El Azteca - Norfolk — Restaurant in Norfolk

El Azteca is truly a gem! We visit about once a week, and every single time we’re greeted warmly by the staff, who genuinely take the time to ask how we’re doing. I honestly can’t recall ever having a bad experience there. On the rare occasion something isn’t quite right, they are quick to fix it without hesitation — mistakes happen, we’re all human, and they handle them with professionalism and care.

One of the things I appreciate most is how the staff takes the time to really get to know their customers. They remember what you like, how you like it, and always make sure everything is just right. The food is consistently amazing, with generous portions, and they’re always attentive about refilling drinks and checking on you throughout your meal.

There are plenty of Mexican restaurants around Hampton Roads, but I will gladly make the 10–15 minute drive every time just to enjoy the great food and even better service at El Azteca. If you find yourself complaining here, chances are you were already looking for something to complain about.

To those who leave negative reviews: I respect your opinion, but I encourage you to choose your words carefully. And keep in mind, onions and peppers are key ingredients in traditional Mexican cooking. If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, it’s important to communicate those clearly and understand the nature of the cuisine.

To the Customer with the “Disability” -

I was there when you visited El Azteca, and I would like to start by saying this restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Hampton Roads. As for the staff and their adherence to the ADA, before making such serious accusations, it’s important to have all the facts. In my experience, they absolutely do follow ADA guidelines. We have brought our own service dog there from time to time and have never once been denied service, treated differently, or disrespected.

Regarding your situation, your “service dog” appeared to be a very young puppy, no more than 12 weeks old, on a retractable leash with a vest. Even if it was in training, service animals must remain under control at all times, and your puppy was wandering around approaching people. It was clear the puppy was scared, especially as you were being loud and disrespectful toward the staff who were trying to help you.

You mentioned being recently blind, yet when you cane fell from the counter, you reacted quickly and caught it before it hit another guest and the floor; actions that seemed inconsistent with what you claimed. Afterward, when things didn’t go your way, you yanked your dog and stormed out. In the parking lot, you dropped your food, got visibly angrier, and kicked the to-go container when your puppy tried to approach it.

Watching all of this unfold was honestly shocking. Based on what I witnessed, it seems you should be the one under investigation: By the ADA for possibly misrepresenting a pet as a service animal. By the Veterans Administration for potentially misrepresenting a disability.

Finally, when telling them your last name, there was no need to bring someone’s ethnicity into this, your last name does not entitle you to special treatment, nor is it relevant to this situation. In my opinion, you owe El Azteca an apology for attempting to tarnish their reputation based on your own behavior, not theirs.

Just some food for thought.

Finally, El Azteca will always have our support — we look forward to many more meals and...

Finally, Good Mexican food!! We had to relocate here for a job & will be here for the next 5 to 8 years until job is finished. Coming from Texas, we love our Mexican food. We checked a couple of other places & were very disappointed. This one doesn't look like much from the outside. I actually refused to stop twice because of how small & old it looked as we drove by. But, after being disappointed at an earlier stop, decided to check it out. It couldn't be worse than the lost one I thought. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was great. I did not like their white house chip sauce but, loved their queso & salsa. The chicken fajitas would be better if they used regular chicken strips because their rounded ones hinder the taste of their chicken fajitas. But, still compared to the last, they were great. They have good choices for the kids & for the adults. We will return. I will continue checking all the surrounding mexican restaurants to see which will become my go to place while in Virginia. I do love Good food. Note; this place is very pricey tho' Not quite worth the price they charge but still decent mexican food if you are in the mood for it in this area. I would choose this one out of all those...

I've been coming to this restaurant for years, but after my last visit I will no longer patronize this restaurant.

I was at the restaurant with a party of 12 people and my wife had an issue with the entrée she received. After talking to the server we requested the manager. Jesus identified himself as the manager and we asked if he could simply remove the entrée from the bill as she wasn't satisfied with it. Jesus refused, citing policy that prevents him from doing that. The entrée was barely touched and by this point we understood that making things right with the customer wasn't the priority of this restaurant anymore. I asked, Jesus, if the policy is really preventing him from assisting a long-time customer should it be reexamined? He agreed but informed me his hands were tied.

Over the years, I have noticed a downward trend in the quality of the food with an upward trend in the price of everything.

With this last experience solidifying my decision to no longer recommend this restaurant to friends and family. I hope this experience can push the needle on changing this policy that prevents the customer from being...