burrito California, but I do like the mushroom quesadillas and other dishes too. I've never been here with anyone who said they "disliked" their dish, either. The price is fair-- it's not the cheapest Mexican place in town, but the pricing is about what you'd expect it to be... good lunch menu prices in the $10-12 range, and most dinner entrees in the $16-$20 range. And one big thing-- giant covered outdoor patio, and they sometimes put heaters out there too so even good when it's cold out. Only tiny negative is the parking spots are a little tight, but totally not their fault. Great especially for folks coming from Duke for a meal. I recommend it! read more

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Chris K.

Elite 26 All-Star

125

1122

2374

4 years ago

I've really been craving Mexican food and decided to try someplace I'd not been before as where I have been going just hasn't been hitting the mark lately. Of course I went to Yelp and this is where I landed. The staff is very friendly and there were several to greet me as I entered. I was immediately seated and my drink order was taken. It quickly arrived and so did salsa and chips. Yum! Since it was lunchtime I decided to go with a lunch item, two chicken enchiladas with rice and beans. I was having a bad craving for cheese dip so ordered that while my lunch was being made. The cheese was brought in record time and I gleefully dug in. Oh, it's so good and such a huge portion as you can see from the picture! Almost as quickly my lunch arrived and even though it was a lunch portion it filled an entire platter! OMG, between this and the huge bowl of cheese dip I would have just gotten one enchilada ala carte had I known. Too late now. I promised myself I'd only eat half of everything and bring the rest home. Well, I hadn't had a thing to eat all day and it was after twelve. Yes, I ate it all! My waitress, Fatima, was so attentive checking on me often. I asked her if there was a half sized order of the cheese dip and if you can believe it, the one I got is their small serving! Whoa! All in all a nice experience. The menu isn't huge like some other places, which is okay as that can be overwhelming. I look forward to returning and trying some other items. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Cheese dip w/salsa & chips. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

El Patron Mexican Grill - Lunch enchiladas. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

El Patron Mexican Grill - Colorful inside. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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DarIa K.

0

6

1

1 year ago

20% GRATUITY AUTOMATICALLY ADDED TO YOUR BILL There were no signs anywhere pointing out this practice. We had 3 people in our party, so I assume they do it to everyone. The stuff was nice and attentive. Guacamole was great. Did not enjoy chicken fajita as much, it was too salty for my taste. They really need to make it known about the automatic gratuity. Put up a sign or something. They also bring you the card scanner to the table with the additional tip option. I always tip very well, but you do not get to decide for me. read more

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Scott B.

0

13

0

1 year ago

It was okay. Good and fast service. Nice little Mexican spot. Food tasted a bit bland. Disappointed with the meal due to the taste. read more

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Lisa W.

0

1

0

9 months ago

My ticket was 74.00. A friend came because power was out ate there, and got a Togo plate as a favor because someone else's power was out. Because the TABLES bill came to $100 they added 20% gratuity. No one had a problem tipping for good service but tell me how she should have to tip almost 9.00 for her $20 worth and the to go order. When we had to wait for refills on our drinks and was not there even 40 min. The gratuity was 15.00 on my ticket. WE WAS TOLD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. You automatically get 20% gratuity added to the tables tickets if over 100. 00. HOWEVER ITS NOT POSTED ANY WHERE. and has never happened before unless the party is over 6 people which it wasn't. No one was drinking. We ate and left. The food was not great on top of that. read more

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Ed M.

0

42

8

1 year ago

Extremely disappointed - nvr had a taco salad so small, mushy, and tasteless. Burritos tasteless also. Way too bright in there and the booths are tight and very uncomfortable. Nice server tho. read more

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Egan H.

0

24

4

1 year ago

Was very disappointed with the service today. Been here over a dozen of times and this is the first time we were charged an automatic 20% tip on our bill on a party of 3. When asked, waitress said they charged 20% automatic because they work on tips.. so they work only on tips on the weekend, but not M-F?? This is beyond a shady practice to charge a 20% bill when the service is mediocre, the restaurant also did not disclose that to us at all. Will not be back here. read more

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Chrissy A.

Elite 26 All-Star

110

328

1251

5 years ago

Us ladies at the office were craving Mexican one Friday lunch time and decided to order from here. We all got giant burritos that we were all very satisfied with. We called to place our order because we wanted some "white sauce" and it wasn't on the online menu. They got the order correct and had it ready when requested. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - California burrito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Paul M.

