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    El Tapatio

    3.9 (79 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
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    two plates of food on a table

    This has to be the worst food I have ever tried. I love Mexican food but this was beyond disgusting. Food had no flavor and tasted old. The waitress had no desire to serve customers; we felt uncomfortable asking her question regarding the menu. I do not know how these people get such good rating. Avoid this place at all cost. Waste of money, waste of time. Just look at the picture below.

    Enchiladas verdes
    Rob R.

    The last time I was in El Tapatio, there was a group of Mexican patrons getting drunk and fighting with each other. They weren't very rowdy, but they would sit and drink for a few minutes and then two of them would stand up start shoving each other. The restaurant manager would break it up, and they would sit down for another few minutes which eventually would lead to another fight. This went on for about 20 minutes before the manager decided to throw them out. I mention this because my Mexican friend I was dining with informed me that this is the sign of a REAL Mexican restaurant. I've been here a few times previous and there was no fighting, so I'd say it's pretty safe most of the time. The restaurant is well-lit and clean, but it seems like it may have been a Chinese takeout in the past. Despite the large counter in front of the open kitchen, there is table service here. The menu is primarily in Spanish, but most descriptions are in english as well. I did have one occasion where our waitress did not speak any english, but we were able to get by just fine. Again, this is the sign of a real mexican restaurant. While I enjoy places like El Bandido and Hacienda, I recognize that they run very much like a Taco Bell. You have a limited number of fillings, different types of tortilla, a couple different sauces, then everything is smothered in cheese and put under the broiler. Here at El Tapatio, everything has a very fresh, homemade taste. Even the old staples like enchiladas verdes taste much more fresh and vibrant here. El Tapatio gives you a nice helping of complimentary chips and salsa which seems to be bottomless. The salsa, however, is slightly different than the standard bright-red type you would get at El Bandido. El Tapatio's is a bit darker and chunkier, but it's certainly delicious. They also offer a variety of Mexican sodas like Jarritos. I recommend trying the Sidral Mundet apple soda which is not very common around here.

    Deluxe nachos- guacamole, jalepenos, cheese, sour cream, pulled beef- absolutely must get!
    Megan D.

    This place is da.bomb. Adorable waitress dealt with my obnoxious table of hungry women. We strongly recommend the deluxe nachos (refried beans, cheese, beef, guacamole, sour cream). I ordered the chicken quesadillas, and although it was good, it wasn't mind blowing. The refried beans was the star of that plate which is completely fine with me. The tacos were not only cheap but friggen delicious! We ordered the tres leches- it was good but once again not amazing- it was a little on the dry side (for a tres leches cake) The restaurant appears super clean- remember if the bathroom is dirty can you imagine the kitchen? On that note the bathroom was immaculate!

    Why is there a carrot in my salsa?
    Sabrina R.

    I was expecting better food based on the reviews. I stopped here based on the recommendations on Yelp. The food was bland. The rice and beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine, was just straight from a can. The burrito was ok. No flavor but a basic steak wrapped in a burrito. All in all, I'm gonna stick to Tulcingo in Monroe because the atmosphere and flavor in its food is more inviting. My husband got the chicken quesadilla thinking they can't mess that up, but of course the chicken had an acquired taste to it. Lots of sauce to cover up the pulled chicken taste. All in all, if your starving go. If not, there are plenty of other authentic Mexican spots to try.

    Burrito grande with chicken...huge!!!
    Yani E.

    Food is good, portions are huge. Not crazy about their rice , but their beans are really good. If you order the burrito grande, you will definitely have leftovers.

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    16 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Comida Mexicana real con buen Gusto!

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    11 years ago

    This place is delicious! I had chicken tacos with cheese. Quality tastey food at a great value.

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    16 years ago

    Very good chimacangas and beef tacos. Loved the rice and beans

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    The food was ehh. Soggy bland cold and better off waiting the 45 minutes for taco factory

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    9 years ago

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    16 years ago

    On our way back to NYC we called, and they kept the restaurant open for an extra half hour for us. Good food and friendly staff/owners.

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    16 years ago

    awesome. the precursor to el bandido. but more affordable. salsa is fresh and not from a huge batch sitting in a bin.... need i say more?

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Delicious, authentic food in a casual. friendly, welcoming environment. We will be back again!

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great place! Shrimp cerviche fresh and full of flavor. Also enjoyed the pork burrito. Huge!

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    Page 2 of 2

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    4.5(29 reviews)
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    I always have great experiences here. Showed up at 11:30 with a party of 10 and no reservation…read more They were quick and happy to accommodate us. This was our first time here for brunch. Some of us got coffees which took a bit but they were delicious. Definitely worth the wait. They have a good kids menu too. We got the frychos with chorizo as an appetizer which I've always loved but everyone at the table enjoyed them. Although I have my regular favorites I decided to try something off the brunch menu and I'm glad I did. I got the chilaquiles with green sauce and carne asada. It was very good. My only complaint was the steak wasn't cut up but that could be a personal preference. It tasted great. My husband got the breakfast torta with chorizo and really liked it. My mother in law got the breakfast omelet and she's very picky but loved it. The service was great the entire time. She even took a group photo for us at the end.

