El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant & Cantina — Restaurant in Hermitage

Service was decent.....but I'm not sure where these people that are leaving 5 stars ate cause it couldn't of possibly been this place!

I ordered the Enchiladas verdes and 3 Tamale's. The flavors were ok at best I'd prefer a bit more flavor honestly but I'm used to real traditional Mexican food being from AZ, the main problem is the freshness. Tamale's are supposed to be moist and fluffy and very delicious. These were anything but, the filling was pretty weak and the tamale itself was like super dense bread. Not only were they overcooked I'm pretty sure they were frozen as well. Typical of Mexican places out here they just make huge batches of everything, freeze them, and then heat them up and serve. Mexican food in general just doesn't take well to this type of serving. I'd be upset to purchase these tamale's from a gas station let alone a pretty nice looking restaurant. Honestly I've gotten better tamale's from a cart on the street in AZ.

Then similar issues with the Enchiladas, the verde sauce was pretty weak on favor but it's not the worst I've had out here. The chicken on the other hand was so over cooked it was hard to cut the enchiladas with a fork. I'm not sure how all these Mexican places out here screw enchiladas as they are incredibly simple.

Also I could tell most of the sauces were made from powdered seasoning, there was a pretty distinct flavor of powdered chili in the sauce on top of the tamales and such. I couldn't finish either order of food that I ordered it just wasn't appetizing at all after a few bites. I would not recommend going to this place at all based on my visit. The only thing I can commend them on is the service was ok, although they were completely disorganized when bringing out food for our party of maybe 15. They even managed to bring some other tables foods to our group in the confusion.

The last complaint I have is the smell in the restaurant, I know it's a newer restaurant and it hasn't been opened long but the place reeked of paint. At least 50% of the experience of a restaurant is scent and that just threw me off from the start.

In the end this is just another disappointment in a long line of searching for a decent Mexican restaurant in NE Ohio/Western PA. I've been craving some really good Mexican since I left AZ and I have yet to find any place that's really been up to my standards. There is an alright place across the street from Walmart on Bellmont Ave in Youngstown. It's got some ok food leaps and bounds better than this place and thus far it's the only Mexican place out here I can tolerate. The search still continues for something good, I just don't understand why it's so hard. Mexican is supposed to be fresh simple ingredients with lots of flavors but for some reason no one out here can get it right, really makes me tempted to try and open my own place up but frankly I'm not interested in running...

My husband and I go in at least two times a month and usually a great experience. Last night however, not so much. We sat at the bar for drinks. We ordered queso dip and our usual pitcher of sangria. The bartender (a girl whom I think was new. Never saw her before.) brought our pitcher of sangria with two glasses. No ice in our glasses. So when we poured our sangria in our glasses we litterally got each a 1/2 glass of sangria out of the ptcher which was jam packed full of ice. So we paid $9.99 for a small pitcher of sangria and received two half glasses of sangria. Even the manager commented to her about the ice. ( Not the tall young manager but the shorter older one) When we told her we weren't ordering dinner she couldn't be bothered with us anymore. She seemed very put out. I got more of a feeling of her just wanting her tip and waiting for us to leave. Although I had also got that feeling when we walked in and said to the hostess "that we just wanted to sit at the bar." For the bartender was standing at the hostess area and said," it's 5 o'clock they are mine." Seriously, I know a little about waitressing. You never discuss things like this in front of guests. I believe she is knew so maybe she will learn from 3 of my favorites there... A really tall blonde just always a pleasant person!,the older gentleman that waits tables in the bar area, and a younger kid that just started in December. Unfortunately I do not remember names. We will go back of course. The food is always good and the service is usually fabulous. She won't be waiting...

El Vallarta is a great place for Mexican food. My family and friends enjoy this location, and the food is enough to feed even my starving boys. The staff is gracious and kind, and the drinks are excellent. If you're in the area or a local, you'll want to go here for your Mexican food fix. Located in Hermitage, the restaurant is one of a handful of Mexican options in the area, but in my opinion the best option. It's right on State Street, so it has a prime location easily accessible within the city. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating on their patio as well as a good sized bar.

The food is good with healthy, reasonable portions at good prices. If you're checking it out for the first time, I suggest trying the lunch special. Available 11-3, the lunch special features some great selections. My favorites are the Quesadilla and Enchiladas. The Quesadilla comes with chorizo, pineapple, and a choice of protein. Along with rice and guacamole salad. I had it today, and it was just what I needed. The enchiladas are excellent as well with the blend of sauces. I suggest getting a cheese enchilada and a chicken one. In my opinion, they're the best options.

Finally, wash it down with a great margarita. Go on a day when you can enjoy a drink during lunch, and savor the atmosphere, the music, and the great food. You won't be...