Pasqual’s

This is a Southwestern/​New Mexican style food NOT Tex-​Mex. However, that’s not the problem, I like Southwestern flavors. Unfortunately, flavor was one of the things that was missing from my dish. I was embarrassed for bringing friends to this place for the first time. You see, I had a great experience at the E. Washington Paqual’s and thought that I would have the same food experience at any of their locations, but I guess they are not very standardized in their service and food preparation methods.
The service was terrible, our waitress seemed impatient with us, then we waited forever to get our food. At one point, since one of our friends had a 3 hour drive home that night, I privately asked the waitress that if it wasn’t too much trouble, to please check on the one dish (a quesadilla) I said our table wouldn’t mind if this meal was served up before the rest were of them were ready given my friend’s need to leave soon. However, the waitress seemed irritated by my request offering up an excuse regarding how busy things are for the kitchen, etc, etc. About 20 minutes later all of our food came out at the same time and it was the consistency of food that’s been sitting under a heat lamp for an hour — kind of strange since the waitress gave the impression that the kitchen was having a hard time keeping up. I suppose there may have been something ordered at our table that took especially long to prepare, but since everyone mentioned the same thing: the food seems as though it’s been sitting for awhile, it makes me doubt the waitress’s story.
I ordered Huevos rancheros and the tortillas underneath the eggs were a cool mass that had melded together under the steam of the eggs. Having eaten southwestern huevos rancheros I expected at lease some of the tortilla chips to have crispness, but no. As for flavor, there was none. I had to pour the last of my fellow diner’s salsa over my food to have anything to taste. By the way you are charged for anything extra, a dollop of sour cream, a little extra salsa, etc. which wouldn’t be so bad if your meal wasn’t so blah it required a bucket of salsa to eat.
The margarita was ok, a little weak for my liking, but not surprising since all of the flavors were muted at this place.
Tl;dr: poor service + lack of flavor + food left sitting under heat lamp = terrible experience, embarrassed I brought guests there.

I like Pasquals, some people complain its not traditional. But I don’t think they get its Tex-​Mex not Mexican. I like the enchiladas and I’ve had they’re Street tacos which were really delicious, one with carnitas, chimichurri, and feta cheese was super good.
They have great margarita special and the margaritas themselves are really good but strong, which isn’t a bad thing. I like the outdoor seating at this Hilldale location, it can get busy though. So if you wanna sit outside on a nice day be prepared to wait.

Four adults and two kids. We ordered two chips and salsa’s, two margaritas, and four sodas and one small fajita appetizer. $ 64. The waiter acted as if we were a nuisance. Nothing special and will not be coming back again.

Poor service! Took 45 min to an hour for food with no explanation. Food was cold. Server disappeared after bring drinks. Apparently one meal had to be remade but was never told. Feel as though all Pasquals are on the way out. Not as good anymore manager was unprofessional, host was unprofessionally. Did not even offer a full refund. Training needs to occur with this staff on CS skills. Stay away!

Pasqual’s is close to work, so we pop over for lunch from time to time. I have mixed feelings about this place. It is definitely Tex-​Mex and not authentic Mexican, so many of the flavors aren’t quite what I’m looking for.
Despite this, the location is convenient, portions are large, the food isn’t overly salty, and service has always been great (biggest plus). They have a lot of space inside, with a separate bar area, and an outdoor patio. Mid-​workday sunshine is really nice.
I generally get a single order of their enchiladas (plenty for lunch, a full order makes for leftovers), which you can customize as follows:
Tortilla: *flour, yellow, corn, or blue corn;
Filling: shredded beef, *slow cooked chicken, pork carnitas, chorizo, garden veggies, black beans, pinto bean mash, or cheese;
Sauce: red chile, *green chile, or mole
Side: Beans (your choice) and «new» Mexican rice.
I really like their green chile sauce, but I noted that the chicken was pretty bland the last time I had it. I definitely expect more seasoning in my Mexican food. I always pass on the beans and get all-​rice for my side. Now, I love rice in a way that I’m not sure I can properly express, so understand that when I say that the rice is ‘meh’ that I *really* mean it. Whatver is «new» about it isn’t doing it for me. The quesadillas are also good (albeit difficult to screw up), but definitely avoid the carnitas on this one — they were super greasy and it really didn’t work out that well. The garden quesadilla is packed. I’ll occasionally get the nachos (appetizer) as my meal (again, difficult to get wrong). And finally, the chile verde soup is decent. Their salsa is ‘meh’ and the in-​house chips are only OK, which is sad.
Being part of the Hilldale Mall area, you’ll find parking on the street out front, if you’re lucky, otherwise there’s a couple of parking ramps behind the buildings that make for a short enough walk. I’ve met here with co-​workers, but also with friends, and everyone seems happy enough. I’ve never had, or witnessed, any complaints. Still, I have to say that for Mexican, in my opinion, Pasqual’s is only passable. I’ll return, but primarily out of convenience.

