thx Sonia for the best service! loved everything we ordered: taquitos & shrimp tacos. cool vibe and great hospitality.

Came to celebrate a birthday. This restaurant is next to Mezcal, which I believe they were housed together before. Now Mezcal is just a lounge, but you can actually go from one to the other and use the restrooms inside Mezcal, which was helpful. This is a very "trendy" Riverside brunch place, so I recommend making reservations. I enjoyed the enchiladas mineras and the margarita sampler even more. The best margarita in the sampler was the watermelon one, so after two samplers, I just stuck with watermelon. Parking can be tricky in the area, but there are lots of other places to check out, in addition to being very close to the historic Mission Inn. Prices are a bit high on the food IMO, but if you want that brunch vibe, I think this place hits that mark very well. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Margarita sampler: mango, traditional, watermelon - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

High end Mexican food. Came here on a Thursday during happy hour , the place was empty but very nice and the ambience was on point, Paolo was our host and server, he was excellent, very attentive and kind. The food was a bit pricey for the location (Downtown Riverside) but was 10/10 in terms of flavor and presentation. Would definitely come back again on a Friday or Saturday to see how hype this place gets. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Bar area / booth - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

BLAND...I had high hopes for this place but was disappointed. Food is very bland and overpriced. I ordered the carnitas plate and almost chipped my tooth. The carnitas was dry, hard, and lacked flavor. Spent around $250 for a party of 5 (only had 1 alcoholic beverage). I don't mind paying for good, quality food but when all 6 people in your group say the food was mediocre, it's an issue. If you are going to impose an 18% auto gratuity, please ensure the service is there. We had to flag our waiter down several times to get simple things (I.e. water, limes, SALT (because the food was bland) and other requests. After this experience, I'm convinced there are no good Mexican restaurants in Riverside read more

Amazing atmosphere! The food was great! Loved the esquite! Sally our waitress was so attentive and friendly! Definitely recommend. read more

Cute, little Mexican restaurant with a modern, chic twist. Dog friendly patio. Full bar inside that's good for a date night or happy hour/hang out with coworkers and friends. Next door is a club as well! Complimentary chips and salsa and recommend getting the guacamole! I got the chicken enchiladas with green salsa with chicken taquitos and pazole. Food is good, Reasonably priced and good service. Would definitely be back. read more

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My girlfriend picked this spot for a girls night out, we were so pleasantly treated by Paulo. He was so attentive, he gave us amazing service. Our waters were never empty, he came and asked if we wanted drink refills before they were empty. We decided to sit inside at first but changed our minds and wanted to see if we were able to sit outside, Paulo helped move our utensils and everything outside. My girlfriends and I enjoyed drinks, the taquitos appetizer and Fajitas. Everything was so delicious. We will definitely be back. We recommend asking for Paolo, he is amazing! Thank you Paolo read more

Palenque Kitchen - Lemon drop martini - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Margaritas are great...but prices are not low at all. Good also good, ordered birria tacos and they were delicious Would definitely come again read more

Palenque Kitchen - Watermelon margarita, Palenque margarita, and a Tito's Bloody Mary - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

I tried the steak fajita plate. I enjoyed the hip and modern ambiance. I also appreciated the amount of protein, however, the guacamole and salsa it came with was plain. The steak was a tad chewy. I was provided with a choice of flour or corn tortillas. The refried beans were good, but not anything I can't get at a less expensive Mexican eatery. The fajitas were pretty oily as well. The customer service was attentive and friendly. The menu can be accessed using a QR code. The menu offering was limited compared to other restaurants. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Instagram worthy interior - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Palenque was a wonderful brunch experience! Sally was so kind and attentive throughout our visit. The drinks were good, highly recommend the Paloma & tequila flight! Also get the churros to end the brunch experience! Thanks, Sally! read more

Well, a group of us went out for the holiday season. We had a reservation and were seated quickly. The drinks were delicious, but the food made 2 of us sick. The suavecito drink was very tasty made with mezcal or you can ask for tequila instead. For my meal I ordered the papas bravas and added carnitas. I've had them before and wondered why they werent flavorful as before...so I ordered salsa, only to see all the flavor at the bottom of the bowl at the end. I almost forgot to mention, my food wasn't warm when it came out but I was hungry and needed to eat since I had a drink. Well, I regret that and spent a majority of the night in the restroom. Someone else in our party ordered the carne asada tacos and also had a rough night. Unfortunately I don't think I would be back for the food but only drinks. Also side note they charge for salsa on the side which is extremely weird for a Mexican restaurant. The service was great, but it was a disappointing experience with the food. read more

