The restaurant was very clean. Great music! Unfortunately I didn't care for the 'salsa' but it was free with chips so I didn't complain to the server I just left them there. The water is filtered! This is a HUGE plus for me! They are vegetarian friendly! I ordered a soup, menudo, I waited 37 minutes for my soup..which bothered me because I was the (literal) only customer in the building but the menu did say it may take "up to" 15 minutes so I tried my best to be patient. When it finally came it was flavorless....the amount of dissatisfaction I felt was so overwhelming....it was a hard no for me. It LOOKED perfect but the flavor want there, even adding the 'toppings' I asked the server for a spice addition (even if I had to pay for it) he said no he couldn't do that except give me hot sauce like Texas Pete....so apparently there are no jalapeños or any chilis. The servers didn't have anything to do so they sat at tables, the bar just chatting...I caught eye contact with mine twice and he didn't come over to ask or tell me anything about my order....then after I finally did I needed something for spice but couldn't ask because he was very visually texting with his elbows on the bar...this was the worst part of the customer service though. He seemed polite"ish". There was a shorter young lady who was a GRADE A server she was on her stuff, so polite always moving and cleaning tables next time I'll ask for her. As far as the vibe in general it's very laid back, great for a calm quiet dinner. All in all I'm taking the soup home to improve it because it's not appetizing by any means the way it is currently...salt cant help it but I know I can. I dont recommend for soup lol maybe I'll come back one day and try something easier to prepare. Maybe. Two stars because the music was on point read more

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We're do I even start if I could give this place a 0 I would. Number one no one was in the restaurant and it took us 10 minutes to get seated then it takes another 15 to get drinks put in. One we get our chips the salsa was not good and ones we finished eating the chips it took forever to get more. So at this point we're just over it and we're waiting on our food. I ordered the carne asada which took about 30 minutes to be cooked and when I got it it looked grey but didn't think much of it. I took one bite of it and thought it tasted more like tuna and the ocean was swimming in my mouth. I instantly smelled it and that's when I realized what happened. I was eating spoiled rotten meat that was the scene from a horror movie. I immediately got it taken away and our family which ordered different things thought there food was bad as well. We just decided to get up pay for the remaining food and leave. Horrible horrible experience now struggling with stomach and nausea issues read more

Our go-to Mexican restaurant. We were so happy to find this place when we moved to rock hill. Great quality & portions for a good price. Consistently delivers! read more

Food is true Mexican and service is wonderful. A must for a night out. Street tacos and carnitas for the win. Cold beer to wash down the hot sauce. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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Really REALLY good! 8 of us came on a Tuesday for dinner and everything was great. I had the fish tacos and lime margarita (on the rocks with salt). Both were amazing. The margarita menu contains a few different flavors and you can get them frozen, on the rocks or with salt or sugar. Not the fanciest of restaurants however for someone like me who loves Mexican food this was absolutely perfect. read more

Great food at a reasonable price. The location is very convenient. I usually have good service. It's my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant. read more

Excellent service. Super good and tasty food. Salsa is super good and also the aguacado dip Is Amazing. The arránchela steak, rice, bean and tortilla keeps me going back again and again. The Margaritas are out of this world read more

Excellent chicken soup. Ordered online and was ready when I arrived at the time specified. I will be back!

Food was amazing. Our server Eric was kind and knowledgeable. Great service. Ambiance authentic and warm lighting.

Very good service, food was delicious (I got tacos), salsa and guac was very good. Asked for the house hot sauce and they have two both were phenomenal. Delicious margarita on the rocks. Didn't use the restroom so can't comment on that. read more

As an avid Michelada drinker, who loves fresh Spanish food, this is by far the best Mexican restaurant I think I've ever been to. This chicken just fell off the bone and into my plate. This Michelada is amazing. The service was fast atmosphere is clean pretty and the staff is so friendly read more

El Tapatio - a pitcher of iced tea and a basket of chips - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

It is the first time I come to this place, and wow delicious everything, the best michelada I have ever drunk, I'm sure I'll be back, the waitress's attention was incredible, she was very friendly, this place was delicious all over. read more

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I have been to Mexican restaurants ad nauseam for years. Tonight we decided to go to El Tapatio in a whim. We went late so it was not crowded. The Saturday special was the Pork Carnitas. It was the best meal I had in a long time. I go out more than I want to and it is very hard to impress me. The meat was succulent yet had parts that had the taste and feel that it was off the grill. read more

El Tapatio - Pork Candido - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

every time I go out of town i try every Mexican restaurant I can! this is literally the best Mexican I've had in rock hill so far!!!! I ordered the Chile relleno, chicken quesadilla, chicken tacos, cheese dip and rice, just for myself) to-go and it all was ready super fast and the quality and taste was perfect! will definitely go visit this place again!!!! i would have took pictures but I ate it too fast lol read more

It's been since 2021 since I've eaten here, I would grab something every week. Today I ordered shrimp fajitas, my go to, and it was horrible looked and smelled like they threw some old food on the grill for a few minutes and sent it out. A waste of money I will not be returning. read more

