El Arroyo

So thankful we decided on this place. The food was absolutely fantastic! We ordered a steak/chicken/shrimp chipotle molcajete, 3 sopesitos with al pastor, and a steak quesadilla. We also had horchata, jamaica and the best michelada I have ever had! The michelada was super flavorful and a bit spicy. We also loved the chipotle sauce in the molcajete and the meat in the quesadilla was so flavorful! Dessert was great too. The food does take a while to come and the molcajete arrives very very hot, but it’s all worth it. Recommend 100%

Loved the flavors, the chipotle sauce was delicious, jalapeño margaritas unique and the overall service was great. One of the best Mexican we have had.

+4

Great atmosphere! So nice sitting by the water and drinking a margarita. The chips and salsa are good and that’s my judgment of a good Mexican restaurant. The staff is very friendly and quick to refill you drinks and chips.

+1

We absolutely love this place. It's a hidden gem in downtown Sonora. I had a Burrito bowl which was super delicious. My husband had Carnitas street tacos and loved them. It's a very authentic Mexican restaurant. The restaurant has both in-door and outdoor seating, with a full bar. The facility is very clean. Service n food was excellent.

Everything was authentic. We had the best waitress ever. The service was so fast and we felt like we mattered. I ordered the chicken flutes, bean dip, guacamole and deep fried ice cream. My husband had the carne asada plate. We will absolutely re visit.

Very nice The waitresses were very prompt. Food was amazing. Definitely going to go back when we go back into that area

This is one of the BEST Mexican Restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. Everything is made fresh and packed with lots of flavor. We love eating out on the patio during the summer months while enjoying a pitcher of margarita (best margaritas and Pina Coladas in town!). We keep coming back for more!

Authentic Mexican food is hard to find. Loved this great restaurant where we were able to enjoy the outdoor seating while taking in the sounds of the city. The service was fantastic as well as the Don Julio Margaritas. Yum. My fav bites were the Three Crispy Tacos filled with Carne Asada. Delish.

+1

Amazing place. Good food. Wonderful presentation and an outdoor seating area that is romantic. A must eat here kind of restaurant.

As a tourist in Sonora we got to try the best Mexican food we ever had. We had the steak, chicken and shrimp molcajetes to share amongst 4 adults. The meat was cooked to perfection and the sauce was tasty. We ordered extra tortillas and rice to accomodate all of us.

One of the Best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to. This was our second time coming to this area and we wanted to make sure we’ll have El Arroyo again. Food was absolutely delicious and service was excellent. Our waitress Dia Salina was very attentive and took my exact special request to the chef and made my dinner unforgettable. Ambiance is nice. We love to sit outside by the river. We got visited by the chef Lupe and had a discussion about his techniques to make the fish so moist and delicious. We will come back here again for sure.

Dinner was good. Fajitas were well seasoned, and definitely enough to split unless you eat a TON! for the most part, service was attentive, but as the restaurant was busy, it was a little tricky to get something that was forgotten. We had a lovely dinner and will be back.

Nice place downtown Sonora. Outside seating pleasantly next to stream by Bridge. Service was good, and the fajitas were 10 out of 10! Delicious.

We were hungry and it smelled delicious! Mouths full and realized I didn't take pictures yet, lol. Unique and one of a kind flavors is the best way we can describe it. The beautiful unique patio view adds to the experience. I will likely return again with curiosity of other menu items and the flavors.

El Arroyo is a gourmet Mexican restaurant. The service and food were amazing. The Tacos Especial with chipotle sauce were so good and the Cazadorea Cadillac Margarita was to die for with a little foam on top. You should get and try everything on this menu.

El Arroyo in Sonora is the best in town. They got awesome food and the hermanos arroyos are awesome! Lupe, Andres and Alex are all great guys! Gabbys the waitress also took care of me are her service was amazing highly recommended

They were very busy when we arrived. Regardless, service was perfect! The drinks were amazing, and the food was delicious! My husband and I had a molcajete with carnitas and the creamy chipotle sauce. Highly recommend this meal with the homemade tortillas!