Good food, good times @downtown Riverside. Mexican crusine, Great ambience and atmosphere read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

I've only been to palenque twice and both times were amazing. I highly recommend the shrimp ceviche. I had it both times and it hit the spot. I've also tried the shrimp enchiladas and the chicken and shrimp fajita plate, both dinners were spot on and delicious. I've only tried a couple of their alcoholic drinks and they are pretty good yet strong. For the ambiance it was different both times. They were both at night time but one day the resturant was bright lights and low music playing and then the second time dark lights and music playing at a good level. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Dropped by on Easter Sunday to have brunch with my fiancé and uncle last minute. They sat us down right away and took our drink order. We all ordered tequila sodas. In my opinion they were overpriced at $15 a pop for what I consider well tequila. Once we got our drinks the server took our food order. I ordered a Mollete and added steak on it. Such a simple dish but it was so delicious. I let my fiancé and uncle try it and they loved it as well. My uncle ordered the menudo which was delicious as well. My fiancé ordered the steak and eggs but he was not a big fan of it. The steak was too over cooked for him. Would definitely come back for the food but will get drinks somewhere else next time. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mollete with steak. Don't mind the the smaller one I couldn't wait to eat and almost forgot to take a picture lol - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

The food is nothing short of exceptional.The ambiance was warm and inviting making it a great place to unwind and enjoy a meal.

I booked their Tequila room Mezcal banquet room for an event for 20 people. The experience from booking to the day of the event was way above my expectations! They were so accommodating and helpful! The food was amazing and the staff was so friendly and pleasant. Every person at my event had nothing but positive things to say. I would absolutely book this venue again without hesitation. I'm looking forward to going there again to enjoy a meal in their restaurant. read more

If you need a place to go for a last minute plan for a dinner party this is the place. Shout out to Palenque for having us and shout out to Paolo for being an amazing server. Drinks was amazing. Food was delicious asf and had alot of flavor. read more

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Food was meh and service was really slow on the weekends. For the prices, there are definitely better options in the area.

Delicious... The Cuban sandwich was super flavorful and so were the potatoes offered as an appetizer. Took my time with the freshly made "Jamaica (hibiscus)" juice. Actually parked outside waiting for them to open as we've invited family to join us on the second trip there! read more

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Came here for a pre-show dinner before Trevor Noah was performing in Yammava. Figure we would eat here to avoid the traffic a little. Place was hyped in yelp so figured let's try to see if it's open. Lone and behold place was packed and had a queue out front like 30-50 people long. I was like shoots. I bounced inside to use the restroom and noticed four chairs at the bar. On my way out I asked the bartenders and the manager if I could grab these two bar stools. He said sure it's open seating even on a Sat night. Fast forward to having a great time with bar staff and managers. Their margarita sampler is THE way to go. I preferred them to any OC spot including Javier's, sol, and etc. Chips and salsa on point and food was great. Maybe pricey for some but modern vibe, loud, and absolutely packed for a reason. Had the Burria tacos and enchiladas. Would 1000% recommend. Wish I remembered the manager (Caucasian) he was trying to help out the bar since it was slammed. I said no offense but want my bartender to get my drinks because first round was money. He graciously accepted and deferred to the master. They have some eclectic selection of aged tequilas too. Was generous to offer me a taste of one, after having one of the bus boys hike up to the top to grab the bottle. Was legit. Wish I could remember the bartender but he was definitely efficient with best attitude and fun personality albeit chill. read more

