El Tapatio

Lunch was calling and Casa Tequila was answering the call…read more Food - good, very good. Service - a little slow, but it was busy. Busy is good - it could mean they are a popular spot. Ambiance - not lacking anything and setting the mood to "happy to be here" Cleanliness - nothing out of sorts caught my eye. Bookmarking in my GPS for my next visit to Rock Hill.

Let's start with the dust dry and brick hard MICROWAVED tamales I got with my meal. Then move on to…read morethe hair in my wife's food. But it gets worse!!!! The owner attempted to make us pay for the food we didn't even eat because...."if they cook it we have to pay something "!!!!!!! We had to argue for 10 minutes before he would adjust the bill to only reflect our drinks. I will never go back. The owner made what could have been a salvageable bad experience into one of the only reviews I've ever left for anything.

Wall decor and Kay looking on the side.

Steak Fajitas

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Margaritas with lime!

El Molcajete

4.5(148 reviews)

3.4 mi

It's been five years since my last review, time for an update…read more I had a recent opportunity to eat at another Mexican restaurant in Charlotte with some friends who highly recommended it. I tried the Sopa De Pollo & was very disappointed. First of all it was SO small, about 16 ounces & there was so little chicken. It made me appreciate just how good this place is!! You get 32 ounces! Wow, what a huge portion. Lots of fresh white meat chicken, delicious broth & veggies along with avocado slices. Delicious in every way & a price that can't be beat. They also add free chips & salsa, what a deal!

This is the winner for Best Hole-in-the-Wall, Rock Hill edition. It doesn't look like much from the…read moreoutside, but it's a whole new world inside! The food is really good. The molcajete is brilliant. The food is cooked perfectly, the spice is just right, and it is a fair portion. They have a nice selection of tacos, but the carnitas with onion and cilantro, paired with the salsa verde, are AMAZING! It's a cute place. The servers are sweet and do a good job, even during the lunch rush. Highly recommend!

Two tacos from El Molcajete! Both very tasty!

Steak burrito

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Asada taco and carnitas taco

Taqueria El Manhattan

3.8(77 reviews)

3.2 mi

Pollo con crema , excellent Chilaquiles, excellent…read more Deep beans and cream excellent Carne asada, excellent Manhattan deep , excellent Guacamole no spicy, super re mega excellent Torta cubana , between ok and bad Tacos, ok Soups , between ok and bad Churros , bad Flan , good

Carnitas tacos and el pastor tacos were delicous salsa for chips was bland so added some of the red…read morehot sauce and green that was provided. Customer service was excellent.

Nice bar... good atmosphere

Menudo soup

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My usual 1. Sopa de Pollo & Enchiladas Poblanos

Los Cantaritos

4.0(166 reviews)

4.2 mi

Great food and great ambiance. Nice clients. The food is good how ever I didn't even taste the…read morealcohol in the pina colada.

Just know that this probably one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Rock Hill and let me tell…read moreyou we have a lot of them. Not only are the drinks worth it but the food is always on point. I have not had a bad experience here and that shows because I've always come back each time. The service is always up to par not problem. One time we even decided to sit outside and our server was on it, we were not forgotten! I have been to other places where we have to hunt down servers but ours was amazing. Out of all of the Mexican restaurants in the area, I'm telling you hands down you won't regret trying this place out. It's clean and the decor is even nice. You can tell that the place is authentic but also still fits like the American vibe. It's the best of both worlds.

Restaurant

Birra Tacos De Birria (3 Tacos)

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Pina colada

El Cancun Mexican Restaurant

3.9(101 reviews)

2.5 mi

First time trying this restaurant while in the area. Not a whole lot to write home about. The food…read morewas decent, temperature was acceptable, and presentation was passable. The environment was mundane. The lady who serve us was one track minded, no pleasantries offered with the service. However, she was adequate! Upon leaving, we made the mistake to walk back to our vehicle by passing the back of the restaurant! Huge mistake! Visually, it looked like a mess and the entire area smelled like a sewer and could use sprucing up and even pressure washed or something! Gross ! Also, please keep soap in your restroom! Not sure how everyone is properly cleansing their hands without it!

Great food. Great service…read more Always consistent. This is my go to place for authentic Mexican food.

