Food is just OK, but the rooftop bar is a nice spot in the summer. Staff is friendly and they have a nice selection of tequila.
(3)
Louis V.
Whenever people badmouth El Azteco, I always defend them. The food quality is reasonable (though not as good as Tex Mex) and I have a lot of fond memories that took place there. I also have some respect for the place since it is one of only 4 restaurants in East Lansing that has endured since I moved here 26 years ago. They have a prime spot in the middle of downtown with a roof patio that offers a lot of nice ambiance in the summer. The only thing I don't like is the service. It has never been great, but it seems to have gotten worse over the years. Tonight, they hit a new low and really pissed me off in the process. I was hanging out in front of the El Azteco with my salsa friends for a couple of hours, smelling all the food being cooked. I just *had* to go there for dinner afterward. I ordered some fajitas and a margarita. The waitress forgot to bring the margarita until I gently reminded her 10 minutes later. After 15 minutes, I finished eating all the chips and was ready for the fajitas. I kept eyeing the service door hoping that the next person who walked through would be bringing my food. After 20 minutes, I became anxious. I was starving! After 25 minutes, I noticed the party that came in just before me was paying and preparing to leave. My food was still not served. After 30 minutes, my waitress came to me and said that she just checked on my food and found out that they "screwed up in the kitchen" and didn't even know the order had been placed. However, they were definitely cooking it now. I don't think the kitchen screwed up. I think the waitress forgot more than just my margarita! During my long wait, I watched as my waitress chatted for a long time with the table next to me and even went to the bar and did a shot with one of the people at said table. I can't help but think that my waitress had her mind on other things besides serving me! I was so annoyed. I got up and walked out. I told her that I would get what I wanted elsewhere. The non-asshole in me was kind enough to leave some money for the margarita I had already consumed. They wasted my time and left me hungry. No longer will I defend El Azteco when people trash talk the place.
(2)
James P.
This place is the worst. We've been here a few times because of the roof top, but every experience has been terrible. The service is awful and the staff is so rude (not all staff, I won't call out specific people). The last bar tender we had tried to cut us off- we were sober... The food is half assed prepared and they don't even have pico, unreal. The chips, salsa, and margaritas are solid, but that's about it- I would recommend this place for that. Long story short, I'm way out on this place.
(1)
Christine B.
It doesn't even deserve ONE STAR! This place was bad. The patio looks inviting so we wanted to try it but I had read a flyer advertising it was the best Mexican Gringo style. That alone scared me but it was too true. There was little Mexican about it. The chips as salsa were good, spicy. The guac was canned. They serve no carne asada, no carnitas, no chorizo. The only tacos you can get are chicken and ground beef. What authentic mexican place serves ground beef tacos? None... except in the Midwest. My husband got food poisoning 2 days ago from the ground beef tacos... 2 days later he feels like he can finally eat something. The only thing I thought would be safe to have was chicken quesadilla... there was no chicken! I think I saw one shred. Would never go back. If someone suggests this place and you are familiar with what Mexican food should taste like, and expect it..... DO NOT GO HERE!!!
(1)
Katy C.
I've never understood the hype around this place. The rooftop deck is nice, but the service and food are lacking. I usually get the enchiladas suiza, and they always come out looking like they were microwaved and sat under a heat lamp for awhile. The prices are pretty steep for the quality of food that you get. I will say that the cheese dip is very good.
(2)
Jes P.
My stomach still turns a bit when I think about this place. I totally should have checked Yelp out before coming here. I came on the first sunny day Michigan had seen in a LONG time so everyone was out and looking to have some fun. We only waited about 10 minutes to be seated but then waited another hour and 30 minutes to get our food while listening to the same Shakira cd over and over again. I can't really say we were hungry when we finally got our food (I think our bodies had begun to dip into our 'reserves') but it was exciting for it to arrive at our table. Then came the taste (or rather, lack-there-of)..., and the massive amounts of grease. Flavorless tacos, flautas and burritos should be a 'comida' crime because when they are presented in their true form, they are nothing less than delicious! The kind that has you liking your fingers!!! The ones from El Azteco were depressed and seriously in need of some renovations. My burrito consisted of beef with massive lard infestations and a tortilla. The flautas could have been used as drum sticks and the taco sported some wilted lettuce. All of that, combined with the long wait and Shakira's 'She-Wolf' song one too many times made for an unpleasant experience. I'm sure this is iconic to Michigan State but even college folks like good food!
(1)
Debbie R.
Service was bad. The waiter gave us an attitude and brushed off our questions about ingredients for our son with food allergies. The food wasn't good. I ordered the salad everyone seems to rave about and have no clue what all the hype is about because it was basically a plate of lettuce. Didn't even like the chips. We will not be returning. Very disappointing.
The reviews don't lie. I read them and said no thanks, a co-worker insisted in-spite of your reviews. He loved the idea of the roof top patio. First, the downstairs was dead, servers just standing around. Second, the deck was busy and servers were running all over. It took what felt like a long time to get served and even longer for the beverages. We ordered a second round that took even longer than that. Third, the food was not good. My rice was very cold and the Chimi was soggy on the bottom and flavorless. One of the guys who was with ordered Fajitas and(this was new to me) the were served on a standard plate. I've always seen Fajitas served sizzling on a hot plate. His rice was also cold and inedible. Pass and find another place, the only benefit this place has is the location.
(1)
Priya R.
This is so weird, I can't believe how many negative reviews there are about this place! I absolutely love El Azteco when I want actual not taco bell Mexican food on campus. I love everything I have ever gotten here! The chips and salsa are free, but they are pretty spicy so beware. I recommend the chimichangas but most importantly the amazing sopapillas. I love how fresh everything tastes and I don't know how there are so many mixed reviews about this place but I can say that I've been there multiple times and I still love it. Plus rooftop seating so that's kind of cool.
(4)
Anna L.
I don't know what y'all are talking about with bad service. Ours was great and our server rocked! Plus the food was amazing. Definitely recommend:)
(5)
Linda O.
We would have been better off at Taco Bell!! The only reason this place got any stars at all was because the margarita was good. Otherwise, they would have rank "no star" in my book. I do not even know where to begin. Without exaggerating, I can honestly say that this is the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. I came here with my sister and two nieces. We had guacamole to start. (definitely had canned avocado pulp in it). Then we split the Botana, chicken fajitas and beef and cheese enchiladas. All of it stunk. The Botana consisted of bean smeared on corn chips, covered in bad cheese whiz, loaded with shredded lettuce and about 5 small pieces of diced tomatoes. For the fajitas, they seasoned a poor quality chicken breast with salt and pepper and grilled it, topped it with a few grilled onions. There were no other veggies, and no seasoning to it. It was served with rice and beans (no sour cream or guacamole - canned or not). You cold have made the enchiladas with an easy-bake-oven. What a let down!!!!! If you are thinking of coming here for dinner - do yourself a favor and drive on by. Taco Bell blows this place out of the water! BTW - the bus boy did not even know if they served liquor there and the first waitress we asked had no idea where the bathroom was. How about a little staff training before you unleash them.
(1)
Kristina M.
I know there are mixed opinions about this place but it's one of my favorite restaurants of all time. My family has started going every year for Christmas Eve dinner because it's such a fun tradition. The cheese dip is amaaaaazing! Other favorites: combination plate, topopo salad, enchiladas jocoque
(5)
Stephen K.
Came with a group of friends. Food took one an hour to bring out then other 45 minutes to get the check.
(1)
Joey R.
It was better when it was in the basement and they're actually had cocroches that would scrape past your feet the food's alright I've had better
(2)
Jessica P.
I had fond memories of El Azteco and was excited to return. However, I found the enchiladas bland and the service, even seated at the bar, lacking. The patio is lovely, but on days when the weather is cooperating, expect it to be crowded and noisy. I suggest El Azteco for the chips, salsa, and tequila -- a fine happy hour or snack -- then a more substantial meal somewhere else.
(3)
Brad W.
We have been going here for 30+ years. Today was the spring football and we showed up before the end of the game and sat on the roof. We always love this place but recently have heard from many different people that the quality has slipped. Unfortunately we must agree. Our margaritas we not up to regular standard so a person from our group went to the bartender to have them re-made. The bartender said "today is my first day and I don't have time for this". We were told that they were too busy. Food came cold and was bad. Again we love this place but will wait for the new owners to correct the current problems
(1)
John S.
I wonder when one of the ten wait staff standing around the cash register will wait on us? Ah, here we go. Cheese dip is divine. Salsa is spicy red paste with wonderful taste - not bogged down with fresh vegetables or the like - tomato paste and jalepeno. Delish. Margaita - yes - giddyup! My mixologist dining partner declares "it tastes like tequila - light on lime." Score. Shredded chicken in my taco has a unique flavor. The only place where chicken doesnt taste like chicken... So this is a find. Blue Corn enchilidas are the best ever encountered. The side rice is mildly spicy. XM set on "Mexican Restaraunt." Baxter you know I don't speak spanish. My mouth is on fire. This place is a dump. The service is awful. The food is okay to good. I'll be back next week... and the week aftet ... Spartans love El Az ... Just not sure why.
(5)
Tom A.
Been a while since I've been back to "El Az". I usually am dragged there occasionally kicking and screaming by a dedicated fan base of friends to the same dirty joint with indifferent service, followed by the revenge of the most notable of Aztecs......leaving food safety standards in question as well. I have to say that I was Blown away!! We walked in Sunday with a party of 14, and we were seated right away, and the cute and sharp blonde Yooper that waited on us had the chips and salsa out immediately, and the attention never waned. (I wished that I would have gotten her name as she was worthy of a special mention) Did I mention that the place was CLEAN? O.M.G., and all the staff were on their toes, and eager to see that the patrons were well looked after. The food presentations were mostly typical to the American Mexican joint menu, but they do feature some house specialties such as Topopo Salad, and Blue Corn enchiladas. Everyone in the party were equally raving about the service, and noticed the improvement in the general condition of the place. Next time I'll be walking in without being dragged....
(4)
Heather G.
Supposedly years ago they used to be great. I went there and the service was terrible and the food. Gave me a stomach ache. I love Mexican but DO NOT go here
(2)
Steve B.
I've lived around here for 30 years and given this place a try many times. Many I know swear by it for Mexican and always have to go here whenever they're in town. Why I don't know. I've tried ordering many different things and it's all bland and tastes the same. The service has always been fine but honestly, for Mexican, Los Tres or Cancun is just as good if not better. I think alot of people just say they love it out of tradition and as far as independent restaurants, the Lansing area is a wasteland. Most everything in Lansing is part of a chain so anything else gets alot of attention.
(2)
J L.
The menu was old and their prices had changed. The food was as good as a microwaved TV dinner. If you are spending $10, go to Los Tres Amigos. Will never go back.
(1)
Susan D.
I used to enjoy the really bad service, but it has improved in the past few years. Best are the margaritas . ..especially in the summer on the roof!. . .and topopo salad. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)
Katie M.
An East Lansing staple! El Az was the restaurant my mom and I ate at after she dropped me off during Welcome Weekend (sniff, sniff... memories!) oh so long ago. Even with all of the changes and big box stores and chains moving into East Lansing, El Az has remained a mainstay on the corner of MAC and Ann. The biggest draw to this place is not the food, but the rooftop! Yes, rooftop dining in East Lansing. My first experience with a rooftop deck when I was younger, was a nice change from the grungey and windowless bars that you'll find (and probably frequent) along Grand River. The food is not great, (I do really like their salsa!) but the margaritas are cheap and the portions are huge. Try the Tropopo salad. I would not recommend the guacamole - no flavor, tastes store made.
(3)
Billy M.
Wow. Full disclosure, we tried to go to El Azteco about 2 hours after the end of the Wyoming game. Took 20 minutes to get asked what we wanted to drink AFTER we got seated. Then another 15 minutes for us to get our order in. Food took over an hour to come out and they missed my two friends nacho order with no tomato. Then it took 25 minutes for the nachos to come out and they had tomatoes all over them. The waitress was a young MSU student...had nothing to say except that it "sure was busy today". The hostess asked us while we were waiting if everything was ok, my response was, unfortunately no. She said, "I will take care of it". Nothing was taken care of...full price on the bill, no nachos for my friends and it took well over two hours. Oh and by the way, I had the enchiladas, they were medicore. Boo.
