El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
1819 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS, 66046
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1819 W 23rd St
Lawrence, KS, 66046 - Phone (785) 832-8775
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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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Chris S.
We tried the El Mezcal on Iowa Street (now closed) shortly after moving to Lawrence last summer and were not impressed. So when I read the yelp* reviews for the 23rd Street location, e is such a thingI was a bit surprised that they were consistently so good. In fact, a fellow Elite '14 member, Alicia "Lush" R, had high praise for their food, service, and margaritas, so I had to give them a try. I am admittedly a Mexican food snob, if there is such a thing, having grown up in LA where hispanics seem to outnumber us gringos (PC???) and Mexican restaurants outnumber McDonalds. As usual, I stick with the basics the first time I visit a restaurant to see if they can get them right before moving on to more complex dishes. We ordered the small guacamole ($3.79) and the highly touted white cheese dip (queso blanco - small - $3.79). The guacamole was very good, made with fresh avocado and NO TOMATO, well seasoned and a fair portion for the prices. The queso blanco was also scrummy as advertised, warm and well seasoned, but not too hot as my wife does not like her food too spicy. I had the 27 ounce margarita (on the rocks - $4.99) which was good, strong, and very reasonably priced, and my wife had the horchata, a Mexican rice-base drink which was a bit watery for our taste. My wife ordered the vegetarian special #1, a cheese quesadilla and cheese and onion enchilada (with queso blanco instead of red sauce - she hates tomatoes - $7.49), coming with retired beans. It is difficult to screw-up a quesadilla and El Mezcal was no exception. The enchilada was good, but the beans rather bland, missing that fatty taste traditional refried beans emanate hence the name "refried". I decided to forego the rice and beans and get down to brass tacks, ordering the beef tacos ($3.99) and cheese and onion enchiladas ($5.79) ala carte. The tacos came in prefab shells, normally a dead giveaway for bad food, but they were actually pretty good. The ground beef was well seasoned, the shells not too soft, not too crispy, holding up well to the punishment my teeth inflicted, with a little lettuce and plenty of white cheese. Their menu mentions "juicy tomato", but there were none in my tacos, my only complaint other than the prefab shells. I saved some guacamole for my tacos and added their salsa which was pretty good, making up for the lack of tomatoes. The cheese and onion enchiladas were tasty, but so tough (yes, tough) that I could not cut them with a fork and my knife even had difficulty at times. I like burnt, crispy cookies and brownies, so I actually enjoyed the crunchiness. It was obvious that they had been either broiled or microwaved too long BEFORE adding the enchilada sauce, which was actually very good. My only other recommendations would be to flash fry the tortillas before filling them, adding the sauce and some white cheese on top before putting them under the broiler to melt. There was also about 50% too much sauce, a waste of money considering the fact that I left much of it on my plate. El Mezcal was a nice surprise after the ho-hum experience we had at the Iowa Street location. The decor is colorful and reminiscent of old Mexico complete with a small fountain and the service attentive, friendly, and fast. Not my favorite Mexican restaurant in Lawrence, but we will return from time to time for the cheap, abundant margaritas if nothing else. CombatCritic Gives El Mezcal 7 Out of 10 Bombs ... BOMBAS ARE BUENAS!
(4)Alexis R.
El Mez is a must if you want Mexican food in Lawrence. The service is great, very efficient and quick. I sometimes have to ask for a water refill, but the chip refills roll in one after the other. Their cheese dip always beckons me back. It's creamy and dippable. The chimichangas are always crispy, coated in white cheese and stuffed with shredded chicken. The vegetarian quesadillas are crispy but the veggies are little greasy ($6.99). Beans can be subbed in to the taco salads ($6.99), which combined with the white cheese dip that is added to the salad, makes for a delicious, deep-fried bowl of salad deliciousness. While their offerings are pretty typical of most Mexican places as are the prices, the consistency of food quality and service keeps me coming back. I've never had a bad experience and they often have good margarita and beer specials. The bar is up front, so while there if typically no wait, if you come in a on a busy Saturday night, you can get a lime margaritas on the rocks while you wait. Festively painted walls and ornately carved tables and booths make for a welcoming atmosphere. It is often quite loud inside, making the patio a very welcome option on warm nights.
(4)Bart S.
I've been eating at El Mezcal since they opened in 1998. Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere. It can get a little noisy at times but that's just because everyone is having a great time. Get the white queso dip and a margarita. You will love it.
(5)Alicia R.
This is my go-to place for Mexican in Lawrence--although crowded for dinners, you never have to wait for service or your food, once you are seated (note, avoid this place like the plague on Cinco de Mayo and Kansas Relay weekend, because everyone likes it and this can result in 1+ hour waits for tables). The meal cannot start with out a piping hot bowl of their delicious white cheese dip, paired with their house salsa and their chips, it is a great beginning (if you like it hot, request their hot salsa). I have never ordered anything that I did not enjoy here, but my true favorites are the chimichanga--a two-meal behemoth covered in their delicious cheese sauce--and their bean taco salad (no longer on the menu, but you can request it--just like a regular TS, but filled with refried beans instead of meat. The service is always great, and the patio is nice as well---now that it is covered, less sun, but the fans make a nice addition in the heat of summer.
