El Lorito

I hate to rate this place so low because the waitress was super nice. The atmosphere has all of the Mexican restaurant hallmarks. They used to have a buffet here, however the waitress said that they don't do that anymore. I think that I have become so spoiled by Papa's and Beer in Shelby that this place was a major let down.I ordered the dinner combination that consisted of a burrito, a chimichanga and rice. The burrito was more like an enchilada. The chimichanga had no crunch to it and it was tiny as well. Last, but not least... Did this place give me, the bottom of the pot, hard and slightly burnt rice? What a disappointment. Sad sad sad. Can't really dismiss this place either. Would I try it again? I don't think so. One and done for me. Especially for the price.

Don't wast your time and money in this establishment. I had went with a couple of friends, ordered our food and waited about an hour before getting our food. You would think they would have everything together after waiting for an hour. They forgot tortilla sauce and condiments. They drinks were terrible, their drinks taste watered down with lots of sugar. The food was bad, burnt carne asada and you would think a Mexican restaurant would serve some delicious tacos de asada. They were dry, chewy and bland. Place is absolutely disgusting their sanitary grad should be way lower. Mi gente este lugar es asqueroso y una falta de respeto para nuestra cultura!!!

My absolute favorite soft chicken tacos, and the best authentic hot sauce, in all of Bessemer City & Gastonia -- I go just about every Monday or Tuesday, when they have $1.25 tacos, and they never fail me. Food comes out fast, sodas are always crispy, and the homemade hot sauce is the BEST. The server is the sweetest, and he literally remembers my order at this point. I've seen the owner out in town in Gastonia, and he's truly the most humble person with just a precious little family! 10/10 support this business and you should too!

This was my first time at this restaurant and I don't think I'll go back. The food was just "okay". I had 2-tacos with rice and beans. My order came out correct, but the beef wasn't seasoned enough and lacked flavor. The inside isn't big but they have outside seating. There was an unpleasant smell I noticed when I first walked that was hard to overlook. Three stars because this wasn't the absolute worst place I've been however, it does need work. The host was nice which also contributes to the three stars.

Once again, been going here my whole life, food is still amazing, if you go here you must get the cheese dip. My heart and as well as others are heavy for el lo ritos and the family of the beloved Mario the waiter, he got to watch me grow up and now he is gone, Rest In Peace Mario. You will never be forgotten.

Been here multiple times, the food is great, typically order spicy pollo con crema, but it is a bit pricey. Other than that everything is great!

I used to eat from here a lot back in the mid-late 2000s, then I moved away. I've been back for over a year, and finally tried El Lorito today for the first time in about 10 years. It's still pretty great. I ordered the ACP. I do feel like the portion was a little light for the price (it was $15 and change after tax), but it was hot when I picked it up and didn't take long at all (I called it in, arrived about 6 minutes after the call, and it was ready).

Illegally add to your tip. This happened (at least) twice in early 2023, where they upcharged by tip by $1 on my credit card. I didn't notice for a couple months. I decided to try one more time in March 2024, but this time I kept a careful eye on my credit card bill - sure enough another $1 beyond what was authorizedLove the food. Solid servings at a good price. But I will never return. Hope that $1 extra was worth it.

The service is awful if you get the young girl with braces. And they take money off your card without your authorization if you don't "tip" on the card even though she got a $50 cash tip and tip on the cards.

Avoid this place at all cost. We ordered a couple of margarites and they were so sour we couldn't drink them. We complained about them, but they refused to take them off our bill. We simply could not drink them!!! Paid full price for the two drinks and left them to be dumped down the drain. BAD BUSINESS PRACTICE!! Won't ever go back even if the food is awesome. One chance to impress and they failed. It was also 90 degrees w/ no AC running in August, BAD BUSINESS!!