El Tucan
225 N Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL, 32952
El Tucan Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Merritt Island for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Merritt Island for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Merritt Island for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
225 N Sykes Creek Pkwy
Merritt Island, FL, 32952 - Phone (321) 453-7501
- Website https://eltucanrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Robert S.
Great atmosphere, always crowded, awesome salsa and very good Mexican food.
(4)Robert B.
The Best Tex-Mex Restaurant in Brevard! We have been coming here for years and are still impressed at how great the food is compared to other places. I also credit them with having given me the official Guacamole "enlightenment." Before El Tucan I never really cared about the whole guacamole thing but theirs is absolutely (TDF) To Die For! The chunks of onion, avocado, and all that garlic, make it a must! I can't stop eating it. An example of their attention to detail: The chips are smoking hot and fresh and are almost too hot touch. The house salsa is nice and has the garlic and cilantro you would expect with a nice warm hint of heat. And the requested hot salsa is hot enough to appease even a huge chili-head like myself. That is one example of how El Tucan turns the ordinary into the extra-ordinary! The Chipotle Chicken and is just amazing. It's not too spicy (so don't be scared if you don't like that), It's sweet, crispy, with an awesome sauce and large pieces of crispy onion. I will be doing that one again. To be honest there have been some bumps along the way and there have been some dishes that we found were NOT so great. But I credit that to a different cook or an off day or something unusual because it's very infrequent. That said, I still think this in the best Tex-Mex place in the area.
(5)ellyn s.
Generally very busy, but the staff handles it well. Good selection of tequilas and tasty margaritas. The pork mojo is usually exceptional (and feeds at least two people) and the combination plates are likewise very generous. The hamburgers are also really really good!
(4)Beth M.
Not the best but very good and consistent. Seems to be very popular and hard to get in sometimes.
(4)Michele B.
You can't go wrong with any item on the menu! Our favorite is the Pork Mojo! The meals are always plentiful and great tasting. Try with one of their daily margarita specials.
(5)Renee C.
My Mom lives in the area and we have tried most of the Mex Restaurants and I will say it is my Fav. Food and service is better than all the others. I won't go anywhere else from now on !
(4)Darryl B.
A fiend took me here because it was one of their favorite places. I found the food to just be ok. I am use to the Mexican and Cuban food served in Southern Florida and this just not compare.
(3)Wild W.
We have dinner here every time we're in florida. The food was fantastic chimichanga was amazing Our server Jolie was the best. Lots of fresh guacamole and chips. Always ask for Jolie
(5)Hanna M.
Service was really nice, and the food was also very good! I ordered a chicken quesadilla, and it was a wonderful meal. Chips and salsa came out right away, and the chips were delicious! Chicken was a tad dry on my quesadilla, otherwise it was a five star! It was very cutely decorated as well. Great family atmosphere!
(4)Tamara S.
I was very excited to try this restaurant as a I just started working near them and heard how good they were. I love Mexican any Mexican. Even bad Mexican food doesn't make me unhappy. THIS PLACE IS GROSS! The chicken tasted like fish and everything else had no flavor at all. Dry Bland Bad Service. I will happily never eat there again.
(1)Elizabeth D.
We are relocating to the area and this is our first stop when we come to town. The atmosphere, the guacamole and chips, the service, and the tacos are all PERFECT. Great food for the money. Looking forward to our next visit.
(5)Coreyand M.
This place is amazing I love the service, food, drinks and atmosphere. You must try the queso blanco cheese dip and their churros. Amazing
(5)L P.
This place has really gone downhill. Once you sit down they are on top of you to order your food but then magically disappear after. The margaritas taste like a bottle of sour mix. After waiting 15 minutes to let her know she could care less. I had the special pollito picante which I get every time and the quality is not the same over cooked and flavorless. We never received any refills on the drinks finally she came to pick our plates up with the credit card on the table which is a sign that we are ready to go and she did not take it. When she did take it the card it took another 15 minutes to get the hostess to bring it back. Our waitress never came back to say thank you, sorry for the wait or have a good night. I have been eating El Tucan for over 20 years but since it has moved I keep forgetting to remind myself not to go back because I have the same experience. HUGE disappointment
(1)Bryan M.
