Emilios Almost Famous

Worth a visit. My wife likes the full bar and overall cleanliness. I liked the great service and excellent Fate IPA at a special price! The Chile Rellenos are fabulous — stuffed with chicken and cheese, and perfectly crispy with a mild red sauce. The next morning I stopped in for a $ 3 breakfast burrito to go, and it is a great value. #4 has egg, potatoes, cheese, and bacon (could have been a little crispier), enough to keep you going all morning. I’m glad to have a good Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood.

No Bueno! I will never go back. While eating my horrible burrito the waitress, who was nice and did a good job, came over and told me the owner asked her to tell me to stop cutting into my food on their plates because it may scratch them. How would one eat a smothered burrito without a knife and fork? So, I resumed eating. When we were leaving I was stared down by a scrawny punk and his fat friend. I can only assume that was the idiot owner. Needless to say we will never go back and I don’t suggest you do either. Bad food and bad owners? Wish there was a zero star rating.

I ordered take out. Service was ok. I ordered the burrito. When I checked the food the chef did a half ass job on the presentation. Looked like the chef was in a hurry and just threw everything together. The taste wasn’t great either. First and last time I’ll go there.

This place was a gem. We must have passed by here a 100 times and never knew it was here. Fortunately they advertise at the AMC.
Atmosphere is not much in m opinion, but it is inviting and apparently is a local favorite as it is busy and the staff and owner seemed to know many of the folks here. Service was stellar! Kelsey was a fantastic server. She was friendly and engaging without being over the top and made us feel super welcome. My wife and I are both service snobs (meaning we take service very seriously, not that we are hard to please) and Kelsey knocked it out of the park. She helped us understand the place, the menu, let us sample things, and gave us free stuff since it was our «first time» (although something tells me they treat repeat customers even better… lol).
The food was really good. I always try both types of chile (red and green) at Mexican places and both were good enough I tried the combo on my chorizo and egg burrito. And the posole reminded me of my dads and grandmas… delicious! My wife’s green chile burger was awesome both for the burger, which was cooked perfectly, and the chiles, which were super tasty. The chips and salsa were also great.
They rounded out the experience with a FREE shot of the owners homemade apple pie moonshine. All I can is «wow».
They also have a ton of specials and Karaōke, which is a plus in my book. All around pleasant experience and we will be back… for karaōke for sure!

Somebody who works here can really cook.
I think it is the best Chili Relleno I have ever had.
:)
Nice service too.

So I first ate here in April and was craving the delicious food and great service I had since and my hubby’s ate here several times with his son. Well tonight was such a Huge disappointment and service was horrible! Ok, so I don’t expect perky, smiley or friendly, but would it kill you to not look like YOU’RE doing me the favor? I mean it’s not like we’re high maintenance. Ok so I ordered several things as usual and when we first got there I asked for a Virgin Bloody M. and my hubby a beer special and we both specifically asked for water, which we never got, till I was don’e about 5 minutes later with my Bloody M, and she asked if I wanted another and I said if I could just have «water please.» Mind you my hubby had to ask for water after our food got there. We ordered chips and salsa to start, but then 8 minutes later our food came, but I had to ask for our chips and salsa we never got. Then the tacos I got were wrong. I wanted chorizo and steak, instead got chicken and they weren’t even worth $ 1! That’s how nasty tasting they were. I swear my bloody was the best thing. Even the Empenadas I fell in love with the last time was Bland and NO FLAVOR! I literally was putting salt on everything. My husband burrito was different from the last time and there were a TON of beans as fillers in it and not much chicken. I’m soo disappointed! When we got into the car my hubby was like «that was the Worse service ever!» and was happy it was my choice to go here tonight because if he chose I would’ve been super P!$$ed!
I give 3 stars only because I forgot to write a good review the first time, but I usually like to go more than once be4 actually writing a review. This night alone they should only get 1 star.
Chips & salsa– chips were good, but salsa not seasoned enough
Empanda –No flavor, not like the first time
Taco Weds — chicken and beef. I felt like I was just putting plastic and no flavor in my mouth. Like really Taco Bell is SOOOO much better.
Chicken Burrito– mostly bean filler hardly any chicken
Bloody Mary — just a step above clamato juice from the store that I could’ve gotten cheaper than $ 3.
Service — F++++++++ Horrible, had to ask for food and water to remind her. I don’t think I’d give this place for dinner again, but maybe I’ll try it for breakfast on the weekend to see the best out of 3. Since the first time I went, it was 5 stars, then now just 1 Star actually –0. Hopefully I like my next time.

Cute place, pretty good Mexican food. I would order green chile again! Taco shells were a little hard. Great server and a good band was playing.

