Terrible :( We were the only people in the restaurant, should have known the second we walked in. Salsa and chips were grocery store quality at best. Chicken tasted canned. Waiter never checked on us to see how our food was, I assume he knew it was awful. Definitely in the top 3 of the worse places I have ever eaten. Too many fabulous places to eat in Jamaica plain for you to waste your money here.
(1)
JT K.
I'm not one to give businesses bad reviews too often, but this place was really really bad. The service took over an hour and the food was mediocre at best. It took us over 15 minutes to get a refill on a glass of wine. Keep in mind we were maybe one of four groups there. The wait staff seemed completely unappreciative that we were eating there. Definitely would not go back. Overall bad.
(1)
Melanie C.
We love Acapulco, we have been going there for years ... family owned ... adorable little man and his wife. This is not a trendy spot so lower your expectations and enjoy the prices and good food ... highly recommend the shrimp ceviche, shrimp fajitas, chicken enchiladas and shrimp chipotle ... accompanied by a delicious Negra Modelo. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Barbara B.
I love this place! The best homemade Sangria! The salsa makes me salivate. Iam a salsa addict. They never tell me I have had enuff of it. Lime in Beers is sooo perfect. In the winter it warms me up. The vegggie dishes are sooo just right. Warm and filling. Yum yum. Chips are fresh warm and perfect. The nachos are just right. The desserts to die for. I have been going there since 1983. Always a wave hello from Flores the owner upon arrival. Then a big thankyou and goodnight upon leaving. It is a very private atmosphere. This place is family run and they work hard and aim to please.So, much so that at times Flores the owner waits tables himself. A very special place with wonderfull memories and more to come.I recommend the Acapulco restuaruant to anyone.
(5)
Lily G.
The place was empty when we arrived. My boyfriend jokingly said "I rented out the entire place for you". Lol! Love it. They were playing Spanish music. Obviously, I knew the lyrics to every song because I'm THAT Mexican. Haha. Our server was this sweet little old man with a limp. He suggested a dish to try, we did and were happily surprised. The shrimp ceviche was prepared differently than what I am used to. I would call it more of a cocktail. Still tasty. But would not order it again. As for my meal, the carne asada plate. Delicious central. I will say, they could have gotten a tad bit lighter on the salt. (Sidenote: I don't use salt in my cooking so any amount of salt will probably be too much salt for my palette). Still, i finished my meal and was very well satisfied. I also had the apple flavored soda and it took me all the way back to when I lived in Mexico. Yum! Cute lil place.
(4)
Andrea B.
Eat here. As a JP resident, and self- proclaimed food lover, I want you to know that this family owned restaurant is great! Wine is in the 4 dollar range for a glass. And the food is great! If you are into the local business scene, authentic food, and attentive service, then this is the place for you! The chicken enchiladas are great! Also, the flan is home made and worth saving room for.
(5)
Tamra N.
No frills, authentic, Mexican! Good quality. Inexpensive. Polite service. Slightly slow but not bad. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Erica T.
No frills. Basic authentic Mexican staples with some American foods thrown in. Affordable and delicioso! Not for the saveur or snob, but if you have a picky eater, they'll find something here, as well as someone who enjoys being more adventurous. Margarita was standard and good. Really happy this is in the neighborhood! Great for groups, families or a very casual dinner for two. Will definitely be back for their amazing enchiladas.
(3)
Mari C.
Didn't want to serve me by myself. It was too much work to serve one person. :-( que pena
(1)
Jessica J.
Decided to give this local place a shot, despite mixed reviews. We spend several weeks in Mexico every year and only eat at small local joints, so I think we were fair in our review. Food: - Salsa was good - Guacamole was terrible - Chicken enchiladas were very dry - Beans were solid - Rice was pretty poor - Chiles Rellenos was the clear winner - very good! Ambience: - Larger restaurant than you might expect, but definitely dated and could use a good cleaning. Ceiling tiles were pretty gross. Service: - Only one server, but the place was empty. Refilled our waters regularly and was polite, but nothing above and beyond.
(2)
Brian S.
This is no-nonsense neighborhood dining. The food will be average, the service will be "Southern paced" as one reviewer put it, and the atmosphere is dated. But check your privilege at the door and you will not have a bad experience; there are many things to like about Acapulco. For one, the restaurant is never busy. Even on the weekend nights, you're guaranteed to get a table as soon as you walk in. Nonetheless, there is always a mariachi musician playing on Fridays and Saturdays. Even if the place is empty. The food is not fancy, modern "New England" Mexican. It's old school Tex-Mex. Think Border Cafe, but not nearly as good. It's not bad, but it won't be knocking your socks off. Some things are better than others; the chips and salsa are classically disappointing, but their mole is top notch. I'm fond of their enchiladas, but opt for chicken over the beef. In all the many times I've been to Acapulco, I've only seen one server and that's the owner. He may not be fast or gracious, but he is attentive and dedicated to his business. And that's something I respect.
(3)
Lauren L.
Disappointed. Very bland food and poor/slow service. Mushy taco shells. Flavorless rice. Salsa was blah. Chips too thick/overcooked. Won't be returning.
(1)
Adam P.
Great Tex Mex. Don't believe the haters. I come from somewhere with actual Mexican food and looking at the reviews I'm convinced Bostonians just don't have good taste regarding Mexican. The sangria is some of the best I've ever had. It's true the service isn't the best around, but that's why you order some sangria. This isn't Chipotle. It's not "fast casual." It's somewhere you go to sit and relax and have great food and drink.
(5)
Glynn H.
Had dinner there last night. Service was fine and adequate..........no personality though. Basic mexican/tex mex menu, nothing exotic or adventurous.............the food was very tasty...............the salsa had great flavors and just a bit of a spicy kick but not unpleasant at all. My enchiladas poblanos were excellent!!! Price...........very good and portion sizes were very appropriate. Sangria was quite good and the margaritas were very good, nicely balanced flavors and nice tequila punch to it (on the rocks, no frozen though) Will definately be back!!!
(3)
Jon S.
I wasn't expecting much from this place and I was right not too. This place serves Mexican food in the same way you would find it in the south - cheap, cheesy combos that aren't really that good but arent that bad either. The chips & salsa the serve when you enter is pretty terrible - chips tasted stale and the salsa had as much kick as FDR - and the ambience is pretty bland. Probably won't go again but wouldnt be morally opposed to going if a friend wanted too.
(2)
Daniela K.
Food was terrible and the service was awful. We didn't even leave a tip, it was just such a bad experience.
(1)
Brandon P.
Top 5 worst restaurants I have ever been to. The service was sub par. Decor was acceptable. Most importantly the food was relatively tasteless and bland. Worst "salsa" I have ever had.
(1)
Matt M.
What I liked most about this place was that it was quiet and not crowded at all. I went in on a Friday night, and there were only two other parties eating dinner (two people at one table, another loner at the other). That's what I look for when trying to find a place to dine alone and develop a working buzz. I want to be able to hear myself think - not be overwhelmed by television, music, or conversation spilled over from the people sitting next to me. Call me crazy. No frills. They serve beer and sangria. Generous portions. And when the guitarist came over to my table and serenaded me with Spanish love songs (picture it - the guitarist dressed in a poncho and sombrero, singing passionately next to my table where I sit alone in a nearly empty restaurant - also, I'm a dude.), it was something out of some odd indie film. Unique experience, and, lucky for them, there aren't many other options for Mexican in JP. I had the enchilada (can't remember which one). It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was good. I will be going back - to drink beer and enjoy the quiet.
(4)
Ruth M.
I am confused by the one star reviews for this place. True, it is no frills, basic authentic Mexican food, and not in the least bit trendy. We love it. We've been going there for at least 20 years, and it has been run by the same family all along. They recognize us every time we go (although we really don't go that often), and we have never had a problem getting good service. The food is very tasty and there is a nice selection of Mexican beers. I always go for a Negra Modelo and my husband prefers a Pacifico...perfect with chicken and cheese enchiladas verdes. Two people can dine for as little as $25. All that and a Mariachi band to boot. That's a great restaurant in my book!
(5)
Jessica Y.
The service is slow when you sit down for food, but we always get take-out which is quick! The Enchiladas Poblanas are fantastic. This place has the best mole sauce.
(4)
Tim C.
Don't even THINK about it. Seriously. Zero flavor, underwhelming and overpriced considering what you end up with.. Even the plants in the windows look disappointed.
(1)
Richard P.
I went with two friends last night. When we walked in I was shocked to see only one table occupied (on a Saturday night at 7pm). It definitely made me nervous, but I'm so glad we stayed (one friend had eaten at another Acapulco's and suggested it). We each got something different and were totally satisfied with our meals which came exactly as ordered and pretty quickly. I love Chimichangas and few places have them. The prices were good and we all said we'd come back. I'm still baffled why no one was there. Don't expect the best decor or the best Mexican ever (and I didn't love the chips, Qdoba's are better) but overall the place was very good and we'll eat there again for sure!
(4)
Dan H.
I was born in Tucson, Arizona. This restaurant serves real Tex-Mex. It's satisfying, tasty, subtle comfort food. Some of the best and most authentic in New England. The service is Southern-paced, so don't go here in a hurry. The atmosphere is authentic. The music is real mexican mariachi or pop. They did not hire a hip designer. They did not consult a fusion chef. The dishes have not been "Californized" with healthy substitutions for traditional ingredients or colored up to look prettier on the plate. The beans and rice are rich and delicious. It is not health food. It is not locally-grown. It is not vegan.* It is not Yuppie-Mex with sea salt on the margarita rims. This is simple Tex-Mex fare done right. Mexican is slim pickins in New England. I also like Jose's in Cambridge or Border Cafe. (yes, it's a good chain) The only other refried beans you'll find as good as these are at Tu Y Yo in Somerville. *Pesceterians, get the first appetizer on the menu, the avocado salad, and the shrimp(camarones) with chiles or cilantro.
(5)
Marina R.
This is by far and away our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Greater Boston area... where else can we get two dinners for less than $20 bucks with free chips and salsa? We don't even live in Boston anymore but still come to visit from time to time - like this past weekend for example. I know from the outside it looks very basic and boring if you will but I come here to eat and always devour everything on my plate. We are obsessed with combo # 20 which includes both a chimichanga and tostada with rice and beans. I'm a fan of their chips and salsa, especially when the chips come out hot. 9 times out of 10, our server happens to be the owner of the restaurant and it doesn't bother me one bit. He's always warm, patient and kind. We have never really experienced "slow" service because the restaurant is barely ever packed. The majority of times we stumble in, it's quite empty which surprises me. I never want this place to close, support your local businesses people! Long story short... don't come here looking for a five star restaurant experience. Come here if you want really good Mexican food at extremely reasonable prices.
(5)
Michelle R.
I love this place. We're in the northeast, so really great tex-mex just, we'll. it's not happening, as much as I or anyone else wants it to. But Acapulco knows, and don't try to pretend that they're anything but an inexpensive dinner spot, with margarita pitchers and rice and beans on the side (no matter what you order). It's never crowded, there's plenty of space, parking isn't bad, and have I mentioned pitchers of margarita? Because pitchers of margarita (with discernible alcohol taste, oh boy). My roommate thinks its too mediocre, my bf thinks it's ok (but I doubt he'd take me on his own), but I love it. Maybe I miss Florida, and the random generic tex-mex chains that are everywhere, but I don't care. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, etc...and free chips and salsa. Boom.
(4)
Haley T.
Inexpensive, decent service, decent margaritas...but I'm not terribly impressed. I ate here with a few friends, and everyone's dish looked exactly the same. I can't vouch for them tasting the same, but it was about as exciting as it looked. I'm not 100% sure whether the refried beans were actually vegan, either, so I'm not sure I would return for the food
(2)
Aisha H.
My roommates and I tried to go to Acapulco's for a drink last night, and were rudely turned away. The hostess attempted to show us to a table, when I told her we had only planned on getting a drink. She relaying this message to another man, who I am assuming is the owner or manager, who just said no. We turned around and left and will not be back.
(1)
Amanda H.