10

603

583

5 years ago

I guess I haven't been here since the pandemic, though I kept meaning to. The interior seating is changed a lot. On a warm October weekday evening I asked if I could sit outdoors on their nice deck and of course it was very pleasant. I got a big Margarita and a big burrito with rice and beans and I really enjoyed it! I think this place is really good! read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Nice Macho Burrito and big Margarita on the patio - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Jel M.

0

15

6

3 years ago

The best guacamole salad ever! Staff are friendly and accommodating. Affordable and authentic Mexican Cuisine so far.. Will definitely be back! read more

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David I.

1

96

21

4 years ago

Service is terrific, food is tasty and comes in large portions. Outdoor seating is a plus when the weather is cooperative. All in all a good Mexican restaurant. Try the Enchiladas Supremas, they're terrific! read more

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Cece M.

Elite 25

148

60

123

4 years ago

Omggggoodness!! Beef Birria Tacos and add a little Queso with the spicy salsa that came with the order is a party in your mouth!!! I love tacos!! But these right here were everything! read more

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Cherif G.

5

49

5

3 years ago

Nothing is good about this restaurant. I took away the deluxe burritos on a Friday night. One came with chicken and the other one with ground beef. Both were covered with cheese and lacked flavor. The rice was terrible and the beans tasted like they came straight out of a cold tin. I hate wasting food but the whole meal went straight to the bin. read more

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Christina B.

0

17

37

4 years ago

The food was good. The server was very attentive. The drinks were on point. Good spot on a Tuesday night read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Street Tacos, Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas, 2 regular and 2 soft tacos - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

El Patron Mexican Grill - Street Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Dave W.

0

8

0

3 years ago

Great service, welcoming and pleasant atmosphere, the food is excellent and the margaritas with all fresh ingredients are amazing! Definitely recommend this place. Just wish they stayed open a bit later! read more

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Scott M.

0

2

1

3 years ago

The place doesn't have a lot of ambiance but I think they've got a Mexican grandma back in the kitchen whipping up some seriously authentic food. I got the birria tacos and they were fantastic. Highly recommend this restaurant--a hidden gem! read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Stephanie P.

46

21

7

4 years ago

I like places with good food and great ambiance. El Patron is located in an odd part of Durham, but once you are at the restaurant the scenery, pace and your dedication to any other Mexican restaurant changes. This is by far the best place to sit outside, drink a margarita, or alcoholic smoothie, eat a fantastic meal that doesn't feel overly Americanized, and just relax. I'm not a big fan of most of the Mexican places around here because they always feels like overkill with all of the decor and most everything typically tastes like grease. El Patron is our new "go to". I just wish it hadn't taken so long to find it. read more

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Marc L.

1364

375

121

6 years ago

Went there to eat for the first time today after teasing a friend that apparently they were Duke fans since they had a #1 Fan Duke sign on their outside on the Patio side.....Definitely had a variety of sports on the TV ranging from Soccer (the world's number one sport) to Bowling and College Basketball.......The food was definitely tasteful and the Wait staff was friendly......Bill was comparable to other Mexican restaurants like El Rodeo and Torero so wouldn't call it cheap but wouldn't call it expensive either...More like Moderate...Will definitely be back.....Haven't tried the drinks but that might be on my return trip... read more

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Derek B.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Food is always very good! The California burrito did not disappoint! Eating in or take out the food is always consistently good! read more

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Elizabeth C.

8

3

0

2 years ago

Everything you'd expect in a Mexican restaurant, minus the flavor. If you like bland food you'll probably enjoy it!

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Ellen E.

28

135

10

3 years ago

Nice hidden spot. Margarita was delicious and beautiful. We both got the combo platter. Steak was not offered, but I would have preferred it over the chopped beef. Service was ok. read more

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Lisa W.

0

6

1

3 years ago

I've been here before many times and it's always been a good experience. This evenings dinner was quite the experience. The services was mediocre, everyone was extremely nice but our waitress didn't know English well and messed up our orders. Then instead of fixing it and bringing out a new plate of food (which could of been two but I didn't want to complain) they just didn't charge her and I guess didn't expect her to eat anything because they didn't bring her a new plate. It was a big mess and hassle and feel like a lot of it was just a language barrier. We certainly weren't expecting free food but some kind of compensation for their mistakes would have been a nice gesture. My quesadilla was good but I missed the grilled onions I ordered with it. read more

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Jerry H.