The food and service are very good. Margaritas - awesome. Pork Mojo - awesome. Chipotle Chicken - pretty good. Their signature dish (chicken with peppers - can't remember the name) - unique and very good. Rose was our waitress last time and she was amazing and took very good care of us. My only complaint? It gets busy out of nowhere sometimes and that means long waits or hiking it to another location. Bummer but true. Also a good sign of a good place.
(4)José A.
It was our first time attending this establishment, after a failed try last year (we were running late for a movie and saw the place packed so we went elsewhere.) Today was a different story, we had the time and waited. Boy did we wait, but it was well worth the while. The wait staff, not only our waitress, but all the folks dealing with customers were extremely friendly. The chips they brought out were hot (very hot) and fresh. I've never had chips like that at a Mexican restaurant. My wife order the Pineapple Shrimp entree, I had their Southwest Combo (cheese enchilada, beef-filled tamales, and a beef taco.) Although the tamale was a bit dry, the taco was stuffed and the enchilada was delicious. But the star of the evening was my wife's dinner. The "Pineapple" has got to be the best offering on the menu. (I can't wait to go back and order one myself.) We completed the outing with their Mango Lime Cheesecake - it looked heavy, but it was light, and without a doubt very, very good. Now I know why the parking lot is always packed when I drive by at dinner time... :)
(4)A W M.
Tried it few days ago for lunch upon the recommendation of my co-workers. Loved it. The chips and salsa were very good. Hostess and waitress were very nice, friendly and helpful. Got Chicken Fajitas and Quesadillas. There were 3 of us and we ordered just two dishes. Like others said in their reviews, the portions are large. After the 3 of us were full, we had leftovers to take home. Both dishes were excellent. Decor is typical casual Mexican restaurant.
(4)Patti D.
By far, the BEST Mexican food I've had since living in SoCal. I grew up eating genuine Mexican cuisine - this IS the good stuff!! There's nothing here that isn't delicious and the tortilla chips are made in the kitchen - hot and fresh!!
(5)Fatima T.
A great dining experience. Delicious food and great service. This is an excellent place to bring your family, your co-wokers, etc. Enjoy a fulfilling dinner or a quick lunch.
(3)J C.
This is the best Mexican food possibly in the state of Florida. We've been here a dozen or so times. Everything is made from scratch including the chips. The salsa is delicious! Make sure and ask for the "spicy" sauce if you like it hot, if not cooked in it then on the side. The service is always awesome and I haven't tried everything but I seriously doubt you could go wrong with anything on the menu. This is our favorite Mexican Restaurant by far. One time we had planned on going to this highly rated pizza place and ended up turning on Sykes Creek and pulling into El Tucan. We've been to literally hundreds of Mexican Restaurants across the country and this one is at the top of the list!
(5)Juliet P.
I went here for lunch around 3pm and was able to order the lunch specials, so I got two crunchy tacos - ground beef. I would say they were just average, nothing special about them, even a little bland. The meal came with yellow rice and refried beans, which were also bland. Before the meal came, we were served chips and salsa and they were good, it was a little spicy compared to other restaurant salsas i have had, which i liked. Portion sizes are very generous! We also got the turtle cheesecake, which was pretty good. Service was great, very quick!
(3)Shawn W.
Ok my first visit to El Tucan in the year that I've lived here. First things first, the queso dip kinda sucks. I'm not trying to be an ass but I've had much better cheese dip. There is absolutely no flavor because its just extremely hot, melted cheese. The salsa is not much better. A little too much cilantro, and not much else in the flavor department. So, don't expect much in the appetizer area with the normal cheese dip and salsa categories. The meal and drinks, on the other hand, were different story. I ordered the two burritos with pulled pork topped with ranchero sauce. The portion was HUGE! The food was actually falling off the plate and this was a big plate. The ranchero sauce is made with with habaneros so its got a nice bite to it. The flavor of the food was really good as well. Now the drinks were probably a 7 out of 5 stars. My girlfriend had an italian margarita and it was STOUT! The flavor was good and it was definitely one of the better mixed drink deals we've had at a restaurant. Service was also a plus. Our waitress stayed on top of everything and was very passant and helpful. Overall, it wasn't a bad place. I would come back here again.
