Visiting my girlfriend and her family in Amarillo led me to trying some of their favorite places in the city. My girlfriend's mom was especially excited to take me to El Tejaven while I was visiting. This dinner was a celebration of my girlfriend's sister playing in the top All-Region orchestra. It has nothing to do with the food itself, but I want to mention it because she did a great job performing and I think it deserves to be remembered here. It is the reason we went in the first place. It was a busy night at El Tejaven before we arrived. A group of 32 was just wrapping up dinner. Thirty two people. At that point, just cater, dawg. It took about 20 minutes after arrival to get seated, but it likely would have been much quicker if it were not for a group that size. Once we were seated, we were served chips and salsa. The salsa was spicier than I was prepared for, but it was good. The chips were excellent as well. Most people at the table ordered margaritas on the rocks, while I got a dressed Dos Equis on draft. From what I tasted, the margaritas were solid. For appetizers, we ordered the small queso and the small ceviche. The queso was standard but good. The ceviche, on the other hand, was exceptional. I could have eaten a large bowl by myself. I was pretty hungry, so I ordered the Orden de Tacos, which comes with four tacos on corn tortillas. I got all of them with al pastor. I also added a side of rice and beans, which normally comes with the three taco order but can be added on for the four tacos. The tacos were very good and exactly what you want from street style al pastor, especially with the cilantro and onions. It comes out to roughly four dollars per taco if you do the math. The rice and beans were both great and I ate all of it easily. The plate also came with a side of guacamole that had a nice kick, which I enjoyed. Living in Austin with family in San Antonio, it is easy to find good and authentic Mexican food. That does not always seem to be the case in Amarillo, so it is nice to know there is at least one spot in the city that feels authentic and not overly gringoified. My girlfriend's family knows ball. RIYL: the best tacos you can get in Amarillo read more

El Tejavan - 4 Tacos - A large white plate holds two tacos filled with seasoned meat, topped with chopped onions and cilantro, accompanied by a serving of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side of guacamole. The background shows a restaurant setting with condiments, napkins, and glasses on the table. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

Happy hour margaritas! loved my fish tacos, perfectly prepared! My husband had a barbacoa burrito and loved it- gave me a bite and i concur! Legit charro beans! Chunky guacamole was amazing! Very reasonable price for the quality and friendly service! read more

Food was over cooked. Host does not answer there phone so phone for orders. Tacos were awful.

Went here on way home bc of all the good reviews. Ugh it was not up to par for us!! For one we ordered the top shelf margaritas. We then had to order another tequila shot just to make it taste ok. Ordered the fajitas. Ask for med rare hot almost well done and served luke warm . The shrimp was pretty good. As we was trying to eat all the servers we're having lunch at a table. All the pictures on the reviews looked nothing like what we got. Was hoping for better but ya get one chance. Won't be stopping here again. read more

We're here for a work trip and came to this spot twice in one week because of how yummy it was definitely recommend! The food was authentic and fresh. Both times we were greeted and seated immediately and our waiter was very attentive. Super cute spot lots of plants and mexican decor and great music! read more

El Tejavan - Goat birria & quesibirria - A man in a white t-shirt and backward cap sits at a restaurant table with Mexican cuisine, including tacos, rice, and soup. He is smiling and raising his fist in a gesture of enthusiasm. The table has chips, salsa, and drinks, including beer and water. The background shows a brick wall and other diners in a casual dining setting. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

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Excellent food, service and atmosphere! The Birria Goat Taco was wonderful and they make mean margaritas! read more

El Tejavan - The image shows a white plate with Mexican food, including rice, refried beans, two tacos filled with meat and vegetables, and a small bowl of sauce. Accompanying the plate are tortilla chips with salsa, a lime wedge, and a spoon. In the background, there is a bottle of sauce, a small container of black sauce, and a stack of napkins. The setting appears to be a restaurant with a white speckled table and dark chairs. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

I ordered a taco plate, but they didn't include any tortillas, which was strange. I also ordered a pastor plate and as well no tortillas were included. On top of that, the customer service was very slow and there was no hospitality at all. read more

El Tejavan - A foam takeout container holds Mexican cuisine, including seasoned ground beef, yellow rice, refried beans with sauce, and a side salad with chopped lettuce, tomato, and cilantro. The food is arranged in separate sections within the container, typical of takeout servings from a Mexican restaurant. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

Whenever we are traveling through Texas we arrange our trip around El Teagan! We don't want to deal with the crowds at another popular restaurant in this area. The chopped beef and steak are amazing, we love the salsa so much we had to ask for more. This last time I was by myself and sat at the bar. Not only is it a good place to eat, but it is a friendly place. The servers were warm and welcoming And chatted along with all of the patrons. I highly recommend it. read more