It's our favorite Mexican food restaurant in Rock Hill. Good service and the food is always fresh and delicious!!!! They have amazing fajitas, chori pollo, and burritos! read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

I am pretty critical when it comes to Mexican food, as I was born and raised out in Arizona, and now living in the Carolinas, I'm always on the hunt for a good Mexican spot! This place is pretty decent. The salsas (we asked for spicy in addition to what they serve upon arrival) were pretty tasty. My husband ordered fajitas and was very happy with his order (although the rice was completely dried out, as if it had been sitting for quite some time, which was odd, as we didn't come in at an "off" time). I ordered chimichanga, and it was only ok.. It might be a random thing to complain about, but there was nothing other than (non seasoned) chicken inside - I honestly was expecting quite a bit more as far as flavor. Decent spot, but we will continue going to our favorite! read more

Try the Sopes with steak and make sure to ask for the house spicier salsas...makes a huge difference. Great drink specials too. read more

The food here is fresh and well prepared. Their pico de gallo is amazing. Obviously made on site from fresh ingredients. Don't let the small shopping center atmosphere throw you off. The staff is friendly and the food creates a happy feeling at the table. I do have to say, I've had better margaritas. read more

El Tapatio - Carnitas - yum - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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This is a small Mexican restaurant in a small, inconspicuous strip mall. They have a mariachi band that night we were there, Friday. My husband is a very picky eater and he was very pleased with the food, so I know we will be back. We had the fajita nachos and the three enchilada special of the night. We both had margaritas. Those margaritas were a bit pricey but they definitely had a good amount of alcohol in them. The bar is huge and attractive. The restaurant could use some decorating, as it just feels kind of bland. But we go for the food, not the decor, And the food was great! We were definitely happy about the mariachi band, as it gave the restaurant and upbeat lively feel. read more

El Tapatio - Chicken nachos. Guacamole added later. - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

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The food was okay nothing special I ordered on door dash and the food was cold when I got it ! But even after I reheated it it was still just ok. read more

Our meal here is incredible! I had the Pollo adobe and it was super fresh and waaaay more flavorful than most local Mexican places we've tried in the Rock Hill/Fort Mill areas. The house hot sauces, both green and red, were so good that we bought extra to use at home! Our waiter was so kind and attentive and made excellent recommendations. We've FINALLY found "our Mexican place" in Rock Hill! read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

Probably my favorite Mexican place in town. Diverse menus. Vegetarian options. Excellent salsa. Fast service. Great food. I can't say enough positive things about this place. I've been going here with my family almost weekly for two years and it never gets old. Good stuff. Check it out. read more

Very good meal. Worth the money. The food was so flavorful. Would go again! The salsa and chips. Yummm

Their traditional tacos are delicious! Service is quick and the staff is always pleasant.

Great food fast and friendly service. I go about once a week. My order is usually ready within 10 min.

Brand new to the Rock Hill area is an authentic Mexican restaurant named El Tapatio. I am hoping to up this review after a couple more visits, but right now, it's on par with most other authentic Mexican restaurants. What I really liked about El Tapatio was the sign on the door letting me know that the lunch special is $3.99 and the dinner special is $5.99. Does it really get any cheaper than that? My wife and I got different lunches, but the total came to a little over $11. A $3 tip and we were in and out for less than $15. I should be giving this restaurant 5 stars for price alone. The inside is exactly what a traditional Mexican restaurant looks like. I'm hoping the business does well enough to eventually get rid of the tables and get something more permanent. The walls are traditionally decorated and the only TV in the place is by the bar. Most likely for the bartender to avoid boredom during the day (been there, done that). The server was very friendly and helpful. There was a bit of a language barrier...and if you've read my reviews before...I think that's a good thing. Before we get to the food, I'd like to say that this is a real Mexican restaurant...and I'm still not sure if Rock Hill is ready for something that isn't Americanized or covered in bells and whistles. Let's talk food. The traditional basket of chips and salsa: Nothing special here. Just like anywhere else...except, not one of the chips was stale. The salsa was what you'd expect. Beef burrito with rice and beans: Good taste of seasons except an abundance of salt...but I like salty. The beans and rice were cooked just right and tasted nice. The "Easy Way Out"...Chimichanga: Fried without all that folding weirdness. The meat was seasoned perfectly and the chicken and peppers were done just right. I little queso on the top...very nice! The sides were beans and a small lettuce, guacamole, queso salad to use how you like. I would really have loved to have some fresh guacamole with this dish. I know most restaurants don't do fresh, but I think it makes all the difference. Maybe it's just the fact that it's cold from coming out of the refrigerator. Did I mention how nice our server was? She only topped it off by bringing us some free sopapillas for desert. Take my advice on this one...whether you get a free sample like we did or not, get yourself some for desert. It's just enough to satisfy a sweet-tooth, and for such a simple desert...they are great! I hope everybody gives El Tapatio a try. I think this could turn into a great place get together with friends. Good luck El Tapatio! read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