(1)
N P.
Mediocre food, nay actually if you had real Mexican food you will find that this is seriously lacking that defining flavor. It's like you know how all Chinese food is the same no matter where in the country you eat it? Kinda like Taco Bell being called Mexican?! Yea, that's what you should expect. However if you want to go to a lively place and have a drink you've never seen before, than hands down these guys bring in some imagination into mixing known favorites into new ... well new favorites! Like the margarita with an upside down corona in the middle! Awesome!
(2)
Mary E.
We stopped here with a group of 10 after the MSU spring football game. Our pitchers of margaritas were awful and had to be remade. Two people at the table never got to order. The food arrived cold. The management told us on two occasions they were to busy to talk to us. We will all be too busy to return. Cheers, Spartan Alum.
(1)
Keely K.
My go-to Mexican restaurant in the Lansing area is Cancun Mexican Grill, but begin near campus we opted to check out El Azteco. Big Mistake. Their menu was limited, and what we did get was awful. The food took long, was overcooked and/or tasted like it'd been sitting under the heat lamp forever. mY boyfriend's chicken quesadilla was flat as can be, and didn't come with anything on the side (salsa, lettuce, etc, simply a plain plate with no garnishes. The rooftop is nice, but thats all this place has going for it.
(1)
Nick V.
Their green sauce is one of the worst things I have ever tasted. It tasted like glue, plywood, ground together with some corn husks. Really, really bad - barely green, either.
(1)
Sarah C.
Sat upstairs on the patio with a large group, which was awesome (hence the second star). Service was good too. The food and drinks were pretty terrible though. Overly sweet margaritas that taste like chemical-y margarita mix, and the very worst of Americanized "Mexican" food that features large plates full of things that don't taste very good but are smothered in melted cheese.
(2)
Derek K.
Service was good. As for the food, it was all right. Their menu was pretty small, which puts them at a disadvantage. However, I had no complaints about my chicken enchilada. Aesthetically, my only critique would be to make the chairs a little less cramped. This place won't blow you away. But it's not to be avoided either. Pretty good Mexican food.
(3)
M N.
Love, love, love El Az. Best bean and cheese burritos, salsa, and cheese dip anywhere. All the negative reviewers need to remember this is a restaurant in a college town, not a Michelin rated restaurant. Just have a Margarita and enjoy!
(5)
Jen T.
So bad! We waited an over 2 hours for a quesadilla and flauta. It never came! If we waited any longer we were sure it wouldn't taste good! Had to leave and won't be back.
(1)
K D.
People, if your critique of this restaurant is that it isn't authentic enough because your fricking strawberry margarita didn't have enough tequila in it ... you need some help. There's a lot to love at El Az. The topopo salad, the cheese dip, the salsa, the bean burrito. All delicious, all great deal for the money. Seems like hating on El Az is some sort of ridiculous new cool kidz thing for undergrads. [eyeroll]
(5)
Eliot H.
Was in East Lansing to see the production of Annie. The first place we wanted to go to was closed . The second was under renovation. We in a rut saw El Azteco and saw what was a full house and said what the heck must be decent. However it was far from that. Service was okay- I'd say a little under average. We got off to a rough start when a member of my party wanted a soda with lime. But we were told they were out of limes. Okay how is a Mexican restaurant that professes themselves as authentic out of limes. Food was absolutely terrible. Order an enchilada dinner it was baked in cheese. And I mean baked. The texture of the whole dish was ruined with low quality cheddar cheese. Without the cheese maybe it would have been an okay dish. But I will never know The other god awful dish was the gordidas that another member got were bland. And I mean bland. Ground beef with no flavoring in like a doughey cake. The other member got an enchilada - same as mine. The last dish in our party was the chicken fajitas. Which was okay- chicken was relatively bland and without the onions would have been terrible. Rice and beans were either dumped out of can or cooked terribly. Bland groose.texture As a disclaimer the food is not authentic at all. Yellow cheese, no limes, a member of mine who lived Iin Mexico for a few summers stated " that's not what a gordita looks like" Thank god we accidentally weren't charged for the wimpiest margarita ever. Okay the place gets two stars instead of one because the service was okay and price was not expensive. But I could get a lot better food at Taco Bell honestly. At the end of the day it's one of the worst meals I've had in a long time at a restaurant.
(2)
Bd S.
Love El Az. Hot sauce varies day to day. Came here when they lived in the basement. Cheese dip without compare. Good Nachos. Toppopo salad is a large MOUNTAIN of food. And yes - Margarita pitchers mmmmmmm. Some nights and for most game days this place is a MAD HOUSE.
(4)
Tiffany R.
Top 5 favorite Mexican places to eat at, anywhere. It's an east Lansing tradition. Service isn't always the best but I overlook that based on my food. Best thing on the menu: blue corn enchiladas. Next best things: topopo salad and the cheese dip. Salsa and chips are great. If you can go when the rooftop is open SIT up there!
(5)
Erin D.
I have only ever come for lunch or early dinner when it is not so busy, so I have never experienced the bad service that some other reviewers have. It's always been quick and adequate, if not exactly friendly. This review is also only for the cheese dip and the blue corn enchiladas (which are stuffed with spicy cheese dip). I crave these things so much that I can never bring myself to get anything else when I come here! The cheese dip is absolutely delicious - I'm not sure what's in it, but I crave it and have to include a stop at El Az every time I'm back in East Lansing!
(5)
Grace L.
I think most people in my generation only appreciate El Azteco if their parents ate here when it was underground. I love my topopo salads, but after the latest price increase, it's a little hard to justify buying them. While the topopos are unfortunately pretty inconsistent in quality, the margaritas and chip dip are always top notch. The service is usually curt, and leaves a lot to be desired.
(3)
John K.
I feel like I have grown up with this place. Before I was even a student, if I remember correctly, it used to be in the basement of a storefront on Gr. River (Or was that TopDog? Or possibly both? I was perpetually and severely inebriated back then.) Had big ass roaches, dark and nasty. Once it moved over to Ann St. same great food but absolutely the worst service ever.....all through the 90's. It was just a given to expect the shittiest service from ElAz as well as Bilbo's(long defunct) just 2 doors down. We just dealt with it cause the verde burritos were just so damn tight. So, now as an old man we hit up this place when we come in for games, etc and we still love it. Except now, the service is actually really good (well our visit last week sure was). I used to love their margarita's but now they serve them in stupid little marg glasses.....the rocks glasses worked so much better. They seem to be pushing their expansive tequila list as well.....a little pretentious and trendy but who cares? Just gimme the Cuervo. (I know it's not REAL tequila...who cares) I wonder if they still have 1/2 off pitchers of that nectar of the Gods on Wednesdays anymore. At any rate, nowadays it is clean, bright, nice, has a big ass patio upstairs and the same great food. The cheese dip causes riots among my wife and her friends and they tend to wrap their arms around the app like they just got out of prison. Sharing becomes a mortal sin. The salsa is always fresh, everything is homemade, the burritos never disappoint and the topopo salad is ridiculously good.
(4)
Erin L.
This might be the worst Mexican food I've ever eaten. I'm pretty sure someone just barfed on my plate and served it to me. The "queso" was separated and gritty....like barf chunks would be.
(1)
Adam K.
I was not very impressed with my meal, but the chips and salsa are very good
(2)
Shawn Marie H.
I've just had my last meal at "El Az." It used to be THE place to go for decent Mexican food around here but that was over twenty years ago. I've been away for awhile, and our recent visit was not a homecoming. Of course, I have always known that I wasn't getting authentic Mexican food, but it was still tasty. I still enjoy the cheese dip and the Topopo salad. But the beef burrito with spicy green chili sauce was like chewing on an old sock. The beef was flavorless, there was little cheese, and the sauce must have cooked out of it when they overcooked the meat because all I saw were a couple green flakes. It was so dry I choked. Aside from the food, which arrived 40 minutes after we ordered, we were invisible to our waitress. She brought us our water and the chips and cheese dip, then she disappeared (just like my spicy green chili sauce). Twice I tried to find out if our order was placed because people who came in after us were being served. She finally came back to the table to say that she had a frustrating day and that the large table next to me was to blame for our food being late. She finally did bring the food, but no silverware or napkins. We had to get up to get both. She was very nice, but after I complained she said they were understaffed. If I ever do go back it will be for takeout only and it will only be for the cheese dip or the salad. I'll never order the old sock cum burrito again.
(1)
Damon L.
It pains me to say the El Azteco may just be an average / below average Mexican eatery as a whole - because they have one of the most unique and tasty dishes in the Topopo salad. I definitely recommend the Topopo - with a base layer of chips, beans, cheese, and the like - then piled high with a lettuce, pea, chicken, scallions, tomato and cheese combination. I recall a hint of something along the lines of a vinegar (very light) to add element to the taste. It is something you can attempt to recreate at home with practice - but it just isn't quite the same as getting it at El Az. This is one of the sole reasons I would still frequent the restaurant - or even recommend the place. I realize why the rest of the experience and menu is not absolutely embraced. The E.L. location has a nice roof bar and seating area that is great for drinks and food in the summertime. Their Saginaw St. location is much more of a dive / lacking standards. But - I would say both locations have never been exactly of high paradigm in environment, appeal, or overall spotlessness. I know I'm breaking rank on what I usually stand for in admitting that - but every once in a while a restaurant will get 1 thing right (the Topopo) that you have a hard time voiding yourself completely or forgetting the place. Over time I have had other dishes: combo's, tacos, etc. - they were neither thrilling - nor was I purging afterwards. More par for the course edible. The service has usually always been below average or bad. Simply because you get college kids running around with their heads off - trying to keep up - a bit haphazardly at times. I think the environment and lack of standards at times is what certainly puts people over the edge on El Az - which is sad because this place might be more if they simply tried a little.
(2)
Douglas M.
35 years an East Lansing staple. New owners have made some changes. I won't be back. The guac is no longer real. As in some sort of neon green mix. The toppopo which is so vaunted is no longer the same recipe. Different cheese, no dressing and the half order in the round plate is now the full order. No longer feeds 4 people. And it has that awful guac stuff on it. Significant price increases and the chips and salsa are no longer free. NOTHING was good. The food, the service, the cocktails. It took less than two years for them to destroy a place that thrived and was beloved for all those years. The one in downtown Lansing is under different ownership and the difference is night and day. Shame on these people for ruining this East Lansing tradition.
(1)
Professor C.
Your typical heavy Mexican food made for American tastes (bland, large portions). Refried beans & rice with most everything, and most food covered with melted cheese. It's a local institution, maybe because there isn't much competition in E. Lansing. The rooftop patio is a pleasant place to have a beer & the food is not terrible. Service can be slow on busy days.
(2)
Dave V.
nice little joint. nothing amazing, but pretty good. Not authentic mexican but, again, pretty good. Prices weren't horrible. nice enough staff too. worth checking it out.
(3)
Lynn T.
At one time I thought this was decent place to go but after my experience this week My thoughts have changed. I buy the groupon thinking Oh they have really good margaritas. I go in after a long day for dinner and a cocktail and the service is absolutely TERRIBLE!! Our receipt said Mike so I am assuming that is who helped us. I wouldn't know because he didn't introduce himself. He never smiled, wasn't friendly, and he was not a people person. He gave us chips and salsa. The salsa was pretty spicy but really good. It took him forever to bring us water. When he brought the water we asked for straws which he brought us refills for our chips and my margarita before he brought the straws. (We had to keep eating chips to ease the pain from the spicy salsa). He dropped our food on the table and turned and walked away. On top of all this the food was terrible. Don't order the burrito or gordita. I can get past bad food if the service is good. Maybe the cook was having a bad night who knows. He was so rude I didn't even want to say the food was bad in fear he may do something to it. That's the vibe he was giving. We looked around and the other workers were happy and talking to their customers. Not sure what day this person was having but he didn't have to take it out on us. Usually if a customer is nice the server will be nice if the server starts off bad. This proved that theory wrong. He could have even apologized for it being busy or the wait and I would have totally understood. Maybe even one smile or the basic Hi my name is (blank) what can I get for you. This has ruined El Az for me and it was a waste of my time and Groupon money. Hopefully he doesn't wait tables often and no one has to experience this person. Sad because I use to love to visit here in the summer.
(1)
Jim R.
