Things change… and not always for the better. El Senorial is in the process of doing a major remodel — the formerly dark, slightly divey interior is now fresh and bright. They’ve taken over some adjacent space and doubled their capacity. Those are definitely good changes. What else has changed? Well, our service was painfully bad — we sat for 45 minutes after placing our order, drinks long gone and our server making a full time job out of avoiding our table. Mind you, they were only about 1⁄3 full. We were close to leaving when the food(tacos and enchiladas) arrived. The food has changed too — the chicken in my tacos was dry, under seasoned and lukewarm at best. I ordered avocados on my tacos and received a paper thin slice on 2 of the 3 only — wut? Of course we weren’t checked back on, so I couldn’t request a fix on my crapfest of a dinner. «New» El Senorial delivered a La Perla quality experience so they get an equivalent rating. Get it together, guys.
Elizabeth F.
Tu valoración: 5 Milwaukee, WI
The food was authentic and prepared well. Service was on point. We were entertained by the Mariachi band and will be back again. Enjoyable experience!
Crumbles T.
Tu valoración: 5 Milwaukee, WI
This place was great. Heard alot of good things about this spot from friends and on top of it the restaurant is literally like 2 mins away from my house! Lol. Had the parrilladas regular for one. Boy was I glad I didn’t order more. I felt like I was at a Korean BBQ spot because of the hot plate. For the cost of $ 16.95 you could feed at least 3 – 4 people on that plate(depending how hungry you are). I was stuffed(between eating with me and my friend). Definitely a Milwaukee go to spot. And from what I heard its open till 3 am on the weekends. Just don’t piss off the police man there every night.
Erin P.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
I had not been here in years(definitely it was pre-Yelp and before the expansion). After spinning through Unilocal for dinner suggestions we thought we’d give it a try. We started with old school, lime, margaritas on the rocks. Previous reviews had suggested that they were a mix. Not so, at least with ours. We watched them made from our table and they were delicious! Chips and a house pico was brought to the table. Fresh chopped tomatoes/onions with just a little kick. Our first order was for Queso Fundido with Chorizo and no sauce(an off-menu request that they happily made for us). It’s served with a side of beans and it was out of this world. We probably could have been fully satisfied with just that and the margie’s but my guy ordered a chopped steak burrito that was almost as big as his head and I went ala carte with a Carne Asada Taco/corn shell, a Chicken Chimi and what should have been a Chicken Enchilada — but it ended up as a Cheese Enchilada on my plate. Cool trick. I’m told the burrito was a burrito and not too special but good. The Carne Asada Taco was excellent, the Chimi was extremely flavorful. A little dry but tasty and the even though the wrong Enchilada made my plate– I did taste it and it was good. One of the best sauces I’ve had in the city. The seasonings and flavors for everything we had was spot on. We didn’t make it to dessert but both agreed that we would be back to try some more of the menu including the flan that we heard so much about. One thing I noted while there was how clearly beloved this place is. The place had a constant flow of patrons and there were just as many neighborhood to-go orders as there were customers dining in. Two thumbs up!
Chuck D.
Tu valoración: 5 Milwaukee, WI
My goodness. I did not think this place could get any better… now newly remodeled and improved facility. The clientele shows this gringo that it is authentic Mexican cuisine. The fresh chips and salsa is a good starter. The queaso fundido continues this palate pleasing adventure. My favorite entrée is the Carne asada tempiquena. A nice piece of skirt steak marinated and grilled to perfection. The cheese enchilada buried in the rice and beans is a nice compliment to the meal. Careful with those margaritas, so flavorful that I usually end up with brain freeze. I haven’t found a better Mexican restaurant in the city.
Azucena G.
Tu valoración: 4 Waupun, WI
Delicious! Their prices are getting a bit up there. I’ve been coming here for years. Please try the vanilla flan they have. Their plating is nothing really special but the food is always great. It’s a bit awkward how the bathroom is right in the middle of the restaurant instead of an obscure corner somewhere.(quick tip: the parking lot is on a one way street come in on 31st from the south. There is street parking though) some of the staff are really nice others are more just there not pleasant but not rude either. They just do their job and that’s it. I have recommended this place to many friends and they’ve all agreed it’s one of the best Mexican restaurants on the south side.