(4)Lorenia H.
The food is consistent, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The kitchen is very accommodating when it comes to preparing things that may not be on the menu. El Tucan has some of the best staff around: they are always energetic, quick, polite, and happy -- even when very busy! Try their flan: it's homemade and delicious (and not eggy)!
(5)James C.
This place was a great find - thanks Yelp! We arrived at 5pm (when they open) and there was a lineup to get into the place! Thank goodness we weren't a few minutes later as the place completely filled up by 5:10. Busy spot but excellent Mexican fare. We had a variety of tex mex and authentic and it was all very good. The quesa sauce was good and plenty of chips (they were always refilling your bowl). Sangrias went down very easily as did the rest of the food. Well recommended! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Alan S.
From the outside it's a bit unassuming but the good is pretty good. I got the garlic chicken which comes out on a fajita pan. It was so good and they give you so much I couldn't finish it all. Also it was very reasonably priced.
(4)Christina W.
Fabulous food and waitstaff. If you go try the enchiladas or the house special chicken. Fabulous. The only issue they have is with their hostess staff. They are terribly rude. Once you are seated it is a five star experience until then not so much hence the 4 star rating.
(4)Don C.
Very good Mexican food, great atmosphere and good service. The salsa is very good and loved enchiladas. Don't think you can walk in. Wait is 20 min. - an hour on Fri. and Sat.
(4)Karen F.
Absolutely delicious food and margaritas! 3rd try was a charm. 1st try: Saturday night... packed, wait too long, parking lot completely full. 2nd try: Sunday night... closed... I was disappointed, but bravo for giving your employees a day with family or for church! 3rd try: Monday night... our party of two got seated right away, with super friendly, timely, attentive service. I'm picky about my Mexican food (AZ native), and this place hits the mark. I will be a repeat customer whenever I'm in town!
(5)Karen M.
Customer service is non-existant! We were told our wait time would be 45 minutes, which was fine. However, an hour and a half later, we were still waiting for our table for 2 while couples who showed up an hour after we did got in!! I guess it helps to know the host and hostess. We will never go back. I work within 2 blocks of this business and I will NOT recommend it to anyone that asks.
(1)Doug B.
4+ The Chips are fresh made but the Salsa is average. The white Queso is just melted cheese, it could be much better. The Pulled Pork Fajitas on the other hand were GREAT. Portion size was extremely generous, easily enough to share unless you are hungry. The pork itself was tasty, tender and moist, excellent. Sides were also generously sized and tasty. Prices were also excellent with six diners eating for $110 including 20% tip.
(4)Natoshia P.
I use to love to eat here. Then tonight I had a different experience. My first bite of food was a long fingernail. The manager said he was sorry, grabbed my plate and hurried it to the back. My famiily and I left. I was so disgusted. They need to wear gloves. Wearing gloves would make more sense seeing this is a restaurant and that is a violation of health code. I'm sure they don't wear hair nets either. I will never go back to this place and if you want to eat here just consider what all you may be getting on your plate. Your surprise may be worse than mine. I am just completely sick from this.
(1)Jim R.
Traditional Tex/Mex Can't go wrong by Eating here it's delicious and you definitely won't leave hungry . . Servers are very polite and attentive . . Prices are affordable
(5)Matthew W.
Good chips and salsa. Both are freshly made, although the chips are a bit greasy. I got the chipotle chicken. The chicken was so dry and overcooked, it was hard and I could barely chew it. I had rice and black beans for sides. The rice was dried out and beans had no salt. One of the worst meals of my entire life.
(1)J. A.
Best Mexcian/Cuban in Merritt Island. The food and staff are great!
(4)Don F.
Very pleased with El Tucan. I drive by this place a couple times a week, and I've never tried it. This weekend when we were out running errands I thought "Let's finally try El Tucan." I got the combo, my wife had the fish Tacos. The margarita didn't taste as good as we had hoped, since they were hyping it, but the food was great. The place is clean, bright and it it has a full bar. The iced tea was spot-on. We don't have a lot of good Mexican in the area, so this is a nice find. The portion size was HUGE. I couldn't finish my lunch. The tacos came with a chipotle sauce and it was GREAT with my food. When I eat here again, I'll make sure I have some on the side. Best tamale I've had in years.
