El Rodeo Menu

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  • Full C.

    Is three stars a bad review? Some may think so... Never had soup in a Mexican restaurant before. The menu was quite extensive. At least 8 kinds of soup... but this is where the fairly tale ends. 98% certain that 6 of the eight were all the same: chicken broth, chicken (or no chicken), oinions (or no onions), tomatos (or none), and some rice/noodles (or not). All for 4.75. The descriptions varied mildly, but all described the above. What showed up? A mild chicken stock soup, with a bunch of diced onions, tomatoes, cilantro and something that resembled orzo. Tasty. Filling. Perfect to help ease cold/influenza symptoms. Mexican Chicken Soup for the Soul.

    (3)
  • Keith C.

    Understaffed. Server was very scarce to be found at times when she was there she was rather good and attentive. The main meal was not that good. Half of it was less than room temperature warm, the taco was rather watery and drips all over the plate (and you could clearly see a watery puddle on the plate from it). The rice was looked more like a colored paste than actual grains and rather mushy texture on the tongue. If you are larger in size the tables become a tight fit as well when sitting so if you have a larger waist bring the butter to slide in. The only saving grace that made it 2 stars is the margarita was quite good as well as the black bean soup. Good and hot with sour cream on the side was perfect but then it's mostly broth onion and beans so a bit harder to mess that up. While I feel the quality of El Rodeo in this area has gone down over the years drastically this by far has to be at the very bottom of the list of them. Save your money and find another place to eat. If you want to just stop in for a drink then it should be an ok place.

    (2)
  • Jeanine C.

    This review will be based off my 2nd time here. I don't usually go places I don't like twice, but it really wasn't my decision - So, they're lucky they got business from me. Basically, if you live around here, it's like a low-quality Fiesta Mexico. There's no doubt in my mind that Fiesta Mexico is so much better. The food was alright, the menu's look so cheap, the people that work there are far from friendly - or that's probably because they don't speak any English. The lady that did speak English anyway - who was our waitress - was far from that as well. They only have one bathroom (for each gender) in this whole place. Are you people serious though? Do you know what Mexican food does to us Americans??? Apparently they don't know, or else they would have numerous stalls for us. And I would really love to know why they have two El Rodeo's not even 5 miles away from each other? Does one suck even more worse than the other?

    (1)
  • J S.

    If I could give them negative stars...I would. Let's start with the service. One waitress to serve the entire restaurant. ONE. The food...arrived 45 minutes in to our visit...and was warm and honestly...even if it was hot... was still sub par. No drink refills...because the one waitress obviously had her hands full. I lost an hour of my life, paid $30.00, and wish that we would have just eaten at Taco Bell. It would have been faster, cheaper, and probably tasted better.

    (1)
  • Sandy S.

    My seafood nachos were good but not great. Margaritas rocks was good and priced well. Server was attentive. Place was clean. I will return to try the entrees. Not overly impressed but not awful.

    (3)
  • Deeana L.

    Great food at very reasonable prices. The service is usually good but at times the employees tend to stare at you and make comments under their breath. I don't appreciate the comments but ignoring it helps... All and all I enjoy the food and usually do take out now!

    (3)
  • Alyssa D.

    If you want a quick meal on your lunch break and don't want fast food, El Rodeo is the place to go! Service is always fast and friendly. The Meals are always hot and their prices are affordable! Highly reccomend :) ( And for when your off the clock, the house frozen margaritas are to die for)

    (4)
  • Jamie W.

    Excellent. We are new to the area and were looking for a good Mexican place. We got right in and the food was great!

    (5)
  • Logan B.

    El rodeo has never ceased to amaze me. Its menu is VERY extensive, with so many options that it seems impossible to try everything in one lifetime. The food is consistently delicious, it comes out REALLY fast, and comes at a great price. They also have great unlimited chips and salsa. My usual pick is the Grande Dinner ($10). I love the grande dinner because it offers a great sampling of what El Rodeo has to offer (beef taco, chile relleno, chalupa, beef burrito, beef enchilada, beans, and rice). Plus, i never finish it (as the name implies). If you're not feelin' the grande dinner (or if you're in the mood for seafood), i would suggest the shrimp enchiladas ($9) or the fish tacos ($9). El Rodeo always seems to have fresh and perfectly cooked seafood. Anyway, if you're looking for a great local mexican restaurant, this is the place to go.

    (4)
  • Dana S.

    Slowest. Worst.. El. Rodeo. Ever. And there was hardly anyone else there as an excuse. Greasy chips and quesadilla with hardly any cheese. Bathroom about on par with a gas station bathroom.

    (2)
  • Dave P.

    And now for the truth!!! Anyone who rates this 3 stars or higher, probably needs to leave central Pa and experience some other culture. Is this Mexican food? Any self respecting Mexican would roll over in their grave! This is more Tex-Mex in my opinion. What we can all agree on is this is 100% glorified Mexican fast food. Chips and salsa, OK. Drinks are weak. Entrees are unremarkable. They do show up at your table 5 minutes after you order, so you tell me? Keep your expectations in check and this might scratch your ethnic food itch.

    (2)
  • Jennifer M.

    Generous portions, fairly inexpensive, cheery atmosphere, good service, quality food and drinks. Overall good experience. I was pleasantly surprised with my visit to El Rodeo. I'm a bit of a food snob, especially so for Mexican, and given the location (e.g., not near the Mexico border or close to a large Mexican/American population) they did a very nice job.

    (4)
  • Lisa R.

