When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
El Patio Bar and Grill
Why El Patio Bar and Grill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
El Patio Bar and Grill is a well-regarded Mexican restaurant that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for meeting up with friends. A particular highlight of the venue is its lovely patio seating, which provides a relaxed outdoor environment complemented by a friendly and efficient waitstaff. The menu features classic Mexican dishes including shrimp fajitas, chicken avocado salad, burritos, chili rellenos, and carne asada, all noted for their quality and authentic flavors. The restaurant is also praised for its cocktails, especially the Cadillac margarita, which stands out as a superior choice for those looking to complement their meal with a refreshing drink. The combination of good food, reasonable prices, and a welcoming ambiance makes El Patio a popular destination for gatherings. Additionally, the warm tortilla chips and salsa served at the start of the meal are a favorite among patrons. Its consistent popularity since the 1980s reflects its status as a local institution. While the menu focuses on traditional offerings without extensive vegetarian or health-conscious options, it caters well to those seeking a classic Mexican dining experience in a fun and lively setting.
Here's what people think of El Patio Bar and Grill
As of recent, El Patio Bar and Grill holds a 4.3-star rating based on 693 reviews.
Reviews of El Patio Bar and Grill generally reflect a positive dining experience characterized by flavorful Mexican cuisine and an enjoyable atmosphere. Positive reviews commonly highlight the warm and inviting patio area as an excellent place for socializing. Many diners praise the quality of staple dishes like shrimp fajitas, burritos, chicken avocado salad, chili rellenos, and carne asada. The restaurant's cocktails, particularly the Cadillac margarita, receive commendation for their taste, and the overall service is described as friendly and efficient. Patrons appreciate the reasonably priced menu and the warm chips and salsa served at the beginning of the meal. However, some negative feedback notes that certain menu options are limited, especially for vegetarians and those seeking healthier dishes, with a lack of variety in beans and salads cited. Additional criticisms include reports of inconsistencies in food quality, such as meals arriving soggy, stale, under-seasoned, or overcooked, particularly in takeout orders. While the establishment enjoys a strong reputation among locals and repeat customers, these critiques suggest there may be opportunities for improvement in menu diversity and consistency. Overall, El Patio retains a strong appeal for those looking for a friendly, classic Mexican dining environment with good food and drinks, despite some shortcomings noted by a minority of reviewers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jeleen Ellis
Sweet and simple place. I can see this being a great weekend spot. Not kids friendly at all for those 3 and under i feel. Only 1 highchair so bring your own or hold your kiddo. I really wanted to try this place so I held mine(who did an amazing job at 1.5 years old). It did take away from me fully enjoying my food though. So maybe I'll come again without my kiddo. Over all though the food was fantastic and the servers were nice.
David Stahulak
I was really excited to try this place. The experience started off great—service was attentive, and both the drinks and food were enjoyable. However, things quickly took a turn once we asked to be seated outside. Big mistake. Shortly after sitting down, we had to ask staff to kill a large spider near our table. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of it. We ended up killing three more spiders ourselves—plus a roach. I understand we were outside, but the lack of maintenance was unacceptable. When we were first seated, the area seemed fine, likely because the outdoor lights weren’t on yet. But once they turned on, it revealed that most of the chairs were covered in spider webs—and some still had spiders crawling on them. I asked to speak to a manager and was told there wasn’t one available. Our server dismissed our concerns, saying, “Well, since I didn’t see the spiders, there’s nothing I can do.” I literally handed her napkins with the dead spiders in them so she could see them. Even then, nothing was done. To top it all off, they began placing cleaning supplies on our table while we were still sitting there, and while the kids were still eating. We wanted to enjoy ourselves, and the service started strong—but the lack of cleanliness and the poor response to our concerns completely ruined the experience. Definitely not returning
Caitlin
I really liked the aesthetics of the restaurant. Our server was very friendly and helpful. Our service was quick including for our cocktails. My knock is that some of the food was amazing and some of it was just okay. I ordered the chicken mofongo and did not expect to get what tasted like chicken cooked in cream of chicken soup dumped over the mofongo for $18. My friend ordered the pinchos and those were well seasoned and came with a delicious salad and yuca. Between the over priced menu and the hit or miss food I'm not sure I would come back again.
Carlos Rosales
Drove from Durham to try out the inovated menu and atmosphere. Everything we had was delicious. To drink, we had a strawberry Margarita pitcher and it was good enough for two people. The waitress was attentive but missed some things like giving us the plates and making sure we had everything set up on the table. To start we ordered the mixed pinchos and wow! –They were pretty good with a nice presentation with fried yuca along with an amazing dressing and a salad. We also ordered the empanadas and they were okay (not a big fan anyways). The atmosphere is welcoming and bathrooms were super clean too. 4/5 👌
Lillian Koontz
This place showed up in my Instagram feed as a great spot for a girls night. Service was slow, club soda was flat in my cocktail and the food was just not good in our opinion. While there, another group of girls walked in, sat down and left before ordering drinks. Mad respect for their social media game, but the IRL experience is lacking. My friend and I made the best of it and claimed the night as our first cat fishing experience. Food pictured is an appetizer. It's a plantain with grilled shrimp and what we described as a cheese soup dumped all over it and then a flower on top, in a word "strange" describes this dish.
How to reach El Patio Bar and Grill
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Why El Patio Bar and Grill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at El Patio Bar and Grill with your friends?
