Home United States Connecticut Restaurants El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina Restaurants

El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina

4.8 130 reviews Closed 483 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT 06804, United States

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Located at 483 Federal Rd in Brookfield, CT, El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina serves up a vibrant taste of Mexico, blending a lively atmosphere with a menu that offers familiar favorites and standout dishes. Customers rave about the Chicken Al Pastor Tacos and Carne Asada Tacos, priced at affordable rates of $3.50 to $3.75. The beer-battered cod of the Baja Fish Tacos adds a delicious crunch to the mix, while the bar features a selection of Mexican beers and creative margaritas, including the spicy Tropical Heat Margarita.

Reviews reflect a split experience: John Rugar lauds the outstanding food and attentive service, describing it as the best Mexican restaurant he has encountered. Meanwhile, others, like 'The Terpatraiters', note high salt levels that detract from the otherwise enjoyable flavors. The warm, family-owned vibe resonates throughout the space, with customers like Anna DeSousa appreciating its dog-friendly policy and intimate setting. Overall, while opinions on seasoning vary, the consensus highlights the restaurant's commitment to quality, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere, making El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina a promising spot for both casual diners and families looking to savor authentic Mexican fare.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina before visiting.

Reviews for El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina

4.8
130 reviews
5
100%
4
6%
3
2%
2
1%
1
6%

Review highlights

Based on 130 reviews

El Mexicano Tacos & Cantina is widely recognized for its authentic, family-owned atmosphere and attentive service, often highlighted by the owner's personal involvement. Patrons appreciate the lively yet intimate setting, which is also noted for being dog-friendly. The menu features traditional Mexican staples alongside creative vegetarian options, appealing to a broad audience. While the food is generally praised for quality and flavor, some guests mention that salty seasoning can be overpowering. Reasonably priced drinks, including popular margaritas, and dishes such as tacos, empanadas, and fajitas receive positive mentions. Overall, the restaurant is regarded as a reliable, welcoming spot for casual dining with a strong local vibe.

The Terpatraiters
Jul 10, 2025

Aye t̾e̾r̾p̾y̾fam so ya guy pulled up to EMT&C for some eats...was it what I expected? Overall: yeah, ur basic local mexican spot. Pretty lively inside with a good mix of people Traditional staples found in every spot you pull up to. The food is good, its not bad or bland but its nothing out of this world either. My issue with everything was the salt level. It was so extreme I could barely eat half of my entree. Theres tough competition locally for similar style fare so I don't know if I'll come back around again. We'll see They do have a friendly low key bar which looks inviting after a long day tho.

John Rugar
Jun 15, 2025

It is by far the best Mexican restaurant I have ever eaten in and I've been in hundreds. The owner comes out and makes sure everything is perfect for you. You can take your family out , have a great meal and double take at your bill because it's so reasonable. Quality food, great service and an owner making sure everything is fine. It can't get better than that!

Akua Atakora
May 29, 2025

Everything was excellent. Literally the best empanadas I’ve ever had in my life!! Very affordable also an excellent drink. The service was top-tier. The atmosphere is very Intimate and authentic. I definitely will be back. So happy.

Anna DeSousa
May 27, 2025

We just stopped here on a whim with our dog, and I think we have our new favorite local Mexican joint… family-owned and run - everyone super friendly and attentive - laid-back atmosphere, and very dog-friendly. Great skinny margaritas, great tacos, great guac… would highly recommend and will be back soon! thx!!

Harrison Gessow
May 22, 2025

My wife and I ate dinner here this past weekend, and I really enjoyed our meal and the overall vibe of this place. This is textbook, Americanized Mexican food in the best possible way. Sizzling fajitas, tasty tacos, and delicious drinks. Plus they have some creative vegetarian options, which is not easy to find at Mexican restaurants. On another note, I feel like the ownership and management really take a lot of pride in the restaurant, and it shows in the cleanliness, the service, and the quality of the food. Plus, the prices were totally affordable, which is rare these days. El Mexicano seems like a restaurant that serves and understand its community. We’ll be back next time we’re hungry after running errands in Brookfield!

Saj Reyes
Apr 25, 2025

1st time trying this spot and boy did it deliver!!! Great little restaurant with some amazing food. Flavor, temperature and spice 10/10. I highly recommend if your passing by. You sure wont be disappointed. Can't wait to try them again I had the sopa de pollo, pork belly, carnitas tacos, sweet plantains and mini beef changas

Andreas Washeim
Apr 23, 2025

With the recommendation of a few friends I decided to check out El Mexicano a few months ago. I've been to a lot of Mexican restaurants in the area and I have to say none have impressed me as much as this place soup to nuts. Jose, The owner, is a jolly friendly guy that always welcomes with a warm smile. All of his staff are also very positive and accommodating, something that is lacking in the service industry these days. Now on to the food! I've become a regular, go there at least once a week. So I've tried almost everything on the menu. Everything is exceptional. Always served hot and fresh and the flavors are phenomenal. Best Mexican restaurant around! My favorite dish is the Mexicano chef special, I get the shrimp and it had amazing flavor combination of white wine and garlic sauteed with peppers onions and tomatoes(see pic). On a side note, importantly to me they de-tail(I hate when there's tails on shrimps when I go out to eat personally). One of my other favors is the El Mexicano. Great combination of different flavors and textures. (see pic). Lastly while you're waiting for your entrees enjoy the homemade salsa. One of the best around! PS: Jose makes a absolutely banging margarita!

Jason Cebe-Habersky
Apr 06, 2025

We came here to have dinner and celebrate after our marriage. The whole team did a great job making us feel welcome, and our day that much more special. The food was great, as well as the drinks. Highly recommend visiting this hidden gem.

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Quick info

Address
483 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT 06804, United States
Price range
$10–20
Category
Restaurants

Opening hours

  • Monday (Today) Closed
  • Tuesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Location

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