Had a large party - impromptu after a funeral. We first went close by to the Linden Avenue ELSA's. That location is wack: staff is never helpful, always full of excuses. We left there. Called Wilmington pike - they Sure, we will get your table set up!! ChaChing they made big money on our party. Great service, always great Mexican food!! read more

Strong drinks?? ABSOLUTELY Good food? Oh my, maybe after two bad Juan's Fun environment but the food quality is below Taco Bell Plan on a hangover read more

Ordered carry out. Food was bland not much flavor, not sure what happened to Elsa's post pandemic but I know it was better than this. Very disappointing. read more

Our server did a great job. He kept our drinks full and made sure we had everything we needed. We ordered different meals but the majority of them had very bland food. The food was presented well. read more

Two words...wet burrito. These are so damn addicting I suspect they have crack in them. My son didn't believe me, so I showed him today. I get the shredded beef with a side of sour cream. Next time I need to remember to ask for extra sour cream...this little paper cup does not quite cut it. Don't worry if you don't want shredded beef...they have chicken, pork and ground beef as well. I get the Mini Wet Burrito cause I can't eat the regular portion it's so big. I doubt anyone could. Staff is always helpful...they even made a virgin margarita for the little one. Even had whipped cream and a cherry. Of course there's a bar, and they're famous for their Bad Juans. It's very strong. You can even get a shirt that say's "I got a BJ at Elsa's." I didn't buy one, but I could have. So if you're craving good Mexican you want to come here. It's so worth it. If you're into mediocre Mexican, drive thru the Border. But no Bad Juans for you. Just sayin. read more

Elsa's On The Border - wet burrito ... must have crack in it cause its addicting - Mexican Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Will NOT be going to this one ever again! I was there with friends, we all ordered Bad Juan's... I got the regular on rocks with a frozen strawberry topper, salt rim. First round came out fine. We order a 2nd round. Although my friends changed flavors, I specifically asked for mine to be the exact same way as the first. They bring me a raspberry on the rocks with sugar rim. I flag the waitress and tell her I got the wrong one, and repeat I want the same as first regular on rocks, strawberry topper salt rim. She takes back and brings same drink in a new glass with salt rim and a dollop of strawberry. Ummm I didn't order raspberry!!! I flag waitress again and tell her its wrong but forget it, just take it off my bill. Manager/Bartender/Owner comes over to argue that it's the right drink, she simply poured in new glass with salt to not waste the liquor (her exact words). Basically admitted she didn't remake it. No ma'am it's not anything like my first one, it looks & tastes like raspberry, what I ordered was gold w/frozen strawberry top. She keeps arguing that it's correct, then finally grabs the drink back and says she'll remove it from my bill but will not be serving anymore drinks to the table since she has to pay for the refused drinks. Huh??? My friends and I are dumbfounded. Get my bill and both drinks are on there! By this point I'm ready to blow a gasket, but I don't. I go to the bathroom so my friends tell the waitress about the add'l charge on my bill. The waitress initially tells them they dont do refunds...but thankfully my friends get it straightened out b4 I get back to the table. Just ruined my Taco Tuesday! Ugh! read more

DISGUSTING!!!!! This used to be one of my favorite places for TexMex but I will not be returning after tonight. I ordered a burrito which was served to me with a long, dried string of burnt beef hanging from the front of the burrito and dangling off of the plate. The rest of the beef (inside the burrito) was burnt to the point of being charred - and it was dry and rubbery. It was not edible and frankly I would not have fed this to a New York City subway rat! My dining companion ordered chicken fajitas which featured a generous helping of brown guacamole which looked like a pile of cat vomit. I asked the manager if he would eat such food. He replied "um, no." I asked then why such disgusting food was allowed to be plated, sent from the kitchen and served to a customer. "I dunno" was his reply. We left the restaurant immediately and ate elsewhere. (It also took a really long time for this disgusting food to be served...) DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!! read more

Elsa's On The Border - Disgusting, burnt beef - Mexican Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Dinner/Drinks Nov 28 My go to place in Dayton for great drinks and chips & salsa. Sorry foodies but this isn't some cilantro infused, Himalayan salt laden salsa with burnt fig leaves and a touch of expresso. This is simple home made CONSISTENT salsa..from bite one to bite 1,000..be it today 1984 or 2024 - this salsa will remain the same - and i love it! Get the Queso Blanco cheese dip and a few Bad Juan's later , you will be doing alright! Oh yeah, and there is this super dreamy Italian man that is behind the bar! If only i wasn't straight & married!!!! Great times always! read more

