First time eating here and will be the last. First walking in it was confusing on what you're supposed to do weither you wait to be seated or sit wherever. Once someone acknowledged we were standing there they told us to sit wherever we want and they would follow. They immediately brought out the chips and salsa but we waited for about 10 minutes for our waters to finally get there. Our server was good but it definitely seems like they're understaffed. The poor server looked like he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off. We ordered our food and our drinks and after 5 minutes part of the food came out for the two other people with me. Another 5 minutes go by and the rest of the order came out. It was a bit odd but we got all our food. After eating some of my food I found a broken plastic piece in my food which immediately stopped everyone from eating and we were scared there was more plastic in other food. The manager comped my food but the rest of my party only ate a few bites before finding the plastic. After speaking with the manager he ended up taking all food off the bill and only charged for the drinks.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 1
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

It's been a favorite place to go. Since they opened. But a change in the service and the way we have been treated on my last two visits by the new assistant manager. I can't tolerate it. Tried to get the manager that we have known for years to call me, but I still have not heard from him. Left a note with one of the wait staff waited 2 weeks and then left a review on their website. Maybe he is no longer there. But after talking with neighbors, I found out I am not the only one who has had a problem with him. He is not kid friendly. We have supported El Mercado's buying gift cards and curb side during Covid. I miss having the great service from a great wait, staff, and good food . This was a great place to enjoy for me.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5

I've gone here since the doors opened years ago. Love this place! While the food and drinks weren't great the past few years like they used to be... they are again! We had great service on Saturday! I wish I remember the gentleman's name that took care of us. I'm pretty sure he was the bartender that day because he was making all the drinks. He didn't skip a beat! He kept checking in with us and everything was really good. I got the Hook Em Hornitos martini and Baja plate. My husband had beers and the burrito. Everything was amazing and like it used to be. I'm so happy it's really good again!! Prices are reasonable and really worth it for the quality and quantity you get. Thank you El Mercado and I hope y'all stay around for many years.

Despite the medium scores I still love El Mercado. I really miss their stuffed fried chicken avocado and they had the best Chicken Fried Chicken plate in town years ago. Moved out of Allendale and the menu shrunk. But it's still good. Back then El Mercado was the best. I believe they won lots of Chronicle awards so it wasn't just me. Anyway, I go a couple of times a year just to see if old favorites or something new appears. It's definitely among the best in the vicinity.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Chile Relleno with Black Beans and Rice, Brisket Enchiladas, Tortilla Soup, Quesadillas, Mercado Plate pt 2

We love this place! Ask for Yvonne to be your server. While they're all great, we have come to know and love her (that's how often we come here)! Everything is delicious from the queso to the enchiladas to the drinks. Never had a bad meal here. One of the little things we love is the music: they tend to play a mix of blues, soul and older classic/pop rock. We'll be having a conversation and all of a sudden we'll all stop talking and start singing, lol!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Salad, Salad, Mercado Plate pt 2

I've been going to El Mercado now for well over 25 years and specifically this one on Burnet Rd. for 20 of those and they are absolutely delicious, straightforward and fairly priced. I seriously and very highly recommend. You should love it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Taco Salad, Chips and Salsa, Charro Beans, Brisket Enchiladas, Fajita Beef, Tortilla Soup, Tortilla, Quesadillas, Brisket, Nachos, Trailer Park Tacos, Burrito, Salad, Fajita Taco, Brisket Tacos, Chimichanga

We were told to try this place and had a gift card given to go try it. It's a good atmosphere inside. Our waitress was very attentive even with all the tables occupied. The food was good but it's not something I just feel I have to go back for again. Normally I'm crazy about Mexican food, but the flavor craziness just wasn't there. Food was hot and cooked, just bland in my opinion.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Charro Beans, Brisket Enchiladas

We love this El Mercado!!! It is in our neighborhood but it is my family's favorite restaurant. Service is great! We tend to sit on the patio. I forgot to take pictures but the kids portions are large. Poncho nachos are a favorite, as well as the enchiladas. Gamaliel, Yvonne, and today we had Alex - all are excellent waitstaff! We love the Phillip's Queso and Sopapilla's...but the best is the complimentary chips and salsa! Please don't make this place too popular. El Mercado Burnet Road is a fantastic choice for delicious Tex-Mex.

Best tex-mex I've ever had. 10,000% recommend the migos brunch meal! The atmosphere is very nice and colorful. It's not too hot or cold and the service is great! The wait was a little long, but from what I heard from relatives to go often, it's usually much shorter. Overall, I had a great experience, and I left with a full stomach. Now I'm gonna go into a food coma
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Old neighborhood haunt. Great people, making great Tex-Mex food... Seems to be new ownership, but they are doing a great job. I've seen the recent one-star reviews, but it looks like someone ganging up on the place, must be a grudge! Either way, the combo fajitas and margaritas are fantastic for the price!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fajita Beef

What a wonderful restaurant! I’ve dined here on countless occasions and it’s been a great experience each time. Some of my personal favorites are the Hot Latin Kisses (shrimp with cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon) and the beef fajitas. For drinks, try the Mexican Martini - it’s a cross between a traditional Martini and a Margarita. The atmosphere is very laid back and the owner and all the staff members are very kind and generous. Highly recommended.

First time coming and was not disappointed. Heard about this place and decided to try it out. Service was good and food came out at a good time with great flavors! Good portion sizes. Will come back again soon!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Lindsey was my server today, she did great. Friendly, and got me a Jalapeño for my Tortilla soup, that made everything taste so much better!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa, Tortilla Soup
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking

Halfie margaritas are fire and a great deal at happy hour plus their salsa is great, both are hallmarks of the beginning of a solid time at a neighborhood texmex joint. Staff are super friendly, personable, and attentive. I never have a bad time here, good vibes all around.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great spot for lunch! They've got 10 different lunch specials that always come out quick & hot. Love their beef enchiladas! Prices are super affordable, even more so during their happy hour.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa

Good, tasty TexMex at a reasonable price. A. Bar, handicapped friendly, children welcome, outside dining available.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Great lunch specials super fresh and fast with great prices
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chips and Salsa
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

Great live music every Monday night with Ben Jones, Barbara Nesbit and a surprise guest at the Monday Night Supper Club. Good drinks, chips and salsa, taco salad, street tacos and nachos etc while you watch the show.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cute patio you can bring your little fur baby.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

The worst Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. The beans had a can taste to them, and the rice was overdone.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1