(4)Derek R.
El Tuchan is our favorite Mexican place to eat in Merritt Island. The service has always been friendly, the owners take the time to meet and talk with their visitors. The restaurant has always been clean. The wait for a table is a bummer sometimes but I take this as a positive sign. Just not when i'm there and starving. The chicken special with fresh garlic is one of my favorites. The pork Mojo is also good. I have read reviews of the food being bland. I disagree but I also like seasoning my own food and I also like the simple approach to my meal, less is more as far as ingredients go. Merritt Island does not have a ton of good places to dine, I'm glad we have El Tuchan.
(5)Gary S.
Best Mexican food in the Cocoa Beach area. Including la fiesta in Cocoa. and I have been to them all .Their menu states that " Everything is Homemade" The salsa is always fresh and delicious with a nice celontro flavror. Their hot salsa is.a cabinero salsa which I love. I also like their mecican mild white cheese dip served hot. Great $2 Margs and full strength from5-7pm. They close between 3 & 5pm to get set up for the evening crowd. No madder what day of the week you may go get there before 5pm to avoid waiting. There is always a line at the front door outside waiting for the open. If you have to wait it usually not more than 15-20 mins. The tables are full by 5:20 usually. My favorite of theirs are the pulled pork burritos and enchaladas they are huge and amazingly delicious !!!! All their food I have eaten over the many time ive ate there, has been wonderful. Service is excellant even with the large amout of customers. You can usually tell the good eating places by the number of viechiles in the parking lot. And theirs is most of the time crowded. I and my wife have been large fans of mexican food for many years. And this place is at top of our list im this area ! Gary
(5)Lisa C.
I have been here three times and I am trying to like this place but they have let me down every time. Despite being told that the food is good, I didn't think so. Average at best. The rice is dried out EVERY SINGLE TIME I have been there. Service ranges between good to OMG horrible and rude depending on who is serving you. I ordered a draft beer at the bar and the bartender (I kid you not) picked up a glass that had an inch or two of beer in the bottom and asked me if it would be ok if she used that glass!!! The location is good being near shopping, but I need to find a new Mexican place for when I'm in Merritt Island. (La Bamba/Marimba is the best I've found so far but they are in Titusville).
(1)Samantha T.
Always busy doesn't mean it's a good thing. I've been 3 times and I wasn't happy with my service. For my birthday all I wanted was Mexican style food and margaritas. The margaritas are tiny and they messed up my food. The waitresses each time ignored us and forgot things. The price is a bit much for quality. The salsa is great! That's my positive approach!
(2)Phil L.
Just not very good. If this food is homemade, it comes from a home where the food comes out of a can. I have been multiple times because it is the closest to our house. It is bland and over cooked... sauces lack boldness of any kind. Chips are fine, but that is about it. Wait staff is inconsistent, sometimes good and other times disappear. I want this place to be good, because it is so close... but, it isn't.
(1)Chris B.
If you live around Merritt Island, this seems to be THE spot for Mexican. Granted there aren't many other choices, but they do a great job with it (in my opinion) We like to go for their happy hour (which lasts until 7:00 I think most everyday) where they have $1 drafts and their house margaritas are discounted. Some of my favorite things to order are: -chicken enchiladas (nothing really unique about them, but they do a consistently good job) -shrimp fajitas And they just recently introduced a slow roasted pork dish that's amazing! Definitely give that a try if you go there (and like pork)
(5)Karen L.
I have been a fan for 5 years. The food is consistent. It is great if you order the right things. The smothered burritos and enchiladas are good. The pulled pork is a good deal and very tasty. I am not a fan of the dry chicken dishes, the fajitas, nor the quesadillas. The chips and salsa are an acquired taste, but once acquired, you are hooked! I try to go at off hours, as it can be noisy and loud babies are drawn there for some reason.
(4)Richard R.
