el arroyo

went for lunch. no host. no table. no service.

el arroyo is basic tex-mex. there is nothing wrong with it, but it doesn't stand out. people go for the iconic sign out front and the dollar margaritas on thursdays. they are sugary and heavy on the mix, but hey a dollar's a dollar.

this place has gone downhill. the vibe is still there but the quality of the food and the waitstaff wasn't good at all. waited for 10 minutes for a waiter to come by our table when the restaurant was only 1/4 full. chips and salsa were great but the sante fe enchiladas and enchiladas del mar lacked flavor and spice.

won't be going back.

bad food great thursday $1.00 ritas!

tasty relleno. great outdoor, covered seating. prompt service, good food. it didn't blow me away, but it was a great experience in a convenient location close to downtown but without parking challenges.

solid tex mex. el arroyo is an affordable, pleasurable tex mex restaurant. if you like seafood, do not under any circumstance pass up the enchiladas del mar. they are unlike any seafood dish you've ever had, and every bit as the el arroyo menu describes them.

have also enjoyed at el arroyo: spinach enchiladas, santa fe enchiladas, poblano chicken (not on current menu, ask if they'll make it for you).

the most recent visit was a little lighter fare. had a huge bowl of chicken tortilla soup (a-/b+) and a large guacamole with fresh corn tortillas. the soup's chicken was not as flavorful as their other chicken dishes. the soup in general lacked a little something to put it at the top--but still good overall.

the service at el arroyo has always been solid. never an issue w/ the service during the meal. sometimes a little slow to bring the check, but as far as food and drinks fine. the timeliness in food service after ordering is generally outstanding--more often than not the food comes out sooner than you would normally expect, and it always tastes fresh (including the tableside salsa).

don't live in the area anymore, but when in town el arroyo is always considered as one of the top places to go eat.

best tex mex in austin. i had the stuffed avocado which was excellent and prices are extremely reasonable.

ritas. el arroyo has a fun atmosphere both inside and out. the chandeliers hanging from the oak trees over the outside seating add a neat quirkiness. the food is good. i recommend the pescado light with spinach and mushrooms. my favorite part is their marquee outside. it always has clever phrases, see picture.

tip: great happy hour on thursdays. $1 margaritas!!

the house margaritas are superior to most competitors' top shelf (try happy hour). hungry? try the stuffed avocado - stuffed with chicken then fried and topped with a queso sauce. devine & delish.

as an austin local, el aroyo has become my familys paradise for mexican. the queso and atmosphere are enough to make you come, but also the complete menu and delicious food.

"the ditch". cozumel dinner is the bargain on the menu. never tried much else. enchiladas are always good. too bad some wacko burned it down several years ago and took all the memorbelia with it. ugh...wackos bring me down.