Eduardo Camacho
I had an amazing experience at El Original! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everything was perfect throughout our meal.
Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a spot to bring friends, El Original delivers on all fronts. Will definitely be coming back soon!
… moreSlim Jim
Blaca The manager was great. I preached her fixing my food after it messed up my wife village shrimp. I asked for beef. She literally fixed it within 10 seconds of me calling back. I got there. Food was ready. No complaints. Blanca serves a raise. She’s perfect.
… moreMark Swan
Loved the food, the atmosphere, and our waitress. She was fun and wonderful. House salsa is very good. House margaritas are good, gold is better. The extra large is funny to see sitting in front of someone. The only negative was the vulgar drink name. Totally unnecessary in a place that should be family friendly.
… moreAnna DS
Nice restaurant with excellent service. I loved the homemade salsa ( I even took some home) and the horchata drink .
The parrillada for 2 is not as big as it appears on the menu pic but it was still big for 2 people. The carne asada in the Parrillada was good but I personally did not like the spices that they put on the chicken or the shrimps (it tasted like nutmeg to me). I would still go back, maybe trying something different.
… moreDana Nygaard
SO tasty! Everything I got was brimming with flavor. There wasn’t a single thing that was just “meh.” Even the salsa was chock-full of flavor with the tiniest kick of spice–not the watered down near-soup most places serve.
The guacamole is not only fresh, but they add something to it to make it creamy, and it’s so amazing. I ordered the Shrimp del Diablo with horchata to drink, and both were delightful. A lot of times, Spanish rice at other restaurants can be quite bland, and you have to mix it with your main course to get any flavor out of it, but even the rice here was to die for.
The atmosphere is also quite nice. Don’t let it being in a strip mall fool you. As unassuming as it is on the outside, the inside is bright and colorful, and the benches, chairs and tables are all beautiful, unique, hand-painted pieces of art that are really fun to look at while waiting for your food. This is my second time being here, and both times the servers have been very attentive and pleasant, and the food has come out relatively fast.
If there was only one thing that fell slightly short of exceptional, it was that the food came out staggered and one of our party members was waiting for food a good 5 minutes after her rice and beans were brought. Her fajitas came out sizzling, though, so I think they just bring everything out as it’s made versus letting it sit under a heat lamp for however long. All in all, we’ll worth the stop!
… moreC K
Wow, a million stars to El Original! Best Mexican food ever. We’ve been here a ton and have consistently received EXCELLENT food, EXCEPTIONAL service, and it’s always super clean. It’s a wonderful environment. We’ve had the owner as our server many, many times. He’s always super happy and genuinely kind and attentive to our needs. All the servers are wonderful. Fair prices, EXCELLENT excellent food, gluten-free options like nowhere else. I highly recommend frequenting this restaurant. I’ll see you there! Photos are of the David’s Special (chicken) & Tito’s Special (shrimp). Yum!! Best queso, salsa, & chips you’ll ever have!
… moreJill Anway
The food was fantastic!!! Our service was outstanding. I’d definitely recommend having a meal here!!
… morejack blacknia
How did I not know?! Well you should HASTINGS, this is the best Mexican food in town; I’ve checked.
And the lunch special is an aMazing deal.
Just be careful which deal it is.
Overpriced margaritas
… moreShannon Zywiec
Family of 4- kids and adults enjoyed our visit! The service was phenomenal- friendly and fast. Chips and salsa kept coming! Margarita was great and so was the food! My 12 year old said he can’t wait to come back!
… moreMike Praska
Everything is great here, atmosphere, food, service, and the drinks! Host and servers were very nice and friendly, food was hot and tasty! Nice place to go if you are ever in Hastings looking for Mexican cuisine!
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