When asking the server if it were possible to order a hand-held burrito as opposed to the fork and knife version, she was very rude and condescending with her answer of "No" and gave no other options. Not even offering to customize the dish for an additional charge. I would assume that any legitimate restaurant would be able to construct a dish that falls specifically within the cuisine and even appears on the menu in a different variation.
(1)Jeanne R.
We have had several very good experiences here. Fried burritos are huge, chips are served warm and the salsa isn't runny. Food is basic Americanized Mexican. Service was good on both visits. This restaurant is modern looking on the inside and kept clean. Bartender was quite friendly, as we sat waiting for our table. We didn't wait long on the 1st visit, the 2nd visit it was busy and we didn't wait at all for a table. $2 margaritas until 7pm, and they're delicious. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jennifer S.
I'm baffled by all the great reviews. We went for lunch and while it was not that busy, we found the hostess and server to be slow and amateurish. I got a steak quesadilla which was served barely warm--the cheese had already cooled into a congealed blob when it was set in front of me and the steak was very tough. I wouldn't go back.
(1)John C.
Perfect, wonderful food and atmosphere. House specialty rocks. Been there dozens of times and never disappointed.
(5)S M.
Good Cuban-style Mexican. Try the "house specialty" Pollito Picante, and spring for the extra dollar to get it with the FRESH garlic. Also good are the enchiladas with the colorado sauce (can be heavy on the cumin, though), tacos empanadas, or the fabulous mahi-mahi fish tacos (sauce on the side- some sweet, creamy chipotle). All the plates are usually REALLY hot (right out of the oven) and entrees come with refried rice and beans. Try the guacamole, too, it's good, and so is their hot salsa; ranchera. Tell them if you need separate checks.
(4)Alice H.
Loved it! Had the chicken enchiladas. Really good. Small side of guac was huge. Hard to find good Mexican in Brevard but we really enjoyed this place.
(4)Dave M.
the only reason I am giving this 3 stars is because the food is fresh and high quality. other than that, I can not see how this place gets high marks. the chips are home made and served warm and fresh, that's great, but most places do the same thing around the area. La Fiesta is better, at least they season their ingredients, and have good rice. the rice at El Tucan was way over done and dried out. was gross actually most everything was bland, and I mean B L A N D. the chunked up chicken looked really good and was very moist but had ZERO flavor, even a little salt would have boosted it up tremendously. maybe it is better for Dinner than it is for lunch, but it is a Mexican spot, it should be consistent and on point at any given time of day. for me personally, I just don't get it, I don't see how people can have such mixed experiences here but you can look at my reviews and see that I have no problem giving something a rating it deserves, I have no reason to dislike El Tucan, actually was hoping it was better than the other one I mentioned, but nope, you can find me at the other place if Mexican is in the agenda. also, the prices were a bit much, anyone who charges 4.50 or whatever for a side taco? that's mental..... not for the taco I tried anyway...
(3)Robert B.
El Tucan is a great fusion of sorts between Mexican and Cuban cuisines! All the typical Mexican dishes that Americans have come to expect can be found on the menu, but the underlying Cuban influence is where the food really shines for me. The black bean dip is a great way to start off before diving into the slow roasted, pulled pork fajitas. The fajita pork is a generous serving of pork, peppers, onions, tomato and fresh chunks of garlic. It's absolutely amazing. Another great pork offering is the mojo marinated pork served with black beans and fried plantains. I don't recommend the steak tacos. They are completely thoughtless and void of flavor. It doesn't seem possible that the same kitchen produces killer pork fajitas and completely lackluster steak tacos. Pork dishes are the way to go at El Tucan. The owners are typically present in the restaurant and the staff turnover is very low. You can tell that the owners take pride in their restaurant. The restaurant atmosphere is warm, vibrant and usually quite busy. El Tucan has some great happy hour specials and amazing top shelf margaritas. Great place!
(5)B T.
Queso dip is the best ever
(2)jimmie m.
I live in L.A. Obviously, we have great Mexican food to choose from in that area, but you know what the truth is? I have never found a place with better chips, or better crunchy beef tacos than El Tucan. The salsa could be better, and most of the other food fits in to the "generally good but not mind boggling" category, but it's the best option in Brevard, and I'd honestly drive (and have done so) from Orlando just for the chips and the tacos on the way to the beach. The pork tamales are great, as are a lot of the Cuban style dishes. It may not be full on "traditional" but it sure is delicious.
