Your first visit to El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant goes smoother when you know how their combination plates are priced. Checking the El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant Menu with Prices before you arrive helps you plan your order and avoid any surprises when the check comes. This guide breaks down the most popular dishes, the lunch specials, and what you can expect to pay for a full meal for the whole family.
El Tapatio is known for its traditional Mexican cooking and generous servings. You will not leave hungry, that is for sure. But prices can vary a little depending on which location you visit, since they have several restaurants across the state. Still, the core menu stays pretty much the same, and so do the portion sizes.
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant Menu With Prices
We have pulled together the typical price ranges for the most ordered items on their menu. These are average prices based on recent menus from several El Tapatio locations. Your local restaurant might have a slightly different price for a specific plate, so it is always a good idea to call ahead if you are on a tight budget.
Appetizers And Dips
Starting your meal with some chips and salsa is standard. They bring those out as soon as you sit down, and they are usually free. If you want something more filling to start, try one of their hot appetizers.
- Guacamole Dip (small) – $6.99
- Guacamole Dip (large) – $9.49
- Cheese Dip (small bowl) – $5.49
- Cheese Dip (large bowl) – $8.99
- Bean Dip – $5.99
- Queso Flameado – $10.99
- Nachos Supreme – $11.49
- Chile Con Queso – $7.99
If you are sharing with a group, the Queso Flameado is a good pick. It comes with soft tortillas and has a nice, gooey texture. The nachos supreme are loaded with beans, ground beef, and all the standard toppings.
Combination Plates
This is the heart of the menu. Combination plates let you pick two or three items, like tacos, enchiladas, or chiles rellenos. They usually come with rice and refried beans on the side. This is where you can get the most value for your money.
- Two Item Combo – $12.99
- Three Item Combo – $15.49
- Vegetarian Combo – $12.49
- Mexican Combo (Taco, Enchilada, and Tamale) – $14.99
You can choose from a list of items to build your combo. Common choices include beef or chicken tacos, cheese or beef enchiladas, tostadas, tamales, and chalupas. Each item is cooked fresh, so you can mix and match to get exactly what you want.
Specialty Dinners
These are the pre-set meals that come with a specific mix of items. They are good if you want to try something the chef recommends. The portions are large, so you might end up taking half of it home.
- Carne Asada Dinner – $16.99
- Chile Verde Dinner – $14.49
- Chimichanga Dinner – $13.99
- Steak Picado – $16.49
- Burrito Supreme – $12.99
- Enchiladas de Mole – $14.99
The Carne Asada is a popular choice. It is a grilled steak served with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas. The Chile Verde uses pork simmered in a green tomatillo sauce, and it has a nice kick to it.
Seafood Dishes
If you are in the mood for something from the ocean, they have a few options. These dishes tend to be priced a bit higher because of the ingredients. The shrimp cocktails are very refreshing on a hot day.
- Camarones a la Diabla – $17.99
- Shrimp Cocktail – $13.99
- Fish Tacos (3 pieces) – $13.49
- Caldo de Camaron – $15.99
The Camarones a la Diabla is for people who like spicy food. The shrimp are cooked in a fiery red sauce that builds up as you eat. The fish tacos are lighter and come with cabbage and a creamy sauce.
Lunch Specials
El Tapatio offers a lunch menu on weekdays, usually from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is the best time to go if you want to save some money. The portions are slightly smaller than the dinner plates, but they are still very filling.
- Lunch Burrito – $8.99
- Lunch Enchiladas – $8.49
- Lunch Taco Salad – $9.49
- Lunch Quesadilla – $8.99
Most lunch specials come with a small cup of soup or a side salad. You also get rice and beans with most of them. The prices are about three to four dollars less than the dinner menu, which adds up if you eat there often.
Kids Menu
They have a separate menu for children under 10. These meals are smaller and come with a drink. This makes it easier to budget for a family outing.
- Kids Taco – $5.99
- Kids Enchilada – $5.99
- Kids Quesadilla – $5.49
- Kids Chicken Nuggets – $5.99
Each kids meal includes rice or fries. They also bring out a small ice cream cup for dessert, which is a nice touch. The kids menu is simple, but it covers the basics that most children like.
Desserts And Drinks
You cant leave without trying the fried ice cream. It is a classic dessert that is big enough to share. They also serve traditional flan and sopapillas with honey.
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.99
- Flan – $4.99
- Sopapillas – $4.49
- Churros – $5.49
For drinks, they have a full bar at most locations. You can get a classic margarita on the rocks or frozen. They also have Mexican sodas like Jarritos and imported beers like Corona and Modelo.
