El Niagara — Restaurant in Woodstock

With family in from out of town, we met at El Niagara for dinner recently on a Wednesday evening. It was my first time there. I cannot say whether I'd go back. We walked into a very dated Mexican-themed restaurant that was poorly lit that screamed early 1970's. There were 7 of us and instead of putting us at a larger table, which was available, they seated us at two 4 toppers, pushed together. Since the tables were uneven, two of our party had uneven place settings.

Our server was not very well trained and seemed uncomfortable in his role. After getting our food, he stopped by only once to see if we needed anything and promptly left before anyone could say anything. I wanted another Modelo but since my only one wasn't very cold, I just stuck with finishing my meal with water. Speaking of beverages, my wife was disappointed with the size of the rum and coke she ordered. The glass was about half the size of a standard rocks glass. It looked like it held less than 6 ounces.

The food was decent with healthy portions. I ordered the carne asada a la tampequeno which was very flavorful, however the meat was a little tough. The others seemed to enjoy their meals.

We had asked for 4 separate checks. Our server told us they would take care of that at the counter. It seemed rather odd to us and awkward as we would go up independently to pay for our portion of the bill. The guy at the counter would ring up each of us and give us a total. Our receipt had no itemization, so we had no idea whether any of us paid the right amount.

I am glad that I got to see family I don't see very often. We always have a great time together when we do, even when the restaurant experience...

This place is designed for people who think Taco Bell is Authentic. When you walk in you see booths to the left of you, nobody there to greet you so you keep walking and walking then eventually you see the only waiter who asks you to sit anywhere. Then they bring some chips which are actually okay and a salsa that tastes like a spicier version of a Tostitos salsa thrown in a blender. I then ask for some Guac as the appetizer, keep in mind I'm a true Mexican and know how to make this and how it's sopossed to look. When they bring it back it honestly looks like slimy green ice cream, and they charge 6.25 for it. It's the same Guac you get at Taco Bell. Just absolutely disgusting. Then my torta comes back and it has that garbage in it and al pastor meat that is clearly refríed and nothing like what al pastor is. Their asada is disgusting. Then to top it off while I'm there, a dispute happens, I just wanted to leave. Paid the bill it was 19. Something tipped 5 bucks and left. I would never go back to this place ever again. For a place that prides itself in Mexican culture it's absolutely disgusting. I would rather eat at Taco Bell. Their salsa tastes like a spicier version of the salsa you get at chiiiiillllliiiiisssss that's the comparison I was looking for. Also, the Guac, turns brown after about 2 minutes which is nothing like a real Guac...

Last night we ordered take out here. not wanting to cook at home and take a break. BIG MISTAKE! Last few times the food has NOT tasted as good as once before when we 1st came here but we decided to try again to service are local town.My husband is never sick and built like a bull. this morning we believe he has food poisioning from his trio platter we got from take out here last night. Its the only thing he had all day besides breakfast. The $70 we spent in fresh to order TAKE-OUT food that wasnt that hot once home and very bland in flavor. i did meantion we are in the area so it shouldnt need reheating being just down the block. This outcome wasnt worth him missing work today and being severely sick. This establishment should be ashamed there not having better food handling and the OSHA- FDA whoever is in charge with food handling should be notified ASAP!!! This is terrible to witness. He feels like his dieing.There is far better spots in the area. This is garbage authentic Mexican food. I will never come here EVER again. WASTE OF HARD EARNED WORKING FAMILYS MONEY ! ITS BEEN 5HRS OF HIM PUKING AND GOING TO THE BATHROOM... I KNOW ITS...