My daughter goes to PSU. We took her here for dinner one evening. it was an enjoyable Mexican meal. The place was crowded. The service was good. The price point was good. We will go back again. read more

This place is just awesome. Although the waiter didn't speak much English, he was super nice and accommodating! I would highly recommend the "special dinner" with a taste of everything. It was all great but the tamale was by far the best! I would have given 5 stars but the food presented appeared somewhat watery and maybe a little unappetizing. That being said- once I tasted it I changed my mind! It tasted amazing and authentic and that's what counts ! The flan was the best I ever tasted too ! read more

Excellent carne asada cut of meat. Needs a tad more seasoning but it is a fine cut. Definitely love the portion of meat given... Thank you! Highly recommend the dish, much better quality of meat than that of the steak fajita. Will definitely eat here again. read more

This place serves great Mexican food and has a separate Vegetarian menu as well, a blessing for ppl like me!! The place is decorated beautifully with Mexican art and paintings on the furniture as well!!! I just wish the waiters/servers understood more English so that the customer is sure they got all their instructions. Otherwise, great place to try! read more

I've been here twice and the first time was rather enjoyable. But the second was not a good time. The meat was dry and rubbery, one of the orders was sent back, they were nice enough to take it off the tab and offer to order another entree, but the evening was ruined. I will not be going back. read more

It's ok, even by local small town standards. The food is good but somewhat bland. The queso is decent. Service is consistently decent as well. read more

Good sit-down food and as cheap as Quodoba and Chipolte! No comparison in quality or quantity, you'll go home full with one if the $7.50 dinner combos! read more

I absolutely love this place! Its your typical Mexican style restaurant, they serve you fresh chips and salsa. They have a large menu. The waiters are friendly although some do have limited English skills. They have an easy parking lot and sometimes the place gets packed but service is fast. Food is delicious and its BYOB. Many great meals with friends had here. read more

Waiters are super friendly. Cheese dip and chips are great! Food is great!

This is one of the restaurants I go to when visiting State College without having to worry about my budget or appetite! All the menu items are reasonably priced, and every single one of them are good! :) Wide selection of lunch and dinner specials are great, too. Definitely a goto for Mexican :) read more

This was our first visit to Rey Azteca. My wife and I had two very good and reasonably priced entrees. Truth be told, the prices were downright cheap for the quality you get. Service was good. While we wish they had a liquor license, we learned that they do allow BYO. We will definitely return. read more

We were at penn state with a group of friends for the week and ate there twice Biggest downside I that they do not serve alcohol thus 4 vs 5 stars Burrito was great, as were the flautas, and chimichangas. We had a party of 4 adults and5 kids, everyone enjoyed their meals. The free chips and salsa were plentiful, service was nice and maybe a little slow but we had a late party. There was a minor mix with up with the order but was not enough of a factor for me to lower the rating Try it, I'm glad I did read more

Ate lunch here with my wife. I had the burrito Cancun and she had fajitas. Food came out fast and it was really good. The knock on this place is that it does not have a liquor license, so no margaritas or Pacificos with your meal. read more

My handicapped daughter and the waiter carried on an entertaining conversation about leaving for Mexico- she thought it was too far away-amazingly we ended up with an authentic appetizing meal in State College! Terrific experience. read more

First time trying this restaurant and already loving it. Got fajita for two and it was boom!! Recommended!! If you are around state college area, you should try it !! read more

Fast, yummy and inexpensive. We love their chicken mole and grilled shrimp dish. Always friendly too!

I agree with the other reviews. Excellent service and extremely good food for a very reasonable price. Staff was very attentive. The atmosphere/decor was very fun too. read more

Very good and authentic Mexican food at a great value and prompt, nice service. Can't go wrong here!!!