Today, my office was craving Mexican food and instead of going to our normal place down the road, we decided to try Elsa's, as most people have eaten there and enjoy it. When we got back to the office with the food and started to pass it out, we noticed we were missing a large chili con queso. We did however have a small cup of shredded cheese. Willing to take that as a loss and minor disappointment, we moved onto the food we did receive. We were shocked once opening our boxes to find the vegetables in our fajita bowls were not cooked, missing ingredients, and the shrimp bowl had shrimp that weren't peeled. Further, the cheese in the bowls was not queso, but shredded cheese. Understanding that mistakes happen, we called the restaurant to let them know of the errors (especially the $7 queso). The woman that answered the phone told us we were lying because not only did she pack the food, she also made it. Unfortunately, her response did not help the situation, and we will not be going back. I highly recommend choosing one of the many other Mexican places in town. read more

I go to Elsas for one reason and one reason only. The bad Juans! They're still as strong as ever. Just so I didn't get too wasted I did have the chicken chunks which were pretty tasty. read more

Elsa's On The Border - Mexican Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Awful. Ate at the Wilmington Avenue location this evening. Had a taco with refried beans and Mexican rice. Taco was disgustingly greasy. Inedible. My server suggested I try the pizza next time. There won't be a next time. read more

Take Elsa's for what it is - a crazy mix of food (there are margaritas and mexican, wings, pizza, sandwiches, burgers), a sports bar environment (good, low-key place to catch some sports), and mostly above par service, and you won't be disappointed. We are generally at the bar, and most of the bartenders are outstanding - attentive, friendly and quick. The food is consistently pretty solid- of the 2 dozen times I've been, I've been satisfied every time but one - and I blame that on the fact that I ordered right as the kitchen was closing (I should know better). There's always trivia on a TV or two, so if your company begins to bore you, at least you can learn something. If you have a bad day, go get a bad Juan - it tastes like an overly poured glass of tequila with too much sour mix, which is exactly what it is - and a couple will certainly take the edge of your problems. The smokers do stand right outside the front door, which is gross when you enter and exit, but if you hold your breath and dash, you'll get minimal residual smell on your clothes. At least they're outside now. read more

"Bad Juan"= extreeeemly alcoholic margarita (though not very tasty) I began my Elsa's experience with one of these, which ultimately I can't decide if that was a good or bad.. I ordered a veggie quesadilla, and it was ok. Nothing special, but ok.. Everyone I ate with seemed to be pretty equally indifferent about their food. Portion sizes were huge, though, so that was a positive.. Service was adequate. If you're looking for a place to watch a sporting event, Elsa's is covered in big TVs to watch games at. Also, just a warning that Elsa's isn't smoke free. Basically, if you're in the area and looking for some grub to eat during the big game, Elsa's does the trick.. I'll be at the Tim Horton's across the street eating a donut. read more

We stopped in here for dinner the other night after noticing that it is consistently one of the top ranked bars nationally in Buzztime Trivia. The trivia was great--they have a good setup with the tvs, and the other trivia-players are friendly and share answers to up the group score. The bar has a few incentives for you to get a high score, as well. The food was where we were most disappointed. It was subpar tex-mex that just didn't really do it for us, especially not for the price. The chips and salsa tasted like they came from the grocery store. My husband's margarita (the Bad Juan) was disgusting; it seriously tasted like there was mountain dew in it. I was less than impressed with the draft beer selection. Service was also on the slow side; we waited long enough for our check after we finished eating that we were able to play two more rounds of trivia. We might be back for trivia, but next time we are sticking to drinks at the bar. read more

While the menu was certainly fun to peruse, as the descriptions had some wit to them, the offerings were pretty standard for a Mexican Bar meets American Bar. I shared a Three-Way (and considering the pieces of my youth in Cincinnati, I've had better experiences with this name) with my dinner partner... the chicken was a bit overdone, the steak was good, and he devoured the shrimp, so I took that as a good sign for how they were prepared. We each had a Bad Juan, and while it wasn't the worst margarita on the rocks I've ever had, it certainly was not the best, either. A fun atmosphere, good service, and a new experience chalk it up to three stars. read more

