Even if you only go for the fresh, made at the table guacamole it is well worth the visit!!! Tucked away in a nondescript Cumming strip mall, El Porton offer some banging Mexican fare. The guac is so fresh, so delicious, and utterly impossible to resist!! I get fish tacos most Mexican places, and most places usually fry the fish. Not El Porton! It's fresh, grilled tilapia at it's finest! Top them off with some of the guacamole and you are in for a real treat!
(4)
T S.
Good food, good prices, good people. I have eaten here several times and never been disappointed. The guacamole is made fresh at your table and it is absolutely delicious! The bartender (Rob) makes the BEST drinks! The only thing missing at the bar is music - that would make it a lot more social and fun!
(4)
Chris C.
As I purchased two Groupons, we returned to use the second one on the day it expired. The return visit was about the same as the original. It's one of the many local average Mexican restaurants.
(3)
Mark B.
We visited on New Year's day close to closing time. We got cheese dip with jalapeños on the side. My wife got the Super Chimichanga. Basically 2 of them. They let her get one beef and the other chicken. We thought the beef would be ground bee but it was sliced steak meat. She liked both of them. I got the La Poblana. It is kind of like fajitas, but it is a whole piece of meat that you cut in strips yourself. It was very tender and delicious. Service was pretty good but we did have to wait a little bit once for drink refills. We probably could have split the Chimichagas for a real inexpensive dinner.
(4)
Jeannette L.
Chile Verde: Never again. Some form of pork boiled/braised then some sort of green relish poured on top. I'm sure some Mexican Grandmother is rolling in her grave somewhere... because that was not Chile' Verde. In fact, the FoodNetwork's Aaron Sanchez would probably say this was made by a gringo - no way it could be called authentic Mexican Cuisine. The basics (tacos, burrito's, enchilada's) are made with a bland meat and even bland'er red sauce. What was that? I tasted no chile's in the red sauce at all. And the PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE? Chile Relleno with American Cheese gobbed on top and maybe a sliver of what might have been a poblano in another life. Really, does the chef think that gringo's don't know what Mexican food is supposed to taste like? If you like bland meat and goo-ey american cheese then by all means this is your place. But if you enter a Mexican Restaurant and you want to taste the rich ethnic flavors that it promises, skip this disaster.
(1)
Lee G.
If you've read a few of my reviews, you'll know that I'm not a huge fan of the ubiquitous Mexican restaurant. They are all the same, and they are everywhere. This El Porton location seems to be a bit different. This location is in Midway, near Highway 9 and Post Road. At least two restaurants have called this space home in the past few years, including the second location of Roasted Garlic. That was a darn good place that just didn't make it. But it seems that El Porton might have what it takes to survive. I've been twice now, and both times have been decent. On my most recent visit, the service was pretty poor. Could just have been a bad waiter. But the food is slightly above average for Mexican. My wife says their chicken chimichanga is the best she has had. But best of all... their prices are very reasonable. The lunch menu options (which are served 7 days a week) are VERY cheap. The Speedy Gonzalez is $4.25. Amazing, yet pretty good. Compare that to the alternatives on Windward and the rest of Alpharetta, and these guys are super affordable. That alone is enough to make this a fairly regular spot for us from now on.
(3)
Evelyn U.
We have always enjoyed this restaurant until our recent visit on 2/4/12 when we were over charged for our meal and the manager on duty would not correct. We had always been able to order off the lunch menu at Midway & at Roswell for a $1.00 upcharge. This night we asked the waiter for the same and he wasn't sure he could do it so we asked him to check. He came back and gave a thumbs up so we ordered. When the bill came we were charged a la cart prices making it very expensive. We will not be back!
(1)
Vince K.
My family enjoys the food and experience at El Porton. The chicken soft tacos are outstanding! Great staff, awesome food. Affordable for a family.
(5)
Sharlene B.
I ordered a carry out and the guacamole had mostly rotten avocado a small section of avocado was fresher looking. It cost $6.00 and I had to throw it out. I asked that my soup have no onions and it was loaded with onions. The order was wrong, a steak taco was ordered and a beef taco was in the bag. I close to this location and I have tried this place a few times in the last couple of years to see if it has improved and it never does. I ate in the last time and was treated very rudely. I am never going back again.
(1)
F J.
