El Tio Alex Mexican Restaurant

El Tio Alex Mexican Restaurant is simply outstanding! The food and customer service are top-notch every time.I've dined here at least six times, and each visit feels like coming home--we're always welcomed like family. From the fresh guacamole to the flavorful tacos, burritos, and sizzling fajitas, everything is exceptional. Without a doubt, their taquitos are the best we've ever had!

Stopped by here after my kids picked me up from the airport. I had read a magazine recommendation about their Nopalitos tacos, and since I had never tried this type of taco before, I decided to check them out.I ordered the street tacos with rice and beans--Barbacoa, Carne Asada, Carnitas, and Nopalito (cactus). All the tacos were generously filled with meat or cactus. I can see why a vegetarian would enjoy the Nopalito, but it wasn't for my palate. The Carnitas stood out the most--I'd order just that next time.My son had the Taquito combination and really enjoyed his meal.My daughter-in-law ordered the cheese enchilada and beef taco combination. She wasn't a fan of the enchilada sauce but thoroughly enjoyed the taco.The owners were very friendly. I would definitely recommend and return!

We were in the neighborhood and found this place through Yelp with great reviews. We were hesitant to go in the restaurant when we saw it from the parking lot since it was in a very dark and secluded business building. We were greeted as soon as we walked in. The restaurant looked small when we walked in and it was packed inside. You have to order first at the register and then sit down at a table. They do bring your food to you and refill your drinks. We had waited for a while before we got our drinks but they did come by to refill them when we asked. You do get complimentary chips and salsa while you wait for your food. The guy who took our order was super friendly and very helpful. He recommended the California burrito with carne asada. We got the burrito with the fries on the side. The burrito was huge! But it was mainly flour tortilla and not so much meat. He did bring us some extra guacamole which was super nice of him and it was delicious. The chips didn't taste fresh as it was sitting under a heated lamp. The salsa verde was the bomb and way better than the red salsa. The carne asada lacked flavor and the cheese inside wasn't even melted so it was just hard chunks of cheddar cheese. There was barely any sour cream or guacamole inside the burrito so I'm super glad he brought extra out for us. The highlight of the meal was their fries. Omg, I don't know what seasoning salt they use on their fries but it is to die for! Honestly, I would just go there for the fries. We noticed that the restaurant actually had another side but they didn't open it up that night. They use it for when they have Sunday brunch buffet and if there's more people. The side we sat at was pretty small and had about 6 tables. Since it was full that night, we had to sit at the side table. The poor guy who took our order at the register did it all. He handles the ordering and register, he brings the food out from the kitchen, he refills your drinks, he cleans up the tables, and takes care of the takeout too. He was running around doing everything. He deserves a raise cause he was doing everything with a smile! My frustration was with the lady, who I think was the owner, she was just chit chatting away while he was busting his butt doing everything. She came by to refill our drinks maybe once and barely helped him out. We saw a couple walk in and they waited for a while to be helped while he was bringing food out to people and she stood there talking to a couple at a table for about 5 minutes. She should have stopped talking and helped those people who walked in to help out her employee. I would hate to work for a boss like that who just walks around talking when it's busy and doesn't help out. If she doesn't want to help out then she should hire another employee to do it. The food was mediocre and the restaurant was too cramped so it was not comfortable at all. The service we got from the guy was amazing but the lady ruined my first time experience. We will definitely not be going back there again.

What a lovely restaurant. I visited this place today to satisfy my tortilla soup craving, and boy was I impressed. The portions were great. The soup had a a nice color to it. It was topped off with some sour cream and avocado. The tortilla strips were nice and crispy. The soup had chicken pieces and a variety of squash. It was delicious. They offer some chips and salsa. The green salsa was my favorite. Prices were decent and customer service was great. The restaurant was nice and tidy. Tables were clean.

i can't say enough about this place, locally owned and operated..the food is top tier and they're always super friendly and accommodating.