Melissa G.
Tu valoración: 1 Milwaukee, WI
AWEFUL. The service stunk and that’s most of the reason why it’s a star I don’t know if it was because we were the only white people in there or what. The tacos were soggy, the beans were mushy I took a bite into my soggy taco and all I got was chicken fat. We got one small basket of chips and when dinner came she didn’t ask us if we wanted more(I eat beans w my chips) I will not be back. I mean how is a taco made with JUSTCHICKEN no cilantro, cheese, tomatoes or lettuce???
Jess L.
Tu valoración: 5 Milwaukee, WI
This local spot was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint! Location is a bit out, but well worth the drive! Live mariachi band accompanied my margarita and tacos! Food was very authentic! A nice break from the American Mexican. I will be going back!
Emily T.
Tu valoración: 5 Avenues West, Milwaukee, WI
I came here over the weekend for some good ol girlfriend time and we ordered the two person parrillada as we always do! I have been coming here for so many years. It’s my favorite Mexican restaurant of all time. They are fast, friendly, and the food– I give it an A+! I love it here! I love their tortilla chips, the salsa is to die for, and the platter is absolutely delicious. I’ve tried the chicken chimichangas, shrimp cocktail, tacos, burritos, u name it. It all tastes so good to me. I especially love drinking the michelada with dos Equis! Yum! I love their margaritas, too. I have referred so many others here and they all love it as well!
Ahnoki D.
Tu valoración: 5 Milwaukee, WI
This is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Milwaukee. Our family has been eating here for years. Like others said its AUTHENTIC not like other so called«authentics» off of National Ave. This is real grandmas food. You won’t find cheddar or American cheese on your taco here. If you want delicious real mexican food not just a hyped up plate with a hyped up décor this is it. Every dish is made to order and satisfying. Also while your there try a Michelada before, during and after dinner!
Alexander H.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
This is real Mexican home cooking. This is not mexican food with plantains(cuban/caribeean influence), a commercial taco joint, the hip mexican happy hour bar, or a Tex Mex restaurant. Here, the dishes are as authentic as the mexican food of the South Milwaukee Food trucks. The atmosphere is a no thrills vibe of locals and tourists alike, and if your lucky, you’ll have mariachi singers rounding each table. One can order in both Spanish or English or order an extra large margarita to drown away the sorrows of a hard work week. The price point is solid and as it should be. So far, I have not been disappointed with anything I’ve ordered here and I’ve went at least a dozen times within the last year. It’s pretty simple, just come here looking for the real deal. You won’t be disappointed.
Edith S.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
Amazing food! Most authentic Mexican food that I’ve ever had in Milwaukee. Cooked to perfection when ordered every single time. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend or stranger. :)
Chelsea S.
Tu valoración: 5 Royal Oak, MI
By far the best Mexican restaurant in all Milwaukee! Everytime I’m there everyone is so nice! The drinks are great, the food comes fast, and it’s awsome. Best Mexican food other than actually going to Mexico. I recommend the bistec a la mexicana, queso fundido, and any large group plate is fun.
A.c. S.
Tu valoración: 2 Brookfield, WI
It was okay at best — high hopes based on reviews, however sub par eats. Not terrible but definitely not great!
Laura S.
Tu valoración: 4 Chicago, IL
Can I say DELICIOUS?! I can. DELICIOUS! I ordered the carne asada & it was moist, perfectly marinated, a huge portion, and paired with tasty rice & beans. Our beer was brought with a chilled & salted mug on the side(with a lime for flavor). I’m pretty sure I could have fallen asleep on that table after eating that meal – I was that satisfied. I highly recommend this restaurant for authentic Mexican food.
Manny R.
Tu valoración: 4 Kenosha, WI
Excellent authentic Mexican food in MKE. I had the taco dinner and it was muy bueno. My gal ordered the enchilada and she enjoyed them and so did I when I came in for a sample.