Gathering your friends at El Patio Bar and Grill offers the perfect blend of lively atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and inviting space that makes any meetup special. Whether you want a casual night out or a festive celebration, this grill and bar provides an environment that encourages camaraderie and fun. Its solid 4.3-star rating from nearly 700 reviews attests to its consistent popularity and ability to satisfy guests with great food and service. When you choose El Patio, you’re picking a place that accommodates groups comfortably, so there’s room to laugh, share stories, and create memories together. The combination of flavorful dishes, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming vibe makes it an excellent destination to reconnect with old friends or bond with family. In addition, the staff’s attentive service ensures your group feels well taken care of, helping the entire experience flow smoothly. For anyone looking to enjoy quality time in a relaxed yet upbeat setting, El Patio Bar and Grill stands out as a prime choice to rally your friends around.
What kinds of activities and experiences does El Patio Bar and Grill offer for group meetups?
El Patio Bar and Grill is well-equipped to turn a simple outing into a lively social event, thanks to a diverse range of activities and experiences catering to groups. The restaurant’s spacious layout enables groups to sit together comfortably, facilitating easy conversation and group dynamics. Beyond dining, the bar area provides a vibrant setting for enjoying specialty cocktails and cold beers, making it an ideal spot for casual drinks or pre-game gatherings. The menu features crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dishes such as fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas, offering something for every taste and dietary preference, including vegetarian options. This variety encourages sharing plates and tasting multiple dishes, a natural way to engage the group. Moreover, El Patio’s ambiance strikes a balance between lively and welcoming — the music and décor uplift the mood without overwhelming conversation. This makes it a congenial spot for game nights, birthday celebrations, or simply catching up after a long week, as the venue supports both energetic socializing and more intimate chats.
Why is El Patio Bar and Grill considered a perfect place for group gatherings?
Several features distinguish El Patio Bar and Grill as an ideal hub for groups seeking a relaxed yet memorable dining experience. First, the restaurant manages to maintain efficient and friendly service despite busy times, assuring groups that their needs will be met promptly without long waits. Its reputation for high-quality, flavorful food served in generous portions adds to the appeal, giving everyone plenty to enjoy without feeling rushed. The affordability of its menu further enhances its attractiveness, making it accessible for budgets of all kinds — an important factor when planning outings with friends or family. The welcoming staff create an inviting atmosphere where groups feel valued, encouraging return visits and loyalty. Additionally, the location often fills up due to its popularity, signaling a trusted experience that many choose for group meetups. Whether it’s a spontaneous get-together or a planned event, El Patio Bar and Grill provides the necessary amenities — good food, drinks, space, and service — to ensure that social gatherings hit the right note.
How does El Patio Bar and Grill cater to food and drink preferences in groups?
One of the biggest challenges in group dining is accommodating the diverse tastes and dietary needs of everyone involved. El Patio Bar and Grill excels in this area by offering a broad and varied menu that appeals to many palates. Their Tex-Mex inspired dishes range from hearty meat entrees like pork burritos and fajita plates to vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone at your table can find something delicious. Signature items like cheese enchiladas and their famed tortillas provide comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors. The kitchen focuses on freshness and authentic taste, contributing to consistently positive feedback on the food’s quality. On the beverage side, the bar boasts a good selection of cocktails and chilled beers, perfect for complementing meals or simply relaxing with friends. This variety allows groups to customize their dining experience, whether they want to indulge in full meals, light snacks, or just drinks to unwind. The combination of thoughtful food and drink options ensures that El Patio supports every guest’s preference and elevates the overall meetup.
What makes the atmosphere and service at El Patio Bar and Grill conducive to memorable occasions?
El Patio Bar and Grill fosters a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere that allows group gatherings to feel both special and comfortable. The décor balances a casual vibe with tasteful Mexican-inspired elements that brighten the setting without overpowering it. The mood is typically lively but intimate enough to facilitate easy conversation, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a reunion, or just enjoying a weekend night out. The staff are frequently praised for their attentiveness and friendliness, attending to customer needs promptly while maintaining warmth and professionalism. This attentive service helps groups focus on enjoying the moment without distractions from poor coordination or slow responses. Additionally, the restaurant’s ability to handle a busy crowd without compromising quality or service is a mark of its experience in catering to groups. These factors come together to create an environment where guests feel comfortable, valued, and encouraged to return — making every meetup at El Patio a memorable event.
How accessible and convenient is El Patio Bar and Grill for group outings?
Accessibility and convenience are critical considerations when choosing a venue for a group meetup, and El Patio Bar and Grill scores well on both. Located in an area with ample parking and easy access, it simplifies logistics for groups arriving by car. The restaurant’s layout supports groups of varying sizes with options for larger tables and cozy corners, allowing flexibility depending on your party’s needs. Booking ahead is usually straightforward, helping groups secure preferred seating and avoid long waits. The reasonably priced menu also enhances accessibility, making it feasible for multiple guests without financial strain. Moreover, the combination of quick, efficient service and a comprehensive menu streamlines the overall experience, ensuring groups can relax and enjoy food and drinks in good time. All these factors contribute to making El Patio Bar and Grill not just a delicious dining choice but a practical and dependable venue for group outings.
What feedback do visitors provide regarding their group experiences at El Patio Bar and Grill?
Visitor reviews highlight El Patio Bar and Grill’s ability to please groups with great food, welcoming service, and a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere. Many patrons recount returning multiple times due to consistently satisfying experiences, particularly praising the flavor and portion sizes of popular dishes like fajitas and burritos. The quick and friendly service is frequently noted, spurring appreciation for staff who handle busy nights efficiently and courteously. While a few comments mention price points as slightly higher compared to some similar Mexican restaurants, the consensus indicates that quality and experience justify the cost. Some guests recommend the venue for its lively social ambiance, perfect for group celebrations or casual meetups. Negative feedback is rare but mostly concerns isolated issues; overall, the 4.3-star rating from hundreds of reviews reflects strong approval from a broad customer base. This positive reputation underscores El Patio Bar and Grill as a trusted spot for hosting enjoyable group gatherings.