Great food for a reasonable price! Super friendly. Probably the best tex-mex I've been to in NWA (and thankfully have some more authentic Mexican options too). Definitely enough good food options to please everyone! I particularly liked the salsa trio (brought out automatically), as I like a variety and they were all good. Atmosphere was as nice as any Tex Mex place, but nothing special. On the way out, they told us they could modify any of their dishes to suit our tastes (e.g. the regular steamed vegetables sounded "plain", but they said they could make them grilled for us, or seasoned, or whatever we wanted, so I'll get that next time).
Some notes on each of our dishes:
I got the "cochinita" - citrus marinated pork shoulder and it was GOOD. Best dish I've had at a Tex Mex restaurant in as long as I can remember. Served with pickled onions that complemented it well. I highly recommend this if you like pork at all and if you want to try something with a distinct (and delicious) flavor.
I like that you can choose your two sides (instead of automatic rice & beans). The mexican rice was simple (no vegetables) but delicious.
My wife got the "Pollo Ala Plancha" - it was seared well and seasoned well but not heavy on the seasoning. It had a LOT of bacon with it (which was great). I didn't personally try the shrimp on it. I thought it was too much cheese but my wife thought it could use a bit more cheese, haha! We all have our own tastes.
My oldest son got three "Volcanos" - al Pastor, Chorizo, and Asada (steak). Don't miss out on trying items from the "De La Calle" page near the front - this will be more like taqueria (authentic) food. I tried his Asada volcano and it was excellent! All three were LOADED down with meat, very good value. His favorite was chorizo and second-fave was Al Pastor (I didn't try either of those).
My youngest got from the kid's menu - chicken quesadilla, and replaced fries with Mexican rice. I tried a bit - very good (large size), but also too cheesy for me (haha! - that's why I don't order quesadillas for myself). Disappointed there weren't more Mexican choices on the kids menu, but I bet if you ask they'll do a kids' portion of a Mexican dish since they seem very accommodating. We'll ask next time.
Those meals for all of us, plus chips & salsa, plus a draft beer for me (so happy they have XX Ambar on draft! Hard to find that on draft anywhere and it's the best!)... all that was only like $56 plus the tip. Very affordable for restaurants these days! We left absolutely stuffed, and with a little leftovers.
Definitely plan to go back again. There were a lot of items on the menu I want to try, especially the El Rey Parillada and the Ceviche. Very happy to have this new Tex-Mex/Mexican restaurant not far away and so much better than most others...
Read moreEl Rey Bar And Grill: A Culinary Gem in Lowell, AR Nestled in the heart of Lowell, Arkansas, El Rey Bar And Grill offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. My recent visit to this vibrant eatery proved to be an unforgettable culinary journey, filled with exceptional flavors and generous portions.
Pollo Al Pastor: A Symphony of Flavors I began my meal with the Pollo Al Pastor, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant's mastery of traditional Mexican cuisine. The marinated chicken breast was cooked to perfection, boasting a succulent tenderness that melted in the mouth. The seasoning was impeccable, striking a harmonious balance between savory and sweet. The addition of pineapple provided a delightful contrast, enhancing the dish's complexity and creating a perfect flavor symphony. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to authentic flavors.
Dixon Fries: A Hearty Delight Next, I indulged in the Dixon Fries, a dish that redefines the concept of loaded fries. This generous portion of crispy French fries was elevated to new heights with a plethora of toppings. The choice of meat, bacon, sour cream, cheese, and pico de gallo came together in perfect harmony, creating a rich and satisfying experience. Each element was thoughtfully balanced, ensuring that no single flavor overpowered the others. The result was a dish that was both hearty and delicious, leaving me thoroughly satisfied.
Taco Sampler: A Fiesta of Flavors To round off the meal, I ordered the Taco Sampler, a delightful assortment of seven tacos featuring a variety of meats. The sampler included 2 carne asada, 1 BBQ pork, 1 pork belly, 1 carnitas, and 2 steak tacos. Each taco was a miniature masterpiece, showcasing the distinct characteristics of its respective meat. The carne asada was perfectly grilled, the BBQ pork offered a smoky sweetness, the pork belly was rich and flavorful, the carnitas were tender and juicy, and the steak was cooked to perfection. Each taco was a burst of authentic Mexican flavors, making the sampler an absolute must-try for any taco enthusiast.
Conclusion El Rey Bar And Grill is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Mexican culinary traditions. The meticulous attention to detail, the impeccable seasoning, and the harmonious balance of flavors make it a standout dining destination in Lowell, AR. Whether you are a fan of classic Mexican dishes or looking to explore new flavors, El Rey Bar And Grill promises an extraordinary dining experience that will leave you coming...
Read moreOverall, we liked it. We had choriqueso, fajitas, and breakfast Enchiladas. I was disappointed that the ratings were so high because they don't have fresh flour tortillas. The salsas were a hit and miss. One red was not good (sour citrusy?), the other red was slightly smoky but still was just "ok". The salsa Verde faired a little better as the winner of the three. But the choriqueso with chips was good, so it's not a big deal. My entree was great: breakfast Enchiladas - 3 chicken Enchiladas with salsa Verde, 2 eggs on top, and pico de gallo. This is where the salsa Verde came back for final redemption because the hot Comal my food was served on kept the salsa really warm, which brought out the flavors of the ingredients. I loved it. Additionally, we ordered a margarita and a daiquiri - the margarita was good, but the daiquiri was watery, which sometimes happens with frozen drinks; I hope someone fixes the machine. I would like to try a few more entrees, and I would love a great daiquiri. I'll be back...
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