Yesterday I tried their $2.99 happy hour margarita on the rocks. It was served in a tall chilled glass. A good start. Bartender automatically added salt. Good good. There were several fresh lime garnishes. Alright now. All we need are the liquid tequila happiness to round out this drink joy. When I took a first sip, it was off, tasted like dirty soap water. I was tired, maybe my taste buds were off. Sip #2. Nope. Still tastes disgusting. Well, I drank all of that grossness but wouldn't want anyone else to suffer that debacle. Too tired to tell anyone anything, I just suffered in silence. My friend arrived for dinner and our server was all over us to order immediately. Wow girl, give us some time to relax. She was friendly, but we felt rushed. When a guest mentions spending time with a friend on a slow weekday night, give us a bit of space. The bowl of queso was amazing. My baby taco perfect for a very light dinner snack. My dinner guest enjoyed her Avocado Enchiladas. All in all, it was a pleasant experience minus the margarita.
(3)
Quijana B.
Nothing much to see here, just another Tex-Mex place here in town. We ate here because we'd already found the Mexican food we like, so were in the mood for something different. While we won't avoid this place, we won't spend time planning a return trip, either. Our stand out dish was an appetizer. The "Top Shelf Guacamole" is nearly $8.00, but is made while you watch. Three avocado, tomato, spices, pepper, and lime all mixed together in a stone bowl. The salsa and chips that came along were tasty enough, but the huac really was nice. Go ahead and skip the actual food. It isn't anything you can't find elsewhere. Nope, just go straight to dessert. Strawberry nachos and chocolate cake, plus a few other goodies await. And now that you are filled with avocado and chocolate cake, do a quick lap around the mall before you head back to the car. Now is the best time to start burning a few of those calories!
(3)
A L.
The hubby and I came here for dinner on Wednesday night. When we first sat down, chips and salsa was brought to us. We were excited. Sadly the salsa had a soapy after taste. We could not eat it! Bleck! I ordered the 16oz happy hour margarita for $2.99 and the hubby got a sweet tea. My margarita again, tasted like soap! I know I should've gotten up after the second thing I tried tasted like soap, but we were starving and had already ordered. I ordered the Mahi Mahi fish tacos that that came with beans and rice. The fish was very greasy and just didn't have much flavor. Nothing tasted fresh. The rice and beans were decent. The hubby ordered the sampler. The sampler was depressing. The only thing that was decent on the whole platter were the empanadas. Everything else just tasted greasy and old. It's sad to say the only thing good about this restaurant was the location and our server was nice.
(1)
Jason G.
I have been here a bunch of times. And everytime I order stuffed peppers. They are awesome. The chips and salsa are super fresh. A+ Check them out.
(4)
Margaux H.
We saw a mouse come out of the kitchen!!!!! he was running around.
(1)
Brandi S.
Went to eat here for dinner. It was pretty empty yet we couldn't get served. The manager was the one that took us to our table and we still didn't get greeted for 10 minutes. One server walked up to the dirty table next to us, grabbed his tip and never acknowledged us sitting there without being greeted. I ordered brisket tacos and instead of giving me the dinner one I ordered that also comes with more, he charged me for the lunch one (which is more expensive after lunch). After he fixed the price I still didn't even get the rest of the meal I paid for. When my food was brought out it had very little brisket on one taco but the other was fine. My order was also wrong but after waiting so long for everything else I didn't even want to bother with fixing it again. I tried to get the manager several times and he paid no attention at all. We have eaten here before and had JR (I believe that is his name) for our server. He was absolutely fantastic. Waiting to be greeted for a long time is the worst and it definitely set the mood for the rest of the dinner. We definitely will not go back unless we have JR and a manager who actually cares!!!
(1)
Sixpack Y.
They put lard in the food! You will need a 30 minutes cardio work out after that.
(1)
Jack B.
Excellent little restaurant. Simple dishes, simple price and outstanding specials. Bob provided the best table service I've seen in 20 years the few times we've gone in. I was last here 11 years ago and it was a favorite then, so they've got some consistently good management.
(4)
Dan B.
