El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Austin

Great Mexican favorites, sans fajitas, Great atmosphere, unreliable service. A restaurant with a character.

Burritos, tacos and seasoned rice compare well to the top-rated places in southern cities, though they tend to go easy in spices. There are no hot sauces on table - which is quite unusual for a Mexican place - but if you ask for some they'll bring out some. The marinades in fajitas leave a bit to be desired, it came out sizzling and nice, but it lacked the orgasmic "mmmmmmm this is so awesome" endorphin release that follows some steak fajitas. Instead, the logical side of your brain goes, ok, I am eating fajitas. Ok, while the emotional side of the brain remains calm. But, it is better than the other mexican place in town next to wal-mart by factor of 1.5. In other words, good but not great. You do taste some quality steak, but it's void of that "Steak Fajitas!" joy that is forceful, tangy, juicy and deep at the same time. I think they should look into improving the marinating process.

Services are hit or miss. Sometimes you are seated right away with drinks filled, sometimes you sit there by the door and the guy is like, hmmm...argh...and fighting the cash register and not see a person in front of him. Hello, guests are ready to dine here? I thought it was funny/cute. I can chalk it up to character of the place, it's okay, it's not Applebees, just don't come here with expectation that you're treated like kinds and queens of the world. It's a nice little independent place. Let's not ruin it with "I demand customer service" attitude.

The interior decor is pretty good. The booths are cozy and well partitioned with walls, plenty of seating.

The usual selection of sodas and mexican beers are served, and they are served right, very cold with lime on top.

People generally seem to be having good time....

100% 10 star! The only place in the world that has guacamole that I'll not only eat, but love love. That's saying quite a bit because I love food but will not eat two things cottage cheese and quacamole. Don't know why they're just not palatable to me and the sight and smell just put me off. This places quacamole is on a whole different level. I wish they were in my back yard (local town) and I could eat there more often. Plus I'd be better situated at giving an honest review of their margaritas which I hear are top notch and a good variety of top shelf tequilas. Be safe! Don't drink and drive! Enjoy the quac; it'll make you weak in the knees cuz...

We had a big crowd of people at our celebration there. About 20 people. They did a good job of having enough chairs and tables set for our group. The wait staff was quick to get people drinks and a menu when they arrived. When every one had been seated they gave us time to make our order. Our food arrived in a reasonable amount of time. While we waited everyone had chips and drink refills if needed. The food came hot and was very tasty. They sorted our bill at the door as we left. We were not hurried and were allowed all the time we needed to have enjoy our meal and even have cupcakes that one of the diners had brought along....