Wish I would have read the reviews here and saved ourselves the trouble of going to this place. I really cant believe it is still in business, its just awful. Whoever is doing the cooking really, really cant cook. I ordered a burrito simple right? It came out with pinto beans in it and I tried to take a bite and all the beans came tumbling out. It was cold and had absolutely no taste. Save yourself some disappointment and do not go to this place.
(1)
Melinda C.
The steak nachos are so good. It can easily feed 2 people. My burrito was only so-so.
(4)
TJ J.
If you want to go to a place that has bland food, small menu and mediocre staff, this is the place for you. I recently went there to "try something new" with the hopes of it being better than Cafe Rio, but I should've checked my Yelp app, as this place doesn't deserve one star in my book. The food tasted like something out of a MRE (Meal Ready to Eat" container, or something my pet would enjoy eating because he didn't know any better. No spices, I ordered Grilled Steak Tacos and got Half-Cooked Chicken Tacos. I'm not saying this place got me sick, but I was fine before I ate there, and was curled up in the fetal position for the rest of the night, unless you count the trips to the bathroom. This place needs a better cook or new management. I would highly suggest eating Del Taco which is close, or Taco Bell.
(1)
Justin B.
I've been here twice and the second time was only hoping that maybe something was off the first time. Honestly the worst Mexican food I have ever had. Tasteless and bland. Service was adequate, but even if free I wouldn't eat there again
(1)
Stephanie B.
Best chips and salsa in my opinion. The food aside from the chips and salsa is mediocre at best. Nothing is seasoned and just very bland and usually but so fresh tasting either.
(3)
Megan M.
Absolute worst Mexican food I've had yet to date. It's a super tiny restaurant and the food had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. Not even the cheese. How can you screw up cheese?! The service in regards to the hostesses and bussers was horrible. I worked as a hostess for 2 1/2 years and the way this restaurant handled things was horrible. The hostess walked around with her phone out while every table around where my husband and I sat was dirty. She would come around the corner with more people to seat and she would have to turn around. We were the only table in the restaurant. Our waitress was actually wonderful and very prompt. The best and only good thing about this place is the chips and salsa. And that's not saying much.
(1)
Kathy C.
Cafe el Lago is my favorite restaurant in our area. The staff have always been so welcoming. Not only do they offer free drink refills, but they will fill a to go cup for you. They make their own chips and salsa. I eat there at least once a week. I have not had a bad meal in the eight years I have been eating there.
(5)
Jason W.
Food at Cafe El Lago is gross. Soggy, bland american/mexican food. The prices are outrageous. The staff is unhelpful and slow. Highly recommend avoiding this place.
(1)
Cara B.
Highly disappointed in their food, coming from California I know good Mexican food and this is not good. Food was flavorless! I ordered to tacos and my husband ordered enchiladas neither was good. The salsa was watery and impossible to spoon up with the chips. Horrible beverage selection which wasn't surprising but I was really wishing I could get a margarita. To top it off restaurant was full of screaming kids crawling on the floor and breaking glasses, will not return.
(1)
Amy H.
I don't like this place very much. I've only been there twice and disappointed both times.
(2)
James E.
The restaurant has a small, intimate ambiance, but the tables were so close together that you might as well just have a group meeting. Having any kind of personal conversation was impossible without sharing it with everyone close. I appreciate the restaurant wanting to seat more people, but feeling as if you're in a cattle car isn't the best. Our server was pleasant and attentive but she tried to have us order the special of the day to the point where I wanted to leave. I was appreciative that the chips were a good, hearty crunch and not some wimpy chips that fall apart in your hand. The salsa had a decent heat and they gladly provided me with a good choice of hot sauce. I hope they didn't mind me using almost half their bottle. The food seemed fresh and the steak fajita came with an ample pile of peppers and plenty of grilled onions. My only question is, why the heck does someone grill the steak until it has become beef jerky? Unfortunately, the server disappeared and so our drinks never were refilled nor was the steak replaced. She finally showed up with our ticket but by then we were finished, and, should I say, so was I. I was extremely disappointed that a restaurant that must grill flank or skirt steak on a regular basis would serve such inedible meat. I would go back for the chips and salsa but would only order something with chicken. I can't risk choking on meat that's been grilled so much it's like trying to eat a rubber tire.
