Mexican food (more specifically, GOOD Mexican food) is the quickest way to my heart, so when I moved to Richmond, I was on the hunt for some delicious Hispanic cuisine. When a coworker brought me to El Ro, I knew my search was over. Is this the best Mexican joint I've ever been to? Not really. However, is it tasty, consistent, and friendly? Absolutely! The salsa is heavy on cilantro, which makes my taste buds dance happily. The margaritas pack a nice punch and are relatively reasonable, price-wise. I've tried many of the assorted entrees and have been pleased each and every time (fyi, the menu is very broad with lots of different options). However, the food means very little if the service is lacking. While you may encounter the occasional grumpy server, I've found that this is definitely the exception, not the rule. Most servers are friendly and attentive, keeping a close eye on your drinks and chips without hovering. In my humble opinion, El Ro is certainly worth your time! read more

Basic Mexican, a step above Taco Bell, but not by much. Having spent many years in Southern California and enjoying amazing Mexican fare, this pales in comparison. There are two smaller local establishments in Richmond that serve authentic Mexican dishes with flavors, freshness, and quality worthy of five stars. When given the option to choose where to have burritos, carnitas tacos, chips and fresh guacamole- this isn't the restaurant I'm going to knowing there are far better places to have a great meal! read more

My cousin's wife sent me a text message to meet them at "El Ro" and I drove around the west side of town for hours and finally, ended up at El Rodeo, guessing that was where she meant. (Well, almost...I really didn't know.) Phew! I've been to all three locations in town but this one seems just right. Of course, if they would change locations to accommodate more customers, they might have similar trouble that the east side location is having. They had a decal on the exterior window saying "Yelp users love us! Read the reviews!" which was amusing and so true. Three of us went today but one was running late. They seated us and someone brought two sets of utensils, instead of three sets. Oops. They got the drink order just right, though, and apparently listened carefully. For some strange reason, people think I want a diet drink and this time I ordered (and got!) sweet iced tea. We got the food within a reasonable amount of time, but I've seen other times when this didn't happen at either location. That they were on top of things at just past noon is incredible. If they'd brought an extra set of utensils, we'd have been set. I wish they could apply their techniques to the Chinese and Italian restaurants in town. I'd ordered an enchilada, rice, and beans but I was surprised when they didn't ask if I wanted beef, chicken, or cheese. Maybe, I look like a beef person? Mooooo! I also noticed that they haven't returned to the shredded beef they were using a couple of years ago. Obviously, to maintain pricing, they've made a compromise. You'd think that they'd default to cheese, but considering the price of cheese is probably double the price of ground beef, I suppose I can understand why. Except for the lack of utensils, it all went quite well. I can overlook that in light of everything else because service is generally flawless at this location. read more

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant - The front of the restaurant from National Road West. - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Indiana

Love the food here and the staff ate awesome! Great portions especially for the price!

Ordered carry-out last night. Tons of food at a fair price. Prepared just as we requested. Included chips and salsa which we didn't even ask for which was nice. I don't think you will be disappointed if you stop in. Always very good service, dining in or taking out. read more

Who would've thought I would find a decent Mexican place in a small town in Indiana? Surprisingly, I did. Right before my bf and I got watch District 9 at the Dollar Theater (which, btw, great movie!), we decide to grab a bite to eat and he tells me to look on Yelp. I'm thinking to myself, "I don't think people here Yelp" but after reading reviews of the top rated places (even if it's just by 5 people), we decide to give it a shot. We get in, get seated, service is nice. I just sit down and voila, complementary warm CHIPS and SALSA at my convenience. I like this place already. I took a bite. YUM. It packs more taste than regular chips, and the salsa is perfect for my liking. Since I'm not an avid Mexican food eater (I like Chipotle for Christ's sake!), I am stuck on what to order. My bf gets something someone on yelp recommended, and I am stuck to fend for myself. I asked 2 people working there what they would recommended, and the response? "Burritos? Tacos? Beef?" Uh...nevermind. I'll just eeny-meeny-miny-mo my way through this. CHILI COLORADO It's a steak that's sliced into pieces and served in hot sauce along with Mexican Rice, refried beans, and tortillas. It is superb. The meat was so delicious, and the sauce gave it an extra kick without being too spicy. The salad that came with this dish though, could be better. It was literally lettuce that you put with tacos and a slab of guacamole. And a giant slice of tomato. 2 BEEF BURRITOS Also served with Mexican rice and refried beans. Somehow, this rice is one of the best tasting rices i've ever had in my life. And I've had persian rice, red rice (Guam food), sushi rice, jasmine rice, and brown rice. But this rice....it was just so savory! The ground beef was also good and the bite of the beef, beans, and rice in one mouthful -- delish. We didn't finish the meal. I'm assuming since refried beans is mashed beans fried with lard (pig fat), we got full quickly off that. Either way, it was a delightful surprise that evening to enjoy Mexican food in Indiana. read more