(5)Gloria M.
El Tucan - Where Everything is Homemade Including the Chips When this restaurant moved from North Courtney to its current location on N. Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island not far from my home, I was not too excited since I am not a big fan of Mexican cuisine. Once I saw the charming façade of the building, though, I decided to try it. I have been here many times since and each time I like it even more. Today I went for lunch with six friends. Lunch is served from 11-3 but do not arrive before11 am or you will have to wait outside in the heat as we did on our last visit. We were shooed out after we entered the unlocked door five minutes early. A lovely blue color on one wall, rust and orange colors on the others plus exposed plumbing on the ceiling and quirky hanging objects and décor make for a lively atmosphere. The lunch crowd this afternoon was mixed. Mostly it was a young crowd of singles, some families, a few tables of seniors and another of crew officers from a cruise ship. Every table was occupied. Our waitress, Susanne was very friendly and accommodating. As soon as our water glasses were almost emptied, they were automatically refilled as were the baskets of chips. Menus were on the table. Prices were fairly reasonable. The colorful menu always brings a smile to my face. I also enjoy seeing photos of some of the dishes. Six items on the Appetizer list caught my attention. If you cannot make up your mind, choose one of the two Platters - Tuscan, $8.75 or Veggie, $7.95. They would make a nice lunch choice also. On my last visit, I had the very tasty El Tucan Nachos Supreme, $7.75-$9.95 depending on what you add - chicken, ground beef, pork or steak. Today I was going to have something else. I noticed four salads on the menu and some in my group ordered them. They arrived looking fresh and inviting, served in large striking edible tortilla shells. The House Salad is only $3.95 with your choice of dressings (6.) Next, I checked out the Lunch Offerings. There are sixteen different choices so you will find something that you like. My two favorite Mexican dishes were on the menu so I was happy - which one to choose? I decided on the Cheese Quesadilla, $6.95, listed on the Lite Lunch & Appetizer Menus since I was also dining out for dinner that night. It arrived piping hot and tasted delicious. Guacamole and sour cream came on the side. My other favorite Mexican Entree is Fajitas, on the menu for $9.75-$13.75 depending on which and how many meat toppings added. My sister ordered the Veggie Fajita and enjoyed it. .It also arrived piping hot and sizzling filled with veggies. If you want to try different entrees, order the Combination "Create Your Own" where you can choose the three that appeal to you from the list for only $8.95. Lunch Entrees come with Mexican Rice and refried Beans. If you still have room after the large portions served, there are four dessert choices. Every one of us was happy with our choices. A glance at the Dinner Menu showed just about all the typical Mexican Entrées including: Burritos, Chiles Rellendos, Chimichanga, Enchiladas, Pechuga Fundida, (Chicken Breast,) Tacos, Tamales, and so much more. Three fairly new additions include Ropa Viejas (new Pulled Pork), Chipotle Chicken and Chilaquiles (new Pulled Pork.) Another fairly new addition that looks especially interesting to me is Pork Mojo with Plantains. On a previous visit, I enjoyed the Camarones Al Ajillo - a dozen Shrimp in a garlic butter sauce. Steaks, Burgers, Combination Platters and Fajitas complete the Main Entrée selections. The Specialty of the House, by the way, is Pollito Picante, $10.95, which are bite-sized pieces of lightly sautéed and flavored chicken served with rice and beans. Be sure to add fresh garlic for additional flavor. Of course, there are plenty of beers choices but I suggest the House Specialty Sangria, White or Red. It is very refreshing and homemade. At dinner with friends, we order the Pitcher for $12. What I especially love here are the homemade warm tortilla chips. They are fresh, crispy and delicious. They disappear quickly at our table. The salsa is just a mite too spicy for my tastes, though. I wish that they'd prepare a milder one. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine and are in the neighborhood be sure to try this casual sit down Mexican Restaurant. Many of my neighbors dine here repeatedly and enjoy it. The food is always fresh as everything is homemade. Go for Happy Hour for discounted drafts and Margaritas. We all plan to return. As this restaurant is quite popular expect a wait on the weekends and expect slower service. It can get quite noisy on weekends. Check out the specials listed outside before you enter. Don't expect traditional Mexican cuisine. What are get here is Mexican food for the American palate.
