El Patron

Best / most authentic Mexican food in the Show Low / Pinetop-Lakeside area!! Chips made in house. Beans just like Abuelita used to make.

Seems quite on the outside but towards the back it's nice with the tv's with sports by the bar; The ambience is really chill and the decor is cute! But what really shines is the food and service from Ariana, who is a great and quick server. I had the carne asada fries and added the salsa, queso, and guacamole (sold separately) which really elevated my meal, definitely recommend!

We've come to this area several times over the past decade, but this was our first visit to El Patron. How on earth did we miss this gem for this many years.The food is some of the best Mexican food I've ever had in my life, and amazing.The service is outstanding, food is amazing, and we will definitely be back many times. Cannot say enough good things!

Best margaritas in the area. Only place I found that serves salsa that is hot and doesn't taste my tomato sauce. Ask for it. Tip your servers.

Sadly, I'm dropping my rating on El Patron. Salsa and flavor is huge deal at Mexican restaurants and this place is lacking. It's a solid place to eat if you want very basic American Mexican food, but they've changed their salsas. The mild is like tomato sauce and their spicy tastes like a smokey store bought sauce. The food is decent but it's not spicy or distinctive in any way. Service is always great, friendly and fast. Outdoor seating is fun and there was some live music there.

Small family owned place.Food was tasty and service is s quick and friendly.A local spot.Air conditioning was not working and it was hot and humid inside. Made for an uncomfortable eating experience.However the tacos were filled full and the enchilada had a great green sauce Ion them.Salsa was spicy and chips were fresh.

We wanted Mexican for cinco de mayo, so this place was open and had an extensive menu of choices. We started with a margarita on the rocks and complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was a bit bland, but they were very generous with the amount of chips they brought to our table. I ordered the fajitas de camaron--shrimp and mushrooms sauteed with normal peppers and onions. They substituted some lettuce in place of the rice. Other items for the fajitas were refried beans, sour cream, a scoop of guacamole, and pico. When it came, they were very generous with the number of shrimp. Peppers and onions, but no mushrooms on the plate. When I asked about it, he said they'd run out of mushrooms. If I'd known this, I probably would've switched to one of their chicken fajita options. Not a big deal, but they also didn't bring any tortillas with the meal. The fajitas were good, albeit somewhat bland in flavoring. Salt helped. My husband ordered one of the combination dinners and he enjoyed the three items he asked for. It's a cute little restaurant and the servers were all very nice.

The prices are too much!! Their salsa is bland and has more smell than taste!!! The shells to the tacos were all soggy when they came out. Fell apart!! I've been to multiple mex restaurants here and this one, I will not be returning to! But to each is own!!! Judge for yourself!!!

My chihuahua can cook better then this restaurant Took 8 friends and took 90 minutes for food to come outOverpriced dog foodThey charge a card fee lol

El Patron is one of the sadly undiscovered (by many) gems of the White Mountains. I'm often surprised that, on a Saturday night, they are not that busy. They should be packed! Excellent Mexican food in comfortable, clean surroundings. I especially like their Carnitas - large pieces of roasted pork served with sautéed vegetables and tortillas. I get the flour tortillas with melted butter. Excellent! Rice and beans are typical with any Mexican meal, but El Patron's are untypically flavorful! I think they are the best on the mountain! Quality is exceptional, and prices are reasonable. If you haven't tried El Patron, DO!