I can honestly say that I've never had worse food in a restaurant. I love knock-off Mexican food, and I can usually appreciate anything that involves a tortilla and cheese, but this place was beyond bad. The margarita was clearly made from a mix and tasted like a jolly rancher. The tortilla chips were burnt. Our entrees came out in approximately 5 minutes, an obvious sign that there was some microwave usage in the kitchen. There was a hardened crust on the refried beans, which were also absolutely tasteless. The salsa verde on the enchiladas was clearly made with a lot of cornstarch. The chicken (don't ask me how they achieved this) tasted vaguely like tuna fish. The fried flour tortilla for the chalupa was definitely fried and then reheated in in a microwave -- chewy and not crispy at all. I don't understand how this place is in business. It's actually a shame, a decent sit-down Mexican place in JP could do incredibly well.
(1)
Steven L.
I don't like giving negative Yelp reviews, but this place deserves one. We went in on Friday Night and the place was mostly empty, about 4 tables with people at them. That should have been our first warning. We were seated quickly, but the food took over 45 minutes to arrive, even though there was barely anyone there. It looked like the experience was the same for the rest of the people at the restaurant. The waitress never came to tell us when our food was coming or ask us if we were doing okay. There was no communication during the wait whatsoever. Our waitress was also very rude to a member of our party who had dietary restrictions and she was unsure if we were allowed to order a bottle of wine for the table even though it said we could on the menu. The last straw and the reason I'm writing this review was when I found out my friend, who put the whole thing on his card, was charged an extra $40 by the restaurant and had to take up the fraudulent charge with his credit card company. Fortunately he caught it. I've heard very good things about the Acapulco chain and members of my party have eaten at other Acapulco locations and very much enjoyed themselves. The food was actually very good for the price. However, I won't be returning to this particular Acapulco and would recommend anyone avoid this particular Acapulco.
(1)
Voravut R.
I would drive past this place & by just the look of it think it was a franchise of a regional chain that made bad food & even worse service. Boy was I wrong, the staff here is warm & friendly. The food here is made with a care that you don't normally see. The prices are reasonable & they make things that I actually crave, like their arroz con pollo. It is seasoned well, plenty of rice & fillled with a few large piece of whole chicken. It is very filling & great at anytime. The endless chips & salsa is great. If you are in the mood for just good food, in a warm environment & will not brake the bank, give these guys a try.
(4)
Jenny T.
I'm giving it a 5 because even though it's not the BEST mexican food I've had (but I'm from Cali so am spoiled and picky when it comes to Mexican), it's better than most here in Boston, and the staff and service are great, they always greet hubby and I with big smiles, plus the margaritas (we order cadillac style, with a shot of grand marnier) are awesome! It does look like a hole in the wall but I was pleasantly surprised and now it's one of our typical Friday night dinner spots.
(5)
Douglas A.
I went for my second time this past weekend with 3 friends. Much better second time around. Or, maybe I just ordered something more interesting. Every one of us had a great meal, and the mariachi player was just right: talented and not intrusive to our conversation or meal. The service is very straight forward - not a place to go if you want to feel special or doted on. But a great place to go for inexpensive, good quality non-fancy, Mexican food. We will all definitely return.
(4)
Susan R.
I feel like a 1.5 would be in order, but in the honor of charity, I round to two. My Mom taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all... so this will be as painful for me to write as it will for you to read; Acapulco is 1 block from my house. I have eaten there several (6) times. It has always been some of the worst mexican I have even tried. It's like west coast Tijuana nightmare food. Once they tried to over charge me by a dollar here.. a dollar there... They do have Mariachi on 'busier nights". I haven't been in 3 years. I am afraid to return. Maybe they have gotten better?
(2)
Marshelle J.
I really liked the open and spacious feel of the restaurant, but was a little uncomfortable that we were the only people in there and it was only 7:30PM. There were only 2 people working, which would have been fine since they clearly weren't busy, but the waiter could have been a little more attentive. The food was pretty good and it was a nice portion size. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but it was good local tex-mex!
(3)
Joe B.
Steer clear...I haven't eaten here for more than 3 years. I used to live around the corner. Prepare yourself for bland, reheated mexican food that the restaurant originally made from substandard, 'fell off the Cysco' truck style ingredients. Update: I've eaten Mexican food many places, including Watsonville, CA and the Mission (where I learned to love Mexican food in a two week binge eating from a very authentic hole-in-the-wall on Treat St circa 1995). One should not try to pass off the low-grade sludge at Acapulco as 'authentic, non-yuppified, anti-quiche' Mexican. It's food prepared without love or care.
(1)
Erika S.
Nopalitos. They have nopalitos. And they're delicious. Really, nopalitos is all a Mexican place needs to make me happy. They also have a pitcher of margaritas, which the server said would get the three of us about two servings each, but ended up being more like three and a half. Hoo boy, was I trashed. And there's a CVS conveniently located across the street that's perfect for going into and laughing at stuff while trashed, so this all worked out well.
(4)
Dan M.
Let's be up front that their drinks and food are pretty tasty. If you can wait as long as we had to then god speed to you. When you're told that service is slow because another "large" group came before you, it makes some sense, but 60 minutes after ordering our food, with maybe 10 other people in the restaurant raised a red flag. The biggest problem is that the wait staff wouldn't come over to our table while we waited to do things like inform us of the wait, or even refill our waters/take orders for more drinks. Overall the food is good like any restaurants in this chain, but the service is less than desired. Overall, prepare for the extended wait, and you'll be fine.
(1)
L G.
I love the fact that I can walk into this restaurant any night of the week and get a table right away. The food and drinks are pretty good. Great place to have dinner last minute without reservations and is usually relatively quiet in a convenient JP location.
(3)
Megan S.
I went here on Cinco de Mayo. The place was FULL to the gills. There were two waitstaff and a toothless guitarist playing mariachi tunes. You'd think they'd realize us silly Americans like to get our tacos on on what we think are popular Mexican holidays. All that to say, service was awful. But the food not bad. If you need Mexican and are in JP, this is the place to go.
(3)
Kendra H.
I am by no means an expert on authentic Mexican fare. I just love any dish with chicken and cheese and rice and the chimichangas here are excellent if that's what you're looking for. The Bananas con Cajeta is a delicious dessert. Drinks are fine. If you're looking for fast food, this is not your place. Service is sometimes unbearably slow even if you are the only person there (which I have been several times), but I budget for that and really love the little old man...
(4)
George W.
Finally-a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant just for dogs in JP! I stumbled on to this place by accident so I didn't have my canine with me, but I brought plenty home in a "doggie bag" haha. First off, I would like to point out that they have the cutest, most hilarious menu I have ever seen-they list all the items for your pooch as if it was a menu for people! I ordered the "steak" quesadilla to start, and as soon as the plate hit the table a big waft of Purina brand freshness blew up into my nostrils from underneath the rawhide tortilla. My girlfriend ordered the snausage (veggie) burrito and we both knew that Fido back home was just gonna love it. Round that out with some bean and marinara manwhich flautas and you have a yappingly good meal. Presentation-wise, the inclusion of the word "inc" on their sign (That's right-it actually reads "Acapulco Restaurant Inc") gives the place a homie, "give us your damn money" appeal. 5 woofs!
(5)
Matthew H.
I've been eating at Acapulco for many years and have always been a big fan of the place. Don't believe some of the bad reviews...this is a tasty, authentic, family-run Mexican restaurant. Having visited Texas and SoCal many times, I am very picky when it comes to Mexican food. There are few Mexican restaurants in Boston that do it for me, but this place delivers. The atmosphere feels very relaxed, almost as if you're at a Mexican friend's house. The mariachis on Friday and Saturday nights are a nice touch too. The prices are cheap and the food is quite food and portions are generous. The triple combination platters (combinaciones azteca) are great because they're cheap and let you try 3 different menu items. I've had a wide variety of menu items and the food has always been very authentic, tasty, and consistent. Do yourself a favor an eat here...you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Cassie H.
So I have to premise this by saying that as a Texan, I have had my share of Mexican restaurants... My friends and I hit up Acapulco Restaurant on a Friday night because our first choice for a night out was closed (right down the street). The restaurant was fairly empty for a Friday night at dinner rush, but we got seated right away. The chips were cold and bland, but the salsa was tolerable. We ordered our dinner along with a pitcher of sangria. The sangria was alright, but it should be said that among four of us, we didn't finish the whole pitcher because of taste... I had the enchiladas verdes, my husband the enchiladas rojas, and our friends had the tacos de carne asada and the trecias enchiladas (enchiladas three ways). The food came out super hot (which was suprisingly refreshing), but it wasn't the best I've had. The wait staff was super nice though. They even had a mariachi singer who serenaded each table. Overall, it was a pleasant dinner experience, but I am not sure I'd be back.
(2)
R G.
I live about three minutes from this place. it took me several months to go, as the consistent emptiness served as a giant neon sign to stay away, but I convinced myself to give it a try. I won't make that mistake again. their menu is giant. there is no way any restaurant could make all of those dishes well. though I could have missed them, I saw no sign of soft tacos. I should have left right then. I ordered a taco anyway. the shell was stale and reminded me of what my public elementary school served in the cafeteria. if you're going to have crunchy tacos, you must fry them yourself. all of the food, even the chips and salsa they brought out, was incredibly bland. I kept looking for flavor but none was to be found. the rice and beans tasted old. really, the plate was just a big pile (yes, pile is the most accurate word) of slop. look, I have a special place in my heart for dingy, hole-in-the wall, not really authentic mexican restaurants, I really do. I was not expecting an exquisite mole or fine dining in any way. but this was something else entirely... something not good.
(1)
carolyn m.
It is very good, the service is great, the food is fresh and it is very tasty. It is about as Mexican as you are going to get in the East Coast, otherwise head over to Arizona, California... I am lucky to have this restaurant in my neighborhood!
(4)
Narath S.
I do enjoy the food there and having a mariachi band is a plus., but I feel that the food takes forever to come out. Maybe its bc they want to keep us there longer so that the band gets well tipped every time they come around. The bands know which buttons to push to get a nice tip with the youngins (La Bamba or Guantanamera) If i had to choose btn this place and Tacos El Charro down the street, I'd to to TEC. Acapulco does hold sentimental value though. That's why i gave it the solid 3 star rating. I went here one night with my roommates and we had to get one of them liquored up in order to kick out another roommate. It worked. That female bear of a roommate no longer lives with us. So another plus for Acapulco is that the drinks can be kind of strong.
(3)
David A R.
overpriced and not good. $11 for a shitty margarita with a syrupy mix and a bad lime.
(1)
Jonathan F.
Having recently moved here from Colorado where there is a HUGE Mexican population (and thus lots of great Mexican restaurants) I'm used to a very good Mexican food and I know exactly what I want. Aside from Anna's Taqueria, this is the best Mexican I've found in Boston. My only regret is that I didn't visit this place sooner. The service is decent, food arrives fast and is quite good quality. The menu is huge with lots of things to choose from (try the cactus appetizer, you'll love it!). The ambiance is mediocre, they could spice up the place there, but aside from that I am a big fan.
(4)
E B.
Cheap, quick & never a line. The combo plates are big but a little messy. The mariachi band can be a little intrusive on their 3rd pass when there's only a couple other patrons in the place.
(3)
K A.
I've lived nearby Acapulco for quite a while but didn't get around to stopping by until last night. My roomies tell me it does tasty, fast, always-hot (in this case I mean fahrenheit, not scoville units) food and they were correct. I guess I put off my visit for so long because the place hardly ever looks busy and the plants in the window - however pretty - obscure one's view of the interior. Also, it is right next to a frequently-closed bakery with a window display of old, crumbling cakes, so I guess I was averse by association. Anyway, the staff here is very nice, the decor is a kind of retro that is simultaneously comforting, comical, and quaint, and the food is well-priced and served in good portions. I'm giving it three stars for now because: 1) The food was satisfying, but not mind-blowing. 2) I need a few more visits to truly judge the place. 3) They really could sell themselves better. Canary Square, Tres Gatos, and even Zestos seem way more welcoming from the outside. I'm planning to return for a night of cheap tacos, cheese dip w/ sausage, and cheap sangria. Everyone knows that you can't really judge a place until you're drunk, bloated, and on your way to massive heartburn.