- House Margarita – $7.99
- Frozen Margarita – $8.99
- Mexican Soda – $2.99
- Imported Beer – $4.99
Tips For Ordering On A Budget
Eating out can get expensive, but there are ways to keep the cost down. Here are some practical tips that regular customers use to get the best deal.
- Go during lunch hours on a weekday. The lunch specials are the cheapest items on the menu.
- Skip the appetizers. The complimentary chips and salsa are usually enough to hold you over.
- Order water instead of soda. A soda costs about three dollars, and you can save that money.
- Share a combination plate. The portions are large enough for two people with smaller appetites.
- Check for a senior discount. Some locations offer a small percentage off for seniors.
Another thing to consider is the “a la carte” section. You can order single items like a taco or an enchilada without the rice and beans. This is cheaper if you are not very hungry. You can also ask for extra tortillas, which are usually free or very cheap.
Comparing Prices Across Locations
El Tapatio is a regional chain, and not all locations have the exact same prices. Restaurants in bigger cities or tourist areas tend to charge a little more. Locations in smaller towns might have lower prices to match the local economy.
For example, a Carne Asada dinner might cost $16.99 at one spot and $18.49 at another. The difference is usually not huge, but it can affect your total bill if you are feeding a large group. If you are visiting a new city, it is smart to check the menu posted outside the door before you sit down.
You can also look at their website or their Facebook page. Many locations post their daily specials online. Some have a specific day of the week where they offer a discount on fajitas or margaritas. Following them on social media is a easy way to stay updated on those deals.
What Is The Average Cost Per Person
So, how much should you budget for a meal at El Tapatio? For a rough estimate, you can plan on spending about $12 to $15 per person for lunch. For dinner, the cost goes up to about $15 to $20 per person. This includes the entree and a non-alcoholic drink.
If you order appetizers, desserts, or alcoholic drinks, the bill will be higher. A full dinner with a margarita and dessert can easily reach $30 per person. If you are taking a family of four out for dinner, you should probably budget around $70 to $80 total, before tip. That is a reasonable estimate for a sit-down Mexican restaurant.
One good thing is that the portions are big. Many people take home leftovers, which means you get two meals for the price of one. That makes the cost per meal actually lower than it seems at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing at El Tapatio.
Does El Tapatio have a happy hour?
Yes, most locations have a happy hour on weekdays, usually from 3 PM to 6 PM. During this time, you can get discounted drinks and sometimes cheaper appetizers. You have to sit at the bar to get the happy hour prices at some locations.
Are the chips and salsa free?
Yes, they bring out a basket of warm tortilla chips with a bowl of salsa as soon as you sit down. This is complimentary, and they will refill it if you ask. The salsa is medium spicy, so it is good for most people.
Can you order just a single taco?
Yes, you can order items a la carte. A single hard or soft taco costs around $3.50 to $4.00. This is a good option if you want a light snack or if you want to try a few different things without getting a full combo plate.
Is there a military discount?
Some locations do offer a discount for military personnel and veterans. It is not advertised on the main menu. You should ask your server if they offer a military discount before you pay. It is usually around 10% off your meal.
Do they take reservations?
Most El Tapatio locations do not take reservations. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a large party of 8 or more, it is a good idea to call ahead. They can sometimes prepare a table for you if they know you are coming.
Final Thoughts On The Menu Prices
The El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant Menu with Prices is fair for the amount of food you get. It is not the cheapest mexican food around, but it is also not the most expensive. The quality of the ingredients and the service are usually very good. The staff is friendly and they are quick to refill your drinks.
If you are looking for a filling meal that tastes good, this is a solid choice. Just remember to check the lunch specials if you want to save a few bucks. And dont forget to ask for extra salsa if you like things spicy. The red sauce they serve with the enchiladas is very good, but it has a lot of heat. You can also ask for the green sauce, which is milder and has a tangy flavor.
One last tip is to look at the “Especiales” board near the entrance. Sometimes they have a daily special that is not printed on the regular menu. This could be a soup of the day or a special seafood dish. These specials are often a good value because they use fresh ingredients that arrived that morning. So take a second to read the board before you sit down, you might find a great deal that you would have missed otherwise.
Overall, you can have a great meal here without breaking the bank. The menu is large, so there is something for everyone, from picky kids to adults who want bold flavors. With the price list above, you can walk in with confidence and order exactly what you want without any stress.