We were in town for a birthday weekend and the birthday gal wanted Mexican. There are three restaurants within a stones throw of each other and we just ended up at the one that was close to where we parked. I can see how there are some negative reviews of the service, but I just feel like they're tired of tourists (don't blame them) because once we started to have a conversation with our server, her personality came out. The salsa was great, cheese dip was typical but the food was just meh. The rice has veggies is in it and not a lot of flavor. My chimichanga was stuffed full of chicken, but it was dry. The place needs some TLC, it's in a historic building like much of the city, but needs some fresh paint and new tables. read more

Excellent experience! I came when I was in town a few weeks back with some friends. We were sat right away and got our food quickly as it was not busy at all. We got both chopped guac and creamy guac to get started. They both ordered tacos and really enjoyed them. I needed a vegan option, so I ordered the vegetarian fajitas without cheese or sour cream. The server made sure to get the dish out correctly which I appreciated. Cool place, definitely recommend! read more

El Rio Mexican Restaurant - Vegan fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Copperhill, Tennessee

Experience was not great. We did get sat right away, and ordered. But our waitress forgot we ordered teas and seemed like she wanted to argue. Then she did not bring the kind of alcoholic drinks we wanted since they were under the certain brand we thought it was that brand, but it's wasn't. They also don't make mixed drinks there so we were a bit disappointed. So we had to send those back and they ran out of the ones we did want. Our food then came out and we got the wrong food. She had to bring out the right one then we felt ignored to where when we were ready to pay we had to go up front because she didn't come back. Food was ok, but would not return. read more

Food was excellent! Had the enchilada and taco combo and my husband had the burrito plate. Service was great as well. Definitely recommend to anyone stopping on the railroad tour read more

4 for dinner, plenty of seating. Mexican quacamole, Shrimp quesadilla, 4 enchiladas, pablano/enchilada combo, ribeye/onions with beans and rice. Food served hot, with a polite smile. But the bathrooms were DISGUSTING. Dirty, smelly, ladies sink not in service (filthy) When brought to the attention of the hostess, told "Oh we will just close it down". For a 2 story restaurant. This bathroom lead me to think "what is the kitchen like?" Absolutely will not be back. read more

We placed a fairly large carry out order from El Rio for a group of us. The ordering process was straightforward and they captured everything in our order correctly. We asked for the meals to be split out by food type (i.e. enchiladas all together, burritos all together, etc) so we could serve buffet style. They called about an hour before we were scheduled to pick up just to confirm the order which was a good practice. The food was ready on time when we arrived, and they helped us carry everything to our car. Everyone in the group enjoyed the food, it was standard Mexican fare but it was well done and the flavors were good. We would definitely eat there or order from there in the future. read more

Both my husband and I are foodies. We got the shrimp fajitas (shrimp were med) taste was wonderful. My husband got the quesadilla super and he said he would get it 100 out of 100 times This is not a cute place but food was great read more

Food and services were good. The staff was very friendly and the prices were reasonable

Great place for a nice meal. The food is tasty and served quickly. The restaurant has plenty of room and the staff is very welcoming. I had the enchiladas especiales and they were excellent. Plenty of food on the plate. read more

We had a group of 10 that stopped in for lunch after riding the Blue Ridge train. Since we only had a limited amount of time I was nervous about finding a restaurant where we could get in and out. Luckily we stumbled in to El Rio. Our waitress got our order correct and it was delivered promptly, hot and delicious. I would highly recommend it! read more

This place is very racist! Me and my friends came in to have a bit to eat and the hostess immediately sat us in the very back booth in the back room of the restaurant even thought all the white costumers were in the front. She then proceeded to yell at us when she couldn't hear that we wanted to order water. She then proceeded to roll her eyes when one of my friends wanted water as well and walked away without even taking her order. We left soon after that. I definitely think it will work if they hire people who actually care about customers from ALL races. read more

El Rio Mexican Restaurant - the front of the building - Mexican Near Me - Copperhill, Tennessee

