El Palenque Tacos & Grill

Don't let the exterior and surroundings fool you. This is a solidly run establishment that puts out good food. But often times, the holes in the wall are the best. The chips and salsa were freshly made. The green salsa had a nice thick texture with a good punch of spiciness to it. The cheese enchiladas were thick and not greasy at all. Their wasn't too much sauce on them, and the flavor of the chile sauce was mild in comparison to most. I didn't mind that. I asked for chiles toreados, which they offered up quickly. These were also cooked perfectly, and were a nice alternative to tortillas as utensils. I would come back here again if I ever found myself in the Del Rio area.

Ok, I Yelped restaurants in the area and found EL Palenque Tacos & Grill. As I was leaving my room, I saw the house keeper and asked her opinion of the restaurant. She stated it was good and a short walk.I entered the restaurant they was crowded, so I thought must be good food. I ordered a sweet tea which was on point. I waited a while for the waitress to take my order but it was ok as I could see their was a large party next to me. I ordered my enchilada dinner plate and a pancake since I saw one going past me as I waited for service. 30 minutes into my wait, the young waitress comes to me and explained they don't serve pancakes after 12 noon. I originally said ok until something made me look at my watch, it was a little after 11am. I flagged her down and showed her it's a little past 11. She said oh let me check with the kitchen. 30 minutes after that Carolina comes and tell me the same thing but she stated they don't cook pancakes after 1 o'clock. I clutched my pearls and looked at my watch then my phone. I recapped with her that she saying the same thing the younger waitress said with the incorrect time then pointed out that its only 12:15 pm so what is it that they didn't want me having a pancake? She stumbled all over her words and said she would check with the kitchen. 20 minutes later, my entree arrives .....COLD!!! Every Mexican Restaurant I've been too, the server would caution you about the hot plate they put before you. After waiting about 45 minutes to an hour for my food, it arrived COLD!! And so was my pancake. I didn't complain, they will not not get a chance to season my food with spit. Up on checking out, Carolina asked me if I wanted a receipt. She snatched my receipt out of the machine, handed it to me but not a pen. Carolina felt some type of way about my patronizing the restaurant obviously and didn't care if I tipped the young waitress or not. Nope I will never return. It's too early in the year for this craziness.BTW, the beef fajita meat was dry and hard. The Mexican rice was dry and so was the glob of beans. I would not return not even on your dime. I got my pancake alright, BURNT!

I frequently travel to Del Rio to visit a friend, and right before COVID hit, I found this place on one of those visits. It's a bit out of the way in a small corner of a shopping center across from the only Whataburger in town.What I like about it is the breakfast buffet. I love me some menudo and a barbacoa taco in the morning, and you can get your fill of both (although in a recent visit they didn't have barbacoa...a first of the many times I've visited). You also have your choice of several other breakfast dishes as well as fresh fruit.I've also always been treated pretty well there as is all of the other patrons I've seen in there when I'm there. Nothing to complain about on the service side.I've not been there at lunch so can't really speak to the lunch buffet/menu.

They have a $10 all you can eat lunch buffet- and the food is delicious! Home cooked style, so much variety- easily one of the best buffets I've ever had. Pork, chicken and beef entrees, rice and beans, fresh tortillas, soups and dessert and everything had so much flavor. I'm certain I'll be eating here for lunch everyday while I'm on travel this week. All the meat in all the dishes was so tender and so flavorful, the staff was extremely friendly- still can't get over the cost for all that amazing food. Both my friend and I devoured the beef guisada- it was like we never had beef stew before lol I literally have nothing negative to say. The establishment was small, but clean and quaint, and it smelled so good! I do wish that they offered the buffet for dinner, too. I have no issue eating Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is unfortunate that I won't be able to partake in their breakfast buffet on the weekends. This is a must if you ever visit Del Rio.

Reviews on yelp were good, but the food not so much. Maybe I don't like authentic Mexican food, the food came off bland and uninteresting. Steak was tough on my taco, and the chips left a lot to be desired.

Best Mexican breakfast I have ever had! Will definitely come back! Staff is nice and good prices to!!

My son and I spent 7 days in the wilderness of Big Bend National Park and we were quite hungry on our drive back. We found this lovely place as the near by Whataburger was packed. We stopped in and the place was empty. However, we were immediately greeted by a sweet lady that sat us down and gave our starving tummy's some chips and guacamole. We proceeded to eat three tacos and head out on our way. This place is an oasis for those hungry for legitimate Mexican food in Del Rio.

One of the best Mexican food places in Del Rio. The Chiliques were exceptional something I could see getting across border. The Server was good and delivered everything quickly. They played Spanish music and had an option for buffet or ordering off the menu. I would for sure come here again.

***During COVID-19 Visit***Really good service, but the food was quite bland when I had it. Maybe they had an off day? I really had high expectations considering this town is right on the border so I figured good Mexican food was a guarantee. I had the chicken fajitas, tacos and they were very dry. The location is right by the end of the street with parking in front of the restaurant.

Very good Mexican food. They have a buffet but I have not tried it. I always order off the menu. This is my favorite Mexican food in town, just wish they were open longer hours.