The luster of the is place has worn away for me as well. We get what we deserve--the place is packed all the time, so why would they be motivated to change? A good Mexican eatery could come into the neighborhood and wipe this place out. It lives on some aura of the past that it no longer deserves. El Az used to be located in a basement across the street, and that is where it gained its rep as a place to get great Mexican food in a dark and off-kilter dungeon. I now realize that the quirky nature of the former location was its greatest quality. The bad service, so-so food and terribly sweet margaritas were forgivable given the experience of spending the half-drunken evening in the basement with buddies or Spanish department faculty. Since it gentrified 20 years back (it is above ground, sunlight has found the place, you no longer need to duck as you walk, no more widow-maker staircase) it is judged on food and service as are most restaurants where the diners are not distracted by the surroundings. It does not compare well with other Mexican restaurants for food quality. It still has some redeeming qualities: the fresh salsa, yummy cheese dip, topopo salad and the huevos rancheros are all good. Otherwise, meh. p.s. I will probably meet friends thereon football Saturdays out of habits for the rest of my days!
(2)
Chuck H.
It got one star because I couldn't give NONE! Matt always loved El Azteco but his brother Chad who was with us tonight, not a fan of Mexican food but he was a good sport and stayed. We should have listened to Chad!I had the Nacho. The "beef" was a yellowish color, the jalapenos had no heat or flavor, I asked for onions with mine which also must have been prepped and sat because they too had lost all their heat and flavor. Matt's fajita no longer came with the peanut sauce it always came with and apparently, all the flavor in that dish was in that sauce. It's also the only fajita dish we've ever seen that didn't come with a side of peppers, guacamole, onions, a sizzling plate and some salsa. Lynn and Chad also felt their food was bland and flavorless.We spoke to the manager after the meal, not looking for a handout but after having drove from Detroit to Lansing, we felt she should know how our experience was. She wasn't really interested. Turns out that at El Azteco, salt and pepper with a little cumin is all they feel Mexican food requires as seasoning to be "Mexican". She flat out denied the food wasn't prepared fresh to order but Lynn peeked into the kitchen as we were leaving, (they have a wall cutout near the bathrooms that looks into the kitchen) and saw large quantities of foods wrapped in tortillas in plastic bins for the fridge. She also told us nothing was frozen but the sour cream that was brought to the table had ice in it and Lynn's flour tortilla shells were obviously at one time frozen.We will never again go to El Azteco to eat, not even if we are already in Lansing let alone making the longer than an hour drive from the Detroit area.
(1)
Erica D.
Yeah, it's not good. The chicken tastes like tuna. The red sauce is not red sauce (it's more like salsa than enchilada sauce). That cheese dip that every one raves about looks and tastes like expired cottage cheese. The chips are hard as hell and super greasy. The location by the hospital in Lansing is even worse, because it's sticky and dirty. The second star I gave is solely because they have roof top dining in the summer! DAMN YOU ROOF TOP DINING IN THE SUMMER!
(2)
Tom B.
We walk into this place and immediately get some dope-nasty seats on this badass rooftop place. Then, our food is ready before even have time to reflect on how awesome the free chip/salsa appetizers were. Waiter looked lost and confused but the nicest guy I've ever met. Then, to top it off we got some dank cinnamon fried dough slices that rocked my socks off. Good times all around
(5)
Mandy T.
Not really impressed... Guacamole was bland (pretty sure it was just avocado with lime juice), chips were thick and hard, I had the topopo salad since everyone said it was good and it was just nachos with a mountain of shredded lettuce. The cheese dip was just cottage cheese mixed with cream cheese... Not sure if anyone goes to El-az to eat. Think it's just the rooftop. The margaritas were pretty good... And you can get them by the pitcher!
(2)
Kyle P.
Even though I don't like the place too much, I always find myself coming back. The food is, meh, OK. It's better than Taco-Smell but not the best I've had. It's priced quite high for my liking (I'm a college student, don't forget), but you at least get a healthy quantity. So healthy that it is probably the most unhealthy thing for you. Before you jump to get the pitcher of Margaritas, think hard. My friend I split one and had to choke it down, unfortunately not because too much of our friend Jose. They were weak and just not good. I am a fan of their house tortilla chips. So the roof is a great place to sit in the sun and enjoy a few brews during the summer time (they can't mess up beer, right?)
(2)
J T.
I've had meals at El Azteco many times over the years...no, make that decades. Maybe my nostalgia glasses have caused me to remember more fondly the experience. Perhaps same glasses cause my expectations to be too high. On this trip, the glasses were off and even rooftop dining in the soft light of a beautiful summer evening was not enough to overcome the complete banality of the food served. Burritos, rice and re-fried beans were below average. Service was ok. The Dos Equis with lime wedge were nice. All in all, there are a lot of better choices for food in East Lansing. However there are probably not lot of better choices for outdoor dining. Drink - go to the rooftop at El Az. Eat - go elsewhere.
(2)
Ava R.
EW! yuck gross. i can't believe i used to love this place. i guess that was before i ever had real Mexican food. just came here last week with a bunch of friends and everyone agreed that this place is beyond disgusting. i ordered the same thing i always did, the cheese enchiladas in green sauce. the description forgets to mention that it's covered in cream of mushroom soup. in fact, many of their nasty meals are. so gross!. the worst Margarita I've ever had!!! the salsa was so thick like tomato paste and my bf's mole enchiladas were like old 7 eleven toquitos re-deep fried and served. they were gritty and terrible.
(1)
Bess D.
Wanted to get a big group together for a dinner before a childhood friend's wedding (it's one of her fave local spots) and while they do not take advance reservations, I have to rave about how well Zack, Dani and the rest of the team on the roof accommodated our party of about 50.
(4)
Vic D.
A pitiful shadow of what it once was. Food quality has really gone downhill. Service, while never a strong point, has gotten even worse the past couple of years. Chips are usually stale. Salsa is still great, but that's the only thing I can recommend anymore.
(1)
Oliver S.
When people say the name too fast, it sounds like Ella's Taco, which led me to believe that I would be served by a famous jazz singer or at least a character from a Tyler Perry movie. That didn't happen. Even so, I thought that the food was pretty good (and I'm kind of a taco snob...) and, I don't know what the other reviewers were talking about, but our service was good as well. The Topopo salad is recommended!
(4)
Mandy S.
If I could put zero stars, I would. This place apparently has a new owner who isn't Mexican, but instead is Greek. The selection is not what it was before (I haven't been here in 3+ years). I ordered a strawberry frozen margarita which came in a cocktail glass and I swear it had zero alcohol in it. No taste at all. The waitress said it had Cuervo, yea right. They don't have hot sauce available on the table or by request. They don't allow you to order chicken nachos (apparently the chicken is not nacho worthy). I ordered a side of Guacamole and it cost $3.00!!! Overall the price of the meal was cheap but it wasn't anything to brag about. I wish the old owner would come back. The Azteca we all know and love will not last long under this new ownership - which sucks because I loved it when I was a student at MSU.
(1)
Bart S.
I used to go to this place all the time but hadn't been there in a while. This place has gone completely downhill. Poor service, horrible food, nuff said. There are so many better choices around there, don't waste your time or money on this one.
(1)
Surranjan K.
One of the worst mexican food and service. Zero star is not possible so they get one. Ordered Burrito plate that is supposed to have chili verde and Colorado burrito, what I got was two extremely salted ground beef burrito with cheese. When I asked the waiter to get it right he came back "manager says this how we make it and it has sauce in it. " granted that coming from CA I had higher expectation for Mexican food but this place has an inedible food with crappy service. I don't know how anyone could go there twice.
(1)
Adam M.
While you wouldn't catch me dead eating here over the winter, I'm giving this place 3 stars because it's the coolest place to be during summer nights in EL. The roof is straightup the bomb, and the place to get bombed. The food is probably closer to 2 stars. East Lansing is known for having bad food, and worse cops. SO watch out after you have all those drinks on the roof. You just may wind up with the runs in jail.
(3)
Mary F.
Trash all over the floor. Restrooms a filthy disaster. Where is the Health Dept. in MI? When we asked the waitress if they had rellenos, her reply was "What's that?". When we asked for more water, she brought a glass of water when the whole table needed more. Waitress disappeared for huge hunks of time. Food was just barely mediocre. Institution in E Lansing or not, this place would NEVER make it in the real world.
(1)
Kevin S.
So after an 11 minute battle with the dumbest waitress alive I decided on water to drink after the Pespi products were gone because they were transitioning to Coke yet they didnt have Coke either. I got the Taco platter and I swear to you as god as my witness within 1 hour after eating I couldnt find a rest stop fast enough. Save your money stay the hell away from this DUMP!!!!
(1)
Luis R.
The food seems that came out from a box. It doesn't have an authentic Mexican taste. We run out of salsa and our waiter was MIA. We had to go to the bar and ask them to bring us some.
(1)
Jessica C.
El Az! I graduated 7 months ago and I'm really starting to miss places like El Azteco. The food is meh... save for the Topopo Salad and the chips and salsa. I've been there so many times and have tried other peoples food but I ALWAYS order the Topopo. Its awesome, its huge, its filling, it includes rudimentary nachos. What's not to love? I took my family to El Az a few times when they visited and they didnt like it, the service is kind of bad but I've always had a great time. I understand the bad reviews (sort of) I guess its part of the MSU experience. Just try the Topopo!
(4)
Huyen V.
All I have to say is if you have no taste buds you should go here. If you just want alcohol go for it, but I warn you do not get the fajitas or quesadilla due to the fact that there is no flavor at all. Save your money and time and just drive down the street for some real authentic Mexican food.
(1)
Lori R.
We happened to eat here as we were wandering around that area of E. Lansing. The outside looked ok so we decided to give it a try. Service was sub-par and we were discussing leaving when the waitress finally came over. My husband loves fajitas so he ordered the chicken ($12.99). Worst ever! And we have been all over the US and Europe. A few pieces of flavorless chicken with some grilled onions and a salad mixture. No cheese but you could purchase guac, sour cream and pico for an extra 2 bucks. I had the chicken and rice soup. The chicken was so shredded into tiny bits it makes me think it might have been leftover from something else. Needles to say, we do not recommend eating here if you are looking for anything with real Mexican flavor.
(1)
Brad C.
Horrible.
(1)
Ed C.
Unlike the westside Lansing El Azteco, the food isn't mouth shit. However, it's not Mexican food. It's the food Midwestern grandmas would create based exclusively the descriptions of Mexican food their grandkids gave them after they came back home from their first semester at college in Chicago. Which isn't awful, per se. Its just not Mexican food.
(2)
James M.
I've been to this place numerous times because every MSU grad I know seems to love this place, but in truth it sucks pretty bad. The chips are bland, the salsa tastes like a crappy canned brand with some jalapeños thrown in. The food is bland, soggy and over priced. This stuff wouldn't even taste good when your drunk. Disappointed.
(1)
Mike B.
This place is nowhere near as good as the original establishment located in the basement. My favorite was always the nachos and being in town this weekend I wanted to re-live great food. They were disappointing to say the least. Would choose Taco Bell over this place anyday.
(2)
Kannan R.
El Azteco is an East Lansing legend. There's a reason this place has a bad rating here but you're never going to see it empty during business hours.Try the margaritas on the rooftop this summer, and while you can't expect great service, do expect decent Tex-Mex in decent proportions and a friendly staff in a ridiculously bustling environment. The staff isn't unfriendly by any means, but I think people expecting a quiet dinner being waited on hand and foot are surprised that this is a place filled with people having fun and sometimes your waiter might be a few minutes late. Note that I did stress this is a Tex Mex place - so if you are a fine foods connoisseur who wants authentic Mexican food to photograph and put on your blog, the best I have had in the entire state of Michigan is on Michigan Ave. by Francis a few miles west. It's a taco stand called "El Oasis" and it is the only food I've had in the state that is just like what I had in family run New Mexico/Texas places.
(5)
Ruben L.
This place has really gone down hill since it's hey day. I remember back in the day, this was the place to go for outdoor/downtown/Mexican dining. It has since let itself go. Most people will swear by the Topopo or botana salad (which I admit are good) but the overall cleanliness and poor service really doom this place. The only place that saves this place from being 1 star is the nostalgia I have about this place from my childhood. If you want food from here, order take out.