I have only had to go from here, but everything I have had has been amazing and it's one of my favorite places! They have the best bean and cheese burrito I have ever had. Their Albondigas is delicious (the meatballs were really pink, but I don't have Albondigas often so maybe that's typical? Either way the soup tasted really good!). My husband had the pozole which he loved and an Al pastor burrito wet which he also loved. They have the best salsa I have ever had, but be careful it says "mild" but had a really good kick to me. Their chips are also delicious. If we lived closer I would be here all the time. For now, it's a fun treat whenever my husband is in the area to pick up food. I've also had tacos and my husband has had a Chile relleno on a previous visit. I'm telling you, every single thing we have ordered here has been 10/10 on taste. Can't wait to go back again!

This is my favorite spot in Ontario and my wife and I have been here 5 times. The food is absolutely excellent and the service is usually good. Sometimes the owner (Marisa) can be a bit abrasive as you begin your order, but after we order, she is usually friendly and attentive. Today, I was driving Uber all day in the rain and it was still coming down heavily when I got in the restaurant. When I got inside, Marisa was helping someone else and she politely said, "I'll be right with you in a minute." When that person was done ordering, instead of saying "Hi, how are you?" since I have been there on multiple occasions, she bluntly asked, "What can I get for you?" And I told her I wanted the taco and enchilada combo. Next blunt question, "Beef or chicken?" After having a rough day, I responded somewhat strongly, "Beef!" I apologize that I couldn't have been more patient, but I also believe Marisa needs to get out of owner mode once in awhile and be a bit friendlier when taking orders especially when there's a torrential downpour outside and people aren't feeling great.I will still continue coming here. I still love this place. Next time I will be my normally patient, friendly self and let Marisa do her job even if she comes off abrasive but doesn't mean to do that.

El Tio Alex is a family owned/operated restaurant and catering business. Alex and his wife, Marisa, are the most gracious hosts, and their food is quite delicious. They have two indoor dining areas, and occasionally utilize the outside community patio area for special events. Plenty of parking available in a private lot.FOOD: We started with the Queso Fundido appetizer ($10.95 cheese only, $14.95 with chorizo), a small side of Guacamole ($5.95), both were okay. For our entrèe, we shared a Molcajete ($37.95), which included grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo sausage, and cactus, all swimming in a delicious red sauce. It was served with two plates of rice, beans, guacamole/salsa fresca, and warm corn & flour tortillas. The menu says that the molcajete is for two, however it's plenty big, and the three of us had no problem sharing, with some leftovers. This was truly a feast for the eyes, ears, and palate!I did have one minor issue with their "to go drink policy". I had ordered a fountain soda ($3.50), which comes with free refills, however when I asked for a to go cup to take about half of the soda that was already in my glass with me, I was told that they don't do that. Something to do with the people that come in from the business park. I've got to imagine that they provide cups for to go orders, so why not for dine-in customers who want to take the remaining soda with them?Other than that minor complaint, I highly recommend that you stop in and give them a try.

Hidden gem! Yummy food with allThe comforts of home. They have such a cozy and inviting place. I ordered food to go andIt was so much that I had it for dinner. I ordered the taquitos with rice and beans. They gave me a warm bag of chips as well. Will definitely bring my work buddies here!

My previous review was pulled after a complaint from the owner. First time ever, hopefully this one stays up. In my opinion, this is a 3 star restaurant. If you don't know great Mexican authentic food, maybe you'll think otherwise. My wife and I find awesome gems on Yelp. El Tio is the first place with great reviews we did not agree with. We use Yelp to identify restaurants that are passionate about their food. We tasted zero passion in our meals. Our opinion only! I had the carnitas burrito which was shredded and good enough - average, not much flavor. I've had much better. My wife had chicken tacos - average. She actually gave them a 'meh' rating. I did like the rice and beans, my wife did not. The Horchata was also average. Cost was fair.I'd only eat here if I was hungry, at work and needed something close. It fills the hole. Would I go here for 5 star food? No, which is why so many other 5 star reviews don't make sense.As for service, read the lower rated reviews, we agree with them. Charging for a tiny cup of salsa for your unfinished burrito should say it all. We were not charged but told we'd be next time. And NO, inflation is not the reason for the charge, a tiny cup maybe costs a nickel. Again, read the lower rated reviews. In conclusion, adequate, uninspired food that serves office workers in an office community. 3 stars. Read the most recent reviews and identify the common thread. Once (if) you eat there, post your review!