I went there tonight with some friends and the waitress charged me for 3 drinks when I only had 2. My friend then realized she was also over charged a drink. When we asked her about it, she tried to tell us someone didn't pay for their drink. When we asked to see the manager, he told us our friend, that had already paid her bill and left, had said to the waitress we were paying for her 2 drinks. That was a lie! I saw her bill! I don't like being lied to! We won't be back!! Sad!!! read more

A good place to get some food and watch a game. Food is on par with Carmel's... Maybe a little less mexicantastic than the original elsas. I've had great broasted wings, and I've had really fatty greasy broasted wings. They're good enough that I keep ordering them after the fatty incident, however. Service at the bar is fantastic. The service at the tables is hit or miss. I've bussed my own table more than once. And lastly, Elsa's is non-smoking... I've gone 15 times since last summer and never seen anyone smoke in there. read more

Food is always amazing, accompanied by great service!! My waitress Megan was kind and courteous!! 10/10 would recommend her for your next visit!!!! read more

Yikes, wash the windows already. Burrito not bad. Salsa probably from a can, and it's sugary. Chips not really fresh. Black beans & rice pretty good. Mixed bag, there are much better places in Dayton. read more

We've been here twice since they opened. Chicken enchiladas verde style are my new favorite thing. Bad Juan's never disappoint. Service was good and food came out fast read more

I work very close to this Elsa's, so I have ordered alot of dinners and lunches. When they first opened, the food was good. It really appeared they were at least trying. Well, I have ordered my last dinenr there after tonight. I ordered a SIMPLE SALAD. I went down there to pick it up. Had 3 different people ask me what I was there for, and after that I was promptly ignored for the next 20 minutes. I just had to walk out because I had to go back to work. The service there is terrible. The bartenders at night are rude and MIA most of the time when you need a drink refill. I have tried and tried to like this place because it's close....but I just can't do it. The food is bland, the prices are high, and the service sucks. I have been in there several times watching the wait staff cut up and stand around doing nothing while I have dirty dishes on my table and an empty glass. The past couple times I ordered carry-out, I have had to wait an inordinate amount of time for a salad. And when I order a chicken sandwich, it is dry and looks cartoonishly small compared to the gigantic bun it's served with. I love Bad Juans. They are delicious. But it will be a cold day in hell before I order food there again. read more

The menu had an extensive amount of food options and even more drink options! The restaurant/bar had a very fun atmosphere with great service! Only complaint was the little to no parking options around the building. read more

This one is the new locations so far this place has been so many different things; I really hope Elsa's stays! It's rather tasty and I guess they've added a few things to the menus too! I'm not sure if it's just at this location however... I do love the loaded tots and please try them they're delicious as well as many main dishes! read more

The salad I ordered was supposed to be mixed greens and it was only iceberg lettuce. The waitress said that some of the items on the menu had changed but the menu didn't reflect the change and she failed to let me know when ordering my salad. It was nearly 15 minutes that it took her to come back to the table to ask if everything was okay by then everyone in my party was done eating...I was still charged for my iceberg salad...Very disappointed read more

I love this place. Every time I come in they greet me with a smile, I am served almost instantly, and the staff is so fun. I would come here every day if I could. Don't go to any other Elsa's. This is the one you have been looking for. read more

Most good awful crap a microwave could create, I know they won't be offended by this post. If you like frozen food then this is the place for you you. read more

For the most part service is prompt and fresh they have a taco bar for lunch time guest just a little over $7 and of course she had to get you some margaritas. Management seems to be a little dry lack of personality but and apparently that works for him not so much for me I have the times I've been in their heads got to carry on any type of conversation or greeting. He needs to learn that Yelp and Google reviews are great for advertising from the customers to the general public for future reference. And he'll probably give me a little bit over this or not say anything at all and just continue to be cold and distant period note to management all customers regardless of how you feel about them are definitely just that customers. Try to break the ice a little bit bartender loosen up a little bit wait staff is always been very polite even though they're not waiting on me so I'm usually at the bar. But in due time I guess considering I live right around the corner and it's very convenient and my kind of place to go unless of course you have to squeeze personality out of them. Am considering the place for future meetings and interviews and entertaining friends. Really hope it lightens up and they become more friendly or I'll find someplace else to have my birthday party guests oh, not typically a bit super easy to get along with until I'm rub the wrong way but lack of communication and warmth the definite negative rub read more

Bad Juans got their name for a reason. Try a monster mimosa if you are with a date and yall like to drink. Good tex-mex. great drinks. Have an exit strategy cuz you may need a driver. read more

