El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Garden City

I have been dining at El Cerro often for many, many years but will not be back to this Garden City location. We do love the Surfside ( Off 544 ) location but after 3-4 not so good visits at this Garden City location ( we live closest to Garden City) we will drive extra to eat in Surfside. I ordered the steak and it looked great, like a picture but was so thin, dry and way overcooked, so much so I didn't eat it and i'm not hard to please with a steak. It took so long to get our food I did not complain as I didn't have time for a new steak as the service was as slow as I have ever seen, I just filled up on chips, not that big of a deal but the bad experience did not end with the steak...

Our server never returned and offered re-fills or another drink from the bar, and never offered dessert we had to ask...

When I asked for a fried ice cream our server informed me she had to make it herself... She informed me she was busy and it would take a long time to get our fried ice cream. Are you kidding me? Who says that? She actually took the time to explain that El Cerro requires the servers to go in the back and make the fried ice cream! Who tells a customer that? She was truly trying to talk me out of ordering the fried ice cream and thats what my wife walked in wanting!

All but caused an argument between me and my wife as my wife wanted fried ice cream but it was clear our server did not want us to order dessert. My wife didn't catch the strong hint from the server but I did. My wife told the server, thats what she wanted,,, Well then It took an awkward VERY, very long time for our server to stop what she was doing, leave the floor and go make the ice cream.

I am use to professional servers pushing ( suggesting ) drinks and dessert as the more you up-sell the more profit the business makes and more tip the server makes. I have never had a server try and talk me out of ordering more food!

This was not a...

El Cerro is a hidden gem that transports your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico. From the moment you step through the doors, you're greeted with warm, vibrant decor that sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at El Cerro is a culinary masterpiece. The extensive selection of authentic Mexican dishes is a testament to the chef's dedication to traditional flavors. The guacamole, made tableside, is a must-try – it's fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. The variety of salsas, from mild to fiery, caters to every palate.

For the main course, I recommend the enchiladas. They are a revelation! Each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of spices and textures. The tacos are equally impressive, with tender, flavorful meats that make every mouthful a fiesta.

What truly sets El Cerro apart is their commitment to freshness and quality. The ingredients are sourced meticulously, and it shows in every dish. Their commitment to sustainability is commendable.

The drink menu is equally impressive. Their margaritas are the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, and they have an extensive tequila selection for those who appreciate a good sip.

The service at El Cerro is exceptional. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure you have a memorable dining experience.

The atmosphere is cozy, with dimmed lighting and a charming ambiance that's perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends. The music sets the mood just right, transporting you to the lively streets of Mexico.

El Cerro is a place where you not only savor delicious Mexican cuisine but also feel the passion and love that goes into every dish. It's a culinary journey that leaves you craving for more. Don't miss the chance to dine at El Cerro; it's a true fiesta...

I have been here in the past and never received the low level of service that we received this weekend. We had a large party and had called several weeks ahead to schedule it. I thought that would mean the restaurant would actually prepare for us. Apparently we were sadly mistaken. The restaurant had 1 server for our 32 person party. Now, this might not have been as bad as it got but the 1 person they gave us was neither quick or relatively good at his position.

I knew going into the restaurant that we had a very large party and that it would take time to get everything sorted out. What I didn't prepare for was the restaurants complete lack of care for our group. The entire night was frustrating and only saved by the party's patience with it all. The reason we were all gathered is the only reason we stayed and didn't just leave.

The whole process was frustrating. Everything took was longer than it should have. Several food orders were missed entirely and to the point that half the table had finished before they even addressed that issue. They even brought the food out with several people still waiting on drinks and nobody had silverware.

Now don't take that as the food was quick at all. The drinks took almost 45 mins after they were ordered and no silverware till after the food arrived an hour later. Again I know we had a large party, but it still shouldn't take that long just to get some waters at the table or silverware that was brought out for every other table when they were seated.

Just a train wreck the...