El Patio Mexican Restaurant

Good food, good drinks- BEWARE of the blue margarita...just one takes me down for the night!

Pros: Been drinking here since I was 16

Cons: Sam and his band don't play here anymore!

Posted 08/07/09

My friends and I go to el patio and we really enjoy the drinks and the food. I have had better margaritas than their infamous 'blue,' but it is certainly still good. once, my friends and i were seated by the door to the patio on a cold night and it made dining very chilly every time a waiter went out ( and i mean within three feet of the door). Our waiter was very nice and just as the main course came out he switched our table. we were incredibly thankful. therefore, overall, this is a great place to dine.

Pros: good food, fun atmosphere

Cons: crowded

Posted 04/04/09

I frequent both the Westheimer and Midtown locations and am in love with both of them. The enchiladas suizas are amazing, as are any of the other enchilada choices. I've never heard anyone that I've been with complain about their meal at either location and that's after over at least 100 visits. The blue margaritas are delicious.

Pros: Food, the "Blues"

Cons: I have to move.

Posted 08/08/08

We have always been welcome at Sunday brunch when the place is empty. Showed up at 7 pm on Thursday. The parties ahead of us and behind us were sat, the hostess sneared when she saw us (two adults, two kids). She said she did not know when she could get us in, despite empty tables. Glad they have so much business, I will not return and will continue to tell at least 200 people.

Pros: mandatory valet

Cons: lousy service and horrible treatment of regulars

Posted 07/04/08

In town from NY for a conference, I decided to try out the local Mexican fare and found that El Patio received quite high praise on line; so that's where I headed (Monday night at 7:30 pm, no wait).

The menu was pretty comprehensive and I finally decided on the blue margarita ('when in Rome'), guac dip, followed by the fish (Mahi) tacos. Started to feel the margarita buzz half-way through the glass and knew I was on to something. In most NY State Mex restaurants, you have to order a pitcher before you feel the buzz (other than perhaps the El Rio Grande Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, 37th and 3rd)! The dip was a tad average, but the tacos were fantastic; not a massive portion, but the flavor was out of this world. It came with a cilantro sauce in a little 'cup' on the side, which made the dish.

I was also impressed by the fact that they brought me a new basket of chips when I was two-thirds through the first one - almost as if they recognized that most of of the remaining chips were looking a little 'fragmented'. It's the little things that make the difference!

Feeling quite buzzed, I nonetheless opted for a second blue margarita, which really 'sealed the deal'. What a wonderful experience. Great service, too, with my waiter and what appeared to be the manager, offering me a hand shake on my way out the door, headed to a cab, which they ordered for me.

The ONLY criticism I would have is that the best hot sauce they could offer was Tabasco! And here I thought New Yorkers were meant to be the sissies! Come on guys, stock some decent bottles of stuff that at least come close to matching the potency of the margaritas. While this was a bit of a disappointment to a hot sauce fanatic, it wasn't enough to take away from the 5 star rating these guys deserved; after all, I probably shouldn't use so much salsa picante anyway!

Cheers.
2008-06-02

Posted 06/01/08

El Patio is one of my favorite mexican places to eat at in Houston. They have amazing cheese enchiladas! The margaritas are like jet fuel. They are so strong it only takes one. I'd stick with the pink Sissy margarita if you are a light weight. If you are a margarita ninja go ahead with the blue margarita. It makes me feel like I am back in the early 80's when ever I go eat there. Our food is always fresh and fast. The best time to go is early saturday for lunch or sunday. It doesn't get too crowded until Friday or Saturday nights. On those days only will you not be able to find a parking spot!

Pros: Awesome food and margaritas

Cons: Too crowded on Friday and Saturday Nights

Posted 02/09/08

This place is a dump. Basically a brick blob on the outside, and not much better inside.

If you want to get into the 'bar' area, you better have booked. And even if you put your name down on the 1 hour plus waiting list, they will probably forget to come and get you anyway, as they did with us.

The foot wasn't bad, but it is difficult to screw up quesadillas. The blue margarita does what it is billed to do, which is a smart ploy on the part of the establishment, as you will probably not quite remember how bad the place is by the next morning.

My view - go to El Tiempo - same margarita (but with better ingredients) and altogether a much more sociable and aesthetic experience.

Pros: Seemed to be cheap.

Cons: Awful decor, environment and treatment of customers

Posted 07/04/07

A great place to meet up with friends, have birthday parties, or just enjoy a night out. I've been going to El Patio for many years and have always enjoyed my experience. Whether it was for a reasonable mexican meal, or for there famous margarita's, or both it's been rememberable!

Posted 06/26/07

A friend of mine kept telling me about the Blue Margarita like about a million times, so when I finally went, It was not all what it's cracked up to be =) Maybe it was the night I went, which was a Friday, but when I took a sipp it tasted horrible. Other than that the food is pretty good =)

Pros: Food

Cons: Blue Margarita

Posted 05/30/07

How can I not write one on this place. I'd like to say i have memories of it, but I can't remember any. I'm sure they were good ones... the music, the singing, the margs... OH THE MARGS... the hangovers...

