El Patron Mexican Grill & Bar

El patron is an Austin, MN staple. Admittedly the food is a slightly higher priced than other Mexican restaurants but it's not too bad. The food is always excellent. Staff are friendly. Always worth a visit when you're in the area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

My go to Mexican restaurant for sure

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One star, but only because I can’t leave zero.

First of all—don’t. Just… don’t. If you’re thinking about eating here, do yourself a favor and go scream into a pillow instead. Same satisfaction, less regret.

The bathroom? Looked like it hadn’t seen a mop since the Bush administration. The rest of the place? Equally crusty. We ordered fajitas, which were apparently cooked with the sole mission of becoming beef jerky. I’ve had more tender bites chewing on my own boots.

And the margaritas? Lord have mercy. I don’t know what science experiment they’re running behind the bar, but it tasted like citrus-scented floor cleaner with a splash of despair. How do you screw up a margarita?! It’s like messing up toast.

If you want a night full of regret, have your money wasted and the flavor of broken dreams, this is your spot.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

One day while I was hungry for some lunchies I decided to give this place a chance. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made while hungry. I was seated immediately and was brought yummy chips and salsa. The staff is so kind. I ate by myself but had such an awesome experience. Basically besties with the staff. The food is so yum. I loved it here. And the staff came by to make sure I was doing okay and that the food was good multiple times which was so kind! It reminds me of this yummy Mexican restaurant that was a vital part of my childhood. Thank you El Patron Mexican Grill & Bar!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Preciously gave El Patron a 5 star. Been there several times over the past few years, but this last visit will probably be our last. The guacamole tasted way off, and the food quality was nothing like it was a few years ago. Not sure what happened to this place over the last few years:(

Food: 1

If they don't like making American pasta then they shouldn't make it. The noodles were mushy and it ruins the whole thing period.

Food: 1

Service: 4

The food was surprisingly good for a Mexican restaurant in Minnesota! The Dill pickle was a little weird, but I support creativity.

The service was very disappointing. I asked why the Despertar came with TWO eggs instead of THREE as the menu promised. The server, Edy, ignored the question. Later, when I asked what the "Service Fee" was, again, my question was ignored.

Finally, the prices are almost 50% higher than shown on the online menu.

El Patron has a lot going for it. Very good food with a notable variety. The ambiance is average but acceptable.

The online pricing seriously needs updating. And, Edy, needs a Customer Service refresher course. (I subtracted the "Service Fee" from his tip, which was already minimal since he ignored my questions.)

On a related subject, I support minimum living wages for servers combined with an elimination of the archaic tipping culture. In the Las Vegas area that would mean about $22.70/hour consistently. But, not tips.

In the highly unusual situation that I described above, I was glad that I could express my disappointment in Edy's service by adjusting his tip accordingly. But, the need for this is rare.

Vegetarian options: The sauce, the beans, and the fried eggs are probably contaminated, if not intentionally vegetarian failures.

Parking: Relatively wide spaces.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Ordered Fajitas... got very little rice, very little beans (with very very very little cheese drizzled on top), very little lettuce, green peppers were scarce but plenty of onions! Asked for no guacamole but got a huge scoop! And to top it all off, the meat was VERY tough :( NOT at all like the last time I ordered this

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

The food was awful, and the service sucked.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Mediocre at best. The margaritas were no where near expectations. I have had worse but I would not order again. The food was okay, but the shrimp was extremely overcooked on all three orders each a bit different. I am very unlikely to try again.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Very good tattoos they sell

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is decent. Queso is ridiculously overpriced. 16 oz pop shown for size comparison. 8oz cup contains a large queso (not filled completely) and cost $10. When I questioned the size for the price I was told, “Cheese is expensive.” Indeed it is but it is not $20 a pound.Our family eats here every other month or so, and we have always enjoyed the food and service. Dine in recommended.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

It was good. The rice was a bit cold. But the service was great. Loved the people that served us! ❤️

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Quesadilla

Food is always fresh and tasty, best margaritas and town, the service extremely friendly and attentive. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was amazing,it felt nice eating at a Mexican restaurant

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Enchilada