Gluten-free people...don't bother going here. They are not open to helping you out. Even after I asked for a lunch without a tortilla no less than three times, it came wrapped in a tortilla. I told the waiter that I cannot have the tortilla due to medical reasons and he said he would take care of it. The plate was back in less than three minutes. Yes, he simply took the tortilla off. Rather than complaining and refusing the meal, which would put a real damper on my granddaughter's day out, I ate it thinking how bad can it really be if I'm exposed once in a while. I've been GF for about ten years and very careful. WELL, it's bad!!! I will never eat here again. read more

If you want super good Mexican food, this is the place to go. It has a brightly decorated and colorful interior-- the artists really put effort to the painted chairs and decorations! The food is not the Americanized Mexican food (which I love about it), but keep in mind that it is very rich! read more

The food was delicious. However, there was a bit of a language barrier, so I did not receive what I ordered. Our waiter must have not been able to understand me. What I did get was great, just not what I ordered. read more

This place is "authentic Mexican" the same way The Olive Garden is "authentic Italian". It's not terrible, but it's pretty bland. Beef taco very little meat. Cheese was very processed. Guac tasted pre-packaged. Unnecessarily overwhelming menu. Overall: Meh. read more

Anyone that says you have to be Mexican to know authentic Mexican Food is being defensive over their lack of understanding. All it takes is a constant exploration of the cuisine from all points in your travels. That is a fallacious argument Jackie, to cover your lack of knowledge. Rey Azteca is fantastic and is just what State College has needed for a long time. I hope they continue to prosper. read more

The chips were tasteless and dry, the "salsa" was watery and bland. I ordered the enchiladas rancheros and they had no flavor, very little cheese and were luke warm. I also had a chile relleno because I usually love them, but this one came in a cleaned out pepper with meat (never had one w/meat before) and topped w/some kind of cheese. My husband ordered a couple of tacos and one would think that nothing could go wrong w/a taco, but it did. Bland, dry and just bad. Many people I've spoken to about restaurants in State College care primarily about the quantities of food rather than the quality. Quantity and cheap price. That's not what eating is about. People on this board have noted that a liquor license is coming soon...perhaps that will help make the food palatable. I found it astounding that even though the service was pretty good and the waiters all spoke very little English and yet the food was definately not "Mexican". There are plenty of great restaruants here in State College and Bellefonte, but authentic Mexican restaurants aren't just hard to find here, they're impossible! read more

Was very impressed for the way it looked! My food was very good, large portions, and very inexpensive ex specially for state college. Waiter was very nice. Only two complaints when I came in the hostess did not greet me and I had no clue where to go as it was my first time there and it's weird the seating is hidden unless you walk In far enough and other complaint it look probably 40 minutes at least to get out food and it was not even packed it was full but there were no people waiting to be seated. read more

It was very mediocre. My burrito was over cooked and had little to no flavor to the beef. The chips and salsa were very and something I would return for. read more

Lived off LA's taco trucks during college, and knelt at the altar of La Taqueria in SF (one of the nation's best Mex joints) for another eight years. You will not find that sort of restaurant in Central PA, obviously. Having said that, Rey Azteca has consistently delivered excellent results well over 90% of the times I've eaten there, which is over 50 visits. When eating there, it's a lottery whether you get the freshest chips or ones that aren't warm to the touch. The salsa isn't great, but has good flavor and a few splashes of the ubiquitous habañero sauce fixes things. Their lunch specials are great deals, two with water plus tip under $20 every time. Lunch special #12, the fajita burrito and the lunch fajitas are standouts. For dinner, the fajitas for two are tough to finish and the camarones del diablo are a nice departure. There's a lot of choices, and while it admittedly is a step off the world-class restaurants in major cities, think about it, anyone that good has moved there where the big bucks are, so be thankful we have a really good mexican joint here. I've never waited for a table here, and the place holds 350 people. Out of towners at FB games and Thon/other similar events need to wait anywhere, and your patience is duly rewarded here. BYO and be merry! read more

I grew up in Los Angeles and return there frequently so I have some context for this. if I were in L.A., I would rate 3 stars. Solid but not spectacular in freshness and flavor. In State College I give 4 stars. My go to dish is carnitas and I love Rey Azteca's tomatillo sauce and carnitas. It's sharp and salty with lots of pork. I really can't comment on the rest of the menu, but the carnitas are really great. I always get them. read more

Finally got a chance to check the place out. A lot on the menu to choose from and inexpensive. Had the spicy mole and really enjoyed it. Will visit again. read more

Save yourself the money and go to Moes. At least there you can watch them prepare and its not all greasy and less appetizing. God forbid you tell them if something is not right. Just out to get that quick buck, hence no liquor license! Much Much more authentic and better qualified staff at other establishments. read more