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Great food, my son and daughter-in-law would call Midwest Mexican! It was cute, clean and great fast service as well.

The most basic, bland mexican restaurant you could imagine. A lot of the locals who never make it out of Wayne County go crazy for it but it's as basic as it gets. The food and atmosphere aren't bad but if you've been to authentic mexican restaurants you'll be let down here. read more

Food is always pretty good! Sometimes they are hit and miss but for the main part all good! There receipts I have a problem with every-time! They never seem to be right, but I will keep going back! read more

I've eaten here a few times, and it definitely has days that are better than the next. Overall, their chicken quesadilla is really good. The tortiall is crispy on the outside, and the chicken is tender on the inside. The rice and beans vary in taste. Some days are better than others as well as their salsa. This place is a pretty typical midwest mexican restaurant. It's not bad for Richmond, Indiana. read more

I love El Rodeo. We tend to go there once a week or so. Granted, the service is hit or miss; never mean or impolite. But sometimes, just not overly friendly. That's not a bad thing. The food? Great! I'm a fan of the chicken nachos, but due to diet restraints I'm a bigger fan of the fajitas. Because I love my fajitas with a little pineapple on top, they always accommodate me, no extra charge, no extra hassle. And their guacamole is the bees knees! I could LIVE on that stuff! We've recently discovered the Chipotle Fajita. Pepper-hating-meat-lovers, rejoice!! This thing is nothing but meat; chicken, pork and steak tips. It is topped with a slice of pineapple and their hot Chipotle sauce. Otherwise, this is no typical fajita; all meat, all the time! So yes, I'm a fan of El Rodeo! Best Mexican food in town, awesome guacamole, and certainly the best sweet tea around! read more

My family eats here about once a month. I have always been happy with the quality of food. They manage to keep the dinning room in good clean condition, and currently are replacing the carpet (that looks like new compaired to Great Wall) with new carpet or tile? I think in the 5+ years that I have eatten here the only complains that I have is that I ordered the fried ice cream a few years ago, and it sucked.. but besideds that one dish everything has always been tasty. The waiters sometimes seem to be lost, and don't have a clue as to what is going on, nor understand english.. but I can over look that for good food for a fair price. A lot of the food is runny, so if you are expecting a burrito that you can pickup and eat, you might want to stop at Taco Bell, or Chipottle. read more

We like it. We've lived in western states where the food is "more authentic" but it's good for the area.

It's possible that I hit El Ro (as the locals call it) on a bad day, because the first two times I've been here have been more or less fine. But my last visit was just... not good. First, the service was sub-par and dismissive... I am seven months pregnant, visibly so, and the host guy sat us in the booth directly outside the smoky bar. Our server, a woman, was not at all friendly and seemed totally annoyed at our presence. I never did get a refill on water. The food was barely edible. The salsa was watery - it got the chips soggy before I could even take a bite. I ordered the lunch combo with a taco and a chile relleno. The only thing passable was the guacamole salad. The ground beef on the taco was way too salty and the relleno was drowned in cheese. I think I got maybe two bites of pepper out of the whole thing. They also have the practice here of including sausage in their chile rellenos, which is not bad, but kind of odd. Maybe I'm just spoiled on "real" Mexican (like the kind served at La Parada in Indianapolis) or decent chain Mexican (El Caballo Blanco in Connersville), but I was thoroughly unimpressed with my lunch and will be hesitant to go back. read more