Just went there tonight. I've been wanting to try it. I had the queso and grilled chicken quesadillas. Daughter had chicken fajitas. The chips and salsa were complimentary. This might be the best Mexican I've ever had! The service was fast and good. Prices were reasonable. If you're nearby I suggest you try it. read more

I ate there just yesterday, restaurant was as lively as ever, service was spot on. Food was good but candidly I'd put it as "subpar." I did get a stomachache last night a little after bed, was it because of the food? I'm not sure but I'd say it's the likely culprit. Would I eat there again? Yep. Their prices are very good for what you get, and service and atmosphere are great. read more

Such a great feel. It truly feels like a authentic Mexican restaurant. The fountain when you enter adds to the appeal. If you get to have a table upstairs, you get a great view of the town. The food is decent, thus the three start rating. The server was stretched thin that day with multiple tables both up and downstairs. I would not recommend this for a party or family dinner. If you want a dinner for one and your town doesn't have a Taco Bell, then ya. Last resort. read more

El Rio Mexican Restaurant - The table top. - Mexican Near Me - Copperhill, Tennessee

4 stars because it was recommended arms the best of THREE Mexican restos on the same one street long block but less than 5 stars because it was a little too Amerimex -- aka boring and not really anything special. Salsa was good. read more

Beef TacosTacos Pastor and Guacamole was delicious fresh . Everytime we are in the area this is a must stop .. Good food everytime been here at least 5 times ! read more

Do you like: -guacamole baby food -soggy taco shells -your waitress walking away in the middle of your sentence -questionable chicken -false advertisement of margaritas -watching someone walk out in the middle of your meal and wishing that was you. -being charged double what you owe? Then this is the place for you! read more

We were skeptical to walk in because the place simply looked dirty, but we've been proven wrong before so we gave it a chance and entered. We were seated and shortly came our waitress. Not trying to be an ass but the waitress was clearly on drugs. Full blown meth head missing teeth and twitching while asking what we'd like to drink. We all looked at each other and instantly knew it was time to get up and walk out. As a restaurant owner you need to be cognizant that your staff is an image of your business, specially in the food industry. read more

The food is cold and its very expensive its not worth coming here.the service sucks they come snd check on you like not that often.the food had no flavor and it very bland. read more

Excellent food and service!! Attentive and friendly staff. Great prices. I had the Pollo Tropical. It was cooked to perfection and seasoned wonderfully. Spicy, sweet, and moist. 5/5 will absolutely be back with friends and family. :) read more

This is our new favorite Mexican restaurant. It's a short drive from our house and we've had about three or four meals here now and we've enjoyed each one. The food is really really good and the beer is inexpensive. I appreciated the hostess/waitress making recommendations as to her favorites. During the Covid situation, the seating accommodates social distancing guidelines. It's hard to find a table there on the weekends that's for sure! When we go, we now try to go during the week so that we don't have to wait in a longer line. There is an upstairs as well. read more

Look, I can't give any Mexican restaurant that doesn't serve margaritas more than 2 stars. I mean, it's a Mexican restaurant for goodness sake! And yes I understand that the county is dry, but it was still a travesty. Aside from the fact that I was forced to drink a wine cooler (like it was 1991) the food was actually good. I had a steak fajita salad. Very tasty. Service was friendly. Prices were cheap. read more

Stopped here for dinner with the family. Service was great, food was very affordable, and quite tasty! The nacho cheese sauce was awesome too. I would definitely come again if we're in the area. read more

Mixed reviews from our party of 4. Steak dish was not that good but those who got tacos said they were good. Beef and bean nachos to start we're good. No margaritas, as this is a dry county. They did have beer and wine however. Would try a different place next time. read more

The food is greasy and terrible quality, service was just as bad. No bowl for the salsa and they messed up an order for two twice. Tables and even the menu's were very dirty, very run down. It's a shame because it used to be a much nicer place. Ordered a Spinach Quesadilla, to go for my son and for $5.00 it wasn't even a mouthful and nothing but grease and a spoonful of spinach. read more

El Rio Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Copperhill, Tennessee

Our waitress was extremely rude, not sure of her name she didnt even introduce herself, our food came out burned we tried to tell the waitress who just had an attitude didnt offer to fix the problem just took it and threw it away, I had to find another waitress to refill our drinks and salsa I would give this place 0/5 Stars and me and my wife will not be returning read more