Worst food and service I have ever eaten/had. Sat down for dinner with my wife and noticed a server folding silver wear right up front (if your going to do this, get out of sight). Our server took our drink order (he smelled like a ash tray in a homeless mans armpit) and he brought me my margarita. This margarita tasted like a melted lime Popsicle on ice. Couldn't taste tequila in it. So already I was reluctant to stay but I gave the place the benefit of the doubt and stayed. My wife and I decided to split the fajitas. The fajitas came and, to my surprise, it was undercooked beef with red potatoes, mushrooms, green beans and carrots!!!!! It was beef stew on a hot skillet with tortillas and horrible guacamole. Fajitas are carne asada or chicken or shrimp with grilled onions, red/green/yellow bell peppers. This place needs to stop calling itself a mexican or tex mex restraunt and call itself what it is.....a horrible restraunt with horrible service. Oh and btw, the service is horrible because the another server came over and flirted with two obese women that sat next us, for the entire duration of our horrible visit. Unprofessional.
(1)
Sally T.
We ate lunch here today for the first time in a year. The quality has gone way down, from the hostess to the servers to the food. It will be a long time before we try again.
(2)
David S.
I've had great dining experiences at this El Chico. I've eaten lunch here many times but have never come in for dinner. The custom burritos are fresh, delicious, and huge; as well as being filled with quality meats (like fresh white meat chicken pieces without fat instead of shredded and over-seasoned chicken). The margaritas have always been well made, also. Cleanliness is one of the first things I'm concerned about when eating out and this El Chico's has always been clean. What I mean by "clean", is that there's not food pieces/dirt on the seats, carpet, or table, the restrooms are free of trash urine/feces and that public restroom smell. I definitely haven't seen any bugs crawling on the walls and I'd be surprised that someone who supposedly saw that would actually go back to the restaurant. The food is flavorful and delicious and an excellent surprise since El Chico's is a chain restaurant. There's lots of "mom & pop" Mexican restaurants in Lawton; most of them prove that just because you're Mexican and run an indie Mexican restaurant, doesn't mean you know how to make good Mexican food. Anyone who's been in Lawton a while knows that there's not a lot of great things about this city. The El Chico's is an enjoyable, quality restaurant that breaks up the usual "bleh" those who spend time in Lawton are used to.
(5)
Chad C.
Best food I ever ate! Our server was excellent and friendly. We came in for lunch and had I had the new Acapulco shrimp dinner and my wife had the fajitas. Our food came out fast. I'd suggest this restaurant to all my friends.
(5)
Cathy L.
This El Chico is located inside Lawton's Central Mall. My friend and I ate here at lunch time. The server was attentive and friendly. We were seated immediately and our food was promptly delivered. I cannot ask for more! Their prices are VERY reasonable.
(4)
Jenny L.
Ate here two times!!! I LOVE IT. The service is incredible and the food is even better. Both times I had two great servers and the meal perfect. This is the only restaurant that has the food out in minutes. 10mins or less!!!! Must eat here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nicole E.
We went here for lunch after another local restaurant couldn't seat us at lunch time due to being short staffed. I'm glad for the change in location! We had a very friendly server who was attentive all throughout our lunch. The salsa was super fresh and tasty - I could have had just that for lunch. My lunch was also very tasty and just what I wanted. Everyone at the table cleared their plates and I could gladly return.
(4)
Bryan H.
Best Mexican in Lawton? I really hope not but compared to a lot of the other 'popular' tex mex joints in Lawton, I would say yes. Its a chain with chain food, meaning that it isnt amazing or authentic but not completely like eating cardboard either. Its average. The wait staff is usually pretty prompt and the food comes out decently quickly. The biggest complaint i have about this particular El Chico is its cleanliness. On multiple occassions i have gone in there and found bugs on the wall. Usually we are comped a free desert or queso or something but if it has happened more than once to me its probably indicative of a chronic problem not mere chance. because of the average food and subpar cleanliness I usually avoid this place. I am still giving it 3 starts however, because the food there is, sadly, usually better than the local chains that are also in the Lawton area.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Rhonda A.
