This is a wonderful little local spot for Mexican cuisine. The food quantity is enough to fill you and that quality is just the right amount of authentic. Ambiance is quite , dim but enjoyable read more

Escondido's is a little bit of a drive for me but I have never been disappointed. A typical American Mexican restaurant with the usual menu. The food is fresh and the service is good. I have been here several times over the last several years and I have not been disappointed. The bar has several tvs and has the full menu available. read more

A solid neighborhood Mexican family restaurant. The menu contains a standard offering of Mexican food - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc with a good selection of beer and cocktails. Service is always friendly and portion size is generous. Been here several time and and always come away satisfied and full. read more

Not down home authentic, but not chain-like. Clean and cool atmosphere. Bar area is really cool. Wife got veggie fajitas and I got a burrito/relleno combo. Both were really good. Had Flacco Taco salad second time I went. Highly recommend that. Was great! read more

Escondido - Wife got veggie fajitas and I got a burrito/relleno combo. - Mexican Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

We have gone to Escondido many times. The food is usually good but the service is usually average at best. However, last night the service was terrible. We had 2 servers for some reason - neither of which was attentive. Although our food was served promptly, no server once checked on us during the meal. We ate our dinner with empty drink cups for the entire meal and needed to drink our melted ice. We then ordered a dessert which was slow to arrive. The dessert had a piece that appeared green to us. The server came and took it way to bring a replacement but instead returned with the same one and told us it was fine. I just told him to remove from bill. I then stopped and told the hostess on the way out - she just said she was sorry and seemed to have little interest in our situation. I don't plan to return. read more

I have come here year after year and the quality is always there. It is not the most authentic Mexican food in the Freehold but it is comfort food. read more

Not a five star restaurant, nor does it claim to be, but for what it is I give it 4 stars. They have half price apps during football games in the bar which immediately makes it a bargain. The margaritas are delicious, wish they were a little bigger though. I usually get the mango and the peach frozen ritas. Great fresh homemade chips that come with fresh salsa that has the perfect hint of cilantro I love. We tried the soup of the day, some kind of crab bisque which was delicious and my usual entree, the Pollo Especial. It's a fried burrito with marinated pulled chicken n jalapeño cream cheese smothered in melted cheese. It is amazing, trust me. This place hits the spot for me when I'm craving Mexican food and margaritas on a limited budget. read more

Escondido - Crab soup special.. Delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

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Pretty large place; wasn't busy when we came in, but because so while we were there. Our server, Amanda, I think, was fantastic. Very nice and always checking to see if we needed anything. The chips and fresh salsa they bring to the table is tasty. Our server even brought out other hot sauces; the house one is fantastic. I ordered a chicken breast dish that was on a menu insert and my husband order the short rib burrito loco. Mine had a lot of flavor, but the chicken was pretty dry. Also, it said there was chorizo somewhere in the dish, but I didn't see or taste any. Still, it was pretty good. My husband said that his was very good. Also indulged in the $2 margarita Thursday...their frozen margaritas were great! Hopefully the dry chicken was a one time thing because other than that, it was great. Will definitely be back. read more

I did not actually come here but my girlfriend came with some friends and brought food home for me so I could eat after work. She got me a beef burrito and that's exactly what it was.... Ground beef .... in a tortilla... Nothing else. She said it was supposed to have Pico and lettuce or something. There was a sauce on top of it that had a decent taste to it but otherwise it was very bland. The beef was also very under seasoned. It came with a side of rice and beans. Beans were ok. Rice was not good at all. Both sides were in tiny little plastic cups similar to the size cup you get guacamole in at Chipotle. Literally about 2 1/2 tablespoons. From what she told me her meal was pretty bad also. Don't think I will ever make the effort to go dine there. read more

Escondido - A beef burrito in the most literal sense. Under seasoned beef in a tortilla. - Mexican Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

