El Palenque - Eastlake

Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $20–30 Recommended dishes: Enchiladas Carnitas

My first time here. I loved the place. Great atmosphere, the waitress was attentive and the food was very tasy. I had shrimp enchiladas and you could tell the ingredients were fresh. I also had my first margarita EVER. I can't compare it to others, but I found it very tasty and refreshing. When I got the bill, I was quite surprised at how reasonable it was. I will be coming back. Food: 5

Staff very attentive, especially Benjamin. Good sense of humor!

I normally never do this but I 'm incredibly disappointed. I love El Palenque, but my most recent experience was awful. I ordered delivery through their website because I was without a vehicle. The text notification showed a car was headed my way and then it said delivered. I never received the order so I called the driver who then said he didn 't deliver it because I didn 't put a phone number on my order (how was I receiving texts then? and that he was canceling it. I called the restaurant and they said the food was still sitting there and I could come pick it up. I stated I didn 't have a vehicle and I already paid for delivery. So I was offered a refund and a sorry, bro . The person I spoke with also decided it was okay to use the R word when describing the delivery system. I will be reporting the driver and likely never eating at this restaurant again. I 've never experienced anything like this. Update 7/14/24: The refund never came and nobody answered at the email address that was offered to help resolve the issue. I 'll continue choosing Cocos Locos when I want Mexican food.

Worst guacamole ever rotten tasting avocado with no seasoning at all, no salt or lime, just inedible. Ice tea tasted old like it was the batch from 2 days before. Enchilada Supreme plate Chile Relleno was what I ordered and both were super bland, no spice or flavor so I presume all their food is like this. Easily the worst Mexican food I have ever had but I guess this is what people like in Ohio because it was very crowded and noisy. Maybe people come for the drinks, I don't know. To try to not be completely negative I will add that the service was good and our waitress was friendly and attentive. But this is not good Mexican food. Please add some spices and teach the staff how to make proper guacamole and use fresh avocados.