This place is a hidden gem. It's tough for restaurants in Maple Grove. If you want a Mexican restaurant that the staff makes you feel like family, this is your place. It's a fun atmosphere, food is spot on every time and again, the staff is the best!! Definitely a must if you're in the mg area. read more

Would not recommend. The food was less than desired. Asked for medium rare steak and was served well done. Fajitas were very bland.

I had a disappointing experience at El Rodeo. From the moment we arrived, the service set the wrong tone. We stood waiting to be acknowledged, but the hostess seemed uninterested and didn't greet or guide us. I eventually had to ask whether we should seat ourselves, which felt unwelcoming and unprofessional. Unfortunately, the service didn't improve. Our waitress lacked basic courtesy, and there was little attention to detail throughout the meal. While the restaurant was nearly empty, my order was still brought out incorrectly, which was frustrating. The food itself was just average--nothing memorable enough to make up for the poor service. Overall, the experience felt disorganized and inattentive. I hope management takes steps to improve both customer service and overall hospitality. And I am Latin by the way, so in case, some people have doubts about my review! read more

Food is always very good and we enjoy coming here. The chips and salsa are excellent. We ordered the beef chimichanga which was our mistake. We were expecting ground beef and it was shredded beef. Got the kids meal taco and a kids meal quesadilla requesting grilled chicken. The rice and beans are always great and the queso is 10 out of 10 you must get. Staff is super nice. read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

One of our favorite Mexican restaurants! You start with house chips and salsa and it's the best I've had for this type of Mexican restaurant (each additional chip and salsa is $1). Food is good quality and very classic Mexican restaurant. Services was super quick and nice huge restaurant to accommodate a lot of guests. They do have an outdoor patio as well. read more

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Food was blah. Not tasteful and staff was as blah as the food. Ambiance is forgettable.

We absolutely love this place! The atmosphere is fun, the drinks and food are delicious. All around great staff and a great dining experience! read more

Food and service are always very good. Last time out was disappointed in the 1/2 filled salsa and half filled chips then charged for the refill (that came full). Almost like they do that on purpose now.... Feels scummy read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

El rodeo is average Mexican American food. Simple flavors and barely any seasoning. It's good if you're in the mood for a basic no frills relatively affordable meal. We had the guacamole dip. It needed some red onions, lime and salt. I think it was just mashed avocados with pico de gallo on top. Ceviche was good. Nice portion. Could have used some onion for flavor too. Burrito Carne asada with chicken and burrito del rodeo with ground beef. Again, both fine but just needs a little more flavor. We sat outside. They do have a great patio space. Today service was good outside. It can be hit or miss though. read more

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Traditional Mexican fare in a traditional setting! Huge menu with loads of options and several combos. Service was excellent, interactive and attentive. Easy parking, quick seating, a great family setting, easy to recommend this place for your families next outing... read more

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Went in for some "fried" ice cream. Ended up ordering some guacamole dip and a pina colada as well. The good: the dip and chips, and the bowl the ice cream was in. The meh: service was slow. It looked like they were super understaffed...so I can see why the service was slow. The server was nice, though. Very nice. The pins colada was definitely not my favorite. I'd add some grenadine in it next time. The bad: don't get the fried ice cream. It was terrible. There were raisins in it?? It was definitely not fried, and the crispy texture wasn't crispy at all. Next time I'd just order the bowl with a scoop of ice cream. Will I go again? I will. I don't want to give a terrible review for one visit on a holiday weekend. I definitely will not get the fried ice cream again though. read more

I spoil one of my accounts everytime I'm in town with some tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and queso... they love my visits especially when I bring El Rodeo for lunch. read more

El Rodeo - Happy Customer. - Mexican Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

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I have to leave a 1 star because they don't have a 0. After waiting an HOUR and a HALF! I still didn't even have a water. Everyone at our table had empty drinks as our waitress stood at the bar chatting with a friend. I had enough and left. Poor service, and a real "I don't care about doing my job attitude" I can't rate how the food was because it's still on a slow train from guadalajara. I will never come here again. At first sight, seeing all the filth swept into the corners should have told me to turn around. lesson learned! read more

I have done take away several times from this restaurant. Staff is very friendly and helpful and waited on me promptly. The food was quite good, I had enchiladas and was pleased with them. The staff should know what the specials are, because after I paid, I realized that what I ordered was at a reduced price despite me being charged full price. Cashier didn't seem to care read more

