El Centro Mexican Restaurant

Reviews 15

TO

Tom Harrison

We just had dinner in their new Belmont location (El Centro Tres) and it was outstanding. The atmosphere was cool and fun, the prices reasonable, and the service was good. The food, however, was exceptional. Its a running joke amongst by Boston friends (the ones who have been to, say, California) that its really impossible to get really great Mexican food here. The several places we have been to and loved, over the years were not able to stay in business. It looks like El Centro may have found the right combination of authenticity and atmosphere to make it. We live in Newton, having moved from Boston (Allston) when we had kids. There are really very few good restaurants in Newton, and the ones that have good food are far more expensive that the authentic and excellent "hole in the wall" places in the city, where you can get really amazing and unique food without walking away broke. The Chipotle Chicken with asparagus sounds like something you would get in some chain restaurant. But (oh my god) this dish was unlike anything I have ever had -- spicy, creamy sauce with perfectly crispy asparagus and beautifully cooked chicken. My wife had a fish taco with a brilliantly light sauce infused with cilantro and you could actually taste the fish. My daughter had the lorenzo taco which was also wonderful. Even the salsa with chips was great -- served warm. It was clear that the whole staff was happy to be doing what they do, and clear that they people out front and in back knew how to do it well. And now well have to try their other locations, but even so, its no longer my opinion that theres no exceptional Mexican food in Boston.

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LI

Lisa Roney

Our meal at the new Belmont location was expensive and very disappointing. Although we were told the margaritas were made with fresh lime juice we tasted only tequila, even when we asked for and added lime ourselves. Two of us had La Mejor del Mundo, and it was not the best in the world grilled steak. The meat was tough and greasy. The sides of refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo were in tiny condiment bowls and didnt go far enough to counter the taste of the meat. The third dish, a pork dish, was reported to be much better. Bottom line -- the food is definitely not worth the price. Maybe we ordered the wrong things but how can a Mexican restaurant not have good margaritas?

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MI

Michael Meyer

I was previously disappointed in Bostons Mexican restaurant selection. El Centro shows we are starting to make an effort. Fresh made guacamole and salsa for appetizer. Sangria mixed right. For a hungry appetite I suggest La Mejor del Mundo - Carne Asada al Carbon "Estilo Sonora" a charcoal grilled steak served Sonora style. I prefer my steak rare or medium rare. Make your own soft shell tacos with the refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Ask for the spice they hide for special guests. Churros with molten chocolate for dessert. Very friendly service, small footprint, and fast moving waiters.

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WI

Will Leitch

Dont go here if you want to have a conversation with your companion. The tables for two are separated by inches so you will hear the person on your left and the person on your right but not the person across from you. Do go here if you want to pay $100 for two meals without sides and two cocktails and leave hungry. Dont go here if you, when you order a steak medium rare you dont like it to be served completely brown and leathery. Do go here if you enjoy paying $13 for a tasteless, weak margarita.. Weve been to almost every restaurant in the South End. Hands-down the worst.

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NA

Nannette Hardin

I went around midnight last night. Got the Brambles. Its a plate of steak, bacon, rice, beans with cheese, avocado, sour cream, lettuce and tomato along with a side of corn tortillas. I however asked to have it modified to be half steak half pastor marinated pork.It was absolutely amazing. The amount of food was just incredible. To drink I got this fresh cantaloupe juice... so good.Another thing, you know how you can tell from lines, this place was busy. Meanwhile, across the street, El Facilitator was empty.

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JO

Joshua Taveras

The food is great not the best Mexican Ive ever had but great. Wonderful environment with great staff. My only complaint is the lack of spicy options, there hot sauce doesnt even show up on my radar, that being said my wife thought it was too spicy. Drinks could be stronger but the flavor is there best of all the beer is ice cold, a problem Im finding in the city. All in all definitely a go to and the price is good enough you wont break the bank. 2 people with 2 rounds for under 100 bucks.

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A

A Private User

Great atmosphere, everything is so colorful, it is a delight in the winter or summer. The food is pretty good, some dishes like their fish taco, their enchiladas and their pollo and avocado sopa are really grade A, unfortunately, they try to do too much with their guac by adding chorizo..I am a fan of the simple and fresh - big chunkc of avocado etc:) Everyone who works here is very nice, attentive and honest. There is no snarky-ness to be had here! I love it!

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A

A Private User

I think I missed something. Three 5-star ratings? El Centro is chain-restaurant Mexican food charging South End restaurant prices. Unfortunately, there is nothing special about the food. The value is terrible. The atmosphere is good and the staff is friendly. Go to Orinoco across the street you will be much happier. I am sorry to say Bostons absolute void of good Mexican food continues.

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A

A Private User

Shame they dont have half stars. This should be 2.5. Food is good, but overpriced. Unfortunately, when most people think Annas is good Mexican food, you can charge double for anything decent. Recently had fish and barbacoa tacos, which were OK. If you dont mind a bit of a hike, try the tacos at the Lone Star Taco Bar.

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JI

Jillian Burgess

Small place tucked away on Shawmut hidden from the tourists makes this place a gem. Every dish Ive had here has been delicious and the drink are also on point. The service is friendly and attentive. I get the guacamole & chips to start every meal here. If you like spicy, ask for the house spicy sauce - its fire!

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AM

Amanda-lee McColl

When the place is on a side street, its a Thursday night and its packed, you know its going to be good. They did not disappoint. The food was awesome and so were the drinks. My only complaint was it wasnt spicy at all, I had to add my own hot sauce. I guess theyre catering for the masses but still

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JO

Jose Andres Passarelli

The micheladas at this place are spectacular, and everything I have tried so far has been excellent except for the burritos. The burritos are not really good. I highly suggest peple to stop by during weekends during brunch time for a michelada and some chilaquiles. Delicious

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LU

Luis Edgardo Cotto

Perfect place to go before a performance at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts! Ive only been twice thus far and each time the manager treated me and my crew as if we were long time customers. The Mexican in the crew on visit #2 wholeheartedly endorses.

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RO

Rory Aronson

Yummy guacamole with chorizo and chips appetizer - enough for 4 to split. The beef poblano enchiladas were okay, not quite the flavor I was hoping for (the sauce was too sweet). Great location though and nice outdoor seating.

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MA

Mason Mills

Place is usually a gem. Had my first bad experience here in the many tears Ive been going. Food was cold and bland, margs were not good. Disappointed that one of my favorite places had gone so far downhill

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