This is our favorite Mexican place in Pa. now they have a liquor license they have GREAT margaritas. We really like their chili realinos with beef, they are not deep fried like most, they look hand layered, we even take extras with us to go. The tables and chairs are cool too. Lots of warm chips and good salsa. When ever we are in state we go there and are treated well each time. read more

A definite must go... and go again! Probably thee best Mexican food in the northeast. Margaritas are top notch. Recommend shrimp quesadillas and fajitas. Service was also excellent. OMG you have to try the churro ice cream dessert, amazing! read more

Love the salsa it was very fine and had a bit of a kick to it. Taco salad was good. The burrito deluxe was good but wasn't a fan of the chicken should of been smaller pieces. read more

Great place to eat. Decor feels like a chain restaurant, but it is fun and festive all the same. Food is great and they even have timely take out. So grabbing dinner to go is super simple. read more

A great addition long overdue to the selections of resturants here in SC. First the review about precooked beef is utterly absurd. Everything prepared yes even the beans is from scratch. There is usually a wait except between 2-4pm when things are somewhat relaxed. Over all very clean place and the food is very good with very good service. Even though they do not accept reservations if you call in advance with alarge group they will try to accomadate you. I believe this palce will only get more busy when the students return. Keep up the good work Rey Azteca.... read more

I grew up 2 hours north of Mexico and I'd say this is by far the best Mexican food I've had in Pennsylvania! It definitely leans toward Tex-Mex, so if you like California style Mexican food you're not in luck. The tamales are out of this world, I would definitely recommend trying them. Not much more to say, it's just a good solid Mexican restaurant. Don't bother driving to El Campesino in Altoona, it doesn't compare to Rey Azteca. read more

Ray Azteca finally brings an authentic mexican restaurant into the Center of Pennsylvania. The decoration, staff and food choices help create the authentic feel of the restaurant. They have an extensive menu with many options for all peoples tastes. The waiters are kind and polite even though there is sometimes a language barrier. Most of the time your in, seated and have your food in 20 minutes, creating a quick lunch spot for people on the go. The food is rather inexpensive, especially the lunch options and you get a decent sized portion. One key thing to remember is to always check the price of the food on the menu with your pay slip because sometimes they charge the wrong amounts. Overall it is a great addition to State College so I don't have to drive all the way to Altoona for mexican. read more

Well, I'm disappointed. I had high hopes for Rey Azteca but my fist experience, last night, was less than stellar. Pros: -Authentic Mexican food. -Excellent prices. -The beef and chicken were marinated and seasoned well. Cons: -The plate was extremely HOT! (A sure indication of the food being re-heated in the oven or microwave and a testament to my meal not being made to order.) Note, this was not "heat lamp hot" but oven or microwave hot. -Tortillas were rubbery, either due to not being fresh or kept properly. (Worse, the plate may have been in the microwave.) -Spanish rice was barely seasoned. -Re-fried beans did not resemble "fresh" re-fried beans and appeared to have come from a can...(I hope not.) Recommendation: -Save your money. (Even the little bit you spend here.) -Spend $10 on a Mexican cook book from B&N. -Spend $30 on the ingredients to make an authentic Mexican meal at home. -Enjoy! read more

Delicious and homey Mexican food! Good Service, very casual environment, pretty decorations, really cheap food and free chips and salsa! I've gone twice here for dinner with my friends so far and had good experiences both times. I went with my Mexican friend who told me that this is the closest to authentic Mexican food you can find in State College... The first time I went, I ordered a combination dinner that included an enchilada, a burrito, and a chile relleno. It was very cheesy and gooey, and I thought it was a good pick, especially for the price! I did feel, however, that the enchilada and burrito tasted the same. The chile relleno was delicious... but I wish there was more than one that came with the dish! The second time I went, I ordered a vegetarian dish that included a tortilla sandwich with mushrooms, avocado and cheese. I really enjoyed the flavors! I really recommend this place if you crave some Mexican or just really good chips and salsa with cheap food! read more

BEST PLACE TO EAT. Even if you don't favor spicy food. I just love getting the shrimp in the special cheese sauce( I disregard the wrap that comes with). And yes the workers at the restaurant are real Mexicans and it is even fun if you bring a long a Spanish speaking friend. It is very fun to be there. I wish I could eat there every weekend, but of course I'm not rich so I can't. read more