(3)
Mason M.
Decided to try this place one evening after discovering that Sean's Smokehouse closes at 8 PM. on weekdays. El Lago was empty on the night we dined. The ambiance is nice, very typical "chain restaurant" Mexican decor, but clean nonetheless. We were seated promptly and menus delivered by our very nice hostess. Our waitress was prompt to take our drink orders, provide the complementary chips and salsa, and explain the menu. After a quick glance over the typical fare (Tacos, burritos, tacquitos, chimichangas, etc.) I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. I would give at least four stars for service, as I have no complaints about the staff working there. Friendly and quick to be of help. The food was prepared quickly, without much flare for presentation, and all was in order. While the food was not bad, it was also nothing to write home about. The eggs lacked seasoning, and the salsa and peppers just weren't enough to get my taste buds rocking. The chips and salsa were also average, and unfortunately wouldn't get me to return any time soon. The verdict: Mediocre Mexican aptly served in the hands of competent staff.
(2)
Laurie B.
I tried the tamale with green sauce, and it was . . . very standard. Everything tasted as though I could've made it at home, myself. But the lunch deals are a good price, and the complimentary chips and salsa are seriously some of the best in the county. I'd go again to try a menu item that usually has more kick inherently, than a standard corn husk tamale.
(3)
Dallas J.
Fairly average food based on the pricing. Chips and salsa are good. The food here is pretty bland, but isn't low quality taco bell. Staff is usually very nice. Just a little too pricey for the average Mexican plate.
(3)
Joseph T.
Okay, decent chips and salsa. Nothing more. Mediocre attempt at a themed restaurant. Too bright. All servers were friendly, but high school aged with very little experience. Didn't see anything in the way of authenticity. And I could see past all that, if the food was even decent. Forgettable almost instantly...
(1)
Samantha E.
Our family's horses live near here, so I've visited this restaurant relatively frequently ever since it opened. Service is always incredibly friendly-- two of the waitresses know us, bring our drink orders before we even ask, and almost always accurately predict the entrees. Both their green and red enchilada sauces are good, and I love their tamales. If you're more in a taco mood, the grilled chicken one is great. When you order a la carte everything sometimes comes on a different plate, so I usually specify that they should put it together so I don't feel like my food is all over the place. Chips and salsa are great and unlimited. No, it's not Red Iguana, but really, what is? High-quality, easy-to-find Mexican food is one of the things I miss about Utah.
(4)
Melissa A.
Delicious food, friendly servers, and a great atmosphere! We will be going back again soon!
(4)
Homesmiths P.
Cafe El Lago in Saratoga Springs has put together a great menu and atmosphere. You can not actually see Utah Lake from the Cafe like the name implies but the food is well worth the trip. I have tried several dishes here and all of them have been excellent. I would like to see a spicier option for the salsa/dip for the chips but my wife really enjoys it as is. If you find your self heading west on Route 73 (Lehi Main Street) just go ahead and roll a few more miles out to this Cafe.
(5)
Nekoagogo S.
Chips and salsa are great. Food is good, not too greasy, pretty flavorful, i wouldnt call it bland, but sometimes my tacos do fall apart. Oh well, nothing new there. Not terribly expensive, everyone is friendly. I've been here several times and never had a bad experience.
So delicious!! I work in the area and end up here for lunch sometimes multiple times a week. I always get the Pork Taco Salad lunch special that is only $5.95. Super friendly, quick, and amazing. I end up doing take out occationally and it is alway sitting on the counter ready to go for me as soon as I get there regardless of how much notice I gave them.
(4)
Chris J.
Food is bland, we've had more authentic Mexican food in northern Idaho. Additionally, the waitresses were more interested in complaining about tips and having to answer customer questions about the menu then waiting on us and the other tables. I'd recommend the fast food place down the street before this place.
(2)
Layne P.
Went to Cafe El Lago for lunch. Overall, it was a very good experience. The decor was nice. Not overdone. The hostess was friendly and seated us quickly. The wait staff was efficient and happy. The food was very good. I would definitely go back.