(3)
sierra l.
I went here with my husband and daughter.It was nice and interesting.They had all the food I wanted.My daughter loved the food and she is a picky eater,My husband enjoyed his food. The portions were a bit big but aren't most places.
(4)
Bart A.
I have been to Acapulco for both take out and dine in. The service is always very good. the last time I went there I had the Enchilida Chatas and my dining partner had the chicken with the mole sauce. The Margaritas were good. overall a good dining experience. I usually just get the nachos for take out and they are always good and they give you a pretty good portion.
(4)
Dave G.
Whenever I want "sit down fast food" style Mexican, I come here to order ground beef enchiladas which are covered in sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of overcooked and falling apart rice and refried beans that have probably been around for weeks. Then I eat the entire plate like Homer Simpson (can't talk, eating!) and walk home feeling shameful. Long story short, I don't want to see the kitchen and I expect the restaurant would be a great candidate for Kitchen Nightmares.
(3)
Deb C.
After a week of seafood we finally found a Mexican Restaurant. It was as good as any we could have got in Texas.
(3)
Tim B.
Acapulco is unpretentious, stick-to-your-ribs Mexican food. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Mexican fare (as well as a number of Americanized Mexican dishes). My food here has always been great and they do a mean carne asada. The salsa and mole sauces are also quite good. The place is run by a very sweet family. Usually, it's just the owner and his young son running the front of the house. So yes, sometimes the services is slow, but the warm, family-run atmosphere more than makes up for it. The wonderful mariachi singers on the weekends only add to the great flavor of this place.
(4)
J D.
I really liked Dave G.'s review. Similar sentiments from myself. Acapulco should be 10X more popular than it is, given the JP crowds that flock to similar places. What you'll get are large inexpensive portions and very attentive service. Two people can fill their fat bellies past capacity for $25 or less. This is the best value that you'll find. No, it isn't the fanciest place but that's to be expected. The salsa sucks, but its hardly a concern. One of my favorite aspects of Acapulco is that there is no table turnover. After stuffing yourself with a variety of beans, cheeses, ground beef and chicken you can linger and try to shake the food hangover before entering the real world again. They do some great combination plates which are a good idea to try mostly because they'll include all 9 items that make up the 600 page menu. Its Mexican food. You know what I'm saying.
(5)
Matt C.
The enchiladas verdes was decent, but the pollo en salsa de tomatillo was pretty bland. Service was good and the server was nice. However, it gets one star because the overpriced $45 margarita pitcher was terrible! Way way too much sugar and little alcohol. It felt like such a rip-off!
(1)
Gabby M.
Eek! Methinks not is right. I got the Tostada meal, it was soggy and mushy. The rice seemed like it was last weeks leftovers, my margarita was overloaded with cheap tequila and my friends tiny cranberry and vodka was $10! I didn't even drink my margarita -- it was so awful and the waitress didn't even comment about it. Steer clear of this place -- it's empty for a reason.
(1)
Beth J.
I went here on a Saturday night before 7pm. The place was just under half full and yet from the time we ordered to the time we got our food was about an hour and 10 minutes. In that time we were never checked on, informed of a delay, or apologized to. The wait staff could have easily checked on us to offer more chips and salsa or drinks but nope, nothing. I noticed a table of two that came in with my group that waited longer than me to get served. As for the food, the chips were slightly burned, the salsa didn't have much flavor, and the food was no better than Taco Bell.
(1)
R. B.
This isn't Mexican food. The salsa appears to be a mixture of ketchup and tabasco sauce, maybe. The "spicy" salsa verde, is 1) not spicy and 2)tasted like chef boyardee spaghettiO's sauce. The waitress didn't know what a sopapilla was ("a soap, what?") and didn't know there was more than one kind of Jose Cuervo. Iodized salt was used to rim the glass of my margarita. If you don't know why any of these things might be a problem, you might like it there. For those of us familiar with real mexican food.... stay away.... or if you must, get the guacamole or chipotle sauce to dip your chips in (ask if they can serve the chipotle sauce cold)... then order a bean burrito without salsa, order the chipotle sauce on the side, and pour that on. Order beer to drink.
(1)
Giovannah C.
I ordered take last night from Acapulco Restaurant by default (BBQ Town refuse to take my delivery order at 9:27 pm despite the fact that their menu read 10:pm...either way thats another story) and was rather surprised. Granted, I would not say that Acapulco offers the best Mexican fiesta taste for my buds. However considering price, serving size and convenience (right on Center St) this place deserves a 3 star review. Not to mentioned their fully stacked and variety tequila bar. We had some warming shots of Hornitos tequila while we waited at $7 a pop, they were moderately priced considering the fact these where some lucha libre sized shots! I ordered the Burros En Salsa Roja, basically two enchiladas with red sauce refried beans and rice. These were really tasty with fresh shredded chicken and made to a perfectly soggy texture. The credit card min is $10 so I added a $3.25 Tamal to my order. My add on was the best Tamal I have had in a long time, actually warped in palm leaves, full flavored and grainy...perfection! One warning...my friend Jose ordered the Queso Asado. This was the worse fromage-a-paus ever! It was basically a viscous wad of grease with Bacon Bits suffering from a Chorizo identity crisis. Please do not order the Queso Asado if you are anti-heart attacks! If you're in the JP area and fiending Mexican fare, Acapulco's menu offers a plethora of choices to satisfy your craving. FYI- Our other dinning partner, Holland, confirmed with Acapulco that small chihuahuas are NOT welcome at the restaurant under no circumstances...Not that it would occur to anyone to bring their small dog, but it did to him
(3)
Dtf D.
So today is not the first time dtf has visited this establishment and it's pretty safe to say that it has been safely consistent on all visits. The menu is pretty typical, but the french fries and chicken wings always turn us off, especially since this is one of the slightly more traditional Mexican food restaurants in the Boston area. They are actually Mexican, not Tex-Mex, so they have salsa verde, and tostadas, etc... fresh plates, not too soaked usually. the rice served with most dished is pretty plain, but decent enough to mix with the beans and dip the chips into it. They charge for an extra basket of chips, but the chips are decent with a little extra salt. The salsa is watery, but tangy and pretty good. Over all dishes are simple and pretty what you'd expect. Service has always been dicey and I've never seen more than 4 tables filled at any time that I've been there, so I'm not totally sure how it stays open, cause it's pretty cheap food. Not bad if you're craving that more authentic Mexican thing. Oh, also, the TV was on (playing a Spanish ER type show, with full on surgeries going on as we ate), along with the typical Mexican style music, and we were seated right between the two so the soundclash was annoying.
(3)
Alice O.
I had to run to the loo shortly after consuming my chicken enchilada with mole sauce. I have bulimic tendencies therefore, there was a sense of glee I felt about the whole thing. But, it is wrong, your food should be able to stay with you through digestion! Right? It is supposed-stah? Right? I can't recommend this place. It is really bad.
(2)
Zing G.
Alright I know all the 'hipsters' think it's cool to say Tacos El Charro is real 'authentic' Mexican food blah blah, and thus the better 'hidden gem' or whatever... Well their quality has really fallen in last few years. Acapulco on the other hand has been consistently excellent, at least in the last 3 years. With the decline of El Charro I started coming here and I have to say a few dishes have really surprised me. My roommate and I eat here at least once a week now - and to the idiot that said they don't have 'soft tacos', well they do. What I especially like is that they have a lot of healthier (for Mexican food) dishes. The Pollo Asado, the Nopales salads the fish... yes I never would have thought I would be writing this: The Haddock with Cilantro and Tomatillo sauce is f*ckin ridiculous... after the first time I believed it a lucky fluke... I thought the same even after my 3rd time eating it. Now I get it nearly every week... and it's always good.
(5)
Kirs P.
Once again, I go on a Mexican food quest in the Boston area. Once again, I'm disappointed. I believe my exact words after eating my take-out from Acapulco's were, "I think my stomach is turning in on itself." Was it god awful? I guess not. But it looks like catfood on a plate, and that's hard to stomach. I feel like food should be more than one color- not some strange shade of brownish gray. Very unappealing.
(2)
tricia k.
so the service is not always the best (we used to swear that the same man who hosts and serves was also cooking the food and that may be true some nights). you might not want to come here if you are on a timetable. but the food is good and authentic. and the place is obviously well loved by its owners and those who frequent it.
(4)
Kate L.
DH and I went here for dinner some random night a few weeks ago. The place was relatively empty, which was a bit strange, but they had Barbar the Elephant cartoons on TV! Yay! There was one older gentleman who was waiting tables and making drinks, and he was super pleasant. The margaritas were good, the food was great. Husband got the queso dip which could not have made him happier...a small bowl of melted cheese with chunks of sausage in it...we mixed in some of the salsa and it was awesome! Fattening, gooey, and completely worth it. We had read some complaints about the salsa, but I thought it was good. Just the right amount of spice, not too chunky, very nice! We both got combination plates and we both cleaned them. The food was great, then we went home and put on some elastic waisted pants. Sexy.
(4)
joshua m.
Okay, the food isnt the best. The waiters are sometimes slow. But, the owner absolutely rocks. Just go there. You'll see. I think he lives upstairs or something. You have to appreciate someone who has put that much of themselves into their establishment. Watch him walk with an armful of menus. I dare you to not smile. He makes me a special seafood burrito that isn't on the menu. While I am almost positive that everything here comes from a tube, it's affordable, FAST, and if you sit down there you don't have to worry about being hurried out the door. It's no fancy restaurant, and the food is not the best, but if you drown your Mexican food with HOT sauce like I do, who cares? Its all about the texture, the smell, and the fat dude at the door. I like it here. Yo gusto mucho. Bueno.
(4)
Kevin C.
I really like Mexican food, and the high point of my year is an annual business trip I make to San Antonio, Texas, where I hit the Manhattan Mexican restaurant and Mi Tierra's at least twice. I've also had some incredible fish tacos at hole-in-the-wall places in LA. In all honesty, the food at the Acapulco does not compare to these places, but I live in JP and a trip here saves me airfare. I like the enchiladas poblanas and the taquitos. The combo plates are a good value, too, and the three enchilada plate (one with each kind of salsa) is great on a night when I am extra hungry. They have a good beer and tequila selection, although I have never tried the sangria. The refried beans and rice that come with just about any entree are not going to win any culinary prizes, but they are solid and consistent. This consistency is one of the most impressive things about Acapulco that keeps me coming back. Every meal I've had there, whether on a quiet Tuesday or a packed Saturday night, has been the same. The service might get a little slow on the busiest days, but I've never felt like they just forgot about me. The prices are another strong point. The missus and I always manage to get out of there under $30, and that usually includes at least one beer for me and a soda for her. This isn't haute cuisine, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend going too far out of your way, but if you are in JP and looking for something to fill your belly at a reasonable price, I don't think you'll be let down at Acapulco.
(3)
Rita F.
After 19 years we returned to the Acapulco, despite reading some really bad reviews. We ordered the enchaladas poblana, some with cheese, some with chicken and and the Combo #18 beef taco and enchalada. We all enjoyed our meals - it was kind of home style - meaning not exceptional but not at all bad tasting. It was comfort food. The main improvement they should make is to correct their watery salsa. It is true, the salsa has the consistancy of Chef Boyardee and ketchup with some tobasco to make it spicy. We were early on a Sat night and the service was fast and pleasant.
(3)
Emily M.
I love Acapulco. It has been in JP as long as I have (I ate there my first night in JP some 15 years ago!) and the owner is such a sweetheart. They are NO FRILLS and basic but they are also cheap, fast, and good. I love the red enchiladas with cheese, that is my regular meal here. Also their chips are yummy. My boyfriend loves their super combos. We often go there on weeknights when we want something simple and good. Yay for Acapulco!!
(4)
Dan O.
I love good Mexican food so I decided to try Acapulco Restaurant. I ordered the combination #14 which consisted of a burrito and an enchilada. I chose beef for both. I received some sort of mystery meat in the burrito and ground beef in the enchilada. Both items were thrown together without care with a glob of sour cream on top. The refried beans were like a soup. The rice was not very good either. All in all, I think this is possibly the worst Mexican restaurant I have ever been to thus far. Very Disappointing.