This place was fantastic. We stopped here on the way to Colorado and again on the way back. Both times the experience and service was generally very good. The ambiance is cheerful. I did run into issues with utensils, plates and the table not being clean but with such a fast turnaround time that they provide it's not surprising. The fajitas look like caldo veggies. They're even cut for it. So if you're not expecting potatoes, maybe consider a different vegetarian option (of which there are a few delightful choices!). The tacos are phenomenal. They might be my go-to when passing through Amarillo. The meat is tender and flavorful while not bring too salty and the salsa given adds the perfect balanced kick. And homemade refried beans and rice? Yes please!! The guisado de puerco is also tasty! I got it with salsa roja but verde is also available. It has a generous quantity and is very tasty with accompanying corn tortillas and lots of salsa. I did wish it had more flavors besides salt - more heat, smoke, aroma from the peppers was not there. But it was warm and comforting and the salsa helped to add the boost I was looking for. Overall, very tasty Mexican food conveniently located off the highway. Avoid popular meal times if you want to avoid the crowd - evidently the whole town knows where to get the best Mexican food :) read more

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I was seated quickly as expected; however, once my waitress finally came to take my order after waiting 10 minutes, she wasn't courteous. The food was average, and I don't plan on coming back to this location. read more

Second year in a row we have come here while coming through Texas. Definitely a good spot to stop for breakfast burritos! They are so reasonably priced ($5) and ingredients are fresh! They make the food to order so you may want to call ahead or be prepared to wait about 10 minutes. Mom and I shared the ham breakfast burrito. Plenty of food to split between two people. Potatoes were the perfect texture, not too soft and not too hard, a couple eggs and cheese in a soft tortilla. Best bang for your buck so get here and try them! read more

El Tejavan - Ham, egg and cheese breakfast burrito - A breakfast burrito containing ham, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese is shown partially unwrapped from aluminum foil. The burrito's filling is visible, with the cheese melted and the ingredients mixed together. The foil is crinkled and surrounds the burrito, which appears to be freshly prepared. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

great food!! very delicious their carne gisada is a hit! they offer unlimited menudo. their tortillas are delicious

El Tejavan is the epitome of real deal panhandle Tex-Mex and a perfect spot for an authentic lunch in Amarillo. We stopped for a refresher while driving through town, and enjoyed a couple margaritas and, of course, a chilton, the salted vodka soda famous around these parts. Lunch was sublime. While my companions loved the enchiladas verdes and the guisado, the chile relleno was absolutely perfect when paired with the freshest flour tortillas. In addition to the food, service and ambiance were friendly and familial. Just a perfect, and classically Texas, spot that had me feeling right at home. read more

Amazing "real" Mexican cuisine! I'm not a fan of subdued TexMex food so was very thrilled to find this restaurant. The house salsa is flavorful with a hint of heat. I really enjoyed Guisado de Res (beef simmered in a red chile sauce) served with rice and beans. Tender and full of flavor! I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for authentic Mexican food! read more

El Tejavan - House margarita - A margarita cocktail in a classic martini glass with a blue salted rim is positioned on a dark, reflective bar counter. The drink is pale yellow and appears chilled. A small black bowl of salsa is placed next to the glass. The background features a blurred bar setting with shelves stocked with various bottles and colorful lights, indicating a lively bar environment. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

We live in the north but we were traveling through Texas and just stopped in for an afternoon drink. My wife was hoping for a prickly pear margarita. The barmaid said she could make one. She did a great job. So now that we're back home, I have to figure out how to make one as good as she got there! read more

Great restaurant. Our waiter Oscar was great, explaining some regional history on some of the dishes. Ceviche was plentiful and fresh. Would definitely go back. They sell great corn tortillas read more

Service was slow, I believe our server was new. He didn't know some of the menu items. I got the steak and shrimp fajitas, the shrimp was tasty. The fajitas weren't the best I have tasted. The salsa however was excellent, it tasted freshly made. A big room where everyone is seated so the noise level was also extremely loud. read more

El Tejavan - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

All the time we eat there for weekend brunch. Authentic an and the service and atmosphere are relaxed

Good food good service! My friend and I went for breakfast, it was very good with a nice atmosphere! I'm not sure what their exact hours are because I was telling my boyfriend about it, it was not open on Saturday morning??? read more

Didn't have as grand an experience the second time I came here, but it was still a good stop. I think next time I'm in Amarillo I'll need to expand my horizons. We came very late on a Friday night. The wait was still about 30 minutes and the entire meal I felt abandoned as the waitress would only infrequently come by with long gaps. She was great, it was just that she was either spread too thin or too chatty back in the kitchen. We started out with the "chunky guacamole" this time. WOW it was hot. I didn't know it came with jalapenos in it. Maybe not, but that's what it felt like. My numb tongue had no idea what the avocado tastes like. Worst, the chips were plain if not a bit stale. Those were the worst tasting chips I've had. I ordered the enchilada's with mole sauce. It tasted good, but wasn't anything to write about if I had to write on paper. Ditto with the rice & refried beans. Sadly, this didn't stand up to the same experience a year ago. read more

Authentic Mexican food! Great service with great prices for any budget. Great bar too. I've been in Amarillo a year and this is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants! I'll be coming here regularly. read more

Went there Monday eve about 8:00. Waited at bar 8-10 minutes and no service! First place we tried in town. Left for another place. Disappointed. read more