Elite 25

313

473

1206

9 years ago

Above average Mexican food. The flavors and quality ingredients and flavor. I ordered ala cart vegetarian items. Salsa was tasty and chips weren't stale. Parking was a breeze, place was clean and the service was friendly and fast. They are setup for an efficient take out service and it does seem popular. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Guacamole was unique. Kinda creamy and very fresh. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Latoya M.

269

3

7 years ago

Great fresh authentic food!!! Waitress was wonderful. Great mojito and margaritas. Definitely recommend and will be back .. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Taco Tuesday .99 tacos - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Steven B.

2

193

0

4 years ago

Highly recommend trying the Birria tacos. Definitely come hungry as the portions are massive. So flavorful with every bite

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Adaora O.

208

16

11

4 years ago

The service is what really makes this place. Family owned with such caring and fast customer service. Now don't get me wrong the food is also good and affordable. I think they could be a little cleaner but other than that I love it and will definitely be returning! read more

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Scott W.

96

88

13

5 years ago

Awesome Place! We have passed by this place for years, and had heard really good things, so we finally tried it and Man O Man was it Awesome. The food was really good, and the service quick and friendly. Of course we picked up as we are not doing the sit down thing until we get vaccinated, the food was still piping hot when we got it home which was a big plus to begin with. read more

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Mary O.

21

14

66

9 years ago

Hubby kept asking and I was hesitant about this place. Loved it. The salsa is not your usual watery heat fest, a little thicker and full of flavor. The skinny margarita took a while to make but I got to watch them squeeze that fresh juice and it did not disappoint! We ordered our favorite chile rellenos to test the food and were rewarded with fresh peppers cooked just right. The ground beef filling was not mushy at all(sometimes I wonder if it has refried beans in it at other places). And the cheese tipping was just melted- obviously these were cooked up fresh. Waitstaff was friendly and fast- just the right amount of attention. The place is very clean as well. I recommend it. Enjoy! read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Chile Rellenos- okay we took a bite before the photo!! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

El Patron Mexican Grill - Chips and salsa with my beautiful Skinny Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Maria B.

112

4

2

8 years ago

This establishment is RACIST. I am of Hispanic decent and I date an African American man. We walked in for the first time to eat lunch on 6/1/17 and placed our order to go. As my boyfriend is making his way to the restroom, the girl who took our order used a derogatory term while referring to him "where is that n*** going" Due to being on the clock, we decided to call and make a formal complaint over the phone, and we were hung up on mid sentence by a different person. I called again and spoke to the manager who did not seem to care. Due to me having friends in common with the restaurant owners, I let them know of the situation; they informed me they don't care about unhappy customers or their rude employees because all of them are family. Unacceptable. read more

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Joseph T.

0

19

2

9 years ago

This place has the best salsa around. Love salsa Verde as well. All the lunch specials are reasonably priced and a very generous proportion. I have never had a bad meal here and look forward to eating here again soon read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Ed C.

Elite 16

72

196

48

11 years ago

Just tried el Patron last night. Nice surprise. The food was reasonably portioned and quite tasty, and the house margarita was better than some of the other traditional spots. The decor was bright and fresh and didn't appear to be a converted ice cream parlor. I enjoyed it enough to return. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Macho Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Cheryl D.

20

16

2

6 years ago

Awesome food and even better service. Unfortunately for me they were closed tonight and had to settle for elsewhere

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Karen C.

3

23

61

9 years ago

Wellenjoyed it so much we had to go back while in Durham. Once again the food was delicious, the service awesome and the prices were great. It truly is a nice quaint M exican restaurant. Tucked away in a corner of a strip mall like area. But if you just give it a try. I am posting more pics so you can see the nice size portion you get for your money. We will be back, when in Durham. I love their tomatillo sauce and salsa. Their chips are light and crispy. Great M exican food, and place altogether. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - This was so delicious, can't spell it or pronounce it but great plate. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

El Patron Mexican Grill - My honey enjoyed his as well. - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Maria Cecilyn C.

52

2

0

7 years ago

They have definitely improved in all the 4 years my husband and I have been coming here. The food has always been very very good. I love the revamped look though.. I have also seen so much more people coming here now. This place has great food. You must try! read more

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Ed H.