Posted 10/25/06

My friends and I have been going to El Patio over the years for one thing and one thing only....those freakishly strong blue margaritas. The food serves its purpose as a between drink filler, but it's the legendary blues that keep us going back again and again. If you start your night off at Club No Minors, you have basically set yourself up for one of those staggeringly sublime slurfests that inevitably land you at a late night taqueria at 3 in the morning. What could be better than a dark room with filled with frisky mariachis, table dancing wild women and a potent blue elixir that makes you see double? The answer my friends is nothing, nothing at all. See you there.

Pros: Margaritas, Friendly Service, Valet

Cons: Parking

Posted 03/30/06

Awsome happy hour for regular margaritas. My girlfriends and I sat on the front patio and received A+ service. The food was fresh and delicious. Only one thing I didn't approve of.... when I asked for a few jalapenos and onions to go with the queso I was charged $0.95 for both. Also my friend asked for a side of sour cream for her quesidillas and was charged $0.95. That's fine but I wasn't informed that I would be charged at all. Let alone such a high price.
But everything was superb and I will be back!!

Pros: Food, Margaritas, Parking

Cons: Charge for side items

Posted 03/23/05

This is one of those places where its always packed and loud. Very laid back and perfect for a big group to just chill and have a good time. Everyone goes for the Margaritas....not bec. they taste good but bec. they are strong! Drink one of those and you are sure to lighten up. Go a little early to find parking.

Pros: margaritas, good food, casual scene

Posted 09/21/04

I've been enjoying El Patio for over ten years, and have brought MANY friends/visitors to experience the best margaritas in town...they now have a new one for those who can't handle the high-octane Blue Margarita...called the Sissy Margarita (its girly-pink and OH so yummy!). The food's awesome, Happy Hour's even better...but I have to say, the Sissy is my new favorite!!!! Keep up the good work!!

Pros: Great service, Bang for your buck

Posted 04/27/04

Although the restaurant does seem to be overflowing with young white college-types (not a big deal, but I'm a little older than the college crowd), the bar is the place to be! Dark, smokey, loud, kick-ass margaritas (I'd love to know what is in those!), live music, people dancing on chairs, watching your friends succumb to the power of the tiny blue margaritas... what more could you ask for?? I know most of ya'll won't take my advice, but if you're driving home - STOP AFTER TWO MARGARITAS! Have fun, hope to see ya'll there :) PS - Get there early if you plan on getting space in the bar.

Pros: Kick-Ass Margaritas, Fun, Bring Lots of Friends

Cons: Tiny Bar, Close Early, Parking

Posted 02/16/03

Mainly the 'Club No Minors' is where I've been and the service is the best and the margaritas are to die for!! ... this part of the restaurant is no place for kids .. the food is most wonderful too ... You must check it out ..

Cons: Bad Parking

Posted 12/17/02

I've been going here for almost two years now, and everytime I come here, I always have a great time! A great place for "people watching" and seeing drunk people do some interesting things once they get on the chairs. As everyone has said so far, the margaritas are definately STRONG!! Good service and friendly waiters. You gotta go at least once:)

Pros: good atmosphere, waitstaff, good food

Cons: parking, long waits on weekend

Posted 12/17/02

El Patio is a Houston institution, with some of the best margaritas in town. Watch out - they pack a wallop! The food is great, too. Definitely order the chips & queso - you won't be disappointed. This restaurant should be on your "must" list for out-of-town company.

Pros: margaritas, queso, service

Cons: crowded parking lot

Posted 11/17/02

Don't be fooled by the smooth taste - two's the limit

Pros: waiters, drinks, atmosphere

Cons: parking, weekend crowds

Posted 11/06/02

These margaritas are STRONG! Club No MINOR is a great place to let loose and dance on the tables while the marriachi band plays " The roof is on fire". You don't really remember what the food taste like.

Pros: margaritas, club no minor

Cons: food

Posted 10/24/02

El Patio is one of my favorite places to go for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Especially on Fridays with my co-workers. They have a new lunch menu now and my favorite thing to get is the chimichanga. I also LOVE it when I have the time to go have a few drinks on a Saturday night. I either start my night there or spend the entire time there. It's hard to drag myself away. The margarita's are GREAT! It is definitely HIGHLY recommended!! Club No Minors is the best!

Pros: Margaritas, Lunch menu, Atmosphere

Cons: Crowded, Weekend wait

Posted 10/07/02

This place is incredible! Not only does it have great drinks but the food is tasty and the atmosphere is nothing short of wild and crazy! If you want to go somewhere for a good time and a lot of laughs, this is the place. The staff is awesome and they work so hard to please the customers. Two thumbs up for El Patio!

Pros: Good food, Live music, Strong margaritas

Cons: parking, crowded, a little pricey

Posted 07/23/02

I think I've eaten at El Patio three times now and I still have yet to determine whether I like the food or not. The margarita's on the other hand - are really really good.

Pros: Margaritas!

Cons: Parking, Access from Westheime

Posted 07/22/02