El Azteca Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Found this place while searching for a better Mexican spot with authentic taste. This place is IT! As soon as you walk in you're greeted by smells of amazing food being prepared and the beautiful art on the seats, tables and walls. We all left there satisfied taste wise and stuffed. We ordered Birria tacos and the birria platter, my husband had the jefe especial. This place is byob. I was a bit sad about that at first because I really wanted a margarita; however I did bring my own bottle and purchased a pitcher of the mix to add in. I would Highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for good eats, that's affordable. They are Very family friendly which is a big plus for those of us with kids. Definitely plan to go back!

Update: I've been back here multiple times since my first visit 4 months ago and I must say I'm a bit disappointed. The birria tacos were once my favorite, but since then they now lack flavor. Last night I ordered Carne Asada in the description it says seasoned rib eye steak. The steak was Not seasoned at all, not even with salt and pepper in my opinion two thin pieces of rib eye isn't a good choice of meat for Carne Asada especially since the dish cost $22. The portions on rice and beans for the dish were super small considering the price, the rice had a burnt smell and taste as well. I feel like someone should take the time to reevaluate the prices, portion sizes as well as the recipes and flavors so there's more consistency. As someone that has almost 20 years in the food industry I have a strong love for food so I know consistency is...

We went for dinner on a Friday night. When we walked in, we were not greeted by any of the 3 staff members that I could see. Our soon to be server, walked past us 3 times before asking for our table count. We were made to feel like we were imposing and unwelcome. When we were finally seated, our server sat us and ran off without getting a drink or introducing herself. After a better part of 10 minutes, she returned and asked if we were ready to order with an attitude that screamed resentment. At this point we ordered and began snacking on the complimentary chips and salsa. As my family of 4, was almost done the meager basket of chips she had provided, she delivered the queso without any additional chips and disappeared without mention of our drinks. As we finished the chips, I watched her walk a pitcher of water out to refill a table, bus their table, and bring out to go boxes, before I could get her attention about our waters. She rudely told me to hold on from across the restaurant. Minutes later when she did not return with our waters, I asked the manager to help with our waters, and he replied that she was getting them. Another 5 minutes passed and we decided to get our drinks elsewhere. They should have seen that coming. I've worked many service industry jobs. This is not how a successful...

The food is decent. Prices are competitive with other, but you get less food than what other good Mexican restaurants give. Service is good. There are a few reasons for the loss of 3 stars. The first is because when taking food to go, we weren’t given a box for the birria tacos. We were told to just wrap them up in the aluminum foil provided and we were given a regular brown bag. The next reason is because the check was given to me and the waitress said “don’t worry about the tip, it is included.” Sorry, but I don’t agree with any restaurant deciding what tip I’m giving them - it’s my money, not theirs. I will decide what they deserve. I told the waitress that and I guess they didn’t like that. It took them 5 mins to get me bill with the option for me to write down the tip. Lastly, walking out, the man at the register (I’m guessing the owner), didn’t say a single word. For those reasons, I will not return to this restaurant. Go elsewhere like La Hacienda in Neshaminy or El Primo Plaza in Bensalem to get better food and to be treated the way you should be treated while dining out and spending your hard...