El Canelo Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Neshannock Township

I’ve had mixed experiences at this restaurant. The food is consistently amazing — definitely one of the highlights that keeps us coming back. However, the service has gone downhill since they moved from their old location.

One major concern is their handling of alcohol. On one visit, I was served a margarita and a beer without any issue. But on another occasion, I was told they didn’t have their liquor license. My wife even called once asking about their frozen margaritas and was told the same thing — that they didn’t have a license. Yet, we’ve seen others being served in foam cups. And close friends telling us they serve them margaritas etc when they visit.This inconsistency is concerning and raises questions about how they’re operating.

Service also varies a lot depending on who’s working. There’s one older lady who seems to struggle with English, which makes communication difficult. While it’s understandable, it does affect the customer experience when staff can’t clearly understand or take orders correctly. Service tends to be so much better when the manager is present, or when a younger skinny girl is present her and the manager always provided great service and can communicate well.

Unfortunately, with the manager and other girl rarely around the service team being inconsistent, it’s not the same as it used to be. We really hope they can get things back on track because the food truly deserves better support from the rest of...

I didn’t rate El Canelo Mexican restaurant in New Castle? Quick answer, I love their food. Ate there again today. The Mexican out by Walmart on 224/State st. Is fine. But El Canelo on Wilmington ave. is better. Better tasting food (it has authentic flavor, not gringoed down) and Dos Equis on draft. Or Modelo. Afternoons for lunch are a real good time to go. And weekends. And evenings. Oh, and they got a salsa bar. Pico de gallo is outstanding. A spicy or not spicy guacamole. It’s a family run joint where you will get great service and great home cooked food. And you can’t ask for...

Let me start by saying that I'm not a huge Mexican food fan (big fan of tequila...go figure!). Most of the time I think the food lacks flavor and seems to be somewhat indistinguishable. I have, however, found a dish at El Canelo (The Burrito Jorge) that I absolutely love. It is loaded with steak, chicken, shrimp and chorizo and smothered in cheese. I'd like to say I've tried other dishes, but I'd be lying. My wife, however, loves their chimichangas as well. To round it out, the chips are good and the prices are reasonable. It is a goto when I'm in New Castle. Go...