I've only had great service here. The carne asada is excellent. I say "well done Rowley". I shall return here frequently! read more

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Food is great. Service is awesome! Prices are right! We truly have enjoyed everything we have had! The quesadillas are great! Parking and seating is plentiful. read more

We just went to El Tapatio for the first time. My husband and I love Mexican food and are always looking for new restaurants. El Tapatio is definitely near the top of our list. Jorge was our waiter and he had a great personality and took good care of us. One of my biggest restaurant complaints is empty drinks not being refilled but that wasn't an issue for Jorge. The chips are served warm with two different salsas-one mild and one medium. Food came in decent time. My husband had the fish tacos and I ordered the Quesadilla Fajita. I don't know what seasoning was on the chicken but it was cooked to perfection. They have a nice combination of both Mexican and American options on the kids menu which was nice for my picky 3-year-old. They also have outside seating which was nice on a summer evening. Will definitely be back! read more

We always stop here when we're traveling down rt1, if we're really hungry we order many different things, everything is always fresh and delicious. If we've already eaten, we always order the fried ice cream, it is absalutely the best we've ever had!!!! Margaritas are also fabulous!! read more

Fantastic diamond in the rough. Off the beaten path. Festive, friendly and laid back. Clearly owner operated. Fairly clean. Fresh margaritas (ultimate) made with fresh lime juice and patron for $10.50. Our table had the fish tacos, carne asada, burrito fajita, taco salad, taquitos and chili con queso. All outstanding. Very good little place. Great prices, nice food, friendly staff. Muy Bueno. We will definitely be back!! read more

Very happy with this place. The food was very good and the staff was friendly and attentive. It was my first time here and I look forward to returning! read more

I ordered take out from El Tapatio last week and I am extremely disappointed not only with the food, but also with the lack of care by the restaurant. We ordered queso dip and chicken fajitas to split. We specifically requested no beans and unfortunately after getting home we realized the beans were included which after the long car ride had spread to the rest of the fajitas which was packaged all in one container. We called and spoke with the host who remembered our order, he apologized and said he would pass on our message (which was that we no longer had a dinner to eat as the beans had ended up all over the rice, chicken...etc). We never received a call and are extremely disappointed by the lack of care by the restaurant. We will never visit this facility again unfortunately for a very poor experience. read more

Amanda did a phenomenal job. I can't want to go back she was amazing best nachos I've ever had

Microwaved trash The entire experience is cheap and disgusting. The staff is disinterested, the presentation looks like slop and the food is clearly frozen and just microwaved. It's a shame too because a cool bar with good drinks and decent food is sorely needed in that area. I'd rather drive to Agave or En Fuego read more

Went there with the family on Saturday night. Restaurant was great for families, especially those with young children. The food was good not great along with the prices. Fish tacos were very tasty, but tacos were a little bland and cold. The server was very helpful with the extensive drink and food menu and extremely friendly. However the service for food was very slow. A few tables around us we're visibly agitated. The manager and wait staff did so their best to try and explain and keep them happy. read more

Food and service are good. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. The food is very salty. The beef/ chicken with fajitas is usually very dry. We loved the mint salad dressing to go with our house salad. The guacamole is very good too. The chips that went with the salsa are yummy. read more

Considering the lack of authentic Mexican restaurants, I rate this a 4 just for new England. Coming from California and having Mexican parents, it's hard to be satisfied here when it comes to Mexican food. I love that staff speak Spanish (and English) and I loved the rice and beans. One complaint is the lack of some options that I've grown used to but I was so glad to find a range of yummy dishes for my whole family. Their margaritas are yummy too! read more

Great food and drinks. And our sever Amanda was outstanding. Our first trip and will be back

This little restaurant is a gem. The prices are quite low and the food is very fresh. As the restaurant had just opened last Thursday, it's still under the radar, so it was uncrowded when we arrived for lunch. The salsa was rich with scallions and tomatoes. My boyfriend had a Beef Burrito Tapitio which he loved. I had a veggie Verde Burrito, which was filled with freshly sauteed vegetables with green salsa, beans and rice. The portions are generous. The place is fairly large with a friendly looking bar in the middle. The frozen strawberry Marguerita didn't skimp on the alcohol and gave us a pleasant buzz for our day off. An inexpensive, pleasant place for lunch or dinner. read more