(1)
Georgia Y.
Acapulco was very empty on a Tuesday evening (less than five parties at a restaurant with more than 20 tables), but the food was quite nice. Good chips with chipotle (I think) salsa. A small selection of beers, an attentive waiter, and awesome decor - forget that gal who called it tacky. The walls are decorated with brightly colored memorabilia of Mexico: embroidered wall hangings, a velvet painting of an aboriginal Mexican in a bird headdress, you get the idea. This isn't a fancy-schmancy restaurant - it's a solid Mexican joint, and I think the decor is appropriate and fun. I had seafood enchilada and burrito - plenty of food (the refried beans and rice were particularly good) for less than $10. Also, please don't compare a place like this to Anna's or some other fast-food style Mexican place - at Acapulco, you get to sit down and have a few drinks in a quiet, clean, well-kept restaurant - and your food is prepared by the cook, not slopped onto your plate in some cattle-line with a sneeze guard. Proof that good Mexican food can be had outside more popular places like the Sunset, Border Cafe, or Fajitas and Ritas.
(4)
Kelly G.
I had dinner at acapulco at around 7 on a Friday night when I was craving sour cream. There was one other party there, which alone is a warning sign for me. The margarita tasted syrupy and not at all fruity-- like they'd gotten a bottle of cuervo mix from the liquor store around the corner and the food was definitely only so-so.
(2)
Sarah G.
My favorite thing about this place is the strolling mariachis - who you can sometimes catch entertaining T riders on the platform at Back Bay! The food is good, the servings are huge, and the sangria is plentiful. The decor is totally tacky, but I feel like it's perfect for JP. The service is good. I think it's a great deal - good food, big servings, good service, great prices. And strolling mariachis!
(4)
paige m.
i'll give this place some credit. i like the decor. but please-never order the three piece combination platter! I ordered a chimichanga, burrito, enchilada combo and recieved a chip with cheese on it, two tortillas and some sauce. no joke. it was so bad that i asked them why i didn't get the chimichanga (but the "chimichanga" was the chip with cheese--and they were pretty rude about their answer). well...the cheese is good.
(2)
Nicole K.
Enchiladas verdes!!!
(4)
Whitney W.
Acapulco is frequently empty, but not because the food is bad. Rather, no one seems to know that Acapulco exists. Which is a shame, because it is splendid Mexican food. If you are into mild, non-spicy things, the best dish to order is the Enchiladas Rojas. There is an excellent selection of Mexican soda and beer, and people who seem to dislike Acapulco seem to like their burritos wrapped in tinfoil and designed to be eaten while on the go. This is a different style of Mexican food, it's sort of the down-home Southern cooking version of Mexican, and it is delicious. The family that runs Acapulco is extremely kind, and their restaurant feels very cozy and is a wonderful place to eat in JP.
(4)
johnson r.
One of our favorite places in the neighborhood. Weekend nights the mariachi band might be there. It's quaint, you can enjoy your dinner partners conversation, the tables have a decent amount of space around them so you don't feel like you can't move. The have beer, wine, full bar and my favorite, the sangria. Get the large pitcher and you and yours will be feeling the loving. The staff is nice, on busier nights a bit slower. But this isn't a franchise restaurant, some nights things are faster, some a little slower.... The food has great portions. If you are on a budget, try the traditional plates 7-10$ you can get an assortment of burritos, enchiladas etc etc. No it is not Anna's prices. This is a sit down place, not fast food. I like the decor too. Why does everything have to be freakin' feng shwayed up the gazoo? Tacky schmacky...
(4)
jeremy f.
[Note, skip to the last paragraph for amended review]. Although I am partial to taqueria style Mexican food, this place isn't bad at all. As others have mentioned, it is surprisingly empty given the quality of the food. The chips were fresh, and the salsa was delicious (in my opinion, however, it could have been a bit spicier). For an appetizer, I split an order of nachos de carne with a friend, which were tasty, though a bit greasy. While we finished them, I wouldn't order them again, given the quality of the chips and salsa on their own. For my main course, I ordered the enchiladas verdes, with chicken filling. This meal comes with rice and beans, and sour cream. The refried beans were flavorful and plentiful, but the rice could have been seasoned a bit more. The enchiladas themselves were very good, although not very spicy (as was promised on the menu), and could use a little less cheese and a little more salsa verde. Nonetheless, the meal was very good, and the portions were huge. I still have a whole enchilada and a lot of beans and rice left. I would definitely recommend Acapulco Restauarant for its quality service and large portions of good food. *** I have to amend my review, because I went back to Acapulco, and the food was some of the blandest Mexican food I have ever had. I got the combination #11 (enchilada + chimichanga), and I could barely finish the food, because it was just that bland. To start, the salsa was flavorless and not very spicy, and the chips tasted like they had been sitting for a while. As for the meal itself - it was pretty much devoid of flavor. The beans had none of the qualities that make refried beans good tasting, the rice tasted like something out of a box, the tortillas were soggy, and I couldn't taste the enchilada sauce at all! The only thing with flavor was the chimichanga - and it had a pretty nasty flavor. It tasted like it was cooked the day before, and had a hint of rancid oil (the flavor reminded me of the smell of an alleyway behind a really greasy restaurant - not good!). One the whole, just not a very good experience. The only reason this place gets three stars is because of the very friendly and kind-hearted owner. He really deserves support, but he needs to add some flavor to his food!
(3)
Kate S.
I tempted to rate this a 1-star, but then I remembered that they do have a nice selection of imported Mexican beer. The beer is the only good thing about this place other than the pleasant decor including a variety of plants in the front windows. The food is terrible and over-priced. We ordered the avocado stuffed with seafood for an appetizer and it was gross. The avocado was not ripe and the seafood(tiny shrimp and imitation crab meat) tasted off. For dinner, we both ordered combination platters that were nasty. I admit that I do have very high standards when it comes to Mexican food, but this was just plain gross.
(2)
Matthew M.
I feel bad giving this place a mediocre review as I have good friends who love the food here, and I really, really wanted to like it, but ... well. I have to be honest. This really is not very good mexican food. I understand that Mexican food is relatively new to the east coast, so many people here haven't yet experienced truly quality Mexican food and thus have no frame of reference with which to compare Acapulco Restaurant. Having said that, did I mention that this really is not very good mexican food? Allow me to detail some of what could have been better: 1) the tortillas were not fresh, but tasted as if they had been kept in the refridgerator for a few days. This is ok at home, but when you're paying $10 per plate or more, it's not unreasonable to expect a higher standard of freshness. 2) the rice was mushy and lacked flavor. Good Mexican rice should be firm, fluffy and well seasoned; 3) The salsa had the flavor and texture of store-bought salsa. Again, it is not unreasonable to expect a Mexican restaurant to make their own salsa. Salsa is one of the staples of Mexican cuisine after all (an extremely important one at that), and it is not exactly difficult to make; 4) The mole sauce almost certainly came out of a can ... (detecting a pattern yet?) 5) What's with the fatty gristly chicken? Mexican restaurants usually boil it so that you get a nice shredded texture, but this stuff, well, I don't even WANT to know what they did to get it the way it came out... Acapulco Restaurant is in a good location, there's tons of demand for Mexican food in Boston, and their menu has all the classic dishes that a good Mexican restaurant SHOULD have. Where they fail is in the execution. I think all they really need to do is get someone in the kitchen who actually knows how to cook properly and it would be great. In sum, Acapulco is basically the Mexican equivalent of a "greasy spoon" restaurant passing itself off as being quality. I guess they can get away with this because they don't have any competition to speak of in their "market niche." The really unfortunate part is that by skimping in the preparation department they're effectively swindling newcomers to the cuisine who know that they like it, but haven't had the range of experiences to be able to distinguish good preparation from half-assed. It's just not right.
(2)
Nancy C.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. I have had my fair share of mexican cuisine and I have had very positive experiences (excellent service, excellent food) so I KNOW for a fact that Acapulco was NOT meeting ANY standard, at least during my visit, for SOME reason. My boyfriend and I walked in for an early dinner on Sunday and was seated by the host/waiter. Okay, nothing odd so far, the interior looks very nice and cultural. I notice that it is very quiet with only three tables occupied, us being the fourth. The host, a vertically humble happy looking fellow with glasses and grayed hair serves us water and brings us a basket of chips and small bowl of salsa. THE ODD PART STARTS NOW. We are really hungry and have gotten to the bottom of the chip basket and look over at the host/waiter to indicate that we are ready to order and also would like to refill the chip basket and the salsa bowl. We keep looking over only to see him talking on the phone. Then after his phone call, he starts chatting with a party at the other table in Spanish. That is fine, but he had a full conversaton with them. Don't forget you have other customers!!! I think he either must have forgotten or simply did not care that we were sitting there. We end up waiting approximately 15-20 minutes (no exaggeration and I wish it was) until he finally comes over smiling. We are not happy so we don't smile and simply put in our orders (their menu items btw are a little more expensive than that of other mexican restaurants). While we have his attention, I ask him to please bring some more salsa and chips. He returns in five minutes with a bowl of refilled salsa but no chips. We sit and wait for the chips but they never come. So here we have a bowl of salsa and no chips--okay, maybe host/waiter forgot. We wait until he comes around to refill the water glasses and then I ask if we could have more chips and he says chips are an extra $1.50. Ok, so normally I would have no problem paying $1.50 for a bag of chips but seriously, I have NEVER come across a mexican place that charges extra for refills of the chip basket. We are already fed up with the service that we refuse the chips and end up staring at the bowl of salsa. Ok fine, we'll wait for our food. The food comes and the portion size is standard. The flavor is nothing to brag about and really doesn't justify the increase in price w/r/2 other restaurants. When we have finally finished devouring the food, we realize there's another waiting game. Haha, I laugh because I don't know how else to react when I think about what happened. So we don't really have to be anywhere--no doctor's appts., no flights to catch, no real time constraints--but enough is enough. The service was just terrible! So guess what? We end up watching host/waiter talk on the phone again (Judging from the tone of his voice, this was NOT an urgent call). At some point while he is on the phone, a guy comes in to pick up a take-out order. Of course the host/waiter is on the phone so the guy waits. During this time, a worker from the kitchen comes out, sits on a table and folds napkins. He observes the behavior of the host/waiter and notices the guy waiting at the door while the host/waiter chats on the phone. The customer ends up waiting 10-15 minutes for the host/waiter to finish his phone call and then packs up the order for the guy. Then the host/waiter proceeds to make 4 drinks for one of the other tables. Of course, he takes his sweet ole time and we keep looking at him but he doesn't look our way. Ultimately my boyfriend gets up, walks over, and asks for the bill. The host/waiter says ok, and continues to tend to the drinks for the other party. Meanwhile the worker who is folding napkin observes the odd behavior of the host and looks our way and smiles uneasily. Anyway, the host brings the drinks over to the table and returns to the counter to print out our bill. Then he brings it over, and it has been another 20 minutes since we have finished our meal and been waiting on HIM. Needless to say, our tip was commensurate with the service. Seriously, if you want a really really really poor dining experience, then you can hit up Acapulco but this was really unacceptable, even for a Sunday when everyone just wants to take things slow. Business is business. On our way out, the worker said thank you and smiled at us--definitely trying to make up for the poor service by the host/waiter. Judging from the other reviews I guess you can try to catch the restaurant at a better time but be warned that they are not only capable of such terrible service but have in fact exercised it.
(1)
Max B.
Acapulco is a nice little place, although often surprisingly unpopulated. The Mexican cuisine is authentic and delicious, but the discerning (picky) eater can certainly find some suitable American-style food to consume. Prices are quite reasonable for the portions, and once upon a time I saw a mariachi band there, and it was sweet.
(4)
Katy G.
I don't understand why this place is always so empty- am I just eating too early? The menu is varied with things suitable for an American palate as well as more authentic Mexican cuisine. Prices are very reasonable for the generous quantities served. Sangria is a must.
(3)
adrienne s.
i went here shamelessly two nights in a row. looks like a total dive on the outside...and then surprise! quiet, charming, sangria. you can get mole sauce on everthing and there is a mariachi duo on fridays and saturdays playing right up to your table. love it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey, Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No 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.