Very good food. Enjoyed their special dinner fajitas for under $10. Had steak and chicken combo. Very well prepared with rice beans and bottomless chips and salsa. Can't go wrong here.
(4)
Angela H.
The food tasted decent. Kind of pricey for Mexican food, at least the dinner menu. Very disappointed in the size of the cheese dip compared to the price.
(3)
K G.
5 stars for the chicken soup. This place could be falling apart and I'd still be back for the chicken soup. It's that good.
(5)
David N.
We eat here all the time because we like the food and its very close to our house. A cut above the typical Mexican restaurant. The prices are fair, service is typically good and the food is tasty. It might not be the most authentic Mexican food, but in this area I think there is more of a market for "American-ized" Mexican which is what this place serves. Frozen margaritas are good (get Texas style). We like the cheese dip, steak tacos, tamales, nachos, enchiladas and burritos.
(4)
P C.
This place is great! Service excellent! Best fresh guacamole in town !!!! A must to try!!!!!
(5)
Art M.
Been here many times as it's only a mile away. Went for lunch today and had a delightful and filling lunch. I had a quesadilla with chicken and the wife had a burrito, both lunch specials with rice and beans. We're stuffed and we actually paid less than our last Taco Bell meal. Yes, it's a chain, so authenticity normally goes the wayside but the food was good, fast and cheap. Good choice if you're in the area.
(3)
Don H.
Went with the tennis team. It's OK.
(3)
Lou G.
Whenever I am with a group of friends at lunch time, the inevitable question comes up "What is everybody in the mood for?" followed by the usual brainstorming: Chinese? Italian? Mexican? When thinking of "Mexican" in the burbs, one is not thinking of authentic places like "Taqueria El Rey de Tacos", or "Los Rayos" you are thinking about a place like El Porton. Fast. Friendly. Filling. Cheap. I have been to a lot of their locations and they are fairly consistent in meeting all the expectations of the typical Mexican restaurant. There are times when you don't want surprises, you just want "Mexican". El Porton fits the bill.
(3)
Josh A.
Standard Mexican.. Quick and easy after a day of moving. Order came out wrong, but I cannot blame the waitress as I may have forgotten the changes that I requested.
(3)
Erik A.
Love this place! Always good food and Service. You should try the chicken soup! Absolutely the best soup I have ever had in a Mexican Restaurant!
(3)
Jack M.
I usually like this place but I have one major compliant with this restaurant. I love the soups at Mexican restaurants. Here the chicken meat in the soups are in HUGE chunks, is cooked to death and is tough as leather.
(2)
Michelle H.
My family always comes to this restaurant and most of the time it's good. Last night was horrible service. I'm pretty sure the server wasn't new because I've seen her before. It took forever to get our drinks, appetizers and anything else we requested. The restaurant wasn't even busy! Food was good but when we were done eating nobody took our empty plates. Huge pet peeve. It also took 25 minutes to get our check. How ridiculous! When you have young children it's even more frustrating. The manager stopped by our table and my mother-in-law even complained. Not one "sorry ma'am". We got our bill which the charges were separated by "seats" and then took another 10 minutes for her to run our cards. Unbelievable! Needless to say her tip was minimal.
(2)
Curt A.
3 stars. 1 star for the convenience, right next to Publix. 1 star for the price, not unreasonable and good value, 1 star for the service, prompt and friendly. No stars for the food, LOL. Yeah the chick soup and the guac are tasty. But the rest of it is just OK. You'd do better at 7 Tequilas up on Post/371 in the Midway Park strip, just make a left out of the Wendys and head north for 5 miles. Or make a right on Route 9 and go to Las Palmas, past Macfarland in a strip mall. There are better choices, but El Porton isn't bad. My neighbor loves it, but he eats at Zaxbys and his wife eats at McD's, nuff said. LOL.
(3)
Greg R.
The music was very loud in our section of the restaurant as our party of 4 sat down. It was so loud that we asked the waiter to ask the volume be lowered. He agreed and after a while the manager lowered it. Unfortunately it was not very much, so our friends wanted to leave. I got up, noticed the manager, and asked if he would please lower the volume. He said he did, and I said it was still too loud. Instead of helping, he replied, "I will but I don't want anymore attitude from you." I was stunned,and told my table what he said. We stayed, because we were hungry. The food was good, and our waiter was attentive. But the manager was rude, offensive, and should never be facing customers. If I could find their head office I would call to report the manager.
