El Porton Mexican Restaurant

As a die-hard fan of the OG El Porton in Roswell - first at that classic spot south of Mansell on Hwy 9 (old Kroger center), now killing it in the old Applebee’s building at 11190 Alpharetta Hywy - I’ve got high standards for this chain.

Why bring up Roswell for a Duluth review? Because that original location is still the undisputed king of Atlanta-area American-Mexican restaurants. It sets the bar sky-high for that perfect Americanized Mex vibe - even as El Porton has expanded all around Tennessee and now into Arkansas.

The Duluth Station spot off Old Peachtree isn’t quite as good as the original: meats can be cooked slightly drier at times, and bar service isn’t as sharp. But it’s still very good compared to the competition! Standouts include the legendary El Portón dip (creamy, savory, cheesy perfection), rich mole sauce that’s spot-on, the delicious chicken soup, and the sizzling Chori-Pollo packed with flavor.

Generous portions of fajitas, crispy chimichangas, and endless chips with killer salsa hit all the right Tex-Mex notes. Not chasing “authentic” Buford Highway spice (that’s its own world), but for crowd-pleasing, beer-friendly Mexican-American grub, it delivers. Service overall is friendly, prices are right, and margaritas flow cold.

Roswell remains #1, but Duluth’s a strong runner-up. Raise a frosty Dos Equis Amber to this growing empire - salud! 🍻🇲🇽

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Second time trying this location. The first time I only ordered 2 tacos and some green onion and it took at least 35 minutes to receive my order while waiting. Tonight I Ordered Togo and let's just say the service SUCKS. I arrived to pickup my order and majority of my food was COLD AS ICE. Not only did they seem upset because I wanted it hot but the guy that cashed me out I'm thinking was one of the managers or maybe even owners let the cook know and they started speaking Spanish and laughing which I didn't understand what they were saying. I'm fairly new to the area and we're looking for a new Mexican restaurant being we work a lot and eat out at least 3 times a week. I WILL NOT BE BACK to spend my money here when I don't feel appreciated. FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GO, I KNOW WE ARE!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Exactly what you want from a neighborhood Mexican spot. Good chips and salsa, good margaritas, good classic Mexican food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Their food is good. We are their regular customer. We visit once per quarter. In our recent visit, the service is terrible.
Our waitress argued with me twice about the same item i ordered. The menu clearly said “served with white rice”. She said no. At the end, I told her that she charged a wrong item. She argued with me again. OMG. The name is different and the price is different. The manager did apologize to us.

I will not go back to this location again. They have many locations. Please avoid this location at all cost.

BTW, their coupon will not work on Tuesday and Friday.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Love the food and the staff. It’s our weekly Mexican joint. The Pollo Chipotle is delicious!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My family's been going here for many many many many many years and the people that run it are amazing and friendly and all of the staff is friendly also

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Terrible service

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

The quality of the food was good, but the service could have been better. There were only 3 of us at the table. Instead of receiving all 3 meals at the same time, there was at least a 5 minute interval between the serving of each meal. Also, no one came to check if everything was OK or asked if we wanted refills. The restaurant wasn't that full with customers.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

The most absolute delicious chicken soup ever. If you're feeling the slight bit of a cold coming on, go there and get the chicken soup and it will heal all your ailments. Chunks of Chicken breast & Avocado too. GREAT MARGARITAS TOO

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is very good. They have good lunch specials.

My favorite dish here is the chimichanga. It's fried hard like I like it.

Doesn't take long for the food to come out which makes it a good spot for lunch break during work.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Me and my friend stopped here for early dinner. We got beef enchiladas supreme and chicken enchilada supreme. But they were super dry, lackluster, and the enchilada tortillas were hard. I read the reviews and expected more, maybe it was the cooks today.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

I love it here! Great food,service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been eating at El Porton for over 15 years and have never had a bad meal and all the servers are so kind , they definitely deserve more stars I recommend they’re enchilada Verdes the best I’ve had in my life.❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food and service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Always tasty Mexican food at El Porton. My family has been coming here for years. They have delicious specialty dishes like Pollo Hawaiiano, el molcajete, ceviche and all the usual tacos, enchiladas, etc.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5