El Lago — Restaurant in Branson

I thought I could handle meat until I got here. Upon arrival, entering the vast yet clean and not-so-overwhelming parking lot conveniently placed to the side of an accessible highway, my party and I observed in awe the beautiful theme of the building’s architecture and style. We entered the building to see that the extent of the establishment’s originality and beauty was not limited to the outside as the waiting room was an elegant and perfected warm dim that illuminated that board of daily specials and servers stand. We were swiftly taken back to our table and the majesty of the extensive structure was fully unveiled. Breathtaking. The sheer size of the main dining room was so large that it seemed paradoxical in comparison to how the southern lodge style building looked on the outside. The beauty and size of the dining hall rivals that of an old southwestern town, similarly it also resembled one in ways so unique and well put together than I was astounded by the sheer designing prowess. Certain sections of the building appeared to be entire different buildings in this seemingly limitless domain. The scenery displayed the beautiful Branson hills through the crystal clear windows. As we were taken to our seating, it was clear with each step just how well the building was kept as we walked given that each step among the gorgeous stone floor felt firm as though it is regularly cleaned and waxed. We were seated among the vast and extensive seating arrangements within the walls of the dining room and immediately a generous serving of ships and salsa were brought out and set before us. When we received our menus seconds later, we were bewildered by the sheer amount of options before us. Alas, the waiters were out swiftly with our drinks and were ready to take our orders at moment’s notice, mere minutes after placing our orders our food was brought to us and the sight of these fine delicacies left me in a state no less than hornswoggled. I had ordered the “Chimichanga Extra” for $14.99 which included a diverse and open selection of meats and other delicious and well devised ingredients, as this was my first ever chimichanga experience. I was not disappointed in any way possible. My chimichanga was brought out and as it laid before me, I came to the conclusion that it was roughly the size of my stomach or possibly my head. The sides alone, which consisted of lettuce, pico, sour cream, and guacamole would’ve costed $14.99 alone at a place such as chipotle. I devised my game plan in eating this monstrous meal and cut it in half to begin, I used my fork to surgically remove a bite of assorted authentic meats from what could’ve been the hollowed tan-tan that Luke Skywalker placed Han Solo inside of in order to keep him alive on the freezing cold surface of the planet Hoth in the movie “Star Wars Episode V ‘The Empire Strikes Back’”, a timeless classic. As the first bite entered my mouth I felt a sensation that I could only imagine matched that of the fabled and shrouded “female orgasm”. As my first experience eating a chimichanga, and most likely my 2nd, 3rd, and perchance my 4th, I couldn’t have had any better option. I have taken most of this meal home since it was most likely larger than the mammoth reserves that humans lived off of 10,000s of years ago after a single successful hunt and plan on enjoying it for weeks to come. The service was consistent and delightful throughout the entirety of our stay and the restrooms were spectacularly clean and interesting, on a side note, as a Bath and Bodyworks connoisseur, they must have known what they were doing when selecting the hand soaps to supply the simply fitting restrooms. An amazing place with amazing workers and amazing food. A wonderful experience that I would...

My wife and I eat at Mexican style restaurants quite often. Each time we have done so the food and plates are typically served so hot that the servers wear mits and tell you to beware the hot plates, served within 15 minutes of order, always serve plenty of chips/salsa, and have your drinks refilled so often that you have to go to the restroom before leaving. Our experience at this restaurant - not even close!

First off, they had many open tables to seat customers and the plenty of server staff to handle with no waiting during our visit - but still had us (and saw others who came in after us) waiting 20+ minutes for warm (at best) served food.

Second, had to ask 3 (other) different servers for salsa and drink refills before actually getting up and going to the bar and asking the barkeep for both. Our server never checked on us until 40 or so minutes had gone by. And when we finally got the drink and salsa refills we were basically done with our luke warm served meals. It should be noted that the barkeep did eventually get us our refills - but unfortunately way too late!

Sure this place may have just recently opened, but, it was not busy or over crowded at the time to have such issues with service, and surely not acceptable to be served warm food. Other like restaurants with customers waiting and all tables filled, never was this bad. Sure, may have had to ask for a refill during busy times, but even if it was another server it was always done on the first request and never required having to go up to the barkeep to request service after almost completing ones meal.

At best, the most distinct difference between Mexican style restaurants is typically the flavor of the salsa - not service or temperature of the meal served.

Would not recommend...

Me and my 2 daughter in laws wanted to grab lunch together after doing some shopping. So we decided mexican it is! 2 of us had eaten here before and we both LOVED it! So we decided to go back and let my other daughter in law try it and of course it was just as good as before. There was no wait time. The staff was super nice and didn't bother us too much. We ordered a large queso cheese and it was so yummy! So creamy and tasted like it was freshly melted. I ordered shredded beef chimichanga with queso on top with rice and beans. It was so good! The steak was cooked so tender and it was flavorful. Another dish ordered was the nacho supreme. And let me tell you... that was the BIGGEST nacho supreme I have ever seen. It had everything on it! The meat was shredded beef and chicken. It took up the whole plate!! My daughter in law took ALOT home with her. Lol. The other dish ordered was enchilada supreme. My daughter in law said it was really yummy! She said it's her favorite that she has eaten there. Sorry I didn't get pictures. We were just so hungry. Lol. Anyway if you are thinking of going here.. please do so! I don't think you will regret it!! Oh and the prices aren't bad at all for today's economy! You get your moneys worth!!!And it looks busy in the parking lot but it's alot of space in there and lots of tables. The atmosphere is really good. You feel like you are to yourself with the booths the way they are set up. Really...