Came here for lunch a few days ago. The salsa was terrible seemed old. I ordered the fish tacos. They were disgusting, purely horrendous. I order GRILLED fish tacos, but receive basically fish salad in a cold corn tortilla. So that grilled fish I ordered was actually covered in mayonnaise. You can't make this up. Our waiter was attentive and noticed my displeasure by acknowledging "they make grilled fish tacos differently". I didn't eat my food expressed great displeasure and still paid full price. It was NOT what I ordered. I would NEVER recommend coming here. The other people I was wish were also disappointed in their meal. Overall there was a lack of flavor and inconsistency. read more

This place is such a hidden gem for anyone living in the Ipswich/Rowley area. The prices are very reasonable and the food has been delicious every time I have ordered. Their margaritas are also amazing and they have an extensive menu of which kinds you can order! I just wish the servers were a little more sociable and attentive. Other than that, one of my favorite restaurants in the area. read more

First timer but love Mexican food the restaurant was very clean! Staff very happy to help and friendly. authentic flavor down to music! I had three enchiladas one chicken beef and cheese. Plate as you can see in my picture is huge! All that for 14.00, very reasonably priced! I'm not much of a cabbage eater but I will say this I tried their cabbage and it was unbelievable the best I've ever had! I think I could've made a meal just out of the cabbage! They also give you chips and salsa the salsa is by far one of the best chips were nice and warm and tasty. The salsa had a nice tang to it! It kept you wanting you more. I definitely plan on making a second visit that's the only reason why I gave them four stars. I really feel one more visit and it will be five! read more

I despise reviewers who look for a reason to complain. Celia and the rest of the crew here are fantastic. Having just come from Philly today the service here was better than I received in Top Notch establishments in the City. Decor is decidedly Mexican and the staff have a flair of the old country. Food was hot, flavorful and timely. Don't let any Naysayers influence you. This is a Godsend to Rowley and the local area. Isauer the Managing Partner is a gracious host. read more

Consistent us the perfect word to describe El Tapatio. Every time,the food is great, never once has it slipped. Service is great 9/10 times, excluding saturdays. Highly recommend read more

I was Leary of the location And feared this was another chain restaurant. A Mexican restaurant ran buy Mexicans, a novel idea now a days. It really is a small family restaurant. The staff was friendly and warm. The food was excellent. I never had mole before and am glad I tired it here.. The cheese stuffed big chili that is breaded and then deep fried is a godly creation, they need to publicize it more. read more

This is one of our favorite places, and my husband is very finicky about restaurants. We have NEVER had a problem with the food (we go once a week), so I think the other posters' problems must have been a fluke. The menu is huge and your delicious order comes out fast. The service is superior and above all, friendly. Isauro, the owner, is one of the hardest workers there. They are open for take-out, so take advantage of that! You'll even get warm tortilla chips to go with your dinner. I don'f often review restaurants, but have to support El Tapatio. read more

If I could give this place a half a star I would. Ok I am a little snobby about Mexican food because grew up eating it. I was so excited when this place opened up. I have gone 2 times to this restaurant and the food was awful and the drinks were weak. Bummer! read more

update: still horrible. dress up your drinks. your food os MICROWAVED. Get some fresh food. Call Gordon Ramsey because this is a kitchen nightmare. Dreadful. wow. wow. wow read more

I've been driving by for months and was pleased to see they were finally open. Great margaritas and I had a very good veggie tostada. I was really pleased that there are a variety of vegetarian options to choose from. The decor is a bit cheesy, but at least an effort is being made to create some atmosphere. Our server was attentive without being cloying. read more

We stopped here after a day of bike riding in Newburyport. While it wasn't bad, to wasn't real good either. Just typical average Mexican fare. Why can't someone open a Mexican restaurant around here with the real deal?? read more

I love going here! Great atmosphere, functional dining space, the waiters and waitresses are always nice. The owner always comes over and checks on us personally. The food is great. Homemade chips and salsa throughout your meal. The burrito tapatio (chicken) is out of this world. Habanero sauce is very spicy. Can't get any better than El Tapatio! read more

Third times NOT a charm. I've tried, I just cant go anymore. It's kind of grimy, especially in the front room. The staff always seems too busy although it never looks all that busy. I just haven't had anything decent here. The hunt goes on... read more

Really average. They must microwave the food because it came out in 3 minutes. Server forgot our app order. Prob won't come back.