152

24

1

6 years ago

Our family comes here several times a month. It's great! We love the staff, so friendly and nice all the time. Everything we have had here has been wonderful. Vibrant atmosphere! Whether you are up for a casual dining experience (lunch or dinner), or just want to relax and catch a game on one of their many flat screens, you will feel at home. read more

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Eddie T.

0

3

0

7 years ago

Wow the food was disgusting I ordered fajita burrito the chicken tasted old and it had a watery been juice. My wife ordered the beef nachos they was soft and looked like the chips was old and had no taste next time I want Mexican food Taco Bell is better then this place the food sucks and then they changed my credit card 31 dollars and the bill was 24 dollars never again read more

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Keith L.

0

9

3

12 years ago

Good service. $2.50 Mexican Beers on Thursday. Huge *delicious* portion of enchaladas rancheras. Loved it and will definitely be back. read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Delicious Enchiladas Racheras with a ton of pork! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Candi L.

0

1

0

4 years ago

They charged me for food I didn't receive, service is usually good. horrible experience and bad service.Check your receipts

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Bryan W.

Elite 17

41

97

76

10 years ago

This place is hidden so not many people know about it but the service is fast and friendly and the food is delicious and affordable! What's not to love about all that! Great drink specials and cheap but delicious food! I had a combination player with a chicken quesadilla, chicken burrito and bed soft taco! It was so much food for only $8. Every table also comes with complimentary chips and salsa which were also really good! On Tuesdays, they have dollar taco day which is hard to beat anywhere! Definitely worth a try! read more

El Patron Mexican Grill - Chicken quesadilla, burrito and beef soft taco! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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More info about El Patron Mexican Grill

3438 Hillsborough St
Durham, NC 27705
Directions
(919) 937-9971
Call Now
Visit Website
http://thepatronmexicanrestaurant.food94.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does El Patron Mexican Grill open?

El Patron Mexican Grill opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does El Patron Mexican Grill close?

El Patron Mexican Grill closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.El Patron Mexican Grill closes at 9:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does El Patron Mexican Grill take credit cards?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have catering options?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill does have catering options.

Does El Patron Mexican Grill serve alcohol?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have TVs?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have bike parking?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill has bike parking.

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have parking?

Yes, El Patron Mexican Grill has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does El Patron Mexican Grill have free WiFi?

No, El Patron Mexican Grill does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

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We came here on a Sunday for lunch and really enjoyed it. The portions are great and the servers…read moreare nice and well-versed on the menu. The ultimate nachos were a lot. It's probably meant to be consumed by more than one person and I did have leftovers. It was so tasty though. All the protein (chicken, steak, shrimp) was cooked to perfection and still had plenty of moisture in it. The only thing I wish is that they would add beans and rice as a layer to the nachos; however, it was excellent. The six tacos plate was so good too. Loved the carnitas and pescado tacos. They were flavorful and filling. The rice was sensational and well-seasoned. The black beans paired with the rice was also excellent. I will be back. The dragonfruit mezcalito was so good! The restaurant was starting to fill up with a lot of people, so it's a popular spot.

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La Mala is a vibe. We visited for a second time, and had a good experience. The food is always…read moretasty and fresh, and the service was helpful. We tried a few drinks this time, and we were pleasantly surprised. Many drinks at Mexican food places can be too sweet; these were really balanced. I'd like to try the new Raleigh location as well.

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Overall good experience again! Tried some new things:…read more - Torta Cubana: Hefty sandwich with like 3 different meats (including sausage & chorizo), fried egg, avocado, onions, lettuce, tomato. A little salty, but balances out with the spicy salsa they provide. - Camarones Ala Mexicana Platter: Good if you want a lighter, healthier feeling option. - Quessabirrias: Honestly, felt a little too greasy for me & the consommé wasn't super deep in flavor. It was okay. - Pupusa con Pollo: I think the pupusas will be my favorite item to get here! - Horchata: Love their horchata; super cinnamon-y and refreshing. Fast service during weekday dinnertime; fine ambiance. 9/10 would recommend!

Solid four stars…read more The Quesabirria was very good and the broth even had chickpeas lurking at the bottom. The tacos al pastor were pretty good and the aguas have numerous chunks of fresh fruit floating in them. The carnitas, liver, and lamb barbacoa were not all that. A little dry, maybe not as flavorful as could be. The staff speaks English and the menu is mostly bilingual. Order at the counter, have a seat, and your food will be delivered to you.