    Food Prices were fair for the times we are living in Mexican…read morestreet corn( in New York we say Elotes) Burned . Not grilled burned like it was held over the open flame on a gas stove. That's what it smelled like as well Quesabirria tacos were good however they do not dip the tortillas before grilling and they use one tortilla per taco . Consommé served warm ( not acceptable it must be hot) Shrimp taco had very overcooked shrimp. Seasoning barely noticeable ( one tortilla so it fell apart when I picked it up) Original spicy torta: this restaurant does not have or use refried beans for tortas . They didn't give me a meat option they said oh we made a birria torta we thought it's what you wanted. They offered to swap it but if you are familiar with chefs and cooks you just no thank you and take it. According to the staff they are a California style restaurant? I've seen California tortas and they are the same as New York. The protein options did not include Milanesa style chicken or steak Very nice very clean restaurant. The young lady who took the order comped us a lime Aqua Fresca and a sample of churros in hopes we will return. I made no complaints as the order was to go. Birria flavor was good although lacking in thst clove cinnamon aroma.

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    Entry to restaurant

    House of Birria - Another view of the Mexican Street Corn( Elotes)

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    Frontera Tacos & Tequila - Huevos Rancheros

    Frontera Tacos & Tequila

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    My wife and I went to Frontera for dinner tonight, and as always, it did not disappoint. This place…read morehas become one of our go-to spots, and they continue to deliver a great experience every time. We were seated right away when we arrived, which was a great start. Our waitress, Angela, was awesome--friendly, attentive, and on top of everything without being overbearing. We were quickly brought chips and salsa, and our drink order was taken. My wife ordered a margarita, and I went with a mango iced tea, which was really refreshing. We decided to skip appetizers this time and went straight to our entrées. My wife ordered the chicken Milanesa sandwich, which she absolutely loves--it's a staple for her whenever we come here. I ordered the combination platter with enchiladas suizas, a gringo taco, and a chicken quesadilla. Everything came out hot and tasted great, just like it always does. I also asked about one of the tequilas and ended up ordering a shot, which was a nice touch to the meal. Between the food, drinks, atmosphere, and excellent service, the whole experience was fantastic. Frontera continues to be a reliable favorite for us, and we'll definitely be back again--as usual.

    Lots of vegetarian options. Many vegetable and fish options you VERY rarely see at Mexican…read morerestaurants. Very nice place. Hot sauce bar is the BOM. Food and drinks were great and the place has a very fun ambiance. HIGHLY recommended.

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    San Cristobal

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    I was not expecting this place to be packed on a Sunday night, but there was live music, so maybe…read morethat's why it was crowded? We waited over 30 minutes after we ordered our food (enchiladas, not complicated). Our drinks weren't refilled and the food was good, but not great. I'm from Texas, so maybe my expectations are too high for New York State. If this is heralded as the best authentic Mexican in Middletown, then I'm definitely skipping any Mexican food the next time I'm in town.

    Seeking a warm meal with good friends after a long weekend, we found this highly rated restaurant…read moreon Yelp. Everything about this restaurant is fantastic. On the outside, it has that small town, dark northern tavern vibe. On the inside, it's lively and brightly decorated with gorgeous carved & painted furnishings, many featuring the saint for whom the restaurant is named. The crowd told us we'd made the right choice--this is a popular place with locals for good reason. The horchata is delicious. All the foods we ordered were amazing and generously portioned. I ordered the longaniza con papa taco, a friend ordered the chilaquiles, and my partner got a combo plate with a taco, enchilada, and chile relleno. We were very pleased with all of our selections--and I heartily recommend the longaniza. Our server was, given how busy the restaurant was, prompt and very kind. I really appreciate how friendly this restaurant is.

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    San Cristobal - Delicious, fresh and authentic food. Friendly staff and quick service. We feel we've found a gem.

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    Alondra's Cuisine - Salsa & Chips

    Alondra's Cuisine

    4.5(26 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Every plate is served with a side of pride... MEXICAN PRIDE…read more Food is well seasoned, prepared and plated. The food is also well portioned from salsa and chips to dessert. Don't forget to visit the dessert and cafe station located at the entrance or the well stocked bar at the rear of the restaurant. Front staff functions like a well oiled machine... front staff is welcoming, friendly, accommodating and menu knowledgeable. They also are very attentive to the tables and simultaneously maintain the appearance of the restaurant and their work stations. The entire establishment expresses their MEXICAN PRIDE. The decor and vibe of this restaurant is extremely inviting and makes you want to stay and enjoy with your friends, family or that special person. There is an abundance of seating and there is also an area to accommodate medium/large groups for special occasions or company events. No outdoor seating is available. Street parking is your only option. Middletown is lucky to have this little gem of a place. Yummy Tummy!

    Stopped in this place one day after work to meet up with some friends and I'm so glad I did. This…read morewas the first time at this establishment and I have to say the food was absolutely delicious. The service was great as well. Parking could be a pain in the butt, but I managed to find a parking area around the corner if you're in this area, definitely stop by, because you won't regret it.

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    Alondra's Cuisine - Well prepared and plated Enchiladas de pollo (chicken enchiladas with mole sauce) con mole served with rice & beans.

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    Alondra's Cuisine - Decor of proud Mexican heritage and culture.

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    El Tapatio - mexican - Updated May 2026

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