El Puerto — Restaurant in Charlottesville

It's really hard to write a Mexican restaurant review because we lived 7 miles from the border for 15 years. This places does the best they can with what you can get here, I bet. The food was ok. I got a combo plate that ended up being all ground beef items and my husband got combo plate with a tamal (tomale) that was pretty dry and a chicken enchilada that was delicious! Loved the mild flavors for our daughter but missed the distinct Mexican flavors of Mexican food in Mexico! Here is my issue with this place, and tell me if I'm wrong because we just moved here - We were charged 16% in taxes. When we asked for the bill it was what we ordered, plus 16% dining tax. When we asked, they said 12% plus 4% for card tax even though we hadn't even showed a method of payment. I don't know if they would have taken off the 4% had we had cash. If all seemed a little sketchy but maybe that's how it works around here...? They have a kids menu with a...

This is my favorite mexican restaurant in Charlottesville, and now that I've moved to northern Virginia, I'd say it's my favorite in all of Virginia! Their fajitas are amazing and their prices very reasonable(I especially think this after moving to NoVA where you pay far more for far worse food). If you are a fan of spicy, try the tomatillo salsa, or if you like something more mild, the hot white cheese dip is also a favorite of mine. They also serve delicious margaritas that will leave you a little more than tipsy(that is, if you get the fishbowl sized with an extra shot - the Texas Jumbo...though I usually just stick with the jumbo). The staff are incredibly nice and over the years we've been going there, they've learned which dips and drinks we like as well as our usual orders. If you're looking for a great place for Mexican food this is where...

El Puerto is an absolute gem—unassuming from the outside, but once you step in, you're greeted with warm, consistent hospitality that makes every visit feel like coming home. The service here is always attentive without being overbearing, and the food speaks for itself.

The Steak Ranchero is a standout: reasonably priced, packed with bold umami flavor, and spicy enough to make your taste buds dance without overpowering the dish. Every bite is deeply satisfying.

They start you off with free chips and an incredibly fresh homemade salsa that sets the tone perfectly. Pair your meal with the guava soda—it’s fruity, fizzy, and just the right amount of sweet. For dessert, don’t skip the flan. It’s wonderfully sweet, smooth, and jiggly—just the way it should be.

El Puerto delivers amazing value and flavor in a cozy, welcoming environment. Highly...