El Maguey Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Kansas City

Convenient to where we live, "El Mags" has become one of our favorite restaurants to frequent and the only place we go for Mexican unless we happen to be in another part of the city.

Having lived in Texas for nearly 30 years, I was hopeful to find a good Mexican restaurant after moving here and this place fits the bill.

The staff here have always been friendly and accommodating. It's never been a problem getting a table, even during busy times, and ordering for take-out

The menu has a wide selection of plates, dinners, sides and a la carte items. Although we rarely if ever drink, there is a full-service bar, as well.

We've tried several things from the menu, but my favorite is the Special Dinner, which is an absurd amount of food and very reasonably priced; the Special Dinner is a great way to get several different items, all of them delicious. Another favorite is the Fajitas Volcan; again, reasonably priced, a serving size that can easily feed 2 people, and unbelievably tasty. You can also order inexpensive additions to your meal; we always add grilled onions and sauteed mushrooms (you get a great amount if they're included in your dish, but we order extra because they're so good).

My girlfriend prefers slightly thinner tortilla chips, but I love them as is. Also, the "regular" salsa (red) and the salsa verde (green) are both very, very good. However, if you like spicy, be sure to ask for the HOT salsa. It's more of a roasted chipotle-type salsa with lots of seeds and my absolute favorite. I like spicy items, but don't like heat just for the sake of being spicy at the expense of flavor. The hot salsa has plenty of "kick," but is also wonderfully flavorful; highly recommended.

Be hungry and/or prepared to take home leftovers. You get a lot of food, especially for the price. Love...

I've ate at this establishment twice in the past week of June 19-26th. Both experiences had similarities from one another and some key differences. The first experience was wonderful! Had a really good server and he checked on me and my friend quite often, which I really liked. The food was awesome and it's more along the lines of authentic vs Tex Mex. I ended up ordering a couple of tacos, a Chile relleno with rice. All I can say was fantastic, and was happy they were able to nail a Chile relleno. Finally the frozen margarita was really good and perfect for the hot summer day. My first experience is 5 stars.

Now we move onto the second. Ummm, where to start?? If I fast forward to the end I'll just tell you the food flavor/quality/doneness was the only thing remotely even close. Service from a different server this time was terrible. I'm not sure if he was just forgetful or what, but he couldn't seem to remember that once my girlfriend and i ordered our margaritas and asked for waters...... That means bring waters. I think we mightve had to ask him at least 4-5 times. He also forgot to bring silverware twice. Once our food came he completely disappeared. Never seen him again until we were done and then he asked if we wanted another drink. By this time I was over wanting another round after my food was finished. He did to his credit get us a box and our ticket fast. The food once again saved the day because this experience would've truly gotten a 2 star rating.

This restaurant probably deserves 5 stars at this location but it will truly vary on who you get. I truly think it was just bad luck and nobody is perfect. So please don't let it persuade you not to try it out. I still gave it a 4 star after all. Hope your experience is more like my first one...

DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!! Have you ever eaten anywhere and said "Im never coming back" this is one of those places. I just left there and feel obligated to write this:

We were seated, 5 minutes go by and no one had come to our table. I give the hostess a look of 'well... no one has been here'. She brings us chips and salsa. About 5 minutes later our waiter approaches and asks what we'd like to drink. 'A water with lemon, jumbo peach margarita, sugar on the rim. 2 tacos for the each of us, 2 without cheese.' Doesnt write any of it down. Time passes and a different waiter bring us each 1 taco, both have cheese... drinks still havent come. I had to replace my order.. 15 minutes in and drinks still hadnt come. I asked the host to be reseated in a different section. Drinks come shortly after that, my friend had already finished his 2 tacos.. had to re order once we had been reseated.. they bring out 2 tacos, one with cheese one w/o. re order again.. they bring out. Soon after we requested a manager, 10 minutes before she arrived.. during our explination of what has occured, a different waiter comes by with 2 tacos, with cheese and asks if we ordered them.. like dude.. come on.. In the end, we didnt pay for anything. We also wont...