(2)
Alexandra K.
Recommended: blue corn enchiladas. Not very expensive, enough for leftovers, and really delicious.
(4)
Sarah G.
I love El Az... I crave it. Yes service is not that good....and I find it pretty silly that when you sit on the roof the prices are more expensive BUT! The topopo salad is amazing and the cheese dip?? Oh that cheese dip. They simply do not give me enough. Screw tortilla chips I could eat that stuff with a spoon! Every time I am back in EL I always make a trip to El Azteco!
(4)
Max K.
I have been to El Azteco a couple of times and never had a problem with the service. The waitstaff always seemed to know when to fill up my drink, bring more salsa and chips, and when to take the table's order. My favorite order, the mild chicken enchiladas with frijoles and rice have always been served hot and fresh. I'm not a huge Mexican fan, but I have never been let down by El Azteco. In my opinion, their food is almost as good as Mexican Village in Detroit, but nothing compares to Mexican Village in the D.
(4)
Eric P.
I've never been to the one in Lansing, but the East Lansing location is pretty awful. The food is bad, the service is bad, the margaritas are bad. It gets by because of the location, and the patio (which IS kinda cool). Go somewhere else if you want good food.
(2)
Ayesha S.
This is a very sad moment for me. I must denounce my love for El Az. I'm currently at home in Michigan for a couple of weeks and was really looking forward to my visit to El Azteco as this is one of my favorite EL spots. I even sent a text message to my friend exclaiming "How I have been in town for three days and not been to El Az, yet?" I was excited. I really was. Enter my worst experience at El Azteco, ever. We chose to sit on the patio as we usually do, and the booth was littered with lots of lettuce and rice. A grain of rice here and there, no worries, but if it looks like an entire bowl of rice has been dropped on the floor, do something about it! Anyway, we sit down to attempt to enjoy our meal regardless. Our server eventually comes, and is to the point and annoying. He chooses not to write a thing down. This is a skill many servers possess, but it is only a skill if you can actually handle it. Our salsa had a hair in it, which kind of made me want to vomit in my mouth. I thought of the beloved bucket that I once cherished and thought of all the hairs that could possibly be swimming around in the big white salsa bowl. Icky! I ordered a margarita which never came and our waiter came to the table so infrequently that I kind of gave up on getting it once I had eaten half of my meal. I also asked for only rice, no beans with my entree and still got the yucky beans. The saddest part of the meal was that my beloved blue corn enchiladas were not tasty- I ordered them spicy and they were super bland. It was all very sad for me and hard to swallow. After settling up and feeling a bit sad about my experience at El Az, I was walking out of the restaurant only to run into my ex-boyfriend who I haven't seen in two years. Of course I'd run into him here, as we used to frequent this place together but I didn't expect it and was SUPER awkward. It was totally icing on the cake of my awful experience. I know that isn't really El Azteco's fault, but it has to be a part of my sad story.
(1)
Maureen S.
Since leaving Michigan a year ago, I still have cravings for this place. It is definitely a place you have to be in the mood for and not everyone is going to like it. It isn't super clean or updated. It is old. The staff typically looks like a hodgepodge of punks and hippies, none particularly put together or recently showered. However, the food is good, the staff is nice, the drinks are strong (especially for a college area), and the location is nice for bar hopping after dinner. AND THERE IS A ROOF DECK which is kick ass in the summer. The tacos are good. The chimichanga is great. The enchiladas are excellent. The salsa is my favorite. It is the type of place that I go to when I want to eat so much unhealthy food that my stomach will hurt for at least 12 hours. And I will enjoy every minute of it. I wish they delivered to Boston. (They do have an excellent takeout service, BTW.)
(4)
A G.
Cheap dog food probably tastes better than this crap they call Mexican food. Enchiladas with American cheese, cold rice, simply awful. Seriously if you think this place is good it's probably because you have never had good Mexican food. Try Cancun grill or Los Tres Amigos and compare. Can't wait till they close this dump and put a REAL Mexican restaurant in its place.
(1)
M W.
If I could give this place zero stars I would. I understand that being from CA and coming to MI to have mexican food is kind of asking for trouble, but this restaurant is easily on my list of the top 5 worst places I've eaten ever. The service was terrible (our waiter was far more interested in the basketball game on TV than in taking our orders and even asked us to wait a sec at one point so he could watch a play) and the food was worse. My and friend and I were both completely grossed out when our food came out. We didn't even want to eat it, but at that point we felt like we didn't have a choice so we plugged our noses and dug in. Everything had clearly been pulled out of a freezer and this was confirmed when I asked if they could serve a dish with no onions was told that the "meat mix" came with onions in it and therefore they could not be taken out. Disgusting. Never again. Oh and usually, a lot of my judgement of how good a Mexican place is depends on how fresh their chips are...as a friend told me when I sent him a picture of the "chips", "those don't look like something that was ever even related to chips" and they tasted worse.
(1)
Dan J.
The best part is the outdoor patio, Tapopo salad, and maybe a couple of other things. The service is always bad and I've had awful food there multiple times.
(2)
Karen B.
A tradition for MSU students and alums since the beginning of time. In the summer, be sure to get a rooftop table. The seating is not comfortable, but the atmosphere is fun. In bad weather, a window view for people watching is highly recommended. The food is great--try topopo salad--not recommended for just one person. Margaritas are fantastic. Don't pay attention to the beat up tables, overused silverware and plates and the like. The food is too good to miss! An update--on May 12 all indoor seating went smoke-free! I don't know if this is permanent or just for the summer when the rooftop seating is open.
(3)
Ed T.
I wasn't expecting this place to be authentic (it isn't.) I wasn't expecting it to be good (it isn't.) Still, I was underwhelmed. I really expected some mediocre dish made edible by virtue of being smothered in melty chihuahua cheese. No such luck, my mediocre dish was smothered in american cheese(!?!) that was solid before the plate made it to my table.
(1)
Katie P.
I've been a fan of El Az since their downstairs location. I must admit after moving to Phoenix, I've realized it's not prize winning Mexican cuisine, but nothing beats a cool summer night on the roof and pitcher of margaritas with friends...and the cheese dip!
(4)
David M.
Well, I went on the roof, so I can't really give a rating for the entirety of the place. But as far as the roof goes, the menu selection or food up there is not impressive (though the view is nice) and water kept getting trapped on the tarp they put above some tables and then the wind would blow and splash the water on people (not me, thankfully).
(3)
Christine R.
LOVE the food. HATE the service... its as simple as that. The food makes the trip worthwhile, but be prepared to leave somewhat frustrated.
(3)
Rob Y.
I was surprised that I didn't see El Azteco on the list of the best restaurants in the area. I've been a regular at both locations for way too long. It's not the cheapo place it used to be but you cannot beat the rooftop in East Lansing on a nice warm, sunny evening (we have 6 a year so be prepared to wait). Here's all you need to know.. the Topopo salad can feed a family of four! Or Sally Struthers if she happens to be dining with you. It's terrific! You can always spot the newbie when she orders the salad and he the nachos (which are just okay) .... either they don't eat for a week or they leave enough food behind to feed Los Angeles. Spicy burrito... very good chili relleno not too shabby. They serve up their own chips and salsa (the chips are made off site) and I swear they lace it with cocaine because after a few days I start to shake and I have to go back and get more. Be prepared to wait in you're looking to sit on the rooftop in the summer, especially if there is some event in EL. Service can be spotty but if you're outdoors and the weather is right.. who cares? it is the only restaurant in town where I feel a specific need to visit on a semi-regular basis.
(4)
Louise W.
We ate here last week for the first time, on the roof-top deck. There are a number of round, metal tables with fixed bench seating, under umbrellas, and a few booths. The booths have wooden seats and the same metal mesh tables -- great until you spill guacamole on the table and it drips right through on to your lap. Our booth smelled of beer and the laminated menu was plastered with dried salsa. I imagine this is a great place for students to eat, drink and party during the semester, and so probably best avoided by other potential clientele at that time. However, it was pretty quiet at 6 PM on a summer weeknight, and the food was fresh and actually pretty good - especially the hot salsa and the guacamole. Entree choices include flautas, enchiladas and fajitas (no burritos), with the usual choice of beef or chicken. Or, weirdly enough, cottage cheese. A cottage cheese-filled enchilada? Hmm. Other than the cheese option, there is little for vegetarians, unfortunately. Entree prices average $7-9, so the food represents pretty good value for money.
(2)
Beth J.
One of my first visits when I'm in town..... I love the chips and salsa.... I'm surprised some people don't like the food..... :( I've only had great experiences!
(4)
Amy P.
The food was not great! It was all very unhealthy and the food tasted old! The enchiladas were alright- you can request green sauce too!
(3)
Andre P.
I just don't get it. This has got to the most overrated mexican food in the Lansing area. If your friends tell you how great it is then take it with a grain of salt from your margarita. This restaurant has two redeeming values the rooftop seating and the guacamole. It's a great place for the local college kids who want to pound Coronas and drink cheap margaritas while eating a sloppy bland plate of tacos or burritos. I think that the food it is only fair, considering the large number of excellent mexican restaurants in the Lansing area. I've been there several times over the last 15 years and the food hasn't changed at all. If you can't get a seat on the rooftop don't bother, there are many other places to spend your pesos.
(2)
Misi P.
El Azteco is one of those places that has kinda crappy food, but you just go there because of the ambience. Eating indoors can be kind of gross and crowded, you know with all the fruit flies keeping you company, but the real reason to go to El Az is so you can drink margaritas on the roof during the summer. In terms of grub, like I said, it's not very good. If I have to eat there, I stick with the Topopo salad or maybe a plate of nachos and that's about it. I live around the block from El Az, so admittedly, it's a nice lazy summer evening venture.
(3)
Dom D.
El Azteco has been in East Lansing for years and has a cult following. It is a love it or hate it place for mexican food. I personally love the food. It is a tasty and inexpensive college joint so don't expect a mexican restaurant chain when you walk in. I give the food a great rating and the service a poor rating. Overall, if you are in East Lansing and are open to mexican food, definitely go. It is a part of the MSU experience.
(4)
Luther Z.
Calling this place a Mexican restaurant is an insult to Mexicans. I have NO idea how they get away with pawning this shit off on customers... except perhaps that most of the customers are from hicksville Michigan and would think that a can of Alpo dog food on an item that is tortilla-like, covered in cheese and served with rice and beans is "good Mexican food." My food was disgusting, my son's food was disgusting, and my wife's food was disgusting. I know now for sure that my brother wouldn't know good Mexican food if it slapped him upside the head. There was no saving grace to this place... except maybe that I didn't get diarrhea after eating here. How the fuck can anyone think this place is good? Coming from the state that thinks "Coney dogs" are delicious, I guess I should think that much of the Michigander palate all that much either. My wife and a mutual friend have discussed this place after the fact and we're all in agreement that this place should be torn down and replaced with a laundromat. The suds from a box of Tide would taste better.
(1)
marisa s.
how in the F does El Az have a 4-star rating! this place is sick, i know the kitchen is dirty for a fact - since i use to work next store at Lou Ha's. and what is with everyone loving the topoppo salad...to me it sounds like to-poop! (which is actually great foreshadowing) just knowing that this place has been around since my aunt graduated in '89, makes me realize that el az probably has not been cleaned fully since! dirty, dirty, dirty! acapulco may have been cleaner...
(1)
Beth J.
El Az has good food, but not the best Mexican-American food in town. But be warned, the place is rather dirty. It always has been, even worse when it was an oh-so-charming basement restaurant on MAC. I've gone there since a college freshman in 1979, but haven't been there for a few years. I've never gotten sick there from the food. It's pretty good if you ignore the lack of cleanliness. There is another one near St. Lawrence Hospital on Saginaw St. on the west side (Genesee neighborhood area). It's not much better, but a bit cleaner.
(3)
Kelsey P.
delicious!!!!! best margarita's ive ever had in my life! food was yummmmmy too! definitely would recommend!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes 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.
Melissa D.
Food is just OK, but the rooftop bar is a nice spot in the summer. Staff is friendly and they have a nice selection of tequila.
(3)Louis V.