A group of 8 of us decided to try El Palenque during the holiday season, lured in by the nice atmosphere and what we hoped would be a memorable meal. Let's just say... the *memories* are more about disappointment than dining. First, kudos we were seated quickly and the cocktails were the highlight, especially the Oaxacan Lover, a mezcal-based delight at a steep $17 a pop but that's about where the positive experience ended. Now, let's talk food. We got cold dishes. Not just one, but 3 of the 8 plates were served cold. Two of us soldiered through it, but my mom, the bravest of the bunch, returned hers. Which brings me to my next point: after waiting, literally we were all done with our meal, two of our dishes showed up. At this point, we had already mentally moved but we had to wait. And wait. The place wasn't busy, so I'm not sure what the hold-up was, but it definitely didn't add to the charm. As for the mains... well, I paid $24 for two tacos and received a slither of fish, wrapped in tortilla with a side of "where's the rest?" flavor. Those tacos were about as mediocre as it gets, and certainly not worth $24. The Asada Steak was a sad, bland slab of carne asada, topped with five pieces of veggies and a sad jalapeño. At $33, it should've been served with a side of "you've got to be kidding me." Don't get me started on the enchiladas. Two little tortillas for $22, but we dared to add the chicken for an extra $10. You'd think they were serving a whole roasted chicken, but nope--just about a tablespoon of chicken in the measly enchiladas. If I'd wanted a lesson in portion control, I would've gone to a nutritionist. Sure, the staff was friendly, and they did compensate the late dishes, but with a bill that totaled over $300, I couldn't help but feel like I had just been taken on a very expensive ride for... a lackluster meal. The music was also way too loud--more like a club than a restaurant. As for the atmosphere, it's beautiful, but it doesn't quite make up for the tiny portions and soaring prices. If you're into paying sky-high prices for food that makes you question your life choices, El Palenque might just be the spot for you. For the rest of us, there are plenty of other places in Riverside offering a better experience at half the price. Our group rated the food between 2.5 and 3 out of 5, but because I'm the one who footed the bill, I'm going with a generous 2. I can't give it a 2.5 because well, you know I'm not allowed to. Real Rating: 2.5 ** we definitely won't be coming back! read more

Vibrant atmosphere and a wonderful hosts and staff. I usually ask people that work there what they recommend and I wasn't disappointed! Had the fajitas the first time and was so delicious! As well as the watermelon agua fresca! Can wait to come back!! read more

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Service and ambiance were good. The food was very disappointing! Our Papas Bravas were cold when they came out and came out with out main dishes. The fajitas were not good as well and very disappointing. Service was nice but very disappointing food. read more

Came on a Sunday around 2pm. Only brunch options were on the menu. Didn't order any drinks. Food was ok but not worth a revisit, especially with the price being a bit high. $65 for two entrees that were a C+ quality isn't the vibe. Seems like a great place to get drinks if you like boozy brunches and loud music. Probably won't be back here. Service was great, just not the type of place I'd be inclined to come back to. read more

We came in starving on a Friday night after a long road trip from the Bay, and ordered the strawberry margarita along with the watermelon cocktail on the menu; for food, we got: - chicken fajitas (chicken was chewy and burnt and not very juicy but I love fajitas so I'd give a 6/10) - also asked for extra tortillas because they only gave 3 but took 30 minutes to give the extra tortillas - nachos (I wasn't really a fan, but the carnitas we ordered it with was really good with it and my friends loved so I would give 4/10) - chicken enchiladas (extremely burnt and tasted like Taco Bell but worse so I would give 1/10) The service was also pretty mediocre (server would come every once in a while but would take a long time to get things), I think I would stop here if I was really hungry and there was nowhere else but it was a fairly decent place. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Food! Service! Excellent! Everything we had was delicious! Will be back. Restaurant is clean, bathrooms too.

Okay, this place was okay. First of all what threw me off was the ONE restroom for everyone. I was waiting in line and the guy behind me cut me when it was my turn telling me he had to go more than I did. Like what. So please get more restrooms. As you can see from the picture my food was just sad. It was flavorless pretty much all around. My friend ordered the aguachiles and both her and her boyfriend didn't like it. The alcoholic drinks were good. Maybe just a good place to grab some drinks. The staff was friendly and that's exactly why I'm not giving this place a - one star. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Carne Asada Steak - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

The taquitos were good but very disappointed with their margarita flight! The margaritas taste like nothing but juice you can't taste any alcohol in them and are very sweet. Palenque is not the place for drinks or perhaps it was just the bartender that night. Needless to say very disappointed we paid $35 for 3 cups of juice... read more

