El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill — Restaurant in South Carolina

I will preface this by saying we regularly dine at the other El Cerro Grande's in the area, have for years, but this is my 1st time at this particular one. We all ordered the same thing we always do at the other El Cerro's, so we know how everything tastes. This was one of the worse restaurant experiences I've ever had. 1st the chips and salsa- it's hard to mess that up. The chips were so overcooked and burnt tasting, and they had absolutely no salt on them at all. My son usually eats a whole basket by himself, but he took 2 bites and pushed the basket away, refused to eat any more of them. We ordered him a cheese quesadilla and FRIES, but when it came, it had rice instead of fries. No big deal, honest mistake, and she took it back to get fries. I ordered a beef alambre like I always do, it comes with rice and beans. When I got it, it was chicken instead of beef and there was rice, but no beans. When I said that to the waitress, she took it back to fix the order. When she returned with the beef alambre, there was then beans, but no rice. When I asked where my rice went, waitress said, "Rice??? You said you wanted beans!" and huffed. I explained that I wanted both like I ordered, but the 1st order was missing beans, and the fixed order was missing rice. She said she would go get me a side of rice, which she did. I then attempted to eat, my husband was basically done with his by that point. My beef and the onions/peppers were so charred and burnt tasting that they were inedible (and I usually love me some char, but this tasted like the ashes in the bottom of a campfire), and the beans looked like something that had been regurgitated. Again, I know what refried beans look like, eat them at other El Cerro's often, but these were the color and runny consistency of something in the diaper of a newborn. I pushed the plate away because it was all just awful. The only reason I gave it the 1 star is because my husband's order was right and tasted as it...

I stopped at this restaurant on my way back home from doing some business in Myrtle Beach and about an hour and a half before closing. There are a few locations in the area under this brand. I normally am closer to and frequent the Georgetown location, so this may be the first or possibly second time I've been to this location.

I want to point out that, at least for this visit, the food was excellent (I got mixed chicken and steak Alambre - it was delicious!) and the service even better!

I believe the server's name that attended to me was Natasha. I've been to a lot of restaurants over the years and have gotten all different kinds of service - sometimes not so good. This is not one of those times. Natasha was probably the best, most attentive server I've had in a good long time. She did everything right. She came by the table numerous times offering to get me more salsa and some other things - almost reading my mind! I saw her flitting around to other tables she was servicing, and you could tell that she was paying attention to everything. Never once did I feel that she was bothered by anything I asked for or any questions I had. She absolutely went over and above what I'm used to and I wish that every server was like her. There are other Mexican restaurants in the area that I also frequent and I can say that the staff at many of those places could learn a thing or two from her.

El Cerro, if you're listening... You should be extremely proud of this employee. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that has noticed her and how good she is. She's a model example of how a server should be. I don't know how long she's been working with you folks at this location, but you would do well to take care of her and keep her as long as you...

El Cerro Mexican Restaurant in Surfside Beach, SC, is a delightful gem that captures the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere envelops you, setting the stage for a fantastic dining experience.

The menu is extensive, offering a wide range of traditional dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling fajitas, savory enchiladas, or a hearty burrito, El Cerro has something to satisfy your cravings. The flavors are authentic and robust, with fresh ingredients that truly shine in each dish. The guacamole, made fresh to order, is a must-try and pairs perfectly with their crispy tortilla chips.

One of the standout features of El Cerro is the attentive and friendly staff. They are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well taken care of. The service is prompt, which is especially appreciated during the busy dinner rush.

The restaurant also boasts a fantastic selection of beverages, including refreshing margaritas that perfectly complement the meal. The vibrant cocktails are crafted with care, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

For those dining with family, El Cerro offers a welcoming environment for all ages, making it an excellent choice for casual family dinners or celebratory occasions. The lively decor, infused with Mexican culture, adds to the overall charm of the restaurant.

In summary, El Cerro Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Surfside Beach looking for delicious food, great service, and a cheerful ambiance. It’s a place where you can enjoy a true taste of Mexico without leaving the coast, making every visit a...