El Mariachi

Had the campeon burrito and shredded beef chimichanga. Campeon was huge, but tasted bland after a while. Chimichanga was yummy! Definitely ask for the extra chili pepper sauce, adds a nice spicy kick!

This place is great. We rushed in before they closed to get a couple of tacos on our way to the airport. They were super fast and even gave us an extra taco. I highly recommend them.

Craving Mexican food? Want something authentic and decent priced in the Aiea area? This is a cute, little restaurant you can enjoy good Mexican food.
FOOD
The STEAK FAJITAS were decent. I love the drama of these sizzling dishes. I feel it completes the whole food experience. This is one of my fave things to order at any Mexican restaurant if it’s available. The KIDS CHEESE QUESADILLAS were large and good. Thumbs up from the kiddies. THE Virgin HORCHATA was winners. Don’t forget to bring your flask, haha. BYOB.
ENVIRONMENT
Located in the Aiea area. Relaxing.
SERVICE
Good. They were friendly and quick.
CONCLUSION
A nice little Mexican restaurant in the Aiea area.

I’d say El Mariachi is one of the better Mexican restaurants here in Oahu.
Food (4 out of 5): Upon seating, they gave us free basket of chips and salsa. Chips are okay, but the salsa is good! For the main entrée, I ordered the Dos Enchiladas with shredded beef (~$ 10) and my boyfriend ordered Tampequena ($ 15). Both plates came with rice, refried beans and pico de gallo. Dos Enchiladas were okay — shredded beef was flavorful but the flour tortilla seemed to be a little dry. The Tampaquena came out okay too — steak was cooked to my bf’s liking, and this plate comes with cheese Enchiladas, some flour tortilla, sour cream, guacamole. Pretty manly plate! FYI, no free refills on soda (whaat.seriously?!). I’ve been here quite a few times and this was my fave Mexican restaurant, but today I wasn’t as impressed on the food than I used too. Did they change their cooks? Or maybe my palette is changing?
Service (3.5 out 5): Was good.
Ambience (3 out 5): Can do some upgrading.
Overall, I’d say if you are craving for some Mexican food, this will do the job.

Mariachis I’m pretty sure that the lady said it was a family owned business I like the food there, I think its one of the best Mexican food restaurant on the island because Mexican food is hard to come by on Oahu I like it cuz its real authentic, and if you go try the salsa they make the salsa the way I like it nice and thick not watery or runny and just the right amount of heat.

First time eating here. At first impression I was typical Mexican décor, nothing special. The place was half filled at 8pm on a Saturday night. First we got the free chips and salsa. I didn’t care for the salsa, it tasted like store bought salsa. I ordered the carnitas. I came at a reasonable amount of time. It looked pretty good. It was a generous amount of food. I admit I didn’t expect much but everything was delicious. The pork was a kinda oily but I didn’t care because it was seasoned just right. Both the rice and beans were also delicious. The flour tortillas were hot. I was pleasantly surprised with my carnitas. My plate was 12.99, service was good, what a deal. The plate was 4 stars, everything else was 3. I definitely will eat here again.

The name of this establishment is called El Mariachi 2 and not just el Mariachi. I’ve been here a few times and everytime I come through, I’m never disappointed. I actually notice that out of all the Mexican restaurants I have been on the island, this is the one that serves the best Horchata and the food is always on point. I have been to El Cholo in Northshore and they water theirs down so much that it tastes like water with a hint of cinnamon. I also went to another restaurant in Wahiawa and the food was great but the horchata had a strong generic cinnamon taste. The only thing that I have to say that is bad about this place is that it’s tucked away behind Wendy’s and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you will miss it. I also like the reasonable prices of this restaurant because right next to the aiea bowling alley there is another Mexican restaurant and the food is not so great but the prices are insane.

I have to admit that I had some reservations about eating here because yes, I am a Mexican food snob. With that said I was pleasantly surprised. I had my normal carne asada burrito and a shredded beef taco combo. The carne asada was actually strips of beef which it should be. Normally many so called Mexican restaurants use thin or bad quality beef but not here! They stuffed it with beef and it was pretty tasty. Ask for the habanero sauce and mix it with the salsa that is provided. The taco I would not order because the shell was similar to what you get at Taco Bell rather than a shell that was deep fried themselves. The shredded beef was very good so sort of a waste to have it on a premade shell.
The one star omission is for the fact there are no free refills on anything. This includes chips, salsa and soda. I am not hating too much nice the food was good but next we’ll all sit separately and get our own chips and salsa and then sit together after they bring it. Just joking but not really. The other reason for the star omission is the taco shell as I mentioned.
The other highlight is that Amber who was our server was very good. She was attentive and plus she liked my little Mexican phrases I used. Definitely worth going back to!

