El Palenque — Restaurant in Texas

Update on Visit #2 I came to have lunch by myself today and it had been a year since we tried this place. I had the margarita happy hour special large for $6.50 and the american trio plate (Don't quote Me on that name, my memory may have failed me) but it consisted of 1 enchilada (I choose cheese), 1 tamale, 1 crispy shelled ground beef taco, rice and beans for $11.50. The food was served hot, the rice and beans definitely tasted like they came from an abuela. The margarita was smooth and had just the right amount of alcohol. The service was attentive and kind. I think I may have to tell my husband he was right about this place being better than I remember. We will return!

Family of 5 (2 Adults, 3 kids)

We were seated promptly and also asked our drink request.

We ordered Mixed Fajitas for 2 with refried and charro beans. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The fajitas had some good flavor to them and weren't too dry. The rice was delicious and definitely had an authentic taste. My charro beans were good I felt they just lacked the traditional bacon and a tad more salt flavoring to it. The refried beans were very salty for my taste.

(2) orders of the corn dogs and fries. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My kids LOVE corn dogs and they tore them up. They were served with crispy seasoned fries and served hot and fresh. It was a rather hefty portion also so we all indulged. We all agreed they were delicious.

A large order of Queso. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Queso was served hot and never got too stiff from sitting there. It wasn't too spicy or too liquid.

Our total for all of this and 5 drinks was about $68.00 (after taxes)

We have just moved into the area so we have lots of places left to try but so far this one is our favorite Mexican Restaurant. We definitely agreed we would be happy...

My family has visited this restaurant many times over the years but in the last couple years my wife has had two very uncomfortable and unwelcome experiences at this restaurant. Two times now when my wife has gone to this establishment to have dinner and drinks with friends she has been made to feel incredibly uncomfortable by one of the waiters. This first happened shortly before the pandemic started. She was having dinner with friends and a waiter named “Chocha” was continually hitting on her and constantly coming over to the table giving her unwanted attention. On this occasion he placed his hands on her shoulders and tried massaging her to which she felt grossed out and uncomfortable by. He was asked to stop and although he didn’t touch her anymore that trip, he did continue trying to flirt with her verbally. Just recently she again returned with friends trying to have a fun night out and agin she was unlucky enough to have “Chocha” as her waiter. He again started in on the flirting, and again tried massaging her shoulders while she was trying to enjoy her meal. He later came to the table and placed his hands on her face unexpectedly from behind and was rubbing her cheeks with his fingers which she was very upset by. She moved away from him and asked him to stop. It’s a shame she can’t enjoy having a dinner with her friends without be harassed by the wait staff at this restaurant. This may be a decent place to have a family meal, but be cautious about having a girls dinner hear because you might be getting into a very uncomfortable situation. The waiter goes by “Chocha”. We will never be returning to this restaurant which is a shame because it’s been a part of spring TX for...

I have been a loyal customer for over fifteen years but the last few visits have changed my mind.

On one occasion our waitress helped herself to an additional $50 in tip. I had to take extra time out of my day to contact the manager and then drive up to the restaurant to get the money back. I highly recommend taking pictures of your sign receipt!!

On two occasions we walked up at least 30 minutes prior to the posted closing time - we were turned away both times. They do not allow anyone to come in who may not finish eating before their closing time. I’ve NEVER been to any restaurant that does this.

The most recent incident is the final straw. I won’t waste my money here again. I came in with one of our party of four anticipating the next two to arrive in 20 mins. I told the hostess I intended to place all their orders. She said to me “Just so you know we close at 10.” It was 9:15 at the time I walked in. After being seated I immediately repeated my plan to order ahead for all of our party to the waitress. She took the drink order and then came back shortly thereafter to take the food order. 5-10 mins later she comes back (mind you we have only been there 15-20 mins) and says to me “does your family know we close at 10?”

Seriously WHAT RESTAURANT SPEAKS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS THIS WAY??

I said yes they know and they are 10 mins away. Sure enough they arrive with the food delivery - as we planned.

I won’t even go into the cold queso, poor attention to our needs, and wrong order.

Pushing customers out the door just as soon as they sit is bad business. El Palenque - you have 100% lost...