Palenque Kitchen - Margarita Flight 1/5 - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Food was authentic and so good! We got appetizers, chicken flautas and papas! Soo good. Got churros and patron for dessert don't sleep on this place! The music and vibe here was so quiet and relaxing. Just what I needed after work. Come try the Mercadito cocktail! Our waiter Felix was amazing, all his recommendations did not disappoint ! read more

Palenque Kitchen - Churros with a shot of Patron - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Great restaurant, yummy food, good service and cool songs what else you need as a restaurant to get 5 stars? We enjoyed our food and cocktails. We ordered appetizers and they were big enough to not be able to order main course. If you are there to eat a main course be careful when you are ordering appetizers...This place to is open late and you can walk here from Mission Inn. Barely 3-4 minute. You just need cross the street. read more

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We Palenque! Sally, server extraordinaire, always is cheerful with great recommendations. We ordered pozole w chicken beef fajitas, and tacos Don't forget papas bravas as appetizers!! Sandía pepino is refreshing and delicious read more

Palenque Kitchen - Sandía pepino y Suavecito - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

First time at Palenque! The staff was friendly and helpful! They had great music, it was hip and the atmosphere was nice!! We stared off with drinks which where delicious!!! A Suavecito and a watermelon pepino margarita! Guys the drinks were on point!!!! The food was delicious! We had the shrimp enchiladas and chicken fajitas, of course with rice and beans. They were very good. Definitely give this place a try! read more

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Great service and ambiance! I've seen this place on IG and was looking for a local place for brunch. We had the mollete, huevos rancheros, Suavecito, and a margarita sampler. Our server was excellent and very attentive. I appreciated him giving us insight on the foods and drinks. We arrived a few mins after it opened and the restaurant filled up fairly quickly. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Princess was amazing. The food and the service was on point. Definitely recommend cor anyone who wants drinks and a nice dinner experience

Food is always great, amazing staff Sally served us today and she was awesome she made sure we got everything we needed and the vibes are always it here whether it's for brunch lunch or dinner!! read more

You gotta get here! Great vibe inside and the menu doesn't miss! The service is friendly and Christian was a fantastic waiter who walked thru whole menu and all the drinks based on our preferences. Dope guy. Ask for him when you arrive You gotta try the Birria Tacos and the Torta. Down the tequila and have a great time read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Food was delicious and amazing. Their chips and salsa with avocado during happy hour was chef's kiss . I enjoyed their guacamole so much I think we ordered a total of 4 plates during dinner. By the time our main course came, we were all full already, however, I couldn't resist my quesa birra! It was delicious and came with beans and Mexican rice. We also got a couple of drinks which were fantastic. We came in at around 5pm but people started coming in around 6:30-7:30. Enjoyed the environment and had great music played the whole dinner. read more

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Actually 0 stars for numerous reasons I'll list them so you can make sure to not go. 1. Wait - they don't have a sign in or check in, they make you wait in a line. For being "upscale" you should fix that process. 2. Rude, inattentive waiter who was slow to take an order and actually said - wait! When I was mid order of the tacos (not that hard to follow) 3. One filthy unisex bathroom 4. The waiter was talking about our table to anther waitress in Spanish not knowing I was bilingual 5. The manager "Sergio" gave zero efs when I discussed the multiple misses for my first time here. 6. The ONLY positive interaction was with one of the food runners - he was so helpful and brought us habanero sauce and chips when we asked bc our waiter never checked on us. read more

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The food is so good. Sally took great care of us with great drink recommendations. The carnitas were cooked perfectly. The house margarita is very balanced in flavor and is strong in the best way. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Last night we decided to go for my husbands early birthday dinner, we arrived around 6ish and were seated right away. The ambiance was nice, not too crowded or busy and good music playing in the background. Our waiter Fernando was quick and really attentive with us. I ordered El Jefe plate plus the flight of margaritas. My husband the chicken & steak fajitas with a Oaxacan lover. Both were really good, my dish had a pork chop that was juicy and flavorful, very well cooked. Wishing hr hour it started getting busier and music got a bit louder but still great vibes. Drinks were flavorful and tasted like they were freshly made not poured out of a bottle, premade. Can't wait to go back and try more drinks & food! read more

Palenque Kitchen - El Jefe & Margarita flight - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California