El Imperio Mexican Food — Restaurant in Madison

I'll be honest, it's a small place but it has some lovely decorations. The service was quick and food got out to us readily. That being said the staff is unreliable and condescending, and the food itself is bland when it comes out properly.

My significant other ordered her food very specifically, because she has certain allergies. Not only did we have to get the food taken back twice because it came out wrong both times but the second time it came out full of something she specifically asked none of be on it and it's something she was allergic to. Only to have someone from the kitchen come out and tell her what she ordered (I'm not sure in what restaurant this is ever considered a good idea, but it was especially bad here)

She was afraid that she left her debit card there that evening, it took an hour and a half of calls and being run around before finally they said they didn't have it. They could have just said that instead of three different we'll call you back in 15 minutes kind of b* things.

For my money the food was bland and uninspired. Especially in the Madison area you can do a lot better, I don't know how one makes steak that tasteless in Mexican food but El Imperio found a way. Though I'm not sure how much one can expect from a Mexican food place mounted right next to an adult toy store so...

Either way I suggest you save your money unless you're really desperate. There are plenty of places in the area that do a lot better and they're just a few minutes down the road. And I'll promise you that they aren't willing to argue with you over what...

I almost don't want to increase the review rating of this place because I want it to stay a hidden treasure. Excellent drinks, balanced and great value, obviously using fresh ingredients and they know how to make them correctly. Also great food, the quesadilla fajitas was fantastic. Absolutely no wait and fast service for a Friday night dinner.

EDIT: I had not been here for many months and decided to go for dinner on Saturday night. The place was mostly empty, which I was excited about since service would be fast. Unfortunately, the drinks were not very good. My traditional margarita tasted way too strong of tequila, lacking acidity (lime) and sweetness. It was cost effective for sure in terms of alcohol/$, but flavor is more important to me. The burrito was gigantic as usual, definitely worth the money, but it lacked a bit in flavor. Because of this experience I have to...

Ordered a $22 dollar michelada thinking it was going to be good, first they forgot to add the shrimp, I had to ask the waitress and she brought me 3 small shrimps, then she said they didn’t have scallops and when I tried it, it had no flavor! It tasted like plain beer with chili powder that’s it. Then we ordered a molcajete with a fried cactus, shrimp, steak, chicken, sausage. Well when we got it, it had no cactus so I had to ask the waitress again and she went and asked the cook, she came back and said they didn’t have any, she offered more beans??? Oh and there were barely and steak and chicken. She didn’t offer a discount after all the trouble. They over priced the flavorless michelada at $22!! Very poor service. Last time I’ll go to...