Stopped in on a Friday night and we are glad we did. The tequila selection is amazing, and they have other good cocktails too. Husband got a margarita and I got the bumble tea (earl grey infused vodka with lemon — yes please)
Drinks were great and the food was really good. Husband got the special (carnitas trios) and I got the Pasquals taco (crispy with shredded beef) and we both got a mix of pinto and black beans for a side.
Our waitress was wonderful, and we would definitely go back next time we are in Madison.

Met a friend here for drinks. We sat in the bar, because usually you get better service there. This was not the case. First of all, they were understaffed. The manager was making drinks and trying to direct the floor from behind the bar. At one point, the host guy asked her a question from the host stand. She corrects him on the spot, directing him to come around the bar to talk to her. This, I totally get… but there were 2 other tables besides myself who heard her sharply correct him. I didn’t feel welcomed, and frankly was nervous she would yell at me. It took a hot minute to get something to drink, but (surprise surprise) she was very pleasant when speaking with me.
The house margaritas come from a tap, but they were strong and good (a little on the sweet side, but I enjoyed it). We shared the black bean Nachos and those were delicious. I would come here again for sure.

Traditional? No, many of their items are unique. For instance, I haven’t ever seen a fundido appetizer that incorporates the standard melted cheese with chorizo AND refried beans– delightful! However, if you are expecting the standard dish that is heavy on the broiled cheese, this isn’t it. Definitely worth trying, though.
My favorite dish to get here is the tacos banderos, which are chicken tacos that come with arugula, balsamic, strawberries, and chevre crema. TOTALLY unique and delicious! I did hear from the server, though, that these are getting taken off of the menu. I beg you, don’t! Yes, they aren’t nachos or fajitas or your standard American Mexican fare. These are, as I said, uniquely Pasqual’s and need to stay.

My opinion on the chips and salsa controversy: I don’t care that they cost money. The chips are tasty, and it’s not enough to invalidate the experience. Free chips would not change this review for me.
Also, this isn’t «authentic» Mexican food. I’m not saying that in the snotty, «I lived in X country for two months in college and I know the food» way. I’m saying it in the «have reasonable expectations that you’re going to get Tex-​Mex» way.
Now that that’s out there…
What I liked: the food was better than average. I had the Pasqual’s Burrito with carnitas. The cocktail I had was pretty amazing, although it’s now not on the menu and may have been a special. It was a Southern bourbon concoction that was a lot stronger than the rest of this review will be. The beans I had, both types, were tasty, and the carnitas were on the good side of average.
What I didn’t like: our food took a LONG time to come out, and the restaurant wasn’t crowded. Our waiter was unfriendly and just on the border of rude. I don’t want to judge someone on one day, but based on a lot of the stuff I see in these reviews, my experience with this isn’t isolated. Food-​wise, things were a little bland. I don’t like super-​spicy food, but this was uninteresting even to me.
Two star service, 3.5 star food, and I’ll round it up to 3 stars overall. Could have been better, could have been worse. Another trip back would help me understand this place a little bit better.