(4)
David N.
This is a really good Mexican restaurant. My wife and I eat here regularly. The waitresses are very nice and attentive. The food is great. The chips and salsa are some of the best I have ever had. The prices are very reasonable. If you sign up for their "special offers" group, they will text coupons to you such as $5 off $20. Overall, I am very pleased with this restaurant and am really glad there is an excellent Mexican place near Eagle Mountain.
(5)
Kristin B.
Went here for the first and last time tonight. Ordered the pork tamale with pinto beans and rice. The chips and salsa that we had as we waited for our food were lackluster at best. The chips, while not greasy, were too thick and unappealing to me...almost like a pita chip of sorts. The salsa wasn't too bad, but seriously lacked spice and flavor. When my entree arrived less than 10 minutes later I was excited because I was starving, but as soon as I had my first bite I was VERY unimpressed. A soggy tamale with a thin coat of masa completely covered in cheddar and jack cheese. There is nothing mexican about this. No light and fluffy masa, no cotija or queso fresco, it was like a TV dinner version of a tamale. The salsa roja on the top of the tamale was so incredibly bland, not spicy at all, and very unappealing in general. The rice had no flavor, and the beans tasted as if they came from a can. My husband was equally disappointed in his meal as well. We were hopeful this might be a good place to eat, as we also dislike the Mexican restaurant in Eagle Mountain, but it turns out to be not worth the money and needless to say we won't be eating there in the future.
(1)
Paislea S.
My husband and I had been searching for a good Mexican restaurant ever since our favorite in American Fork closed recently. We read the mixed reviews for Cafe el Lago and decided to give it a try for ourselves. Worst decision. Ever. While the staff at Cafe el Lago were very friendly and professional, the only good thing that came out of the kitchen was the Dr. Pepper. And honestly, I'm surprised that they were even able to figure out how to properly mix the sodas. However, I ordered the chicken sour cream/cream cheese enchiladas. They tasted as if the chef had accidentally spilled cinnamon all over the plate. The chicken was cooked well and shredded nicely, however, there was no seasoning. I couldn't tell the difference in taste between the corn tortillas, sour cream, chicken or the green chile which they were smothered in, other than the obvious difference in texture. The rice was awful. I had to salt it to even stomach it. The black beans tasted as if they had been rinsed in water and dropped on my plate. No flavor whatsoever. The pozole was not even pozole. It was a few pieces of hominy, also without flavor, that was dumped on top of some unrecognizable heap of red sauce. Which was also flavorless. Definite waste of $35. We will never be eating here again and will never recommend Cafe el Lago to anyone. Save your money and go to Taco Bell!
(1)
Casey S.
The chips and salsa are good, the chips are served warm, fresh from the fryer. We've been a couple of times. Last time I had the chicken nachos. Ample portion, and tasted good. This time had the cream cheese chimichanga. It was pretty bland. If we go again, I'll stick to the nachos. The servers have always been her friendly, and prompt with the soda refills. Overall, its family friendly, where baby Betty and grandma Gloria would both find it not too spicy...
(3)
Jesse H.
Extremely underwhelming and bland food. The best part of the meal was the chips and salsa.
(2)
Aaron C.
I would urge you not to eat here. To say the food is bland is a gross understatement. We should have read the reviews before we went there. The girls are friendly but the food is really bad. I don't know what else to say. I give one star but really think that is too much.
(1)
Wynter M.
To me personally, it shouldn't be called Mexican food. It wasn't even close! The salsa was watered down tomatoes with salt. We won't be going back.
(2)
Brad S.
Well after two straight poor experiences I'm going to have to downgrade my rating of this restaurant. The service has not been great, I was overcharged (always get a copy of CC receipt - I wish I would have), flies all over the place and their food just isn't what it has been in the past. I can't recommend this restaurant anymore. Hopefully they clean up their act because with new restaurants moving into the area I feel they are in for a brutal wakeup call if they don't.
(2)
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Address :262 E State Rd 73
Saratoga Springs, UT, 84045
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Janice L.
