El Palenque Mexican Restaurant

My family and I just finished eating dinner and vow never to come back. The service was horrible and to top it off they served us spoiled food. When we brought it to the manager's attention, Mr.Cesar failed to do anything and stated I quess it was just your food and,""...one out of thirty isn't bad."" I don't know about you ,but would you like to be, ""the one"". I don't! I hope that they were responsible enough to throw away the remaing spoiled food. I'm writing this as a fair warning for everyone and as a common courtesy. I wish there was a zero star rating. more

El Palenque es muy muy skanky! I was told more than 10 years ago that this place had awful food, but I finally figured it was time to experience it first hand. What a grave mistake. I don't know how they stay open. Taco Bell, yes Taco Bell, runs circles around this place. The food is under-seasoned, the salsa tastes like ground black pepper, and the cheese tastes like that cheap crap that doesn't have to be refrigerated (the cheese is so salty it is all you can taste). If they used Velveeta (and I loathe Velveeta) it would be an upgrade. Do youself a favor and avoid this place. more

I'm confused! Your previous reviews on this restaurant must be pretty old. I've been going to El Palinque at I-45 and Spring Cypress for about 3 years. Since I've been eating there, they have NEVER served rice and beans and a cheese puff before the meal. They serve a big basket of warm tortilla chips & warm salsa. They also will bring a delicious salsa verde free of charge upon request. The Margueritas are not the best I've had, but very good indeed. I prefer mine on the rocks, but all of my friends swear the frozen ones are THE BEST. They've recently gone up on their prices, but it's still very economical. My favorite dish is the Tacos a la Plancha with shredded beef....please don't make the mistake of getting the chicken as the beef is just too fabulous. The service is about 90% fabulous and 10% pretty good. Most of the wait staff there seem to be 1) working hard and 2) enjoying and engaging the customers. Warning: Do NOT let anyone trick you into a birthday celebration there. How many heads has that sombrero really been on? How much do you like whipped cream in the face? You do? Ah well, that's the place for your celebration! I eat there on average twice a week, in medium sized parties as well as alone with my book. Pros: Friendly wait staff, consistently good food and drink Cons: Stay away for a birthday and don't take a large group unless you have lots of time. more

This is our favorite Mexican Food Restaurant. We love the food, the prices and the Margaritas. The waitstaff is prompt and ameniable. I would recommend it to anyone! Pros: Good service! Cons: Crowded more

I've been eating at El Palenque for years.We've always had prompt seating without ever needing reservations. Its great for big parties, but you do need reservations for that. The service will vary depending on the amount of business they have. If you go when its packed, of course you won't be getting a great amount of individual attention. But you will always have your drinks filled and anything else you might ask for. When you order your food, you first get either a bowl of rice and beans or a cheese puff, which you are supposed to eat upon arrival. (not leaving it to get cold). And the tortillas should be served with your fajitas, if not, thats beacuase they are being hand made in the back, but would be out fast enough to not let your food cool. Pros: Good parking more

With all of the terrific Mexican restaurants in the area this one has nothing going for it. From start to finish it's a disappointment. The margaritas taste like lemonade. Rather than bringing all of our meal together they brought the rice and beans first, as that cooled they finally brought the entre and a little while later the tortillas. Frozen Mexican food would taste better. Overpriced for what you get. We didn't ask for doggy bags since why suffer through the meal twice. The waiters seem to hate their jobs. Cons: Overpriced, Food, Service more