El Palenque Mexican Restaurant stands as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a diverse menu that combines traditional flavors with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re craving sizzling fajitas, hearty burritos, or refreshing margaritas, El Palenque delivers a culinary experience that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.
Each dish on the menu is carefully crafted to balance bold spices and vibrant textures, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. The restaurant prides itself on using family recipes passed down through generations, with an emphasis on fresh produce and quality meats.
“El Palenque is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Mexican heritage and taste.”
Appetizers – The Perfect Start
The menu begins with a variety of appetizers, designed to awaken your palate and prepare you for the main course. From crispy tortilla chips paired with house-made salsas to creamy guacamole, the starters at El Palenque are a must-try.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guacamole Dip | Freshly mashed avocados mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice. Served with crispy tortilla chips. | $7.50 |
| Queso Fundido | Melted cheese blend with chorizo, poblano peppers, and onions. Served with warm flour tortillas for dipping. | $8.25 |
| Nachos Supreme | Tortilla chips layered with refried beans, melted cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and your choice of chicken or beef. | $9.95 |
| Elote – Mexican Street Corn | Grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy chipotle sauce, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder. | $5.95 |
Why Choose Our Appetizers?
Each appetizer is made fresh daily, using ingredients sourced from local markets whenever possible. The guacamole, for example, is prepared tableside if requested, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
The combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures makes these starters irresistible.
Soups & Salads
El Palenque offers a selection of traditional Mexican soups and vibrant salads to complement any meal. These lighter options are perfect for those seeking a refreshing start or a healthier alternative.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sopa de Tortilla | Classic Mexican tortilla soup with shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and a hint of lime. | $6.50 |
| Caldo de Res | Hearty beef soup with vegetables like corn, carrots, zucchini, and potatoes simmered in a rich broth. | $7.95 |
| Ensalada Fresca | Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and avocado served with a light citrus vinaigrette. | $6.25 |
| Mexican Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy chipotle Caesar dressing, topped with cotija cheese and homemade croutons. | $7.00 |
“The sopa de tortilla at El Palenque is like a warm hug on a chilly night – comforting and full of flavor.”
Entrées – A Feast of Flavors
The heart of the menu lies in the entrées, where classic Mexican dishes shine in all their glory. From sizzling fajitas to stuffed chile rellenos, El Palenque’s entrées are designed to satisfy any appetite.
| Entrée | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fajitas (Chicken, Beef, or Shrimp) | Marinated and grilled strips served on a sizzling skillet with sautéed onions and bell peppers. Comes with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, and warm tortillas. | $18.95 – $22.95 |
| Chile Relleno | Poblano pepper stuffed with cheese or ground beef, battered, fried to perfection, and topped with a fresh tomato sauce. | $16.50 |
| Enchiladas Verdes | Three corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken, topped with tangy tomatillo salsa, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. | $15.95 |
| Carne Asada | Grilled flank steak marinated with traditional Mexican spices, served with rice, beans, and grilled vegetables. | $21.50 |
| Pollo Mole | Chicken breast smothered in rich mole sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices. Served with rice and beans. | $17.95 |
Signature Dishes Highlight
Fajitas are a crowd favorite, and El Palenque’s version doesn’t disappoint. The meat is juicy and tender, perfectly complemented by the smoky char of the skillet.
Guests can customize their fajitas with extra toppings such as grilled onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese.
Pollo Mole offers a complex yet balanced flavor profile. The mole sauce is a secret family recipe, blending sweetness from chocolate with the warmth of assorted chilies, creating a delicious harmony that is both exotic and comforting.
Burritos, Tacos & Quesadillas
For those seeking handheld delights bursting with flavor, this section of the menu delivers. Each item is crafted with fresh tortillas and filled with a variety of meats, beans, cheeses, and toppings.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Burrito Supreme | Large flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, your choice of meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Served with a side of sour cream and guacamole. | $12.95 |
| Carne Asada Tacos | Soft corn tortillas filled with grilled steak, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. | $10.50 (3 tacos) |
| Fish Tacos | Battered white fish with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and pico de gallo on corn tortillas. | $11.95 (3 tacos) |
| Cheese Quesadilla | Grilled flour tortilla stuffed with melted cheese. Add chicken or beef for an additional charge. | $9.50 (plain), $12.00 (with meat) |
Customization & Extras
El Palenque encourages guests to customize their burritos and tacos with a variety of extras such as jalapeños, extra cheese, or sour cream. Vegetarian options are also available, including bean and cheese burritos or grilled vegetable quesadillas.
“The fish tacos are a perfect balance of crispy and creamy, with just enough heat to keep you coming back for more.”
Side Dishes
Enhance your meal with traditional Mexican sides that complement the main dishes beautifully. Each side is prepared fresh and seasoned to perfection.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Rice | Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and mild spices. | $3.50 |
| Refried Beans | Creamy pinto beans cooked with traditional seasonings and lard. | $3.50 |
| Charro Beans | Pinto beans stewed with bacon, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. | $4.00 |
| Grilled Vegetables | Seasonal vegetables grilled with Mexican spices. | $4.50 |
| Elote (Mexican Street Corn) | Grilled corn with chipotle mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder. | $5.95 |
Desserts – Sweet Endings
No Mexican meal is complete without indulging in a traditional dessert. El Palenque offers a selection of classic sweets that satisfy every sweet tooth.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Churros | Crispy fried dough coated with cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate dipping sauce. | $6.50 |
| Flan | Rich caramel custard topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream. | $5.95 |
| Sopapillas | Light, fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar and served with honey. | $6.00 |
| Tres Leches Cake | Moist sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. | $7.00 |
Beverages
El Palenque’s beverage menu includes a wide range of traditional and contemporary drinks, perfect for pairing with your meal or enjoying on their own.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Margarita | Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a salted rim. Available frozen or on the rocks. | $8.95 |
| Horchata | Traditional sweet rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. | $3.50 |
| Jarritos (various flavors) | Mexican soda available in flavors like tamarind, mango, and pineapple. | $2.75 |
| Agua Fresca | Light fruit-based refreshers made fresh daily (watermelon, hibiscus, or cucumber-lime). | $3.50 |
| Mexican Coffee | Rich coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo sugar, topped with whipped cream. | $4.50 |
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
El Palenque is committed to catering to diverse dietary needs. Many dishes can be modified to be gluten-free or vegetarian upon request.
Corn tortillas, naturally gluten-free, are standard with most meals.
Vegetarian guests can enjoy dishes like vegetable fajitas, cheese enchiladas, or the Ensalada Fresca. The kitchen is happy to prepare special requests or allergy accommodations when notified in advance.
Summary
El Palenque Mexican Restaurant offers a rich and varied menu that caters to all tastes and preferences. From starters to desserts, each dish reflects authentic Mexican culinary traditions with a modern touch.
The fresh ingredients, flavorful spices, and attentive service combine to make every meal a memorable occasion.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a festive celebration, El Palenque’s menu promises a journey through the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
“A true gem for Mexican food lovers – El Palenque’s menu is both comprehensive and delicious.”
