Menu & Pricing
⭐ Create Your Own Combo
• 1 Item Combo - $15.95 (includes rice, beans, lettuce, tomato)
• 2 Item Combo - $18.95
• 3 Item Combo - $23.75
• Items: Taco, Tostada, Enchilada, Chile Relleno, Burrito, Tamale, Chimichanga, Chalupa, Flauta
🌯 Burritos
• Mexican Burrito - $15.95 (chicken/beef, cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream)
• Expresso Burrito - $15.95 (pork chile verde, beans, smothered with Monterey Jack)
• Asada Burrito - $19.95 (steak, beans, rice, cheese, salsa)
• Vegetarian Burrito - $14.50 (beans, rice, cheese, smothered with Monterey Jack)
🍗 Favorites ($24.95)
• Chicken Fajitas (marinated chicken, peppers, onions, guacamole, sour cream)
• Beef Fajitas
• Mex-Chicken (special red sauce, Jack cheese, avocado)
• Pollo Crema (sour cream sauce, mushrooms, onions)
What Makes El Mex-Kal Special
El Mex-Kal occupies the sweet spot that's hard to find in Estes Park: genuine value without tourist-trap pricing. Located in Village Square Center off the main Elkhorn Avenue strip, this family-run restaurant has become the locals' go-to for Mexican food. With 946+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it's built a following on consistency and fair prices.
The complimentary chips and salsa set the tone immediately. This is one of the few restaurants in Estes Park that doesn't charge for chips - and the salsa is worth noting. Heavy on cumin with genuine heat, it tastes distinctly different from the generic tomato-forward salsas found elsewhere. Multiple baskets are commonly requested.
The build-your-own combo system offers flexibility: pick 1, 2, or 3 items (taco, enchilada, chile relleno, tamale, etc.) and get a complete meal with rice and beans for $15.95-$23.75. This approach makes the menu approachable for groups with different preferences.
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Chile Relleno ($7.75 a la carte / $15.95 combo) - The standout item. Consistently praised as among the best in Colorado. Properly stuffed, not overly greasy, with good heat. Order two in a combo for a satisfying meal.
Tamales with Green Chile ($6.50 + $1.95) - The green chile adds the signature New Mexico-style kick. The tamales are moist and flavorful. Adding green chile transforms the dish.
Chicken Tortilla Soup ($8.95 cup / $12.25 bowl) - Hearty enough for a meal. Loaded with shredded chicken and chunks of avocado. The cup size is substantial; the bowl can feed two light eaters.
Carne Asada ($27.95) - A splurge item, but the steak is cooked properly and well-seasoned. The carne asada taco ($4.95 side) offers a smaller taste of the same quality.
Expresso Burrito ($15.95) - Pork chile verde wrapped in a flour tortilla, smothered with tomato, onion, and Monterey Jack. The pork is tender with plenty of filling.
💡 Pro Tip: Hit the lunch specials (11am-3pm) at $15.95 for the best value. The enchilada + taco combo with rice and beans is a full meal for under $20 including tax. Add green chile to anything for $1.95 - it elevates every dish.
The Honest Take
At 4.3 stars, El Mex-Kal delivers solid value with some inconsistency. The chile relleno and tamales consistently shine. The refried beans are properly seasoned - not the bland afterthought found at many Mexican restaurants. The rice and beans pairing works well with every combo.
Where it falls short: this is more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican. Diners expecting New Mexico or Arizona-style preparation may find the flavors slightly "off" - different seasoning profiles and preparation methods. Some dishes can taste under-seasoned to palates accustomed to bolder flavors.
The margaritas divide opinions. The Original Margarita is large enough to share and generally praised. However, some find them weak. If margaritas are your priority, ask about strength before ordering.
Service is consistently friendly and fast - food often arrives within 10 minutes. The location away from Elkhorn Avenue means easy parking and no wait, even during peak season.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Budget-conscious diners seeking value, families with kids ($8.95 kids menu), vegetarians with multiple dedicated options, locals looking for a reliable neighborhood spot, and anyone wanting to escape the downtown tourist crowds.
Skip if: You expect authentic New Mexico or Arizona-style Mexican, want a traditional Mexican restaurant atmosphere (the decor is plain), or need bold, heavily-seasoned flavors in every dish.
For other Mexican options, check La Cocina De Mama for fish tacos or Ed's Cantina & Grill for riverside patio dining.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 160 1st St, Village Square Center (off main tourist strip)
- ⏰Hours: Daily 11am-9pm, lunch specials until 3pm
- 🚗Parking: Free lot at Village Square, street parking available
- 👶Families: Very kid-friendly, kids menu $8.95 with fries or rice/beans
- 🌿Dietary: Vegetarian options clearly labeled, healthier section on menu
- 🍺Drinks: Margaritas, Mexican beer, full bar
- 🏔️Patio: Small outdoor seating with mountain views
- 💳Payment: Cards accepted, online ordering available
💡 Value Tip: The 2-item combo at $18.95 is the sweet spot - get an enchilada and chile relleno with rice and beans for a complete meal. Two people can share a combo and split a side of nachos ($15.75) for under $20 each. The complimentary chips and salsa mean you're eating before the entrees even arrive.