El Jinete
| Address: | 3972 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227, USA |
| Phone: | +1 513-271-4080 |
| Site: | eljineterestaurants.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Jacob Coeur
Im writing this review from the table if thats any indication of how badly I felt the need to write this review. Ive been searching for a good Mexican place here in the 6 months since I moved here and I REALLY wanted to like this place. We ate here on a Thurs night at 6:30 and it was crowded. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere isnt bad except for in the back room where youre sitting under irritating fluorescent lighting. My table had quesadillas, tacos, chile relleno & stuffed poblano peppers and quatro esquinas and magaritas. Heres the short of it... One of us got a margarita that had lipstick on the rim of the glass. They comped the drink and were apologetic but it just wasnt a good way to start off the meal. The ground beef in the tacos and burritos was massively under seasoned and bland. The beans that come with the rice taste like they come from a can and were VERY soupy and truly gross. The rice was also very under seasoned and very dry. If I were you Id ask for a different side. The chiles were deep fried and should have been advertised as such. They looked like they were good stuffed chiles until they were breaded and deep fried. Grease poured out when I cut into them and had ruined any kind of flavor they once had. The shredded beef chimichanga was totally passable and wasnt bad. Once again under seasoned for my tastes but if someone was looking for a mild dish. That would be my recommendation. The fresh chips and salsa were the saving grace of this place. I would love to take some home for parties and the margaritas were made well, aside from the lipstick on one of our glasses. I heard other people in the restaurant complaining about the food but some seemed to really enjoy it. Most happened to be eating fajitas. So maybe thats something they may have a knack for making. Not sure if Im ever going to come back, but it surely wont be for anything I had tonight!
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Josh A
This place is truly awful. I realize it is not supposed to be real Mexican food and I know that when I go to a place like this. I actually like the genre because I have small kids and it is convenient and cheap to eat at places like this. I have tried every place like this in the area with this style of food and this one is by far the worst. Slow and inattentive service. Mediocre food. At my latest visit the steak burrito I ordered was poor quality with several inedible bites due to gristle. The chips and salsa are laughably pedestrian. I have tried this place at least half a dozen times and have never had a good experience. My recommendation is to drive a little further and check out El Rancho Grande on Beechmont Avenue. Bigger menu with better food, a friendlier staff and the fastest service around. I am sad and dismayed that so many people have rated this place high. AVOID.
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Angela S
Nice interior and the staff were friendly. Slightly confused as to whether we paid at table or up front. Ended up paying up front, which was fine. I got the burrito and cheese enchiladas. Tasted fine, although I like more spice in my food and it was a bit bland. I ended up putting salsa on my meal for spice, which is odd, but worked. The fries are curly fries and the steak was ok, but they dont ask you how you like it cooked. Came out well done, but not overly so. The salad was a disappointment - too much white onion and it resembled more of what you get on the side with fajitas than a salad. Still, good food and a nice experience so we will probably go back.
TJ
TJ
Probably one of the worst Mexican experiences Ive had in Cincinnati. The food was overcooked and bland. I had the carnitas, which were dry and tough. My fiance had the steak Acapulco, which was also overcooked, tough, and fatty. I thought the rice was very bland with large chunks of tomato in it that seemed out of place. The beans were very thin and watery. We love Mexican food, but this was a big disappointment to us. We wont be back, as there are far better options around town.
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Julia Bui
Our favorite local spot for Mexican food. We love these guys! The food and margaritas are on point and service is fast and attentive. My favorite is Burrito El Barzon - omg! The place is off the beaten path but it has been so popular that they acquired the space next door and expanded to almost twice the original size. The person who suggested going to El Rancho Grande instead must be out of his mind, sorry ))
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Thomas Haller
My favorite Mexican restaurant in the north-eastern Cincinnati area. I love their Chile Rellanos (Plobanos). No Chile Verde, but good flan! :-D For Tamales I prefer La Mexicana over the river in Newport, but when I want good Mexican and I am at work in Newtown, Im off to El Jinete on Red Bank! (Oh but it is so crowded!! :-) Well, dont go there late during lunch-hour, we have all gotten there before you!!)
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ms. armstead
I normally get great service when I visit, but this time the service was really, really poor. Our waiter did not greet us, check on us, or get our food or boxes with the amount of speed and enthusiasm as he did for for the Caucasian people. I hate to make it about race. However, it clearly was and Im not afraid to call it out. I will not visit this restaurant again.
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Trevor Fielder
2 days after going to El Jinete my debit card transaction cleared with a new 26% gratuity applied to my card that I did not authorize. I went with a group for lunch but we all paid individually. I paid with card and left tip on the table. I will not be going back and I suggest you find a different Mexican restaurant if you dont want an unexpected bill.
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Craig Froehle
I discovered El Jinete today by accident and Im so glad I did. I ate lunch there today and the food was outstanding. I had the Burrito Marino, a shrimp burrito platter, that was simply delicious. The service is friendly and efficient. Really, I dont know if I could improve the whole experience. Oh, and they have outdoor seating.
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A Private User
You can tell a lot of care when into this place from the get-go. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and the food is excellent. Highly recommend the chipotle chicken and fajitas, or for those with a huge appetite, the burrito el barzon. Its really really tasty, and mind bogglingly huge.
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Jonathan Phillips
There are two Mexican Restaurants that stand out in Greater Cincinnati; Camino Real in Florence and El Jinete in Fairfax. They both have excellent food. The atmoshphere at El Jinete is tops with the decor, music, and service. Either option is good, but El Jinete seems more authentic.
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Ramsey Deal
El Jinete is the best americanized Mexican food for the money out there. I can confidently say I have never left hungry or unsatisfied! I typically get the pollo chipotle or the pick three and both are fantastic. Get the hot salsa if you like things a little spicier- its worth it!
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Marianne Snouffer
I love this place. I have been coming here since they opened. One of the best mexican restaurants in Cincinnati! Food is authentic, service is awesome, and a very clean and nice place to sit down with your friends and family for a great time!! Highly recommended
