Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Lincolnton

(Note: If you are a "dine-in" only type person, this review might not be of interest to you). Until recently, I would have given Mazatlan a rating of 5*, but not at this point. I have been frequently getting take-out from this place for over 15 years now because I REALLY LOVE the items that I order there. Over the years, they've managed to basically keep the price increases to a minimum (an average price increase every few years of $0.50-$1.00 on a total order of $20)...however, last month I was SURPRISED & DISAPPOINTED to see my bill (which would have normally been $23.99) had instantly increased to $28.50!? The price of a large bag of corn chips...just plain ole corn chips...had increased $2 over night. They had been $5...which in my opinion was a bit extreme to begin with considering...but now are currently $7!...for a bag of corn chips! Another item which has inexplicably increased significantly, is the 16oz cup of salsa...it had been a reasonable $3, but now is $5. Add to that the $0.50 Cheese Dip increase, and that is a $4.50 increase on my total bill (an increase of nearly 20%)! Yes, I love the food, but it's impossible for me to justify spending $7 for a bag of corn chips when I am certain they only pay cents-on-the-dollar for them, themselves. I did find a workaround for myself though (which also speaks to the unreasonable $7 Mazatlan charges)...3 Hermanos Mexican Grill is closer to me, and they only charge $3 for the large bag of corn chips! Hermanos' salsa IS a bit different (I don't like it QUITE as good as Mazatlan's), but it IS GOOD...and costs $3 as opposed to $5 at Mazatlan. So in the end, Mazatlan unwittingly priced me out of being a loyal, regular customer. Shame on whoever's decision that was! If you ever come to your senses again on some of the prices, let me know...I may become a...

Was a "tourist" to Lincolnton for a wedding. After arriving kinda late to town we were hungry for some mexican. With 2 options nearby we chose this one based off reviews.... This was a mistake. Simply. Our experience did not match what the reviews were saying. Mazatlan is by far the WORST Mexican restaurant I have ever been to! I ordered a grilled chicken chimichanga - was hit with a $2 up charge for chicken? That is INSANE!!! The outer fried shell to the chimichanga was burnt to a crisp and harder than a rock. THE CHICKEN - which I paid extra for wasn't even edible due to it as well being hard as a rock. The rice and beans served alongside the chimichanga were the most bland rice and beans I've ever eaten... We ordered cheese dip - was this Kraft cheese? Definitely tasted like it... We were disappointed in finding out this was also a "dry" (don't serve alcohol) restaurant. That is definitely a first from any Mexican restaurant I've ever been too. Alcohol would've made the food offered at this location taste a lot better!!!! Truly irritated I even spent money...

This review is based off the last few months of visits here. First this is the best Mexican food offered in Lincolnton. The pricing reflects that for sure. They are over priced to be frank. There are cheaper and much better options in hickory and Gastonia. For a local choice this is the go to. They never complete a pickup order successfully. Something is always missing and this has happened 6 out of 10 visits this year. They charge 4$ for a small bag of chips even if you order dips and of course all the meals include salsa. I bring this up because inside service chips are unlimited, so you would assume a little break would be given. If they could get their pickup window service more organized, not miss so much on the finished end if things and watch the pricing on some of the smaller items they sale more of this place would...