EL EL FRIJOLES, Mexican Food

Have gone in October for almost ten years now. A treasure in this world.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carnitas Tacos, Crab Quesadilla, Guacamole, Salsa, Carne Asada

I had the fish tacos- they were very good but slightly bland and there was no salt to be found. I asked for corn tortillas and got flour
Chips and salsa is very bland and nothing to write home about. Owner was arrogant and bit rude to us, and not helpful.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Had the carne asada, pork burritoes, and mexican slaw. BLAND! No flavor. Even the chips and salsa were bland. I took the slaw home and added lime juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar; Perfect! The 1 thing I did love was the pickled onion; great flavor!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Such a neat little spot! We got the carnitas tacos, spicy lobster tacos, and a chipotle chicken quesadilla. The homemade tortillas had great flavor. The lobster wasn't spicy but definitely flavorful and perfectly cooked. I wouldn't say any of the salsas had a lot of heat but everything we had was flavorful and well-seasoned. The passion fruit mint aqua fresca was also delicious. Definitely a must try if you're in the area!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

AH-Mazing! Fresh, local, homemade, really tasty food! Great homemade salsas! Awesome to go guac, etc. Don't forget the frozen burritos to stock up the fridge!!!
Family friendly garden and play areas. Awesome.

Vegetarian options: Tofu taco special.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carnitas Tacos, Salsa

We came with a large party and a few of us ordered their signature 3 taco Spicy Lobster but were underwhelmed. The quantity of lobster meat was very small and it lacked any special taste. I was told later that there was self serve salsa you could put on it which seemed to defeat the purpose of a special. Other dishes were said to be “OK” and the outdoor casual atmosphere was nice.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

I would drive 6 hours for this place, and have :) It’s always our favorite because you truly can’t go wrong! From the incredible spicy lobster tacos (not that spicy) to the surf and turf or steak quesadilla. The fresh salsa bar with an insane assortment of different hot sauces—omg the guacamole!!! Everything hits the spot. You get large portions of lobster and steak popping out of whatever you get, just like in their branding. HA! The attention to details is impressive.

Now the food would be enough to have me coming back for more, but the atmosphere and people are top notch too. The vibe that the family has as they serve you is like you’re over at a best friend’s house for dinner. So kind and generous. You can FEEL that they love it, and that energy is magnetic and contagious. Sitting in the back yard at picnic tables you’re far enough from the road to feel like you have your own little sanctuary, surrounded by woods. You can see the tree house they’ve built and they have a sand box areas for kiddos.

Then the option to make more of an event out of your dining experience and bop next door to the Makers Market is such a lovely way to see/support local artist. They have really inexpensive wines, crackers/charcuterie stuff, darling cards, painting materials and more. We were with a group of friends, about 8 gals and guys and everyone walked out buying a few things because they had so many unique gifts and fun mementos.

I think summer is my favorite season because it means I can have El El Frijoles! Truly an ode to what a restaurant should be.

Vegetarian options: The beans and veggies are so delicious you can easily have a vegan or vegetarian option.

Dietary restrictions: Great option for gluten free because lots of corn tortillas!

Parking: Easy parking right by the restaurant.

Kid-friendliness: Sandbox grassy areas for kids!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spicy Lobster Burrito, Spicy Lobster Soft Tacos, Steak Nachos Supreme, Crab Quesadilla, Crabmeat Quesadilla, Fresh Guacamole, Guacamole, Salsa, Carne Asada

I cannot believe I didn’t immediately review this place when I went. We went with a good sized group (6?) and the folks running the show were helpful and funny as we made our order. Food was fresh and delicious, a little adventurous, and I felt good during (and after) eating. Enormous fan. Please go give them your money.

Vegetarian options: Everything is super good so even if you have to skip meat/dairy, you’re going to get protein and flavor.

Parking: Just be polite, park appropriately, be conscious of locals/traffic/others. Ask for help - the folks are super nice!

Kid-friendliness: Delicious, easy clean up, awesome selections

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bean Taco, Chicken Taco, Fresh Guacamole, Salsa, Oaxacan Corn Bowl

Great food & a local favorite! Our family has been eating here for years, never a bad meal. Go early, on busy summer days they sometimes close early because a kitchen can only make so much food (a testament to just how good it is.) *Their frozen burritos are a favorite bring to work option for the hubby too.*

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crab Quesadilla, Carnitas Burrito, Guacamole, Salsa, Carne Asada, Carnitas

Came in for a crab quesadilla and a salad. So good! Had a gluten free option for one of my favorite nieces too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crab Quesadilla, Guacamole

The welcoming atmosphere and terrific Mexican-Maine farm-to-table fare at El El Frijoles is not to be missed when you're visiting Downeast Maine. Two decades and it's better than ever.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My family loves this place! We tend to go for the burritos since they are the best value but the special salad with chicken and steak tacos are also favorites! Their house salsa is the best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great people making excellent food in a unique location! We felt so fortunate to visit and be nourished. Plenty of vegetarian options which I always appreciate. We'll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sorry for the bad review, but we highly anticipated eating here and they were closed. Something about water, so probably not their fault - but we were tired of fried food and ended up having to eat fried food because of this (not much around for food).

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 3

Amazing food.