You might think you know what to expect from a standard menu, but the seasonal specials change the game. Before you visit, you likely want to know exactly what you are paying for, so lets break down the El Maguey Mexican Restaurant Menu with Prices. This guide covers the classic dishes, the combos, and the drinks, giving you a clear picture of your total bill before you even sit down.
El Maguey is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions. The menu is extensive, which can be a bit overwhelming on your first visit. We have organized the most popular items below, along with their typical price ranges, so you can plan your meal with confidence.
Appetizers And Starter Plates
Starting your meal with a shared appetizer is always a good idea. The portions here are large enough for the whole table to enjoy. You will find everything from classic nachos to more unique offerings like the chori quesadilla.
- Classic Guacamole: Freshly mashed avocados mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Served with warm tortilla chips. $8.99
- Queso Fundido: Melted Chihuahua cheese with your choice of chorizo or poblano peppers. Served with soft flour tortillas. $9.49
- Nachos El Maguey: A massive platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with refried beans, melted cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of chicken or beef. $10.99
- Chori Quesadilla: A large flour tortilla stuffed with grilled chorizo and melted cheese. Grilled and cut into triangles. $8.49
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled shrimp tossed in a tangy tomato-based sauce with avocado, onion, and cilantro. Served with saltine crackers. $12.99
Soup And Salad Selections
If you are looking for something lighter, the soup and salad section has several solid options. The portions are still generous, so do not expect a small side salad unless you order one specifically.
- Tortilla Soup: A savory broth with strips of corn tortilla, avocado, and melted cheese. $6.99
- Taco Salad: A crispy flour tortilla bowl filled with your choice of meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. $9.79
- House Salad: Fresh greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cheese. $5.49
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant Menu With Prices For Main Courses
This section covers the heart of the menu. You will find the traditional platters that come with rice and beans. Most of these dishes are served with a side of warm corn or flour tortillas.
Street Tacos And Burritos
The tacos here are served on soft corn tortillas with diced onions and cilantro. You can order them al carbon or as a specialty. Burritos are huge and often require a fork and knife.
- Tacos al Carbon: Three grilled steak or chicken tacos served with guacamole salad. $11.99
- Carne Asada Burrito: A large flour tortilla stuffed with grilled steak, rice, beans, and cheese. Smothered in red sauce. $10.49
- Chicken Burrito: Shredded chicken with rice and beans inside a flour tortilla. Topped with green sauce. $9.99
- Super Burrito: Your choice of meat with rice, beans, sour cream, and guacamole inside. $11.49
Traditional Combination Plates
Combination plates are the best way to sample different items. You usually pick two or three items from a list, and they come with rice and beans. This is where you get the most value for your money.
- Combination #1: One taco, one enchilada, and one chile relleno. $12.49
- Combination #2: One burrito, one tamale, and one taco. $12.99
- Combination #3: Two enchiladas and one chile relleno. $11.79
- Combination #4: One chalupa, one tostada, and one taco. $11.49
Seafood And Grilled Specialties
For those who prefer something off the grill or from the sea, this section of the menu is worth checking. The prices reflect the higher cost of the ingredients.
- Carne Asada Plate: A generous portion of grilled steak served with guacamole, rice, and beans. $15.99
- Chile Verde: Pork chunks simmered in a green tomatillo sauce. Served with rice and beans. $13.49
- Camarones a la Diabla: Shrimp sautéed in a spicy red sauce. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas. $16.99
- Fish Tacos: Three soft tacos filled with grilled or fried fish, cabbage slaw, and a creamy sauce. $13.99
Side Dishes And Extras
Sometimes you just need a little extra on the side. The menu offers several a la carte items that are perfect for sharing or adding to your main plate.
- Side of Rice: $2.49
- Side of Beans: $2.49
- Side of Guacamole: $3.99
- Extra Tortillas (3): $1.29
- Side of Pico de Gallo: $1.99
Kids Menu And Smaller Portions
If you are dining with children, the kids menu offers smaller portions at lower prices. These meals come with a small drink and a side of rice or fries.
