If you want the short version then read no further. Best TexMex restaurant in Fairmont hands down.
Now, for the foodie version.....Centrally located to major shopping venues in Fairmont (read WalMart), it is located in what is called the "Middletown Mall." You need a 4 wheel drive to navigate the potholes in that parking lot if you come in from the Shop And Save side. Enter from the intersection closest to Bob Evans, but remain wary of the potholes that will send you to your car dealer for repairs if you hit one. The Middletown Mall is an old mall that is devoid of any significant businesses, save a couple of restaurants, a couple of bad grocery stores, an FBI office, the DMV extension and a mattress store. A number of chain restaurants and a couple of motels are nearby. In short, the perfect place for a fantastic TexMex restaurant!
The owner, Francisco, used to work at the Mexican restaurant which is on the other side of the road (250) from the mall close to to the Urse car dealership when it was located at the Middletown Mall. When he left that restaurant it went down hill instantly imho. So, you have two choices if you're looking for a Tex/Mex restaurant in that area and basically Fairmont in general. El Rey should be your choice.
El Rey serves both regular Tex/Mex fare AND traditional Mexican fare. On the regular side you have your fajitas, tacos, nachos, salsa, etc. BUT what El Rey has that the other doesn't is traditional Mexican food....mole sauce, street tacos, sopas...AND service. I've eaten at family owned Tex/Mex restaurants in Texas and California. I've eaten at Mexican restaurants in Mexico. This place is as good, if not better than any that I've eaten at. If you're savvy enough to order off the menu they can handle it. The servers and service in general beats the other hands down! I particularly like the street tacos. The owner, Francisco, and his employees seem to always be there and are genuinely interested in your opinion of the food, service and restaurant in general, unlike the other restaurant across the street where the employees seem to care less and talk on their cell phones while you check out instead of asking about your experience in their restaurant.
In summation, eat at El Rey if you're anywhere near Fairmont and looking for outstanding Tex/Mex and traditional Mexican food. You won't find better in Morgantown, Fairmont or Bridgeport! read more