Of all of the El Nopal locations, of really all of the Louisville Mexican restaurants I've been to, this location in Jeffersontown has to be the best. The service is great and the people that work there are really friendly and remember their lunch crowd. Lunch is fast. The lunch specials are filling and a great value. My favorite dish is the Chicken Nachos Fajitas... but a special addition to the menu a while ago was "Monica's Platter," which may only be compared to the "Chicken Espinoca" up here at Cactus Jack's in New Hampshire. It's a mountain of rice with chicken and shrimp surrounding it covered in the molten cheese sauce. Yum! Take-out is available and what's better than great mexican food than great mexican food in your own dining room! Chips and salsa are free with any takeout order (if memory serves). I really miss going there.
(4)
Wendy S.
If you're searching for a Mexican restaurant to eat at in Louisville, search no further, you have found your dream come true. I have been eating at this restaurant (at this location) for 10 years and it has never ceased to amaze my taste buds. This El Nopal is by far my favorite restaurant for Mexican cuisine, if not my favorite restaurant in general. If you're looking for authentic, this place is a little Americanized, but can offer real Mexican flavors similar to what I've tasted at the homes of my Mexican friends. If you go here, and I HIGHLY recommend that you do, I recommend getting their crab meat enchiladas, steak fajitas, fried chicken chimichangas, chicken flautas, chicken quesadillas, or my favorite meal (which I get at least monthly), the Shrimp A La Mexicana. Their guacamole is also quite delicious and the margaritas are the best I've tasted! Also, don't worry about breaking your budget, because El Nopal is not only delicious but moderately inexpensive. Enjoy!
(5)
Mark V.
First off I will say I am from Los Angeles where you will find some of the best and most authentic Mexican restaurants in the Country. I have yet to find an authentic Mexican restaurant in Louisville but my search continues. The food here is like eating at a fast food joint like Taco Hell. Every thing taste like it came out of a can and was not made fresh from scratch. The salsa was mostly tomato juice and tasted like salsa you buy from a jar. The retried beans and rice had very little flavor. I ordered the crunchy chicken tacos, and they were shredded chicken meat in a pre-made hard u-shaped shell like the ones in a grocery store. Authentic Mexican crunchy tacos should be made with fresh corn tortillas that are lightly fried on both sides. If fast food Mexican is what you like then by all means enjoy, but if authentic delicious Mexican food is what you crave then go else where. This is Not authentic Mexican food!
(2)
Holly J.
Our favorite "go to" Mexican place. Friendly staff, great prices, and really good food. I love the vegetable fajitas. It's more American/Mexican to me, but hits the spot when I am craving good Mexican flavors. And kids love how fun and colorful the restaurant looks inside. The margaritas are excellent.
(4)
Christy J.
Pretty good but kind of typical. Atmosphere is very colorful and cheerful! If in the area I would probably return.
(3)
Mandy D.
Quick, fast and fresh. I love their thin & crispy chips. Salsa is a bit on the watery side -- I mix hot & mild together. My favorite dish are the tamales & the taquitos. Very generous portions. I recently discovered the tortilla soup... There has to be at least a whole chicken breast shredded in that bowl! The staff always recognizes us, and they're always friendly. We've seen the same faces there for at least 7 years, and that means they're treating their staff well.
(4)
Pedro M. F.
Had good food, service at times sketchy
(4)
Daniel G.
Very authentic, they went out of their way to make a Michelada for me!
(5)
Matt C.
This has been our "go to" Mexican restaurant for over a decade! Quality entrees every time. Kids love the endless chips. Atmosphere is nice...
(5)
Phillip H.
They are understaffed here! Our waiter is doing his best! It's like he's on roller skates! Order tilapia with mango salsa, mango daiquiri, cheese dip! Mango daiquiri is okay Cheese dip is good but they didn't bring the chip! We had to ask for them! It's is Saturday and they are busy.
(3)
Annie S.
I live around the corner and HATE to say it but the last 4 times I've been there the service has gotten worse and worse. I don't know if they are short staffed or just care less about their dining experience but WOW. I go to places like El Nopal for convenience, speed and affordability. Once it stops being that I am now literally PASSING this place to go to another Mexican Restaurant. SIDE NOTE: Monicas Platter is Rice, Shrimp, Chicken and Queso... CAN'T GO WRONG!
(2)
Matthew H.
My cousin recommended this place, and boy was she right. If you find yourself out in Louisville, craving Mexican, this is the place to be. Living in California, I've experienced some great stuff, El Nopal stands it's ground. Our group got a ton of tortilla chips to go with our meals. This came with a vat of warm cheese perfect for dipping. The highlight of my dinner was the Chili Relleno, on the hotter side, I loved it.
(4)
Kaity S.
This was wonderful. The place is so clean and the staff is very helpful. We were seated immediately and quickly asked for drinks. They came back with the drinks and chips and salsa. We had questions about the menu and they were answered very clearly. I did not take long to get our food out of the kitchen and everything was very fresh. I could only eat half my burrito and half my rice. It was delicious. The chicken was perfectly grilled and seasoned, the same with the rice. I will definitely be coming back! I will definitely be eating the rest for lunch tomorrow!