Excellent Authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist. Tha food is amazing with a cool atmosphere complete with outdoor seating and music. The margaritas are as good as you can get. The prices are great and the service is world class.

saul guzman

El Arroyo in Sonora is the best in town. They got awesome food and the hermanos arroyos are awesome! Lupe, Andres and Alex are all great guys! Gabbys the waitress also took care of me are her service was amazing highly recommended

Rob Sklenarik

Excellent Authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist. Tha food is amazing with a cool atmosphere complete with outdoor seating and music. The margaritas are as good as you can get. The prices are great and the service is world class.

Mary P

As a tourist in Sonora we got to try the best Mexican food we ever had. We had the steak, chicken and shrimp molcajetes to share amongst 4 adults. The meat was cooked to perfection and the sauce was tasty. We ordered extra tortillas and rice to accomodate all of us.

Susan -A

One of the Best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to. This was our second time coming to this area and we wanted to make sure we’ll have El Arroyo again. Food was absolutely delicious and service was excellent. Our waitress Dia Salina was very attentive and took my exact special request to the chef and made my dinner unforgettable. Ambiance is nice. We love to sit outside by the river. We got visited by the chef Lupe and had a discussion about his techniques to make the fish so moist and delicious. We will come back here again for sure.

Charlene Brown

Dinner was good. Fajitas were well seasoned, and definitely enough to split unless you eat a TON! for the most part, service was attentive, but as the restaurant was busy, it was a little tricky to get something that was forgotten. We had a lovely dinner and will be back.

Andy Salmon

Nice place downtown Sonora. Outside seating pleasantly next to stream by Bridge. Service was good, and the fajitas were 10 out of 10! Delicious.

CC

We were hungry and it smelled delicious! Mouths full and realized I didn't take pictures yet, lol. Unique and one of a kind flavors is the best way we can describe it. The beautiful unique patio view adds to the experience. I will likely return again with curiosity of other menu items and the flavors.

Connor Peck

El Arroyo is a gourmet Mexican restaurant. The service and food were amazing. The Tacos Especial with chipotle sauce were so good and the Cazadorea Cadillac Margarita was to die for with a little foam on top. You should get and try everything on this menu.

Lisa Shae Morse

They were very busy when we arrived. Regardless, service was perfect! The drinks were amazing, and the food was delicious! My husband and I had a molcajete with carnitas and the creamy chipotle sauce. Highly recommend this meal with the homemade tortillas!

Jason Myers

This place was quite exceptional. The service was great, The manager who greeted us was warm friendly and truly wanted to give us a good dining experience. He checked on us throughout the night to make sure we were happy with our food and their service. The food was delicious. I ordered Shrimp Enchiladas in a mild red sauce. You are able to choose from a few different sauces all with different spiciness(heat) to them. The enchiladas were good, I do wish it had a bit more cheese but the flavor was top notch. My wife had the Pollo en Creme which was good. We paired our dinner with a couple of drinks a Blueberry Mojito and a Mango Margarita both good a balance between sweetness and alcohol. We finished our meal with a delightful Lemon Cheesecake (they ran out of the dessert Chimichanga ( Ill come back to try that and leave a review on it)) not only was the food good but the presentation of the food was appetizing in itself. Will be back to visit this restaurant.

Shelly

This is a hidden gem found in Sonora. The service was spot on, and the food was Delicious. We did have to pay extra for chips and salsa, but they were super delicious. We were seated promptly and the service was quick. I definitely plan on returning when I come back into town.

Honestly thee best mexican food I’ve ever had! Shared the molcajetes with carnitas and creamy chipotle, w housemade corn tortillas 11/10 ! so juicy and delicious and authentic, super flavorly and the carnitas jus melted apart, & best beans and rice awww!!! Even the chips and salsa was incredible! Mucho sabor ✨

This is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tuolumne County! I love everything from their street tacos on taco Tuesday’s to their vegan bowls and even carnitas are amazing as well! I’m gluten and dairy free and love that I can eat many items in their menu! We often go with friends for bday celebrations and oftentimes they can handle a larger crowd in the back room.

