El Jarro Mexican Restaurant

I am a business traveler so I am often eating in restaurants around the Southeast. I was looking for good Tex-Mex food while visiting San Antonio. I found El Jarro on Citysearch in their "Best of" category. I thought that the experience would be pleasureable when I walked in and was immediately greeted by the hostess, cashier and one of the managers. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. I was seated at a table that was shoved into a corner that I can't imagine would ever hold 4 people. It was crammed and uncomfortable. I am assuming I was seated here because I was alone in my dining. My server immediately came over to ask what I would like to drink and returned promptly. After this I was ignored for about 10 minutes even though I gave all the signs that I was ready to order - closed menu, appearing to look for my server, eye contact with my server. Nothing worked. I finally ordered and my food was delivered in a reasonable amount of time. The food was good, but I have had better. I will say that their Chicken Tortilla Soup was pretty good. I finished my drink part of the way through my meal, but none ever came to refill it or check on how I was doing. Once I was finished I waited at least 20 minutes before my server removed the plates from the table. After that I had to flag him down for the check. He was very quick to take my credit card and return the slip to me though! As I left no one thanked me or asked me to come again. I warn diners going alone to prepare to be overlooked and under served. The food didn't really even off set the lack of service. I don't think I will be dining here on any return trip to San Antonio. Pros: Ambience Cons: Poor Service more

This is the best mexican food I have had since we moved to San Antonio. The line can be long at prime times but definitely worth the wait. The nightly specials are wonderful and the enchilada suizas are to die for. We have visited this restaurant over ten times and the service has been quick and friendly. There is live music on the weekend. Pros: Great food Cons: Long waits for tables at prime time more

This restaurant has been around for a long time. The margaritas are really good. The the food has a very good taste to it. The beans are great. The staff is friendly. more

The food was good (though we'd still pick El Mirasol's fare), but the service was horrendous. We took our toddler on a Sunday at 11 AM - right when they opened. We were left sitting in the waiting area while someone messed with the cash register, and when we asked about being seated, the man told us someone else would help us in a minute. Once seated, it was almost 10 minutes before someone filled our water glasses and asked if we'd like anything to drink. After another 5 minutes, we were asked if we'd be getting the buffet or ordering from the menu. We answered that we'd like to order from the menu, but no one ever came back to take our order (or our menus, which sat on the table throughout our entire meal). Eventually, we gave up and ate from the buffet. The food was good enough, but I wouldn't call it worthy of $12 per person. If El Jarro is going to ignore its patrons due to offering a buffet on Sundays, they should just make it a brunch only establishment from 11 - 1. It will be a long time before we choose to eat there again. Pros: Nice ambience, good patio Cons: TERRIBLE SERVICE more

This is absolutely the best food I have ever tasted. The Margeritas were awsome too! I live in New York City and go to Vegas often so I know good food when I see it. The real mexican food at El Jarro in little old San Antonio TOPS anything I have had in those two places. Whats even better is that it is so unexpected too! You would expect a place like this to be in the tourist trap of the riverwalk but it's not. This is definetly worth a visit or two. That Arturo needs to get on the Food Network to show the rest of the planet how to cook Mexican food! Pros: Food, Service, Friendlyness Cons: Small Bathrooms more

They have "Chef's Specials" that are not the usual Mexican entrees Wonderful. Shrimp Pablano and Chicken Panini are my favorits - while the wife does the usual. Pros: Food, Food, Food Cons: Weak drinks more

Been eating at El Jarro for over ten years, and have not been let down yet! more

I have been going to El Jarro since 1975 and have been to other local Mexican restaurants that have come and gone since then, but El Jarro remains the top one. Sandy and Arthur do their best to make it the best!! Their staff have for the most part, been with them for many, many years - something uncommon the restaurant business. You can always count on an excellant meal there. more

i can't get enough of el jarro! the atmosphere, the margaritas (top shelf!) the fish dishes are incredible (as well as the "fried spinach" that goes with it) and the green corn enchiladas are fabulous!!! definitely the best mexican in town!!!! (yes, it beats chuy's!) more