El Mezcal — Restaurant in Marshfield

To start: Having worked in the food industry for over 20 years, I can say with pure honesty that every establishment goes through struggles that may dampen their reputation, but not necessarily be a deal breaker. That being said, this will be my very first [semi-negative] review of El Mezcal. Okay, let's get after it...

As an overall observation, the front desk staff could learn to greet their guests with a more sincere welcoming rather than a bland and hollowed out greeting that doesn't convey anything to guests that their dining experience is about to be special and exciting. First impressions are important no matter how many times you may have visited. It's about consistency to the caliper of demonstrating why choosing El Mezcal is a cut above the rest of a similar cuisine... To be clear, our greeter was not rude in any way, nor did they seem as if they weren't engaging at all. It's only to the point that the greeting experience can be improved...

As always, the place is clean, and the wait and bussing staff are very swift in turning around tables to be made ready for new guests. They should be acknowledged for their hard work, which should never be taken for granted. That being said, I want to thank the entire staff for their hard work and dedication for maintaining an environment that continues to be a positive experience each time I visit to dine there.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...

The Good: Open and vibrant environment with beautiful accents and wall hangings that are gorgeous and offer the accents of a genuine Mexican cultural expression. Some of the glass vases were visibly dusty and should be better maintained. It's not necessarily a "good" characteristic, but not enough to be "bad."

The wait service was swift and engaging. The periodic check-in was welcomed very much.

The Bad: In an attempt to offer an ambiance via music, the volume level was TOO HIGH! Patrons shouldn't have to basically yell across a table to engage in conversation. Secondly, the music was streamed likely over YouTube that kept cutting off and also broadcast commercials!!! Not a good approach - full stop.

I ordered the Steak Mexicano, which consisted of grilled veggies laid on a ribeye steak with rice and beans on the side. The steak had way too much gristle and was tough in some parts. It was not juicy at all, and it was a disappointment when considering that other dishes they serve are literally spot on! The bean dip is a must. It's hot and fresh flavor just pairs so well with the warm tortilla chips they serve, but if it's more than one person at the table, small plates should be served by default rather than having to ask for them. The steak could've been better, and although I could've asked for a new one, I chose not to, so that's personally on me, but it doesn't take away from what should've been a good steak. So the cook gets a ding for that. They should know better.

The Ugly: The bathroom smelled really bad, and there was bath tissue all over the stall floor, and the floor in general felt sticky to walk on...

Overall, I still recommend this restaurant as a go-to for good food and service. But they need to up their standards in some places. Some may say I'm being too picky or harsh, but your money spent should give you a great dining experience in every fashion that should never have to be a compromise as an excuse to not be better as a chosen destination to how you spend your money and time.

UPDATE! 9.20.25

Returned for an early dinner. Wasn't too busy, but it was very clean. The music this time was at a reasonable tone and consistent with the atmosphere. The food was absolutely amazing especially (as always) the bean dip. That is a MUST HAVE! The service was very cordial and prompt. Although we were not checked in on during our meal, it would've been nice. Not a deal breaker. El Mezcal of Marshfield continues to serve up delicious, generously proportioned food that is fairly priced. Give them a visit and you'll always come...

The margarita is the most popular drink in the U.S today. Every bartender in the U.S worth his or her salt here should know how to make one CORRECTLY! Not so at this restaurant! They don't take this huge revenue draw seriously, and I mean that emphatically! These disasterous cocktsils have enough, if not too much, alcohol poured into them, but as sweet as they are, combined with the high sugar conrent in alcohol, they would be more appropriately named, the Marshfield Diabetic Delight. The taste of these nasty overpriced concocctions could best be described as a bad appletini and a spray can of cinnamon apple fragrance from Pier One Imports or Hobby Lobby having given birth to a super sweet baby. In fact, they were so bad on the night my family was there that we had to send them back, barely touched! It doesn't take a genius to contact an AUTHENTIC Mexican restaurant and learn the correct recipes and technique for making this simple drink, but the management seems to prefer not to waste it's time or money on excellence when it comes to culinary and mixology education. Speaking of excellence, perhaps Marshfield restaurants should be more concerned about drawing new customers and more revenue than keeping the same bland cooking techniques. Mexican food should be fresh and favorful, not greasy, heavy, overly cheesy and boring. Texas Roadhouse in Stevens Point, is literally choking off what could be a higher stream of business and revenue for this restaurant, because its management does pay attention to these details, .... and it's not even a Mexican restaurant! To Mexical's credit, however, its atmosphere and service are far above average, In fact, I would say they are excellent. Keep up the good work in those departments, and please do them proud, by cleaning up your act, in the afore suggested ways! This review is coming from someone who spent may years in the Southwest, so, if you want to draw more business from a,wider demographic area, please heed my...

On July 8, 2024 I placed a To Go order. My husband and I ordered a Jimador Chicken and Nachos Mezical (no bean, no gauc, no tomator) with chips and cheese on the side. My husband drove home 30 minutes to find out they did not pack the cheese sauce the most important piece of nachos. I called immediately the host wrote down all the information told me they could get me a gift card and the manager would be reaching out. Week goes by no phone call. Call back the host said the manager would be in that night and she would tell him to give me a call. Still no call and nothing made right. This was my favorite place to eat in Marshfield, and after this experience I will not be taking my business there until they can resolve the situation. Definitely disappointed.

Update: 9/23/2024 and still no word from management though they took the time to comment. Have not eat at this restaurant since. Extremely disappointed and have taken my business else where. Who would have thought making a situation right or at least simple calling to apologize was hard for...