El Mariachi Restaurant Bar — Restaurant in Fredericton

What a hidden gem this place is for the people of Fredericton!! (READ THIS!!)

I've heard about this place for the past few months, but never had a chance to give it a try. Although I didn't necessarily have the opportunity to go, knowing that it was located in the back of an old STU residence didn't exactly have me 100% excited to go. Saturday night some friends and I were looking for some food, and El Mariachi came up as we've heard good things, so we decided to go. Man o man was I happy I found this place!

Yes, the location is out of the way and a random place for a restaurant, however once you find the location and get inside, the location is insignificant!

The food is ALL authentic Mexican food, and compared to other places in town Taco Boys/Bar Burrito etc, this stuff is the real deal and puts those places to shame! We had the pleasure to chat with Carlos the owner, who explained what everything was on the menu and is just an awesome, down to earth guy in general. We ordered our food and drinks (all imports from Mexico!) we were so happy as the food was like something we've never tried. Everything is made in house, and is as flavourful as can be.

Long story short, this restaurant NEEDS more publicity and the people of Fredericton need to experience Carlos' food! It was a great night, with great food and we couldn't have left more impressed. Also, Ignore the low star reviews... This is a newer business and most if these are when they first opened, or are based on the location. They have the kinks worked out and the location is good once you find it!

Quit wasting time, get some friends together, and go to El Mariachi, you...

At El Mariachi Carlos prepares amazing food and Otto offers equally amazing service. Fun and friendly, and delicious. Worth the short trip from downtown to their location on Forest Hill Road. Their quesa birria tacos are fantastic and come with the most delicious dipping sauce. I think a more popular food reviewer, Alex Kwok (@east_Coasteater) did a great review on this restaurant previously and talked about how people drink the remaining jus from the Quesa Birria...it's true, I've seen it! Who am I kidding, I've done it! And if there is any left over when you've finished, you just may do it too :)

And the Adobada...OMG! Plus, the chef will cater to your heat tolerance. Need to go with a milder salsa verde, he has you covered. Willing to spice it up with Salsa Jalapeno, the flavour is there! Willing to go hotter than I am, Carlos can accommodate.

And if you have not had a Coca Cola out of the 500 ml glass bottle, it's a different (and better) experience than anything from an aluminum can or plastic.

If you like real Mexican food, truly authentic central American flavours, you need to check out El Mariachi. You can thank...

Great food at a decent price. There have been a few taco/mexican-themed restaurants startup in the city in the last year or so. This is my favourite. While the tacos still come in a bit high at $7 mostly, they are very full and very tasty.

Many of these restaurants are overpriced and lacking in flavour, but El Mariachi lacks neither. While I could have used a bit more in the flavour department, I get that you also have to cater to local tastes. The tacos themselves are packed full of delicious marinated meats and fresh veggies so that you will not go away hungry.

I tried multiple tacos as I like to really get a feel for the restaurant before I review it. My favourites were the Carnitas Taco as it was the spiciest of the bunch and the spicy shrimp as the shrimp packed the flavour of the sea. I also had the Carintas Torta. I suggest eating it fresh as it was great and the bread was perfect. I only had the appetite to eat half and then reheat the other. However, like the tacos as well, there is so much spice and saucy goodness to them that leftovers tend to get...