Whenever people badmouth El Azteco, I always defend them. The food quality is reasonable (though not as good as Tex Mex) and I have a lot of fond memories that took place there. I also have some respect for the place since it is one of only 4 restaurants in East Lansing that has endured since I moved here 26 years ago. They have a prime spot in the middle of downtown with a roof patio that offers a lot of nice ambiance in the summer. The only thing I don't like is the service. It has never been great, but it seems to have gotten worse over the years. Tonight, they hit a new low and really pissed me off in the process. I was hanging out in front of the El Azteco with my salsa friends for a couple of hours, smelling all the food being cooked. I just *had* to go there for dinner afterward. I ordered some fajitas and a margarita. The waitress forgot to bring the margarita until I gently reminded her 10 minutes later. After 15 minutes, I finished eating all the chips and was ready for the fajitas. I kept eyeing the service door hoping that the next person who walked through would be bringing my food. After 20 minutes, I became anxious. I was starving! After 25 minutes, I noticed the party that came in just before me was paying and preparing to leave. My food was still not served. After 30 minutes, my waitress came to me and said that she just checked on my food and found out that they "screwed up in the kitchen" and didn't even know the order had been placed. However, they were definitely cooking it now. I don't think the kitchen screwed up. I think the waitress forgot more than just my margarita! During my long wait, I watched as my waitress chatted for a long time with the table next to me and even went to the bar and did a shot with one of the people at said table. I can't help but think that my waitress had her mind on other things besides serving me! I was so annoyed. I got up and walked out. I told her that I would get what I wanted elsewhere. The non-asshole in me was kind enough to leave some money for the margarita I had already consumed. They wasted my time and left me hungry. No longer will I defend El Azteco when people trash talk the place.
(2)James P.
This place is the worst. We've been here a few times because of the roof top, but every experience has been terrible. The service is awful and the staff is so rude (not all staff, I won't call out specific people). The last bar tender we had tried to cut us off- we were sober... The food is half assed prepared and they don't even have pico, unreal. The chips, salsa, and margaritas are solid, but that's about it- I would recommend this place for that. Long story short, I'm way out on this place.
(1)Christine B.
It doesn't even deserve ONE STAR! This place was bad. The patio looks inviting so we wanted to try it but I had read a flyer advertising it was the best Mexican Gringo style. That alone scared me but it was too true. There was little Mexican about it. The chips as salsa were good, spicy. The guac was canned. They serve no carne asada, no carnitas, no chorizo. The only tacos you can get are chicken and ground beef. What authentic mexican place serves ground beef tacos? None... except in the Midwest. My husband got food poisoning 2 days ago from the ground beef tacos... 2 days later he feels like he can finally eat something. The only thing I thought would be safe to have was chicken quesadilla... there was no chicken! I think I saw one shred. Would never go back. If someone suggests this place and you are familiar with what Mexican food should taste like, and expect it..... DO NOT GO HERE!!!
(1)Katy C.
I've never understood the hype around this place. The rooftop deck is nice, but the service and food are lacking. I usually get the enchiladas suiza, and they always come out looking like they were microwaved and sat under a heat lamp for awhile. The prices are pretty steep for the quality of food that you get. I will say that the cheese dip is very good.
(2)Jes P.
My stomach still turns a bit when I think about this place. I totally should have checked Yelp out before coming here. I came on the first sunny day Michigan had seen in a LONG time so everyone was out and looking to have some fun. We only waited about 10 minutes to be seated but then waited another hour and 30 minutes to get our food while listening to the same Shakira cd over and over again. I can't really say we were hungry when we finally got our food (I think our bodies had begun to dip into our 'reserves') but it was exciting for it to arrive at our table. Then came the taste (or rather, lack-there-of)..., and the massive amounts of grease. Flavorless tacos, flautas and burritos should be a 'comida' crime because when they are presented in their true form, they are nothing less than delicious! The kind that has you liking your fingers!!! The ones from El Azteco were depressed and seriously in need of some renovations. My burrito consisted of beef with massive lard infestations and a tortilla. The flautas could have been used as drum sticks and the taco sported some wilted lettuce. All of that, combined with the long wait and Shakira's 'She-Wolf' song one too many times made for an unpleasant experience. I'm sure this is iconic to Michigan State but even college folks like good food!
(1)Debbie R.
Service was bad. The waiter gave us an attitude and brushed off our questions about ingredients for our son with food allergies. The food wasn't good. I ordered the salad everyone seems to rave about and have no clue what all the hype is about because it was basically a plate of lettuce. Didn't even like the chips. We will not be returning. Very disappointing.
(1)Patrick R.
It's probably more 3.5, but I don't like that it has a 2.5 star avg right now... they're better than that. I graduated in 05, and have fond memories of the chips and salsa and hanging on the roof. The place still looks the same, but the new roof over the upstairs patio area looks pretty cool. Inside is like a remember, which is a Mexican pueblo look. It could be a touch cleaner with the details, but it's not bad 0verall. The chips and salsa are on point and free. The margarita is tasty too, and they have good Mexican beers. The overpriced, didn't look like they made it guacamole was annoying a day bland. The entrées of enchiladas and gorditas were ok... again a touch bland. Service was decent from the middle aged white woman taking care of us this Tuesday afternoon around 3. Prices are fair other than the lackluster guacamole and the maybe-could-do-a-little-better-than-$4.50-@ÂHappyhour pint of beer. the bonus sopapilla at the end of the meal was a nice treat.
(4)Sho N.
The reviews don't lie. I read them and said no thanks, a co-worker insisted in-spite of your reviews. He loved the idea of the roof top patio. First, the downstairs was dead, servers just standing around. Second, the deck was busy and servers were running all over. It took what felt like a long time to get served and even longer for the beverages. We ordered a second round that took even longer than that. Third, the food was not good. My rice was very cold and the Chimi was soggy on the bottom and flavorless. One of the guys who was with ordered Fajitas and(this was new to me) the were served on a standard plate. I've always seen Fajitas served sizzling on a hot plate. His rice was also cold and inedible. Pass and find another place, the only benefit this place has is the location.
(1)Priya R.
This is so weird, I can't believe how many negative reviews there are about this place! I absolutely love El Azteco when I want actual not taco bell Mexican food on campus. I love everything I have ever gotten here! The chips and salsa are free, but they are pretty spicy so beware. I recommend the chimichangas but most importantly the amazing sopapillas. I love how fresh everything tastes and I don't know how there are so many mixed reviews about this place but I can say that I've been there multiple times and I still love it. Plus rooftop seating so that's kind of cool.
(4)Anna L.
I don't know what y'all are talking about with bad service. Ours was great and our server rocked! Plus the food was amazing. Definitely recommend:)
(5)Linda O.
We would have been better off at Taco Bell!! The only reason this place got any stars at all was because the margarita was good. Otherwise, they would have rank "no star" in my book. I do not even know where to begin. Without exaggerating, I can honestly say that this is the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. I came here with my sister and two nieces. We had guacamole to start. (definitely had canned avocado pulp in it). Then we split the Botana, chicken fajitas and beef and cheese enchiladas. All of it stunk. The Botana consisted of bean smeared on corn chips, covered in bad cheese whiz, loaded with shredded lettuce and about 5 small pieces of diced tomatoes. For the fajitas, they seasoned a poor quality chicken breast with salt and pepper and grilled it, topped it with a few grilled onions. There were no other veggies, and no seasoning to it. It was served with rice and beans (no sour cream or guacamole - canned or not). You cold have made the enchiladas with an easy-bake-oven. What a let down!!!!! If you are thinking of coming here for dinner - do yourself a favor and drive on by. Taco Bell blows this place out of the water! BTW - the bus boy did not even know if they served liquor there and the first waitress we asked had no idea where the bathroom was. How about a little staff training before you unleash them.
(1)Kristina M.
I know there are mixed opinions about this place but it's one of my favorite restaurants of all time. My family has started going every year for Christmas Eve dinner because it's such a fun tradition. The cheese dip is amaaaaazing! Other favorites: combination plate, topopo salad, enchiladas jocoque
(5)Stephen K.
Came with a group of friends. Food took one an hour to bring out then other 45 minutes to get the check.
(1)Joey R.
It was better when it was in the basement and they're actually had cocroches that would scrape past your feet the food's alright I've had better
(2)Jessica P.
I had fond memories of El Azteco and was excited to return. However, I found the enchiladas bland and the service, even seated at the bar, lacking. The patio is lovely, but on days when the weather is cooperating, expect it to be crowded and noisy. I suggest El Azteco for the chips, salsa, and tequila -- a fine happy hour or snack -- then a more substantial meal somewhere else.
(3)Brad W.
We have been going here for 30+ years. Today was the spring football and we showed up before the end of the game and sat on the roof. We always love this place but recently have heard from many different people that the quality has slipped. Unfortunately we must agree. Our margaritas we not up to regular standard so a person from our group went to the bartender to have them re-made. The bartender said "today is my first day and I don't have time for this". We were told that they were too busy. Food came cold and was bad. Again we love this place but will wait for the new owners to correct the current problems
(1)John S.
I wonder when one of the ten wait staff standing around the cash register will wait on us? Ah, here we go. Cheese dip is divine. Salsa is spicy red paste with wonderful taste - not bogged down with fresh vegetables or the like - tomato paste and jalepeno. Delish. Margaita - yes - giddyup! My mixologist dining partner declares "it tastes like tequila - light on lime." Score. Shredded chicken in my taco has a unique flavor. The only place where chicken doesnt taste like chicken... So this is a find. Blue Corn enchilidas are the best ever encountered. The side rice is mildly spicy. XM set on "Mexican Restaraunt." Baxter you know I don't speak spanish. My mouth is on fire. This place is a dump. The service is awful. The food is okay to good. I'll be back next week... and the week aftet ... Spartans love El Az ... Just not sure why.
(5)Tom A.
Been a while since I've been back to "El Az". I usually am dragged there occasionally kicking and screaming by a dedicated fan base of friends to the same dirty joint with indifferent service, followed by the revenge of the most notable of Aztecs......leaving food safety standards in question as well. I have to say that I was Blown away!! We walked in Sunday with a party of 14, and we were seated right away, and the cute and sharp blonde Yooper that waited on us had the chips and salsa out immediately, and the attention never waned. (I wished that I would have gotten her name as she was worthy of a special mention) Did I mention that the place was CLEAN? O.M.G., and all the staff were on their toes, and eager to see that the patrons were well looked after. The food presentations were mostly typical to the American Mexican joint menu, but they do feature some house specialties such as Topopo Salad, and Blue Corn enchiladas. Everyone in the party were equally raving about the service, and noticed the improvement in the general condition of the place. Next time I'll be walking in without being dragged....
(4)Heather G.
Supposedly years ago they used to be great. I went there and the service was terrible and the food. Gave me a stomach ache. I love Mexican but DO NOT go here
(2)Steve B.
I've lived around here for 30 years and given this place a try many times. Many I know swear by it for Mexican and always have to go here whenever they're in town. Why I don't know. I've tried ordering many different things and it's all bland and tastes the same. The service has always been fine but honestly, for Mexican, Los Tres or Cancun is just as good if not better. I think alot of people just say they love it out of tradition and as far as independent restaurants, the Lansing area is a wasteland. Most everything in Lansing is part of a chain so anything else gets alot of attention.
(2)J L.
The menu was old and their prices had changed. The food was as good as a microwaved TV dinner. If you are spending $10, go to Los Tres Amigos. Will never go back.
(1)Susan D.
I used to enjoy the really bad service, but it has improved in the past few years. Best are the margaritas . ..especially in the summer on the roof!. . .and topopo salad. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)Katie M.
An East Lansing staple! El Az was the restaurant my mom and I ate at after she dropped me off during Welcome Weekend (sniff, sniff... memories!) oh so long ago. Even with all of the changes and big box stores and chains moving into East Lansing, El Az has remained a mainstay on the corner of MAC and Ann. The biggest draw to this place is not the food, but the rooftop! Yes, rooftop dining in East Lansing. My first experience with a rooftop deck when I was younger, was a nice change from the grungey and windowless bars that you'll find (and probably frequent) along Grand River. The food is not great, (I do really like their salsa!) but the margaritas are cheap and the portions are huge. Try the Tropopo salad. I would not recommend the guacamole - no flavor, tastes store made.
(3)Billy M.
