El Real Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Rincon

I always get a good feeling when entering an establishment where the staff is friendly and welcoming. All of the staff at El Real are friendly and helpful. This is a family-owned Mexican restaurant. They always go the extra mile to ensure patrons have a great experience. There was plenty of parking but only one handicap space. Mexican music is at a good volume to not overpower conversations at the table. I love to eat here because it’s so enjoyable interacting with the staff while we eat. When the restaurant opens, it’s the best time for seating. They fill up quickly and there sometimes is a small wait due to the high quality of their food and good service. I have never waited more than ten minutes during the lunch rush to be seated. The staff keeps the restaurant clean and at a fairly comfortable temperature. It’s usually on the cooler side for my taste but not excessive. My service experience here is always excellent. Our server arrived quickly and took our drink order. When she returned with our drinks she took our food order. Before our drinks arrived; the queso, salsa, and chips arrived. The queso was warm and somewhat thick on top. Be careful because it’s still thin enough to drip if you’re not watching. The cheesy flavor of the queso went great with the warm chips. They were sturdy enough for dipping with few breaks. We ordered stuffed jalapenos for an appetizer. They are large, stuffed with cheese, and two jalapeno halves. The breading and spices provided a delicious scent and delicious taste. It comes with ranch dressing, various vegetables, and a slice of lime. Our server was friendly and accurate with our orders. She was attentive and brought our food promptly. I’m eating the grande chicken quesadilla with rice, beans, and salad. The beans always have good flavor and texture. They cook the rice to perfection. It was firm but not hard or mussy. The salad was fresh and crisp. Their vegetables are always well-colored, fresh-tasting, and flavorful. My chicken quesadilla arrived hot, filled with fajita chicken. I added some of the queso to provide a deep cheese taste. The fajita chicken was tender and juicy. It had a fantastic flavor with a smooth firm texture. The aroma of the spices made my mouth water. Part of the dish is a lettuce and tomato salad with sour cream. It sounds strange but is not bad. There's always enough food to satisfy my appetite and have enough to take home. Our server provided to-go boxes and asked if we wanted to go cups for our drinks. When leaving, they said goodbye as enthusiastically as when we entered. It’s always a pleasure dining here. This is my go-to restaurant for...

I really wanted to like this place. Even got my daughter to try it again after she boycotted it when she saw a roach on the wall in dining area a while back. However......on the visit prior to my most recent, they tried to double charge me on an item. Then acted like it was no big deal. But the last visit will be the last. Went with dtr and granddtr, all was fine, Mgr walking around checking and visiting with guests. Order comes, took forever to get honey mustard for granddaughters burnt chicken strips. She wouldn't eat them from burnt taste. Fajitas we ordered were just smothered in butter yet dry, (is this a Georgia thing?). Daughter's margarita was seemingly just mix and watered down quickly. I ordered a flavored mojito however received no flavor. That was noticed 10 minutes later. Service left lots of opportunity for improvement. But what has me writing this review, which I rarely do bad ones, was the action of mgmnt post meal. This was this past Sunday. When you walk up to front door, sign listed daily specials. Lies. Sunday said "Happy Hour All Day". And that's all. What they didn't put was the specifics of that special. When I questioned it at the register, they informed me it says margaritas only. I told them it did not. They (the Mgr and a woman) insisted it did. I said please show me. When they saw it did not, Mgr responded with quickly ripping/tearing sign off the window/door and walking away. I was shocked at behavior. They did not apologize, they did not adjust ticket in anyway. I paid $70+ for 2 adults and 1 child to dine for a below subpar meal and then topped it off with extremely incompetent actions by management. And yes, sharing this behavior with everyone that I can. Not how you treat...

Was introduced to this place in 2005 by an Army brother of mine. Since then I've frequented El Real many times. I got some of my family hooked on this restaurant. We've tried other places that have only left us with disappointment. In 2011, was stationed at Fort Benning, GA and still the Mexican restaurants out there and near ATL couldn't come close to comparing. Several times I'd load up the family for a surprise "road trip" just to dine here. Yes, that may seam crazy to drive over 4 hours to eat at one particular Mexican restaurant when so many were near by. Well, it isn't JUST the quality of their entrees. The longest time in between dinning has been approximately 20 months (talk about major withdrawal issues). The owner Javier recognizes me and my family every time and makes it a point to ask how we're doing, which makes us feel so welcome like being part of his family. And that is the cornerstone of El Real restaurant. Family. And it is not even a scheme, it's genuine. Javier treats his patrons like family. His restaurant is a family-owned and ran establishment. I don't believe there's too many places that can hold the flame to this place. It is always a blessing to find a place that you can frequent and feel welcome every time. I love sharing this place with my family, my kids request to celebrate their birthdays at this place. And it warms my heart every time. Javier, I thank you and your family for all the years that you've welcomed this boy from Iowa and his southern family to your restaurant. God...