Wish I would have read the reviews here and saved ourselves the trouble of going to this place. I really cant believe it is still in business, its just awful. Whoever is doing the cooking really, really cant cook. I ordered a burrito simple right? It came out with pinto beans in it and I tried to take a bite and all the beans came tumbling out. It was cold and had absolutely no taste. Save yourself some disappointment and do not go to this place.
(1)Melinda C.
The steak nachos are so good. It can easily feed 2 people. My burrito was only so-so.
(4)TJ J.
If you want to go to a place that has bland food, small menu and mediocre staff, this is the place for you. I recently went there to "try something new" with the hopes of it being better than Cafe Rio, but I should've checked my Yelp app, as this place doesn't deserve one star in my book. The food tasted like something out of a MRE (Meal Ready to Eat" container, or something my pet would enjoy eating because he didn't know any better. No spices, I ordered Grilled Steak Tacos and got Half-Cooked Chicken Tacos. I'm not saying this place got me sick, but I was fine before I ate there, and was curled up in the fetal position for the rest of the night, unless you count the trips to the bathroom. This place needs a better cook or new management. I would highly suggest eating Del Taco which is close, or Taco Bell.
(1)Justin B.
I've been here twice and the second time was only hoping that maybe something was off the first time. Honestly the worst Mexican food I have ever had. Tasteless and bland. Service was adequate, but even if free I wouldn't eat there again
(1)Stephanie B.
Best chips and salsa in my opinion. The food aside from the chips and salsa is mediocre at best. Nothing is seasoned and just very bland and usually but so fresh tasting either.
(3)Megan M.
Absolute worst Mexican food I've had yet to date. It's a super tiny restaurant and the food had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. Not even the cheese. How can you screw up cheese?! The service in regards to the hostesses and bussers was horrible. I worked as a hostess for 2 1/2 years and the way this restaurant handled things was horrible. The hostess walked around with her phone out while every table around where my husband and I sat was dirty. She would come around the corner with more people to seat and she would have to turn around. We were the only table in the restaurant. Our waitress was actually wonderful and very prompt. The best and only good thing about this place is the chips and salsa. And that's not saying much.
(1)Kathy C.
Cafe el Lago is my favorite restaurant in our area. The staff have always been so welcoming. Not only do they offer free drink refills, but they will fill a to go cup for you. They make their own chips and salsa. I eat there at least once a week. I have not had a bad meal in the eight years I have been eating there.
(5)Jason W.
Food at Cafe El Lago is gross. Soggy, bland american/mexican food. The prices are outrageous. The staff is unhelpful and slow. Highly recommend avoiding this place.
(1)Cara B.
Highly disappointed in their food, coming from California I know good Mexican food and this is not good. Food was flavorless! I ordered to tacos and my husband ordered enchiladas neither was good. The salsa was watery and impossible to spoon up with the chips. Horrible beverage selection which wasn't surprising but I was really wishing I could get a margarita. To top it off restaurant was full of screaming kids crawling on the floor and breaking glasses, will not return.
(1)Amy H.
I don't like this place very much. I've only been there twice and disappointed both times.
(2)James E.
The restaurant has a small, intimate ambiance, but the tables were so close together that you might as well just have a group meeting. Having any kind of personal conversation was impossible without sharing it with everyone close. I appreciate the restaurant wanting to seat more people, but feeling as if you're in a cattle car isn't the best. Our server was pleasant and attentive but she tried to have us order the special of the day to the point where I wanted to leave. I was appreciative that the chips were a good, hearty crunch and not some wimpy chips that fall apart in your hand. The salsa had a decent heat and they gladly provided me with a good choice of hot sauce. I hope they didn't mind me using almost half their bottle. The food seemed fresh and the steak fajita came with an ample pile of peppers and plenty of grilled onions. My only question is, why the heck does someone grill the steak until it has become beef jerky? Unfortunately, the server disappeared and so our drinks never were refilled nor was the steak replaced. She finally showed up with our ticket but by then we were finished, and, should I say, so was I. I was extremely disappointed that a restaurant that must grill flank or skirt steak on a regular basis would serve such inedible meat. I would go back for the chips and salsa but would only order something with chicken. I can't risk choking on meat that's been grilled so much it's like trying to eat a rubber tire.
(3)Mason M.
