El Maguey — Restaurant in Edwardsville

This place has really gone downhill. Since it's opening I have always enjoyed bringing friends and family enjoy Carnitas and Top-shelf Margaritas. However, after my last two visits, I have doubts I will ever return. One of the most frustrating things to experience when eating out is when the service staff is far too concerned with a soocer match on TV than providing service to their paying customers. Margaritas are not what they used to be, service standards today are about the worst I've ever experienced here, and no one present ever really seems to care about what's going on.

Last week after we paid our server 15% for less than average service, I had to use the restroom but was in shock when I walked in; the overwhelming look and odor of neglect made me turn around walk out and instead use the McDonald's restroom a couple doors down. At this point, unless I'm truly in a situation where I find myself without any other food options at that moment, I doubt my husband and I will return. There are far too many other options in Edwardsville to spend money in exchange for a pleasant experience.

All of our close friends and family whom have patronized this restaurant since it opened well over four years ago have come to a consensus that maybe it's time to move on and perhaps give other Mexican establishments a whirl; even if it means driving a little...

This was an amazing place, one of the best Mexican places I have been to. The starter chips and salsa were really good, delicious crispy chips not too salty or oily or anything, really nice. Good portion of salsa too, a big bowl of it. The horchata portion was also giant I was surprised when they brought out such wide, tall glasses filled to the brim! I ordered the chipotle mango chicken tacos- so so good. Perfectly cooked, nice balance of flavors, loved the cheese and avocado inside and the tacos had a spicy sweetness. It came with rice and beans. The rice was exquisite. Some places I have been to the rice is kind of mid, nothing special. This rice had the perfect texture and flavor I loved it! Some rice is too dry or too wet but this one was great. I am just in awe of how great this place was, I have no complaints. I would highly recommend...

Typically strip mall Mexican food disappoints and El Maguey is no exception. The margaritas were a vaguely alcoholic mix of corn syrup and lime flavoring, the chips cardboard and the salsa, a spiceless blend of canned tomatoes and onions run through a blender. I had the carne asada, which was flavorless, tough and smelled of burnt plastic - not sure how they pulled that off, but it was disconcerting. Also we were a group who ordered pitchers of margaritas...we ordered on the rocks, but they kept bringing frozen...and charged us for them. I wish I could say something nice — but it just...