First I want to say I just left Mamacita's Cafe to review both locations, special shout out to my new friend Buzz M this is another one I have followed your recommendation and like the last you were on mark. Ok are you guys ready? as you have seen from Mamacita's review I'm not taking any prisoners. I ordered 2 crisp taco's and a enchilada, to my shock first place offering up free fried in house chips, ok didn't see that coming, hands are starting to shake has Yelper brother Buzz M know his Mexican food? My order is ready my eyes start to well up not from what you have read on my review of Mamacita's , but because first time since coming to Billings a Honest to the taco gods, actual fried shells, Sarah your rocking me baby. Shredded beef taco and enchilada with flavored meat. Nice size true to value to profit margin,,,,ok bob calm down you still have the enchilada to try, ok one more good sized, nice sauce, what a great find. Now boys and girls I had to find something to wrap and here it is minor not being picky, yes your mild salsa is mild, your HOT is a entry level medium, it had flavor, but can you do for those of us that like some kick hid in the kitchen some roasted pepper and onion fire salsa? I think when the word gets out you will be sending out more. I will be back for sure,,,,,note to Mamacitas Cafe I wont Bob M
(4)
Saoirse O.
Very disappointing experience and I won't be back. Confusing when you walk in because it takes a few minutes to realize you're expected to find a menu and order at the counter. Restaurant is not especially clean and staff not especially friendly or helpful. I ordered the two-enchilada special. Didn't taste that great (pretty bland overall) and was served on a too small Styrofoam plate. You're expected to fetch your own plastic utensils and napkins. Diet Pepsi was very flat and served in a generic Styrofoam cup. There are MUCH better places for Mexican food in Billings for about the same price.
(2)
Trevor H.
Pretty awful! Service: 1/5 Price: 1/5 Food: 2/5 Showed up around 2:15 on a Friday afternoon. The place was nearly empty. Ordered a shredded beef enchilada with rice and beans to go. Just under $10: seriously? $10 for crappy, greasy Mexican food? Waited over 15 minutes even though there was hardly anyone in the place. Food is pretty much what you'd expect from a place like this.
(1)
Jefè W.
If you get a chance to eat here - pass. It's not good. Green chili burrito smelled like vomit, sent it back, got the beef enchiladas. Unseasoned ground beef in soggy tortillas, no bueno.
(1)
Christopher B.
The Menudo here is quite harsh and the broth is thick. It doesn't taste as if they washed the tripe.
(3)
Tim J.
Really? Mexican? Burrito filled with canned beef and brown gravy....if this is the best Mexican food Billings has to offer I feel bad for them.
(1)
Tim C.
Got the red chile beef burrito. Slowly eating it while thinking to myself "am I eating Alpo canned beef? I think I'm eating canned beef." Then I read a post from Tim J and realize that I'm not the only one who questions the canned beef.
(2)
Tim C.
Very tasty Mexican food. I ordered the smothered burrito, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is HUGE so it will definitely be enough for one person. I also ordered the tostada with ground beef, and was a little disappointed by it. I was hoping the corn tortilla would be a little thicker, but it was just like a taco shell that was laid out. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. My brother tried the combo, which included tacos, enchiladas, and tacquitos. All were tasty and he had no complaints. The salsa bar is AWESOME. I wish the spicy salsa was spicier, but I guess people have to be able to eat it..
(4)
Buzz M.
Goodness, Gracious, Great balls of fire! The food here is 'out of this world'. Using the advice of others here who've rated the restaurant, I simply ordered whatever was the 'special' of the day. Oh thank God I did! Two Beef enchiladas with rice and beans and let me tell you something, I've NEVER had beans this good. I'm sure I don't want to watch them being made though LOL! Absolutely outstanding flavor and served piping hot in minutes after you order. Counter service ordering. Free chips and a salsa bar with onions, jalapenos, hot and mild salsa plus little cups. Plasticware and paper plates. One star lost just because it's a bit of a train wreck on the inside but you know it's going to be good food just by the line out the door and the amount of years in business. Go early. EARLY! There's only about 14 tables and very few that seat more than two. Go early and enjoy a little piece of Mexican Heaven.
(4)
DoubleN N.
Based on reviews I thought I would love this place...but the green chili was the only good thing. The order taker/host was on the phone the whole time we were in line and while we ordered. The food came out on Styrofoam plates, which always lessens the experience of dining for me. The stuffed burrito was cold and the chips were bland, not even worth a second try for me.
(1)
David M.
Incredible. Simple, great food and salsa bar. Even menudo occasionally. Not a clinker on the menu.
(4)
Anna B.
I thought the staff was very friendly and the food was good. Hit the spot for some nice fatty mexican food. Nice sized portions and lots of chips and salsa! I kind of wish they used more reusable items (plates, forks and knives) because I'm sure they go through a lot of waste every day. I really want to go back and try a smothered burrito.
(4)
Carol M.
No beer! Great green chili
(3)
SHN H.