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Pollo con chorizo amigos

Tony’s Cantina Mexican Grill

3.7(112 reviews)

5.4 mi

We visited this restaurant based on a friend's recommendation, and it exceeded our expectations…read more The atmosphere is fun, inviting, and full of charm. The food and drinks were outstanding--I especially enjoyed the frozen margaritas and the taco flight, both of which were excellent. The portions were very generous; I ended up taking half of my meal home. The service was equally impressive, with attentive and friendly staff who made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience, and I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food, drinks, and service.y

Strong and tasty margaritas, ample scenic outdoor seating, responsive service, average meals. It's…read morebeen awhile since my last review of Tony's, but not much has changed. This is a wonderful place for an early evening summertime cocktail, but be aware that the patio, while large, is still typically filled by 6:30. Margaritas? Whether frozen or on the rocks, the drink menu is extensive. And even the small-size drinks are larger than those from most establishments. Caution, they do carry a kick! Delicious, but drink responsibly. The food is on the disappointing side. We now stick to appetizers but even with these, the steak nachos were only OK; they served to fill our stomachs while drinking. A big issue is the queso, which while better than some earlier visits is still watery. Best options? The fresh guacamole and pico de gallo are both safe bets. On prior visits I've also enjoyed the plantains. In summary, come for the drinks and enjoy the view! And oh yes, pets are welcome! (That is, your typical well-behaved dogs. Not our barking nuisance).

The mirror outside the restroom

Rice and guacamole salad

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Tony's Margarita

Charanda Mexican Grill & Cantina

3.3(143 reviews)

5.4 mi

I love the workers here EXECPT FOR ALEX, like everyone but alex…read more.. plates always dirty and you're gonna get random meats with your chicken but whatever. again anyone but alex.

good food and service. the interior is huge - could have been cleaner. we were passing through but…read morewould go back. typical mexican grub.

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Taqueria Juquila

4.7(3 reviews)

3.4 mi

I stopped at this food truck recently to give their tacos a run. Not bad…read more It's a pretty basic food truck. They have a variety of meats to choose from. I tried the pastor and the Asada. I need to get back and try their lengua. It was $12 for the four tacos They're decent size. The pastor pastor was good, but it had a little bit of a sour taste with surprised me. A little citrus would've helped. The Asada was well seasoned but not as crunchy as I like. The tortillas were fine. They provided two salsas. I liked the green, but the reddish sauce had some fire! Be careful!

The food was awesomely delicious!! The service was great. I had the birria tacos and I tried a…read morepollo empanada (not pictured because I ate it and they both were delicious. I'll definitely be back!

Birria tacos! Soooo good!

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Taco Truck

4.1(21 reviews)

3.8 mi

came as of June 4 2025 it's no for me meat looks and taste…read moreold like reheated !!!!!!!!!

Food was just ok. The tacos were very greasy and the service wasn't as quick as expectedread more

Tacos Tortas Sopes Burritos Quesadillas Horchata

The Taco Truck Options

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The Campenchanos is fantastic

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Michael H.

1

33

45

7 months ago

I recently tried the chimi-birria at El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant and was pretty disappointed. The meat tasted dry and like it had been sitting for a while instead of being fresh and juicy like you'd expect from birria. I also ordered the esquite, and it had a sour taste that seemed off, which made it hard to enjoy. I've had great Mexican food elsewhere, so I was hoping for a better experience. Hoping this was just an off day because the menu has a lot of potential. read more

Denise B.

0

1

0

14 years ago

The manager does not have his customers satisfaction at best. He walked away when trying to discuss the infestation of flies in the restaurant. I should not have to pay for food no matter how much I have eaten because flies are in it. They will never get any more money from me and I hope they are closed in the next couple of months! DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! read more

Gary K.

0

1

0

12 years ago

Started with a lime margarita and a Dos Equis draft to go with good salsa and chips. Mixed fajitas for two with refried beans and rice were excellent. Generous portion sizes, attentive service, nice quiet atmosphere. All for a reasonable price. We will be back. read more

Katelyn O.

0

6

5 years ago

Best Tacos EVER! Absolutely love this place, the food, and the service is amazing. They are also super quick getting food and orders ready.

Brenda M.

44

2

0

14 years ago

Excellent food, Their guacamole dip is only $2.99 for a small bowl

Kana Y.

0

1

0

6 years ago

They were against code of conduct and did not bring enough salsa

Billy P.

