El Patio

If I had to eat in the general dining area with kids, I probably would find another place. On the other hand if I'm looking for knocked out Tex Mex, Mariachi's that light up the room, and patrons that know how to party, I go to the No Minor Bar at El Patio. Thursday and Friday night are best. I'm not a big fan of the valet parking since the only parking is in the lot directly in front of the door. I wish management would get rid of the valets. I feel ripped off on that aspect. When freinds come in from other parts of Texas to visit, they always insist that at least one night we go to the No Minor Bar. The 2 Mariachi's who play everything from Johnny Cash to Buddy Holly, Elvis, Beatles etc, etc work very hard to make everybody feel welcome and join in the fun. I just wish more people would show some appreciation and tip them. more

Best authentic Mexican food in town. Order the blue margarita an pass your keys to your friend.! more

Let me start by saying...I have eaten at many, many restaurants. We eat out at least 4 times a week....and also, I have kids...HOWEVER what my group experienced last night at El Patio will make me NEVER leave the civilized behavior of inside the loop again. El Patio was over run with out of control 6-10 year olds with no parental control AT ALL. The wanna be Memorial Moms were too busy sucking down margaritas to control their barbie and crayon throwing children. At one point, one of the members of our party...(a Mom too...with our teen age kids there) had to ask two boys not to run and throw things at our table. It was BEYOND ridiculous. I have been to many, many restaurants with a car load of kids, I have never, ever experienced anything like this place. When we went to leave...the valets in all of their infinite wisdom had tripled parked cars. There were so many cars in that lot, if there had been a fire, a fire truck could not have gotten to the place. We had to walk to our car and wait until all the incoming traffic had moved out of the way.... The only possible way you could enjoy this place is if you are a self absorbed human that enjoys letting your children run wild at other people's expense. If i cold give it less than one star i would....civilized humans...stay away!!!!! more

Good food, good drinks- BEWARE of the blue margarita...just one takes me down for the night! Pros: Been drinking here since I was 16 Cons: Sam and his band don't play here anymore! more

My friends and I go to el patio and we really enjoy the drinks and the food. I have had better margaritas than their infamous 'blue,' but it is certainly still good. once, my friends and i were seated by the door to the patio on a cold night and it made dining very chilly every time a waiter went out ( and i mean within three feet of the door). Our waiter was very nice and just as the main course came out he switched our table. we were incredibly thankful. therefore, overall, this is a great place to dine. Pros: good food, fun atmosphere Cons: crowded more

I frequent both the Westheimer and Midtown locations and am in love with both of them. The enchiladas suizas are amazing, as are any of the other enchilada choices. I've never heard anyone that I've been with complain about their meal at either location and that's after over at least 100 visits. The blue margaritas are delicious. Pros: Food, the ""Blues"" Cons: I have to move. more

We have always been welcome at Sunday brunch when the place is empty. Showed up at 7 pm on Thursday. The parties ahead of us and behind us were sat, the hostess sneared when she saw us (two adults, two kids). She said she did not know when she could get us in, despite empty tables. Glad they have so much business, I will not return and will continue to tell at least 200 people. Pros: mandatory valet Cons: lousy service and horrible treatment of regulars more

In town from NY for a conference, I decided to try out the local Mexican fare and found that El Patio received quite high praise on line; so that's where I headed (Monday night at 7:30 pm, no wait). more

El Patio is one of my favorite mexican places to eat at in Houston. They have amazing cheese enchiladas! The margaritas are like jet fuel. They are so strong it only takes one. I'd stick with the pink Sissy margarita if you are a light weight. If you are a margarita ninja go ahead with the blue margarita. It makes me feel like I am back in the early 80's when ever I go eat there. Our food is always fresh and fast. The best time to go is early saturday for lunch or sunday. It doesn't get too crowded until Friday or Saturday nights. On those days only will you not be able to find a parking spot! Pros: Awesome food and margaritas Cons: Too crowded on Friday and Saturday Nights more