Only a three cuz it’s the first time. But it’s on my list of favorites so I can come again. I had the Shrimp Ceviche tostadas, guacamole and horchata.

El Mariachi is a nice tucked away Mexican restaurant in Aiea. Let’s be honest Mexican food is hard to come by in Hawaii and most people can only name about 4 places, if that. That being said this is one of my go to places when I want a quick bite or craving Mexican and don’t want to go far. I would equate this place to the Zippy’s of Mexican. Great for a quick bite, tasty items, and convenient.
I have had some good Mexican food in LA and Arizona and I’ve had some questionable Mexican food in Mexico. I’ve even enjoyed some good olé home cooking from locals from Mexico that was outrageously good. So like anything else, there are good and bad places everywhere just need to find what you like. Just stop telling yourself there are no good Mexican places in Hawaii, just find something you like to eat at that restaurant.
I always enjoy eating the Carne Asada Chili Relleno or the Carne Asada Burrito with some Horchata to wash it down. Get the combo and just add one or two more items; it’s the best deal especially for takeout then ordering separate plates.
Personally I haven’t tried much of the other items because this is what I like to eat. Salsa is good but not quite as spicy and hearty as I’d like it. Still good with some fresh chips and Horchata.
Atmosphere reminds me of old school Aiea where it’s not crowded, good place to sit down and relax. Can’t beat Mexico’s (on School Street in Kalihi) with the live mariachi playing.
If you’re looking for drinks and food you are better off going to Mexico or El Charro also in Aiea. Both have a decent sized bar and margaritas to boot.
Parking is tight in this area but I’ve never had a problem finding a space.
Food ⁴⁄₅
Alcohol — none that I know of
Price ⁴⁄₅
Atmosphere ⁴⁄₅
Parking ⁴⁄₅

Oh hell no!!! This place was nasty. The burrito is huge but the taste and stuff they put in there was gross. I left half the food there and walked out. Service was slow as heck. The table next to us finished their meal and still didn’t get water until the customer reminded them again. The El Mariachi in Kaneohe was the complete opposite. Go there.

Didn’t see it at first, but found it tucked away in the corner. It was a little busy but luckily there were couple tables open. Service was fast, got our basket of chips and salsa right away even our drinks. Food was delicious, especially the deep fried ice cream. Portions were more than enough so remember to leave room for dessert. Left satisfied and full.

VETERAN’S Day, Lunch with my Navy Veteran hubi Ken Schmidt, outstanding & Onolious, REAL El Mexican cusine, our server, «Mike» excellente

The best Menudo ever! It’s everything I dreamt it would be. But since it’s only served on weekends I always eat Pork Flauta.
It’s also the first place I’ve attempted and I love the chile relleno.
I got my last menudo on a Monday! When the flavors are more infused and the tripe is extra old and tender. Mmmm…