Wow. Full disclosure, we tried to go to El Azteco about 2 hours after the end of the Wyoming game. Took 20 minutes to get asked what we wanted to drink AFTER we got seated. Then another 15 minutes for us to get our order in. Food took over an hour to come out and they missed my two friends nacho order with no tomato. Then it took 25 minutes for the nachos to come out and they had tomatoes all over them. The waitress was a young MSU student...had nothing to say except that it "sure was busy today". The hostess asked us while we were waiting if everything was ok, my response was, unfortunately no. She said, "I will take care of it". Nothing was taken care of...full price on the bill, no nachos for my friends and it took well over two hours. Oh and by the way, I had the enchiladas, they were medicore. Boo.
(1)N P.
Mediocre food, nay actually if you had real Mexican food you will find that this is seriously lacking that defining flavor. It's like you know how all Chinese food is the same no matter where in the country you eat it? Kinda like Taco Bell being called Mexican?! Yea, that's what you should expect. However if you want to go to a lively place and have a drink you've never seen before, than hands down these guys bring in some imagination into mixing known favorites into new ... well new favorites! Like the margarita with an upside down corona in the middle! Awesome!
(2)Mary E.
We stopped here with a group of 10 after the MSU spring football game. Our pitchers of margaritas were awful and had to be remade. Two people at the table never got to order. The food arrived cold. The management told us on two occasions they were to busy to talk to us. We will all be too busy to return. Cheers, Spartan Alum.
(1)Keely K.
My go-to Mexican restaurant in the Lansing area is Cancun Mexican Grill, but begin near campus we opted to check out El Azteco. Big Mistake. Their menu was limited, and what we did get was awful. The food took long, was overcooked and/or tasted like it'd been sitting under the heat lamp forever. mY boyfriend's chicken quesadilla was flat as can be, and didn't come with anything on the side (salsa, lettuce, etc, simply a plain plate with no garnishes. The rooftop is nice, but thats all this place has going for it.
(1)Nick V.
Their green sauce is one of the worst things I have ever tasted. It tasted like glue, plywood, ground together with some corn husks. Really, really bad - barely green, either.
(1)Sarah C.
Sat upstairs on the patio with a large group, which was awesome (hence the second star). Service was good too. The food and drinks were pretty terrible though. Overly sweet margaritas that taste like chemical-y margarita mix, and the very worst of Americanized "Mexican" food that features large plates full of things that don't taste very good but are smothered in melted cheese.
(2)Derek K.
Service was good. As for the food, it was all right. Their menu was pretty small, which puts them at a disadvantage. However, I had no complaints about my chicken enchilada. Aesthetically, my only critique would be to make the chairs a little less cramped. This place won't blow you away. But it's not to be avoided either. Pretty good Mexican food.
(3)M N.
Love, love, love El Az. Best bean and cheese burritos, salsa, and cheese dip anywhere. All the negative reviewers need to remember this is a restaurant in a college town, not a Michelin rated restaurant. Just have a Margarita and enjoy!
(5)Jen T.
So bad! We waited an over 2 hours for a quesadilla and flauta. It never came! If we waited any longer we were sure it wouldn't taste good! Had to leave and won't be back.
(1)K D.
People, if your critique of this restaurant is that it isn't authentic enough because your fricking strawberry margarita didn't have enough tequila in it ... you need some help. There's a lot to love at El Az. The topopo salad, the cheese dip, the salsa, the bean burrito. All delicious, all great deal for the money. Seems like hating on El Az is some sort of ridiculous new cool kidz thing for undergrads. [eyeroll]
(5)Eliot H.
Was in East Lansing to see the production of Annie. The first place we wanted to go to was closed . The second was under renovation. We in a rut saw El Azteco and saw what was a full house and said what the heck must be decent. However it was far from that. Service was okay- I'd say a little under average. We got off to a rough start when a member of my party wanted a soda with lime. But we were told they were out of limes. Okay how is a Mexican restaurant that professes themselves as authentic out of limes. Food was absolutely terrible. Order an enchilada dinner it was baked in cheese. And I mean baked. The texture of the whole dish was ruined with low quality cheddar cheese. Without the cheese maybe it would have been an okay dish. But I will never know The other god awful dish was the gordidas that another member got were bland. And I mean bland. Ground beef with no flavoring in like a doughey cake. The other member got an enchilada - same as mine. The last dish in our party was the chicken fajitas. Which was okay- chicken was relatively bland and without the onions would have been terrible. Rice and beans were either dumped out of can or cooked terribly. Bland groose.texture As a disclaimer the food is not authentic at all. Yellow cheese, no limes, a member of mine who lived Iin Mexico for a few summers stated " that's not what a gordita looks like" Thank god we accidentally weren't charged for the wimpiest margarita ever. Okay the place gets two stars instead of one because the service was okay and price was not expensive. But I could get a lot better food at Taco Bell honestly. At the end of the day it's one of the worst meals I've had in a long time at a restaurant.
(2)Bd S.
Love El Az. Hot sauce varies day to day. Came here when they lived in the basement. Cheese dip without compare. Good Nachos. Toppopo salad is a large MOUNTAIN of food. And yes - Margarita pitchers mmmmmmm. Some nights and for most game days this place is a MAD HOUSE.
(4)Tiffany R.
Top 5 favorite Mexican places to eat at, anywhere. It's an east Lansing tradition. Service isn't always the best but I overlook that based on my food. Best thing on the menu: blue corn enchiladas. Next best things: topopo salad and the cheese dip. Salsa and chips are great. If you can go when the rooftop is open SIT up there!
(5)Erin D.
I have only ever come for lunch or early dinner when it is not so busy, so I have never experienced the bad service that some other reviewers have. It's always been quick and adequate, if not exactly friendly. This review is also only for the cheese dip and the blue corn enchiladas (which are stuffed with spicy cheese dip). I crave these things so much that I can never bring myself to get anything else when I come here! The cheese dip is absolutely delicious - I'm not sure what's in it, but I crave it and have to include a stop at El Az every time I'm back in East Lansing!
(5)Grace L.
I think most people in my generation only appreciate El Azteco if their parents ate here when it was underground. I love my topopo salads, but after the latest price increase, it's a little hard to justify buying them. While the topopos are unfortunately pretty inconsistent in quality, the margaritas and chip dip are always top notch. The service is usually curt, and leaves a lot to be desired.
(3)John K.
I feel like I have grown up with this place. Before I was even a student, if I remember correctly, it used to be in the basement of a storefront on Gr. River (Or was that TopDog? Or possibly both? I was perpetually and severely inebriated back then.) Had big ass roaches, dark and nasty. Once it moved over to Ann St. same great food but absolutely the worst service ever.....all through the 90's. It was just a given to expect the shittiest service from ElAz as well as Bilbo's(long defunct) just 2 doors down. We just dealt with it cause the verde burritos were just so damn tight. So, now as an old man we hit up this place when we come in for games, etc and we still love it. Except now, the service is actually really good (well our visit last week sure was). I used to love their margarita's but now they serve them in stupid little marg glasses.....the rocks glasses worked so much better. They seem to be pushing their expansive tequila list as well.....a little pretentious and trendy but who cares? Just gimme the Cuervo. (I know it's not REAL tequila...who cares) I wonder if they still have 1/2 off pitchers of that nectar of the Gods on Wednesdays anymore. At any rate, nowadays it is clean, bright, nice, has a big ass patio upstairs and the same great food. The cheese dip causes riots among my wife and her friends and they tend to wrap their arms around the app like they just got out of prison. Sharing becomes a mortal sin. The salsa is always fresh, everything is homemade, the burritos never disappoint and the topopo salad is ridiculously good.
(4)Erin L.
This might be the worst Mexican food I've ever eaten. I'm pretty sure someone just barfed on my plate and served it to me. The "queso" was separated and gritty....like barf chunks would be.
(1)Adam K.
I was not very impressed with my meal, but the chips and salsa are very good
(2)Shawn Marie H.
I've just had my last meal at "El Az." It used to be THE place to go for decent Mexican food around here but that was over twenty years ago. I've been away for awhile, and our recent visit was not a homecoming. Of course, I have always known that I wasn't getting authentic Mexican food, but it was still tasty. I still enjoy the cheese dip and the Topopo salad. But the beef burrito with spicy green chili sauce was like chewing on an old sock. The beef was flavorless, there was little cheese, and the sauce must have cooked out of it when they overcooked the meat because all I saw were a couple green flakes. It was so dry I choked. Aside from the food, which arrived 40 minutes after we ordered, we were invisible to our waitress. She brought us our water and the chips and cheese dip, then she disappeared (just like my spicy green chili sauce). Twice I tried to find out if our order was placed because people who came in after us were being served. She finally came back to the table to say that she had a frustrating day and that the large table next to me was to blame for our food being late. She finally did bring the food, but no silverware or napkins. We had to get up to get both. She was very nice, but after I complained she said they were understaffed. If I ever do go back it will be for takeout only and it will only be for the cheese dip or the salad. I'll never order the old sock cum burrito again.
(1)Damon L.
It pains me to say the El Azteco may just be an average / below average Mexican eatery as a whole - because they have one of the most unique and tasty dishes in the Topopo salad. I definitely recommend the Topopo - with a base layer of chips, beans, cheese, and the like - then piled high with a lettuce, pea, chicken, scallions, tomato and cheese combination. I recall a hint of something along the lines of a vinegar (very light) to add element to the taste. It is something you can attempt to recreate at home with practice - but it just isn't quite the same as getting it at El Az. This is one of the sole reasons I would still frequent the restaurant - or even recommend the place. I realize why the rest of the experience and menu is not absolutely embraced. The E.L. location has a nice roof bar and seating area that is great for drinks and food in the summertime. Their Saginaw St. location is much more of a dive / lacking standards. But - I would say both locations have never been exactly of high paradigm in environment, appeal, or overall spotlessness. I know I'm breaking rank on what I usually stand for in admitting that - but every once in a while a restaurant will get 1 thing right (the Topopo) that you have a hard time voiding yourself completely or forgetting the place. Over time I have had other dishes: combo's, tacos, etc. - they were neither thrilling - nor was I purging afterwards. More par for the course edible. The service has usually always been below average or bad. Simply because you get college kids running around with their heads off - trying to keep up - a bit haphazardly at times. I think the environment and lack of standards at times is what certainly puts people over the edge on El Az - which is sad because this place might be more if they simply tried a little.
(2)Douglas M.
35 years an East Lansing staple. New owners have made some changes. I won't be back. The guac is no longer real. As in some sort of neon green mix. The toppopo which is so vaunted is no longer the same recipe. Different cheese, no dressing and the half order in the round plate is now the full order. No longer feeds 4 people. And it has that awful guac stuff on it. Significant price increases and the chips and salsa are no longer free. NOTHING was good. The food, the service, the cocktails. It took less than two years for them to destroy a place that thrived and was beloved for all those years. The one in downtown Lansing is under different ownership and the difference is night and day. Shame on these people for ruining this East Lansing tradition.
(1)Professor C.
Your typical heavy Mexican food made for American tastes (bland, large portions). Refried beans & rice with most everything, and most food covered with melted cheese. It's a local institution, maybe because there isn't much competition in E. Lansing. The rooftop patio is a pleasant place to have a beer & the food is not terrible. Service can be slow on busy days.
(2)Dave V.
nice little joint. nothing amazing, but pretty good. Not authentic mexican but, again, pretty good. Prices weren't horrible. nice enough staff too. worth checking it out.
(3)Lynn T.
At one time I thought this was decent place to go but after my experience this week My thoughts have changed. I buy the groupon thinking Oh they have really good margaritas. I go in after a long day for dinner and a cocktail and the service is absolutely TERRIBLE!! Our receipt said Mike so I am assuming that is who helped us. I wouldn't know because he didn't introduce himself. He never smiled, wasn't friendly, and he was not a people person. He gave us chips and salsa. The salsa was pretty spicy but really good. It took him forever to bring us water. When he brought the water we asked for straws which he brought us refills for our chips and my margarita before he brought the straws. (We had to keep eating chips to ease the pain from the spicy salsa). He dropped our food on the table and turned and walked away. On top of all this the food was terrible. Don't order the burrito or gordita. I can get past bad food if the service is good. Maybe the cook was having a bad night who knows. He was so rude I didn't even want to say the food was bad in fear he may do something to it. That's the vibe he was giving. We looked around and the other workers were happy and talking to their customers. Not sure what day this person was having but he didn't have to take it out on us. Usually if a customer is nice the server will be nice if the server starts off bad. This proved that theory wrong. He could have even apologized for it being busy or the wait and I would have totally understood. Maybe even one smile or the basic Hi my name is (blank) what can I get for you. This has ruined El Az for me and it was a waste of my time and Groupon money. Hopefully he doesn't wait tables often and no one has to experience this person. Sad because I use to love to visit here in the summer.