My family and I used to come here every Cinco de Mayo and on various other occasions when my sisters and I were young, before the overhaul and menu change. I for one have never been big on Mexican food, but I had always enjoyed the cheese quesadilla I ordered, the service was always good, and the place was usually busy. When I was in middle school, I came with friends on half days as I attended the school directly across the street. I had one bad experience here when I was around 13 (in 2012), before the revamp happened. While out with friends on a half day, I tried a new a dish called "el pollo loco" ("the crazy chicken" in English) for lunch, which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I ended up with a nasty stomach ache hours later. My mom decided that I just wasn't accustomed to the spices, and I stuck to my usual cheese quesadilla for a while before ordering it again. Some months later I ordered the "el pollo loco" again, while at an early lunch with my mom and sister. The restaurant had just opened, and we were the first customers that day. That night I had a headache and stomach ache, and the next morning I got violently ill. This time I chalked it up to undercooked food due to the ovens not being properly warmed up yet. My family and I wrote Escondido off when the menu change happened, because my mom wasn't happy with the food selection anymore. So just last year (2018) we decided to return for another Cinco de Mayo meal. This time, the place was almost empty and we were seated right away, which we were all surprised about as we all recalled waiting 40-50 minutes for a CDM table in the past. We ordered our food at about 2:30 pm, so I decided the chicken would be safer this time because the restaurant had been open a while, and ordered a chicken chimichanga. That night, I experienced the same stomach pains as I'd had the first time I ordered the other chicken dish. I didn't get sick, but this was the third time I had experienced stomach pains after eating chicken here. I do not plan to return anytime soon as I like Moore's (next door) much better, and their food never makes me sick. For Mexican, I have also been to Rosies in Marlboro which I recall being much better and not making me ill. For kids, people who don't like spices, and people under the drinking age/people who don't or can't drink, this is definitely not your best bet for a Mexican place. I can see how people may enjoy going for the Tequila bar, but that should not be the only good thing about this place, especially as it is advertised as a restaurant. read more

I love the salsa here. Everything else, not so much. How do you burn a fajita? Or serve over cooked rice? I say skip the food and dive right into the margaritas which are pretty good actually. Server was on the money when she asked whether we actually liked the food. She was funny, helpful and very attentive. Wish I could give her a 5 star rating. read more

Restaurant was clean with great lighting & music! Service was out of this world! Ask for Danielle... so worth it. The food was delicious! Prices were great! read more

Very happy with food Waiter sucked. Helped another table who was seated after us. Gave us at a table for maybe 1, and never removed the menus or one dish. I had a table full of plates I had to stack and scrap just to make room to eat and than pack my leftovers And the waitress over at moores tavern chomping on her gum while talking to her table read more

Everything was great tonight. Our food came out in a timely manner and everything was fresh. My husband said his burrito tasted like it had Italian spices instead of Mexican, but he ate it anyway. Haha! Our waiter was very polite as well. No wait to be seated. We will come back, and recommend this place to our friends. read more

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Foods just decent not really a great Mexican place, way better places just down the street in the boro for far cheaper, prices are a little expensive for what you really get, waiters and staff aren't exactly friendly and not attentive to your table and needs, read more

For non-authentic mexican food, this is a good place. It's definitely a step above Chilis (for you chain-goers) out there. I've now been 2 times and was not disappointed either day. I'd suggest the guacamole. It's pretty good for well, an american-mexican place. I'm excited to go back. Oh - they had 2 craft beers (Stone Pale & IPA) in bottles. read more

The best Mexican restaurant. The salsa is so delicious. Everything is out of this world!!