Employees are always kind and attentive. The same staff have waited on me as years ago! The food is always delicious no matter what I've tried and my sons margarita was delicious! It's not too loud and the booths are large and comfortable. Parking is easy and right out front in a parking lot. We love coming here! read more

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Reliably delicious food every visit. We go there as a family for a weekday or weekend dinner out, family celebrations, when loved ones are in town. Especially fun when celebrating a birthday. Starts with the chips and salsa, phenomenal menu options, delicious margs, friendly staff. It's a never-miss. Always leave happy and full. read more

Extremely mediocre food, our waiter didnt even look us in the eye. Service was mediocre. Felt sick after eating. 1/10

This is probably the best Mexican place in Maple Grove / the 94 corner NW metro area. It feels and tastes pretty authentic. The free chips and salsa are great (fresh). I've always ordered the chicken enchilada and I ask for them to make it as hot/spicy as possible. Unlike some restaurants, they are willing to really turn up the heat and make me sweat! I think they put habaneros in the enchilada and boy is it good. I also like that they will serve a la carte and that you don't need to get rice/beans. I always leave those sides on my plate so I appreciate a little menu flexibility. Service is just fine. I think a few times the servers has secretly tried to watch me to see my reaching to the first few bites. They kept my water glass refilled, so I consider that great by me in a mouth burning life or death-esque situation. read more

Dined at El Rodeo for the first time and was very impressed. We were seated immediately and the service was excellent from start to finish. The ambiance was vibrant and welcoming. I had the fish tacos and an outstanding margarita. The selection of both food and beverages were great and very reasonably priced. I can't wait to go back and try something new! Maple Grove seems to have an endless amount of restaurant options, but this one will probably be my Mexican go to. read more

The location is great, right next to arbor lakes, It's your run of the mill Mexican American spot. They've got the music and the decorative seating. They've got all the classics and matching margaritas to show. I've gotten a few different items there, their seafood dishes are often overdone and chewy. My biggest critique is that they are stingy with chips and salsa, one per table. read more

Everything was awesome. Margaritas, food and service! We didn't love the chips, but salsa was good. Cadillac margaritas were fantastic-- pro tip, add Patron. Food was amazing, try the flan for dessert! read more

Nothing makes me happier then good Mexican food which can be hard to find in Minnesota, let alone the burbs of Minneapolis. I am thankful to live in Maple Grove, walking distance from El Rodeo located off the corner of Elm Creek Blvd and Weaver Lake Rd. The restaurant is decent size with a split dining room split by a long narrow bar with about 8 seats. There is also a nice patio on the east side of the restaurant. Nothing to thrilling here. It looks like most American-Mexican restaurants with all the colors of the Mexican flag sprayed throughout, huge wall murals of desert scenes, and Mexican music playing in the background. The food is delicious! The menu looks like what you would expect from its counterparts in time but they are nailing it. The dishes actually have distinct flavor and the portions are ridiculous. I have had a lot of items on the menu and enjoyed everything. My favorites have been the Chimichanga (with Beef) which is LOADED with shredded beef, perfectly fried, and smothered in a cheesy paradise; as well as, the Sirloin House. This 10oz steak comes tender from the grill with onions, mushrooms and covered is melty goodness (cheese). My one gripe and I mean only one is the chips always seem to be a little stale. Now I'm thirsty. Margaritas, right?! Outside of actually having a balanced house margarita out of the machine they also make up a nice Texas or Cadillac Margarita. I've also tried a Paloma and it was amazing (crazy boozy but amazing). They also offer the main domestic taps like Coors and Bud as well as some Mexican domestics like Negro and Especial Modelo and Dos Equis. After man visits the service has ALWAYS been top tier. All of the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant is always clean and feels comfortable. El Rodeo has been come a regular spot for me and there's a good chance you catch me there! Cheers. read more

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We ordered a chile rellenos combo dinner, bean dip, and margaritas. Complimentary chips and salsa served with the appetizers and dinners. Rice was the ubiquitous red variety found everywhere and average. First batch of refried beans were at Stage 1 (runny, loose) held together with melted cheese (Monterey jack). Second batch was better (thicker, creamy, not runny). One chile relleno had egg batter dip and jack cheese filling. The other, no batter dip, just a layer of cheese, plus cheese filling (no batter dip = skipped ingredient). Cheese enchilada sauce was too salty, but had decent shredded beef filling. Refried beans on the combo were average, and tasty, good seasoning balance. Chip salsa was runny, undetectable onion, garlic, peppers, or cilantro, and likely made in a blender or large batch pre made. El Yucateca red sauce helped boost the heat. Overall, food was average, too salty, lacking some authentic ingredients. Service was very good. Waiter was friendly and attentive to our needs, bringing more chips, salsa, drinks and bean dip when appropriate. Ambiance was multiple TVs running, no mood lighting, average room noise. Less noisy than a sports bar. Little to no privacy for booths or tables, open floor plan. We believe El Rodeo has had better days pre-Covid, food used to be better, with fewer shortcuts taken. The current strategy to save money seems to be cutting key ingredients and adding more salt (not a good idea). Sadly, we will be seeking out better fare. read more