(1)Jim R.
The luster of the is place has worn away for me as well. We get what we deserve--the place is packed all the time, so why would they be motivated to change? A good Mexican eatery could come into the neighborhood and wipe this place out. It lives on some aura of the past that it no longer deserves. El Az used to be located in a basement across the street, and that is where it gained its rep as a place to get great Mexican food in a dark and off-kilter dungeon. I now realize that the quirky nature of the former location was its greatest quality. The bad service, so-so food and terribly sweet margaritas were forgivable given the experience of spending the half-drunken evening in the basement with buddies or Spanish department faculty. Since it gentrified 20 years back (it is above ground, sunlight has found the place, you no longer need to duck as you walk, no more widow-maker staircase) it is judged on food and service as are most restaurants where the diners are not distracted by the surroundings. It does not compare well with other Mexican restaurants for food quality. It still has some redeeming qualities: the fresh salsa, yummy cheese dip, topopo salad and the huevos rancheros are all good. Otherwise, meh. p.s. I will probably meet friends thereon football Saturdays out of habits for the rest of my days!
(2)Chuck H.
It got one star because I couldn't give NONE! Matt always loved El Azteco but his brother Chad who was with us tonight, not a fan of Mexican food but he was a good sport and stayed. We should have listened to Chad!I had the Nacho. The "beef" was a yellowish color, the jalapenos had no heat or flavor, I asked for onions with mine which also must have been prepped and sat because they too had lost all their heat and flavor. Matt's fajita no longer came with the peanut sauce it always came with and apparently, all the flavor in that dish was in that sauce. It's also the only fajita dish we've ever seen that didn't come with a side of peppers, guacamole, onions, a sizzling plate and some salsa. Lynn and Chad also felt their food was bland and flavorless.We spoke to the manager after the meal, not looking for a handout but after having drove from Detroit to Lansing, we felt she should know how our experience was. She wasn't really interested. Turns out that at El Azteco, salt and pepper with a little cumin is all they feel Mexican food requires as seasoning to be "Mexican". She flat out denied the food wasn't prepared fresh to order but Lynn peeked into the kitchen as we were leaving, (they have a wall cutout near the bathrooms that looks into the kitchen) and saw large quantities of foods wrapped in tortillas in plastic bins for the fridge. She also told us nothing was frozen but the sour cream that was brought to the table had ice in it and Lynn's flour tortilla shells were obviously at one time frozen.We will never again go to El Azteco to eat, not even if we are already in Lansing let alone making the longer than an hour drive from the Detroit area.
(1)Erica D.
Yeah, it's not good. The chicken tastes like tuna. The red sauce is not red sauce (it's more like salsa than enchilada sauce). That cheese dip that every one raves about looks and tastes like expired cottage cheese. The chips are hard as hell and super greasy. The location by the hospital in Lansing is even worse, because it's sticky and dirty. The second star I gave is solely because they have roof top dining in the summer! DAMN YOU ROOF TOP DINING IN THE SUMMER!
(2)Tom B.
We walk into this place and immediately get some dope-nasty seats on this badass rooftop place. Then, our food is ready before even have time to reflect on how awesome the free chip/salsa appetizers were. Waiter looked lost and confused but the nicest guy I've ever met. Then, to top it off we got some dank cinnamon fried dough slices that rocked my socks off. Good times all around
(5)Mandy T.
Not really impressed... Guacamole was bland (pretty sure it was just avocado with lime juice), chips were thick and hard, I had the topopo salad since everyone said it was good and it was just nachos with a mountain of shredded lettuce. The cheese dip was just cottage cheese mixed with cream cheese... Not sure if anyone goes to El-az to eat. Think it's just the rooftop. The margaritas were pretty good... And you can get them by the pitcher!
(2)Kyle P.
Even though I don't like the place too much, I always find myself coming back. The food is, meh, OK. It's better than Taco-Smell but not the best I've had. It's priced quite high for my liking (I'm a college student, don't forget), but you at least get a healthy quantity. So healthy that it is probably the most unhealthy thing for you. Before you jump to get the pitcher of Margaritas, think hard. My friend I split one and had to choke it down, unfortunately not because too much of our friend Jose. They were weak and just not good. I am a fan of their house tortilla chips. So the roof is a great place to sit in the sun and enjoy a few brews during the summer time (they can't mess up beer, right?)
(2)J T.
I've had meals at El Azteco many times over the years...no, make that decades. Maybe my nostalgia glasses have caused me to remember more fondly the experience. Perhaps same glasses cause my expectations to be too high. On this trip, the glasses were off and even rooftop dining in the soft light of a beautiful summer evening was not enough to overcome the complete banality of the food served. Burritos, rice and re-fried beans were below average. Service was ok. The Dos Equis with lime wedge were nice. All in all, there are a lot of better choices for food in East Lansing. However there are probably not lot of better choices for outdoor dining. Drink - go to the rooftop at El Az. Eat - go elsewhere.
(2)Ava R.
EW! yuck gross. i can't believe i used to love this place. i guess that was before i ever had real Mexican food. just came here last week with a bunch of friends and everyone agreed that this place is beyond disgusting. i ordered the same thing i always did, the cheese enchiladas in green sauce. the description forgets to mention that it's covered in cream of mushroom soup. in fact, many of their nasty meals are. so gross!. the worst Margarita I've ever had!!! the salsa was so thick like tomato paste and my bf's mole enchiladas were like old 7 eleven toquitos re-deep fried and served. they were gritty and terrible.
(1)Bess D.
Wanted to get a big group together for a dinner before a childhood friend's wedding (it's one of her fave local spots) and while they do not take advance reservations, I have to rave about how well Zack, Dani and the rest of the team on the roof accommodated our party of about 50.
(4)Vic D.
A pitiful shadow of what it once was. Food quality has really gone downhill. Service, while never a strong point, has gotten even worse the past couple of years. Chips are usually stale. Salsa is still great, but that's the only thing I can recommend anymore.
(1)Oliver S.
When people say the name too fast, it sounds like Ella's Taco, which led me to believe that I would be served by a famous jazz singer or at least a character from a Tyler Perry movie. That didn't happen. Even so, I thought that the food was pretty good (and I'm kind of a taco snob...) and, I don't know what the other reviewers were talking about, but our service was good as well. The Topopo salad is recommended!
(4)Mandy S.
If I could put zero stars, I would. This place apparently has a new owner who isn't Mexican, but instead is Greek. The selection is not what it was before (I haven't been here in 3+ years). I ordered a strawberry frozen margarita which came in a cocktail glass and I swear it had zero alcohol in it. No taste at all. The waitress said it had Cuervo, yea right. They don't have hot sauce available on the table or by request. They don't allow you to order chicken nachos (apparently the chicken is not nacho worthy). I ordered a side of Guacamole and it cost $3.00!!! Overall the price of the meal was cheap but it wasn't anything to brag about. I wish the old owner would come back. The Azteca we all know and love will not last long under this new ownership - which sucks because I loved it when I was a student at MSU.
(1)Bart S.
I used to go to this place all the time but hadn't been there in a while. This place has gone completely downhill. Poor service, horrible food, nuff said. There are so many better choices around there, don't waste your time or money on this one.
(1)Surranjan K.
One of the worst mexican food and service. Zero star is not possible so they get one. Ordered Burrito plate that is supposed to have chili verde and Colorado burrito, what I got was two extremely salted ground beef burrito with cheese. When I asked the waiter to get it right he came back "manager says this how we make it and it has sauce in it. " granted that coming from CA I had higher expectation for Mexican food but this place has an inedible food with crappy service. I don't know how anyone could go there twice.
(1)Adam M.
While you wouldn't catch me dead eating here over the winter, I'm giving this place 3 stars because it's the coolest place to be during summer nights in EL. The roof is straightup the bomb, and the place to get bombed. The food is probably closer to 2 stars. East Lansing is known for having bad food, and worse cops. SO watch out after you have all those drinks on the roof. You just may wind up with the runs in jail.
(3)Mary F.
Trash all over the floor. Restrooms a filthy disaster. Where is the Health Dept. in MI? When we asked the waitress if they had rellenos, her reply was "What's that?". When we asked for more water, she brought a glass of water when the whole table needed more. Waitress disappeared for huge hunks of time. Food was just barely mediocre. Institution in E Lansing or not, this place would NEVER make it in the real world.
(1)Kevin S.
So after an 11 minute battle with the dumbest waitress alive I decided on water to drink after the Pespi products were gone because they were transitioning to Coke yet they didnt have Coke either. I got the Taco platter and I swear to you as god as my witness within 1 hour after eating I couldnt find a rest stop fast enough. Save your money stay the hell away from this DUMP!!!!
(1)Luis R.
The food seems that came out from a box. It doesn't have an authentic Mexican taste. We run out of salsa and our waiter was MIA. We had to go to the bar and ask them to bring us some.
(1)Jessica C.
El Az! I graduated 7 months ago and I'm really starting to miss places like El Azteco. The food is meh... save for the Topopo Salad and the chips and salsa. I've been there so many times and have tried other peoples food but I ALWAYS order the Topopo. Its awesome, its huge, its filling, it includes rudimentary nachos. What's not to love? I took my family to El Az a few times when they visited and they didnt like it, the service is kind of bad but I've always had a great time. I understand the bad reviews (sort of) I guess its part of the MSU experience. Just try the Topopo!
(4)Huyen V.
All I have to say is if you have no taste buds you should go here. If you just want alcohol go for it, but I warn you do not get the fajitas or quesadilla due to the fact that there is no flavor at all. Save your money and time and just drive down the street for some real authentic Mexican food.
(1)Lori R.
We happened to eat here as we were wandering around that area of E. Lansing. The outside looked ok so we decided to give it a try. Service was sub-par and we were discussing leaving when the waitress finally came over. My husband loves fajitas so he ordered the chicken ($12.99). Worst ever! And we have been all over the US and Europe. A few pieces of flavorless chicken with some grilled onions and a salad mixture. No cheese but you could purchase guac, sour cream and pico for an extra 2 bucks. I had the chicken and rice soup. The chicken was so shredded into tiny bits it makes me think it might have been leftover from something else. Needles to say, we do not recommend eating here if you are looking for anything with real Mexican flavor.
(1)Brad C.
Horrible.
(1)Ed C.
Unlike the westside Lansing El Azteco, the food isn't mouth shit. However, it's not Mexican food. It's the food Midwestern grandmas would create based exclusively the descriptions of Mexican food their grandkids gave them after they came back home from their first semester at college in Chicago. Which isn't awful, per se. Its just not Mexican food.
(2)James M.
I've been to this place numerous times because every MSU grad I know seems to love this place, but in truth it sucks pretty bad. The chips are bland, the salsa tastes like a crappy canned brand with some jalapeños thrown in. The food is bland, soggy and over priced. This stuff wouldn't even taste good when your drunk. Disappointed.
(1)Mike B.
This place is nowhere near as good as the original establishment located in the basement. My favorite was always the nachos and being in town this weekend I wanted to re-live great food. They were disappointing to say the least. Would choose Taco Bell over this place anyday.
(2)Kannan R.
El Azteco is an East Lansing legend. There's a reason this place has a bad rating here but you're never going to see it empty during business hours.Try the margaritas on the rooftop this summer, and while you can't expect great service, do expect decent Tex-Mex in decent proportions and a friendly staff in a ridiculously bustling environment. The staff isn't unfriendly by any means, but I think people expecting a quiet dinner being waited on hand and foot are surprised that this is a place filled with people having fun and sometimes your waiter might be a few minutes late. Note that I did stress this is a Tex Mex place - so if you are a fine foods connoisseur who wants authentic Mexican food to photograph and put on your blog, the best I have had in the entire state of Michigan is on Michigan Ave. by Francis a few miles west. It's a taco stand called "El Oasis" and it is the only food I've had in the state that is just like what I had in family run New Mexico/Texas places.
