Neighborhood Mexican spots frequently have menus that vary by region, and this one has its own character. If you are looking for the El Rey Menu with Prices before you visit, you came to the right place. We have broken down the full list of items, what they cost, and what is actually worth ordering when you get there.
This guide is based on the most common locations and standard pricing. Keep in mind that some franchise spots might adjust costs by a dollar or two depending on the state. But overall, this gives you a solid idea of what to expect when you walk in the door.
El Rey Menu With Prices
El Rey is known for its no-frills approach to Mexican food. You are not paying for fancy decor or tiny portions. You are paying for big plates, hot sauce, and food that fills you up. The menu is pretty standard for the genre, but the execution is what keeps people coming back.
Below is the full breakdown of the menu sections. We have included the most popular items in each category so you can plan your order ahead of time.
Breakfast Items
Breakfast is served early, and they do not mess around with the portions. If you are hungover or just hungry, this is the section for you. The eggs are cooked to order, and the beans are always refried fresh.
- Huevos Rancheros – $9.99
- Chilaquiles with Eggs – $10.49
- Breakfast Burrito (Bacon or Chorizo) – $8.99
- Machaca with Eggs – $10.99
- Ham and Eggs – $9.49
- Mexican Omelette – $10.29
Every breakfast plate comes with a side of rice and beans. You also get a small basket of tortillas, either corn or flour. Ask for the green salsa on the side, it has a nice kick to it.
Appetizers And Sides
If you are just stopping in for a snack or you want to start the meal right, the appetizer list is short but solid. The portions here are big enough to share, but you might not want to.
- Guacamole Dip – $7.49
- Cheese Quesadilla – $6.99
- Nachos with Beans – $8.99
- Nachos with Chicken or Beef – $10.99
- Mexican Pizza – $9.49
- Chips and Salsa (Basket) – $2.49
The Mexican Pizza is not what you think. It is a flour tortilla fried flat, topped with beans, meat, and melted cheese. It is messy but very good. The guacamole is made fresh daily, so do not skip it.
Soft Tacos
This is the heart of the menu. The tacos are served on double corn tortillas with onions and cilantro. You can get them with a variety of meats, and they are always juicy. The salsa bar is right there, so load up.
- Carne Asada Taco – $3.49
- Chicken Taco – $2.99
- Al Pastor Taco – $3.29
- Chorizo Taco – $3.29
- Fish Taco (Baja Style) – $3.99
- Shrimp Taco – $4.49
You can order a single taco or get a plate. The taco plate comes with three tacos, rice, and beans for about $10.99. That is the best value on the menu if you ask me. The al pastor is the star here, it has a slight sweetness from the pineapple.
Burritos
The burritos at El Rey are wrapped tight and grilled on the press. They are not the soggy foil-wrapped kind you get at fast food places. These are crispy on the outside and packed full of meat.
- Bean and Cheese Burrito – $6.99
- Carne Asada Burrito – $10.49
- Chicken Burrito – $9.99
- Chorizo Burrito – $9.99
- Shrimp Burrito – $12.99
- Super Burrito (with Guac and Sour Cream) – $11.99
All burritos come with rice and beans inside unless you ask for them on the side. The super burrito is huge, you could easily split it with someone. If you are really hungry, add the enchilada style topping for an extra $1.50. That means they cover it in red sauce and cheese.
Combination Plates
This is where you get the classic sit-down experience. You pick two or three items from a list, and they come with rice and beans. It is simple and reliable. The plates are hot and heavy when they hit the table.
- Two Item Combo – $10.99
- Three Item Combo – $12.99
Your choices for the combo are:
- Cheese Enchilada
- Beef or Chicken Taco
- Chile Relleno
- Tamale
- Tostada
- Burrito
The chile relleno is the best pick here. It is a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. It is rich and filling. The tamale is also good, but it can be a bit dry depending on the day.
Seafood Dishes
If you are near the coast or at a location that has a full kitchen, the seafood section is worth a look. These plates are a bit pricier, but the portions are generous. The shrimp is always cooked right, not rubbery.
- Shrimp Cocktail – $11.99
- Fish Fillet Plate – $12.49
- Shrimp Fajitas – $14.99
- Camarones a la Diabla – $13.99
- Whole Fried Tilapia – $13.49
The shrimp cocktail is served cold in a tall glass with avocado and tomato. It is refreshing and light. The a la Diabla is spicy, so be careful if you are not used to heat. It comes with a creamy sauce that has a serious kick.
Fajitas And Specialties
For the big eaters, the fajitas are the way to go. They arrive at the table on a sizzling cast iron skillet. The smell hits you before the plate lands. It is a full experience, and you get all the fixings on the side.
- Chicken Fajitas – $13.99
- Steak Fajitas – $15.99
- Mixed Fajitas (Chicken and Steak) – $15.49
- Shrimp Fajitas – $16.99
- Carne Asada Plate – $14.99
- Chile Colorado – $13.49
The fajitas come with a pile of grilled onions and peppers, plus tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. The carne asada plate is a big piece of grilled beef with a charred edge. It is simple and very tasty.
Kids Menu
If you have little ones, they have a small menu that comes with a drink and a scoop of ice cream for dessert. The portions are just right for a child, not too big.
- Kids Taco – $5.99
- Kids Burrito – $5.99
- Kids Quesadilla – $5.49
- Kids Chicken Nuggets – $5.99
All kids meals come with a small side of rice or fries. The ice cream at the end is a nice touch, it keeps the kids happy while you finish your coffee.
Desserts And Drinks
You have to save room for the dessert. The menu is not huge, but the options are classic. The flan is the best seller, and for good reason. It is creamy and has a deep caramel flavor.
- Flan – $4.99
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.49
- Churros with Honey – $4.49
- Cheesecake – $5.99
For drinks, they have the usual sodas and aguas frescas. The horchata is made in house and it is not too sweet. You can also get a Mexican Coke in the bottle, which is always a good choice with a spicy meal.
Tips For Ordering
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you go. These tips will save you money and make sure you get the best food possible.
- Ask for the salsa verde on the side. It is spicier than the red.
- If you want extra cheese on your enchiladas, it costs about $1.00 more. Worth it.
- The lunch specials run from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. You can get a combo plate for about $8.99.
- Check if your location has a drive-thru. Some do, and it is fast.
- Do not order the fish taco if you are far from the coast. Stick to the beef or pork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing. We have gathered the answers so you do not have to guess.
Is the pricing the same at every El Rey location?
No, it is not. The prices we listed are average. Locations in bigger cities or tourist areas will charge a bit more. Rural locations are usually cheaper. Always check the local menu board when you arrive.
Do they offer a senior discount?
Yes, most locations do. You can usually get 10% off if you are over 65. Just ask the cashier before you pay. It is not always advertised.
Are there vegetarian options on the menu?
There are a few. You can get the bean and cheese burrito, the cheese quesadilla, or the veggie fajitas. The veggie fajitas are not on the printed menu, but you can ask for them. They will load it with peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Can I order online for pickup?
Yes, you can. Most locations have their own website or use a third party app. Ordering online is good if you want to skip the line. Just note that the prices online might be slightly higher to cover the app fees.
What is the most popular item on the menu?
The Carne Asada Burrito is the top seller. It is simple, filling, and the meat is always seasoned well. The Al Pastor tacos are a close second. If it is your first time, you cannot go wrong with either one.
That covers the full menu breakdown. The prices are fair for the amount of food you get. It is not a fancy place, but it is honest food. Go in with cash if you can, some locations have a small fee for card payments. Enjoy your meal and do not forget to grab extra napkins, it gets messy.