(2)
Jennifer W.
Clean and neat, typical decor Mexican restaurant. Service was timely, helpful and friendly. The best part, as others have mentioned, is the table side guacamole making. You can add as much or as little as you want of any of the ingredients. And it's fairly delicious and tastes fresh. I like mine a little less chunky, so I had the server blend it a little more smoothly. I was particularly pleased with the lunch special. For $5.99 I got a quesadilla with rice and beans, plus a drink. What's more is that the lunch portion was the perfect size. No oversized, greasy, whole-plate quesadilla. No, the quesadilla was just the right size that I could enjoy more of the rice and beans, which, by the way, were better than expected. Truly flavorful and delicious.
(4)
Ashley O.
This used to be "our"spot for Mexican when it first opened. Unfortunately, we realized that we primarily came here due to convenience of location. The atmosphere is nice and there are large booths that fit six adults comfortably. I don't have any real complaints except that the food just isn't that good. We didn't go for a couple of years, and then in the fall 2014 we thought we'd try it once more. The experience was nearly exactly the same as before with the same waiter and mediocre food.
(2)
Jason P.
This use to be our go to Mex Restaurant....service is terrible they keep the same people that never get the orders right. I'm shocked this location is so close to the Flag-Ship in Roswell yet terrible food and service. Never again
(1)
Lauren C.
Went for a late lunch and wanted to sit on the deck because I had my dog. Told the host that, got seated, ordered iced teas. As our chips were being delivered, the manager, I'm guessing, came out and asked if I had a permit to have my (leashed) dog on their patio because he said if customs came by they wouldn't be happy to see a dog there. I said no I don't and that I'll leave. We were the only customers as it was around 2pm. They lost my business today and in the future. If their policy was not to allow dogs I would respect that but I have seen many other dogs on their patio on previous visits, which is why I went there. Their loss.
(1)
Joe S.
Was nothing special, then got worse. Don't order anything with chicken as they don't drain it. They do not know about draining chicken after it's stewed or however they cook it. Quesadias leak water all over the plate as do chimichangas. The supposed lunch specials are usually kid size versions of the menu items. Why not just call them small servings? I guess that would be too honest. There's nothing special about tiny lunches at somewhat discounted prices.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Marty T.
Even if you only go for the fresh, made at the table guacamole it is well worth the visit!!! Tucked away in a nondescript Cumming strip mall, El Porton offer some banging Mexican fare. The guac is so fresh, so delicious, and utterly impossible to resist!! I get fish tacos most Mexican places, and most places usually fry the fish. Not El Porton! It's fresh, grilled tilapia at it's finest! Top them off with some of the guacamole and you are in for a real treat!
(4)T S.
Good food, good prices, good people. I have eaten here several times and never been disappointed. The guacamole is made fresh at your table and it is absolutely delicious! The bartender (Rob) makes the BEST drinks! The only thing missing at the bar is music - that would make it a lot more social and fun!
(4)Chris C.
As I purchased two Groupons, we returned to use the second one on the day it expired. The return visit was about the same as the original. It's one of the many local average Mexican restaurants.
(3)Mark B.
We visited on New Year's day close to closing time. We got cheese dip with jalapeños on the side. My wife got the Super Chimichanga. Basically 2 of them. They let her get one beef and the other chicken. We thought the beef would be ground bee but it was sliced steak meat. She liked both of them. I got the La Poblana. It is kind of like fajitas, but it is a whole piece of meat that you cut in strips yourself. It was very tender and delicious. Service was pretty good but we did have to wait a little bit once for drink refills. We probably could have split the Chimichagas for a real inexpensive dinner.
(4)Jeannette L.
Chile Verde: Never again. Some form of pork boiled/braised then some sort of green relish poured on top. I'm sure some Mexican Grandmother is rolling in her grave somewhere... because that was not Chile' Verde. In fact, the FoodNetwork's Aaron Sanchez would probably say this was made by a gringo - no way it could be called authentic Mexican Cuisine. The basics (tacos, burrito's, enchilada's) are made with a bland meat and even bland'er red sauce. What was that? I tasted no chile's in the red sauce at all. And the PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE? Chile Relleno with American Cheese gobbed on top and maybe a sliver of what might have been a poblano in another life. Really, does the chef think that gringo's don't know what Mexican food is supposed to taste like? If you like bland meat and goo-ey american cheese then by all means this is your place. But if you enter a Mexican Restaurant and you want to taste the rich ethnic flavors that it promises, skip this disaster.
