I normally don't write a review unless I've been to a place at least 3 times but I can always edit. I've always wanted to try this place and finally did a few weeks ago (2015). The food is simply delicious. Very good fresh Mexican food with an authentic taste. The chips are the usual crispy deep fried tortilla and the chicken tacos are warm and moist. Maybe a little too moist for some but perfect to me. The burritos are great and a healthy size. I am not a re-fried beans guy but I used my chips to scoop up every last drop! The beans were delicious! The one thing that bugged me a bit is that the service was a little slow in the beginning (around 7pm) and some patrons even said they were waiting 30 min and left. Things did die down quickly and by 9pm I was the only one left to enjoy my drink. The waitress was all over me by then, asking if I wanted another drink every 5 seconds and asking if I was done the other 5 seconds. But I'm not one to get in a tizzy over such things. The atmosphere is enjoyable, the food fresh and the service was better then average. 4.5/10 stars! Check it out!
(4)
Stephen L.
Came in because it was in the area we wanted to go, outdoor seating and use to have bangin Chicken Soup. Well, the soup came out after the meal, was watery and tasteless. The chile relleno tasted old / frozen for too long, no freshness, same with the taco salad. Use to be a fun fresh place. Things have changed.
(2)
Jennifer S.
Had the fajitas delicious that with a sangria and a order of fries ice cream yummmm yummm yummm
(4)
Kristin N.
This was a fave lunch spot for hubs and he hadn't been here in several months. We were in town for an evening event, so he wanted to go. His favorite dish here is chinaca- it is similar to fajitas, but comes with spinach, onion, mushroom and cheese. I kid you not...he was like a kid on Christmas Eve, excited with anticipation. He was not let down. However, my chile relleno was sadly tasteless. Kind of a bummer. The rice and beans were good, as was my margarita. The servers were friendly. Overall, 3 star average.
(3)
Liz R.
This restaurant was recommended by the Staff at the Abe Lincoln hotel. Loved it! The staff was very kind and attentive. The restaurant was small and cozy. We ordered chicken enchilada suizas, chicken fajita's, and a specialty of the house that has spinach, and a ton of different seafood. Looked delicious. (it was also a little pricey at $16.) The diner who ordered it had no trouble finishing the huge portion. Everything was super delicious. I will definitely go back to this restaurant if make it back to Reading.
(4)
Rob E.
Awful. My wife had three chicken bones in her burrito and the waitress answer was, ok? Not acceptable. Will not be back.
(1)
Dean M.
Great food ask for their homemade Sangria, not the bottled shit.
(4)
Chang P.
Dropped in here to take care of the -itis for some Mexican and MEZCAL did the deed. Whet the appetite with the guac and a plethora of beverages to quench the thirst. Frenzy your fundus and get your chile relleno on at this friendly, quaint spot in lovely downtown Reading.
(3)
Nathan M.
Great place to go if you need something to eat before a show at the Performing arts center. The food was really good and so was the service.
(4)
Barry G.
Great place near the Sovereign Performing Arts Center for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. Good guacamole and nice Margaritas. Limited veggie fare, but it is good.
(4)
Antihero P.
DISCLAIMER: MY POSTS CAN BE A BIT LONG BECAUSE I TRY TO GIVE YOU THE READER THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES AND EXPERIENCE WHAT I EXPERIENCED. THIS INCLUDES THE ENVIRONMENT, THE PEOPLE, AND SO FORTH. (YOU'VE BEEN WARNED) I traveled to and from Reading a couple of times last year for work. I had the opportunity to eat here two to three times and I can say the food pretty good and the pricing is pretty cheap in comparison to other places I have eaten at. While I wouldn't say it is to die for, it's good. The decor is pretty interesting which added an additional star. The mural on the wall had skeletons during Halloween, then beards and a Santa hat for Christmas. Service wise, my colleague and I didn't have an issue. I placed my order and spoke to the waitresses in Spanish (I'm hispanic) to try and shmooze them for either better food or a bigger portion. My colleague would have given this place ten stars but that's only because if it's edible, he'll eat it. He'd likely give a place that cooks squirrels a ten! all jokes aside, it beats out other places I have been to in my home town, as well as the generic Plaza Azteca like environments.
(3)
Jaime P.
I gave it 2 stars because the food was good once we got it. I deducted 3 stars because the service we got was horrendous. We where a party of 10 who called about a week ahead and made our reservation. When we got there the place only had about 3-4 tables filled. Took about 20 minutes to be greeted and take drink order. Once we got that about 15 minutes later we put in our food order. After that the rest of the Restaurant filled in with reservations and I kid you not- our food was served DEAD LAST they served every other table. We complained but our waitress didn't make us feel she cared too much other than "your food is next" I won't be going back as I thought the whole experience was terrible and no one really cared at all.