What a discovery!
Not quite as earth shattering as a Lewis & Clark expedition but far superior than finding loose change in the sofa cushions.
Emilio’s is an unassuming family owned Mexican restaurant nestled in the corner of a bustling strip mall. At first glance, from the outside, you’re thinking «Chipotle/​Qdoba «ish» chic-​style type of fast food.
Far from that.
You walk through the glass doors and realize they’re not serving hot sauce in plastic packages.
Then, as you find your seat, you really appreciate the understated bravura created from the son’s artistic ability, which hangs on the walls, makes up the imaginative split bar and the lively openness of this casual Catina.
You’re immediately warmed by smiles, great service. A simple menu boasting with flavorful sounding «especials», a 7-​day, 3-​hour happy hour declaration and bountiful burritos.
This day I tried the 3 Tacos, one of each– chicken, beef and chorizo. I opted for the flour tortilla. Let me tell you, the chorizo is out of the world, so flavorful and bold. A tad greasy, but the tortilla soaks it up like a buttermilk biscuit absorbs gravy.
Drink of choice, their deliciously smooth house margarita. Smooth.

Okay, so I decided to give this place a second try before I wrote my review, and it was even worse the second time.
First of all, the food reminds me of my middle school cafeteria lunches. There is absolutely nothing special about any of the dishes I’ve had there, which include the tacos, quesadilla, and burrito. The prices are around $ 9-​$ 11 for the most part, but just not worth it. If it’s not happy hour, they are charging $ 5.50 for a pint of Pacifico, which is just unacceptable when you can drive less than a mile and hit three craft breweries with cheaper beers.
Now for the worst part. Both times I’ve been there, I’ve had terrible service. This last time being the worst. The waitress was not friendly, didn’t check in and generally just seemed like she would rather not interact with any people — ever — than be working there. Definitely just skip this place, go up the road to four noses and eat off their food trucks.

Two words: Luna Shine! It’s an apple flavored moon shine and it’s absolutely delicious. When you go here, you absolutely must try a shot. The Margaritas are also amazing!
So the food, I’m a fan of the pozole (they call it posole rojo). The pork meat is tender and the hominy really absorbs the flavor of the stew. I’m from LA, which is in my opinion the hub of Mexican food and I don’t think I have found a place there quite like this pozole. All it’s missing is some splashes of lime, so be sure to ask for some.
The staff and service is great! I live close by so I have been here quite a few times, so I knew it was time to write a review. I love that it’s a family owned business and they care about their customers and want everyone to enjoy their experience. Also, try the sopapilla sticks!
Another plus, they added karaōke on Friday nights! Give em a try.

My husband and I visited Emilios for lunch on a Saturday. We sat at the bar which was not that busy, but the patio looked full. They seemed to be a bit short handed because It took a while to get menus and water.
I thought that both the chips and salsa had good flavor but the chips were a bit to thick for me personally.
We both ordered one of their burritos smothered in the hot green chili. Mine had chicken and my husbands had ground beef. The food is a good size portion with lots of chili and meat, which we loved, but the chili and the meat seemed a little underseasoned.
Overall I think this place is a great addition to the area and will only get better the longer they are open. Their Happy Hour margarita prices looked great so we will be trying that next time for sure.

First off I think Unilocal is a joke, I’m only writing a review because I feel bad for small businesses that get bashed. Unilocal is for complainers that watch too many episodes of hells kitchens are now experts. I love this place we get food to go from here alot and absolutely love food!!! If you aren’t willing to expand your taste buds then you should probably stick to a chain resturant. This place is FAMILY owned which means it’s family recipes they are not going to taste like anyother place. Worth checking out

Loved Emilio’s! There’s not much better than finding a local restaurant that’s family owned, staffed with cool people and also serves great food!
We had breakfast here this morning… Both were really good. Not too spicy but spicy enough to get my attention. We’re «eat and drink at the bar» kinda folks and met Christina, the bonus daughter of the family (that’s daughter in law for those not in the know… Don’t like the negative connotation that goes with «in laws» so I opt for «bonus» instead).
Emilio’s has live music on the weekends and great drink specials… I decided to indulge in their $ 6 bottomless mimosas just now. Yum! And, Christina treated us to a complimentary shot of their «Lunashine…» Also, really tasty. An apple flavored shot :)
If you’re nearby, driving through or just bored and hungry one day, go. You won’t regret it. Super cool place!

EDIT: I understand that immediately after its Grand Opening, and the review below, the restaurant switched to house-​made fried tortilla chips from what they had before. I really appreciate that this restaurant is attentive to customer feedback and is quickly working to make improvements.
ORIGINAL: Overall, I rate this as, «Meh.» I LOVE Mexican food, and I live in the neighborhood, and yet I don’t really see myself coming back to Emilio’s for more than perhaps a quick drink sometime — which, honestly, I think is their hope. The bar setup is nice, and fairly elaborate. I think Emilio’s views itself as a place you’ll go for its «almost famous» margaritas, and maybe order some food that you won’t pay too much attention to while you’re there.
I went there mid-​afternoon on Jan 17, during its Grand Opening. Service was friendly and attentive, and I experienced none of the problems others have reported with the waitstaff. There was an odd kitchen problem, however. We ordered an appetizer of refritos con queso, and were told that due to a production problem in the kitchen, our app would come out as much as 15 minutes after our entrees. We were in no hurry, so we asked to wait and have app first. It was about 15 minutes before a simple bowl of melted queso came out, so I don’t know what was going on back there. Then the food was weird — maybe I didn’t read the menu correctly. I expected refried beans with cheese melted over them. This was melted white queso which was tasty… with very few random loose, whole beans floating in it. It was so strange.
We ordered the 3 tacos platter (crunchy, ground beef), with $ 3 side (!) of sour cream, and a chicken quesadilla for our entrees. Meh. Food was okay, but nothing special. Finished off with with the «Wan-​ita» chocolate custard dessert — about the same: meh, nothing special.
The one thing Emilio’s could do to immediately improve its appeal would be to convert to house-​made tortilla chips, and a fresh salsa. That would make it worth coming there for the food, stay for the booze. Otherwise, I don’t see myself returning to the «dubious neighborhood cantina» as we’ve taken already to calling it.