- Kid’s Taco: One crispy or soft taco with rice. $5.99
- Kid’s Quesadilla: A small cheese quesadilla with fries. $6.49
- Kid’s Chicken Nuggets: Served with fries. $6.99
- Kid’s Enchilada: One cheese enchilada with rice. $5.99
Beverages And Drinks
No Mexican meal is complete without a refreshing drink. From horchata to margaritas, the drink menu has something for everyone. Prices for alcoholic drinks vary based on the brand and size.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Soft Drinks: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta. $2.99
- Horchata: A sweet rice-based drink with cinnamon. $3.49
- Jamaica: Cold hibiscus tea, slightly tart and sweet. $3.49
- Fresh Limeade: $3.99
Alcoholic Beverages
- House Margarita: Served on the rocks or frozen. $7.99
- Top-Shelf Margarita: Made with premium tequila and Grand Marnier. $10.99
- Mexican Beer: Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis, and Pacifico. $4.99
- Domestic Beer: Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light. $3.99
Desserts And Sweet Treats
If you have room left, the dessert menu offers classic options that are great for sharing. The fried ice cream is a popular choice for a reason.
- Fried Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream coated in cinnamon and cornflakes, fried and topped with honey. $5.99
- Sopapillas: Fried pastry pillows dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Served with honey. $4.99
- Flan: Traditional caramel custard. $4.49
- Churros: Three fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar. Served with chocolate sauce. $5.49
Lunch Specials And Value Deals
If you are visiting during the week, the lunch specials are a great way to save money. These are usually available from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The prices are significantly lower than the dinner menu.
- Lunch Taco Plate: Two tacos with rice and beans. $7.99
- Lunch Burrito: One burrito with rice and beans. $8.49
- Lunch Enchilada Plate: Two enchiladas with rice and beans. $8.99
- Lunch Fajita Bowl: Sizzling peppers and onions with your choice of meat over rice. $9.99
Keep in mind that these lunch specials might not be available on weekends or holidays. It is always best to ask your server about the current daily specials when you arrive.
Understanding The Price Variations
Prices at El Maguey can vary slightly depending on the location you visit. The prices listed above are based on the average menu prices across several branches. Some locations in more expensive areas might charge a little more for the same dishes.
Also, the menu changes from time to time. The restaurant often introduces new seasonal items or limited-time offers. These specials are usually not listed on the printed menu, so you should check the boards on the wall or ask your server for recommendations.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are calculating your total bill:
- Check if the lunch specials are active before ordering.
- Ask about the “Combo” deals that might not be on the main menu.
- Remember that chips and salsa are usually free, but extra sides of guacamole will cost you.
- Look for daily drink specials like “Taco Tuesday” or “Margarita Monday.”
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
Eating out can get expensive, but there are ways to enjoy a great meal without overspending. The combination plates offer the best value if you are hungry. They give you a variety of proteins and textures for a single price.
If you are not extremely hungry, consider ordering from the a la carte section. A single taco or a small quesadilla can be enough for a light lunch. Sharing appetizers and sides is another great way to keep the cost down while still trying multiple things.
Another tip is to skip the bottled water and order tap water with lemon. This can save you a few dollars that you can put toward a dessert or a better tip for your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the prices on the online menu the same as in the restaurant?
Generally, yes, but they can differ slightly. The online menu might not be updated as quickly as the in-store menu. It is a good idea to confirm the price with your server before ordering if you are on a strict budget.
Does El Maguey offer any vegetarian options?
Yes, they do. You can order cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, or the vegetable fajitas. You can also request to substitute beans or cheese for meat in most dishes. The guacamole and quesadillas are also good vegetarian choices.
Is there a happy hour at El Maguey?
Many locations do offer a happy hour, typically in the late afternoon. During this time, you can find discounted drinks and appetizers. The specific times and deals vary by location, so it is best to call ahead and ask.
Can I order takeout or delivery from El Maguey?
Yes, takeout is available at all locations. You can call in your order for pickup. Delivery is available through third-party apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, though the prices on those apps might be slightly higher due to service fees.
Do they charge extra for chips and salsa refills?
No, the initial basket of chips and salsa is free. Most locations will also provide refills at no extra charge. However, if you ask for a separate bowl of just guacamole or a special salsa, that will be an additional cost.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
The menu at El Maguey is broad and offers something for every taste. The prices are fair for the portion sizes, which are quite generous. You are unlikely to leave hungry, and you will probably have leftovers to take home.
Take your time to look through the menu and ask questions if you are unsure about a dish. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. Whether you are in the mood for a quick lunch or a full dinner with drinks, you now have a good idea of what the costs will look like. Enjoy your meal and the vibrant flavors that this restaurant has to offer.