(2)
Jennifer K.
This is one of reading Pa's hidden gems. If you want authentic mexican go here! The environment and interior is so cute and homelike. You feel like your a guest at someones house for dinner. Such good food, the price is insanely cheap, and just a good vibe
(5)
Pete C.
I went here for the first time last week because they were the only restaurant open next to the Sovereign Performing Arts Center on a Sunday. That being said, it was fantastic! I had their paella valenciana and it was honestly the best tasting paella I've had on this side of the Atlantic. If I find myself in Reading again, I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Julie M.
I go here pretty regularly for lunch and I normally leave happy. The last time I was there I had a seafood fajita and it was great. The tortilla was fresh and I was given a perfect amount of accouterments to add in. Other times I have been I have had shrimp tacos and was pleased (beware- they are a little on the spicy side). I have also had the taco salad which was not the best version of the dish I have ever had. The location is convenient if you are in the city, right next to the courthouse and the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. The ambience is typically mexican restaurant. The staff is friendly, but not necessarily the quickest.
(4)
Kimba Z.
Mezcal's is right along 6th street near the Performing Arts Center, so it gets a lot of business from the shows. It added more upstairs seating about a year ago and is cozy and cute inside, with attentive and friendly servers, beautiful blue tilework, and many smaller rooms to hide out in, plus a small but pretty bar up front. They have lots of tequilas, which are sometimes lovely to taste chilled in a martini glass. House wine by the glass is cheap too, and I see many people enjoying their Mexican beers. Make a reservation if there is a show going on. I wish wish wish there was more for me to eat, because I would go much more often than once or twice a year. Their Burritoes Verde are vegan (except the rice is made with chicken stock), and you can get vegetable fajitas. I ask for the taco salad to be made without meat or cheese, but WITH guacamole, beans, and veggies, and sometimes they understand what I am after; sometimes not. Last night, I just got the shell with roasted vegetables inside, which filled me up, but I put in my side order of guacamole as well as their nicely-spicy salsa. Their guac is very fresh. The place was enthusiastically decorated for Halloween, which I enjoyed seeing mixed with all the Mexican photos and decor. Someone please take the chips away from me! I can't stop eating them!
(3)
karla t.
As I said when I checked in, it smells better on the inside than it does on the outside. I'm not from Reading, so bum urine may constantly waft through the air. Anyway, the place was PACKED. We were able to get a seat relatively fast. The idea was to grab some quick food before a concert next door. The frozen margarita that I had was yummy and the food was good. I would come back again if I was in Reading (hopefully never). You can wear jeans and enjoy a good meal. Nothing fancy, just good food and drinks.
(3)
Sabrina F.
I love going here for lunch when I'm at work. It's right in the heart of the city right next to the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. They recently added a main level eating area and bar. (They used to be under street level.) I actually had my engagement party here and they accommodated us quite will with an entire area for ourselves. I'm a big fan of their chicken fajitas. They are served on a steaming hot cast iron skillet so be careful. They serve with sides of beans, rice, and a little salad. As with most Mexican restaurants you of course get complimentary homemade chips and salsa. Yum! They also have top shelf tequilla so be sure to get a shot and sip it, that's what I do. Great for a date night, business lunch, or group event. Reasonable prices and plenty to choose from! Service is pretty good too.
Excellent food at great prices! The best authentic Mexican I have ever had. The restaurant is quaint with many decorative Mexican tiles. The bar is made out of oak. The rice was fantastic! The white sangria was wonderful and only $15 a pitcher. We had an appetizer of mussels, 2 meals, a pitcher of sangria and dessert for $48. The staff was very nice. The only thing I thought was odd was that we were one of two couples in there on a Friday night and they locked the door at 9 pm. We assumed that with a bar they would be open until at least 11 pm. This place was so good I might just stay in the Abraham Lincoln hotel again just to eat here!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
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.
Ryan S.
I normally don't write a review unless I've been to a place at least 3 times but I can always edit. I've always wanted to try this place and finally did a few weeks ago (2015). The food is simply delicious. Very good fresh Mexican food with an authentic taste. The chips are the usual crispy deep fried tortilla and the chicken tacos are warm and moist. Maybe a little too moist for some but perfect to me. The burritos are great and a healthy size. I am not a re-fried beans guy but I used my chips to scoop up every last drop! The beans were delicious! The one thing that bugged me a bit is that the service was a little slow in the beginning (around 7pm) and some patrons even said they were waiting 30 min and left. Things did die down quickly and by 9pm I was the only one left to enjoy my drink. The waitress was all over me by then, asking if I wanted another drink every 5 seconds and asking if I was done the other 5 seconds. But I'm not one to get in a tizzy over such things. The atmosphere is enjoyable, the food fresh and the service was better then average. 4.5/10 stars! Check it out!