(1)Lee G.
If you've read a few of my reviews, you'll know that I'm not a huge fan of the ubiquitous Mexican restaurant. They are all the same, and they are everywhere. This El Porton location seems to be a bit different. This location is in Midway, near Highway 9 and Post Road. At least two restaurants have called this space home in the past few years, including the second location of Roasted Garlic. That was a darn good place that just didn't make it. But it seems that El Porton might have what it takes to survive. I've been twice now, and both times have been decent. On my most recent visit, the service was pretty poor. Could just have been a bad waiter. But the food is slightly above average for Mexican. My wife says their chicken chimichanga is the best she has had. But best of all... their prices are very reasonable. The lunch menu options (which are served 7 days a week) are VERY cheap. The Speedy Gonzalez is $4.25. Amazing, yet pretty good. Compare that to the alternatives on Windward and the rest of Alpharetta, and these guys are super affordable. That alone is enough to make this a fairly regular spot for us from now on.
(3)Evelyn U.
We have always enjoyed this restaurant until our recent visit on 2/4/12 when we were over charged for our meal and the manager on duty would not correct. We had always been able to order off the lunch menu at Midway & at Roswell for a $1.00 upcharge. This night we asked the waiter for the same and he wasn't sure he could do it so we asked him to check. He came back and gave a thumbs up so we ordered. When the bill came we were charged a la cart prices making it very expensive. We will not be back!
(1)Vince K.
My family enjoys the food and experience at El Porton. The chicken soft tacos are outstanding! Great staff, awesome food. Affordable for a family.
(5)Sharlene B.
I ordered a carry out and the guacamole had mostly rotten avocado a small section of avocado was fresher looking. It cost $6.00 and I had to throw it out. I asked that my soup have no onions and it was loaded with onions. The order was wrong, a steak taco was ordered and a beef taco was in the bag. I close to this location and I have tried this place a few times in the last couple of years to see if it has improved and it never does. I ate in the last time and was treated very rudely. I am never going back again.
(1)F J.
Very good food. Enjoyed their special dinner fajitas for under $10. Had steak and chicken combo. Very well prepared with rice beans and bottomless chips and salsa. Can't go wrong here.
(4)Angela H.
The food tasted decent. Kind of pricey for Mexican food, at least the dinner menu. Very disappointed in the size of the cheese dip compared to the price.
(3)K G.
5 stars for the chicken soup. This place could be falling apart and I'd still be back for the chicken soup. It's that good.
(5)David N.
We eat here all the time because we like the food and its very close to our house. A cut above the typical Mexican restaurant. The prices are fair, service is typically good and the food is tasty. It might not be the most authentic Mexican food, but in this area I think there is more of a market for "American-ized" Mexican which is what this place serves. Frozen margaritas are good (get Texas style). We like the cheese dip, steak tacos, tamales, nachos, enchiladas and burritos.
(4)P C.
This place is great! Service excellent! Best fresh guacamole in town !!!! A must to try!!!!!
(5)Art M.
Been here many times as it's only a mile away. Went for lunch today and had a delightful and filling lunch. I had a quesadilla with chicken and the wife had a burrito, both lunch specials with rice and beans. We're stuffed and we actually paid less than our last Taco Bell meal. Yes, it's a chain, so authenticity normally goes the wayside but the food was good, fast and cheap. Good choice if you're in the area.
(3)Don H.
Went with the tennis team. It's OK.
(3)Lou G.
Whenever I am with a group of friends at lunch time, the inevitable question comes up "What is everybody in the mood for?" followed by the usual brainstorming: Chinese? Italian? Mexican? When thinking of "Mexican" in the burbs, one is not thinking of authentic places like "Taqueria El Rey de Tacos", or "Los Rayos" you are thinking about a place like El Porton. Fast. Friendly. Filling. Cheap. I have been to a lot of their locations and they are fairly consistent in meeting all the expectations of the typical Mexican restaurant. There are times when you don't want surprises, you just want "Mexican". El Porton fits the bill.
(3)Josh A.
Standard Mexican.. Quick and easy after a day of moving. Order came out wrong, but I cannot blame the waitress as I may have forgotten the changes that I requested.
(3)Erik A.
Love this place! Always good food and Service. You should try the chicken soup! Absolutely the best soup I have ever had in a Mexican Restaurant!