Sarah's (formerly known as El Burrito Cafeteria) is located in a narrow, tiny dilapidated building that literally touches the more recently constructed Federal Building in Billings. Developers bought the entire city block, but the little ladies that own El Burrito would not move. The Feds even offered to build a new cafeteria inside the building, deed it to them and let them have an exclusive for food service. They still did not move. Guess what? Everybody comes over from the Federal Building for lunch. It's a family owned and operated business, from grandma the cook (Sarah) to great auntie the cashier to the little ninas bussing the tables and restocking the free chips and salsa bar. It's a sad time every August when they close the restaurant for 3 weeks to vacation with their kin in California. They used to find me scratching at the door when they returned. This little place is an institution in downtown Billings. Be prepared to stand in a line that goes out the door at lunch time. You will probably have to take your food to go because the eight tables are always full, but if you are adventurous, just grab an open chair if there is one. Patrons don't care. They are there for the same reason you are - to enjoy some of the best Mexican lunch food. They have daily lunch specials -- order it. The rest of the menu is also sublime, but they give a little extra love to the special of the day and it comes quicker and at a better price. I was such a regular during my early professional career, which started in Billings, that I would walk in the door, make eye contact with the cook, and she would give me "the nod." I would nod back, indicating that I would eat whatever she made me. It was usually the special, but sometimes an off the menu surprise. Then I would jump out of line and pay her sister and grab some chips and salsa to mack on while I waited for the food. Occasionally I would shake my head "no" when she gave the nod. Then she would shout, "RED SMOTHERED?" Sometimes this was just the medicine -- a giant burrito, smothered in the best red Mexican gravy that I have ever had. Sometimes I declined the red, like a baseball pitcher shaking off the signal from his catcher to throw the heater to go for an off-speed pitch, then she would say, "SOFT SHELLS?" and I would approve. Wow I miss this place, but my old business partner (well I technically still own half of that software company) confirms that he eats there at least 3 times a week. Go there, order the special, enjoy....
(5)
Bitter M.
If you're looking for "authentic" Mexican, this is the place for you. If you're an uninitiated gringo, it might be a little grungy for you. Not super clean. Not very friendly service (I obviously wasn't a regular there). Fairly cheap, but not incredibly cheap for what it is.
(2)
They Call Me L.
My favorite in Billings thus far, of all the Mexican places I've tried. Tasty, well-prepared, and the prices are very reasonable. The place has a nice homey feel to it, and the staff is friendly.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No 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.
Bob M.
First I want to say I just left Mamacita's Cafe to review both locations, special shout out to my new friend Buzz M this is another one I have followed your recommendation and like the last you were on mark. Ok are you guys ready? as you have seen from Mamacita's review I'm not taking any prisoners. I ordered 2 crisp taco's and a enchilada, to my shock first place offering up free fried in house chips, ok didn't see that coming, hands are starting to shake has Yelper brother Buzz M know his Mexican food? My order is ready my eyes start to well up not from what you have read on my review of Mamacita's , but because first time since coming to Billings a Honest to the taco gods, actual fried shells, Sarah your rocking me baby. Shredded beef taco and enchilada with flavored meat. Nice size true to value to profit margin,,,,ok bob calm down you still have the enchilada to try, ok one more good sized, nice sauce, what a great find. Now boys and girls I had to find something to wrap and here it is minor not being picky, yes your mild salsa is mild, your HOT is a entry level medium, it had flavor, but can you do for those of us that like some kick hid in the kitchen some roasted pepper and onion fire salsa? I think when the word gets out you will be sending out more. I will be back for sure,,,,,note to Mamacitas Cafe I wont Bob M
(4)Saoirse O.
Very disappointing experience and I won't be back. Confusing when you walk in because it takes a few minutes to realize you're expected to find a menu and order at the counter. Restaurant is not especially clean and staff not especially friendly or helpful. I ordered the two-enchilada special. Didn't taste that great (pretty bland overall) and was served on a too small Styrofoam plate. You're expected to fetch your own plastic utensils and napkins. Diet Pepsi was very flat and served in a generic Styrofoam cup. There are MUCH better places for Mexican food in Billings for about the same price.
(2)Trevor H.
Pretty awful! Service: 1/5 Price: 1/5 Food: 2/5 Showed up around 2:15 on a Friday afternoon. The place was nearly empty. Ordered a shredded beef enchilada with rice and beans to go. Just under $10: seriously? $10 for crappy, greasy Mexican food? Waited over 15 minutes even though there was hardly anyone in the place. Food is pretty much what you'd expect from a place like this.
(1)Jefè W.
If you get a chance to eat here - pass. It's not good. Green chili burrito smelled like vomit, sent it back, got the beef enchiladas. Unseasoned ground beef in soggy tortillas, no bueno.
(1)Christopher B.
The Menudo here is quite harsh and the broth is thick. It doesn't taste as if they washed the tripe.
(3)Tim J.