(4)Stephen L.
Came in because it was in the area we wanted to go, outdoor seating and use to have bangin Chicken Soup. Well, the soup came out after the meal, was watery and tasteless. The chile relleno tasted old / frozen for too long, no freshness, same with the taco salad. Use to be a fun fresh place. Things have changed.
(2)Jennifer S.
Had the fajitas delicious that with a sangria and a order of fries ice cream yummmm yummm yummm
(4)Kristin N.
This was a fave lunch spot for hubs and he hadn't been here in several months. We were in town for an evening event, so he wanted to go. His favorite dish here is chinaca- it is similar to fajitas, but comes with spinach, onion, mushroom and cheese. I kid you not...he was like a kid on Christmas Eve, excited with anticipation. He was not let down. However, my chile relleno was sadly tasteless. Kind of a bummer. The rice and beans were good, as was my margarita. The servers were friendly. Overall, 3 star average.
(3)Liz R.
This restaurant was recommended by the Staff at the Abe Lincoln hotel. Loved it! The staff was very kind and attentive. The restaurant was small and cozy. We ordered chicken enchilada suizas, chicken fajita's, and a specialty of the house that has spinach, and a ton of different seafood. Looked delicious. (it was also a little pricey at $16.) The diner who ordered it had no trouble finishing the huge portion. Everything was super delicious. I will definitely go back to this restaurant if make it back to Reading.
(4)Rob E.
Awful. My wife had three chicken bones in her burrito and the waitress answer was, ok? Not acceptable. Will not be back.
(1)Dean M.
Great food ask for their homemade Sangria, not the bottled shit.
(4)Chang P.
Dropped in here to take care of the -itis for some Mexican and MEZCAL did the deed. Whet the appetite with the guac and a plethora of beverages to quench the thirst. Frenzy your fundus and get your chile relleno on at this friendly, quaint spot in lovely downtown Reading.
(3)Nathan M.
Great place to go if you need something to eat before a show at the Performing arts center. The food was really good and so was the service.
(4)Barry G.
Great place near the Sovereign Performing Arts Center for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. Good guacamole and nice Margaritas. Limited veggie fare, but it is good.
(4)Antihero P.
DISCLAIMER: MY POSTS CAN BE A BIT LONG BECAUSE I TRY TO GIVE YOU THE READER THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES AND EXPERIENCE WHAT I EXPERIENCED. THIS INCLUDES THE ENVIRONMENT, THE PEOPLE, AND SO FORTH. (YOU'VE BEEN WARNED) I traveled to and from Reading a couple of times last year for work. I had the opportunity to eat here two to three times and I can say the food pretty good and the pricing is pretty cheap in comparison to other places I have eaten at. While I wouldn't say it is to die for, it's good. The decor is pretty interesting which added an additional star. The mural on the wall had skeletons during Halloween, then beards and a Santa hat for Christmas. Service wise, my colleague and I didn't have an issue. I placed my order and spoke to the waitresses in Spanish (I'm hispanic) to try and shmooze them for either better food or a bigger portion. My colleague would have given this place ten stars but that's only because if it's edible, he'll eat it. He'd likely give a place that cooks squirrels a ten! all jokes aside, it beats out other places I have been to in my home town, as well as the generic Plaza Azteca like environments.
(3)Jaime P.
I gave it 2 stars because the food was good once we got it. I deducted 3 stars because the service we got was horrendous. We where a party of 10 who called about a week ahead and made our reservation. When we got there the place only had about 3-4 tables filled. Took about 20 minutes to be greeted and take drink order. Once we got that about 15 minutes later we put in our food order. After that the rest of the Restaurant filled in with reservations and I kid you not- our food was served DEAD LAST they served every other table. We complained but our waitress didn't make us feel she cared too much other than "your food is next" I won't be going back as I thought the whole experience was terrible and no one really cared at all.
(2)Jennifer K.
This is one of reading Pa's hidden gems. If you want authentic mexican go here! The environment and interior is so cute and homelike. You feel like your a guest at someones house for dinner. Such good food, the price is insanely cheap, and just a good vibe
(5)Pete C.
I went here for the first time last week because they were the only restaurant open next to the Sovereign Performing Arts Center on a Sunday. That being said, it was fantastic! I had their paella valenciana and it was honestly the best tasting paella I've had on this side of the Atlantic. If I find myself in Reading again, I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Julie M.