I had been craving Mexican food and my buddy Chris took me here for lunch. It’s not exactly a hidden gem, but it is not someplace I would’ve found on my own (so thank you Chris!) because I am really bad at directions.
I think we came at a good time because it wasn’t hard to find parking. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of parking in that area and I can imagine it’d get busy during the lunch rush.
Upon entering I see all of these bright colored hats along the wall as well as the other decorations.
I’m not gonna pretend to know a lot about Mexican culture or anything like that because I’ll just look stupid and feel stupid as well. I don’t know what ‘authentic’ Mexican restaurants look like since I rarely go to Mexican restaurants. This place is not really big but it can serve quite a good amount of people (When I went it was empty but over 15 people had piled in not too long after)
I am so glad Chris was with me because I didn’t know what a lot of the stuff was. I got a chimichanga with shredded beef in it and I believe Chris got Carne Asada fries. I like the meat he had on the fries lol. My food was delicious! The outside was soft but with a light crisp (i love that) and the meat was soft and so well seasoned. The beans it came with was the first thing to go since I love me some refried beans. The rice was good as well. It comes with a huge dollop of guacamole and sour cream and Pico de Gallo. I couldn’t finish it because I had to make sure I had room for…
FRIED ICE CREAM. I WILL CAPS LOCK THIS ENTIRE PARAGRAPH BECAUSE I AM SO IN LOVE WITH IT AND I NEED TO SHOUT IT OUT TO THE Unilocal WORLD. I HAVE HAD FRIED ICE CREAM FROM A COUPLE OF PLACES AND UP UNTIL I CAME HERE, MY FAVORITE PLACE TO GET FRIED ICE CREAM WAS BANDITOS (OBVIOUSLY I HAVEN’T HAD THAT IN FOREVER SINCE IT CLOSED) IDK WHAT KIND OF MAGICAL STUFF THEY PUT ON THE OUTSIDE BUT IT WAS CRUNCHY SWEET. I DON’T SEE THE POINT IN SAYING SOMETHING IS TOO SWEET/​UNHEALTHY WHEN IT’S FRIED ICE CREAM. THAT’S THE POINT. AH MAH GAH. I THOUGHT THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS ALREADY BUT THE FRIED ICE CREAM TOTALLY SEALED THE DEAL.
They take cash and card I believe, I honestly don’t know for sure because Chris treated me (thank you again, Chris!)
The waitress that helped us was so busy but still managed to give everyone a beautiful and warm smile and gave us great service. I hope to see her again when I go back: D
My first impression of this place is absolute amazement. I had heard of this place multiple times before but as I mentioned earlier, I am bad at directions. lol.
If you’re in the area of this place and are craving Mexican food, please give this place a shot. I hope you will not be disappointed. I wasn’t :D

«Yeah baby! I like it like that. I like it like that! I got soul… I got soul! Stomp your feet if you like my beat. Clap your hands if you like some more!»
Guess who’s clapping her hands and stomping her feet? That would be me and I’m not clapping because I’m happy and I know it (well…ok, that too) but because I want some more! Hubby and I decided to venture out and resume our project of eating at a different restaurant as opposed to eating at our «safe» and favorite places. Choices were Thai or Mexican and I had hubby choose (I’m always afraid that his choice will bomb and I’ll leave upset and disappointed for not having chosen) (meanwhile this rings in my ear, «choose wisely Spartan!!).
El Mariachi… slightly hidden in a strip mall in Aiea and if you’re like me, you will Unilocal the place and look for a picture of the exterior so you know where you’re going. For some strange reason Hawaii is not big on building numbers and for those of us who are directionally challenged, it poses many risks, fears and anxiety. Thank goodness hubby was with me — found it easily without angst.
The food:
SUPER sized Steak Campeon BURRITO (there’s only one size) and boy this was humongous! I was embarrassed to have that enormity of food on our table for two. Let’s just put it this way — he couldn’t finish it all and i wrapped the rest to take home. Tender, tasty, delicious concoction of flavors all wrapped up in a flour (you pick the wrap) tortilla and smothered in red sauce (excuse the lack of culinary-​speak). It was good! Dish comes paired with sour cream, guac and refried beans. Excellent dish to share!
Shrimp Chimichanga Plate with a side of refried beans and rice, sour cream and guac was also a great choice. Tender, clean and plentiful shrimp filled the fried tortilla. The wrap was flaky, light and quite different from the «chimis» I’ve had before. This wasn’t tough and plentiful but rather the perfect balance of crust to filling. El Mariachi does it right! The rice and refried beans wasn’t anything spectacular and obviously not the star of this dish. It was just ok.
The Experience:
Excellent service! The dining room was serviced by a single young lady who did not appear frazzled or overwhelmed having to service the entire room by herself. Did I mention she was excellent? Service with a genuine smile and attentive to our needs and timely with the check. This girl rocks and had take outs, orders and bussing the tables done like a pro!
This décor isn’t trendy or Mexican-​glam but rather subdued with the stereotypical plastic tablecloths with the a chili and sombrero motif, red walls and sparse wall décor. IMHO not really a «hole in the wall» kinda place either but teetering between that and extremely casual place to eat.
I’d come back and bring newbies with me, this time trying out a new dish. Listen out for the clapping of hands and stomping of feet! That’d be me because I’m happy and I know it… AND I like some more.

