El Rodeo 5 Menu

  • Appetizers
  • Happy Appetizers
  • Happy Appetizers - Create Your Nachos
  • Soups
  • Garden Greens
  • Tacos
  • Traditional Tastes Of Mexico
  • Chicken Choices
  • Enchiladas
  • Quesadillas
  • Especialidades El Rodeo
  • Shrimp From The Sea
  • Fajitas
  • A La Carte
  • A La Carte - Tostaguac
  • A La Carte - Tostada
  • American Fare
  • Burritos
  • Comida Especialidad
  • The Extras
  • Sweet Stuff

Healthy Meal suggestions for El Rodeo 5

  • Appetizers
  • Happy Appetizers
  • Happy Appetizers - Create Your Nachos
  • Soups
  • Garden Greens
  • Tacos
  • Traditional Tastes Of Mexico
  • Chicken Choices
  • Enchiladas
  • Quesadillas
  • Especialidades El Rodeo
  • Shrimp From The Sea
  • Fajitas
  • A La Carte
  • A La Carte - Tostaguac
  • A La Carte - Tostada
  • American Fare
  • Burritos
  • Comida Especialidad
  • The Extras
  • Sweet Stuff
  • Sara W.

    I have been to this El Rodeo more times than I can count since around 2006, but my most recent visit was last friday night. It had been just over six years since I had eaten here and I couldn't wait to go back. I never got to celebrate my birthday this year and this was where I had planned on going until those plans blew up, so I was happy when I had an opportunity to eat here last weekend. A friend of mine I hadn't seen in forever was in town and was hungry so I suggested this place. There was a decent crowd, but not so busy that we had to wait. We were seated right away in a booth in the section beside the bar, not too far from the restrooms. I'm not quite sure how to describe the atmosphere, but I like it. It's cozy and seems like it's from another decade. That appeals to me anyway. Not sure if everyone would feel the same. Nice ambience. Not super loud and packed, but not dead either. Dim lights with some neon signs, etc. They always give you fresh tortilla chips which are still warm out of the fryer. Their salsa is really good and, in my opinion, one of the best I have ever had. I also love their margaritas! On the rocks with salt, of course! Even the small one is pretty big. If you're feeling more adventurous, I believe they have two more sizes even bigger, if memory serves. I had the vegetable fajitas, like usual, sans the cheese and sour cream. They are loaded with veggies (mushrooms, broccoli, baby carrots, diced tomatoes, green peppers and onions) and come with soft, warm tortillas, lettuce, tomato, and a side of good guac along with spanish rice and refrieds. On a side note, I have never checked, but am hoping to God the beans and rice are vegetarian... And I have to use it sparingly now that I am in my thirties, but I love the hot sauce they keep on the table, Tapatio. Best veggie fajitas I have ever had though! I never liked fajitas until I ate here because other places just load you up on a ton of carmelized onions. And you get plenty here to make another meal with later at home. My friend had the chicken enchiladas and seemed to enjoy them. He did clean his plate. And when I asked if he liked this place, he said he loved it. He thought the salsa was really good, too. Other things I have seen dining companions order in the past that looked awesome are the stuffed poblano pepper and the pork taco, I think it was, with salsa verde. Been a long time, but those really stood out, among other things. The only negatives would be, one, that the ladies room was out of handsoap. Good thing I am always carrying sanitizer in my gigantic purse. And, two, my friend had a bad stomach ache not too long after we left. I got one a couple hours later myself. I don't want to jump and say there was something wrong with the food. I think I just can't eat peppers and onions and hot sauce like I used to, but I am not sure. I would give El Rodeo another try for sure and see. If nothing else, I'd love to stop in again for a margarita and munch on their awesome chips and salsa!

    (4)
  • Joseph M.

    Friendly atmosphere, speedy service, and most importantly, great food!

    (5)
  • Jody B.

    Addicted to the Cozumel salad, which now, I guess, would be the shrimp taco salad. Fresh greens, no preservative taste, LOTS of shrimp, with guacamole. My bro-in-law's sister raved about this salad. I went and got stuck on it. Have stopped before night shift to pick it up, usually when I wake up craving it. Service is quick initially, then no one revisits the table. So, 4 stars, instead of 5......

    (4)
  • Jeffrey R.

    Coming here almost 20 years now. Lunch specials under $5 bucks!!! Where else outside of Mexico can you find amazing food that cheap. Don't Forget about the giant margaritas for $4 bucks. Yeah, I'll keep coming back.

    (5)
  • Sabrina S.

    This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Indy. The food is cheap, fast, and fresh. My favorite is the fajitas texanas. It has chicken, steak, and shrimp, along with grilled peppers and onions. The service is normally pretty good too. The place seems kind of run down, but don't let that stop you. It can get pretty packed on a Friday or Saturday night. People seem to recognize that this is where it's at for this style of food!