Decided to try this place one evening after discovering that Sean's Smokehouse closes at 8 PM. on weekdays. El Lago was empty on the night we dined. The ambiance is nice, very typical "chain restaurant" Mexican decor, but clean nonetheless. We were seated promptly and menus delivered by our very nice hostess. Our waitress was prompt to take our drink orders, provide the complementary chips and salsa, and explain the menu. After a quick glance over the typical fare (Tacos, burritos, tacquitos, chimichangas, etc.) I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. I would give at least four stars for service, as I have no complaints about the staff working there. Friendly and quick to be of help. The food was prepared quickly, without much flare for presentation, and all was in order. While the food was not bad, it was also nothing to write home about. The eggs lacked seasoning, and the salsa and peppers just weren't enough to get my taste buds rocking. The chips and salsa were also average, and unfortunately wouldn't get me to return any time soon. The verdict: Mediocre Mexican aptly served in the hands of competent staff.
(2)Laurie B.
I tried the tamale with green sauce, and it was . . . very standard. Everything tasted as though I could've made it at home, myself. But the lunch deals are a good price, and the complimentary chips and salsa are seriously some of the best in the county. I'd go again to try a menu item that usually has more kick inherently, than a standard corn husk tamale.
(3)Dallas J.
Fairly average food based on the pricing. Chips and salsa are good. The food here is pretty bland, but isn't low quality taco bell. Staff is usually very nice. Just a little too pricey for the average Mexican plate.
(3)Joseph T.
Okay, decent chips and salsa. Nothing more. Mediocre attempt at a themed restaurant. Too bright. All servers were friendly, but high school aged with very little experience. Didn't see anything in the way of authenticity. And I could see past all that, if the food was even decent. Forgettable almost instantly...
(1)Samantha E.
Our family's horses live near here, so I've visited this restaurant relatively frequently ever since it opened. Service is always incredibly friendly-- two of the waitresses know us, bring our drink orders before we even ask, and almost always accurately predict the entrees. Both their green and red enchilada sauces are good, and I love their tamales. If you're more in a taco mood, the grilled chicken one is great. When you order a la carte everything sometimes comes on a different plate, so I usually specify that they should put it together so I don't feel like my food is all over the place. Chips and salsa are great and unlimited. No, it's not Red Iguana, but really, what is? High-quality, easy-to-find Mexican food is one of the things I miss about Utah.
(4)Melissa A.
Delicious food, friendly servers, and a great atmosphere! We will be going back again soon!
(4)Homesmiths P.
Cafe El Lago in Saratoga Springs has put together a great menu and atmosphere. You can not actually see Utah Lake from the Cafe like the name implies but the food is well worth the trip. I have tried several dishes here and all of them have been excellent. I would like to see a spicier option for the salsa/dip for the chips but my wife really enjoys it as is. If you find your self heading west on Route 73 (Lehi Main Street) just go ahead and roll a few more miles out to this Cafe.
(5)Nekoagogo S.
Chips and salsa are great. Food is good, not too greasy, pretty flavorful, i wouldnt call it bland, but sometimes my tacos do fall apart. Oh well, nothing new there. Not terribly expensive, everyone is friendly. I've been here several times and never had a bad experience.
(4)Emily S.
This is our go-to Mexican restaurant. I can't speak to authenticity, atmosphere or anything like that (since that really isn't a factor when I'm looking for something quick and good) but if you're looking for a place to get some good food, Café El Lago won't disappoint. We always get their Southwest combo plate (with a cheese enchilada instead of chicken) and it's great. The salsa ranges from delicious to way too much onion/garlic but other than that, I have no complaints.
(4)Amanda C.
So delicious!! I work in the area and end up here for lunch sometimes multiple times a week. I always get the Pork Taco Salad lunch special that is only $5.95. Super friendly, quick, and amazing. I end up doing take out occationally and it is alway sitting on the counter ready to go for me as soon as I get there regardless of how much notice I gave them.
(4)Chris J.
Food is bland, we've had more authentic Mexican food in northern Idaho. Additionally, the waitresses were more interested in complaining about tips and having to answer customer questions about the menu then waiting on us and the other tables. I'd recommend the fast food place down the street before this place.
