09/20/08

Best guacamole I've ever had!

by thedoglvr

I've never liked Mexican food before (I'm a total wimp when it comes to spicy food), so when my fiance and I checked out El Mariachi I thought I'd have to scour the menu to find food I might like. This place blew me away. First off, the decor is beautiful. A variety of nicely done paintings in various styles adorn the walls and set a nice atmosphere. The windows to the front are open-air which is nice for summer atmosphere, although also a disadvantage if people are outside smoking. The ceiling in the side room is beautifully done with clouded sky design and very pleasing to the eye. Regarding food and drink, my fiance had a margarita and I had a passion fruit mojito. My fiance said his margarita was average - not bad, not exceptional, but overall a good margarita. My mojito was great with just the right amount of mint and enough alcohol that you could taste it, but not enough to be overpowering. Last time I had a mojito that good, I was at La Bodeguita del Madeio in Havana, Cuba. Perfect mojito.

The guacamole was prepared fresh table-side. They ask you if you prefer mild, medium, or hot and you can choose what goes into it. As I mentioned, I am a wimp when it comes to spice but decided to try it medium. It had no bite at first, but gave you some spice just after you ate it. It was just enough to give it a little zing, and tasted as fresh as it was made. Just a great guacamole. I live near the restaurant and will probably be going back if for no other reason than to have that. Honestly, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Service was fabulous and prompt. Everyone was friendly. The meal was paced exactly right and the staff always made sure you had refills on water or anything else you wanted.

One thing stopped me from giving them 5 stars: the woman who prepares the guacamole table-side had a tip jar on her cart. She does a great job, but I think that's pretty tacky.

• Pros: cost, service, quality of food
• Cons: pressure to tip when ordering the guacamole, bathrooms were not kept clean

07/11/08

Let's be honest--they've come a long way!

by irishguychi

The bad reviews are all pretty old. The switch to the newer, MUCH larger restaurant brought with it some challenges--the kitchen, managers, and wait staff were not used to the sheer volume that they were bringing in, and the first few months (ok--maybe year) were tough.

BUT...things have improved dramatically. The carne asada is amazing, particularly if you get it suizas style. The sopa azteca is to die for, and you can't miss the spicy tequila shrimp.

Occasionally, some things have gone wrong (as they sometimes do in a restaurant) and the staff goes out of their way to make things better. The door people *could* be a little more knowledgeable, and more courteous to the guests, but something tells me when I've had an issue here they were "upgraded" from a busboy that night because someone called in sick.

Go--give it another shot--and try to sit in the back patio. It's gorgeous.

• Pros: food
• Cons: it still gets REALLY hot in there.

12/31/07

Authentic Mexican Food, Fast, Cozy, Best Customer Service, Amazing

by julissa812

I went to El Mariachi for a friends birthday party about 5 years ago and now I am a regular customer and they know me by name. I just LOVE their food, but most of all I love their service. The employees, waitstaff and cooks are all so personable. Their margaritas are great!!!!!!!!!!!! They make them PERFECT everytime. What I love about this restaurant is it's authenticity and culture of Mexico. It is AUTHENTIC Mexican food made once I order it, its not prepared & sitting like other Mexican restaurants that I have been to. The carna asade dinner, chimichangas, tacos, tostadas, chips & salsa are WONDERFUL. The also have a wonderful Vegetarian Menu, which is extremely rare. My best friend is a vegetarian & I LOVE Mexican food & El Mariachi is perfect for both of us. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this restaurant & don't be fooled if you see people waiting for a table, the staff is great & there is room in the rear of the restaurant & perfect for couples. ENJOY

• Pros: Fast, Service, Waitstaff, Atmosphere, Decorations, Amazing Bar, Wonderful Food
• Cons: NONE