El Tequila in Auburn, Maine, is the best! Charming, authentic, colorful decor and outstanding , attentive service.. with simply great food. The basic sides , beans and rice, are usually forgettable but not at El Tequila.. The beans are almost buttery and the side of rice. is truly delicious. The cocktails are great and they serve in the biggest margarita in Maine. A good , varied menu with authentic, Mexican specialties -- like mole poblano and even seafood fajitas.. . we ordered the chicken and shrimp fajitas combo and the word 'generous' has to be used when talking about portion size.. This restaurant is a must if you like authentic Mexican food and prompt service. read more

What a find Had a great meal Quesadilla rellena and alambbre lunch Great service comfortable Large portions Highly recommend read more

It's very difficult to find Authentic Mexican Food! We navigate the best we can.. That being said, the food is fine, service is pleasant. Drink prices a little high. Stick with beer. Restaurant is clean! read more

Food was good . Drinks were better . Fast friendly service. I had no complaints. Thinking about going back ! read more

Tried El Tequila for the first time today for lunch. It won't be the last! We enjoyed everything we ordered, had excellent and attentive service, and had a very positive experience all around. Surprised by the 3 star rating because we loved it! This is what I lovingly and reverentially refer to as "sloppy Mexican" - aka lots of sauces,cheese dripping out of the nooks and crannies, and just plain yummy decadence. On this trip we enjoyed the Hornitos Margaritas (delightfully citrusy), chips and salsa, and chori queso (wow!), Chile rellenos , chicken enchilada, a Burrito Loco all with beans and rice. It was really tasty and very generous portions (taking half of mine home and cannot finish my margarita because I need to drive). Come git some!!! read more

Portions are always on point, drinks are poured generously. Food never takes too long either.

Oh god how does this place have such bad reviews?? Lewiston is tough some of my favorite spots have the loudest critics. The food and margs here are consistent and I always get the same thing, which is amazing. My boyfriend brought me here and the service is always fair, and it is such a casual Mexican food joint with authentic good stuff. So shocked, we love it. read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - Burrito Loco El Jefe Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

I feel compelled to review this restaurant. My husband and I have eaten here many many times. The food is so authentic and always consistent. The employees are very friendly and responsive. We thoroughly enjoy the food, the decor and the service. I highly recommend if you are looking for just good food at a great price, this is the place. read more

As soon as I walked through the door I was amazed!! The place is beautiful with amazing decor. All of the staff were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The food tasted homemade and fresh! I will be continuing to make this my new spot read more

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Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed our first visit. The staff were all friendly and just the right amount attentive. The restaurant was clean and I love the decor. The tables are all decorated with a "painting" as are all of the backs of the chairs. They e done a really nice job of repurposing the space from a Chinese Restaurant to a Mexican Restaurant. What really sold me though was the food. My family of four all ordered something different and all loved our plates. The Pollo Hawaiian had a perfect flavor to it. It wasn't over spiced, the pineapple really saturated the meat and veggies, and it was just delicious. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - Burrito Supremo $12.95 - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

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Today was the second time trying this place, it was NOT any better. The chicken in my burrito was obviously canned, the rice was rice a roni yellow rice, there is no mistaking that taste from my childhood, and the refried beans were also canned. Not that I got refried beans or rice with my meal because they forgot to bring it out. The chicken tenders that my son got with his "kids meal" were overprocessed, slimy, gooey and had a fishy like taste. There was solid to the center of them at all. My husband ordered a special chicken plate, the chicken was served so thin, maybe an eighth an inch thick and only one piece, with a thin, sloppy spoonful of the can refried beans in the box yellow rice. It probably cost them $1.52 plate this meal. My 12 yr old ate his soft taco meal quickly but from what I saw left on his plate the meat was GREY. I'm just waiting for him to be in the bathroom all night in agony. I still politely tipped my server, but don't waste your time or money. Taco bell would've been a tastier and safer choice. read more

