El Patron

I think this is THE BEST place for Mexican cuisine in Durham. I am obviously not from Mexico, so my perspective is very much of a typical East Coaster, but I love coming here. Have been for years. In the photo is the ACP (Arroz Con Pollo) with flour tortillas. They always serve free chips and salsa, after being seated at your table. Courteous, friendly, warm, festive, and efficient. The staff here makes you feel like family. This is why after 8 years of living in Durham, I only come to El Patron for their great Mexican food.

Came here for Taco Tuesday with a couple of friends. The service and food was AMAZING. I don’t even think our entrees took 15 minutes. The portion sizes are so big, I let out a “damn!” in front of the waitress when she brought our food to the table 😂 The chips were bland and the salsa was too runny/didn’t have much flavor, but everything else made up for it. Great drinks too. I’ll definitely be back.

So I'm having to go back and adjust my orginal rating from a 5 to a 4. Food is still very good but compared to similar restaurants near by their prices are much higher across the board! Service was excellent onelce again. Their "specials" are a joke IMO. Asked what the specials were today(Tuesday) was told 3 birria tacos for 13.50 and a large margarita type drink for 13.50.

Cleanliness: Tables were clean as was the entire dining room area. Bathroom had been neglected a bit and smelled heavily of urine. Food preparation was taking place without gloves on, after staff had scratched their faces or wiped sweat from their foreheads. I noticed this while looking through the kitchen doors while waiting to pay my check. Service: Was awesome. Our waitress was pregnant and still working very hard to give us drink and chip refills. She was great. Quality: Your typical Mexican restaurant dishes, like fajitas that come out on a sizzling griddle, chori-pollo, shrimp tacos, etc. Not entirely authentic, but good. Price: Wonderful prices and big portions! I would say this is the best part about this place. $0.99 cent Taco Tuesdays? Incredible offer and price! I will definitely make this my local go-to Mexican restaurant.