10

6

0

8 years ago

Always good food and always good service.

El Tapatio - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Los Aztecas

3.7

(66 reviews)

Food and service always good. Had the steak fajitas again and it was very good. My wife raved about…read moreher chicken and steak combo fahitas.

Back again. Wife likes their stuff and I would prefer other places…read more We ordered margaritas, as they offer small, large and pitcher. We went with small ($6.99) and they were A LOT OF ICE and not much liquid. We ordered another small and finally ordered a large ($10.99) with more liquid, but still A LOT OF ICE. Consider beer next time. Our guacamole dip ($6.99) was good with their chips. I do like that they offer Toreados ($3.99), which are three grilled jalapeno peppers and some grilled onions. I asked for well-done peppers and they were not. If they are grilled or fried, they are soft and less hot. A great accompaniment to your meals...if well cooked. Wife had a wonderful beef and cheese quesadilla especial ($16.99) and I had a taste and agreed with her assessment. She brought half of this order home. If I come back this is what I would order and recommend to others. I asked with three cheese enchiladas ($7.99) with onions cooked inside them, covered with salsa verde (green sauce) rather that the tired old red sauce which is like the dip served with chips. I got what I ordered which came without rice &/or beans. However, I had to send them back to be heated. The cheese had not melted well. I did not like this order. Their service is great. Attentive and active, with our waitress, Evelyn, being in constant motion. She could be called speedy. She did a super job.

Casa Del Agave Bar & Grill

4.5

(24 reviews)

I discovered this restaurant on TikTok and couldn't believe its existence slipped by me as I'm a…read moreRock Hill resident. This stylish and vibrant restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine and has the same owners as Casa Tequila in Rock Hill and Mr. Rayo Mexican Grill in Fort Mill, SC. SERVICE: My server for the evening was Jesse. He was super friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and patient as I had a hard time deciding which margarita to get as well as dip because I wanted to try 'em all. Worth Tryin' Recommended Highly Recommended Miss Black Foodie Fave APPETIZERS: Chorizo Dip ($9.99) - excellent taste and consistency Street Corn Elote ($6.99) - Grilled or boiled corn cob smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime - loved the texture of the corn, but the Cotija cheese flavor wasn't as bold as I'm used to. I will try the street corn in the esquites version on my next visit to see if there is more flavor MARGARITA: Mango Chamoy Frozen Margarita ($15.95) - excellent presentation, perfect amount of sweetness A LA CARTE: Mexican Pizza ($12.99) - comes with your choice of ground beef or shredded chicken, prepared with a large flour tortilla, onions, tomato, peppers, and mozzarella cheese - immense flavor from the peppers, shareable size SIDE: Refried Beans ($3.99) SEAFOOD: Fish Tacos Entrée ($15.99) - Grilled or tempura style (I chose tempura). Three fish tacos served with tossed salad, pico de gallo and your choice of cilantro rice or Mexican rice (I chose Mexican rice) on the side - each taco has a good size fish fillet. I love that the seasoning on the fish doesn't overpower the fish's natural taste

Weary travels looking for dinner and relaxation lead us to this location. Staff was friendly and…read morefood prepared well and served quickly. Steak fajita tender and fixings fresh. Nice bonus to enjoy $7 Margaritas with food. Thanks for an enjoyable meal.

Rock Taco

4.4

(54 reviews)

Only stopped in for a drink, but really cool vibe. Fun bartender. Great atmosphere. Good selection…read moreof drinks. Tacos look fabulous but we were there between meals.

Hit up Rock Taco for a bite and was not disappointed. Started with the chips and salsa. All 3…read moresalsas were very good. No complaints there. For tacos I tried the Rock & Rolla Coca-Cola Barbacoa and PBC. The Barbacoa taco was pretty good. Some parts of the Barbacoa were a little dry but not a bad taco overall. The PBC was excellent. Really flavorful and delicious. The service here is outstanding. Server made suggestions and provided fantastic service. Go get some tacos at Rock Taco.