(4)Eric R.
I was in Lawrence for my first KU basketball game and my girlfriend suggested we come here prior to grab some dinner. I was a little nervous that it would be packed with Big Monday being in town, but we were seated immediately. The Carne Asada was pretty good and filling for a modest price (most of the entrees seemed around the ($9-$10 range). The service was also speedy with quick refills on drinks and especially chips&salsa, which is key for me when I dine south of the border. My biggest takeaway however might have been the fact that I didn't feel the usual post-Mexican food effects on the body and was able to enjoy the game with a calm, satisfied stomach.
(4)LeRonda R.
I'm very disappointed. I've been coming here for years and have always enjoyed it, until today. The waiter has too many tables so we had less than good service. The red sauce is not the usual one and is terrible, the "yellow" rice was actually minute rice with some color added, and my burrito el mezcal was too salty to eat. They got two stars because of the white cheese dip and previous experiences. It will be a while before I come back.
(2)Brittany T.
We came here for a dinner with friends and arrived just a few minutes later than most of our party. I had to ask the server 3 times for additional salsa and bowls. Then he eventually brought salsa but not bowls. He came to our table so infrequently that I had to wait at least 10 minutes to get his attention and ask for the bowls. Same issue with refilling chips, getting us silverware and napkins and they didn't bring an extra plate with our dinner even though it was clear we were sharing. That brings me to the food. The chips were stale and unsalted, the salsa was unimpressive and the cheese dip came out in a very tiny bowl and was already cool and thick. The burrito I shared with my husband looked clumsily assembled and microwaved, with cheese sauce haphazardly dumped on it. It tasted like cafeteria food. I managed to "enjoy" about half of the cheese dip before we ran out of chips. By the time we saw our server again to ask for more it was time to leave but I wasn't going to waste the mediocre dip we paid for so I insisted on new chips. I still had to ASK AGAIN for the chips when the server came back with our check. If it wasn't for the company of good friends, it would have been a completely devastating dinner experience.
(1)Tracy B.
The food is good and the service is satisfactory. I've never had to wait very long to get seated despite the fact they are always packed. The food is prepared as they advertise in the menu. The only complaint I have about this restaurant is that they treat you as if you were on a cattle call. Very little small talk, quite impersonal service, you get your food fast and leave. The vibe is always like you have stayed too long. Maybe it's just me. Otherwise, everything is up to standard. I recommend this place but do not expect warmth from the staff.
(3)Brent C.
The waitress and manager were very rude. We asked for chips at least 4 times and never got them, and when we talked to the manager about our awful service he sided with the waitress and we never got our chips. Not recommended.
(1)Julie E.
Very excited about getting Mexican with my sister, second restaurant we hit during my visit to see her (first time in Lawrence). Over all this was a great meal, few things that they could consider tho. Summarized pros & cons: Queso blanco was excellent. I love places that use fresh queso fresco or goat cheese. Enchiladas were spot on Margarita was tasty and a great deal (we shared an on the rocks big size). Was a little sweet for my taste, awesome for $5ish but I like how places are considering making lower cal options such as a skinny margarita with lime instead of sweet n sour. Healthier and tastes better. Fish tacos were overall good but odd taste just a touch fishy. Veggies all fresh and I still enjoyed them tho. Excellent salsa, and I LOVE when it comes in the carafe so you can refill at your ease. I'd be happy to eat here again, great conversation place and bright entertaining decor that wasn't cheesy. Perfect college town Mexican.
(4)Elizabeth D.
I loved the Lawrence burrito- it has every meat you could ever want. Also the decor is very colorful and fun!
(4)Pamela C.
Queso was good. But the beef was... barf. It was pre heated and sour. They don't' do the coupons anymore. Never going back.
(1)Rhonda S.
This will go into the pretty damn good category. The second day in Lawrence, my group of ladies recommended we eat at El Mezcal. Much better choice than On The Border the day before. On the menu is a true vegetarian section. I think I had a cheese enchilada, and quasidila. The enchilada had cheese filling with a tomato based sauce. There was no meat whatsoever. No sauce that tasted like Ragu. Infact, I used the salsa, which was mild, on the quasidila. The quasidila had cheese and jalapenos, and was lunch size, which was half a regular size. It came with refried beans, but I chose black beans. I can always do without the refried beans, they are my least favorite. I didn't see rice on the menu, which I like, alot. The restaurant is colorful and delightful. I liked the copper marachi band over looking the main dining area. The service was top notch. No complaints. Locally owned.
(4)Adrian L.
Quality food at decent prices. Can accommodate gluten free. Have had cheese end up in orders when exclusion requested, but they switch it without fuss. Good margaritas-
(5)Andy W.
Charlie was our server and he was great. The food was very good and so was the service. Highly recommend.
(5)Meg F.