(3)Jack M.
I usually like this place but I have one major compliant with this restaurant. I love the soups at Mexican restaurants. Here the chicken meat in the soups are in HUGE chunks, is cooked to death and is tough as leather.
(2)Michelle H.
My family always comes to this restaurant and most of the time it's good. Last night was horrible service. I'm pretty sure the server wasn't new because I've seen her before. It took forever to get our drinks, appetizers and anything else we requested. The restaurant wasn't even busy! Food was good but when we were done eating nobody took our empty plates. Huge pet peeve. It also took 25 minutes to get our check. How ridiculous! When you have young children it's even more frustrating. The manager stopped by our table and my mother-in-law even complained. Not one "sorry ma'am". We got our bill which the charges were separated by "seats" and then took another 10 minutes for her to run our cards. Unbelievable! Needless to say her tip was minimal.
(2)Curt A.
3 stars. 1 star for the convenience, right next to Publix. 1 star for the price, not unreasonable and good value, 1 star for the service, prompt and friendly. No stars for the food, LOL. Yeah the chick soup and the guac are tasty. But the rest of it is just OK. You'd do better at 7 Tequilas up on Post/371 in the Midway Park strip, just make a left out of the Wendys and head north for 5 miles. Or make a right on Route 9 and go to Las Palmas, past Macfarland in a strip mall. There are better choices, but El Porton isn't bad. My neighbor loves it, but he eats at Zaxbys and his wife eats at McD's, nuff said. LOL.
(3)Greg R.
The music was very loud in our section of the restaurant as our party of 4 sat down. It was so loud that we asked the waiter to ask the volume be lowered. He agreed and after a while the manager lowered it. Unfortunately it was not very much, so our friends wanted to leave. I got up, noticed the manager, and asked if he would please lower the volume. He said he did, and I said it was still too loud. Instead of helping, he replied, "I will but I don't want anymore attitude from you." I was stunned,and told my table what he said. We stayed, because we were hungry. The food was good, and our waiter was attentive. But the manager was rude, offensive, and should never be facing customers. If I could find their head office I would call to report the manager.
(2)Jennifer W.
Clean and neat, typical decor Mexican restaurant. Service was timely, helpful and friendly. The best part, as others have mentioned, is the table side guacamole making. You can add as much or as little as you want of any of the ingredients. And it's fairly delicious and tastes fresh. I like mine a little less chunky, so I had the server blend it a little more smoothly. I was particularly pleased with the lunch special. For $5.99 I got a quesadilla with rice and beans, plus a drink. What's more is that the lunch portion was the perfect size. No oversized, greasy, whole-plate quesadilla. No, the quesadilla was just the right size that I could enjoy more of the rice and beans, which, by the way, were better than expected. Truly flavorful and delicious.
(4)Ashley O.
This used to be "our"spot for Mexican when it first opened. Unfortunately, we realized that we primarily came here due to convenience of location. The atmosphere is nice and there are large booths that fit six adults comfortably. I don't have any real complaints except that the food just isn't that good. We didn't go for a couple of years, and then in the fall 2014 we thought we'd try it once more. The experience was nearly exactly the same as before with the same waiter and mediocre food.
(2)Jason P.
This use to be our go to Mex Restaurant....service is terrible they keep the same people that never get the orders right. I'm shocked this location is so close to the Flag-Ship in Roswell yet terrible food and service. Never again
(1)Lauren C.
Went for a late lunch and wanted to sit on the deck because I had my dog. Told the host that, got seated, ordered iced teas. As our chips were being delivered, the manager, I'm guessing, came out and asked if I had a permit to have my (leashed) dog on their patio because he said if customs came by they wouldn't be happy to see a dog there. I said no I don't and that I'll leave. We were the only customers as it was around 2pm. They lost my business today and in the future. If their policy was not to allow dogs I would respect that but I have seen many other dogs on their patio on previous visits, which is why I went there. Their loss.
(1)Joe S.
Was nothing special, then got worse. Don't order anything with chicken as they don't drain it. They do not know about draining chicken after it's stewed or however they cook it. Quesadias leak water all over the plate as do chimichangas. The supposed lunch specials are usually kid size versions of the menu items. Why not just call them small servings? I guess that would be too honest. There's nothing special about tiny lunches at somewhat discounted prices.
(2)