Tottos Mexican Restaurant

3.8

(20 reviews)

Had been eyeing this place several times when I would come home to visit. My sister finally…read moresuggested that I check it out. Thankfully she did because it was DELICIOUS! Customer service was a 10 outta 10 my first visit! Oh yeah, you read that right. I ended up coming two days later after my first time lol. I guess I have to write 2 reviews lol. As soon as we were seated our drink orders were taken. Drinks brought to the table immediately. Looking around you can tell this is a family-oriented restaurant. A place where all families can come and enjoy good laughs, great music, and exquisite food. I ordered the Tottos Queso Dip as an appetizer. Never have I ever had a queso dip that good. Only negative thing I can say about it is that it's a bit watery/thin! Makes a huge mess if you're not careful. Taste is exquisite overall. Our food came out piping hot. Whoever they have cooking in the kitchen knows exactly how to put it down. The chicken, steak and shrimp were very tender. The steak a bit fatty, but everything tasted wonderful. I noticed the tables and chairs were clean. Floors clean and presentable upon entering. The staff were busy taking care of their patrons. If you're craving Mexican dishes this is the place for you. Don't take my word, GO TRY IT!

Food is amazing! I'm from the west coast and this is the closest thing I've had to authentic…read moreMexican food! 10/10 highly recommended

Zapata's

3.3

(256 reviews)

Greeted immediately and seated. Friendly service. I had the…read moreCarne Asada chimichanga, and it was extremely tasty. I will definitely be back

Zapatas - Ballantyne…read more Cannot wait to go back!! First time here - the guacamole was incredible with the perfect amount of salt. We both had Shrimp Caesar Salad - a must try, I put some of the guacamole on it too! Shrimp were fresh and perfectly cooked. Great service, and portions for the price.

Tex Mex Bar & Grill

4.0

(2 reviews)

In the location that was formerly El Molcajete now and new name and new owners…read more I was a bit surprised it had changed names and owners but it's been a little while since I was there. I took Michelle there as she really likes Mexican and especially Tex Mex. We each had tacos de pollo, or chicken tacos, Michelle with corn and me with flour tortilla. We shared the traditional corn tortillas chips and salsa. The Salsa is very different and there are two that are red. One of the red's is extremely hot! They also have the green tomatillo which is good and not as hot. We also both got the Sopa De Pollo. I was disappointed because it's not as good as previously. Just simply not enough white meat chicken and now they add large strips of bell peppers. The broth is still good and tasty but they add chicken that appears to be cooked apart and they put in like strips. We also had the house made guacamole which is still very good and I recommend it. The service is still good, her name is Hermana, not her real name since that means Sister in Spanish. She has been there a while and is very nice and pleasant. They have upgraded the men's bathroom which is great, much easier to get in and out off and very clean as well. They have loud mexican music over the speaker, just a little loud to have a conversation over. They also have several large screen HDTV's with NFL and Soccer playing. It appears they are transitioning to a new menu, the current has many lines marked out so they need a new one. It appears to be a work in progress so I'll look forward to seeing the new one.

It was so nice to find this place! The food was delicious and btw the price was great. I thought…read moreI'd get a normal-sized dish, but it was so much! We couldn't even finish it, Lol. The atmosphere and service were excellent. I definitely recommend it.

Mr Rayo Mexican Grill

4.4

(59 reviews)

Didn't even know this spot was back here until a friend suggested we meet for after work drinks and…read moreI happened to see this place while running errands nearby. Glad we came bc it was such a fun atmosphere and the margaritas were on point! We needed up just ordering appetizers and we fell in love with the gringo dip, such much so we ordered it twice. Looking forward to returning with my family.

Stopped by on a Sunday around 5:30pm. It wasn't busy at first, but by about 6:15 it started filling…read moreup pretty quickly. They had reggaeton playing, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The vibe was casual and laid-back. We were brought warm chips and salsa right away, which was nice. Our waitress took our order, but she was pretty absent after that. It was hard to get more napkins and refills on our beer and soda. The fajitas for two were really good -- 5/5. The cilantro rice, though, was a 1/5. It was very dry and way too salty, which was disappointing. The elote (corn on the cob), which I was really excited about, was a 5/5. So good. One thing that also disappointed me was the guacamole. The menu says it's prepared tableside, which usually explains the higher price. However, that wasn't the case for us. It wasn't made at the table, so that was a little frustrating since it seemed like we were paying extra for that experience. Overall, the food was mostly great, but the customer service was lacking. It was frustrating because we could see people waiting, and we were ready to pay and leave to free up the table. It was just hard to get her attention for to-go boxes and the check, and it took a while before she came back. Maybe we'll try again at a slower time.

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