The location was a bit difficult to find but its in the shopping center across from where the Unilocal directions told us that we had arrived at. The place has an authentic feel and there is one TV that was playing football since it is newly in season. (Michigan state won)
The menu is not hard to follow and I decided to order the Dos Tacos with Carnitas. They serve them on flour or hard shell. I didn’t see corn tortilla but they may have it if you ask for it. Tacos come with lettuce, pico, cilantro and cheese. They also include rice and beans. It was a good hearty portion and the service was great.
They didn’t forget anything we asked for and they asked if we wanted refills when the drinks were low.
I would say for three people look to spend around 30.00 including regular drinks.
If you prefer to support small local businesses this is a great place to go.

So delicious, so fresh, and so full with their big portions.
Services was great and fast. Chips and salsa came right away as soon as we sat down. The shrimp ceviche was so fresh and tasty. The horchata was deliciously sweet with a dash of cinnamon.
Lots of daily specials to choose from, the huge burrito caught my hubby’s eyes. and for me, I wanted the Menudo, that wasweekend only.
Both of those dishes were so satisfying and delicious. The burrito was filled with cheese, meat, beans and rice. The Menudo was flavorful with lots of tender piece of tripe, that melts in my mouth.
We are so happy and full at the end. Highly recommend!

Great option when you don’t want to drive into town and have to return home through the rail traffic hell. We’ve eaten here many times, and the food is always good and service friendly. My husband is more of a Mexican food afficionado than I am, and he prefers this place to the one up the hill by the bowling alley.
One of my sons loves the kids meal quesadilla with the shredded chicken. I must say, their shredded chicken is the one of the best I’ve tasted in a Mexican restaurant, very juicy with the right amount of seasoning. Their grilled steak and carnitas are also delicious. My other son always has the carne asada, which is a total deal for under $ 15! The meat is good quality steak. Not Hy’s quality, of course, but great for the price and setting. Our favorites here are the chimichanga, burritos, sopes, and tacos. On our last visit they had run out of salsa (HUH??? This alone should be minus 5 stars in a Mexican place!!), but they gave us a gigantic bowl of guacamole in its place. Not quite the same, but a nice gesture nonetheless. Towards the end of our meal they brought out freshly made salsa, just in time to add to our meals.
Don’t forget to end your meal with their fried ice cream or «la banana de goyo,» which is a banana chimichanga dessert. Bueno!

Great option when you don’t want to drive into town and have to return home through the rail traffic hell. We’ve eaten here many times, and the food is always good and service friendly. My husband is more of a Mexican food afficionado than I am, and he prefers this place to the one nearby.
One of my sons loves the kids meal quesadilla with the shredded chicken. I must say, their shredded chicken is the one of the best I’ve tasted in a Mexican restaurant, very juicy with the right amount of seasoning. Their grilled steak and carnitas are also delicious. My other son always has the carne asada, which is a total deal for under $ 15! The meat is good quality steak. Not Hy’s quality, of course, but great for the price and setting. Our favorites here are the chimichanga, burritos, sopes, and tacos. On our last visit they had run out of salsa (HUH??? This alone should be minus 5 stars in a Mexican place!!), but they gave us a gigantic bowl of guacamole in its place. Not quite the same, but a nice gesture nonetheless. Towards the end of our meal they brought out freshly made salsa, just in time to add to our meals.
Don’t forget to end your meal with their fried ice cream or «la banana de goyo,» which is a banana chimichanga dessert. Bueno!

I’m from San Diego and have been missing my local taco shops serving up carne asada fries. Well this place offers the bomb carne asada fries plate which I did not originally find on the menu but on the «Specials» board. Our party also ordered chile relleno plate which came with rice and beans, shredded beef taco, and a carne asada burrito. Everything was delicious. The only downside was the chips and salsa. The chips weren’t as fresh as I thought it would be.

Fast and friendly service. Huge portions. Food is like most Mexican restaurants which was pretty good. My boyfriend had the steak and shrimp fajita special and I had the special burrito. Chips and salsa is free but they charge $ 1.50 extra for refills.

Out of all the Mexican restaurants, this place could have to be one of my favorites.

This is a hole in the wall kind of restaurent!
Me and my husband went there looking at all the reviews on Unilocal.As we went in, we were welcomed by a very sweet waitress. Complimentary chips and salsa was given while we looked through the menu (Salsa was fresh and amazing).
I ordered the Grilled Chicken chimichanga and my husband wasnt sure about his order so he asked the waitress for suggestions. He ordered the Grilled chicken Fajita Burrito. We are spicy food lovers and we ordered a side of Habanero sauce (Always order this at El Mariachi if you are a spicy food lover).
The food was great and the portions were humongous! Literally twice of what I had expected. The habanero sauce made it even more delicious. I would definitely recommend this place and will definitely visit again for my Spicy burrito cravings.
Never forget Habanero sauce!!!

