El Pato's Mexican Fresh — Restaurant in Fenton

Never do I write reviews. But I feel obligated. I’ve been very excited for this place to open as Fenton doesn’t have a “chipotle” like burrito place. As I sit here eating my birria bowl, it’s just such a disappointment.

The bad. This place is way expensive. $20 for a bowl and a 20oz coke. Insane.

The amount of food you get for the price you pay is robbery. For $20 you better be leaving with leftover. Not here.

The food just isn’t that great. First time I got the chicken bowl, it was underwhelming. This time I tried the birria, same thing, at least the little I got to taste since they’re so stingy with the portion sizes. Also the rice… just not good. Over cooked and no flavor.

The price. Again. $20 for 1 person, a bowl, and a 20oz coke.

No fountain drinks, so no refills, stuck overpaying for bottled drinks. Or drink water which they offer.

The good. Place is very clean.

While I was eating a lady cleaning the tables asked me how it was. I said it was underwhelming and told her they were stingy with the meat. She was very nice and asked if she could get me some more. I thanked her and declined as I was almost done with my food.

I don’t see this place lasting with the cost of their food and the quality/quantity that you receive. Especially in...

I personally thought everything was great! I had a birria bowl with Spanish rice, black beans, fajita veg, cheese, lettuce and a cilantro crema, and really enjoyed it! Eldest had a carnitas burrito, and the youngest just had fries. Both kids enjoyed their food a lot, and are excited to return! Fries also come with a cup of queso! The service was amazing, everyone was super helpful and had a great attitude. I'm not a huge fan of the new style of very open & mostly empty places, but it was clean and the style of the place is pretty cool other than that. I love the dispenser they have for the flatware, very hygienic.

The cons: It's going to cost as much as any local dine-in place. You're paying about $20/person for a burrito and a drink. They will ask you to tip, yet there is no table service. I'm wondering if the employees are being paid a living wage, or if they pay less and ask the consumer to make up the difference on already expensive food 🤔.

Loved the food & service enough that it's still an easy 4 stars for us, and we will be returning! We'd love to see El Patos stay in Fenton for a long time, so we will absolutely be back often to help...

I've tried the place two times now, neither time were they busy. The food for me is very underwhelming. It lacks flavor and just doesnt have the "fresh" vibe you get from a Quedoba or Chipotle . That could be my personal taste, but its not appealing to look at, and doesnt compare to either of those chains.

Service was fine. I was helped by the same young woman both times. She was polite.

The prices are very high. In addition, when I went in and placed my order, both times the IPAD asked if I would like to leave a tip. This alone will keep me from going back. Putting the customer in that position is just poor management. They are literally doing nothing but putting it together, which is what they are payed an hourly wage for. Not a service wage. There is no "service ". I have worked retail my entire life and do not understand this mentality. Pay them a fair wage, don't put the burdon on a customer for already expensive food. And to be clear, I'm a very good tipper at sit-down restaurants, or service oriented appointments. Its expected and I support it. This practice needs to stop for what is...