The meal was not merely disappointing, but quite nearly bad. There are plenty of other, better Mexican places in town like La Familia and El Matador.
(2)Christina M.
If we're craving Mexican food in Lawrence, El Mez is our only destination. It has even become the traditional birthday dinner spot in our circle of friends, so there are plenty of photos floating around of us all wearing their gigantic sequined birthday sombrero (whether or not it's our birthday at the time... tequila does that sort of thing). The food is always delicious, and it comes out FAST. It's not uncommon for us to order and have our dinner out in less than ten minutes if we go when it's not too packed. The servers are friendly and don't balk at substitutions or alterations to your order (and I used to do that to them on MANY occasions--Mexican food is easy to veganize). And they keep the salsa and chips--which are always delightfully warm and fresh--refilled constantly throughout the meal. As for the drinks, I highly recommend the jumbo margaritas, on the rocks and with salt. (We pronounce it "humbo" for extra authenticity.) This place is definitely not chintzy on the tequila, either, so take it slow! They have specials on them and their regular margaritas several times a week, so there are a few days where you can get comfortably buzzed on a minimal budget. My only disappointment in this place is their queso dip. It's very, very runny. I want my cheese to stick to my chips, not slide off of them like water off the back of a duck. If I'm in the mood for more than salsa, I typically choose guacamole instead, and fortunately theirs is good enough that it *almost* makes up for the queso. Almost.
(4)Jen J.
They have to have great drink specials to mask the burnt/crap food they serve. Plus, both locations have had the most health code violations then any other resturants in Lawrence.....ew.
(1)Alicia R.
El Mezcal is my favorite Mexican place in Lawrence. Both locations have served me well. Always great if you're looking for a cheap, fast, delicious meal. Some of my favorites include the chile relleno and quesadilla de camarones (shrimp). I've had several good burritos, too. It's a bit on the heavy side, but a good treat every now and then. They have some outside (but covered) seating as well, for nice days and sipping margaritas. Will have to try the horchata sometime!
(4)Stephanie K.
I've been here a few times with my parents who absolutely love the place. The food is pretty good, especially the guacamole but the service is terrible. Most of them do not speak english and it takes an extremely long time to pay your check standing in line. When we were in last I got the seafood enchiladas which were interesting because the inside of these corn tortillas was literally just chopped shrimp, no cheese, no sauce, no nothing. The best part of the meal was the guacamole and the chips and salsa. I'll probably go again for 99 cent margaritas.
(3)stacey s.
I would never recommend to eat here but sometimes you have no choice when you are in desperate need for cheap but fairly strong margaritas. Margaritas I give 4-5 stars without a doubt because they are always cheap and strong. chips and salsa are great, and the food is what you would expect for a cheap Mexican restaurant in Kansas.
(4)Kristen B.
My best friend and I left class one Friday afternoon and ended up at El Mezcal for just one margarita--6 hours later(not joking) we were both wearing sombreros and almost ready to eat our second meal. El Mezcal is that kind of place. The perfect little Mexican locale that takes polaroids on your birthday and serves potent margaritas. I discovered a shrimp quesadilla that is absolutely delicious. I was at first leary about ordering seafood, but the shrimp were giant and perfectly cooked, sanwiched between a crisp tortilla, beans cheese, lettuce and sour cream. Muey Bien! Like previous yelpers contended, service is average, but I contend that that is not why one dines at ElMezcal. It is the perfect B-day location and pre-party margarita destination. Everytime I am in Lawrence, I crave me a little "ElMezzy".
(4)Amanda C.
Very happy with chips & salsa! Our meals were good and will be back! Quick service.
(4)Bren T.
My husband and I haven't really branched out to other Mexican restaurants because we LOVE El Mezcal (both locations). Their food is great, inexpensive, and their cheese dip is to die for! Love!
(4)A A.
Mexican food is much better in texas, this food was just ok, took too long to stand in line to pay bill, our waitress was very slow and failed to refill drinks
(3)H T.
The mexican food here doesn't taste very good. The staff is relatively friendly, and the prices are somewhat reasonable. I suggest going to the Lawrence downtown for mexican food.
(2)Alyssa N.
Margaritas? Check Cheese dip? Check Salsa? Check Hot tortillia chips? Check Sexy mexican waiters that flirt with you? Double Check What more can you ask for? Okay, so my girls and I come here all the time. Especially on the night that jumbo margaritas are on special (wednesdays). We always order their cheese dip which is soooo good. A large bowl is $5 and a table of 4 can just barely finish it before the food comes. The margaritas are cheap and strong, the food is hot and the waiters are fun.
(4)Matt V.
I'm a bit surprised that there have been some concerns raised about the service at El Mezcal. Granted, they don't talk you up, they just bring your food in a spectacularly short period of time. I'm not sure I've ever waited more than 15 minutes for an entree: it's usually more like 10. When it comes right down to it, the El Mezcal at 23rd and Iowa is cheap, fantastic Mexican food. Unfortunately, the other locations are less reliable.
(5)