If zero stars were an option, that would be better suited for this establishment than this measly one star I am giving them. We actually wanted to like this place! We looked past all the negative reviews they were given and read the positives that people shared-- it seemed like it was going to be a local restaurant with great, authentic Mexican food which was perfect because that's exactly what we were looking for this Cinco de Mayo. After perusing the menu, we decided on three entrees we were interested in trying. First, my husband tried calling... it rang for approximately 10 rings before someone finally answered and then simply just hung up! I tried calling a second time, another ten rings before someone answered with just a "hello?" It sounded loud in the back (like a restaurant) so I asked "is this El Tequila restaurant?" They simply said "no" and hung up. We both called the number they have listed... then my husband decided to actually drive the 20 minutes to the restaurant to give it another go. He waited over 7 minutes before anyone even spoke to him and when they finally did and he asked if he could do take-out, do you know what they said to him? "You need to call ahead." This place is an absolute joke. Regardless of if the food actually is authentic, you're probably better taking your business elsewhere and just avoiding the headache of El Tequila. Kudos to anyone that continues to look for the good in these reviews and give this place a try because that's exactly what we tried to do and we didn't even get to try the food before the experience was ruined. read more

Food was amazing I had the carne asada tacos and the organica margarita everything was delicious service was good and food arrived hot and fresh read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada tacos - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

I'm not sure I would call this "authentic" Mexican food but it was good food anyway. The waiters were quick with our food and it was hot when it came out. The mai tai I ordered wasn't really a Mai Tai but I didn't care, one drink did the job. Restaurant seemed clean and was quiet. Booths were spacious. We'd go back. Only suggestion is just to go in with an open mind - don't expect anything and you'll enjoy yourself. read more

I don't understand how a meal that costs $9 can end up costing $90. I went there yesterday, and I still regret it; the food was not that good. I'm not sure if I should say they scammed me or if I was just foolish for not speaking up. If you decide to go there, it's at your own risk., I didn't want even to out a star read more

I came in and sat at the bar for a shot of tequila while I ordered takeout. I thought I was at a funeral or something, so so quiet, I was even whispering to the one taking my order. The food is well, I don't think they are cooking from scratch unfortunately. Maybe microwaves and cans im not sure. I wish this place was better and that all the employees didn't look like , just sad I suppose. I hope they maybe turn on some Mexican music or any music , I left with my enchiladas and actually felt bad for the employees. Asked for green sauce but got red, I do recall him saying the red sauce like normal and then the green in a much different manner and tone. Maybe um, no I wouldn't feel comfortable going again. So sorry people who work there!! read more

Tuesday night. We saw the one other review and decided, let's give it a try! Well well well.. We got there and we were the only people in the restaurant, except for the few employees. Honestly, I don't think it'll take long before word gets out and that is never the case again. Gregorio was our server (I think, anyway, that's what our bill said..) He was very polite and greeted us with Chips + Salsa, already a big hit with me. I know this is silly, but, we got water w/lemon and the lemon was SO FRESH. (It's the little details like that that make a great first impression.) So we're already off to a great start, I order the Flautas because I've never had them and the picture in the menu was calling my name -- it did in fact come out looking just like the picture.. fresh lettuce, cold sour cream + pico, homemade guac and perfectly crisped tortillas w/ shredded beef (not crumbles, shredded!) .. my husband got the POLLO CHIPOTLE and although my choice was top notch, his was outta this world. Homemade chipotle sauce was soooooo gooooood, creamy and full of flavor. Rice was cooked perfect. Huge portion. Did y'all peep that cuh-yute lil taco full o' salad?! How freakin presh! 10/10 HIGHLY recommend. I would absolutely encourage checking this place out. The menu is HUGE, staff is friendly and the food is incredible. read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - Chips + Salsa is always a good idea - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

Today we made a spur of the moment decision to stop at this restaurant while driving through Auburn at lunchtime craving original quality food instead of fast food. We had never heard of El Tequila or read any of their reviews but are very glad we took a chance! The food was outstanding and we were impressed with the authenticity of both food and atmosphere!! The decor is home spun Mexican with a lot of work and thought put into chairs, tables, walls, etc. The staff and our server were informative, attentive and pleasant while the background music was definitely appropriate. I'm completely puzzled by some of the one star reviews. I live in the Portland area but will travel back to El Tequila again. I plan on telling my friends if they're in Auburn to check this place out! It was a great choice for our meal! read more