    (5)
  • Matthew A.

    Decent tasting food and generous portions. The specials are a good value. The service and interior were both lackluster. Drinks weren't refiled without having to ask and food took a long time to be brought out with few customers dining. The carpets were torn and the styling was very dated.

    (3)
  • Christine P.

    Excellent service! Even though they were super busy, we were seated and waited on with no delay! Food was tasty! Burrito and steak taco combo was super great! I'd go back for sure.

    (5)
  • Julianna Y.

    I got their pollo supremo and it was pretty good to me. It was chicken with onions, mushrooms, and cheese. It came with a salad, beans, and rice. It was a lot of food. The rice could have used a little but more flavoring. Other than that the food was delicious. The service was great. Their salsa was pretty good also.

    (4)
  • Steve L.

    I love me some Mexican food; the more authentic, the better. While El Rodeo isn't a true taqueria, it's far from being an over-Americanized version of a Mexican restaurant. Think of it as the "best of both worlds." We sat outside and had really excellent service. I don't recall our server's name, but he was curteous, fast, and helpful. We wanted for nothing during our entire visit. Service can make or break an experience, and El Rodeo did not disappoint in this category. The chips and salsa were standard fare; the salsa was a bit watery. We also ordered the queso and guacamole - queso was the white variety and was initialy quite thin, but did thicken as it cooled. The guac was light on flavor and was a bit too smooth/creamy for my liking; however, others at the table enjoyed it quite a bit. Beer selection is decent; I chose the Dos XX Amber. Friend went with the sangrita (sangria with a Tequila kick), her mom chose the traditional margarita, on the rocks. Both were huge and quite strong, neither of which are bad attributes in this gringo's book. We chose to share the huge combo platter, the name of which escapes me as well... must have had too many of those Dos Equis... it featured fajita steak, fajita chicken, and grilled shrimp, served on top of a massive bed of fajita veggies. Accompanying the platter were flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guac, sour cream, rice, and beans. While it rang-in at $21, it was well worth the price. Three of us munched on that delicious platter and couldn't finish the entire thing. The quality was excellent in every regard. The steak was tender and nicely seared; the chicken was moist and delicious; the shrimp - unreal. Some of the best I've ever had. As mentioned, service was excellent throughout the night. Drinks never sat empty, and the pace of the meal was spot-on.

    (4)
  • Patricia N.

    Rice and beans seem to be pretty small portions. The lunch service isn't the fastest either.

    (3)
  • Tom T.

    Great Mexican food! You will not be disappointed!

    (5)
  • Abigail G.

    They have the BEST Margaritas! My favorite the Sangria Margarita! The large size is enormous and is enough to get you a little tipsy, these margaritas are no joke they are loaded. Food wise, not the best. Being Mexican/American myself I find this food to be no where near authentic(then again, no "big chain" restaurant is), but that doesn't mean it's not good. It's just not up to my standards or what I'm used to eating for Mexican food. When I'm here I order one of two things, the shrimp quesadilla or the nachos al carbon and I only order so I don't look like an alcoholic who just comes for the margaritas lol Seriously food isn't bad, just not what you would find in a Mexican woman's kitchen. Service is great! I've been coming here for years and I've had 2 occasions where the server doesn't come back after my food is delivered to the table and I've had to get up to ask for something(that being the case today as I write this review), their water taste like crap after a few margaritas you won't notice it lol, but the cheese dip is delicious.

    (3)
  • Kristin S.

    I've been coming here since high school. So that means we'll over a decade. And some of the same servers are STILL here! This place is great for a big group. Their margaritas are literally to die for. I've had choriqueso in multiple places and no one beats this place. Their hard tacos are goodness in a tortilla. Do yourself a favor and dig it.

    (5)
  • Matt S.

    Best Mexican in Speedway. Great staff, very friendly. Always make my margarita a Large!!!!

    (5)
  • Robb G.

    El Rodeo #5 is like Cheers...if Sam, Woody, and Carla spoke Spanish and served delicious burritos. For us westsiders, "El Rod" is just a friendly spot were everyone knows you and your dish. You can get a tasty Mexican meal, a great margarita, and relax with your friends on the patio.

    (5)
  • Kjirsten K.

    Three words: Cheap lunch specials. Everyday they have two dishes that they offer for $3.95. That's chips and salsa and a meal for less money than a Taco Bell value meal. The food is ok, they have all the americanized mexican dishes that we've grown to love. We used to go there often, but then my husband got a bout of food poisoning after eating a steak burrito and we've only been back a couple times since (mainly for the super cheap lunch specials). And even then, we can't help but be a little worried about the consequences of eating there. The restaurant is pretty popular with the locals and can get pretty crowded. The wait staff are very friendly and the margaritas large.

    (2)
  • WILLIAM P.

