El Mexico — Restaurant in Sandstone

Sandstone has got to be the best-kept secret on I-35. Whether you're headed up North or returning to the Cities, it's worth a quick exit off the highway to visit its wonderful offerings. El Mexico is on the long list of places worth a stop in Sandstone. Octavio and Ruben have created a restaurant that is large and welcoming, with indoor and seasonal outdoor seating. Let's start with the chips that are served warm with the freshest salsa. I could eat my weight in chips and salsa at El Mexico. There isn't a misstep on the menu; everything I've tried is delicious, with generous portions and always freshly prepared. They've got the basics, fajitas, tacos, burritos, and enchiladas- all tasty. Taco salad? Off the HOOK and absolutely loaded into a fresh tortilla bowl. Carne asada? Incredible! Tender, juicy and so flavorful. On my most recent visit, I tried the Steak con hongos. I don't typically think of mushrooms at Mexican restaurants, but this cheesy, grilled masterpiece was out of this world. A t-bone steak is brought out on a sizzling platter, topped with mushrooms and cheese, and served with tortillas, rice, and beans. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the cheese got all crunchy in the cast iron skillet. Decadent! Mojitos and margaritas will never disappoint. The service is excellent, friendly, and fast without fail....

It was Taco Tuesday. We ordered a Burrito Cancun, Shrimp Fajitas, and a soft shell beef, soft shell chicken, hard shell beef and a hard shell chicken taco Amazing! The hard shells were fried to order. Very light, delicate shells, but delicious. The chicken was very moist and flavorful. The Shrimp Fajitas were delicious. The sauteed vegetables were cooked perfectly, not mushie at all. My husband said his Burrito Cancun was very good too. The refried beans and Spanish rice had the authentic flavors of Cancun, and I can't say enough about the Margaritas. Fabulous! The service needs some help. I don't know if our waitress was new, or just doesn't understand English very well. In any case, overall, it was a hit and...

Decent prices. I found this place by the recommendation of a local service worker at the casino. Fan-frickin-tastic! Great service with a smile, good fair prices, busy in the afternoon too! I was even able to get girl scout cookies at side table! Beware of the "large" golden margarita... it's a fish bowl of awesome. Many flavors to choose from too. I was most impressed of their large & extensive menue & that when I mentioned it to another many ppl over the next 5ish days everyone said " oh yeah, we love that place! & everything on the menue is good!" This being my first time, I'm going to have to go back again & again to verify this, naturally....