I had high hopes but they were just not good. People looked like zombies and did not understand us ..... food was really not good! I tried .... food and service were terrible. Wish I had read the reviews and violations!!!! read more

The food when they first opened was great. Now it's just ok. The place is consistently dirty. Greasy, unmopped floors and numerous messy tables. I don't think I've ever seen an employee smile at us. They rarely even greet people when they come in. The employees look sad, like they don't want to be there and it makes a mediocre experience even worst. Communication is also incredibly difficult. I understand having workers whose primary language is not English. But it's a bit much to receive two beef tacos when you ask for a beef burrito, or plain margarita when you ask for a specialty one, all while pointing to items on the menu. The food is still more authentic of course than the Margarita's or Chipotle just down the block. But the dine-in experience is horrible though. I'm most likely to order something to go next time, if I return. read more

I drive an hour for this restaurant, I love the food and it's always quick service!! It's honestly my favorite Mexican restaurant

The 1 star reviewers are all small town potato chompers. Much of my family is Mexican by marriage.. I've been all over Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica....so I feel qualified to leave a well informed review. Food: Excellent! I had a combo plate with chile relleno, taco, and chicken enchilada. Look, in the US, most "Mexican" style places are catering to our predominantly flavor averse palate. Many chain places owned by not authentic people (margaritas) make "food" for drunk executives and college students celebrating drinko de mayo.. their food consists of basically melted cheese...how its not considered cultural appropriation is beyond me. El Tequila food is legit. The chile relleno was outstanding! Best Ive had in a LONG time. The beef in the taco had flavor...not like the bland dog food flavor you find at many "Mexican" restaurants. The chicken in the enchilada was equally awesome. The waitstaff even brought me the verdad salsa picante...you have to ask for the real stuff. It was AMAZING!!!! Straight golden habanero sauce with cilantro...absolutely bangin! Atmosphere... To the dude who said it was quiet....and you gave 1 star for that?? Weirdo...if you want a night club go to a night club. The atmosphere here was awesome and allowed for me to speak Spanish with the staff. Spanish is a second language and I need to focus to hear and understand what people are saying to me... These guys are all hard working, thoughtful, and very fun. They got a big kick out of how much I was digging the habanero sauce This restaurant is definitely one of those places where the bad reviews are not deserved. This place is fantastic and I'll be back A LOT!!!! Thanks El Tequila crew for your hard work. For you one star losers... Go to margaritas and eat your melted cheese. Leave the real food reviews to us folks who know what we're talking about. read more

Their food is authentic and tasty. Traditional large plates. Salsa is ok. Drinks are amazing! And poured very heavily. This is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in the L/A area. read more

Went here with my wife and it was by far one of the grossest nastiest places i have ever eaten. Ended up throwing away our food because it was not even close to traditional or authentic and i know since i am literally from an immigrant family from Mexico. Even in Mexico we have standards and this place was an absolute insult to our heritage. Go anywhere else but here. On top of it they got angry at us when we told them the food was disgusting undercooked and unseasoned and wanted a refund. They have zero customer service skills. read more

I have no complaints about this place. Is it the best Mexican food.... No but is a pretty good option for Maine..... Yes. Food came out quickly we both enjoyed and plan on going back. We both feel it beats out Margaritias across the street. Went there a month ago and it has gone down hill. Even the kids didn't like it anymore. read more

The food has always been great, we order a lot from here. It's my go too Mexican restaurant!