Went here on a Thursday evening for some happy hour margaritas and chips and salsa. Margaritas were on point (would go back just for these)! And the 2-​for-​1 deal? Can’t beat it.
Was with my wife and 3-​year old… waitress was super-​busy but still managed to serve us efficiently and amicably… and was very friendly with our son.
We went there planning not to have an entrée (will go back to try), but I had to taste their chili. I was raised on the East Coast, and didn’t know what chili «really was» until I spent a few years in New Mexico. And if you know «real chili» you’ll know it’s NOT meat, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Assessment of both the red and green chili on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being poor, 10 being outstanding)…I give both an 8.5! I will be going back for just the chili alone!
Ignore the 1 and 2 star reviews and just give them a shot. I’m happy that Emilio’s is right down the road… I anticipate making this a regular place for my family and me.

Couldn’t have imagined a better restaurant for our family. We were warmly greeted, kids received chairs, chips, and cups with lids right away, and the food was the best Mexican food we’ve had north of the border. And $ 6 bottomless mimosas? We’ll definitely be back.

I actually liked this place. I noticed they were open and I am always excited to try out a new place. Its not a fancy — high end place, but still had a really nice interior, and welcoming space.
I came here on lunch and we had the chips and salsa, empanadas and a burrito. Where its not necessarily ‘authentic’ it hit the spot for a quick lunch. I also like that the menu is small… i can’t stand when places have so much to choose from that its overwhelming… this place does not have that issue.
It seems like a great place to get together with some friends after work too. I’ll be back for that :)

I was surprised and excited to see a new cantina in my neighborhood. Yes, I read the reviews but I wanted to give it a try.
Walked in and we were the only patrons. No big deal. It was the middle of the day.
Started with the chips and salsa. The chips were definitely not home made. The salsa tasted and looked like canned tomatoes and ground chile spice. I have never had salsa as bad as this and I have been to Casa Bonita!
Looking over the menu and you know the feeling when not one thing stands out as good? Very standard fair here. I opted for the Emilios Gigante buritto smothered with the green chili. I liked that the chili was hot, but that was it. It was obviously thickened with something that made it look coagulated. Not a fan of gloppy green chili. My friend had the naked burrito. It was more of a soup. He sent it back, and he NEVER sends anything back.
All of this is very sad because we all want a locally owned establishment to be successful. The owner came by and talked to us about our disappointing experience. It turned into a very awkward conversation where she was asking us what we disliked about the food then defending herself defiantly.
I just hope that they will take the constructive criticism and use it to their benefit.

Emilio’s Almost Famous will NEVER be famous as long as the service remains POOR!
We went there on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30 and ended up walking out after waiting 15 minutes to place our order. We did sample the chips and they tasted like they came out of a bag.
I should mention they were not busy and had a lot of employees walking around cluelessly. It appeared that the table behind us that had 3 people all sent their food back, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that the service was poor and we left.
There are way better Mexican restaurants in the area.

We’d been waiting for Emilio’s to open and when we saw the open sign turn on a few days ago we headed in for dinner. Being that it was their first days open the menu was a bit limited but what we had will likely lead to many more visits. Since it was opening weekend, we look forward to future visits and I’m sure we’ll see their kitchen, staffing, and general new business kinks worked out.
Emilio’s is warm & inviting inside. The tables are all counter-​height so it’s easy if you have large groups or other people standing and you’re all at the same height for talking. You can choose a table, bar seating, or seating with a window-​view.
The main entrees consist of your usual suspects — burritos, tacos, nachos, & tortas and you can get your burrito in a bowl if you prefer (with or without a tortilla on the side). I went to for the burrito-​bowl option with Pancho’s Choice which was filled with chorizo, rice, beans, cheese & onions. The hot green chile was a great choice and really made the dish. We also ordered the Loco’s Favorite burrito which is filled with ground beef, beans, cheese, and onions. This one we chose smothered in hot green chile and the red pork chile. The red pork chile doesn’t have the heat of the hot green chile but it complements the dish.
There are a variety of tequila & vodka based cocktails on their menu and a standard selection of beers, although not much in the way of local, craft beers if that’s what you’re looking for. If the drink menu doesn’t strike your fancy, there is a full bar for you to request your drink of choice.
Don’t leave without a sip of their homemade apple lunashine, which is like dangerously delicious apple pie in a glass.