Carol L.
Terrible :( We were the only people in the restaurant, should have known the second we walked in. Salsa and chips were grocery store quality at best. Chicken tasted canned. Waiter never checked on us to see how our food was, I assume he knew it was awful. Definitely in the top 3 of the worse places I have ever eaten. Too many fabulous places to eat in Jamaica plain for you to waste your money here.
(1)JT K.
I'm not one to give businesses bad reviews too often, but this place was really really bad. The service took over an hour and the food was mediocre at best. It took us over 15 minutes to get a refill on a glass of wine. Keep in mind we were maybe one of four groups there. The wait staff seemed completely unappreciative that we were eating there. Definitely would not go back. Overall bad.
(1)Melanie C.
We love Acapulco, we have been going there for years ... family owned ... adorable little man and his wife. This is not a trendy spot so lower your expectations and enjoy the prices and good food ... highly recommend the shrimp ceviche, shrimp fajitas, chicken enchiladas and shrimp chipotle ... accompanied by a delicious Negra Modelo. Enjoy!!!
(5)Barbara B.
I love this place! The best homemade Sangria! The salsa makes me salivate. Iam a salsa addict. They never tell me I have had enuff of it. Lime in Beers is sooo perfect. In the winter it warms me up. The vegggie dishes are sooo just right. Warm and filling. Yum yum. Chips are fresh warm and perfect. The nachos are just right. The desserts to die for. I have been going there since 1983. Always a wave hello from Flores the owner upon arrival. Then a big thankyou and goodnight upon leaving. It is a very private atmosphere. This place is family run and they work hard and aim to please.So, much so that at times Flores the owner waits tables himself. A very special place with wonderfull memories and more to come.I recommend the Acapulco restuaruant to anyone.
(5)Lily G.
The place was empty when we arrived. My boyfriend jokingly said "I rented out the entire place for you". Lol! Love it. They were playing Spanish music. Obviously, I knew the lyrics to every song because I'm THAT Mexican. Haha. Our server was this sweet little old man with a limp. He suggested a dish to try, we did and were happily surprised. The shrimp ceviche was prepared differently than what I am used to. I would call it more of a cocktail. Still tasty. But would not order it again. As for my meal, the carne asada plate. Delicious central. I will say, they could have gotten a tad bit lighter on the salt. (Sidenote: I don't use salt in my cooking so any amount of salt will probably be too much salt for my palette). Still, i finished my meal and was very well satisfied. I also had the apple flavored soda and it took me all the way back to when I lived in Mexico. Yum! Cute lil place.
(4)Andrea B.
Eat here. As a JP resident, and self- proclaimed food lover, I want you to know that this family owned restaurant is great! Wine is in the 4 dollar range for a glass. And the food is great! If you are into the local business scene, authentic food, and attentive service, then this is the place for you! The chicken enchiladas are great! Also, the flan is home made and worth saving room for.
(5)Tamra N.
No frills, authentic, Mexican! Good quality. Inexpensive. Polite service. Slightly slow but not bad. Definitely will be back.
(4)Erica T.
No frills. Basic authentic Mexican staples with some American foods thrown in. Affordable and delicioso! Not for the saveur or snob, but if you have a picky eater, they'll find something here, as well as someone who enjoys being more adventurous. Margarita was standard and good. Really happy this is in the neighborhood! Great for groups, families or a very casual dinner for two. Will definitely be back for their amazing enchiladas.
(3)Mari C.
Didn't want to serve me by myself. It was too much work to serve one person. :-( que pena
(1)Jessica J.
Decided to give this local place a shot, despite mixed reviews. We spend several weeks in Mexico every year and only eat at small local joints, so I think we were fair in our review. Food: - Salsa was good - Guacamole was terrible - Chicken enchiladas were very dry - Beans were solid - Rice was pretty poor - Chiles Rellenos was the clear winner - very good! Ambience: - Larger restaurant than you might expect, but definitely dated and could use a good cleaning. Ceiling tiles were pretty gross. Service: - Only one server, but the place was empty. Refilled our waters regularly and was polite, but nothing above and beyond.
(2)Brian S.
This is no-nonsense neighborhood dining. The food will be average, the service will be "Southern paced" as one reviewer put it, and the atmosphere is dated. But check your privilege at the door and you will not have a bad experience; there are many things to like about Acapulco. For one, the restaurant is never busy. Even on the weekend nights, you're guaranteed to get a table as soon as you walk in. Nonetheless, there is always a mariachi musician playing on Fridays and Saturdays. Even if the place is empty. The food is not fancy, modern "New England" Mexican. It's old school Tex-Mex. Think Border Cafe, but not nearly as good. It's not bad, but it won't be knocking your socks off. Some things are better than others; the chips and salsa are classically disappointing, but their mole is top notch. I'm fond of their enchiladas, but opt for chicken over the beef. In all the many times I've been to Acapulco, I've only seen one server and that's the owner. He may not be fast or gracious, but he is attentive and dedicated to his business. And that's something I respect.
(3)Lauren L.
Disappointed. Very bland food and poor/slow service. Mushy taco shells. Flavorless rice. Salsa was blah. Chips too thick/overcooked. Won't be returning.
(1)Adam P.
Great Tex Mex. Don't believe the haters. I come from somewhere with actual Mexican food and looking at the reviews I'm convinced Bostonians just don't have good taste regarding Mexican. The sangria is some of the best I've ever had. It's true the service isn't the best around, but that's why you order some sangria. This isn't Chipotle. It's not "fast casual." It's somewhere you go to sit and relax and have great food and drink.
(5)Glynn H.
Had dinner there last night. Service was fine and adequate..........no personality though. Basic mexican/tex mex menu, nothing exotic or adventurous.............the food was very tasty...............the salsa had great flavors and just a bit of a spicy kick but not unpleasant at all. My enchiladas poblanos were excellent!!! Price...........very good and portion sizes were very appropriate. Sangria was quite good and the margaritas were very good, nicely balanced flavors and nice tequila punch to it (on the rocks, no frozen though) Will definately be back!!!
(3)Jon S.
I wasn't expecting much from this place and I was right not too. This place serves Mexican food in the same way you would find it in the south - cheap, cheesy combos that aren't really that good but arent that bad either. The chips & salsa the serve when you enter is pretty terrible - chips tasted stale and the salsa had as much kick as FDR - and the ambience is pretty bland. Probably won't go again but wouldnt be morally opposed to going if a friend wanted too.
(2)Daniela K.
Food was terrible and the service was awful. We didn't even leave a tip, it was just such a bad experience.
(1)Brandon P.
Top 5 worst restaurants I have ever been to. The service was sub par. Decor was acceptable. Most importantly the food was relatively tasteless and bland. Worst "salsa" I have ever had.
(1)Matt M.
What I liked most about this place was that it was quiet and not crowded at all. I went in on a Friday night, and there were only two other parties eating dinner (two people at one table, another loner at the other). That's what I look for when trying to find a place to dine alone and develop a working buzz. I want to be able to hear myself think - not be overwhelmed by television, music, or conversation spilled over from the people sitting next to me. Call me crazy. No frills. They serve beer and sangria. Generous portions. And when the guitarist came over to my table and serenaded me with Spanish love songs (picture it - the guitarist dressed in a poncho and sombrero, singing passionately next to my table where I sit alone in a nearly empty restaurant - also, I'm a dude.), it was something out of some odd indie film. Unique experience, and, lucky for them, there aren't many other options for Mexican in JP. I had the enchilada (can't remember which one). It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was good. I will be going back - to drink beer and enjoy the quiet.
(4)Ruth M.
I am confused by the one star reviews for this place. True, it is no frills, basic authentic Mexican food, and not in the least bit trendy. We love it. We've been going there for at least 20 years, and it has been run by the same family all along. They recognize us every time we go (although we really don't go that often), and we have never had a problem getting good service. The food is very tasty and there is a nice selection of Mexican beers. I always go for a Negra Modelo and my husband prefers a Pacifico...perfect with chicken and cheese enchiladas verdes. Two people can dine for as little as $25. All that and a Mariachi band to boot. That's a great restaurant in my book!
(5)Jessica Y.
The service is slow when you sit down for food, but we always get take-out which is quick! The Enchiladas Poblanas are fantastic. This place has the best mole sauce.
(4)Tim C.
Don't even THINK about it. Seriously. Zero flavor, underwhelming and overpriced considering what you end up with.. Even the plants in the windows look disappointed.
(1)Richard P.
I went with two friends last night. When we walked in I was shocked to see only one table occupied (on a Saturday night at 7pm). It definitely made me nervous, but I'm so glad we stayed (one friend had eaten at another Acapulco's and suggested it). We each got something different and were totally satisfied with our meals which came exactly as ordered and pretty quickly. I love Chimichangas and few places have them. The prices were good and we all said we'd come back. I'm still baffled why no one was there. Don't expect the best decor or the best Mexican ever (and I didn't love the chips, Qdoba's are better) but overall the place was very good and we'll eat there again for sure!
(4)Dan H.
I was born in Tucson, Arizona. This restaurant serves real Tex-Mex. It's satisfying, tasty, subtle comfort food. Some of the best and most authentic in New England. The service is Southern-paced, so don't go here in a hurry. The atmosphere is authentic. The music is real mexican mariachi or pop. They did not hire a hip designer. They did not consult a fusion chef. The dishes have not been "Californized" with healthy substitutions for traditional ingredients or colored up to look prettier on the plate. The beans and rice are rich and delicious. It is not health food. It is not locally-grown. It is not vegan.* It is not Yuppie-Mex with sea salt on the margarita rims. This is simple Tex-Mex fare done right. Mexican is slim pickins in New England. I also like Jose's in Cambridge or Border Cafe. (yes, it's a good chain) The only other refried beans you'll find as good as these are at Tu Y Yo in Somerville. *Pesceterians, get the first appetizer on the menu, the avocado salad, and the shrimp(camarones) with chiles or cilantro.
(5)Marina R.
This is by far and away our favorite Mexican restaurant in the Greater Boston area... where else can we get two dinners for less than $20 bucks with free chips and salsa? We don't even live in Boston anymore but still come to visit from time to time - like this past weekend for example. I know from the outside it looks very basic and boring if you will but I come here to eat and always devour everything on my plate. We are obsessed with combo # 20 which includes both a chimichanga and tostada with rice and beans. I'm a fan of their chips and salsa, especially when the chips come out hot. 9 times out of 10, our server happens to be the owner of the restaurant and it doesn't bother me one bit. He's always warm, patient and kind. We have never really experienced "slow" service because the restaurant is barely ever packed. The majority of times we stumble in, it's quite empty which surprises me. I never want this place to close, support your local businesses people! Long story short... don't come here looking for a five star restaurant experience. Come here if you want really good Mexican food at extremely reasonable prices.
(5)Michelle R.
I love this place. We're in the northeast, so really great tex-mex just, we'll. it's not happening, as much as I or anyone else wants it to. But Acapulco knows, and don't try to pretend that they're anything but an inexpensive dinner spot, with margarita pitchers and rice and beans on the side (no matter what you order). It's never crowded, there's plenty of space, parking isn't bad, and have I mentioned pitchers of margarita? Because pitchers of margarita (with discernible alcohol taste, oh boy). My roommate thinks its too mediocre, my bf thinks it's ok (but I doubt he'd take me on his own), but I love it. Maybe I miss Florida, and the random generic tex-mex chains that are everywhere, but I don't care. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, etc...and free chips and salsa. Boom.
(4)Haley T.
Inexpensive, decent service, decent margaritas...but I'm not terribly impressed. I ate here with a few friends, and everyone's dish looked exactly the same. I can't vouch for them tasting the same, but it was about as exciting as it looked. I'm not 100% sure whether the refried beans were actually vegan, either, so I'm not sure I would return for the food
(2)Aisha H.
My roommates and I tried to go to Acapulco's for a drink last night, and were rudely turned away. The hostess attempted to show us to a table, when I told her we had only planned on getting a drink. She relaying this message to another man, who I am assuming is the owner or manager, who just said no. We turned around and left and will not be back.
(1)Amanda H.
