El Patron - Howell — Restaurant in Oceola Township

Came here for the first time the other night with the family and left disappointed. We will not be returning after spending almost $80 for a family of four to dine-in. The atmosphere here gives off the impression of authentic Mexican cuisine, but that’s far from the truth. After being seated by the host, I politely asked our first waitress what she would recommend off the menu and her response was “Si” with a nod. Then she just walked off never to be seen again. I am pretty sure she doesn’t understand much English which is quite saddening. The complimentary chips are not warm, nor are they homemade. The salsa is not thick or chunky and is extremely watery. The price ranges are so-so at best. Most dishes do not come with rice or beans like most Mexican restaurants offer. I wish I understood why there is a two drink limit on refills when it comes to the pop or lemonade, but sadly I do not. It also states that clearly in the menu near drinks. My fiancé and his son both ordered three tacos Al la carte ($8.99 for just 3 of them alone). You could clearly see the taco shells are store bought and not at all homemade like we thought they would be. I ordered the cheese enchiladas ($12.99) because the second waitress informed me that they do not season their chicken. No clue why you wouldn’t season your meat because that makes no sense at all to me. The rice and refried beans had no seasoning or taste whatsoever to them, which was a huge bummer. My son ordered the “El Volcan” ($17.99) which looked like a mini witch cauldron filled with pig slop. The mixture of hot dogs with the beans made no sense because the menu stated it should have been sausage and bits of bacon with beans. There was an extremely thin strip of chicken and steak hanging over the side. The most abundant food item in this massive mess was the huge portion of grilled cactus. His meal also came with three flour tortillas and a side plate with lettuce, a tomato wedge, rice, and guacamole. Our food did not take long at all once we got our order in, but quick unfortunately does not mean its quality. The restaurant and bathroom itself was clean and well maintained. I honestly would not recommend this place to anyone and truly wish I would have read the reviews prior to driving almost 35 minutes one way...

We stopped in for dinner tonight and the staff all seemed as if they didnt want to be there. The lady that “greeted” us as we came in had us follow her to the first table where she just tossed the menus on the table and walked away, never looking back, never taking to us or making eye contact…. It felt as tho we were a bother to her. Our waiter wasnt much better…. He also made it seem like we were a bother and he just wanted to go home. However, there was a younger boy with glasses… he was very pleasant, taking our empty plates as he walked by, asking if everything was good and smiling…. He even cashed us out at the register. I told my husband he should go back to our table and remove the tip and give it to this boy. (He didnt) Very disappointed in our night out. We have been here multiple times in the past and have not had this experience. I hope that IF we deside to give them another try, that the attitudes of thier employees are improved. Oh…. And why is it 7.99 for a margarita to go but 9.99 to order it with you meal. We didnt notice that until we were cashing out. That doesnt seem right and we were not happy about it.

REPLY: In reply to your questions. We were there at about 6:00. When you walk in the door we were seated at the first table to the right. Our waiter was probably in his 20s and if i remember right maybe has a small bit of a beard under his lip. The lady was a short lady. It would be helpful if staff wore name tags. This would make it easier for customers to leave good/bad reviews. Also it would hold the staff more responsible for thier actions. UPDATE: They responded to our review and fixed the matter. Therefore we changed our review...

My husband and I have been occasional customers for years. Did takeout after we had our son and during the pandemic. Went back (probably 4 year later) to finally eat in again with our son and just had the most fabulous experience. I recognized most of the staff from before we stopped dining in. Was in a few minutes after opening and heard a cheer coming from the kitchen (staff meeting?) that sounded genuinely happy.

Every time we look at the extensive menu we end up ordering the same things. Cheesesteak for the husband and pechuga tapatia for me. The wait staff was kind and attentive and extremely swift as I had remembered from previous visits.

We enjoyed the fresh warm chips and delicious salsa until our food came out at a surprising speed. Delicious as usual, my son ate half my meal on his own. I should have ordered extra (the portions are fairly generous, so I never thought!) next time I’ll add one of the $5.99 kids options! This, however, left room for what my son had been requesting all day, ice cream! Ordered the sopaipilla with ice cream (only $3.99!) and was not disappointed! My husband even stole a few bites even though he’s not a sweets guy!

The lovely music playing, the swiftness and delicious of the meal, and the chill atmosphere is the reason I think we made it through our fist meal with our son(who has special needs) all the way to dessert!!! ever! I can’t tell you how amazing that was for me! If you know you know lol Prices are great, as are the food and service. Over so many years too! This place is definitely one of my go to spots! I hope you all enjoy it as...