El Campesino Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Cleveland

My wife and I truly got lucky finding this place! We had been staying in Helen for a three day weekend, but were tired of the hype and high prices of some of their local restaurants. Wanting to try something different and out of town, we ventured south and soon realized that we were kind of late in the evening to be searching for restaurants. My wife got on Google Maps, and suggested El Campesino. Always in the mood for Mexican food, we made our decision and set forth. Good thing we had the turn-by-turn directions on, or else we would have missed it! The staff was friendly, the place was clean! They had a DPH score of 100! Nice, quiet atmosphere for late on a Sunday evening. A few families but mostly couples like us. My wife had the Texas Fajitas, and they were very good! Plenty of onions and shrimp, which she loves! I had a new menu item, and I don't remember the name but it had steak, chicken, and chorizo with rice and beans and a nice sized brick of queso fresco. Everything was wonderful! I wasn't expecting the chorizo to be as good as it was. It was fried until it was just barely blackened around the edges, which made it a bit crispy without being burnt. And it wasn't overpoweringly spicy, like a lot of the store brands. And the queso fresco was a great addition, even if it was just garnish! After we were done and back in the car, we were smiling and laughing at our run of good fortune. Next time we're in Helen, we plan on making a special trip back to...

If this is owned by the same gentleman who owns the restaurant of the same name in Dawsonville, they are FAR different. I dont think I have ever been to a Mexican restaurant where I didn't care for the salsa, but I did not enjoy it. The service was okay, but it seemed apparent the server was expecting someone to join me even after I explained I was dining alone. He did understand me, but I don't feel he was to happy serving only one (tips) I think most people find I almost always have a $20 bill come the end of my dining experience and my tip reflects that.

Servers: don't assume a single individual won't bust the $20 mark, and don't assume they won't tip well!

Update: 12/03/2020

I did find out this establishment is owned by the same party that owns the dawsonville location and due to that, i decided to give it another chance. Much better experience and salsa was a closer match to what you can expect to find in Dawsonville. My only suggestion to both locations is play around with the guacamole a bit. To me, it is just pureed avocados. No seasoning,...

First time here, came due to recommendation, despite driving by many, many times. The first glance it’s not a WOW factor by any stretch of the imagination, it’s a small town older restaurant that’s showing some age. Although the people were all nice the service is passable/okay, could be better but not a McDonald’s experience by any means. You might have to ask/followup with them but they’re not bitter/upset about it. Sala is lackluster, might just be the prep person tonight but I’d venture to say it’s not. Seemed like a phone in recipe based off canned stewed tomatoes. Cheese dip was good, thick and not being watered down/deluded for higher margin. Food was good, decent seasoning and the sauces are far more authentic/homemade than other places around and flavorful. I generally don’t like corn tortillas but I had there’s (didn’t think to ask what kind when ordering so I just opted to try it) and I actually enjoyed it. I’d come back for the food and to support a...