I can honestly say that I've never had worse food in a restaurant. I love knock-off Mexican food, and I can usually appreciate anything that involves a tortilla and cheese, but this place was beyond bad. The margarita was clearly made from a mix and tasted like a jolly rancher. The tortilla chips were burnt. Our entrees came out in approximately 5 minutes, an obvious sign that there was some microwave usage in the kitchen. There was a hardened crust on the refried beans, which were also absolutely tasteless. The salsa verde on the enchiladas was clearly made with a lot of cornstarch. The chicken (don't ask me how they achieved this) tasted vaguely like tuna fish. The fried flour tortilla for the chalupa was definitely fried and then reheated in in a microwave -- chewy and not crispy at all. I don't understand how this place is in business. It's actually a shame, a decent sit-down Mexican place in JP could do incredibly well.
(1)Steven L.
I don't like giving negative Yelp reviews, but this place deserves one. We went in on Friday Night and the place was mostly empty, about 4 tables with people at them. That should have been our first warning. We were seated quickly, but the food took over 45 minutes to arrive, even though there was barely anyone there. It looked like the experience was the same for the rest of the people at the restaurant. The waitress never came to tell us when our food was coming or ask us if we were doing okay. There was no communication during the wait whatsoever. Our waitress was also very rude to a member of our party who had dietary restrictions and she was unsure if we were allowed to order a bottle of wine for the table even though it said we could on the menu. The last straw and the reason I'm writing this review was when I found out my friend, who put the whole thing on his card, was charged an extra $40 by the restaurant and had to take up the fraudulent charge with his credit card company. Fortunately he caught it. I've heard very good things about the Acapulco chain and members of my party have eaten at other Acapulco locations and very much enjoyed themselves. The food was actually very good for the price. However, I won't be returning to this particular Acapulco and would recommend anyone avoid this particular Acapulco.
(1)Voravut R.
I would drive past this place & by just the look of it think it was a franchise of a regional chain that made bad food & even worse service. Boy was I wrong, the staff here is warm & friendly. The food here is made with a care that you don't normally see. The prices are reasonable & they make things that I actually crave, like their arroz con pollo. It is seasoned well, plenty of rice & fillled with a few large piece of whole chicken. It is very filling & great at anytime. The endless chips & salsa is great. If you are in the mood for just good food, in a warm environment & will not brake the bank, give these guys a try.
(4)Jenny T.
I'm giving it a 5 because even though it's not the BEST mexican food I've had (but I'm from Cali so am spoiled and picky when it comes to Mexican), it's better than most here in Boston, and the staff and service are great, they always greet hubby and I with big smiles, plus the margaritas (we order cadillac style, with a shot of grand marnier) are awesome! It does look like a hole in the wall but I was pleasantly surprised and now it's one of our typical Friday night dinner spots.
(5)Douglas A.
I went for my second time this past weekend with 3 friends. Much better second time around. Or, maybe I just ordered something more interesting. Every one of us had a great meal, and the mariachi player was just right: talented and not intrusive to our conversation or meal. The service is very straight forward - not a place to go if you want to feel special or doted on. But a great place to go for inexpensive, good quality non-fancy, Mexican food. We will all definitely return.
(4)Susan R.
I feel like a 1.5 would be in order, but in the honor of charity, I round to two. My Mom taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all... so this will be as painful for me to write as it will for you to read; Acapulco is 1 block from my house. I have eaten there several (6) times. It has always been some of the worst mexican I have even tried. It's like west coast Tijuana nightmare food. Once they tried to over charge me by a dollar here.. a dollar there... They do have Mariachi on 'busier nights". I haven't been in 3 years. I am afraid to return. Maybe they have gotten better?
(2)Marshelle J.
I really liked the open and spacious feel of the restaurant, but was a little uncomfortable that we were the only people in there and it was only 7:30PM. There were only 2 people working, which would have been fine since they clearly weren't busy, but the waiter could have been a little more attentive. The food was pretty good and it was a nice portion size. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but it was good local tex-mex!
(3)Joe B.
Steer clear...I haven't eaten here for more than 3 years. I used to live around the corner. Prepare yourself for bland, reheated mexican food that the restaurant originally made from substandard, 'fell off the Cysco' truck style ingredients. Update: I've eaten Mexican food many places, including Watsonville, CA and the Mission (where I learned to love Mexican food in a two week binge eating from a very authentic hole-in-the-wall on Treat St circa 1995). One should not try to pass off the low-grade sludge at Acapulco as 'authentic, non-yuppified, anti-quiche' Mexican. It's food prepared without love or care.
(1)Erika S.
Nopalitos. They have nopalitos. And they're delicious. Really, nopalitos is all a Mexican place needs to make me happy. They also have a pitcher of margaritas, which the server said would get the three of us about two servings each, but ended up being more like three and a half. Hoo boy, was I trashed. And there's a CVS conveniently located across the street that's perfect for going into and laughing at stuff while trashed, so this all worked out well.
(4)Dan M.
Let's be up front that their drinks and food are pretty tasty. If you can wait as long as we had to then god speed to you. When you're told that service is slow because another "large" group came before you, it makes some sense, but 60 minutes after ordering our food, with maybe 10 other people in the restaurant raised a red flag. The biggest problem is that the wait staff wouldn't come over to our table while we waited to do things like inform us of the wait, or even refill our waters/take orders for more drinks. Overall the food is good like any restaurants in this chain, but the service is less than desired. Overall, prepare for the extended wait, and you'll be fine.
(1)L G.
I love the fact that I can walk into this restaurant any night of the week and get a table right away. The food and drinks are pretty good. Great place to have dinner last minute without reservations and is usually relatively quiet in a convenient JP location.
(3)Megan S.
I went here on Cinco de Mayo. The place was FULL to the gills. There were two waitstaff and a toothless guitarist playing mariachi tunes. You'd think they'd realize us silly Americans like to get our tacos on on what we think are popular Mexican holidays. All that to say, service was awful. But the food not bad. If you need Mexican and are in JP, this is the place to go.
(3)Kendra H.
I am by no means an expert on authentic Mexican fare. I just love any dish with chicken and cheese and rice and the chimichangas here are excellent if that's what you're looking for. The Bananas con Cajeta is a delicious dessert. Drinks are fine. If you're looking for fast food, this is not your place. Service is sometimes unbearably slow even if you are the only person there (which I have been several times), but I budget for that and really love the little old man...
(4)George W.
Finally-a Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant just for dogs in JP! I stumbled on to this place by accident so I didn't have my canine with me, but I brought plenty home in a "doggie bag" haha. First off, I would like to point out that they have the cutest, most hilarious menu I have ever seen-they list all the items for your pooch as if it was a menu for people! I ordered the "steak" quesadilla to start, and as soon as the plate hit the table a big waft of Purina brand freshness blew up into my nostrils from underneath the rawhide tortilla. My girlfriend ordered the snausage (veggie) burrito and we both knew that Fido back home was just gonna love it. Round that out with some bean and marinara manwhich flautas and you have a yappingly good meal. Presentation-wise, the inclusion of the word "inc" on their sign (That's right-it actually reads "Acapulco Restaurant Inc") gives the place a homie, "give us your damn money" appeal. 5 woofs!
(5)Matthew H.
I've been eating at Acapulco for many years and have always been a big fan of the place. Don't believe some of the bad reviews...this is a tasty, authentic, family-run Mexican restaurant. Having visited Texas and SoCal many times, I am very picky when it comes to Mexican food. There are few Mexican restaurants in Boston that do it for me, but this place delivers. The atmosphere feels very relaxed, almost as if you're at a Mexican friend's house. The mariachis on Friday and Saturday nights are a nice touch too. The prices are cheap and the food is quite food and portions are generous. The triple combination platters (combinaciones azteca) are great because they're cheap and let you try 3 different menu items. I've had a wide variety of menu items and the food has always been very authentic, tasty, and consistent. Do yourself a favor an eat here...you won't be disappointed.
(5)Cassie H.
So I have to premise this by saying that as a Texan, I have had my share of Mexican restaurants... My friends and I hit up Acapulco Restaurant on a Friday night because our first choice for a night out was closed (right down the street). The restaurant was fairly empty for a Friday night at dinner rush, but we got seated right away. The chips were cold and bland, but the salsa was tolerable. We ordered our dinner along with a pitcher of sangria. The sangria was alright, but it should be said that among four of us, we didn't finish the whole pitcher because of taste... I had the enchiladas verdes, my husband the enchiladas rojas, and our friends had the tacos de carne asada and the trecias enchiladas (enchiladas three ways). The food came out super hot (which was suprisingly refreshing), but it wasn't the best I've had. The wait staff was super nice though. They even had a mariachi singer who serenaded each table. Overall, it was a pleasant dinner experience, but I am not sure I'd be back.
(2)R G.
I live about three minutes from this place. it took me several months to go, as the consistent emptiness served as a giant neon sign to stay away, but I convinced myself to give it a try. I won't make that mistake again. their menu is giant. there is no way any restaurant could make all of those dishes well. though I could have missed them, I saw no sign of soft tacos. I should have left right then. I ordered a taco anyway. the shell was stale and reminded me of what my public elementary school served in the cafeteria. if you're going to have crunchy tacos, you must fry them yourself. all of the food, even the chips and salsa they brought out, was incredibly bland. I kept looking for flavor but none was to be found. the rice and beans tasted old. really, the plate was just a big pile (yes, pile is the most accurate word) of slop. look, I have a special place in my heart for dingy, hole-in-the wall, not really authentic mexican restaurants, I really do. I was not expecting an exquisite mole or fine dining in any way. but this was something else entirely... something not good.
(1)carolyn m.
It is very good, the service is great, the food is fresh and it is very tasty. It is about as Mexican as you are going to get in the East Coast, otherwise head over to Arizona, California... I am lucky to have this restaurant in my neighborhood!
(4)Narath S.
I do enjoy the food there and having a mariachi band is a plus., but I feel that the food takes forever to come out. Maybe its bc they want to keep us there longer so that the band gets well tipped every time they come around. The bands know which buttons to push to get a nice tip with the youngins (La Bamba or Guantanamera) If i had to choose btn this place and Tacos El Charro down the street, I'd to to TEC. Acapulco does hold sentimental value though. That's why i gave it the solid 3 star rating. I went here one night with my roommates and we had to get one of them liquored up in order to kick out another roommate. It worked. That female bear of a roommate no longer lives with us. So another plus for Acapulco is that the drinks can be kind of strong.
(3)David A R.
overpriced and not good. $11 for a shitty margarita with a syrupy mix and a bad lime.
(1)Jonathan F.
Having recently moved here from Colorado where there is a HUGE Mexican population (and thus lots of great Mexican restaurants) I'm used to a very good Mexican food and I know exactly what I want. Aside from Anna's Taqueria, this is the best Mexican I've found in Boston. My only regret is that I didn't visit this place sooner. The service is decent, food arrives fast and is quite good quality. The menu is huge with lots of things to choose from (try the cactus appetizer, you'll love it!). The ambiance is mediocre, they could spice up the place there, but aside from that I am a big fan.
(4)E B.
Cheap, quick & never a line. The combo plates are big but a little messy. The mariachi band can be a little intrusive on their 3rd pass when there's only a couple other patrons in the place.
(3)K A.
I've lived nearby Acapulco for quite a while but didn't get around to stopping by until last night. My roomies tell me it does tasty, fast, always-hot (in this case I mean fahrenheit, not scoville units) food and they were correct. I guess I put off my visit for so long because the place hardly ever looks busy and the plants in the window - however pretty - obscure one's view of the interior. Also, it is right next to a frequently-closed bakery with a window display of old, crumbling cakes, so I guess I was averse by association. Anyway, the staff here is very nice, the decor is a kind of retro that is simultaneously comforting, comical, and quaint, and the food is well-priced and served in good portions. I'm giving it three stars for now because: 1) The food was satisfying, but not mind-blowing. 2) I need a few more visits to truly judge the place. 3) They really could sell themselves better. Canary Square, Tres Gatos, and even Zestos seem way more welcoming from the outside. I'm planning to return for a night of cheap tacos, cheese dip w/ sausage, and cheap sangria. Everyone knows that you can't really judge a place until you're drunk, bloated, and on your way to massive heartburn.
