Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food
| Address: | 10040 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042, USA |
| Phone: | +1 410-750-1005 |
| Site: | ernestosfinemexicanfood.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
ST
Stephanie Todd
Walking in the door was a little disappointing. It seemed that the hostess was stretched a little thin for her time. Im thankful to say, that the food and service otherwise made up for a rough introduction. The restaurant itself is comfortable. There is a really nice patio outside if you find yourself there in good weather. The food was better than average. I offer no professional opinion on authenticity but flavor, spicy, seasoning was all great. My boyfriend and I both ordered tacos of different varieties and everything from the rice that came with them, to the corn tortillas they were on, to the toppings were just great. I was particularly fond of the carnitas tacos I had. We got a small order of queso to go with our chips and it was warm, flavorful and just hit the spot. I feel like the prices are a few bucks more then surrounding sit down Mexican restaurants but from the looks of the food coming to tables near us and the quality of what we ordered ourselves, I would be willing to pay a few dollars more here at Ernestos versus saving a few bucks at places nearby like Pachanga or Mi Casa. I can definitely see us coming back without much hesitation if we are in the area and craving Mexican food. One thing that caught our eye was the specials menu for each day of the week. I wish our server had mentioned it because I would have ordered the combination plate on Sunday.
JO
Joe Haupt
In my opinion, Ernestos has the best Mexican food in Howard County. The fajitas are our usual choice at the restaurant. Weve tried them all -- steak, chicken, shrimp, veggie and a combo. Everything is grilled beautifully. The food comes out to your table wonderfully fresh and with a great aroma. The vegetables are cooked just right; not over cooked or under cooked. There is one special dish that we have ordered a few times. It is flamed at table side and is a tower of shrimp, chicken and beef. Im not sure of what it is called but just ask the waiter about the flaming tower, and they will know what you are talking about. I recommend sharing it with a friend or plan on bringing leftovers home. Even the chips and salsa served when you are first seated are better than those at other Mexican restaurants. The prices are very reasonable especially given the quality and quantity of the food. Our usual choice, the combo fajitas (shrimp/chicken), are $16.99. You can also get them for two for about $28.00. Weve tried other dishes and were always happy with our choices, but the fajitas are the best selection in my opinion. Oh, did I forget to mention the margaritas. They are huge and very, very good. We brought a number of friends to the restaurant and everyone has loved it.
CO
Connie Reed
We absolutely love this place! We found it on accident when we first moved to the area, and although many people recommend other local restaurants that we should try, we keep coming back here. Their Mexican cuisine is excellent and truly stands apart from the norm. I love their tamales... I mean, cmon, its a just tamale! Right? How special is that? Trust me. This is one amazing tamale! Their chili rellenos are also (always) excellent. Also their salsa, chips, and margaritas and... everything! The only problem that I have with their menu is that I love my favorites so much that I have a very hard time branching out and trying new things.. although Im never disappointed when I do. Also, the customer service is beyond friendly. We felt like regulars the second time we visited Ernestos, and every time since. We keep going back. You should too.
AM
Amy Johnson
We knew we were in luck when we saw that the other 4 locations were around Dallas! My husband had the Chile Rellano, his test of whether a Mexican restaurant is good. It was nicely stuffed with cheese and the egg coating on the pepper was crispy, not greasy. Pretty close to perfect. I had the brisket tacos which were also tasty. The margaritas were a little expensive but they also didnt skimp on the tequila, so Id say we got our moneys worth. Last but not least, the chips queso, and salsa were really good. Chips were crispy, not greasy, and the blanco queso had a nice smoky taste. Salsa was mild and chunky. Well definitely be back!
AM
Amy Lynne Bers
The food is superb and offers new flavors not typically found in your average Tex-Mex joint. I got the shrimp enchiladas in a cream sauce with a hint of chile and they were scrumptious. The manager brought us out a sample of the brisket meat which was tender and had great flavor. I normally dont think of ordering brisket when going out for mexican food, but I highly recommend it. The service was good, the waiter was professional and attentive, and the the restaurant was very clean with new and beautiful decor. I will definitely be going back and telling my friends and family about this place! And the prices are reasonable, too.
TO
Todd McCagg
Great for real Tex Mex. My wife and I visit every couple of weeks. Always pleasant, polite, and efficient service. I was there first week they opened and it was "ok", with no real issues, but I was underwhelmed. Also, my expectations are high, SO high. But I went back a few weeks later and the kitchen and staff were totally up to speed by that point. We love it. Clean and fresh tasting. To say "best in town" is a slam dunk. Almost like the other joints are ready to give up, but "best under 40 minute drive" wouldnt be an unfair statement.
AL
Allen Troutman
Came on a quiet afternoon and got great food and service. Came on a busy Thursday evening and got mediocre food and bad service. I ordered the Baja Tacos $16 - shrimp and bacon in a rich chili sauce on corn tortillas. What they brought me was shrimp in a torilla. Probably less than a half cup of chopped up shrimp, no bacon and no rich chili sauce. When I told the manager what I got he said "yeah because most people dont like the bacon when we bring it to them." Thats the wrong answer.
JH
JHassell0
I was very surprised by the good reviews for this restraunt as I had a very poor experience here. I had to ask other waiters for our server multiple times to get refills and the check. The food was your standard low end mexican food but priced 5 dollars more than average. I will continue to look for a good local mexican place.
MA
Mara Cortes
Best Mexican food in Howard county, and maybe Baltimore county too. Food is so fresh, even the salsa is over the top good. Beef is flavorful and pure, and the chicken excels past chik-fil-a - no kidding. Generous portions that will keep if taken home. Great staff, pleasant environment. Absolutely exceeded expectations.
KA
Katherine H
THE BEST Tex-Mex place in the area!! Its technically a chain, but with 4 of the 5 locations outside of Dallas, TX, this one plopped down in Maryland to give displaced Texans a taste of home. My husband and I have been going here monthly for two years and havent had a bad meal yet! Also, the Apple Pie is AMAZING!
JI
Jim P
I had lunch here with a friend earlier this month. I ordered the chicken mole along with their brisket taco. The mole sauce was great but the brisket was so-so. My friend loved her dish and despite not being a fan a refried beans, she really liked it. I thought the service was just OK.
