El Mariachi image

El Mariachi

Restaurant Mexican restaurant

Casual spot for Mexican fare (including many seafood choices) in a simple strip-mall setting. People often mention Mexican, good, service, great, authentic, staff, time, restaurant, salsa, pretty,


Address

45-1151 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Website

elmariachirestauranthawaii.com

Contact

(808) 234-5893

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (573 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Mexican (26) good (25) service (18) great (12) authentic (7) staff (7) time (7) restaurant (6) salsa (6) pretty (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kevin A. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by with extended family for a spur of the moment dinner. They accommodated us in a nice Mexican themed dining room. Food and service were excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Myhriah Y. 4 years ago on Google
    After a day of food trucks, it was nice to go to a comfortable and clean sit down restaurant with a pleasant bathroom and tables to sit at. The horchata was yummy, as well as the chips & salsa. The food was solid; however, everything seemed to lack seasoning, which made it hard to enjoy. Our friend, who is Mexican, was very disappointed that it lacked the “certain Mexican flavors you can count on.” I got three seafood tacos: crab, fish & shrimp. They were good, but bland. My husband and friend got the Carné Asada and it actually came out looking like a fatty steak, not a good steak-definitely not what we would expect. We also ordered the guacamole and it was pretty much the same; it was good, but bland. So, would I recommend El Mariachi? Yes, I would, especially if you’re just wanting a solid place to eat that is not fast food or a food truck; one where you can be comfortable and relax for a bit. The food is safe; you won’t have to worry about food poisoning. The food will satisfy and fill you up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharath P. 10 months ago on Google
    The food is freshly made and was super tasty. We ordered Fajitas, Chaulpas, Toquitos, and Nachos. Each of it super yummy. Everyone in the group enjoyed the food.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Selina P. 10 months ago on Google
    My ohana loves it there. The food is awesome, the service and the employees are just as awesome as the food. They are very welcoming the minute you step foot Inside the restaurant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madi P. 3 years ago on Google
    Definitely the best Mexican food I have found on Oahu so far. Portions are big and prices are fair. Being from Arizona I know good Mexican food, and this is a must stop in Kaneohe!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daphne M. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent food. Best on the island for Mexican food

  • 5/5 Mxd C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such good authentic Mexican food! We went here because Dave's Drive Inn was closed when we tried to go and I'm definitely glad we ended up here. The food and service were both great! I definitely recommend stopping by here. It's really not too far from Honolulu or the airport.

  • 4/5 Rich S. 2 years ago on Google
    Went on 16 DEC 2021 because my better half wanted Mexican for dinner. Order was takeout and takeout took about 11 minutes from order to being ready. Ordered 2 Shredded Chicken Rellenos and a combo of Shredded Chicken Burrito and a Shredded Beef Enchilada. The Mexican Rice was great and the flavor of the Refried Beans was also very good even though it was little too runny/soft. Flavor of the Chicken Rellenos was rich, flavorful and well balanced. The shredded Chicken Buritto and Beef Enchilada was also well prepared and tested very good. The only caveat was the addition of a tablespoon of pico de gallo on some shredded lettuce. There should not be lettuce in pico de gallo and if any is being provided, it should be enough to use as what was provided would not feed a mouse.

  • 5/5 Duane C. 4 years ago on Google
    Fast service, good food, no alcohol though.

  • 5/5 Rattana N. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good food

  • 5/5 Gustavo L. 4 years ago on Google
    I was ecstatic to find out there was a Mexican food joint in Ohahu. Food was excellent!

  • 4/5 Cynthia Z. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a pretty decent place for Mexican. I had the Chili Relleno and my friends had the Fajitas. Took You'll get your money's worth

  • 3/5 Jared B. 1 year ago on Google
    They were low staffed on Cinco de Mayo which was a bit unfortunate. The food tasted alright, but was very oily which made for some nasty burps the remainder of the day. Servers were nice and worked hard but there needed to be more there. The dining area was a bit messy with extra chairs everywhere and not very clean. Prices are reasonable and the portion of fajitas we got was big enough for 2 to easily share which made for a cheap lunch.

  • 5/5 Kristy F. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious salsa & they have Coke & Dr. Pepper!

  • 4/5 Adam T. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food, good portions, reasonably priced. Recommended

  • 4/5 Fred H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, with great food. The start you out with a free basket of tortilla chips and salsa, the prices are decent, service is good and the atmosphere is very relaxed. You'll probably get more food than you can eat.

  • 4/5 Ramsie P. 4 years ago on Google
    Excelent tacos and menudo ! Service was getting better and cook is really traditional.

  • 4/5 Mario A. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastico foodo. Delicious and filling. Always has been, and me being back makes me happy to be able to eat here. Love the rice water.

  • 5/5 Nalugirl S. 3 years ago on Google
    Best authentic Mexican food PERIODT, and cooks are really Mexican. Shauna is an AWESOME SERVER and mgr!!!!!!!

  • 5/5 Ethan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Came in with the family for dinner last night, large party with kids. The staff was super nice and friendly, the food was pretty good. We had a good time, ordered desserts and everything. The one thing that was disappointing is that they don't serve alcohol, we could have done BYOB but we were not aware. Next time!

  • 5/5 Bruce H. 2 years ago on Google
    As authentic as it gets to any of the great San Diego Mexican places! The food is great, comes out quickly, and is priced right. The staff is fantastic and if you didn’t know better you may think you are in SoCal!

  • 3/5 Abigail A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food but this is the third time the service has been horrible. The older woman served us and today was especially bad. I have had the younger waitress once and she is absolutely kind and wonderful. But the older woman is just so rude it’s almost not worth going to.