Food: so BLAND! The best thing I have had to eat there are the flautas with their dipping sauce. Other than that, this place is BYOS (bring your own spices). Drinks: nice selection of beer and the margaritas are good (so I am told). Service: depends on when you get there and who they have on staff. My advice: go to El Meson and bring your own alcohol. Worth the wait. read more

Let's start with what was good: House Margaritas Mexicali Dip Guacamole-YUM Entrees: Del Mar, Tacos and Burritos Chefs Special Not worth the spend: Fried Ice Cream: Imagine Non-fried raw oatmeal like coating, not crispy, not battered, not hot and cold...very disappointing. I think I found the recipe on Rachel Rays...scope of ice cream with crumbled up corn flakes mixed with some cinnamon and sugar pressed into the ice cream....no fry step. :( read more

Basic American Mexican the menu could have more options and the sangria was like drinking grape juice not worth getting the pitcher. The street tacos were okay, but it's better if you go to a real Mexican restaurant for tacos. read more

The worst ever! My friends and I went there and ordered Fresh guacamole made to order. They were rancid and sour. We sent them back and they were accommodating with the rest of our order which was passable. read more

Came to Escondido's today for lunch. I was a little wary of it since the reviews were so mixed? I feel like it's my new Mexican place! I had the Coconut shrimp tacos which were really tasty and cheap (had the lunch special- $7 for 2 tacos, rice and beans). They were super fresh! The margarita (on the rocks) was also really fresh, and appropriately strong. No cheap sour mix. The bartender and waitress were really friendly. I see no downsides about this place. Will be coming back! read more

Love the relaunch of Escondido's to Escondido! The food is amazing! The drinks are fantastic! My order came out fast, & it was perfect! read more

Escondido - Sangria was perfect! - Mexican Near Me - Freehold, New Jersey

Great service, great drinks, and awesome Gluten Free options. As someone with celiac i've never gotten sick from here! My favorite thing is the queso appetizer (mexicali dip) with fresh corn tortillas! read more

Ordered the chicken fajita wrap for lunch special as a to go order - it was delicious!! There was a ton of flavor and the fries were good!

I eat a lot and pride myself on finishing every plate set in front of me but not at this place. Over cooked and greasy food and when me and my friend barely touched our meal the staff didn't seem to care. There are better Mexican restaurants to experience read more

My friends and I were on our way home from Great Adventure and wanted to try some Mexican food in the area. We saw this place on Yelp and we decided to give it a shot. When we got there the place was beautiful, great ambiance and spacious. We were seated at a booth. I ordered the loaded nachos and mango Margaritas and let me tell you I was blown away. I have never tried such a delicious Margarita ever and mind you I don't drink Margaritas. I don't know if they use a Mango syrup or puree but it tasted like Alfonso mangos from India. The Nachos were delicious but it gets better. I ordered the elote (corn) of the cob and shrimp tacos. Oh my god the best corn I have ever tried at a Mexican restaurant. The flavors were so on point. The shrimp tacos were very tasty as well. I don't know why people are complaining, this is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to (FYI I live in NY). I hope they open up a branch in NYC. In conclusion my favorite items were the corn and mango Margarita. Please check this place out, you won't be disappointed. read more

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Love going here for margs and Mexican food! The second we sat down we were greeted with chips and their two salsas (red and green!) to drink I got the los diablos margarita which was good but not really spicy at all. We got guacamole for an app because it was a Monday and they have $5 apps on Monday's. It was ok but not spiced at all. For my meal I got the steak fajitas which I love and always have to take home because they give so much (also i tend to fill up on chips and salsa!) my husband got the combo platter with chicken flautas, beef empanadas, and a taco, this is a great option for someone that can't decide what to get! I finished my first drink and got a refill, this one was almost too spicy to drink (I didn't comment before about my first one not being spicy) so it was very strange that the two drinks were so inconsistent especially since there was only one bartender.. either way once the ice melted it was much better... the food and drinks are good just some room for improvement! I will continue to keep coming back because it's a great place! read more

Meh. Feels like a chain trying to look authentic. Decent tequila menu admittedly, my nephew and I had a couple of delicious flights. (I had the escondido especial with don julio 1942, jose cuervo reserva, and milagro barrel select), served with sangrita, salt, and lime. Chips and salsa standard fare, not warm, tasted like it was from a bag, did not taste housemade. 2 for 1 taco entree deal tonight, so my wife and I had shrimp tacos, and chicken tacos. Below average at best. there were 3 small shrimp in each soft taco, and 2 small pieces of grilled chicken, about the size of a chicken nugget. Came with rice and beans which were average. Service -- our server was very nice, but the pacing was just slow and off. Maybe he was busy, but at least he kept us informed and updated and checked up on us a lot. Much better authentic-tasting mexican food elsewhere. But i liked the tequila selection, so 3 stars. read more