    I'm sad to say that this place went from a favorite in the area to pretty much wouldn't eat here except maybe for chips and salsa and a margarita. Service has slacked. Food is terribly inconsistent and even downright bad at times. This past summer sealed the deal for me. I am moving on! --------- My absolute favorite Mexican Restaraunt. The chips and salsa sooo yummy. The guac is great too. Try the Molcajete or Carnitas for your main course. Or the fajita served in a pineapple shell. And of course everything tastes even better when paired with a Margarita. They offer a number of flavors.

    (1)
  • Shannen M.

    I am from the West Coast and have not been able to find a decent Mexican Food place since moving to this state. This is surely not even close to good. The wait was long, food was poor and the service was very, very slowww....

    (2)
  • Mia K.

    Tucked next to my CVS and Ye Olde Ale House on Carlisle Pike, this El Rodeo (I believe there are 3 or so in the area) is the best one. They have an ass outside that I took a lovely picture with. The staff is friendly and helpful and the food - actually warm. Impressive. The Mole Poblano is EXCELLENT. Some of the best I've had. Yummy. Just don't fill up on the chips and the AMAZING salsa.

    (4)
  • Jeannie B.

    Simply the best Mexican food you can get 'round these parts. All of the El Rodeos (two in Mechanicsburg, one in Camp Hill, one in Harrisburg, one in Carlisle, and one in Lancaster) are fantastic, and God bless 'em for being able to pull off such consistency. Their homemade salsa is a dream. Fajitas are outstanding, as are enchiladas. The Parrillada Mar Y Tierra is also a home run. The nachos supremos appetizer has a nice mix of beef, chicken, and cheese. Guac can be made fresh and is good, but not the best. For the best fresh guac, you have to go to Plaza Azteca in Reading.

    (4)
  • Michelle N.

    We stopped here while traveling through the area, and food was pretty good. I had the Carne Asada Tacos, which were great. The steak was cooked perfectly, not chewy like they sometimes are at Mexican restaurants. Huge menu, they have everything you could imagine. The only thing I would avoid is the cheese dip. You could probably make better at home.

    (3)
  • Ty S.

    I was really shocked at how bad the Huevos Rancheros was. Absolutely the worst and bad enough to never risk going here again.

    (1)
  • Craig H.

    Having spent a number of years in the southwest perhaps my standards are a bit unrealistic. El Rodeo has nice atmosphere and decent service. The food is good if not great. it lacks a little when it comes to authentic Mexican flavor and spice.

    (3)
  • Steve P.

    Their Fajitas are fantastic, The steak is seasoned with a good spice bringing out the flavor. Definitely try one of their Mango Margaritas with sugar. Almost no taste of alcohol and that's quite deadly. A fried ice cream is a good finish. The staff is friendly and always checks back to make sure you're doing ok with your meal.

    (4)
  • Pat B.

    I like all the El Rodeo locations in the area, some serve alcohol some don't, so you can bring your own. The food is good, cheap and quick. Love all the free chips and fresh salsa. The beef chimichanga is the best and if you want a sampling platter, order the Grande Dinner.

    (4)
  • Amy G.

    OK amigos. This is typical Tex-Mex-ified food modified for the American palate (or shall we say the uneducated American palate). Lots of cheese, beans, and mild sauces. However, if you want the best of that type of food, this is the place to go. They have a great lunch carnitas that has smaller pieces of crispy pork mixed with a blend of salsa vegetables. When I order it I ask for it on the spicy side and I have to admit that you will sometimes pay for it the next day. They offer the typical combination dishes and some really good a la carte options as well. I love their a la carte tamales - not made with pork but the flavor is good. Their fajitas are also good. Even if you don't order the fajitas, chances are that you'll be hovering at the end of your booth seat, drooling over them as they pass by. They smell soooo good and the sizzling sound definitely grabs your attention. The other nice thing is that if you want a festive atmosphere you'll get it here; where tropical colors and themes flourish. Bright colors, and a little terra cotta goes a long way towards setting the mood. On certain nights you can even catch a mariachi band. Unlike many other Mexican restaurants in the Central PA area, they do have a liquor license and they do serve some nice drinks. An ice cold Negro Modelo along with a spicy plate of carnitas makes for a nice meal. You can usually taste the tequila in your margherita which is a nice change from the places that pour with such a light hand that you get to the bottom and wonder why you're not feeling anything. Of course, don't forget the chips and salsa that they serve. Their chips are very thin and crispy - always served warm and with a good dusting of salt. Their salsa is also good - not too chunky but with a good body and good flavor. I could eat the whole basket of chips and have been tempted to drink the salsa directly from the container. But I have to remember to leave space for the entree. I'm a salsa snob and this is one version I wish I could purchase in a bottle or jar.

    (4)
  • I R.

    This place was a good break from the typical New York City pseudo-Mexican spots that I have frequented lately. Sorry New York, you do NOT! have real mexican food, and since I am a native Californian who was born and raised in Mexico and California I feel I am qualified to make that distinction. El Rodeo was your typical Mexican food place but the fact that it sits in the middle of Pennsylvania was a welcome rest from the non native to me food I have been having to eat while I live in New York. I had the grande dinner plate wich was good, but not excellent. It was supposed to contain a tamale in it but I did not find anyhthing that resembled a tamale that I have ever eaten. I did have a secret glob of cheese and some other green stuff on my plate that I think was their version of a tamale. But I do not think any Mexican person would ever call that a tamale. Anyhow El Rodeo was good with the usual great attitude you would find in any restaurant staffed by Mexican people, but over all the food would be average or below in Los Angeles, which means it's great on the East Coast. So if you are ever in Mechanicsburg, PA for the Carlisle auto show like I was last week, then check "El Rodeo" out they are not too bad. The pricing was the great thing about this place. After paying $16 for a wilted taco salad in NYC this was a welcome change of pace. Try the mango margarita which was very very good and had a good kick to it.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : 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.

El Rodeo

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