El Mariachi -Mexican Restaurant &Bar — Restaurant in Town of East Fishkill

If you’re looking for attentive service and a passable meal, this restaurant delivers. However, for those in search of authentic Mexican flavors, this may not be the destination you’re hoping for.

The ambiance of the restaurant feels as though a barber shop has been repurposed into a dining space—bright white lights, plain walls, and a smattering of sparse Mexican-themed decorations. While functional, the environment lacks the vibrant character one might expect from an establishment serving Mexican cuisine. A richer, more immersive atmosphere would elevate the dining experience, allowing patrons to feel the warmth and culture of Mexico from the moment they step inside.

Despite the somewhat lackluster decor, the restaurant deserves praise for its cleanliness. The space is impeccably maintained, well-lit, and offers ample seating, ensuring comfort for all guests.

As for the food, it was underwhelming. Mexican cuisine should burst with bold, robust flavors, but here, the dishes were disappointingly muted. My expectations of fiery, lively spices fell flat, leaving my palate unsatisfied and yearning for the authentic flavors Mexico is known for. The meal seemed to have been sanitized for a broader audience, its heritage diluted and served on a plate that could just as easily belong to a fast-food chain. To call this Mexican food is akin to equating Taco Bell with true Mexican cuisine—a stretch, to say the least.

On the bright side, the service was efficient and courteous, with the staff being prompt and attentive throughout the meal. There’s not much to critique in this regard.

In terms of pricing, the cost was reasonable for what I ordered: enchiladas, a children’s meal, and two drinks, totaling $35 before the tip. Given the current state of the economy, this pricing is fair, though it would have been more palatable had the food lived up to its cultural promise.

In conclusion, while the restaurant excels in cleanliness and service, it falls short where it matters most—in the food. Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant history, but this experience felt like a diluted version of what it could have been. There is potential here, but a stronger commitment to authenticity and ambiance would go a long way in transforming this establishment into a truly memorable dining...

✨🌮 THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE 🌮✨

I don’t even know where to begin because words simply cannot do this place justice. If you are anywhere near Holmes, NY — hell, if you’re within a 500-mile radius — you need to RUN (not walk) to this restaurant. Scratch that — book the flight, charter the boat, ride the llama, just get here.

Let’s start with the margaritas. OH. MY. GOD. They are liquid sunshine poured into a glass rimmed with dreams and kissed by the gods. Smooth. Refreshing. A little sweet, a little sassy — like the flirty cousin of tequila and citrus who came to SLAY. I don’t even like margaritas like that… but these? These were life-changing.

And the staff? Angels. Literal angels on Earth. The sweetest, most welcoming, kind-hearted humans I’ve ever encountered. I have never — NEVER — felt so taken care of in a restaurant in my life. You’re not just a customer here, you’re family. They could have adopted me on the spot and I would’ve said yes.

Now let’s talk about the cherry on top: they let my dog, Leo, hang out on the patio. Not just tolerated — I mean welcomed with love and open arms like he was their own furry nephew. Leo was living his best life, and honestly, so was I.

This wasn’t just a meal. This was an experience. A vibe. A spiritual awakening. I will come back here every day for as long as I live. I will bring my future children. I will write songs about this place. Someone put it in a Hallmark movie.

10/10. 100/10. INFINITY OUT OF 10. GO. GO...

Not just good - GREAT. The best Mexican food I’ve had on the east coast. A destination restaurant. Amazing service.

We stopped by here on a whim for lunch, after visiting Fishkill Farms, which is just minutes away and WHAT A FIND.

Chips and salsa to start, for free - the chips still warm, the salsa was out of this world. The waiter could tell I liked it and brought out three extra servings. What a kind man.

Then tortilla soup and street corn, grilled to perfection with seasoned exactly right.

Then tacos al carbon (lunch portion has 2 and dinner portion has 3). Steak tips grilled exactly right, with a grilled green tomato salsa on top. I will go so far as to say this is the best taco I’ve had anywhere or around NYC.

Lastly Pollo Mariachi was this incredible lemon and garlic chicken filé served with the perfect yellow rice and beans.

Tamarindo and Diet Coke.

We sat in the enormous patio at the back, that overlooks the lawn and after that the green woods. The breeze and music, was just ambiance perfection.

Compliments to the chef and all staff.

Spectacular. Ten outta ten. No flaws. I’ll be back FOR SURE and recommend it highly for everyone - this restaurant is world...