El Salero — Restaurant in Helena

We decided to give El Salero a try after it was recommended to us — unfortunately, it turned out to be a big disappointment. We arrived and were promptly greeted, but the restaurant was completely empty (which, in hindsight, should have been a sign).

Service was just okay. The young server taking care of us didn’t anticipate basic needs like drink refills, and our meals came out very staggered — my youngest daughter’s plate arrived about 10 minutes after everyone else had already been served.

The food itself was bland and uninspired. Everything we ordered pretty much tasted the same, lacking any real flavor or distinction.

The final straw came when the bill arrived. We noticed we were overcharged for sodas (5 instead of 4) and were shocked to see a $9 charge for chips and salsa — something that’s complimentary at every other Mexican restaurant we’ve been to. It really felt like the restaurant nickel-and-dimes their customers.

We took a chance on El Salero instead of going to our favorite spot, and we truly regret it. We drove from Great Falls for what ended up being a very poor dining experience. Sadly, we won’t be returning and can’t recommend it — there are plenty of far better options in Helena with much better service and food.

UPDATE

Yes, it’s true the extra soda was removed from the bill, however this was poor attention to detail from the waitstaff who clearly was not all that attentive.

With respect to my daughter’s meal coming out 10 min after our the first meal came out … that is very much accurate. You may want to go back and review your ticket time.

Why did we order an additional item? My 14 year old son was still hungry and felt as though the portions were small.

And lastly, if after four “complimentary” baskets of chips and salsa, your establishment begins charging, why then were we charged as two baskets were delivered upon being seated, and each basket was refilled only once? 2+2 =4.

Again, I still would not recommend this establishment.

addition to the update😂

I love that your ticket times are tracked by “few’s” instead of actual numbers that we typically use when telling time 🤔

I also love that you changed your original post which had said the first 4 baskets of chips were complimentary, and now it says three. — changing the policy to suit your needs is very classy 👌

I’m certain you will remain Helena’s favorite Mexican restaurant … it was very much reflected in your empty establishment when we were there.

I STILL do not recommend this establishment which continues to prove that they are not customer centric … but more focused on nickel and diming. The fact that your unable to tell time makes me question every bit of your mathematical skills or ability to accurately count sodas, baskets of chips or tell the difference between the number “ a few” and the...

We finally decided to give El Salero a try and had a fabulous experience! There is a wide variety of choices on the menu, ranging from standard combination plates to less common items like mole and shrimp dishes. I tried the tacos de birria my first visit, then chicken and cheese enchiladas most recently. The food is delicious and a generous portion. We were served quickly and attentively by a young waiter both times. My son said he felt bad not eating his entire taco salad because he didn't "want to insult the nice waiter." Perhaps most impressively, the entrée prices are very inexpensive for Mexican food. We are grateful to have a delicious and affordable restaurant on the west side of Helena. We will...

In my opinion this is the best Mexican restaurant in Helena. My wife and I spoke with the owner of the restaurant, he is the chef as well as the owner. My wife has the ability to discern different seasonings, and ingredients in food. She hit spot on some of those ingredients. While talking to the owner we realized that he prepares everything for his menu. He does not skimp on ingredients. Many restaurants will buy canned products like salsa or refried beans then heart them up and serve them. Not El Solero, his food is all prepared by him. My wife and I totally enjoy the food and the service. I highly recommend El Solero if you are looking...