I work weekends nearby and I have tried twice to place a pick up order. The first time they refused my order because of a private event taking place there that day and the second time they refused my order because I needed to pick it up later in the day closer to my lunch break and they said it was too early for me to place and I would have to call back closer to the pick up time. It seems strange to keep discouraging business. read more

My wife and I both had very disappointing meals. I ordered steak Fajitas and the steak was so tough that I could not chew it. My wife's meal was bland, it didn't have any flavor. It literally tasted like nothing. On top of that the silverware was not clean and there was dust hanging from the decorations on the wall. We did have good service, but that is the only positive thing I can say about this place. read more

I am a huge Elsa's fan and frequent two other locations (far hills and stroop/Marshall). I've been to this specific location twice, and honestly don't feel that it holds a candle to the other locations. I can't even believe it's the same chain. The food takes forever and is not good. The vegetables on the fajitas are undercooked, and the chicken is rock hard. The rice tastes like a microwaveable package of Mexican rice. Stick to the other locations and you will not be disappointed! Don't waste your time here. read more

I like this place a lot. They have a nice selection of Mexican favorites that are all tasty, and their signature margarita is definitely worth the trip. Not stellar food, but a nice atmosphere (some sports-geared TVs, lots of tables, bar) and definitely hits the spot when you want a burrito. read more

Love love love this place! I've tried all the locations, this one is by far my favorite! Food is great! Staff friendly! Bad Juan's are top notch! The manager is awesome! My family visits a few times a month! read more

I recently moved to the area and a lot of people at work raved about the Bad Juans and the food. I had in mind that it was a typical Mexican restaurant and not realizing what it really was. I was disappointed to find out it was more of an American bar with a variety of food (a wide selection of tex-mex) than a Mexican restaurant. The food was good and atmosphere is fun. I had a Bad Juan and it tasted very thick and syrupy so I switched to beer. Typical beer but they were a little over-priced for what I got. Service was friendly and helpful. I would go back here for a drink after work but will be more prepared this time around. read more

The queso dip was grainy and tasted sour. The waitress said it was because it was "first thing in the morning and it hasn't had a chance to get warm". It was 12:30 P.M. My chicken fajitas had four slim strips of chicken and a HUGE pile of shredded green peppers. There were a few slivers of onions. The fajitas came with a side of Spanish rice which was dumped on top of the fajitas which was not good for me because the rice was for my grand daughter because I am on a Keto diet. The cheese, guacamole and sour cream were generous. My daughter got one beef taco which was good but her "wet" burritos were dry and tough. No sauce was visable. The rice was very over cooked and sticky/mushy. The waitress was friendly and offered us free drinks because of the food. read more

This was undoubtedly the most bland Mexican food I have ever had. As soon as I tasted the chips and salsa, I had a feeling my meal would be disappointing. The chips didn't seem fresh and the salsa tasted like tomato sauce straight out of a can. I ordered the Super Burrito with shredded beef. When my plate arrived, I was surprised by the mountain of unmelted shredded cheese on top of the burrito. I dug through the cheese to taste the burrito and found nothing but bland sauce, bland meat, and extremely bland beans. The cheese and olives were the most flavorful foods on the whole plate. If you're looking for tasty Mexican food, I do not recommend this place. read more

Hard to put in to words. Wanted to sit inside. Put us outside. Very rushed. God help me if wanted napkin or silverware. Someone smoking on patio. Just not good. May give them another chance. Really sucked. read more

If you're going for a Bad Juan, complimentary chips and salsa, and a good atmosphere, you'll find it. If you're going for dinner....be prepared for a wet mess of tasteless microwaved food. read more

Over all I prefer the Linden Ave location. The food was good but the atmosphere was not to my liking, a bit too loud plus I had to make my way though the smokers who were standing at the front door. read more

this was a big disappointment !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the food was total crap ! this is not a mexican eatery ! we went for lunch on oct 26 th and one meal was cold and tasteless, the other meal was so bland i could not eat ...the manager could not take the time to come to the table and talk to us ,,,, after all he had 2 customers at the bar and 3 table of 2 customers each ........the tacky decorations , and inexperianced waitress , was enough ... it's easy to see that the bar is more important...by the way they need to go to mexico and tast real food and see that all that tacky stuff on the wall is not mexico ,,, i live in bisbee az 2 miles from the boarder , i know mexican ,, and this is not it !!!! save your money and dont go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more