Hi I'm here to RAVE about a server we had. My mother and I had the pleasure of experiencing Levi's exceptional service when our car broke down near town. Levi went above and beyond to assist us during this stressful situation. Not only was he incredibly kind and understanding, but he also provided us with prompt and efficient service. What truly stood out about Levi was his genuine care and compassion. He understood how frustrating it can be to have unexpected car troubles, especially when you're far from home. He even showed us the closest mechanic. We LOVED him. Overall, I cannot recommend Levi's services enough. His kindness, exceptional skills, and willingness to go the extra mile made a difficult situation much more bearable. If you find yourself in need of a good server ASK FOR LEVI! read more

Ordered our meal to go and received raw chicken, missing beans and tortillas. Brought the food back and they didn't offer to compensate the meal or redo the order. Will not be returning or ordering to go from El Porto again. Service and food has declined in the past year, now I remember why we stopped going. If you want deliciously consistent Mexican food, travel a short distance to Osawatomie. read more

Over priced, seemed like they just want to rush you out. Seemed like we got forgotten because nobody came back to refill our drinks maybe because we wasn't drink alcohol? Nothing we ate there was that great. Not sure what the hype from others that told us it was so great because to us the food was subpar and not at all worth the price. Can't say the location was that nice, it was and was very crowded. Can't say we will go back. read more

Slow service. 15 minutes we sat before anyone came to our table to take drink orders. Then took awhile before our food was brought out. Taco Salad had liquid type cheese over the top instead of grated cheese which made it kind of nasty. Disappointing. read more

Stopped in for a late lunch today and literally stood at the host stand for 5 minutes before anyone even talked to me. They put me at a table and brought me out stale chips and cold cheese dip. I ordered the special and then sat for 15 minutes before getting up and waking out. I could see a long wait for food but there was literally one other table being served. Btw... when I walked out, nobody even noticed. They were too busy on their phones. Needless to say, I won't be back. read more

Stopped here for some Mexican food after visiting some wineries. The food was good and the service was excellent.

The service was ridiculously slow especially with very few people eating at the afternoon. There were plenty of employees walking around but nobody was interested in taking an order until I asked if I could place an order. I think being the only place in town serving Mexican food could be the reason. Maybe they just do not care? The chips and salsa were very good. The special of chicken and spinach enchiladas were tasty. The portion size was VERY LARGE with a reasonable price. With better service, this would have been 5 stars. read more

Had soft tacos, they were great. Prices were reasonable for a set down meal. Service was quick, friendly, and professional. Atmosphere was good, a little noisy, but every set down Mexican Restaurant i have ever visited was the same way so I guess that's normal. Still it wasn't too noisy for table conversation. I would recommend this to any of my family or friends. A+ read more

We were picking up an antique in Paola and looking for a local place to eat, used Yelp and El Potro popped up! We were not disappointed! Staff was friendly & attentive to us. Lots of choices on menu. Food was served promptly & presentation was inviting. Every bite was delicious. If ever we're back in town we will visit again! read more

El Potro - Fajita Salad - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

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Food is pretty good actually. Service is good but atmosphere is very loud because there's really no soft surfaces inside the building. What I don't like and the reason it only got 2 stars this time... I was really hungry for a salad. When it came time to order I asked for salad dressing options and was told they only serve Ranch. Really? What about people with dairy sensitivity, I asked our waitress, don't you have an oil/vinegar option? She said, no. I have NEVER been to a restaurant that didn't have at least two or three dressing options. I confirmed this with another waitress as well. This is a VERY BAD show for El Potro. I probably won't return. read more

The food came hot to the table which is how I like my food. I ordered the shredded beef burrito with rice and beans. My husband got the supremo fajita. It did not disappoint. The food was great. I would come again and the cheese dip and salsa they provide while you wait was delicious. read more

El Potro - The food was hot when arrived and delicious. I recommend this place. I do wish they had more aguas fresas. They only had horchata. - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