(3)sierra l.
I went here with my husband and daughter.It was nice and interesting.They had all the food I wanted.My daughter loved the food and she is a picky eater,My husband enjoyed his food. The portions were a bit big but aren't most places.
(4)Bart A.
I have been to Acapulco for both take out and dine in. The service is always very good. the last time I went there I had the Enchilida Chatas and my dining partner had the chicken with the mole sauce. The Margaritas were good. overall a good dining experience. I usually just get the nachos for take out and they are always good and they give you a pretty good portion.
(4)Dave G.
Whenever I want "sit down fast food" style Mexican, I come here to order ground beef enchiladas which are covered in sauce and melted cheese, served with a side of overcooked and falling apart rice and refried beans that have probably been around for weeks. Then I eat the entire plate like Homer Simpson (can't talk, eating!) and walk home feeling shameful. Long story short, I don't want to see the kitchen and I expect the restaurant would be a great candidate for Kitchen Nightmares.
(3)Deb C.
After a week of seafood we finally found a Mexican Restaurant. It was as good as any we could have got in Texas.
(3)Tim B.
Acapulco is unpretentious, stick-to-your-ribs Mexican food. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Mexican fare (as well as a number of Americanized Mexican dishes). My food here has always been great and they do a mean carne asada. The salsa and mole sauces are also quite good. The place is run by a very sweet family. Usually, it's just the owner and his young son running the front of the house. So yes, sometimes the services is slow, but the warm, family-run atmosphere more than makes up for it. The wonderful mariachi singers on the weekends only add to the great flavor of this place.
(4)J D.
I really liked Dave G.'s review. Similar sentiments from myself. Acapulco should be 10X more popular than it is, given the JP crowds that flock to similar places. What you'll get are large inexpensive portions and very attentive service. Two people can fill their fat bellies past capacity for $25 or less. This is the best value that you'll find. No, it isn't the fanciest place but that's to be expected. The salsa sucks, but its hardly a concern. One of my favorite aspects of Acapulco is that there is no table turnover. After stuffing yourself with a variety of beans, cheeses, ground beef and chicken you can linger and try to shake the food hangover before entering the real world again. They do some great combination plates which are a good idea to try mostly because they'll include all 9 items that make up the 600 page menu. Its Mexican food. You know what I'm saying.
(5)Matt C.
The enchiladas verdes was decent, but the pollo en salsa de tomatillo was pretty bland. Service was good and the server was nice. However, it gets one star because the overpriced $45 margarita pitcher was terrible! Way way too much sugar and little alcohol. It felt like such a rip-off!
(1)Gabby M.
Eek! Methinks not is right. I got the Tostada meal, it was soggy and mushy. The rice seemed like it was last weeks leftovers, my margarita was overloaded with cheap tequila and my friends tiny cranberry and vodka was $10! I didn't even drink my margarita -- it was so awful and the waitress didn't even comment about it. Steer clear of this place -- it's empty for a reason.
(1)Beth J.
I went here on a Saturday night before 7pm. The place was just under half full and yet from the time we ordered to the time we got our food was about an hour and 10 minutes. In that time we were never checked on, informed of a delay, or apologized to. The wait staff could have easily checked on us to offer more chips and salsa or drinks but nope, nothing. I noticed a table of two that came in with my group that waited longer than me to get served. As for the food, the chips were slightly burned, the salsa didn't have much flavor, and the food was no better than Taco Bell.
(1)R. B.
This isn't Mexican food. The salsa appears to be a mixture of ketchup and tabasco sauce, maybe. The "spicy" salsa verde, is 1) not spicy and 2)tasted like chef boyardee spaghettiO's sauce. The waitress didn't know what a sopapilla was ("a soap, what?") and didn't know there was more than one kind of Jose Cuervo. Iodized salt was used to rim the glass of my margarita. If you don't know why any of these things might be a problem, you might like it there. For those of us familiar with real mexican food.... stay away.... or if you must, get the guacamole or chipotle sauce to dip your chips in (ask if they can serve the chipotle sauce cold)... then order a bean burrito without salsa, order the chipotle sauce on the side, and pour that on. Order beer to drink.
(1)Giovannah C.
I ordered take last night from Acapulco Restaurant by default (BBQ Town refuse to take my delivery order at 9:27 pm despite the fact that their menu read 10:pm...either way thats another story) and was rather surprised. Granted, I would not say that Acapulco offers the best Mexican fiesta taste for my buds. However considering price, serving size and convenience (right on Center St) this place deserves a 3 star review. Not to mentioned their fully stacked and variety tequila bar. We had some warming shots of Hornitos tequila while we waited at $7 a pop, they were moderately priced considering the fact these where some lucha libre sized shots! I ordered the Burros En Salsa Roja, basically two enchiladas with red sauce refried beans and rice. These were really tasty with fresh shredded chicken and made to a perfectly soggy texture. The credit card min is $10 so I added a $3.25 Tamal to my order. My add on was the best Tamal I have had in a long time, actually warped in palm leaves, full flavored and grainy...perfection! One warning...my friend Jose ordered the Queso Asado. This was the worse fromage-a-paus ever! It was basically a viscous wad of grease with Bacon Bits suffering from a Chorizo identity crisis. Please do not order the Queso Asado if you are anti-heart attacks! If you're in the JP area and fiending Mexican fare, Acapulco's menu offers a plethora of choices to satisfy your craving. FYI- Our other dinning partner, Holland, confirmed with Acapulco that small chihuahuas are NOT welcome at the restaurant under no circumstances...Not that it would occur to anyone to bring their small dog, but it did to him
(3)Dtf D.
So today is not the first time dtf has visited this establishment and it's pretty safe to say that it has been safely consistent on all visits. The menu is pretty typical, but the french fries and chicken wings always turn us off, especially since this is one of the slightly more traditional Mexican food restaurants in the Boston area. They are actually Mexican, not Tex-Mex, so they have salsa verde, and tostadas, etc... fresh plates, not too soaked usually. the rice served with most dished is pretty plain, but decent enough to mix with the beans and dip the chips into it. They charge for an extra basket of chips, but the chips are decent with a little extra salt. The salsa is watery, but tangy and pretty good. Over all dishes are simple and pretty what you'd expect. Service has always been dicey and I've never seen more than 4 tables filled at any time that I've been there, so I'm not totally sure how it stays open, cause it's pretty cheap food. Not bad if you're craving that more authentic Mexican thing. Oh, also, the TV was on (playing a Spanish ER type show, with full on surgeries going on as we ate), along with the typical Mexican style music, and we were seated right between the two so the soundclash was annoying.
(3)Alice O.
I had to run to the loo shortly after consuming my chicken enchilada with mole sauce. I have bulimic tendencies therefore, there was a sense of glee I felt about the whole thing. But, it is wrong, your food should be able to stay with you through digestion! Right? It is supposed-stah? Right? I can't recommend this place. It is really bad.
(2)Zing G.
Alright I know all the 'hipsters' think it's cool to say Tacos El Charro is real 'authentic' Mexican food blah blah, and thus the better 'hidden gem' or whatever... Well their quality has really fallen in last few years. Acapulco on the other hand has been consistently excellent, at least in the last 3 years. With the decline of El Charro I started coming here and I have to say a few dishes have really surprised me. My roommate and I eat here at least once a week now - and to the idiot that said they don't have 'soft tacos', well they do. What I especially like is that they have a lot of healthier (for Mexican food) dishes. The Pollo Asado, the Nopales salads the fish... yes I never would have thought I would be writing this: The Haddock with Cilantro and Tomatillo sauce is f*ckin ridiculous... after the first time I believed it a lucky fluke... I thought the same even after my 3rd time eating it. Now I get it nearly every week... and it's always good.
(5)Kirs P.
Once again, I go on a Mexican food quest in the Boston area. Once again, I'm disappointed. I believe my exact words after eating my take-out from Acapulco's were, "I think my stomach is turning in on itself." Was it god awful? I guess not. But it looks like catfood on a plate, and that's hard to stomach. I feel like food should be more than one color- not some strange shade of brownish gray. Very unappealing.
(2)tricia k.
so the service is not always the best (we used to swear that the same man who hosts and serves was also cooking the food and that may be true some nights). you might not want to come here if you are on a timetable. but the food is good and authentic. and the place is obviously well loved by its owners and those who frequent it.
(4)Kate L.
DH and I went here for dinner some random night a few weeks ago. The place was relatively empty, which was a bit strange, but they had Barbar the Elephant cartoons on TV! Yay! There was one older gentleman who was waiting tables and making drinks, and he was super pleasant. The margaritas were good, the food was great. Husband got the queso dip which could not have made him happier...a small bowl of melted cheese with chunks of sausage in it...we mixed in some of the salsa and it was awesome! Fattening, gooey, and completely worth it. We had read some complaints about the salsa, but I thought it was good. Just the right amount of spice, not too chunky, very nice! We both got combination plates and we both cleaned them. The food was great, then we went home and put on some elastic waisted pants. Sexy.
(4)joshua m.
Okay, the food isnt the best. The waiters are sometimes slow. But, the owner absolutely rocks. Just go there. You'll see. I think he lives upstairs or something. You have to appreciate someone who has put that much of themselves into their establishment. Watch him walk with an armful of menus. I dare you to not smile. He makes me a special seafood burrito that isn't on the menu. While I am almost positive that everything here comes from a tube, it's affordable, FAST, and if you sit down there you don't have to worry about being hurried out the door. It's no fancy restaurant, and the food is not the best, but if you drown your Mexican food with HOT sauce like I do, who cares? Its all about the texture, the smell, and the fat dude at the door. I like it here. Yo gusto mucho. Bueno.
(4)Kevin C.
I really like Mexican food, and the high point of my year is an annual business trip I make to San Antonio, Texas, where I hit the Manhattan Mexican restaurant and Mi Tierra's at least twice. I've also had some incredible fish tacos at hole-in-the-wall places in LA. In all honesty, the food at the Acapulco does not compare to these places, but I live in JP and a trip here saves me airfare. I like the enchiladas poblanas and the taquitos. The combo plates are a good value, too, and the three enchilada plate (one with each kind of salsa) is great on a night when I am extra hungry. They have a good beer and tequila selection, although I have never tried the sangria. The refried beans and rice that come with just about any entree are not going to win any culinary prizes, but they are solid and consistent. This consistency is one of the most impressive things about Acapulco that keeps me coming back. Every meal I've had there, whether on a quiet Tuesday or a packed Saturday night, has been the same. The service might get a little slow on the busiest days, but I've never felt like they just forgot about me. The prices are another strong point. The missus and I always manage to get out of there under $30, and that usually includes at least one beer for me and a soda for her. This isn't haute cuisine, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend going too far out of your way, but if you are in JP and looking for something to fill your belly at a reasonable price, I don't think you'll be let down at Acapulco.
(3)Rita F.
After 19 years we returned to the Acapulco, despite reading some really bad reviews. We ordered the enchaladas poblana, some with cheese, some with chicken and and the Combo #18 beef taco and enchalada. We all enjoyed our meals - it was kind of home style - meaning not exceptional but not at all bad tasting. It was comfort food. The main improvement they should make is to correct their watery salsa. It is true, the salsa has the consistancy of Chef Boyardee and ketchup with some tobasco to make it spicy. We were early on a Sat night and the service was fast and pleasant.
(3)Emily M.
I love Acapulco. It has been in JP as long as I have (I ate there my first night in JP some 15 years ago!) and the owner is such a sweetheart. They are NO FRILLS and basic but they are also cheap, fast, and good. I love the red enchiladas with cheese, that is my regular meal here. Also their chips are yummy. My boyfriend loves their super combos. We often go there on weeknights when we want something simple and good. Yay for Acapulco!!
(4)Dan O.
I love good Mexican food so I decided to try Acapulco Restaurant. I ordered the combination #14 which consisted of a burrito and an enchilada. I chose beef for both. I received some sort of mystery meat in the burrito and ground beef in the enchilada. Both items were thrown together without care with a glob of sour cream on top. The refried beans were like a soup. The rice was not very good either. All in all, I think this is possibly the worst Mexican restaurant I have ever been to thus far. Very Disappointing.