I go here pretty regularly for lunch and I normally leave happy. The last time I was there I had a seafood fajita and it was great. The tortilla was fresh and I was given a perfect amount of accouterments to add in. Other times I have been I have had shrimp tacos and was pleased (beware- they are a little on the spicy side). I have also had the taco salad which was not the best version of the dish I have ever had. The location is convenient if you are in the city, right next to the courthouse and the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. The ambience is typically mexican restaurant. The staff is friendly, but not necessarily the quickest.
(4)Kimba Z.
Mezcal's is right along 6th street near the Performing Arts Center, so it gets a lot of business from the shows. It added more upstairs seating about a year ago and is cozy and cute inside, with attentive and friendly servers, beautiful blue tilework, and many smaller rooms to hide out in, plus a small but pretty bar up front. They have lots of tequilas, which are sometimes lovely to taste chilled in a martini glass. House wine by the glass is cheap too, and I see many people enjoying their Mexican beers. Make a reservation if there is a show going on. I wish wish wish there was more for me to eat, because I would go much more often than once or twice a year. Their Burritoes Verde are vegan (except the rice is made with chicken stock), and you can get vegetable fajitas. I ask for the taco salad to be made without meat or cheese, but WITH guacamole, beans, and veggies, and sometimes they understand what I am after; sometimes not. Last night, I just got the shell with roasted vegetables inside, which filled me up, but I put in my side order of guacamole as well as their nicely-spicy salsa. Their guac is very fresh. The place was enthusiastically decorated for Halloween, which I enjoyed seeing mixed with all the Mexican photos and decor. Someone please take the chips away from me! I can't stop eating them!
(3)karla t.
As I said when I checked in, it smells better on the inside than it does on the outside. I'm not from Reading, so bum urine may constantly waft through the air. Anyway, the place was PACKED. We were able to get a seat relatively fast. The idea was to grab some quick food before a concert next door. The frozen margarita that I had was yummy and the food was good. I would come back again if I was in Reading (hopefully never). You can wear jeans and enjoy a good meal. Nothing fancy, just good food and drinks.
(3)Sabrina F.
I love going here for lunch when I'm at work. It's right in the heart of the city right next to the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. They recently added a main level eating area and bar. (They used to be under street level.) I actually had my engagement party here and they accommodated us quite will with an entire area for ourselves. I'm a big fan of their chicken fajitas. They are served on a steaming hot cast iron skillet so be careful. They serve with sides of beans, rice, and a little salad. As with most Mexican restaurants you of course get complimentary homemade chips and salsa. Yum! They also have top shelf tequilla so be sure to get a shot and sip it, that's what I do. Great for a date night, business lunch, or group event. Reasonable prices and plenty to choose from! Service is pretty good too.
(4)Mike F.
Largely in part to the large Latino population in its city limits, Reading has some of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in Pennsylvania. Mezcal's is no exception. Just a few doors down from the Santander Performing Arts Center lies this little beaut. Upon entering, you'll have the choice to sit at the bar near the front entrance, the dining room, or an enclosed, cozy patio in a courtyard of sorts. On my most recent visit, my group opted to sit outside. I don't think I'll do it again (not in the summer months, anyway), since there is absolutely NO airflow. You're surrounded by three walls and a tall fence. There are no fans to speak of, so it's just dead, stagnant air. Also, once your food comes out, the flies start to swarm! Fans would not only help keep everyone cool, but they could also blow those pesky little bastards away. The food is definitely the high point. Normally I order fajitas, but on my last visit, it was so hot out, and I really didn't want a sizzling cast iron skillet spewing hot oil in my face. I went for a steak ("Potrero"- charcoal grilled steak, marinated with mesquite, topped with sautéed spinach, onions, jalapeños, mushrooms, rice and beans). It didn't even occur to me at the time that after I ordered it, I wasn't asked how I wanted the steak done. My fears of a tough, well-done steak were put to rest when the dish came out and the steak was cooked to a perfect medium (I usually prefer medium-rare, but medium is just fine). Servers can disappear for extended periods of time, which is somewhat annoying, especially coupled with the fact that water glasses are INCREDIBLY small. Like, slightly-larger-than-a-shot-glass small. If there is a show going on down the street, don't even try to get in. This place will be a madhouse. Otherwise, this place has quick, efficient, friendly service, even on Friday/Saturday nights.
(4)Kendra R.
Excellent food at great prices! The best authentic Mexican I have ever had. The restaurant is quaint with many decorative Mexican tiles. The bar is made out of oak. The rice was fantastic! The white sangria was wonderful and only $15 a pitcher. We had an appetizer of mussels, 2 meals, a pitcher of sangria and dessert for $48. The staff was very nice. The only thing I thought was odd was that we were one of two couples in there on a Friday night and they locked the door at 9 pm. We assumed that with a bar they would be open until at least 11 pm. This place was so good I might just stay in the Abraham Lincoln hotel again just to eat here!
(4)