Good food. Prompt service. Enjoyed Tacos and Nacho chips. Good parking but is often full. Enjoy eating there.

I would say this was my 2/22/22 taco Tuesday choice which makes it even worse of an experience! Now, my guess is this place launders money for the cartels! All of the ingredients in my shrimp taco were pre made! Canned beans, frozen cooked shrimp, bagged lettuce, bagged cheese. I'm guessing the rice is from a box, pretty sure the Guacamole was from a plastic tub! I don't know any place that buys all this shit that can be made fresh!! All of it is cheaper to make than buy... Meal was cheap (makes no sense) and I wouldn't have wanted to pay much more! This is what I would expect from a high school cafeteria....and I'd bitch about my tax dollars being wasted! KT read more

Typical Tex-mex place in Maple Grove. It reminds me of something like what you found at the mall 20 years ago. The tacos were decent and the salsa was pretty good. Not bad but nothing that makes me want to go back either. There are a few coupons to be found online. read more

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El Rodeo is an authentic Mexican themed restaurant filled with charm, good drinks, great food, and wonderful staff. This is by far my family's favorite Mexican restaurant to eat at! Restaurant/location: El Rodeo is located in Maple Grove just down the road from Arbor Lakes shopping center. You can only access the parking lot from one side of the street so getting to the restaurant is a little on the difficult side. Once you reach the parking lot the restaurant is the first door on the right and there has always been a decent amount of parking. After parking you walk inside and are welcomed by bright colors, great decor, and amazing smells! If you have ever been to the Mexico Pavillion at EPCOT, this restaurant has the same feel and look as inside of there. There's some great artwork on the way, fun inside buildings that make you feel like you're at a bar on the beach, and many more details that bring the charm of the restaurant up a level. Every time we come here it brings me to my happy place while I get excited to eat my food! Food: This is where El Rodeo steps it up even further for me. Every time I come here I try something different on the menu. I've gotten a beef burrito, a chicken burrito, steak, chicken wings, churros, Taco salad, and many more. Everything I have ever tried on the menu has been delicious! Full of flavor, spice, cooked to perfection, and has been made to order right and on time each time I have ordered. Some of their food is on the spicy side but if you are up to the task it is worth the reward! Overall: My family has been here about 6 or 7 times and I don't see any sign of us stopping. The food has always been delicious, always made correctly, the staff has always been helpful and friendly, and we have always had a positive experience coming here. A little tip that might get overlooked is definitely buy some of the caramel that is at the check out desk. It is probably the best caramel I have ever had and is definitely a nice dessert to end your meal with! read more

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The food and service is always on point! You won't be disappointed. I ordered the trio and my guy ordered the burrito. Both our plates were empty read more

If you love Mexican food and are in the area, stop here! This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. My family has been coming here for many years for special occasions and just to eat out. The food is always spectacular. The portions are large so come hungry! Their chips and salsa are amazing and the chips always come warm. Their food is high quality and absolutely delicious. My family and I have never dislikes anything on the menu. On our last visit I had the Burrito Carne Asada and it was amazing. It is just the asada wrapped in a tortilla with queso on top. On the side you get the toppings of sour cream, lettuce, and tomatoes with rice and refried beans. WOW! I loved it. My parents always get the Especial del Rodeo Fajitas for 2. I have tried some and it is delicious. I highly recommend both of these dishes, but you can't go wrong with anything on this menu. The workers are so friendly and welcoming. We have even started to get to know some of them over time. It's such a comfortable place and it feels like you're right at home. If you are looking to eat outside they have a very cute outdoor patio. The inside is cozy and clean. read more

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I have been here a couple of times and tried a variety of plates. This place is your basic Minnesota Mexican chain. The chips and salsa are average, the basics (tacos, enchiladas and combos are good) but the plates, especially the carnitas plate are exceptional. You get three hunks of delicious carnitas, fresh tortillas and a plate of extras. It feels a little dated but the staff is cool and locals seem to enjoy El Rodeo. read more

