El Merendero

Food was fantastic. I had the number 12 (chicken fried steak). It's very thin but wasn't overcooked. My husband had a chile rellenos .The chicken fried steak was very thin and VERY good. I was amazed it wasn't over cooked. So much food. No way for me to eat it all.

We came here with a group of about twenty for lunch. I really didn't know what to expect from a Mexican restaurant in Tucson, but wow there are so many of them! This place wasn't really much to look at both inside and out, pretty standard casual restaurant. They brought us a pile of chips, salsa, and some pico de gallo. The pico de gallo and salsa were great, not too spicy but just enough kick to make them super tasty and hard to not just fill up on that. It was almost comical, we'd have a bit left and set it aside in anticipation of our food arriving and then more chips would show up! The service was quite good and prompt aside from some initial confusion mostly due to the size of the group.I ordered the shrimp enchiladas and they were great. It was a bit of a challenge to find out if the beans were vegetarian and I speak Spanish, so it may have just been an unexpected question for them. So caution to vegetarians on this one, but definitely give it a shot!

No queso dip. No mild salsa for ppl who cannot do spice. Need more varieties. I ordered chicken enchiladas... look at my picture..Came here off of yelp reviews. Very disappointed. Won't be back.

We tried El Merendero last night after recommendations from a coworker.First impressions: real authentic Mexican food joint. Friendly staff and fun ambiance. We ordered the tortilla soup. Amazing. It has a tomato-y chicken bullion base with the stretchiest cheese. I wish I had gotten the large. I got the carne asada taco and beans and rice for my little one. He devoured the rice and beans but the carne asada was hard and greasy.My husband ordered the chimichanga and thought it was mediocre. We order this at every restaurant, and it just didn't hit the spot. He said it was very dry with lack of flavor. My brother orderer the taco salad and said the same about the meat. As we were leaving, I realized my feet were wet and the horchata machine had been leaking down through the kitchen and under our table. Not the best impression. However, the staff was apologetic and thankful we let them know. I would like to go back and try other items.Recommendations: knowledge of Spanish is recommended but not required.

Great Mexican FoodThe first thing I noticed was the spectacular selection of hot sauces in the rack on our table! The full range from somewhat mild to extra hot. I tasted them all and enjoyed the variety. Warm tortilla chips and salsa were brought to the table as we sat down. My wife had the Cameron Taco Salad. A bowl made from a fresh fried tortilla filled with loads of warm, marinated cooked shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beans, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. She absolutely loved this salad and the flavor of the shrimp. I ordered the Borchetta. This was a skewer deep fried with five good size shrimp along with bacon, onions and bell peppers. Mexican rice and beans accompanied the entree. The bacon flavor on the shrimp was great. Service was attentive and we never felt rushed during our visit. I would definitely visit here again.

I could not leave Tuscon without trying a Mexican restaurant. This fulfilled my hopes and dreams, authentic, casual and focused on the rights things-good food. I am pretty basic in my dish preferences so Monday lunch special for me-three tacos! Loved it, ate all of them + the beans and rice. And before it arrived, had to stop myself from eating the chips, with a perfect amount of salt and wonderful salsa. Would absolutely visit again when I return.

Unfortunately I have to give a star but deserved none. . It was the worst Mexican food ever. The food had no flavor, so expensive for just beans and rice.

Amazing authentic best Mexican food I have had in a very long time! Great customer service and a quality that's unmatched. Not only do I recommend this place, I insist you try it.

We went here for breakfast and both meals were great. Coffee was amazing and service was the best. Not very busy when we went but a great place to have great coffee and Mexican breakfast!

This is our go to breakfast stop every time we are in Tucson. The food is delicious and Alejandra's friendly and welcoming service has had us coming back for years! The menudo blanco with buttery, toasty bread is hands down our favorite. The milanesa plate is another one of our favorites. Highly recommend you check this place out.