First time last night. Sat upstairs. Pretty weird set up. Servers need to go down small flight of steps to get cocktails, and the food servers must come up same way. Only had wings for appetizers since we were going to movies right after. Tried to help out server and gave him credit card before getting the tab. That backfired. Got charged for someone else's tab, he messed up and under charged someone else and tried to charge me for his mistake. Talked to I guess the manager, she took care of it which was nice. Service can be better, long wait in between ordering drinks. The upstairs idea is horrible for fast service, only a matter of time till drinks and food goes flying off those steps. read more

Had the shrimp tacos and it was delicious! The service was excellent, been there 3 times and will definitely go back again!

We've been going to Escondido's for years and have always enjoyed the food. I was pleasantly surprised when we walked in yesterday and saw they had redone the interior; it looks very classy. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed in the change in the menu. Many of our favorites were gone. My skirt steak, although cooked to the correct doneness, was bland and tasteless. So was my husband's chicken, though at least his was saved by the mole sauce. And a margarita should be in a margarita glass to get the right drink to salt ratio. I miss the old Escondido's. read more

Food was very good and was at a good value. Service was admirable. Don't understand why people give this place bad reviews. A good hole in the wall mexican restaurant in an area without many mexican restaurants. read more

They changed the menu. All our favorites are gone. Sad. In an effort to be more "authentic", they've just become like every other place in the area that we didn't go to for that reason. Sad. read more

Awful! James, the sous chef for Chef Ramsey is the executive chef. This is food is the kind that Gordon Ramsey would spit out and throw away. The food was either barely cooked or burned. There was no taste. My martini was served in a regular "old fashion" glass with lots of alcohol and, again, no taste. I realize that you may be trying to go "authentic", but I've been to authentic that is wonderful. We have a pool going to see how long until it goes out of business. read more

Fantastic food, reasonable prices & a friendly staff and the best salsa around...one of my favorites and close to home! The seafood chimichanga is amazing!!! read more

This place used to be good but with the menu change the place stinks. The cheese enchiladas are now terrible and come with 2 instead of 3 for more money. There are no good combos and they took away my favorite app: Mexicali dip. Service has never been good but at least the food and drink specials used to make up for it. Now, I have no reason to go back. Escondidos you ruined a good thing. read more

This place is great!! The food is amazing. The traditional guacamole appetizer is to die for and I wish I could get a huge tub of it and take it home with me that good! I had the coconut shrimp taco on the lunch special menu and I can't say anything bad it because it was amazing. My boyfriend had the Chicken fajita wrap that he ate in about 5 seconds. The prices here are relatively good. The specials prices are amazing and the regular menu is food for the portion you will get from it. I will definitely be back here again read more

I don't know what these bad reviews are all about- my experiences with Escondido have always been great. For 4 months, my crew of 8 was working in the area and would frequent this spot- either sit in or get take out- and it never disappointed. The staff is SO friendly and nice and accommodating- we were always on a tight schedule and would have to call ahead to order and have the food ready for when we got there, or call ahead and have peoples names written on the food for pick-up, and it was never a problem. They never forgot anything, messed up the order, or inconvenienced us in any way. Also it doesn't help that the food is SO good!!!! Its hard to please a crew of 8 and Escondido never let us down! read more

Arrived hungry for lunch and chose this restaurant over Moore's Tavern next door because of the outdoor seating. I definitely agree with other posters that this place is trying too hard to be "classy." Service was good. Menu was limited - we had the chimichanga, shrimp tacos, and fried ice cream for dessert. The chimichanga was ok - didn't really care for the rest. The food is average, but not great. Outdoor seating area was nice. Wouldn't visit twice. read more