Stopped in here while killing time before seeing a flick at Sundance because the cuz was in the mood for fake Tex-​Mex. Overall, quite good! If you’re looking for Tex-​Mex or legit Mexican, I hate to break it to you, but: you’re in the north. Stop being so hopeful about every little dumpy joint you come across. It ain’t happening.
The chips were alright, but nothing special and not worth $ 3.95. I wouldn’t have even taken the time to talk about them if they were complimentary, but since it was $ 3.95 for mediocrity I’m gonna call them what they were: mediocre.
I had the fajita chicken wrap, which was so, so good. The spiced mayo was spread evening, making it all just right. I ate half and saved the rest for a later meal because I liked it so much.
Not a terrible place to stop at while shopping around Hilldale or waiting to check out what’s playing at Sundance, but not a destination in and of itself.

Love Pasqual’s and especially their margaritas. It’s been a favorite for many years. Love their guacamole, chicken taco salad, and pork quesadillas among other things. The staff are virtually universally friendly, conscientious, and efficient. Interestingly, with one exception – one bartender (Cody) used to be remarkably friendly, but since becoming a manager doesn’t acknowledge our presence. I figure his loss. I’m a good tipper.

This is the first Mexican restaurant I went to that did not serve complementary chips and salsa. The higher priced portions of enchiladas and shrimp tacos (I think it was) only serve two where everywhere else I go its three. Factoring that all in its too high priced for me, especially since it is nothing special at all. Our waitress was very nice though.

We ate outside and had lunch. Their burrito is ginormous… super yummy. Plenty for leftovers!

I really wanted to like it. The good parts. They were very busy and while seated at the bar we did not wait long for our food. Very tasty Lemon Basil Marg. Hilldale is a handy location.
Not great parts. The wait staff acted like they couldn’t be bothered. My Tamale came and had to have been wrapped in baby corn. When I commented that it was very small my waiter informed me I could order more if one wasn’t enough. I tipped like I had just stopped in for a cocktail. A first for me.

Pasqual’s is reasonably priced, well prepared tex-​mex fare. The burritos are well seasoned and ingredients are distributed throughout (so you’re not just getting the «sour cream» bite, then the «bean bite», etc).
Their tortilla chips are great, thin and crispy, though perhaps a little on the salty side. Their salsa — however, is a little bit watery for my tastes.
Having been there a few times — I can say there is some variation in their cooking staff depending on when you come in. On two occasions my food would be a ‘4’, but on another it was a ‘2’ in quality.
Weekend brunch seems to be when their best chefs are in house so if you are going to try to catch them at their best, that’d be the time to do it!

This is a great restaurant, I always get their staple dishes. We tend to go for brunch and I love getting the pinto bean mash with spuds and putting mild salsa on the pintos. I enjoy the casadillas and the tacos. They do have great blue corn pancakes and great coffee. For later, they do have an awesome selection of tequilla and some of the best margharittas in town.

We really like their burritos and typically get them to take out… because the restaurant is VERY noisy! And the rather odd parents that let their little ones carry on like animals!
Tonight I chose to go into the restaurant and order; what a mistake. The couple next to me left without food. The noise is nothing short of numbing. After 50 minutes no burritos, no update. You would think that they would put out chips. I think this is the last time…

I love Mexican food and I love the fajita’s at this place! They do a wonderful job making fajitas. The ambiance and service are good. I had my bday once and came with my bf and later with my mom. Always ordered fajitas, always loved it
If you want to order cocktails, get their seasonal ones soits made out of fresh fruits.

Husband and I came here an hour and a half before we had to be at an doctor’s appointment. We figured that would be enough time to eat.
Whew, were we wrong.
I want to start this off on the positives of this place: nice waitress, tastey blue corn tortillas.
Anyway, to make a long, boring rant short, we waiting just about an hour for our lunch to arrive. I had two tacos and he had a burrito. Essentially, we had only 20ish minutes to eat, get the bill, and book it. The beans and rice looked old. The rice was definitely undercooked (I don’t think you’re supposed to almost break a tooth on rice). My husband, who has the lowest standards of food (he’s a McRib fan) thought his burrito was «gross».
My drink was watery.
This place has friendly sevice that moves at a glacier speed and food that tastes old, undercooked, and boring.
Glad-​ish I tried it, but will never come back.

If it weren’t for this delicious marg I’d have nothing good to say about this place. Bargain-​Bin, Chain-​store, Ugly American Mexican with no frills.
Fine place to get drunk and forget what real food is like.
The chips and salsa cost money and they come out cold. Egregious.