El Maguey Mexican Restaurant

I go to this restaurant often - it is my favorite mexican food in town. My brother has lived in Harlingen TX for over 30 years, so I have been able to eat Mexican food there and in several places in Mexico along the Texas border. El Maguey is the only place in the KC area that serves food that meets me expectation of 'real' Mexican! the portions are huge, and the cheese dip is the same as what I get when in Texas/Mexico. Their rice in particular is more like Mexican rice that I have in Texas rather than the Spanish rice you usually get in KC. It doesn't rely on peppers for the flavor, it is made with chicken stockand other seasonings and is very flavorful but not hot & spicy. They do seem to have trouble with the bathroom at this location, they keep it clean, but there seems to be some kind of moisture problem (not from a leak) that keeps the room very humid and that gives the impression that it is less clean. I think that also may be why another reviewer noticed small flies - they love damp areas. My best guess is that the drainage isn't too good and the moist air is coming from a floor drain in the room. I noticed outside that they seem to have drainage problems in the parking lot, so I assume the ground under the place stays pretty damp. Don't let that keep you from going to this place - the food and friendly people more than make up for the less than great bathroom. more

A coworker of mine raves about El Maguey so she took me to lunch there one day, however, I was not impressed. We ordered the cheese dip as an appetizer. I was expecting it to be similar to the margarita dip and Margarita's Restaurant, however, it was so runny it was like a broth. It was a white cheese, however, it definitely lacked flavor. I ordered the Quesadilla Fajitas with chicken and did not care for the seasonings that were used. We ordered fried ice cream and it was the best I have ever had, it was an enormous serving. The prices are good, however, I was not impressed, I was expecting authentic Mexican food and this did not pass my test. http://www.elmaguey.com/index.html more

This reminds me of the mexican food in Texas! I love it. My husband is from San Antonio and always wants to eat here because it reminds him of home. I just like the way the food is prepare here it is so much better than the chain restaurants. And the portions are huge so watch what you are ordering! I highly recommend this restaurant. more

I love this place, but I don't at the same time. The food there is so good, the portions on what they give you are so big (as long as you know what you are ordering) it is unbelievable. I recommend this place. The only thing i don't like is the restrooms, not that the are not big women accessible no no no i can get in there and move around just fine, it is what is in the bath room that gets me. Little baby flies(or nats i think they are called) i don't like them and that turnes me off from going there unless you order carry out or you eat there and wait to go home before you decided to go. Mind you I have not went to the rest room there sence that one event so if someone else goes maybe you can check it out but i know it will not be me. Sparkle more