(5)
Lou H.
Named El Nopal (The Cactus), this Del Taco cleverly disguises itself as Mexican food restaurant throughout Kentucky. The popularity of this restaurant makes it clear that Kentuckians have never had Mexican food and love slop. Almost every item on their dinner menu is stuffed with cheap oily ground beef and covered with flavorless imitation Monterrey Jack cheese, might have even been old Mozzarella; either way when one can't even tell what type of cheese is covering one's food, it's not a good sign. The beans, often a good way to judge a Mexican Restaurant as beans are a staple in Mexican food, had the look and consistency of grits. They were spilled about the plate and further ruining everything they touched like a gray fungus. The salsa screamed "store bought pasta sauce!" and lacked in any spice. The chips were fried and re-fried with no salt added for those health conscious customers not wanting to break the 400lb mark. Not wanting to seem rude and sticking to my upbringing, I tried to finish what was on my plate - I failed miserably. Now the oily mess that I did manage to keep down is attacking my insides and wanting to break out one way or another. About the only thing that was good were the overpriced Chiclets by the cash register. The rice was decent but nothing special. This being the 3rd Mexican restaurant I have tried in Kentucky, and all of them being atrocities, Mexican abortions if you will, I will not be eating Mexican food in this state again. That's this critics review, until next time I'll be eating.
(1)
J L.
I love this place. Honestly, I know it is not gourmet, but they hit the right notes for me. This is one of the few places where I get something different most times. Service is always courteous. But I think I will settle on the Crab meat encheladas from now on. Love it.
(5)
Sandra F.
Craving Mexican after a road trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As soon as we walked in, we were seated and waited on right away. We got chips and salsa which was served with two different sauces. Mild and Spicy. Spicy was awesome with a great flavor. Chips were fresh. I got the Beef hard shell tacos with a cheese quesadilla and Margarita on the rocks. All came out fresh and delicious! Staff friendly and fast. Restaurant clean with a great atmosphere. Pricing reasonable. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Tim H.
I tend to order the same thing. It's always good. Consistency is a good thing. Chips are always fresh. Food taste good. Staff is friendly.
(4)
Viviana F.
Not a cilantro leaf in sight. Can it be? A mexican restaurant that actually loves me? I ordered the tilapia with hand breaded shrimp. The shrimp were pretty good. I have to say that the tilapia was AMAZING! It was fresh, delicious, and tender. I will definitely get it again! I love their white queso. I was very impressed this last visit. Will be back!!!!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Katie G.
Of all of the El Nopal locations, of really all of the Louisville Mexican restaurants I've been to, this location in Jeffersontown has to be the best. The service is great and the people that work there are really friendly and remember their lunch crowd. Lunch is fast. The lunch specials are filling and a great value. My favorite dish is the Chicken Nachos Fajitas... but a special addition to the menu a while ago was "Monica's Platter," which may only be compared to the "Chicken Espinoca" up here at Cactus Jack's in New Hampshire. It's a mountain of rice with chicken and shrimp surrounding it covered in the molten cheese sauce. Yum! Take-out is available and what's better than great mexican food than great mexican food in your own dining room! Chips and salsa are free with any takeout order (if memory serves). I really miss going there.
(4)Wendy S.
If you're searching for a Mexican restaurant to eat at in Louisville, search no further, you have found your dream come true. I have been eating at this restaurant (at this location) for 10 years and it has never ceased to amaze my taste buds. This El Nopal is by far my favorite restaurant for Mexican cuisine, if not my favorite restaurant in general. If you're looking for authentic, this place is a little Americanized, but can offer real Mexican flavors similar to what I've tasted at the homes of my Mexican friends. If you go here, and I HIGHLY recommend that you do, I recommend getting their crab meat enchiladas, steak fajitas, fried chicken chimichangas, chicken flautas, chicken quesadillas, or my favorite meal (which I get at least monthly), the Shrimp A La Mexicana. Their guacamole is also quite delicious and the margaritas are the best I've tasted! Also, don't worry about breaking your budget, because El Nopal is not only delicious but moderately inexpensive. Enjoy!
(5)Mark V.
First off I will say I am from Los Angeles where you will find some of the best and most authentic Mexican restaurants in the Country. I have yet to find an authentic Mexican restaurant in Louisville but my search continues. The food here is like eating at a fast food joint like Taco Hell. Every thing taste like it came out of a can and was not made fresh from scratch. The salsa was mostly tomato juice and tasted like salsa you buy from a jar. The retried beans and rice had very little flavor. I ordered the crunchy chicken tacos, and they were shredded chicken meat in a pre-made hard u-shaped shell like the ones in a grocery store. Authentic Mexican crunchy tacos should be made with fresh corn tortillas that are lightly fried on both sides. If fast food Mexican is what you like then by all means enjoy, but if authentic delicious Mexican food is what you crave then go else where. This is Not authentic Mexican food!
(2)Holly J.