While attending college in Southern California, I had wonderful opportunities to try really really good Mexican food. Since moving back home, the options for really really good Mexican food have dwindled considerably, so I am always on the lookout for recommendations! (*Hint Hint*) After hearing great reviews for El Mariachi, I found my way to Aiea! Located in the Aiea Commercial Center, El Mariachi is a bit of a hidden gem. There are a few stalls located right in front of the restaurant and shared with neighboring businesses.
We arrived on a Saturday afternoon after the usual lunch rush and were immediately seated. As we poured over the menu, our friendly waiter brought a basket of tortilla chips and salsa for us to munch on. The salsa was terrific and our waiter kindly brought us more with our meal upon request. I went ahead and ordered the Chicken Tamales which came with a side of rice, beans, and a small salad of lettuce and pico de gallo.
The first tamale was terrific! The masa’s soft and buttery texture just melted in my mouth and the chicken filling was well seasoned. The second tamale, however, was dry, dense, and hard — I couldn’t even bite into it! I tried to eat around the inedible parts, but eventually gave up. The flavors were spot on, but the texture just could not be salvaged…
Aside from this mishap, the rest of my meal was worthy of a return trip when my cravings hit again. I just won’t order the tamales again…

Hola Amigo! Este es el mejor restaurante Mexicano jamás !!
You seek the best in Mexican on this (or any) side of Oahu? Que? This is THE BEST EVER. I have not in New Mexico, Texas, California, Arizona, or Nevada found such a place.
Location = Across the street from the Gas Station and McDonald’s in a hidden strip mall on the LEFT as you enter the street. All the way back in there on the RIGHT. Yes, a bit hard to find, though WORTH THE EFFORT.
Parking = Ample.
Customer Service = I can’t say enough.
Price = You get what you pay for. I paid $ 13 for a HUGE plate of deliciousness. A super deal anywhere on Island.
Menu selections = you will find a lot written in Mexican. How cool (and authentic) is that, right?
Establishment = Spotless. About 10 tables with 4 chairs each. No booths. It’s not that kind of place… it’s so much better…
Portions = Grande. I had ours take away and it took two containers just for my «Combinacion» with Tres (3) selections. I had the go-​to staple Burrito, and Tamale and Chimichanga. It came with Red Rice and Re-​fried Beans. WOW…
Taste ?? Need you ask? The ingredients are top-​of-​the-​line. I would swear they use Rib-​eye for their beef and Black Pig for their pork. The freshest veggies and… WOW!!! I’m literally blown away with this place. What an authentic, delicious, friendly, VERY satisfying meal.
BYOB = Bring Your Own Beverage. Sure, they serve authentic Mexican Coke here, which is NOT like American Coke. You must have one if you never have. It’s so unique to your pallet.
BYOB in this establishment means you can bring Cerveza (beer) or hard liquor. Oh my… stand by… I will return for the BEST in EVERYTHING Mexico has to offer on Oahu.

What a giant cluster f of ordering tonight was.
After being seated and browsing the menu and deciding I did not in fact want my usual omigah Mexican food order of chicken enchiladas, I proceeded to order chili rellenos and sopes, both which were sold out. Our waiter told us that it was odd since no one ever really orders them, so it was strange that I was wanting both items that were sold out (yay me?). After settling on a chimichanga which I never get, we then found out they were out of guacamole (candid camera?).
Now I know what you’re thinking, they didn’t have a thing you wanted how are you giving four stars?
Let me tell you… The shredded chicken in my chimichanga was incredible… so incredible that I would order a bowl of just shredded chicken. The rice and retried beans were average, but holy yum to that chicken (I ended up hollowing out most of my chimichanga just to eat the chicken). Free chips and salsa are provided and Mexican sodas are for sale in addition to fountain sodas.
Service was good and parking was surprisingly easy for this lot.
When the bill came, we learned they were also out of nickels and dimes, but despite the funnies of «guess what’s not in the kitchen,» I will definitely be back, hopefully to try the chiles rellenos.