El Rodeo | Mexican Restaurant

El Rodeo is clean, spacious, and still manages to feel intimate and welcoming. The décor is tasteful, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for a casual meal or a small family gathering. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious; definitely a standout! I’d happily come back and bring more of my family with me next time. 10/10 Recommend (Pictures of meal attached: Chimichangas and Grande Specia)

Food was bland; not seasoned

I’ve been going to the various El Rodeo branches since I was a child over 30 years ago and went to the original Chapel Hill location. I went on an elementary school field trip and tried one of the teacher’s mole poblano and it blew my mind.

Throughout high school and college and then whenever I would visit my family in NC I would make sure to go to the branch across University Drive from South Square Mall, the one in downtown Durham, and (more recently) the one on Westgate Drive. I always either get Tacos a la Diabla (steak and slightly spicy chorizo tacos), mole poblano, or shrimp cocktail. It has been remarkably consistent over the years—until now.

Coming to Chapel Hill for a week to visit family I was bummed to find out the Westgate location had closed and the only one left was a 25 minute drive from my parents house in north Durham close to where Duke St intersects with Roxboro road. We got enchiladas chipotle (horrible), tacos a la Diablo (mine— pretty good but so much drier than usual), and quesadillas (not great). It was kind of a depressing experience.

Along with Neo China and Tandoor Indian Restaurant, El Rodeo is one of the restaurants that introduced me to international cuisine and I’ll always love it. There are many Mexican spots in the area that are much more authentic (including at least three close to this location on Roxboro Rd). Still, El Rodeo held a special place for me.

In short, this takeout meal was not pleasant and I doubt I’ll go out of my way to go unless for some reason I am already in north Durham while visiting family.

I'm from out of state. I've been to many Mexican restaurants across the country in the deep South. Let me tell you this was the BEST one I've been to. Authentic dining experience. The salsa, guac, queso, Fajitas and street tacos were superb. I can't wait to go back. Magnifico.

Typical cheap,bland food. No flavor at all unless you count the sad excuse for salsa. Don't waste your time or money.

I have never before been served a unwrapped burrito. I thought I was loosing my mind. I asked for it to be mixed and one side had one type of meat and the other another, for this they charged me an extra dollar. The waitress was asking ME what the item on the menu was. I used to love this place but its obviously gone downhill. Also basically $30 for a burrito? I can get much better at a taco truck in Durham for much less.

There's always great customer service and delicious food. There is a great variety of Mexican dishes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Three Enchilada Plate, Cheese and Spinach Enchilada, Chips and Salsa, Cheese Dip, ACP

Kid-friendliness: Kid Menu

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, ACP

excellent food & excellent service.. I drove from Raleigh to come try this restaurant..l had heard so much about it.. I was NOT disappointed.. I had the tamales.. omg..DELICIOUS.. the staff was attentive.. thank you fir a wonderful experience.. I will return..

Food has been cold

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Great experience! A regular favorite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fajitas Mix, ACP

Consistently good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A really very nice place, the quality of the service excellent as well as the quality of the food. Very clean facilities. It is really a place worth visiting with family and friends. The prices are very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great Mexican food ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Three Enchilada Plate, Cheese and Spinach Enchilada, Tacos De Carne Asada, Shredded Chicken Nachos, Chicken Fajitas, Chili Relleno, Flat Taco with Guacamole, Chips N Salsa, Vegetarian Burrito, Chips and Salsa, Cheese Dip, Black Beans and Rice, Chimichangas, Fajitas Mix, Taco Loco, Taco Salad, Pollo Loco

Muy mala atención el recepcionista nos asignó una mesa en seguida nos trajeron chips pero después de esto pasaron aproximadamente 20 minutos hasta que tuvimos que preguntar si nos podían tomar la orden de las bebidas la verdad no les recomiendo este lugar nosotros paramos aquí porque os quedaba de paso hay mejores lugares para cenar ???