My wife is from Richmond, so, the first time I went home with her she drug me to El Rodeo. This is one of the most authentic Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. Seriously...to the point that pretty much everyone that works there speaks Spanish...Yeah..seriously...I couldn't order. I had to have my wife, who lived in Belize for a year, order my taco salad! But, the food is TO DIE FORE! I've talked before about how I'm very boring with my Mexican food...but, boring or not...good is good! Go to Richmond, Go to El Rodeo, EAT YO SOY TACO! read more

Save your money and go some place else or maybe try the El Rodeo on the other side of town. My family and I stopped in for lunch and found ourselves very disappointed. My mother and sister ordered meals that contained meat and what they got was plain hamburger meat. No seasoning, nothing just cooked hamburger. You would think taco seasoning or something would of been used. We also had refried beans which I have had better out of a can from the store. The quacaamole was also tasteless, not fresh at all. Seemed like it was premade something from store container. I don't recommend this restaurant at all. read more

Surprisingly good Mexican in a place you absolutely wouldn't expect. The Midwest and especially Richmond isn't known for its cuisine but this place was always a favorite among the crowd I used to ride with while at Earlham - and with good reason. Tasty. Tasty. read more

I love Mexican food, and I have yet to find chips and salsa that can beat El Ro's! My favorite entree is the burrito poblano with chicken, which I tend to split with a friend since it is pretty big. If you like a strong margarita, El Ro is your place! The service isn't always the greatest, but the food and margaritas make it worth it! read more

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Quick lunch in a road trip. We rely on Mexican restaurants when traveling in the Midwest and South, away from major metropolises. They're reliable and usually have a liquor license. El Rodeo did not disappoint. Good food, courteous, prompt service, and--important for us because we're traveling with a dog and it was a hot day--a window seat so we could watch the car--parked in the shade under a tree (the only tree, but we snagged it). Bathrooms are clean. Clientele at lunch includes families with well behaved children. We had a very nice time. read more

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food and a drink - Mexican Near Me - Richmond, Indiana

El rodeo is one of my favorite places to eat. When I have money I go at least once a week. The waiters have always been friendly, most of the menu is delicious and it is very wallet friendly. Things to try: all of the enchiladas, the chicken and beans tostaguac (on the a la carte part of the menu, huge, and only 3.50 each), the fajitas (big enough for two to share), the margaritas. Things to avoid: the generic enchiladas and burritos on the combos menu read more

Now that I think of it, I can't believe I've forgotten to review El Rodeo all this time, considering that I've reviewed most other places I've been to in my trips to Richmond! (and thanks to Brandon S. for reviewing this before me, so that I wouldn't forget about El Rodeo, + since it's one of my usual stops in Richmond) Anyway, this rivals some of the best Mexican restaurants I've been to in Chicago, and it's up there with Lalo's and Campeche among my fav. Mexican restaurants I've ever been to, anywhere in the country. It reminds me a lot of Campeche, since they have a decent amount of combo plates you can choose from, plus that the entrees and other menu items aren't too expensive. Margaritas aren't bad here, either, and have a nice strong kick to them that I enjoyed, though not everyone may agree, as their menu warns that they may be too strong for some people. :) I really wish I could find the website for this restaurant, since I did an online search, and couldn't find it, like I did once before. Finally, despite that they aren't exactly free(and cost 25 cents), they have Chicklets-like mints you can purchase near the front of the restaurant, which I especially like. Only thing I wish is that the Chicklets-ish mints were free, and didn't cost a quarter, but at least I believe the money goes to a charity, so I can't complain too much about that. read more

I was eating their guacamole and all of a sudden my lips started to feel numb and tingling (I eat guacamole all the time) so it was really weird. The next day I broke out bad, hives on my forehead and by my mouth. After a week it stopped and now it's spreading to my eyes.. coming to Indiana was supposed to be a fun vacation but it's just been a nightmare... read more

Disappointed... I just moved to Richmond from California and I had high expectations being that I am Hispanic... the food was great don't get me wrong but the service literally had me with a knot in my stomach ! It was Mother's Day to be exact ... everyone in the restaurant received a little Mother's Day gift as for my mom and I sat there with a shock in our faces (we didn't receive a thing but the check) ... Our waitress had the worst attitude... when we asked if they had a specific dish she responded with "what you see in our menu is what we have" ... Point is I won't be going back ... I've worked in the food industry for 5 years and let me tell you a smile goes a long way ... and making people feel equally the same goes even further . read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch while passing through down. The food was great and came out very quickly so ideal for a quick stop. I had the lunch fajitas. Portion was just right for lunch and the flavor on the steak was very good! The manager (perhaps owner) was very attentive coming by to ensure we had enough chips and also helped chime in suggesting a dish that my mom was describing but didn't know exactly what menu item would fit the description. It's located in a (rather run down) strip mall, but don't let that deter you. The inside has plenty of room and is maintained well. read more

Sorry, but El Rodeo is not a great Mexican restaurant. Food is blah. Service is slow. We have better in California.