El Rodeo - Carnitas Plate is fantastic - Mexican Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

Server was about to leave the table before taking my order. Not very attentive to our table, and was really hard to ask for more water and our check. We waited around to get his attention. He was just talking to his coworkers the whole time. Really bad service on Sundays! Food is okay though. The photos look better than what you get and the tacos are not authentic Mexican tacos like we thought. We had Taco Bell tacos. read more

Went here for Cinco de Mayo over the past weekend. They had a few specials going on. We only took advantage of the $3.99 plastic cup margaritas. Classic margarita on the rocks. I'm on a no meat diet at the moment and only ordered rice & grilled veggies. Veggies were kinda soggy and tasted more steamed than grilled. They were pretty busy so service was a bit delayed. We were sat at a table right away but it took awhile for anyone to come by to take our drink/food order. Then it took awhile to get the food and drinks. You do get chips and salsa to hold you over. When they finally got around to bringing the food out they knocked a drink off our table. They did end up replacing the drink upon request, which was nice. I've been here before when it was a lot less busy (on a weekday) and I thought everything was okay. Food came out quick & service was good & brief. Food was decent overall. read more

El Rodeo - Cinco de Mayo drink specials - Mexican Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

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Went there tonight. Ceviche was good, not the best, but not the worst. Steak street tacos were very good. Drinks were ok. I would go back. Pricing was average. read more

Seated immediately (6 people) Orders taken quickly and accurately Prepared very nicely, served hot Real good atmosphere read more

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant is the best Mexican fare in Maple Grove hands down. The food, margaritas, and staff tend to always be exceptional. I have never had a bad meal here. My go to recently has been the Taco Salad Fajita add Jalapenos. The menu is huge and everyone can find something they enjoy on this menu. I also love their quesadilla, Fajitas, Tacos, Flauta, taquitos, and so much more! The house margarita's are solid and often available for 2-1 on Happy Hour. Ask for other margaritas as they make really good ones. I am an on the rocks girl but you can grab it blended as well. The staff is outstanding, kind, and super helpful. This is the best customer serviced you will get in the area! My only gripe is the tortilla chips arnt my favorite...but they have some hot hot salsa that makes it better!!! read more

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The food was much better than I expected. It's a super nice place as far as the employees. They seem to care.

Visited for lunch recently. Great, attentive service, amazing complimentary homemade tortilla chips , tasty salsa, lunch special menu options. Fresh, tasty, hot, large portions. Great experience, will definitely return, thank you El Rodeo. read more

We've driven past this place probably 100 times and never through to try it. It's a little tucked away by Golden Corral and it took a little effort to get to it from the main road. The outside was maybe a little underwhelming, we likely wouldn't have stopped on our own but we were invited to go and try it! We walked in and the restaurant looked clean, cute decor and reminded us of the Mexico pavilion at Epcot! My mom was already seated so we made our way over to her to a booth, where she already had chips with salsa and guacamole. The chips were tasty, though we felt both they and the guacamole could've had a bit more salt to them. The menu was pretty large and offered a good variety of items. My mom got the carnitas tacos, my husband got the burrito supreme and I opted for the beef taco salad. We all loved what we got, everything was hot and tasted pretty fresh! I'm always nervous when it comes to lettuce at restaurants, but it looked good, not soggy or discolored areas!! Beef was seasoned and had good flavor, the chip bowl was easy to break apart and was nice and crispy! My mom is in love with their carnitas, she said it's tender, flavorful, and she gets it frequently to go. My husband got the burrito and said it had good flavor, was nice and hot and he would get it again! Service was good, our waitress checked in, refilled our drinks and made sure our food was all fine. I personally prefer less check ins because I want time to eat and enjoy my meal, so I really appreciated this. My husband and I were both pleased with the cost of the food and the portions! We will definitely return, and I'd like to try their carry out as well! read more

it's been a while since I've been there, but the times I have gone there the service was always excellent and very friendly staff. Food was great and reasonable. I will go back sometime. read more

First of all, this is hands down the best Mexican food in the Twin Cities. Everything I've tried here is delicious (and I come here almost every week). The staff is extremely friendly, there are many other regulars I see here, and the atmosphere is overall welcoming. I love this family-owned business and will continue to return every Tuesday for the foreseeable future! read more