This place is a dump. Basically a brick blob on the outside, and not much better inside. Pros: Seemed to be cheap. Cons: Awful decor, environment and treatment of customers more

A great place to meet up with friends, have birthday parties, or just enjoy a night out. I've been going to El Patio for many years and have always enjoyed my experience. Whether it was for a reasonable mexican meal, or for there famous margarita's, or both it's been rememberable! more

A friend of mine kept telling me about the Blue Margarita like about a million times, so when I finally went, It was not all what it's cracked up to be =) Maybe it was the night I went, which was a Friday, but when I took a sipp it tasted horrible. Other than that the food is pretty good =) Pros: Food Cons: Blue Margarita more

How can I not write one on this place. I'd like to say i have memories of it, but I can't remember any. I'm sure they were good ones... the music, the singing, the margs... OH THE MARGS... the hangovers... more

My friends and I have been going to El Patio over the years for one thing and one thing only....those freakishly strong blue margaritas. The food serves its purpose as a between drink filler, but it's the legendary blues that keep us going back again and again. If you start your night off at Club No Minors, you have basically set yourself up for one of those staggeringly sublime slurfests that inevitably land you at a late night taqueria at 3 in the morning. What could be better than a dark room with filled with frisky mariachis, table dancing wild women and a potent blue elixir that makes you see double? The answer my friends is nothing, nothing at all. See you there. Pros: Margaritas, Friendly Service, Valet Cons: Parking more

Awsome happy hour for regular margaritas. My girlfriends and I sat on the front patio and received A+ service. The food was fresh and delicious. Only one thing I didn't approve of.... when I asked for a few jalapenos and onions to go with the queso I was charged $0.95 for both. Also my friend asked for a side of sour cream for her quesidillas and was charged $0.95. That's fine but I wasn't informed that I would be charged at all. Let alone such a high price. But everything was superb and I will be back!! Pros: Food, Margaritas, Parking Cons: Charge for side items more

This is one of those places where its always packed and loud. Very laid back and perfect for a big group to just chill and have a good time. Everyone goes for the Margaritas....not bec. they taste good but bec. they are strong! Drink one of those and you are sure to lighten up. Go a little early to find parking. Pros: margaritas, good food, casual scene more

I've been enjoying El Patio for over ten years, and have brought MANY friends/visitors to experience the best margaritas in town...they now have a new one for those who can't handle the high-octane Blue Margarita...called the Sissy Margarita (its girly-pink and OH so yummy!). The food's awesome, Happy Hour's even better...but I have to say, the Sissy is my new favorite!!!! Keep up the good work!! Pros: Great service, Bang for your buck more

Although the restaurant does seem to be overflowing with young white college-types (not a big deal, but I'm a little older than the college crowd), the bar is the place to be! Dark, smokey, loud, kick-ass margaritas (I'd love to know what is in those!), live music, people dancing on chairs, watching your friends succumb to the power of the tiny blue margaritas... what more could you ask for?? I know most of ya'll won't take my advice, but if you're driving home - STOP AFTER TWO MARGARITAS! Have fun, hope to see ya'll there :) PS - Get there early if you plan on getting space in the bar. Pros: Kick-Ass Margaritas, Fun, Bring Lots of Friends Cons: Tiny Bar, Close Early, Parking more

I've been going here for almost two years now, and everytime I come here, I always have a great time! A great place for ""people watching"" and seeing drunk people do some interesting things once they get on the chairs. As everyone has said so far, the margaritas are definately STRONG!! Good service and friendly waiters. You gotta go at least once:) Pros: good atmosphere, waitstaff, good food Cons: parking, long waits on weekend more

Mainly the 'Club No Minors' is where I've been and the service is the best and the margaritas are to die for!! ... this part of the restaurant is no place for kids .. the food is most wonderful too ... You must check it out .. Cons: Bad Parking more