Delicious food and always good service. Table salsa is above average and their daily specials make it easy to try everything on the menu at a reasonable price. read more

I miss this place more than ANYTHING!!!! The best mexican food I've ever eaten in my entire life and that's saying something because I live in Texas now. The waiters are incredibly friendly and they remember you after you've been there only a couple of times, the food is ABSOLUTELY amazing (I would recommend a chicken quesadilla, chile relleno, pretty much EVERYTHING!) Even the American Fare is delicious... Good food, better price... please go to El Rodeo.... do it for me... because I would if I could!! read more

El Rodeo is probably the restaurant we've been to the most in the last 5 years. It's solid, dependable, affordable, quick service, leftovers are great, and the food is consistently good. Our favorites include Chicken Chimichangas, Fajitas, Beef Tacos, Fried Chicken Burrito (white sauce only, trust me), Steak and Cheese Burrito, and Shrimp Quesadilla. read more

Always love the food but lately the service has been a little slow even when they aren't busy. Not sure why. The chips and queso might be my favorite. read more

So I'm from out of the area. Southern California to be exact. I come through Richmond probably once a year and I've been to El Rodeo quite a few times. The people are friendly, the place is always busy, and up until today the food has always been pretty good. I don't know what's happen since the last time I was here, but the quality of food I received today was not the quality of food I have come to expect from this place. I ordered an Enchilada, Chile Relleno & Taco plate. Not only was I disappointed, but I really feel ripped off. The people who run this joint are Mexicans, but I promise you, they are noIt serving Mexican food. Mira, soy Mexicano. Sé lo que es la auténtica comida Mexicana. Translation: I'm Mexican and I know what authentic Mexican food is. Tonight's meal was horrible. It's almost like they put Taco Bell food on a plate, smothered it with a bunch of cheese and tried to serve it as authentic Mexican. People in Richmond might not know the difference, pero yo sabe la diferencia. Sorry to be so critical, but it was really bad. I gave it 2 stars because the people are nice and the service is good. If I were solely ranking the food I would suggest you go get pizza. read more

Very pleased with the quality here! Recommended: Quesadilla Grande (chicken chunks with chorizo sausage). Perfect! Also good- Enchiladas Rabcheros. Homemade guacamole! read more

Typical Mexican and not great not bad..Seems to be a favorite of the locals.

Very good food, friendly staff Prompt service and reasonable prices We're long time customers that will always be back

Tasty, affordable and usually quick. One of the best things Richmond has going for it.

Only locals enjoy this place... it isn't all that great... I eat REAL mexican food, so this place is just not that great to me... I will still suggest for you to give it a try.. Good Luck and ENJOY!!!!!!!!! read more

I love this resturant and always get great service and food. I usually am full on the great chips and salsa by the time my food arrives.

I ordered Beef Fajitas for lunch today 2:30pmThursday 5/1/2014. The Beef was half cooked and still rubbery and the vegetables were flat raw not cooked at all. Very little Fajita flavor. I ate the meal. Was it good? No! Still tasting raw green pepper hours later. Called to speak with manager at 6:30pm same day. I was told no manager was there. Was ask to leave a message. So I ask ... When a manager would be available. I was told not until Saturday ! ! ! You guessed it. Needless to say...... I will not be going to eat at this Restaurant again. read more

Great food and awesome service.Today their normally great salsa was very weak today but still the best Mexican food around

The food is amazing and the atmosphere is great. Usually the wait staff are good as well but not always.

el Rodeo is my favorite mexican restaurant. It's authentic and their cheese sauce is AMAZING! Most of the time their service is very quick and they rarely mess up your orders. This is amazing when mostly spanish speaking employees work there and are taking orders from english speaking patrons. read more