(5)Ruben L.
This place has really gone down hill since it's hey day. I remember back in the day, this was the place to go for outdoor/downtown/Mexican dining. It has since let itself go. Most people will swear by the Topopo or botana salad (which I admit are good) but the overall cleanliness and poor service really doom this place. The only place that saves this place from being 1 star is the nostalgia I have about this place from my childhood. If you want food from here, order take out.
(2)Alexandra K.
Recommended: blue corn enchiladas. Not very expensive, enough for leftovers, and really delicious.
(4)Sarah G.
I love El Az... I crave it. Yes service is not that good....and I find it pretty silly that when you sit on the roof the prices are more expensive BUT! The topopo salad is amazing and the cheese dip?? Oh that cheese dip. They simply do not give me enough. Screw tortilla chips I could eat that stuff with a spoon! Every time I am back in EL I always make a trip to El Azteco!
(4)Max K.
I have been to El Azteco a couple of times and never had a problem with the service. The waitstaff always seemed to know when to fill up my drink, bring more salsa and chips, and when to take the table's order. My favorite order, the mild chicken enchiladas with frijoles and rice have always been served hot and fresh. I'm not a huge Mexican fan, but I have never been let down by El Azteco. In my opinion, their food is almost as good as Mexican Village in Detroit, but nothing compares to Mexican Village in the D.
(4)Eric P.
I've never been to the one in Lansing, but the East Lansing location is pretty awful. The food is bad, the service is bad, the margaritas are bad. It gets by because of the location, and the patio (which IS kinda cool). Go somewhere else if you want good food.
(2)Ayesha S.
This is a very sad moment for me. I must denounce my love for El Az. I'm currently at home in Michigan for a couple of weeks and was really looking forward to my visit to El Azteco as this is one of my favorite EL spots. I even sent a text message to my friend exclaiming "How I have been in town for three days and not been to El Az, yet?" I was excited. I really was. Enter my worst experience at El Azteco, ever. We chose to sit on the patio as we usually do, and the booth was littered with lots of lettuce and rice. A grain of rice here and there, no worries, but if it looks like an entire bowl of rice has been dropped on the floor, do something about it! Anyway, we sit down to attempt to enjoy our meal regardless. Our server eventually comes, and is to the point and annoying. He chooses not to write a thing down. This is a skill many servers possess, but it is only a skill if you can actually handle it. Our salsa had a hair in it, which kind of made me want to vomit in my mouth. I thought of the beloved bucket that I once cherished and thought of all the hairs that could possibly be swimming around in the big white salsa bowl. Icky! I ordered a margarita which never came and our waiter came to the table so infrequently that I kind of gave up on getting it once I had eaten half of my meal. I also asked for only rice, no beans with my entree and still got the yucky beans. The saddest part of the meal was that my beloved blue corn enchiladas were not tasty- I ordered them spicy and they were super bland. It was all very sad for me and hard to swallow. After settling up and feeling a bit sad about my experience at El Az, I was walking out of the restaurant only to run into my ex-boyfriend who I haven't seen in two years. Of course I'd run into him here, as we used to frequent this place together but I didn't expect it and was SUPER awkward. It was totally icing on the cake of my awful experience. I know that isn't really El Azteco's fault, but it has to be a part of my sad story.
(1)Maureen S.
Since leaving Michigan a year ago, I still have cravings for this place. It is definitely a place you have to be in the mood for and not everyone is going to like it. It isn't super clean or updated. It is old. The staff typically looks like a hodgepodge of punks and hippies, none particularly put together or recently showered. However, the food is good, the staff is nice, the drinks are strong (especially for a college area), and the location is nice for bar hopping after dinner. AND THERE IS A ROOF DECK which is kick ass in the summer. The tacos are good. The chimichanga is great. The enchiladas are excellent. The salsa is my favorite. It is the type of place that I go to when I want to eat so much unhealthy food that my stomach will hurt for at least 12 hours. And I will enjoy every minute of it. I wish they delivered to Boston. (They do have an excellent takeout service, BTW.)
(4)A G.
Cheap dog food probably tastes better than this crap they call Mexican food. Enchiladas with American cheese, cold rice, simply awful. Seriously if you think this place is good it's probably because you have never had good Mexican food. Try Cancun grill or Los Tres Amigos and compare. Can't wait till they close this dump and put a REAL Mexican restaurant in its place.
(1)M W.
If I could give this place zero stars I would. I understand that being from CA and coming to MI to have mexican food is kind of asking for trouble, but this restaurant is easily on my list of the top 5 worst places I've eaten ever. The service was terrible (our waiter was far more interested in the basketball game on TV than in taking our orders and even asked us to wait a sec at one point so he could watch a play) and the food was worse. My and friend and I were both completely grossed out when our food came out. We didn't even want to eat it, but at that point we felt like we didn't have a choice so we plugged our noses and dug in. Everything had clearly been pulled out of a freezer and this was confirmed when I asked if they could serve a dish with no onions was told that the "meat mix" came with onions in it and therefore they could not be taken out. Disgusting. Never again. Oh and usually, a lot of my judgement of how good a Mexican place is depends on how fresh their chips are...as a friend told me when I sent him a picture of the "chips", "those don't look like something that was ever even related to chips" and they tasted worse.
(1)Dan J.
The best part is the outdoor patio, Tapopo salad, and maybe a couple of other things. The service is always bad and I've had awful food there multiple times.
(2)Karen B.
A tradition for MSU students and alums since the beginning of time. In the summer, be sure to get a rooftop table. The seating is not comfortable, but the atmosphere is fun. In bad weather, a window view for people watching is highly recommended. The food is great--try topopo salad--not recommended for just one person. Margaritas are fantastic. Don't pay attention to the beat up tables, overused silverware and plates and the like. The food is too good to miss! An update--on May 12 all indoor seating went smoke-free! I don't know if this is permanent or just for the summer when the rooftop seating is open.
(3)Ed T.
I wasn't expecting this place to be authentic (it isn't.) I wasn't expecting it to be good (it isn't.) Still, I was underwhelmed. I really expected some mediocre dish made edible by virtue of being smothered in melty chihuahua cheese. No such luck, my mediocre dish was smothered in american cheese(!?!) that was solid before the plate made it to my table.
(1)Katie P.
I've been a fan of El Az since their downstairs location. I must admit after moving to Phoenix, I've realized it's not prize winning Mexican cuisine, but nothing beats a cool summer night on the roof and pitcher of margaritas with friends...and the cheese dip!
(4)David M.
Well, I went on the roof, so I can't really give a rating for the entirety of the place. But as far as the roof goes, the menu selection or food up there is not impressive (though the view is nice) and water kept getting trapped on the tarp they put above some tables and then the wind would blow and splash the water on people (not me, thankfully).
(3)Christine R.
LOVE the food. HATE the service... its as simple as that. The food makes the trip worthwhile, but be prepared to leave somewhat frustrated.
(3)Rob Y.
I was surprised that I didn't see El Azteco on the list of the best restaurants in the area. I've been a regular at both locations for way too long. It's not the cheapo place it used to be but you cannot beat the rooftop in East Lansing on a nice warm, sunny evening (we have 6 a year so be prepared to wait). Here's all you need to know.. the Topopo salad can feed a family of four! Or Sally Struthers if she happens to be dining with you. It's terrific! You can always spot the newbie when she orders the salad and he the nachos (which are just okay) .... either they don't eat for a week or they leave enough food behind to feed Los Angeles. Spicy burrito... very good chili relleno not too shabby. They serve up their own chips and salsa (the chips are made off site) and I swear they lace it with cocaine because after a few days I start to shake and I have to go back and get more. Be prepared to wait in you're looking to sit on the rooftop in the summer, especially if there is some event in EL. Service can be spotty but if you're outdoors and the weather is right.. who cares? it is the only restaurant in town where I feel a specific need to visit on a semi-regular basis.
(4)Louise W.
We ate here last week for the first time, on the roof-top deck. There are a number of round, metal tables with fixed bench seating, under umbrellas, and a few booths. The booths have wooden seats and the same metal mesh tables -- great until you spill guacamole on the table and it drips right through on to your lap. Our booth smelled of beer and the laminated menu was plastered with dried salsa. I imagine this is a great place for students to eat, drink and party during the semester, and so probably best avoided by other potential clientele at that time. However, it was pretty quiet at 6 PM on a summer weeknight, and the food was fresh and actually pretty good - especially the hot salsa and the guacamole. Entree choices include flautas, enchiladas and fajitas (no burritos), with the usual choice of beef or chicken. Or, weirdly enough, cottage cheese. A cottage cheese-filled enchilada? Hmm. Other than the cheese option, there is little for vegetarians, unfortunately. Entree prices average $7-9, so the food represents pretty good value for money.
(2)Beth J.
One of my first visits when I'm in town..... I love the chips and salsa.... I'm surprised some people don't like the food..... :( I've only had great experiences!
(4)Amy P.
The food was not great! It was all very unhealthy and the food tasted old! The enchiladas were alright- you can request green sauce too!
(3)Andre P.
I just don't get it. This has got to the most overrated mexican food in the Lansing area. If your friends tell you how great it is then take it with a grain of salt from your margarita. This restaurant has two redeeming values the rooftop seating and the guacamole. It's a great place for the local college kids who want to pound Coronas and drink cheap margaritas while eating a sloppy bland plate of tacos or burritos. I think that the food it is only fair, considering the large number of excellent mexican restaurants in the Lansing area. I've been there several times over the last 15 years and the food hasn't changed at all. If you can't get a seat on the rooftop don't bother, there are many other places to spend your pesos.
(2)Misi P.
El Azteco is one of those places that has kinda crappy food, but you just go there because of the ambience. Eating indoors can be kind of gross and crowded, you know with all the fruit flies keeping you company, but the real reason to go to El Az is so you can drink margaritas on the roof during the summer. In terms of grub, like I said, it's not very good. If I have to eat there, I stick with the Topopo salad or maybe a plate of nachos and that's about it. I live around the block from El Az, so admittedly, it's a nice lazy summer evening venture.
(3)Dom D.
El Azteco has been in East Lansing for years and has a cult following. It is a love it or hate it place for mexican food. I personally love the food. It is a tasty and inexpensive college joint so don't expect a mexican restaurant chain when you walk in. I give the food a great rating and the service a poor rating. Overall, if you are in East Lansing and are open to mexican food, definitely go. It is a part of the MSU experience.
(4)Luther Z.
Calling this place a Mexican restaurant is an insult to Mexicans. I have NO idea how they get away with pawning this shit off on customers... except perhaps that most of the customers are from hicksville Michigan and would think that a can of Alpo dog food on an item that is tortilla-like, covered in cheese and served with rice and beans is "good Mexican food." My food was disgusting, my son's food was disgusting, and my wife's food was disgusting. I know now for sure that my brother wouldn't know good Mexican food if it slapped him upside the head. There was no saving grace to this place... except maybe that I didn't get diarrhea after eating here. How the fuck can anyone think this place is good? Coming from the state that thinks "Coney dogs" are delicious, I guess I should think that much of the Michigander palate all that much either. My wife and a mutual friend have discussed this place after the fact and we're all in agreement that this place should be torn down and replaced with a laundromat. The suds from a box of Tide would taste better.
(1)marisa s.
how in the F does El Az have a 4-star rating! this place is sick, i know the kitchen is dirty for a fact - since i use to work next store at Lou Ha's. and what is with everyone loving the topoppo salad...to me it sounds like to-poop! (which is actually great foreshadowing) just knowing that this place has been around since my aunt graduated in '89, makes me realize that el az probably has not been cleaned fully since! dirty, dirty, dirty! acapulco may have been cleaner...
(1)Beth J.
El Az has good food, but not the best Mexican-American food in town. But be warned, the place is rather dirty. It always has been, even worse when it was an oh-so-charming basement restaurant on MAC. I've gone there since a college freshman in 1979, but haven't been there for a few years. I've never gotten sick there from the food. It's pretty good if you ignore the lack of cleanliness. There is another one near St. Lawrence Hospital on Saginaw St. on the west side (Genesee neighborhood area). It's not much better, but a bit cleaner.
(3)Kelsey P.
delicious!!!!! best margarita's ive ever had in my life! food was yummmmmy too! definitely would recommend!
(5)