    Stopped by for Lunch yesterday and decided to try a Chicken Taco, Burrito and Chile Relleno combo! When the plate arrived I asked our server where the Chile relleno was? He pointed to a section of the plate with frijoles, a smidge of Chile pieces covered with cheese! I am from CA and a CR is a whole Chile stuffed with cheese, breaded, baked and covered in red sauce! Am I wrong? Are there other variations on this theme. I did not create a scene but was disappointed. Will have to go to Coyote Cafe when we return to San Diego! Still the salsa here is excellent and the bar specials, SAT 24 oz house lime margarita for $6.99 are GREAT!

    (3)
  • Candi K.

    This place looks like a dump from the outside - but we've been here twice with friends who live in the area, and the outside appearance is deceiving. They have a lot of seating and plenty of friendly staff. Orders are taken quickly and hit your table without a long wait. The margaritas are large (16 oz is a small!) and 20% off on Sunday & Monday. I like their queso dip to start (especially good when mixed with the free salsa) and then the chimichangas. Had the fajitas once before and they were fine. A margarita, a coke & two entrees for around $20...not too shabby!

    (4)
  • Justin C.

    The food is pretty standard Mexican cuisine for the west side of Indianapolis. You get the rice. You get the beans. You get the chips and the salsa. It's noting special, really. My wife and I always struggle with picking a Mexican place when the mood so strikes us and we always have the same things to say about El Rodeo, the food does a number o. Your body and isn't really worth it, but the frozen margaritas here are second to none. The issue we have is that we both prefer our margaritas frozen as opposed to in the rocks. El Rodeo keeps their frozen margaritas going with a frozen yogurt machine so the consistency is always perfect. I'm only giving the three stars for the margaritas.

    (3)
  • Karl M.

    I've wen to dinner here plenty of times before this review, so there is not just one experience into this. I have had their queso dip numerous times and always top notch. The salsa and chips is never a bad choice(since it's free). I normally order the Fajitas(Steak) because it never varies with them. It is always a nice size serving with great veggies with it cooked thoroughly. The only thing I can complain about it their timely service. If you dine in, no problem. But, if you carry out I have had issues with getting my order on time. I have never ordered a huge dinner either. It was usually just for myself. The nice thing about El Rodeo is that it is pretty spot on at any location you visit. Definitely worth you while.

    (3)
  • Jonny S.

    Very tasty spot for Mexican. It's slightly more than the standard Americanized Mexican fare. I'm a sucker for anything with chorizo on the menu. They have a wide range of dishes and great combos too. Good salsa.

    (4)
  • Brad C.

    Good food, nice drinks, nice staff.

    (4)
  • Sarah G.

    Hands down, the best Mexican food and margaritas in Indy! I've been going to this restaurant for over 10 years and have almost always had exceptional service (the times I haven't, I can count on one hand and they were not the regular servers who've been there for years). I can say Jose, Rogelio, and Enrique (the manager) are the best and my favorites. I've tried a number of items on the menu and they have all been delicious and satisfying (you must try the shrimp cocktail!) The outdoor patio is a wonderful place to sit during nice weather, though the gas station next door is not the most picturesque scenery. My go-to place to meet friends, have a margarita, or celebrate a birthday.

    (5)
  • Shawn B.

    The food is always at least good, and often excellent. It's a great choice for groups. The staff has always pleasant and generally very quick. You may not always be wowwed, but you won't be disappointed.

    (4)
  • Bennett G.

    Quick, convenient service and the food satisfies the craving when you want Mexican. Eat here!

    (5)
  • Chris N.

    There food is good enough to eat but the service rocks and their cheese is to die for.. it makes the rest of the experience worth the trip..

    (4)
  • Jennifer T.

    Good food! Great service: our waiter brought out extra small dishes for our youngest child. She felt very special.

    (4)
  • Brian L.

    After a very long and hot day at the Indy 500, a bunch of us decided to go to El Rodeo on the recommendation of some friends who work on pit crews of IndyCar teams. (05/25/08). What a great place. I bet hundreds of race-goers drive by and think it's a dump, but I was so impressed by all of the food that was presented. MK had the Carne Asada Tacos and a Peach Margarita. When she ordered her Marg, she was asked what size. The large is 46 oz., so she ordered the medium which was 32 oz. I had the Quesadilla El Rodeo which had chicken, chorizo, onion and cheese in it. I also ordered a side tamale, which was phenominal. Portions are generous and the drinks are good. So close to the track but probably so under appreciated. Of course, ALWAYS take the word of IRL crew members. They know where good food is for decent prices. (Their lunch specials are $3.75!)

    (4)
  • Kevin J.

    This place has really taken off. As a resident of Speedway, I have seen this place grow and improve! Food is as authentic as it gets for being in the US. The staff is always very friendly and have quick service! If you're in town visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, give this place a go, you will not be disappointed! A recent improvement is they have outdoor seating now!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

El Rodeo 5

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