Enchiladas Rojas. So called green one

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Al pastor burrito with salsas, large enough for two but you won't want to share :)

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Goat Cheese Poblano Guacamole

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Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday around 1 and I think we were the only people in the entire place…read more- so we had really fast and attentive service. I had the Tamales Espinacas lunch portion - the tamale and beans were good. The rice seemed a little under cooked. Their salsa that came with the chips wasn't really that good IMO. One cool thing for this spot is you can order and have it delivered to Crank Arm that's right around the corner.

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4.3(691 reviews)

3.1 mi

Came here after the Durham Farmers Market with a friend and wow this place was a surprise. …read more I went with the grain bowl and honestly it is one of the best I have had in downtown Durham. It is built on quinoa and rice with black beans and kale, then layered with corn salsa, tomato cortido, guacamole, and a creamy acevichado style sauce that pulls everything together. It is finished with a crunchy mix of pepitas, nuts, and grains. The balance is quite ideal in my view. My friend had the rotisserie chicken with two sides, kale and slaw, and it was just as impressive. Crispy skin, juicy inside, and really clean flavors. Simple food done right and GF friendly. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared. Prices land right where you would expect for the quality, roughly 16 to 21 dollars depending on what you order, and it feels worth it. My bowl plus side of dark chicken was plenty. A few notes. Parking is what you would expect for downtown, so plan accordingly. Service was solid and friendly, but nothing that stood out. The vibe inside is festive and relaxed, bright and open, and just a fun place to hang out for lunch. Porbably not a special occasion. I also suspect it could get loud when full. This is definitely going into my regular rotation. That grain bowl is going to be hard to pass up next time, so instead of replacing it I will probably just add a side or an empanada and start working my way through the rest of the menu.

This place was amazing. We tried both the brisket and chicken sandwich, and they did not…read moredisappoint. We also shared a potato empanada that was recommended by another customer, which was also fantastic. The yuca fries and plantains were delicious. You also get a large amount of food for the price, definitely left us feeling satiated. Staff was very friendly, we will be back!

The main area

Patacón

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Sangria

Mi Calvillo

4.6(133 reviews)

1.6 mi

Best tacos I've had in Durham. Love the way they present the nachos. It's exactly how'd I'd eat it…read moreif I were at home. It's all business. The Carnitas, Chorizo and Al Pastor are all recommended. The salsa is on the mild side so please use generously. It's got great flavor. I was impressed with this visit. I came in hungry and I left happy. You've definitely got a gem here in Durham. I will be back many times over. Yum gang...

Hmm, for the reviews Mi Calvillo had I was expecting way more flavor profiles. However the food was…read morevery bland. The chips were not fresh and there was no spice at all in the salsa. We had a cheese dip as well that was lukewarm. The server was very pleasant and helpful. It was a cute small space.

Menu with daily specials

Ceviche

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Flautas with Chicken

Monterrey Mexican Grill

4.3(96 reviews)

4.5 mi

First time here - great experience! It was easy to get a table for 7 for a 5:30ish Friday dinner…read more The staff were quick, attentive, and friendly. Food was really good and different. The burrito relleno was a unique vegetarian option - definitely recommend! I also had the house pineapple margarita. Great kids menu options too - my son had the taco and burrito combo.

I will always recommend this place! Listen, this is my go to spot, when I want some good queso with…read morechorizo and a good margarita! The food is always good, fresh, and the service is always on point. The mood is right if you have a significant other, it no pressure if you don't. It is still a good vibe! Enjoy!

Interior

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Margarita!

Gym Tacos

4.5(32 reviews)

3.1 mi

Amazing tacos, lots of terrific sauces and great staff 10/10…read moreThe place is great for a quick lunch or to sit and hangout while having a beer.

What a fun restaurant, I loved all their decor and art work. You order and pay at the counter and…read morethe food will be brought to your table when ready. I got the Asada Nachos and I loved the presentation! They come in a tall metal cylinder that you get to lift to reveal the nachos, it was really fun. The nachos were tasty, I enjoyed all the topping and loved the kick from the fresh jalapeños. The portion was HUGE. I brought home my leftovers, and even the leftovers were good (which is rare for nachos). They have a salsa bar with 4 different salsas, my favorite was the spicy orange peanut salsa. They ran out of their house green salsa which is made at the Hillsborough Street location, so I only got to try a little of this salsa. We didn't get any alcoholic drinks, but the bartender let us know that this Gym Tacos stays open late on Fridays and turns into a club!