Great food Great service New place near Tascosa high school Old place had a lot more f charm but this one is equally good read more

I've been eating at El Tejavan (west) since they opened 20 years ago. It's authentic Mexican cuisine- which I prefer over Tex-Mex. If you want more plain cuisine that has cheese melted over everything, try the Plaza. If you are seeking a true ethnic cuisine experience, this is the place for you. read more

Por segunda ves que paso por el aria y me sinto obligado a parar porque simplemente el servicio y la comida es de calidad y sabor

For my money & time, the W I40 location has the Mexican food in town. The food is great, salsa is outstanding and all at a reasonable price. Staff is always tenable. read more

We looked up where to eat in Amarillo and this had good reviews. For the most part it was good and clean and fairly tasty. It wasn't spectacular but it was a good taste and we didn't get sick. Our margaritas were delicious and our server was great. Food came out hot and fast read more

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I was having Lunch when the waitress were gossiping and taking pictures of my while eating! Come to find out they sent the pictures to my Ex .. Never felt so uncomfortable and humiliated in my life . read more

Another one where the yelp rating was consistent with our experience. We stopped in for breakfast. On our way out of town. Headed to California. My wife ordered a breakfast burrito with bacon, cheese, egg, and with the potatoes on the side. It came with a very spicy sauce. It was good. I ordered the red Chilaquiles what we found interesting about this place was that the chips were quite thick. It was a market difference from other tortilla chips. We normally experience. They were quite good. And the Chilaquiles we're good. I also thoroughly enjoy the fresh squeezed orange juice. Definitely a place to stop in for breakfast. read more

Very nice people however, I was very disappointed in the food and I will not be returning. I don't know it might just be me, but it was not my cup of tea. As far as Mexican food goes. The ambience was nice, the waitress was very nice and very attentive. I don't know maybe I will try it again another day. They were just opening for a week or two when I got there. read more

Pros: great service, great atmosphere, generous portions Cons: food is bland and pricey Party of four, we were seated immediately and orders were taken quickly... our table got: shrimp quesadilla, shrimp taco plate, chile relleno plate, burrito plate (chicken) Shrimp was not seasoned and rubbery Chile rellenos were good, probably could've used a little more red sauce Chicken in the burrito was dry, unseasoned and a small portion We've been here once before, also during COVID, and that time was so much better... we won't be trying again based on this experience. read more

I love El Tejavan West. It is the very best Mexican food in Amarillo. The two different guacamole's are fantastic and fresh. The salsa is very good. Their marinated beef tacos are wonderful. Their rice is fluffy and not soggy. Everything is a real treat. read more

Was my go to place when I moved here 7 years ago. Last two visits not so good. Daughter wants to give it another shot on Mothers Day. We'll see. read more

This one of our favorite places to stop while in Amarillo. The food is authentic Mexican and the service is always pleasant. Highly recommend stopping in at either locations, as we go to both. If go for ambiance, the west restaurant is the newest and biggest read more

Really great food, fresh made corn or flour tortillas. Friendly service. Great portions. Ate breakfast on a Sunday and it was packed but still great service read more

Very good Americanized-Mexican food. I don't think there's anything 'authentic' about it, but that's OK. - Great rellenos. - Large draft beer only $5.50. - Excellent salsa in a squeeze bottle. Overall, a nice space. Recommended. read more

El Tejavan - Chile rellenos - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

Great tacos, I stoped on my way back from Paladora canyon, the food good and fast, the fish taco was my favorite, however the meat in chicken tacos was a little dry. If you like authentic Mexican food you should give it a try. read more

El Tejavan - A white oval plate holds four tacos with different fillings, topped with chopped onions and cilantro, accompanied by lime wedges and a small container of sauce. A side of guacamole is also present on the plate. The table has a granite surface, with a cup of coffee, a water bottle, and utensils nearby, indicating a casual dining setting at a Mexican restaurant. - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

Yelp said this was number one Mexican in Amarillo during one of our road trips. We came in during late lunch hour and there was a short wait for us to get in. The food was fresh and fast to hit the table. That's good because we almost filled up on chips and salsa. Boyfriend got the enchilada plate that was deconstructed enchilada and a over easy egg on top. He raved about the rice and beans. I got the shrimp and tomato sauce which was a light, filling lunch for me. I was afraid the shrimp portion wasn't going to be much but I was wrong. To share, we ended with a slice of flan. It wasn't too sweet and very creamy. I would come again for a lunch stop. read more

El Tejavan - Enchilada plate - Mexican Near Me - Amarillo, Texas

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Terrible customer service / staff. Prices are inflated and not marked on the menu. I'd suggest one of the many other Mexican restaurants in town that respect their customers. read more

Great experience here while visiting friends. Ordered the al pastor (beef) burritos. Unbelievably tasty and juicy. Had a bite of my wife's asada tacos - also great! Definitely enjoyed everything here. The service was fast and attentive. Dropped a fork midway through my second burrito, and our waiter was quick to replace it! By the way, my wife claimed her margarita was phenomenal as well. Five stars, muy bueno. read more