I had heard this place was good for years but had never tried until yesterday. The service and food was excellent and I'm picking on Mexican food because I've used to live in South Texas. My wife and I both enjoyed our meals and we're surprised to get cheese Deb complimentary with the salsa We will be back many times read more

Wonderful Mexican food here! Always great service and the food is even better. Don't pass by this place when you need great food. The atmosphere is always hustling and bustling and that's just to keep the guests happy read more

My parents have been coming here for years, bringing my kids with them. It's such a staple in our family that my kids wonder if my parents ever go to another restaurant! I finally went there with everyone and found out why: this place is a hidden gem in Paola, Kansas! Excellent Mexican food with wonderful, friendly service, El Porto offers much to its patrons. With many tasty selections to choose from, one cannot go wrong. Our server was Kenya and she was AMAZING. I'll be sure to go back with...or without...my parents! read more

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Food and service were great!! Had the fajitas and they didn't disappoint!!! The charro beans were excellent.

The chips, salsa, and the queso were fantastic! We went for lunch and we were served quickly with friendly smiles! Food was hot and fresh! Absolutely delicious and we enjoyed the atmosphere! read more

This place has gone downhill in quality and service. Tried to get a different item on the combo and the non speaking waitress waved her finger and said no, no. Food used to be delicious and the service top notch. Not so much any more. Being going there for 4 years on a regular basis, but won't be back. Everyone looks miserable working here and take it out in the customer. Sad. Used to be my go to restaurant. Don't bring your kids, they seem to be a nuisance to them. read more

Great family place to eat at reasonable prices. Food taste fresh and delicious Friendly staff read more

On a day trip & randomly stopped here. Glad we did! Food & service was OUTSTANDING!! They have the usual Mexican food, but put their own spin on it that makes it delicious. I had the seafood quesadilla not only was it very tasty, it was HUGHE. Had to get a to go box. Even though we live an hour away, we'll definitely be back. read more

Delicious! I had a #24, steak burrito with onion and zucchini in it, topped with a creamy gravy, cheese and a slice of avocado! The meat inside was so tender and flavorful! Probably one of the best burritos I've ever had. Rice really good. Three options for the beans on the side. I got the red beans. I usually don't eat the beans but these were good! Their salsa was really good too! Attentive Service as well. read more

I really wanted to have a great experience. The only Mexican restaurant around and the best hours for our small town. I ordered the Special for the night - Carnitas and it was so disappointing. Chunks of unseasoned meat. Not carnitas at all. Could not / will not visit again. read more

El Potro - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

I had a To go cup lid with a name on it in my fountain drink. Didn't see it tell I was done with the drink. My shrimp was not fully cooked and all they wanted to do was give me a 10% discount read more

El Potro - To go lid in my drink - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

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It was highly rated. The price for two meals and a margarita was $38. That's a great cost. The food comes Nasir's of both Tex-mex and various areas of Mexico, central and east. For west coast Mexican, just a few items. But it was all good. And the margarita was very flavorful and hit the spot. read more

El Potro - Combination San Luis. - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

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Food is amazing, the service is fast and friendly and the new patio is outstanding. Would definitely recommend. This is my go to Mexican food fix. read more

We have been here twice since we moved to Paola and the people here are so nice. The staff is super friendly and the food is good, I love the burracho beans. I had the special on Sunday and it was good. I have a platter of some sort with different items, shrimp(so good) cheese enchiladas (ok. It I think I just don't like them in general) and a taco (good also). The bowl of queso you get is so good. Always large portions as well so I take over half of mine home every time. I want to say again the service is so amazing just that alone is worth the trip. read more

I am very picky about Mexican food having grown up in California but this restaurant ticks all the boxes. Would recommend.

My family and I were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. They start out by giving you chips, salsa, & cheese dip. The salsa had a good flavor but it seemed familiar to other Mexican restaurants. My husband and I ordered the fajitas mix with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp & sausage. It was good but I think they may have played it safe on the seasoning. My son ordered the children's Mexican pizza. He said that it was ok but the tosadas were soft it would be better if they had more crunch to them. Overall we all agree that we would go back again read more

El Potro - Cheese dip, salsa & chips - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

Delicious food and friendly staff. Very impressed. Would love to go back if I lived closer.

