Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food is a top rated Mexican restaurant in Ellicott City, MD serving authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Known for flavorful tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and house made specialties, Ernesto’s delivers a true dine in experience with warm hospitality and vibrant flavors. Conveniently located on Baltimore National Pike, the restaurant offers dine in, takeout, catering, and refreshing margaritas perfect for lunch, dinner, or group gatherings. A local favorite for authentic Mexican food near Ellicott City and surrounding Howard County communities.
Mexican chain serving a menu of traditional dishes & Tex-Mex items in a cheery, relaxed setting.
Tiffany J
Ernesto’s has been a long time favorite.
Our server, Alex, was incredibly attentive but not overbearing.
We started with their complimentary chips and delicious salsa. I ordered a frozen margarita, unfortunately there was way too much sour mix for my tastes and I couldn’t drink it. We ordered the chicken quesadilla, kids mozzarella sticks with fries, and carnitas tacos. The quesadilla was humongous with a generous helping of chicken. The mozzarella sticks and fries were perfectly crisp and tasty. The carnitas were soaked in a tomatillo sauce and were divine complimented by the fresh avocado. The tacos were served with refried beans and rice, not were underwhelming. The rice was dry and the beans were very under seasoned.
The restaurant itself is very clean with plenty of seating. We came between the lunch and dinner rush so it wasn’t very busy.
Overall, I’d recommend Ernesto’s.
… moreRob F
Had dinner here last night with family and had a wonderful experience. Despite the restaurant being very busy, the service was excellent, friendly, attentive, and never rushed. Every dish was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, especially the Pescado Alex I ordered, which was outstanding. We also noticed a table nearby enjoying the Ernesto’s Especial Parrillada, and it looked absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely be back and plan to try that next time.
… moreMark David Garrison
We tried this place again. It had been some time since we last visited. The mole was OK, but a bit sweet and not ve.ry spicy. The chicken it covered a bit overdone. The chimichanga was mostly tortilla wrap, and not very fried. And, what is with orange cheese? The chips were light and the roasted salsa good. Overall, though, not a very inspired meal.
… moreBavani Murari
Nice local place for good Mexican food. We loved the super friendly service and the atmosphere. Not a lot of veg options, but the one they have is a hit – Spinach Enchiladas with tomatillo sauce, killer. Definitely much better than the usual red sauce enchiladas. We loved the Fajitas and the drink selection. We got Tacos to go for my son, the food packaging was excellent
… moreStarr Davis
This is a great local spot for some delicious Mexican food. Tasty guacamole without lime juice (just the way we like it); creamy queso; fresh made chips; yummy steak; delicious top shelf margarita!
Service was very friendly and attentive, which matches the inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Menu items are reasonably priced with ample parking in the shopping center.
Highly recommended by @WineDinenVacay
… moreAngela Drewniak
My FAVORITE Mexican place in Howard County!! I love the food and margs…the staff are wonderful and attentive(family owned)…the atmosphere is chill and comfortable!! Always my #1 for Mexican/Telmex food.
… moreBrian Miller
We discovered Ernesto’s and had a wonderful lunch. We had the lunch specials and enjoyed it all. I had the chicken fajitas and my wife had chicken Quesadillas. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was festive. We will be back next time we are in town!
… morechris fagone
quick dinner on a saturday night – greeted and served with warm smiling faces. waitstaff sang for a birthday party, owners were present. top shelf margaritas were perfect pair with ample chips, smoky green and mild red salsas. the vegetable quesadilla’s ingredients are zuchinni, carrots, & broccoli; the frozen bagged variety. queso on the thicker side of consistency. shrimp & avocado cocktail sauce tasted canned and sauce heavy for its portion. sopaplillas were thin and undercooked as if they were just tortillas deep fried, not doughy at all. main dining area has large TVs to watch sports while you eat, plenty of parking. this is really just a note to the owners; possibly condense the menu and focus on the ingredients to elevate your dining experience.
… moreStyves Exantus
Great price for the quality of food. The authentic taste proves and setting is great for a date night or celebrating festivities with friends. Drinks are well priced also. If you like authentic Mexican cuisine and an intimate setting, this is more fitting. Highly recommend the fish tacos and Tortilla Soup.
… moreDebi Williams
We changed our plans and ended up eating lunch here. Service was friendly and prompt. We enjoyed our food- garlic shrimp, enchiladas, and plantains. The avocado salad, rice and beans and veg were fresh and delicious. I highly recommend!
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