Best Burrito! Owners are very nice! He is a gentleman and she is very kind. Wait staff are the best! read more

My favorite place near me is El tapitio. The service is really good, the family that owns it is very nice and welcoming. To start off from the beguining they showed that they were amazing and the fresh from the fryer chip started that off then you try the homemade salsa and it is the best, I request asking for gaquqmole it is really exellent. Me and my family and friends have been there so many times I can't count no matter what you get there you all love it. (The prices are amazing too!) Subscribe to my YouTube account (mattyandemilia) read more

Like the combination of salsa and chips along with a wide variety of dishes that are served with generous portions at reasonable prices topped off with best margarita's. read more

The drinks, chips & salsa, guacamole and service was good but the steak fajitas was horrible, over cooked, not seared, steamed & chewy...yuck. The server removed it from the bill, thanks you!!!! Maybe just an off day? read more

This is an update to my review from 7/12. I got take out on a couple of occasions which was ok. Went in a few weeks ago. Much better this time. The salsa was hugely improved and the server was way more attentive. Food was good. I will go back again. Oh and by the way, Dean T. , I didn't have to LOOK for reasons to complain. This is a review, remember?? Don't be silly. Just because your experience is different than mine or someone else's doesn't make you right. No reason to despise other reviewers. read more

Was looking for a good Mexican restaurant to dine at while waiting for my gf to arrive at the Boston airport. This place was great! Extremely attentive authentic Latino staff. I recommend Carne Asada and fried ice cream. read more

I was really looking forward to trying out a new Mexican restaurant but was left feeling like this restaurant was just "meh." I'll start out by saying the service was great. We had a great waitress, our water glasses were constantly being refilled, and the owner or manager came over to check on us as well. The chips and salsa that we had to start out with were great. The salsa had a little bit of a kick and lots of flavor. The chips were warm and crunchy. They weren't stingy with either, which I thought was great. We were given the lunch menu since we were there around 1p. After looking at it for a bit, I noticed that everything on the lunch menu is basically a pared down version of what's on the main menu. For example, my mother and I ordered the tostada salad. The lunch version didn't come with beans, lettuce, or tomatoes but the one on the main menu did. Weird. Anyway, the tostada salad wasn't great. I had ground beef, which was tasty, however, the rest of the salad was totally bland. A huge heap of iceberg lettuce with tomatoes, guacamole (which didn't have a lot of flavor), cooked pinto beans, and cheese. It just didn't look appetizing and had no kick or pizazz to it whatsoever. I was super disappointed. My mother felt exactly the same way. My husband ordered an enchilada dish which was not plated well and looked like total mush. He also said it was just "ok." My father ordered a burrito which he raved about. It was huge, plated well, and he said it was delicious. Overall, not impressed. I'm sorry to say that the chips and salsa were the best part of the meal for three of us. I won't go back. read more

The best salsa I have ever had. And the burritos are tremendous. My only complaint is the acoustics as it's very loud in there.

We went back again last night and experienced very attentive service, great drinks excellent salsa and chips and probably the best meal I've had there yet. We enjoyed the very tasty Camarones Mojo de ajo appetizer and then we each had the Tilapia Fillet dinner with corn tortillas and made our own tacos. I am so trilled to have this place so close to home. This is now my go-to for Mexican HANDS DOWN ! Thanks El Tapatio !!! read more

I have eaten here quite frequently and have always been pleased. I stopped in today for some vegetarian fajitas. Taste was very good however the majority the vegetables were sauteed celery. When I pointed it out to the bartender he seemed less than interested in my feedback. read more

I enjoyed El Tapatio. We are Vegetarian and there were plenty of choices. Nice environment. Service OK. Decent food.

Restaurant was very nice. We wanted a booth, and only one available was in the back room behind the bar. There was only one other party in the room, and I was concerned we would be forgotten. The server and bus boy were very attentive. Chips and salsa were good, chile con queso was the best I've had since the old edgewater cafe days in the early 90's. Chicken mole poblano was very good, and plenty for leftovers. Husband had chickens shrimp fajita for 1, also enough for another meal. Had chimichanga manzano for dessert. Place filled up while we were there. Obviously it's a well liked restaurant by the locals. I will go back. read more