This is the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. We go here once a week, If not twice. The food tastes like real food, not the slop you get at other places in town. We love the pollo fundido and margarita lunch specials. read more

This is one of my fave places to go for Mexican but my last few visits haven't been so great. The chips tasted a little old, the cheese on my nachos and the cheese in my enchilada was not melted. My husband found a chicken bone in his enchilada. This took place on Friday July 27. The service is what saved this review from being 2 stars. I hope the next time the food is better. read more

I'm so happy right now! What a delicious meal I just had. We will be back and probably be hard to stay away! I ordered a chimichanga with beef which was awesome and authentic no ground beef crap. My husband ordered the chori pollo which was also delicious and authentic. You can tell everything is homemade. The beans were awesome. Yay!!! They also do a punch card where you eat 10 meals get one free. We will be asking for one. YAY! read more

This place is the perfect lunch spot. The food leans toward quality authentic Mexican, rather than more typical Tex-Mex. Prices are good and the staff is friendly and fast. Try the chori pollo, it is amazing! read more

Tried and true.... we really enjoy the food here and think it is a great value. Always have a table right away and very generous with the chips and salsa! read more

Went Friday after work not long after 5p. Place was practically empty. Promptly seated and brought chips and salsa. Salsa was good. Ordered cheese dip and was brought out one that was completely cold...not even remotely warm so sent it back and received one slightly warm...cool enough was forming a film on top. Food was okay but nothing great. Rice was probably the tasiest thing. Other items were just bland by Mexican standards. Chicken kind of dry. I am wondering if we got served stuff left from the lunch service earlier that day. Not a terrible experience, but having other options in RH, we won't be back. read more

Great service, seriously the best top shelf margarita I've had in a long time. Food is tasty, authentic and reasonably priced. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Rock Hill, South Carolina

This is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to! It is clean and the food is wonderful. I got a beef burrito with rice and beans that was a lunch special. Very reasonably priced and came out so quickly. The chips and salsa have a little bite to them, but I'm a wimp with spicy food. I rarely finish my food, and always take home half my meal. This was so good I couldn't stop. We even got dessert. You HAVE to try the flour wrapped and fried banana!! It comes with a scoop of ice cream too. My husband is Puerto Rican, so I've had my fair share of rice and beans. This is the place to go! read more

The chip's and sauce were the only good part of the meal. The beef in the both my wife's and my dishes were way too salty. This ruined the meal for both of us. Atmosphere and waiter was nice and prices were fair read more

Loved this place! Best Mexican food I've had since I lived in San Diego! The server, Emma was very helpful and professional! So glad we took her advice on the Polo con crema! Everything was so fresh and tasty! read more

I gave this new restaurant 3 chances to prove itself. 1st visit about 1 week after it opened I visited with my 3 children. The remodel from the previous Pizza restaurant was very nice. It looked very Mexican. The problems with the restaurant I believe stem from the staff's lack of being able to speak English. The 1st visit they understood pretty much as we just ordered what was on the menu. My children just had burritos which they said were good. I on the other hand had a Taco Salad with Chicken. The chicken was EXTREMELY runny. It was more like a taco soup in a shell. 2nd visit was just me and I ordered at the bar and took it home. I did speak to who I believe is the manager and explained that the previous time I visited my Chicken Taco Salad was runny and asked him to have them drain the chicken better before putting it in the shell. ( I used to manage a restaurant and know the procedure) This Taco Salad was much better but the shell was stale and the beans were runny this time. 3rd visit... They have been open for several months now. My son and I ate in and were sat right in front of the pick up window. Not a great place to sit but oh well. The same man, I believe his name is Polo, took our order. I again asked to have the chicken drained. He turned and gave the order directly to the cook through the pick up window by mouth and did not mention draining the chicken. This time was the worse! The refried beans were extremely runny. My son did have fun scooping up the beans and letting it pour off the spoon. (KIDS!) My Taco Salad was Taco Soup again and was so bad that the bottom of the shell was so soggy it fell apart, I could literally stir it like soup. NOT and exaggeration. Needless to say 3 strikes they are out for me. I will NOT return which is too bad because we were excited to have them here. My sister and her family do currently live in Mexico. They would be very disappointed. read more

Used to LOVE this restaurant. Went there many times. Then came the last time. I sat down and within a few minutes the server got my drink order. He brought me my drink and I placed my food order. While waiting on the food, I looked to my right, and crawling up the wall by my table was a cockroach. I brought it to the attention of the server, he removed it after I showed it to him (it had crawled down below the table top at that point), paid for my drink, and left. He said he had never seen one there before. Somehow, I don't believe that. Haven't been back since. read more

Wow. From he outside it may not look like much, but the food is amazing! Salsa was delicious and so full of flavor. The beef was not greasy like other restaurants and the refried beans were so fresh you could taste the difference! I have found my new favorite Mexican restaurant! read more