Yesterday I tried their $2.99 happy hour margarita on the rocks. It was served in a tall chilled glass. A good start. Bartender automatically added salt. Good good. There were several fresh lime garnishes. Alright now. All we need are the liquid tequila happiness to round out this drink joy. When I took a first sip, it was off, tasted like dirty soap water. I was tired, maybe my taste buds were off. Sip #2. Nope. Still tastes disgusting. Well, I drank all of that grossness but wouldn't want anyone else to suffer that debacle. Too tired to tell anyone anything, I just suffered in silence. My friend arrived for dinner and our server was all over us to order immediately. Wow girl, give us some time to relax. She was friendly, but we felt rushed. When a guest mentions spending time with a friend on a slow weekday night, give us a bit of space. The bowl of queso was amazing. My baby taco perfect for a very light dinner snack. My dinner guest enjoyed her Avocado Enchiladas. All in all, it was a pleasant experience minus the margarita.
(3)Quijana B.
Nothing much to see here, just another Tex-Mex place here in town. We ate here because we'd already found the Mexican food we like, so were in the mood for something different. While we won't avoid this place, we won't spend time planning a return trip, either. Our stand out dish was an appetizer. The "Top Shelf Guacamole" is nearly $8.00, but is made while you watch. Three avocado, tomato, spices, pepper, and lime all mixed together in a stone bowl. The salsa and chips that came along were tasty enough, but the huac really was nice. Go ahead and skip the actual food. It isn't anything you can't find elsewhere. Nope, just go straight to dessert. Strawberry nachos and chocolate cake, plus a few other goodies await. And now that you are filled with avocado and chocolate cake, do a quick lap around the mall before you head back to the car. Now is the best time to start burning a few of those calories!
(3)A L.
The hubby and I came here for dinner on Wednesday night. When we first sat down, chips and salsa was brought to us. We were excited. Sadly the salsa had a soapy after taste. We could not eat it! Bleck! I ordered the 16oz happy hour margarita for $2.99 and the hubby got a sweet tea. My margarita again, tasted like soap! I know I should've gotten up after the second thing I tried tasted like soap, but we were starving and had already ordered. I ordered the Mahi Mahi fish tacos that that came with beans and rice. The fish was very greasy and just didn't have much flavor. Nothing tasted fresh. The rice and beans were decent. The hubby ordered the sampler. The sampler was depressing. The only thing that was decent on the whole platter were the empanadas. Everything else just tasted greasy and old. It's sad to say the only thing good about this restaurant was the location and our server was nice.
(1)Jason G.
I have been here a bunch of times. And everytime I order stuffed peppers. They are awesome. The chips and salsa are super fresh. A+ Check them out.
(4)Margaux H.
We saw a mouse come out of the kitchen!!!!! he was running around.
(1)Brandi S.
Went to eat here for dinner. It was pretty empty yet we couldn't get served. The manager was the one that took us to our table and we still didn't get greeted for 10 minutes. One server walked up to the dirty table next to us, grabbed his tip and never acknowledged us sitting there without being greeted. I ordered brisket tacos and instead of giving me the dinner one I ordered that also comes with more, he charged me for the lunch one (which is more expensive after lunch). After he fixed the price I still didn't even get the rest of the meal I paid for. When my food was brought out it had very little brisket on one taco but the other was fine. My order was also wrong but after waiting so long for everything else I didn't even want to bother with fixing it again. I tried to get the manager several times and he paid no attention at all. We have eaten here before and had JR (I believe that is his name) for our server. He was absolutely fantastic. Waiting to be greeted for a long time is the worst and it definitely set the mood for the rest of the dinner. We definitely will not go back unless we have JR and a manager who actually cares!!!
(1)Sixpack Y.
They put lard in the food! You will need a 30 minutes cardio work out after that.
(1)Jack B.
Excellent little restaurant. Simple dishes, simple price and outstanding specials. Bob provided the best table service I've seen in 20 years the few times we've gone in. I was last here 11 years ago and it was a favorite then, so they've got some consistently good management.
(4)Dan B.