This place is actually pretty good, minus the fact that when I walked in, it smelled like people were smoking cigarettes inside. Def a huge turn off while trying to eat.. but they allowed us to sit upstairs so that helped with that smell some. Those prices tho? Amazing! Especially the prices for their beer pitchers. I don't usually venture out to this area often, but from what I noticed, there are A LOT of Mexican restaurants to choose from. This one is just very convenient since it's right off the street where breweries and shops are. Pretty standard Mexican joint. read more

Walked into a busy restaurant with a family of 4 and was seated right away. Waited a bit to order but after we placed our order drinks and food came quick. Good chips and salsa to start out with. Good and filling food for a decent price not much to complain about. read more

Food was ok not worth going back for. Server didn't attempt to clear the table before we checked out.

Service is pretty good. Restaurant is clean. The food is standard Mexican food but a bit sub par. I would not return.

Been to El Rio about five times over last year when we come to this part of GA/TN. Great taco chips & salsa, they have Tecate Beer which is hard to get in most places....wings are great too. Service is just OK; street parking only; aviance is very drab; price is fair.....but will be back again. read more

Recently moved here to TN. We have eaten at El Rio at least 7 times in the last 3 months because it's that good!! Fresh, hot, delicious, and they bring it fast. The waitresses work hard with short staffing sometimes and it's a busy town. Some of the best Mexican around read more

Been there twice and had the lunch steak fajitas. Personally I think they're great. Good chips and salsa too. Though short on ambiance, we love this place and the servers are always friendly. We will be back for sure and you can't beat their prices. read more

We stopped into El Rio after taking a mountain drive and were looking for some tasty Mexican food....wait...what ??? Mexican food in small town Tennessee just yards from the Georgia state line??? Yep....and it was good. As other mention this is the only place that appears to stay open for business after the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway tourist death trap train ride is not in town. As the only place serving food when we arrived at 430pm....it was not busy but steady. An hour after we arrived it was a madhouse with 33 people waiting in the lobby for a seat....strange as they had a closed off seating area with plenty of tables to seat them, but they made them wait....but this review is about MY experience. Staff was friendly and half english speaking, making it appear authentic, and a cold Dos Equis Dark with some chips and salsa kept me happy. The food choices are plenty and the food that my wife and I had was great....I mean it...good tasting and authentic. You wouldn't think this place could exist let alone survive in this location but it does. If you stop in this town go here for food...its one of the only restaurants that gets good reviews....and I now know why. read more

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We were starving and this place was the only one open late on a Sat. The chips and salsa were pretty good and we gorged on it. I got the shrimp fajitas and it was filling and delicious. My husband got the fish tacos and they were OK. My friend enjoyed her grilled tilapia. The decor is pretty good, service friendly and efficient. All in all a good experience. read more

Great food. Decent customer service. Decent prices. Lots of room. Not too loud just a little noisy.

Nice atmosphere in such a small town. Authentic Mexican food and great service. The Tacos Pastor were delicious and the beer was cold. Rice needed a little more flavor but otherwise it was really delicious. read more

I have been going to this restaurant since 1999 .I decided to write a review because of covid , and I want this place to stay alive . I Have always had good food .The place is old and it shows . Not a lot of ambiance but the service has always been good. The owner has often waited on my table . This is a staple of downtown Copperhill / Mccaysville .The chicken chimi and fajitas are great beer pitchers are very reasonable . Highly recommend read more

4 out of a 6 person party got sick after eating here. Called to talk to manager and couldn't. was told the "MANAGER" of the restaurant had no schedule....... Would highly recommend passing on this restaurant unless u want to be throwing up for an hour... Highly dissatisfied read more

Stopped here on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This is great, authentic Mexican food. We recommend the Mexican guacamole and the tacos new pastor. Three tacos new pastor was around $8. Great value. They give one free refill but the glasses they use are huge. Kids menu is pretty diverse as well. They also offer a kids hamburger if they aren't into Mexican food. Wish I had a restaurant like this back home. read more