Suzan H.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
Probably one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever ate at. This place definitely serves authentic Mexican. The service is great and our waitress was super nice. The salsa they serve to you with the chips was on point! The strawberry margaritas are by far the best margaritas I’ve ever had! I had the chicken chimichangas and my friend had a chicken burrito. The beans and rice that come with the dishes were SO good! The only down fall was the chicken burrito lacked a little bit of flavor.
Kelly B.
Tu valoración: 3 Milwaukee, WI
We were in the mood for mexicana and I have heard enough people rave about El Senorial to drive past Taquiera Beunavista and head down to 31st and Burnham. Parking was simple and we were seated in a booth right away. I felt like we had crawled into grandma’s basement what with the décor and wooden walls. I ordered a margarita and could tell it was pretty much Gringo mix with some rail tequila served up for a steep $ 7. I got the chicken mole enchiladas, and Joe got the chicken suizo burrito. The chicken was seriously good, shredded instead of fatty chunks like you usually find at a cheap mexican place. I enjoyed the mole sauce as well, not to sweet. The rice and beans were run of the mill, as were the chips. Their homemade salsa had a healthy kick and was full of fresh tomatoes. The first basket of chips/bowl of salsa is free, then you are charged for each after. Two margs, a burrito and enchiladas sat at about $ 40, which wasn’t as cheap as the quality. While I enjoyed my visit here enough, I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to return over other, closer mexican joints.
S T.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
I was in the mood for a burrito so thought I would try some place that I have not been to before. The inside was typical. Staff was friendly. Food was served fast. The burrito was was generous in size and was hefty when I picked it up. I had the steak burrito and added sour crème, cilantro and cheese and it was very tasty. I was full after 2⁄3 and had to put it down. I would like to sample more of the menu. Also I never had that gristle meat that some places put in the burrito. Over all it’s one of the better burritos I have had in Milwaukee. I will be back but I will still try new places because you just don’t know what’s We did the work lunch here, no where close to work at all but we did it. Still very good, see my pix. Fresh and tasty with generous portions. Everyone loved it. You get sour crème, salsa, guacamole and hot sauce with it to build it your way. No fat or gristle in my steak burrito again. I don’t get here enough with tasting different places but it’s still this best Mexican place I have found in MKE and lines of people are waiting to get in is the norm. Good job.
Rachel F.
Tu valoración: 4 Milwaukee, WI
El Senorial has been on my radar for quite some time. Another in the whole«What do you mean you haven’t been there?» series, I’m so glad that I can now say I’ve been. I’m also glad because I’ve found a new go-to. I certainly plan on returning to El Senorial often and am excited to try the whole menu.(Not all at once, but holy hell is it hard not to want to…) Authentic, no-frills and all about the food, this is truly an authentic Mexican family restaurant. A bit off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out, this spot’s doing it right. Luke’s bistec con rajas y queso: Shut the front door. Perfectly cooked skirt steak, veggies, rice and beans and cheesy cheesy cheese all around. Flavor, presentation… the whole thing was excellent(e). We actually only ended up biting this a few times and taking most of it home, because of my… Tostada Dinner: Three tostadas, rice + beans. Ginormous. Also cheesy. One chorizo, one beef, one chicken. Chicken was good, but obviously the least flavorful of the three; the chorizo had a delightful smoky flavor and wasn’t too oily, and the beef was quite good as well. Piled high with lettuce and tomatoes, the whole thing had me going cave(wo)man style.(So hungry. Shovel tostada into facehole. Repeat.) I bet you want a margarita, but listen dear reader, and listen good: don’t do it. They’re all mix and even if you use good tequila, it’s a let down. Stick w/cervezas if you know what’s good for ya. The house-made hot sauce? A let down. The house made salsa? A total win. We were lucky enough to not have the three strolling gents that comprised the Mariachi band not make their way to our table, which was fine by me. I’m guessing that they were hanging due to the fact that it was a Friday night… and while charming to watch from afar, not so charming straight up in your face.(Have you ever been sung to DIRECTLY? It’s uncomfortable as hell.) Four solid stars! Super excited to return, too.