  • 4/5 Alika M. 1 year ago on Google
    Best beef tamale and chicken chilli relleno I've had on island. Server was outstanding, courteous and personable. Food came quickly too. Only my favorite margarita was missing. BYOB...note for next visit.

  • 5/5 John C. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was great. Wait wasn't very long for the food. If you do take out remember to ask for utensils if you need them. The burrito was excellent. The guacamole was plentiful. If it was a few dollars less per entry I would hit this place all the time.

  • 5/5 Greggor P. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff here are incredibly polite and the food was damn good. The carnitas plate and Chile Verde were smacktastic. Crissy, our server was great and the service overall was top notch. Plates came out quickly and everything was super fresh! 10/10 and would easily compete with some of the best Mexican restaurants in southern California.

  • 4/5 Trevor Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Been here a couple times, the first time it was amazing. The second time, the shredded chicken was not as flavorful. Would definitely recommend for good Mexican food though!! Parking can be tough, FYI

  • 5/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great experience. Crissy, our server, was wonderful. The meals were large and very tasty. Everyone enjoyed the meals. The warm chips were not too salty and the salsa was very fresh.

  • 5/5 angela f. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is always delicious here. Chips and salsa starters. Salsa is always fresh. Never can finish all of my food. Great prices. Amazing serving size. Waitresses are alwasy very sweet. I love having food to take home because I'm so full. Mmmm.. Buen Provecho

  • 4/5 Joe K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is good Mexican food for Hawaii. Especially the windward side. It's actually my go to in Kaneohe. The service is great 👍 👌. The 2 things that save it from a 5 🌟 from me is 1. No alcohol license. That being said, you can bring outside alcohol into the restaurant. 2. The seasoning of the food is non committal. I suspect this is to appeal to a wider audience. However, they have a homemade 🔥 sauce that is amazing. The service staff makes you feel welcome. I highly recommend this restaurant.

  • 4/5 Paolo Cupolillo I. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Mexican restaurant. The food is great, service really good, atmosphere is typical Mexican. The only negative point is not give discount for militaries, but this is just a detail.

  • 5/5 Guy K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Bugga ono (Original) Bugga ono

  • 5/5 Kyle B. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty great food. Rich robust flavors.

  • 5/5 Branden B. 3 years ago on Google
    Food and service was awesome!!

  • 5/5 Michael M. 3 years ago on Google
    First time here at this restaurant. Friendly staff and food delicious. Nachos was absolutely mouth-watering and yummy

  • 4/5 Michelle M. 3 years ago on Google
    The staff was friendly even during the COVID restrictions, they have dine-in options, and the food was pretty good. We had the chimichanga and burrito companereo.

  • 5/5 John M. 3 years ago on Google
    Absolutely outstanding flavors and service. Best Mexican food on Oahu

  • 5/5 Darin M. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly, and fast take out. Tasty, generous portions

  • 4/5 Harley R. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful ceviche. Perhaps the best I've ever had! Good portion! Chimichanga shredded beef very good too.

  • 5/5 Megan N. 3 years ago on Google
    The food was so good and the waitress was the nicest lady ever. Can't wait to come back for another Chili Relleno.

  • 5/5 Jess K. 3 years ago on Google
    Some of the best Mexican food on the island

  • 3/5 David W. 3 years ago on Google
    Northern best Mexican food, but we are in Hawaii after all.

  • 4/5 Michelle K. 3 years ago on Google
    Not serving alcohol yet but dine in is open so watch the daily specials and come for excellent customer service!

  • 1/5 Samuel H. 3 years ago on Google
    If other restaurants can have dine-in despite Covid, they should too. Just space the tables. Seriously...

  • 5/5 Troy A. 3 years ago on Google
    They only provide take out and curbside service and the food is still ono despite the Pandemic.

  • 5/5 Jase H. 4 years ago on Google
    Fairly priced, very nice and helpful staff, and authentic, delicious Mexican food.

  • 4/5 Nohea R. 3 years ago on Google
    It was pretty good

  • 4/5 Valerie H. 3 years ago on Google
    Always good food, service, atmosphere..

  • 5/5 Jenna 3 years ago on Google
    Hands down the best authentic Mexican food on Oahu. I recommend EVERYTHING!

  • 5/5 MidwestGamingChannel 3 years ago on Google
    Honolulu

  • 5/5 Kathy R. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellently consistant food. You. Will be very pleased.

  • 4/5 Thackery S. 3 years ago on Google
    Large portions and a dense meat-filled burrito!

  • 5/5 Mark B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food good portion was very satisfied

  • 4/5 QFSPL J. 3 years ago on Google
    Tacos!!!! And salsa! Cheeeee

  • 1/5 Orlando P. 3 years ago on Google
    Disappointed, I was looking for street tacos like in Cali or Tijuana... I couldn’t believe it when I saw meats being reheated I front of my own eyes, and preparation of taco... sad

  • 5/5 Nick F. 3 years ago on Google
    Super friendly service with delicious food. Been hunting some good authentic Mexican food and all the others weren’t up to par. This is the spot to go to

  • 5/5 Bridget T. 3 years ago on Google
    They were great! They've just opened up dine in option and the service was amazing. They're being so careful with corona. Their attention to care for the customer and safety was fantastic. Also the food was just delicious.

  • 5/5 BB 3 years ago on Google
    Love the cheese chili relleno

  • 4/5 Rene F. 3 years ago on Google
    This is likely the most authentic and flavorful Mexican food on Oahu. Even in Covid times, the food is still pretty good and the service is organized and well-mannered. I love their refried beans and my family always gets some seafood and the carne asada. Portions are more than enough. Guacamole is super yummy. Enjoy!


Call (808) 234-5893 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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