Worst food and service I have ever eaten/had. Sat down for dinner with my wife and noticed a server folding silver wear right up front (if your going to do this, get out of sight). Our server took our drink order (he smelled like a ash tray in a homeless mans armpit) and he brought me my margarita. This margarita tasted like a melted lime Popsicle on ice. Couldn't taste tequila in it. So already I was reluctant to stay but I gave the place the benefit of the doubt and stayed. My wife and I decided to split the fajitas. The fajitas came and, to my surprise, it was undercooked beef with red potatoes, mushrooms, green beans and carrots!!!!! It was beef stew on a hot skillet with tortillas and horrible guacamole. Fajitas are carne asada or chicken or shrimp with grilled onions, red/green/yellow bell peppers. This place needs to stop calling itself a mexican or tex mex restraunt and call itself what it is.....a horrible restraunt with horrible service. Oh and btw, the service is horrible because the another server came over and flirted with two obese women that sat next us, for the entire duration of our horrible visit. Unprofessional.
(1)Sally T.
We ate lunch here today for the first time in a year. The quality has gone way down, from the hostess to the servers to the food. It will be a long time before we try again.
(2)David S.
I've had great dining experiences at this El Chico. I've eaten lunch here many times but have never come in for dinner. The custom burritos are fresh, delicious, and huge; as well as being filled with quality meats (like fresh white meat chicken pieces without fat instead of shredded and over-seasoned chicken). The margaritas have always been well made, also. Cleanliness is one of the first things I'm concerned about when eating out and this El Chico's has always been clean. What I mean by "clean", is that there's not food pieces/dirt on the seats, carpet, or table, the restrooms are free of trash urine/feces and that public restroom smell. I definitely haven't seen any bugs crawling on the walls and I'd be surprised that someone who supposedly saw that would actually go back to the restaurant. The food is flavorful and delicious and an excellent surprise since El Chico's is a chain restaurant. There's lots of "mom & pop" Mexican restaurants in Lawton; most of them prove that just because you're Mexican and run an indie Mexican restaurant, doesn't mean you know how to make good Mexican food. Anyone who's been in Lawton a while knows that there's not a lot of great things about this city. The El Chico's is an enjoyable, quality restaurant that breaks up the usual "bleh" those who spend time in Lawton are used to.
(5)Chad C.
Best food I ever ate! Our server was excellent and friendly. We came in for lunch and had I had the new Acapulco shrimp dinner and my wife had the fajitas. Our food came out fast. I'd suggest this restaurant to all my friends.
(5)Cathy L.
This El Chico is located inside Lawton's Central Mall. My friend and I ate here at lunch time. The server was attentive and friendly. We were seated immediately and our food was promptly delivered. I cannot ask for more! Their prices are VERY reasonable.
(4)Jenny L.
Ate here two times!!! I LOVE IT. The service is incredible and the food is even better. Both times I had two great servers and the meal perfect. This is the only restaurant that has the food out in minutes. 10mins or less!!!! Must eat here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Nicole E.
We went here for lunch after another local restaurant couldn't seat us at lunch time due to being short staffed. I'm glad for the change in location! We had a very friendly server who was attentive all throughout our lunch. The salsa was super fresh and tasty - I could have had just that for lunch. My lunch was also very tasty and just what I wanted. Everyone at the table cleared their plates and I could gladly return.
(4)Bryan H.
Best Mexican in Lawton? I really hope not but compared to a lot of the other 'popular' tex mex joints in Lawton, I would say yes. Its a chain with chain food, meaning that it isnt amazing or authentic but not completely like eating cardboard either. Its average. The wait staff is usually pretty prompt and the food comes out decently quickly. The biggest complaint i have about this particular El Chico is its cleanliness. On multiple occassions i have gone in there and found bugs on the wall. Usually we are comped a free desert or queso or something but if it has happened more than once to me its probably indicative of a chronic problem not mere chance. because of the average food and subpar cleanliness I usually avoid this place. I am still giving it 3 starts however, because the food there is, sadly, usually better than the local chains that are also in the Lawton area.
(3)