(1)Georgia Y.
Acapulco was very empty on a Tuesday evening (less than five parties at a restaurant with more than 20 tables), but the food was quite nice. Good chips with chipotle (I think) salsa. A small selection of beers, an attentive waiter, and awesome decor - forget that gal who called it tacky. The walls are decorated with brightly colored memorabilia of Mexico: embroidered wall hangings, a velvet painting of an aboriginal Mexican in a bird headdress, you get the idea. This isn't a fancy-schmancy restaurant - it's a solid Mexican joint, and I think the decor is appropriate and fun. I had seafood enchilada and burrito - plenty of food (the refried beans and rice were particularly good) for less than $10. Also, please don't compare a place like this to Anna's or some other fast-food style Mexican place - at Acapulco, you get to sit down and have a few drinks in a quiet, clean, well-kept restaurant - and your food is prepared by the cook, not slopped onto your plate in some cattle-line with a sneeze guard. Proof that good Mexican food can be had outside more popular places like the Sunset, Border Cafe, or Fajitas and Ritas.
(4)Kelly G.
I had dinner at acapulco at around 7 on a Friday night when I was craving sour cream. There was one other party there, which alone is a warning sign for me. The margarita tasted syrupy and not at all fruity-- like they'd gotten a bottle of cuervo mix from the liquor store around the corner and the food was definitely only so-so.
(2)Sarah G.
My favorite thing about this place is the strolling mariachis - who you can sometimes catch entertaining T riders on the platform at Back Bay! The food is good, the servings are huge, and the sangria is plentiful. The decor is totally tacky, but I feel like it's perfect for JP. The service is good. I think it's a great deal - good food, big servings, good service, great prices. And strolling mariachis!
(4)paige m.
i'll give this place some credit. i like the decor. but please-never order the three piece combination platter! I ordered a chimichanga, burrito, enchilada combo and recieved a chip with cheese on it, two tortillas and some sauce. no joke. it was so bad that i asked them why i didn't get the chimichanga (but the "chimichanga" was the chip with cheese--and they were pretty rude about their answer). well...the cheese is good.
(2)Nicole K.
Enchiladas verdes!!!
(4)Whitney W.
Acapulco is frequently empty, but not because the food is bad. Rather, no one seems to know that Acapulco exists. Which is a shame, because it is splendid Mexican food. If you are into mild, non-spicy things, the best dish to order is the Enchiladas Rojas. There is an excellent selection of Mexican soda and beer, and people who seem to dislike Acapulco seem to like their burritos wrapped in tinfoil and designed to be eaten while on the go. This is a different style of Mexican food, it's sort of the down-home Southern cooking version of Mexican, and it is delicious. The family that runs Acapulco is extremely kind, and their restaurant feels very cozy and is a wonderful place to eat in JP.
(4)johnson r.
One of our favorite places in the neighborhood. Weekend nights the mariachi band might be there. It's quaint, you can enjoy your dinner partners conversation, the tables have a decent amount of space around them so you don't feel like you can't move. The have beer, wine, full bar and my favorite, the sangria. Get the large pitcher and you and yours will be feeling the loving. The staff is nice, on busier nights a bit slower. But this isn't a franchise restaurant, some nights things are faster, some a little slower.... The food has great portions. If you are on a budget, try the traditional plates 7-10$ you can get an assortment of burritos, enchiladas etc etc. No it is not Anna's prices. This is a sit down place, not fast food. I like the decor too. Why does everything have to be freakin' feng shwayed up the gazoo? Tacky schmacky...
(4)jeremy f.
[Note, skip to the last paragraph for amended review]. Although I am partial to taqueria style Mexican food, this place isn't bad at all. As others have mentioned, it is surprisingly empty given the quality of the food. The chips were fresh, and the salsa was delicious (in my opinion, however, it could have been a bit spicier). For an appetizer, I split an order of nachos de carne with a friend, which were tasty, though a bit greasy. While we finished them, I wouldn't order them again, given the quality of the chips and salsa on their own. For my main course, I ordered the enchiladas verdes, with chicken filling. This meal comes with rice and beans, and sour cream. The refried beans were flavorful and plentiful, but the rice could have been seasoned a bit more. The enchiladas themselves were very good, although not very spicy (as was promised on the menu), and could use a little less cheese and a little more salsa verde. Nonetheless, the meal was very good, and the portions were huge. I still have a whole enchilada and a lot of beans and rice left. I would definitely recommend Acapulco Restauarant for its quality service and large portions of good food. *** I have to amend my review, because I went back to Acapulco, and the food was some of the blandest Mexican food I have ever had. I got the combination #11 (enchilada + chimichanga), and I could barely finish the food, because it was just that bland. To start, the salsa was flavorless and not very spicy, and the chips tasted like they had been sitting for a while. As for the meal itself - it was pretty much devoid of flavor. The beans had none of the qualities that make refried beans good tasting, the rice tasted like something out of a box, the tortillas were soggy, and I couldn't taste the enchilada sauce at all! The only thing with flavor was the chimichanga - and it had a pretty nasty flavor. It tasted like it was cooked the day before, and had a hint of rancid oil (the flavor reminded me of the smell of an alleyway behind a really greasy restaurant - not good!). One the whole, just not a very good experience. The only reason this place gets three stars is because of the very friendly and kind-hearted owner. He really deserves support, but he needs to add some flavor to his food!
(3)Kate S.
I tempted to rate this a 1-star, but then I remembered that they do have a nice selection of imported Mexican beer. The beer is the only good thing about this place other than the pleasant decor including a variety of plants in the front windows. The food is terrible and over-priced. We ordered the avocado stuffed with seafood for an appetizer and it was gross. The avocado was not ripe and the seafood(tiny shrimp and imitation crab meat) tasted off. For dinner, we both ordered combination platters that were nasty. I admit that I do have very high standards when it comes to Mexican food, but this was just plain gross.
(2)Matthew M.
I feel bad giving this place a mediocre review as I have good friends who love the food here, and I really, really wanted to like it, but ... well. I have to be honest. This really is not very good mexican food. I understand that Mexican food is relatively new to the east coast, so many people here haven't yet experienced truly quality Mexican food and thus have no frame of reference with which to compare Acapulco Restaurant. Having said that, did I mention that this really is not very good mexican food? Allow me to detail some of what could have been better: 1) the tortillas were not fresh, but tasted as if they had been kept in the refridgerator for a few days. This is ok at home, but when you're paying $10 per plate or more, it's not unreasonable to expect a higher standard of freshness. 2) the rice was mushy and lacked flavor. Good Mexican rice should be firm, fluffy and well seasoned; 3) The salsa had the flavor and texture of store-bought salsa. Again, it is not unreasonable to expect a Mexican restaurant to make their own salsa. Salsa is one of the staples of Mexican cuisine after all (an extremely important one at that), and it is not exactly difficult to make; 4) The mole sauce almost certainly came out of a can ... (detecting a pattern yet?) 5) What's with the fatty gristly chicken? Mexican restaurants usually boil it so that you get a nice shredded texture, but this stuff, well, I don't even WANT to know what they did to get it the way it came out... Acapulco Restaurant is in a good location, there's tons of demand for Mexican food in Boston, and their menu has all the classic dishes that a good Mexican restaurant SHOULD have. Where they fail is in the execution. I think all they really need to do is get someone in the kitchen who actually knows how to cook properly and it would be great. In sum, Acapulco is basically the Mexican equivalent of a "greasy spoon" restaurant passing itself off as being quality. I guess they can get away with this because they don't have any competition to speak of in their "market niche." The really unfortunate part is that by skimping in the preparation department they're effectively swindling newcomers to the cuisine who know that they like it, but haven't had the range of experiences to be able to distinguish good preparation from half-assed. It's just not right.
(2)Nancy C.
If I could give this place negative stars I would. I have had my fair share of mexican cuisine and I have had very positive experiences (excellent service, excellent food) so I KNOW for a fact that Acapulco was NOT meeting ANY standard, at least during my visit, for SOME reason. My boyfriend and I walked in for an early dinner on Sunday and was seated by the host/waiter. Okay, nothing odd so far, the interior looks very nice and cultural. I notice that it is very quiet with only three tables occupied, us being the fourth. The host, a vertically humble happy looking fellow with glasses and grayed hair serves us water and brings us a basket of chips and small bowl of salsa. THE ODD PART STARTS NOW. We are really hungry and have gotten to the bottom of the chip basket and look over at the host/waiter to indicate that we are ready to order and also would like to refill the chip basket and the salsa bowl. We keep looking over only to see him talking on the phone. Then after his phone call, he starts chatting with a party at the other table in Spanish. That is fine, but he had a full conversaton with them. Don't forget you have other customers!!! I think he either must have forgotten or simply did not care that we were sitting there. We end up waiting approximately 15-20 minutes (no exaggeration and I wish it was) until he finally comes over smiling. We are not happy so we don't smile and simply put in our orders (their menu items btw are a little more expensive than that of other mexican restaurants). While we have his attention, I ask him to please bring some more salsa and chips. He returns in five minutes with a bowl of refilled salsa but no chips. We sit and wait for the chips but they never come. So here we have a bowl of salsa and no chips--okay, maybe host/waiter forgot. We wait until he comes around to refill the water glasses and then I ask if we could have more chips and he says chips are an extra $1.50. Ok, so normally I would have no problem paying $1.50 for a bag of chips but seriously, I have NEVER come across a mexican place that charges extra for refills of the chip basket. We are already fed up with the service that we refuse the chips and end up staring at the bowl of salsa. Ok fine, we'll wait for our food. The food comes and the portion size is standard. The flavor is nothing to brag about and really doesn't justify the increase in price w/r/2 other restaurants. When we have finally finished devouring the food, we realize there's another waiting game. Haha, I laugh because I don't know how else to react when I think about what happened. So we don't really have to be anywhere--no doctor's appts., no flights to catch, no real time constraints--but enough is enough. The service was just terrible! So guess what? We end up watching host/waiter talk on the phone again (Judging from the tone of his voice, this was NOT an urgent call). At some point while he is on the phone, a guy comes in to pick up a take-out order. Of course the host/waiter is on the phone so the guy waits. During this time, a worker from the kitchen comes out, sits on a table and folds napkins. He observes the behavior of the host/waiter and notices the guy waiting at the door while the host/waiter chats on the phone. The customer ends up waiting 10-15 minutes for the host/waiter to finish his phone call and then packs up the order for the guy. Then the host/waiter proceeds to make 4 drinks for one of the other tables. Of course, he takes his sweet ole time and we keep looking at him but he doesn't look our way. Ultimately my boyfriend gets up, walks over, and asks for the bill. The host/waiter says ok, and continues to tend to the drinks for the other party. Meanwhile the worker who is folding napkin observes the odd behavior of the host and looks our way and smiles uneasily. Anyway, the host brings the drinks over to the table and returns to the counter to print out our bill. Then he brings it over, and it has been another 20 minutes since we have finished our meal and been waiting on HIM. Needless to say, our tip was commensurate with the service. Seriously, if you want a really really really poor dining experience, then you can hit up Acapulco but this was really unacceptable, even for a Sunday when everyone just wants to take things slow. Business is business. On our way out, the worker said thank you and smiled at us--definitely trying to make up for the poor service by the host/waiter. Judging from the other reviews I guess you can try to catch the restaurant at a better time but be warned that they are not only capable of such terrible service but have in fact exercised it.
(1)Max B.
Acapulco is a nice little place, although often surprisingly unpopulated. The Mexican cuisine is authentic and delicious, but the discerning (picky) eater can certainly find some suitable American-style food to consume. Prices are quite reasonable for the portions, and once upon a time I saw a mariachi band there, and it was sweet.
(4)Katy G.
I don't understand why this place is always so empty- am I just eating too early? The menu is varied with things suitable for an American palate as well as more authentic Mexican cuisine. Prices are very reasonable for the generous quantities served. Sangria is a must.
(3)adrienne s.
i went here shamelessly two nights in a row. looks like a total dive on the outside...and then surprise! quiet, charming, sangria. you can get mole sauce on everthing and there is a mariachi duo on fridays and saturdays playing right up to your table. love it.
(4)