(2)Layne P.
Went to Cafe El Lago for lunch. Overall, it was a very good experience. The decor was nice. Not overdone. The hostess was friendly and seated us quickly. The wait staff was efficient and happy. The food was very good. I would definitely go back.
(4)David N.
This is a really good Mexican restaurant. My wife and I eat here regularly. The waitresses are very nice and attentive. The food is great. The chips and salsa are some of the best I have ever had. The prices are very reasonable. If you sign up for their "special offers" group, they will text coupons to you such as $5 off $20. Overall, I am very pleased with this restaurant and am really glad there is an excellent Mexican place near Eagle Mountain.
(5)Kristin B.
Went here for the first and last time tonight. Ordered the pork tamale with pinto beans and rice. The chips and salsa that we had as we waited for our food were lackluster at best. The chips, while not greasy, were too thick and unappealing to me...almost like a pita chip of sorts. The salsa wasn't too bad, but seriously lacked spice and flavor. When my entree arrived less than 10 minutes later I was excited because I was starving, but as soon as I had my first bite I was VERY unimpressed. A soggy tamale with a thin coat of masa completely covered in cheddar and jack cheese. There is nothing mexican about this. No light and fluffy masa, no cotija or queso fresco, it was like a TV dinner version of a tamale. The salsa roja on the top of the tamale was so incredibly bland, not spicy at all, and very unappealing in general. The rice had no flavor, and the beans tasted as if they came from a can. My husband was equally disappointed in his meal as well. We were hopeful this might be a good place to eat, as we also dislike the Mexican restaurant in Eagle Mountain, but it turns out to be not worth the money and needless to say we won't be eating there in the future.
(1)Paislea S.
My husband and I had been searching for a good Mexican restaurant ever since our favorite in American Fork closed recently. We read the mixed reviews for Cafe el Lago and decided to give it a try for ourselves. Worst decision. Ever. While the staff at Cafe el Lago were very friendly and professional, the only good thing that came out of the kitchen was the Dr. Pepper. And honestly, I'm surprised that they were even able to figure out how to properly mix the sodas. However, I ordered the chicken sour cream/cream cheese enchiladas. They tasted as if the chef had accidentally spilled cinnamon all over the plate. The chicken was cooked well and shredded nicely, however, there was no seasoning. I couldn't tell the difference in taste between the corn tortillas, sour cream, chicken or the green chile which they were smothered in, other than the obvious difference in texture. The rice was awful. I had to salt it to even stomach it. The black beans tasted as if they had been rinsed in water and dropped on my plate. No flavor whatsoever. The pozole was not even pozole. It was a few pieces of hominy, also without flavor, that was dumped on top of some unrecognizable heap of red sauce. Which was also flavorless. Definite waste of $35. We will never be eating here again and will never recommend Cafe el Lago to anyone. Save your money and go to Taco Bell!
(1)Casey S.
The chips and salsa are good, the chips are served warm, fresh from the fryer. We've been a couple of times. Last time I had the chicken nachos. Ample portion, and tasted good. This time had the cream cheese chimichanga. It was pretty bland. If we go again, I'll stick to the nachos. The servers have always been her friendly, and prompt with the soda refills. Overall, its family friendly, where baby Betty and grandma Gloria would both find it not too spicy...
(3)Jesse H.
Extremely underwhelming and bland food. The best part of the meal was the chips and salsa.
(2)Aaron C.
I would urge you not to eat here. To say the food is bland is a gross understatement. We should have read the reviews before we went there. The girls are friendly but the food is really bad. I don't know what else to say. I give one star but really think that is too much.
(1)Wynter M.
To me personally, it shouldn't be called Mexican food. It wasn't even close! The salsa was watered down tomatoes with salt. We won't be going back.
(2)Brad S.
Well after two straight poor experiences I'm going to have to downgrade my rating of this restaurant. The service has not been great, I was overcharged (always get a copy of CC receipt - I wish I would have), flies all over the place and their food just isn't what it has been in the past. I can't recommend this restaurant anymore. Hopefully they clean up their act because with new restaurants moving into the area I feel they are in for a brutal wakeup call if they don't.
(2)