El Aguila Real Mexican Restaurant & grill

Service was great... prices good for downtown Madison... food was good but a bit bland. You have to spice it up. Great atmosphere... try it out.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Tried this spot for the first time today—so good! Every dish our fam ordered was packed with flavor, super affordable, and the service was awesome. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Worst wait time ever. Over 1 hour to get food

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The first time I came here with my sister, we were blown away! The guac was top-notch, the lime margaritas had that perfect salty kick, and her steak tacos weren’t fatty or chewy at all. Even though it was packed at 11 PM, the service was great.

I came back recently with my boyfriend after hyping the place up, but it didn’t quite hit the same. It wasn’t that busy, but our water came out barely cold with almost no ice basically warm tap water. We switched to Jarritos, which definitely hit the spot. I ordered guac, rice, and steak while my boyfriend got a burrito. My food came out at different times because I had multiple side dishes but by the time my guac arrived, it was sadly warm. The flavor was still good and there was no browning, but the chips were stale and the rice was underwhelming.

On the bright side, the steak was still delicious! We came around the same time (around 11 PM), so I’m not sure what was different this time. I’d still be willing to give it another shot though hopefully it’ll be back to how great it was the first time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

We had a really disappointing experience here. We placed a takeout order and waited for over 40 minutes. When we asked about it, the server rudely said they were busy. After asking again, she told us she never even took our order! Such an unprofessional and careless attitude — no apology, no responsibility. Very disappointing experience and I truly feel bad for the kind of service customers receive here.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Great food, atmosphere and prices. Tacos were amazing. Server was attentive. Will definitely be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Solid spot.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Giving three stars for the service.
The food felt lazy and quick, period.
The carne asada was bland, tough, not worth it.
Never would I want or wish for fajita veggies I need a steak knife to cut.
After writing this I'm making my review a two.
Pains me to say I expect a better meal for Qdoba or Chipotle.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

The food here is so tasty and fresh! Came here with my family and nothing lacked flavor, every dish from the flautas to tacos and chimichangas was delicious! Takeout from here was also amazing and good prices!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Taco, Guacamole

We visited recently with a small group, including a baby, and unfortunately the service fell short of expectations. When we arrived, there were open tables, but we were told to wait at the bar until the rest of our family arrived, which felt a little odd. Even after requesting a high chair it was forgotten until we had to ask again.

Drinks came quickly at first, but after that there were no refills offered and it became very difficult to get the server’s attention for simple things like napkins, chips, or something for the baby. When we finally did get napkins, only a few were brought out for the whole table. Meals that required silverware arrived without any, and no one ever checked in after dropping the food off. We waited several minutes, ended up having to get our own utensils, and the server never returned to ask how things were or if we needed anything else.

When we were ready to leave, it took a long time just to flag him down for the bill. Once we did get it, the total seemed high. We were charged for queso with meat even though we had only ordered plain queso, and the tortillas were listed on the menu for $2.99 but rang up at almost $7.

The food itself was good, but the lack of attention, forgotten items, and inaccurate charges made the experience frustrating and disappointing overall.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

Stopped in for lunch during taste of madison, The Buffalo chicken wings are phenomenal! Street tacos are great too!
Went back for a few of the best margaritas I've had in a couple years! If you get the chance stop in and check this place out! You won't be disappointed! 😌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

verde chicken enchiladas. the fooood was so good. idk if im being dramatic or not when i say it brung tears to my eyes because it was so good haha.
think my server is working by himself today, but he's doing soo good, and getting to everyone in a timely manner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the chicken burrito bowl and my wife had the pork pastor burrito bowl. They were awesome and we can’t wait to get back. Our server was friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

This is a hole-in-the-wall place with only a small sign out front. The simple door in front opens to a narrow hallway that leads to the larger, colorful restaurant further in. Extensive menu of many traditional Mexican-influenced dishes. Wide variety of fancy cocktails are served. We had the frozen mango margaritas which were excellent. The food was a little bland however. Unlike most Mexican restaurants, chips + salsa for the table is not complimentary but is available, as is queso + guacamole for dipping. I had the the Taco Salad which comes in a fried, fluted tortilla bowl. It was smaller than average, very bland as the ground beef was not even seasoned, and was lacking standard toppings such as guacamole or avocado slices, beans, corn + onions. It was a sad taco salad. Not recommended. My friend had The Deluxe Burrito plate + it wasn't much better--bland, unseasoned meat inside cold, unheated tortilla wrappers that looked dry. This sort of sad Mexican food could be expected in the 80's but these days, there's just no excuse. I've certainly had better. My suspicion is that the cooks/food staff are not actually Mexican but are instead Salvadorean as they don't typically use meat seasoning or much seasoning in general. Why masquerade as Mexican if u can't properly make the food? Service was very prompt + attentive. Street parking can be a challenge around here + much of it is short-term meters. Park instead at a city lot + walk over, if u must.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Food was absolutely delicious.

Food: 5