Eat your heart out, José Peppers!!! El Potro has fresher and more authentic Mexican food flavor than you do! I've been to José Peppers off and on over the course of a few years- it's not nearly as good as I remember it being. But El Potro?? Consistently delicious every time. Flavorful, leftover-friendly portions, nothing burned or overcooked. I'm making my loyalty switch from José Peppers to El Potro. Keep up the awesome job!! (Sorry but no photos because I started eating my food immediately, lol. The veggie quesadillas are amazing though.) read more

We went with good expectations but left disappointed. Their rice and beans were good and everything was hot. But the flavor and quality overall was not even appetizing. :/ My husband didn't even finish his meal. The waitress never refilled our drinks, chips/salsa, or even checked on the table till we were ready to go. Let alone the fact we were sat in a raised booth where my daughter was in her chair on the floor so that her head barely reached the table.... So feeding her was.... Fun. ;) read more

El Potro - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Paola, Kansas

Great food and service. Did a great job making sure my food did not have dairy jn it.. Great staff and food.. Will be back..

First time visiting the Louisburg location. Phenomenal staff and service. The food was hot and delicious! Highly recommend!

Ok- I am visiting area from Southern California so I know good Mexican food....this ranks with the best! I had the Okra/chicken enchiladas. Outstanding! Service was quick, friendly. Food arrived in the blink of an eye! The cheese dip with the chips - so great, keep that going! All in all- you are very blessed to have this great establishment. read more

I was pretty impressed with this restaurant. The price point and the food we're very good; my beef enchilada and taco dish, with sides of rice and beans, was a mere $7. I tend to not like beef dishes at Mexican spots due to the flavor often lacking in the beef, but this was not the case here. I came during lunch, where they have a menu of nearly 60(!) combination dishes to offer, including salads. If you're looking for a la carte, it's offered, but just not on the lunch menu. The service was friendly and quick, and the restaurant was clean and kept up well. read more

Always enjoy stopping in for some great Mexican food ! Great food is served and friendly and attentive service is what we've come to expect!

As far as I am concerned, this is the finest -- THE "BEST-EST" Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten at, and I am from Texas originally and "elderly." Their queso is to die for! My wife and I were staying a couple of days, here in Paola, and went here because it was busy (always a good sign) and it looked like it would be an interesting place. We expressed a concern about COVID-19 and were cheerfully seated in an area that was discreetly away from every one else. We had the daily special which was a kind of shrimp and chicken enchilada. Oh, lord, sell my clothes cause I've gone to heaven! I ate like a pig, I know. Our server suggested a Dos Equis dark draft to accompany everything.And even my wife -- who is not a beer drinker -- said it was a good choice. The staff were ALL friendly and helpful. We go to Paola about twice a year. This is going to be our home spot. read more

Good as always and a family favorite. Parents usually order the Missouri burrito and kiddos order tacos. Simple and easy! Also, we appreciate that the food isn't spicy, we have some sensitive stomachs in the family. read more

My family and I stopped by for a late lunch yesterday and was impressed by both the service and food. Stepping in, we were greeted by the manager and wow!! Good guy and professional. We ended up ordering the pollo Ixtapa .. chicken breast slices sauteed with wine,onions ,poblano peppers,pico de Gallo, mushrooms and topped with white sauce..and of course ..mexican rice and borrachos beans (charros beans) Fajita steak awesome..steak and shrimp burrito super.. Good price , beautiful place.. excellent services..100 % Mexican. read more

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This was true Mexican food. Had steak fajita quesadilla and it was AMAZING!! I have family in the area and hope to visit there again.

Great service, great food, and a very welcoming, family atmosphere. I'd recommend this to anyone who just wants to eat some good, authentic, Mexican food. read more