Our favorite "go to" Mexican place. Friendly staff, great prices, and really good food. I love the vegetable fajitas. It's more American/Mexican to me, but hits the spot when I am craving good Mexican flavors. And kids love how fun and colorful the restaurant looks inside. The margaritas are excellent.
(4)Christy J.
Pretty good but kind of typical. Atmosphere is very colorful and cheerful! If in the area I would probably return.
(3)Mandy D.
Quick, fast and fresh. I love their thin & crispy chips. Salsa is a bit on the watery side -- I mix hot & mild together. My favorite dish are the tamales & the taquitos. Very generous portions. I recently discovered the tortilla soup... There has to be at least a whole chicken breast shredded in that bowl! The staff always recognizes us, and they're always friendly. We've seen the same faces there for at least 7 years, and that means they're treating their staff well.
(4)Pedro M. F.
Had good food, service at times sketchy
(4)Daniel G.
Very authentic, they went out of their way to make a Michelada for me!
(5)Matt C.
This has been our "go to" Mexican restaurant for over a decade! Quality entrees every time. Kids love the endless chips. Atmosphere is nice...
(5)Phillip H.
They are understaffed here! Our waiter is doing his best! It's like he's on roller skates! Order tilapia with mango salsa, mango daiquiri, cheese dip! Mango daiquiri is okay Cheese dip is good but they didn't bring the chip! We had to ask for them! It's is Saturday and they are busy.
(3)Annie S.
I live around the corner and HATE to say it but the last 4 times I've been there the service has gotten worse and worse. I don't know if they are short staffed or just care less about their dining experience but WOW. I go to places like El Nopal for convenience, speed and affordability. Once it stops being that I am now literally PASSING this place to go to another Mexican Restaurant. SIDE NOTE: Monicas Platter is Rice, Shrimp, Chicken and Queso... CAN'T GO WRONG!
(2)Matthew H.
My cousin recommended this place, and boy was she right. If you find yourself out in Louisville, craving Mexican, this is the place to be. Living in California, I've experienced some great stuff, El Nopal stands it's ground. Our group got a ton of tortilla chips to go with our meals. This came with a vat of warm cheese perfect for dipping. The highlight of my dinner was the Chili Relleno, on the hotter side, I loved it.
(4)Kaity S.
This was wonderful. The place is so clean and the staff is very helpful. We were seated immediately and quickly asked for drinks. They came back with the drinks and chips and salsa. We had questions about the menu and they were answered very clearly. I did not take long to get our food out of the kitchen and everything was very fresh. I could only eat half my burrito and half my rice. It was delicious. The chicken was perfectly grilled and seasoned, the same with the rice. I will definitely be coming back! I will definitely be eating the rest for lunch tomorrow!
(5)Lou H.
Named El Nopal (The Cactus), this Del Taco cleverly disguises itself as Mexican food restaurant throughout Kentucky. The popularity of this restaurant makes it clear that Kentuckians have never had Mexican food and love slop. Almost every item on their dinner menu is stuffed with cheap oily ground beef and covered with flavorless imitation Monterrey Jack cheese, might have even been old Mozzarella; either way when one can't even tell what type of cheese is covering one's food, it's not a good sign. The beans, often a good way to judge a Mexican Restaurant as beans are a staple in Mexican food, had the look and consistency of grits. They were spilled about the plate and further ruining everything they touched like a gray fungus. The salsa screamed "store bought pasta sauce!" and lacked in any spice. The chips were fried and re-fried with no salt added for those health conscious customers not wanting to break the 400lb mark. Not wanting to seem rude and sticking to my upbringing, I tried to finish what was on my plate - I failed miserably. Now the oily mess that I did manage to keep down is attacking my insides and wanting to break out one way or another. About the only thing that was good were the overpriced Chiclets by the cash register. The rice was decent but nothing special. This being the 3rd Mexican restaurant I have tried in Kentucky, and all of them being atrocities, Mexican abortions if you will, I will not be eating Mexican food in this state again. That's this critics review, until next time I'll be eating.
(1)J L.
I love this place. Honestly, I know it is not gourmet, but they hit the right notes for me. This is one of the few places where I get something different most times. Service is always courteous. But I think I will settle on the Crab meat encheladas from now on. Love it.
(5)Sandra F.
Craving Mexican after a road trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As soon as we walked in, we were seated and waited on right away. We got chips and salsa which was served with two different sauces. Mild and Spicy. Spicy was awesome with a great flavor. Chips were fresh. I got the Beef hard shell tacos with a cheese quesadilla and Margarita on the rocks. All came out fresh and delicious! Staff friendly and fast. Restaurant clean with a great atmosphere. Pricing reasonable. Would definitely come back.
(4)Tim H.
I tend to order the same thing. It's always good. Consistency is a good thing. Chips are always fresh. Food taste good. Staff is friendly.
(4)Viviana F.
Not a cilantro leaf in sight. Can it be? A mexican restaurant that actually loves me? I ordered the tilapia with hand breaded shrimp. The shrimp were pretty good. I have to say that the tilapia was AMAZING! It was fresh, delicious, and tender. I will definitely get it again! I love their white queso. I was very impressed this last visit. Will be back!!!!
(4)