Really? Mexican? Burrito filled with canned beef and brown gravy....if this is the best Mexican food Billings has to offer I feel bad for them.
(1)Tim C.
Got the red chile beef burrito. Slowly eating it while thinking to myself "am I eating Alpo canned beef? I think I'm eating canned beef." Then I read a post from Tim J and realize that I'm not the only one who questions the canned beef.
(2)Tim C.
Very tasty Mexican food. I ordered the smothered burrito, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is HUGE so it will definitely be enough for one person. I also ordered the tostada with ground beef, and was a little disappointed by it. I was hoping the corn tortilla would be a little thicker, but it was just like a taco shell that was laid out. Not bad, just not what I was expecting. My brother tried the combo, which included tacos, enchiladas, and tacquitos. All were tasty and he had no complaints. The salsa bar is AWESOME. I wish the spicy salsa was spicier, but I guess people have to be able to eat it..
(4)Buzz M.
Goodness, Gracious, Great balls of fire! The food here is 'out of this world'. Using the advice of others here who've rated the restaurant, I simply ordered whatever was the 'special' of the day. Oh thank God I did! Two Beef enchiladas with rice and beans and let me tell you something, I've NEVER had beans this good. I'm sure I don't want to watch them being made though LOL! Absolutely outstanding flavor and served piping hot in minutes after you order. Counter service ordering. Free chips and a salsa bar with onions, jalapenos, hot and mild salsa plus little cups. Plasticware and paper plates. One star lost just because it's a bit of a train wreck on the inside but you know it's going to be good food just by the line out the door and the amount of years in business. Go early. EARLY! There's only about 14 tables and very few that seat more than two. Go early and enjoy a little piece of Mexican Heaven.
(4)DoubleN N.
Based on reviews I thought I would love this place...but the green chili was the only good thing. The order taker/host was on the phone the whole time we were in line and while we ordered. The food came out on Styrofoam plates, which always lessens the experience of dining for me. The stuffed burrito was cold and the chips were bland, not even worth a second try for me.
(1)David M.
Incredible. Simple, great food and salsa bar. Even menudo occasionally. Not a clinker on the menu.
(4)Anna B.
I thought the staff was very friendly and the food was good. Hit the spot for some nice fatty mexican food. Nice sized portions and lots of chips and salsa! I kind of wish they used more reusable items (plates, forks and knives) because I'm sure they go through a lot of waste every day. I really want to go back and try a smothered burrito.
(4)Carol M.
No beer! Great green chili
(3)SHN H.
Sarah's (formerly known as El Burrito Cafeteria) is located in a narrow, tiny dilapidated building that literally touches the more recently constructed Federal Building in Billings. Developers bought the entire city block, but the little ladies that own El Burrito would not move. The Feds even offered to build a new cafeteria inside the building, deed it to them and let them have an exclusive for food service. They still did not move. Guess what? Everybody comes over from the Federal Building for lunch. It's a family owned and operated business, from grandma the cook (Sarah) to great auntie the cashier to the little ninas bussing the tables and restocking the free chips and salsa bar. It's a sad time every August when they close the restaurant for 3 weeks to vacation with their kin in California. They used to find me scratching at the door when they returned. This little place is an institution in downtown Billings. Be prepared to stand in a line that goes out the door at lunch time. You will probably have to take your food to go because the eight tables are always full, but if you are adventurous, just grab an open chair if there is one. Patrons don't care. They are there for the same reason you are - to enjoy some of the best Mexican lunch food. They have daily lunch specials -- order it. The rest of the menu is also sublime, but they give a little extra love to the special of the day and it comes quicker and at a better price. I was such a regular during my early professional career, which started in Billings, that I would walk in the door, make eye contact with the cook, and she would give me "the nod." I would nod back, indicating that I would eat whatever she made me. It was usually the special, but sometimes an off the menu surprise. Then I would jump out of line and pay her sister and grab some chips and salsa to mack on while I waited for the food. Occasionally I would shake my head "no" when she gave the nod. Then she would shout, "RED SMOTHERED?" Sometimes this was just the medicine -- a giant burrito, smothered in the best red Mexican gravy that I have ever had. Sometimes I declined the red, like a baseball pitcher shaking off the signal from his catcher to throw the heater to go for an off-speed pitch, then she would say, "SOFT SHELLS?" and I would approve. Wow I miss this place, but my old business partner (well I technically still own half of that software company) confirms that he eats there at least 3 times a week. Go there, order the special, enjoy....
(5)Bitter M.
If you're looking for "authentic" Mexican, this is the place for you. If you're an uninitiated gringo, it might be a little grungy for you. Not super clean. Not very friendly service (I obviously wasn't a regular there). Fairly cheap, but not incredibly cheap for what it is.
(2)They Call Me L.
My favorite in Billings thus far, of all the Mexican places I've tried. Tasty, well-prepared, and the prices are very reasonable. The place has a nice homey feel to it, and the staff is friendly.
(5)