This place is horrible I know Mexican food and this is not it. The place is foresure understaffed since it's understaffed it is dirty lots of tables are dirty they only cleaned them off when a new costumer comes in. The chips they give have no flavor or salt. The salsa that comes with the chips might just be a bottled salsa and they throw a few pieces of cilantro on top no spice at all. I asked for a shrimp burrito everyone knows burritos are wrapped this was folded like a enchiladas it had no flavor. I noticed some people at other tables did not get all of the food at once and had to wait 5 additional minutes for the whole table to receive their food. I also had to go ask for my bill to pay. I'm from San Diego,ca and I've tasted authentic and not the best food Mexican food this is honestly is the worst I've had. read more

Our friend chose to cater from this restaurant and was quoted a specific amount. Less than a week from her child's catered birthday, the price went up by double. Understandably, she declined the price increase and immediately received the attached message. I haven't eaten here, and by the looks of the racist venom spit in the message, I'm glad my money wasn't wasted. Apparently anyone can make the Walmart tacos they produce; most likely at 1/4 of the cost. read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - Racist much? - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

Not only is the food authentic, but the staff is authentic and the drinks are real not watered down in the slightest. Usually I can order three Long Island iced teas from any restaurant but at this place after two I'd be pretty much useless and I'm over 200 pounds. The food is beyond to die for and the service is immediate and awesome. The servings are lumberjack, large. Our server didn't speak perfect English and that is the only bad thing I can say about our entire experience and we got the wrong drink and it was still delicious. read more

The worst Mexican food I've ever had, sorry to say. American cheese for the cheese sauce on the burrito. Canned slopped on refried. Canned, not fresh tomatoes in the filling. Such a waste. read more

I grew up in California and I lived in Texas for six years. This is authentic Mexican food. The service is good and the people care. I had the tacos and my mother had the fajita quesadilla... she said it was the best that she has ever had. My tacos were wonderful. If you have been to Mexico and know what authentic Mexican food tastes like, you will love it here. If you are used to American locals serving you chain dining Mexican food then this may be a different experience for you. I have been back several times and will go back again. read more

Being from Texas and loving Tex mex it has been a while since I have had really good Mexican food and I have to say this place was great. The restaurant was clean and our waiter very attentive. My margarita was from a mix but that's ok that is the norm. Highly recommend. read more

Great place and good atmosphere. Good music and drinks too. Way better than margaritas. The service is good too they always check up on you time to time to make sure everything is good. It's an authentic Mexican restaurant so don't expect any Taco Bell crap. Keep up the good work. read more

Although the food may be great. Servers do not seem to pleased to see customers. (heads up they will charge your card more than you paid, regardless of whatever tip you offer them, so always check your bank accounts after dining here) read more

Stay away from this place. I ordered 2 entrees and they were both completely wrong. I got guacamole on top of the beef chimis I didn't order. I specifically told them I can't eat avocado. I tried to talk to the manager and couldn't get a word in edgewise. She was so rude I couldn't believe it. I can't believe they didn't get anything correct in my order and they expected us to drive 30 min back to the place to get a replacement. Please boycott this miserable establishment. They don't deserve your patronage. read more

Ordered 1 hour in advance, food was not ready for pick up. Had to wait an additional 30 minutes. Got home, part of the order was missing. Went back and was told I'd have to wait another 25 minutes. The $18 ranchero enchilada I was waiting on turned out to be nothing but cooked hamburger meat in a tortilla with red sauce. No rice and beans like the combo said. Nothing else in the tortillas. Terrible service. Too bad to because the food tastes good. read more

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant - $18 Ranchero Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Auburn, Maine

Been back weekly since. Facebook says join us "EVERY THURSDAY" for 1/2 price house margaritas. Ads still there, they refuse to honor. LMAO. ALSO, waiter waited on one person at a time in a 10 person party. English is a barrier and food was cold inside but plat was scalding. It was great but true colors are bleeding through read more

This is not Mexican food but a substitute that appeals to Mainers. Food was barely Luke warm and the plates were cold. They use processed cheese in suiiza sauce. Spanish rice was not browned and was headed for mushy rather than fluffy. Enchiladas with flour tortillas? read more

Was good food and service. 4 stars because I had to send food back because it was really cold and wasn't much better when they brought it back out. read more

Picture this: 4 people going out to dinner because a friend recommended this place, the go in, the service is okay-- not the best. After getting mediocre service, you order food, once it gets to your table; everyone says how disgusting it looks, and especially how bad it tastes (other than one person who had nachos, because how do you mess up nachos). We all ask for a refund and that's it, except for nachos. And they also hang their feet over the cutlery. read more