(4)Larry C.
We went here for lunch with some friends today. I enjoyed the food, ambiance, and friendly service. I will have to come back for an evening meal before making a final assessment of their service and quality of food.
(4)Brigit K.
My favorite restaurant. The fresh chips and salsa set a great mood, and the service, and quality make it worth every penny. Their specialty of the house is by far the best chicken I have ever had. I love this place!
(5)Mark S.
Was visiting family in town and was in the mood for some Mexican. We chose El Tucan and was pleased with the food. I was in the mood for pork tacos and are waitress recommended me to get soft instead of crunchy, and she was right...very good. The chips and salsa were very good, seem to be made in house or very good at faking it. Our waitress was awesome and the price was right.
(4)Adina F.
Some really really delicious Mexican! Last night I went for the second time and everything we got was to die for, from the guacamole to my fish tacos. My boyfriend got the enchilada casserole and somehow there was a piece of plastic in it..which was unexplainable and possibly dangerous. Our server was very sweet, refilled all the drinks as soon as they were half empty and brought everything out very quickly. I love this place!
(4)Michele W.
First I want to say that I had a rough day and decided to go out to eat. My friend and I waited for an outside waitress to take our drink order but no one helped us. Found out later that they only have an outside waitress on Fri and Sat. We missed the happy hour drinks inside by 10 minutes. I asked for the manager, who came by, and was told she could do nothing because we were were seated 10 minutes too late. She was useless. I have been coming here for years. Now I will give more consideration to the other Mexican restaurants in the area. This became more of a customer issue than the one silly margarita drink. And then my chicken was over cooked and dry.
(2)Sean D.
This is some of the best food i have ever had. Our waitress recommended a puled pork dish that wasnt on the menu. My wifes burritto was equally as good. The rice reminded me of fresh hibachi style fried rice. Cant wait to go back!
(5)Loi M.
Hostess was rude after I corrected her on name misspelling. If looks could kill I wouldn't have been able to eat the awful Ropa Vieja. Tasted like someone dumped a bottle of bad wine in it. Worst food I have eaten on Merritt Island. Go to a real cuban restaurant if you want cuban food.
(1)David H.
My wife and I have been eating at El Tucan's on Merritt Island, since 2006 and we have Never been disappointed. The service is always Great, the staff are excellent and the turn over is very low. Over the past year or so, we have been going with some of our dear friends (7 of us), the wait times are never too long, but it's always worth the wait. I usually always get the chicken chimichanga - verde, with sour cream and guacamole and all the dishes come with rice and re-fried beans; but tonight I thought I'd try something different. I ordered the pulled pork fajitas; the dish comes on its own hot little skillet and the pork mixed with the onions and green & red pepper's, smelled Amazing! It also comes with a choice of pico de gallo or fresh grated cheese and sour cream & guacamole. Wow, it was outstanding, I loved every bite of it and I will be ordering again, but also I will be trying more things from their menu.
(5)Ginger W.
We stopped in here not too long ago and were very pleasantly surprised. The first impressions from chips and salsa were absolutely delicious. Very, very fresh tasting. Entrees were a little expensive, but you really do get a lot of food. I got the pork mojo and my S.O. got a deep fried enchilada entree. The pork mojo was delicious, but not very strong flavored. There was so much garlic in it and it was sliced with very large pieces, so some bites were almost just garlic. The yellow rice was ok but a little dry when it came out, with a bit of a skin, so you could tell it wasn't just made. I heard the enchilada was good, but he wasn't raving about it really. We both came in very hungry and brought over half of our entrees home. The next day, all of it was a bit funky, and I wish our server had said something. Not their fault though, we would definitely go back, but we'd probably share an entree.
(3)sally j.
I get sick everytime I eat there. The food is greasy, the meat is of poor quality, yet the place is always packed. I must be missing something. The atmosphere is pleasant though.
(2)Rob L.
Best Mexican in the area.
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