The fajita bowls were delicious and plentiful. The margaritas and bloody marys were fantastic. We especially liked sitting outside on the patio along a beautiful stream. Emily, our server, was friendly and efficient. The prices were terrific. We highly recommend this restaurant.

Jackie Hamer

The fajita bowls were delicious and plentiful. The margaritas and bloody marys were fantastic. We especially liked sitting outside on the patio along a beautiful stream. Emily, our server, was friendly and efficient. The prices were terrific. We highly recommend this restaurant.

Nice ambience, Good service! Large portions, which was nice. The food was pretty decent, but the beans and rice were completely flavorless.

We were a group of 18 for dinner Friday night. We waited 5 minutes for them to set up two large tables. The waitress took our drink orders setting up multiple separate checks. We got chips and salsa and our drinks. She then took our meal orders. We chose a fish, rice and bean plate, a fundito (melted cheese with tortillas) and more chips and tortilla soup. We also tried shrimp fajitas and chicken taquitos. The fish was tasty, the shrimp from the fajitas was tasty. The chicken taquitos a little overcooked. The fundito could have used some salsa or meat, I guess I could have requested meat. The service was great.

We were walk-ins. We have been to Sonora many time and finally decided to eat here. We had to go downstairs from the street level and we were given the option of inside or outside by the stream or creek that runs along side the restaurant. The food was good. I recommend the bean dip with flour tortillas chips . We will come back with friends!

Very cozy place with great food and ambience. We ordered the 1. Fish chipotle 2. Three chicken enchiladas 3. Tostaditas 4. Chicken fajitas All three were tasty especially the chipotle fish and enchiladas.

Good service. Varied menu. Many margarita choices and you pick the tequila. We dined outside above a creek. Even though heavy traffic was 30 yrds away we heard almost nothing. It was a quiet, lovely setting.

This was my husband and mine first time to Sanora. We were looking for a restaurant and came across El Arroyo. We sat outside and Jake was our waiter. We ordered a salad with, I believe a, raspberry dressing and chicken enchiladas to share. The food was amazing. The outside tables are on one side of the stream and across the stream, see photo with red circle, this is where three homeless people were, looking for cans and bottles, at three different times while we were at the restaurant. I would like to say again, the service was perfect, Jake was very attentive and the food was amazing. I don't want anyone to just focus on the homeless people. However I felt that it was important to mention. I want to give the restaurant 4 1/2 ⭐'s. With that being said, we highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. We want to plan another trip back to Sanora and when we do we will definitely be going back to El Arroyo restaurant. Bon Appétit! 🍽🍷🥗

+1

We stopped here while out and about. The smell from this place lured us into it. It smells amazing outside! We sat inside, but they did have nice outdoor seating too (Sun was baking the patio, so we sat inside). Service is slow, at least for what we ordered. We ordered the Pescado al Pastor and the Molcatjete Asada. Both dishes were fantastic! The food here was incredible! Slow, but incredible. The couples next to us received their meals, ate their order, and checked out before we received our Dish. They arrived at similar times as us. I did love the fried jalapeños appetizer as an option, which makes it easier than requesting a side of jalapeños. Some places will bring diced or pickled. Whole grilled jalepenos is unmatched in my personal opinion. I did not get a picture, but instead of chips and salsa, they bring, chicharonne de harina instead, with a little Tapatio on them. Nice change up, but I would have like a bit more as we waited so long for our dishes we just kind of sat there. Luckily, I ordered two glasses of water (started this everywhere to avoid slow server's) and it paid off since we were ignored most of the time with an empty table. Bathrooms, oh man, they could use a bit of help here. Clean enough, although some child did urinate all over the seat of the toilet (not their fault, but I checked both at the beginning and end of the hour+ we were there and it was never addressed). Both bathroom sinks are underpowered and very short, and your hands barely fit (see video). Also, in one of the restrooms, the toilet isn't even bolted down properly (see video).

Finally decided to try El Arroyo in downtown Sonora. At the street level, you'll go down a flight of stairs to get to the main door. If the weather is nice, opt to eat on the patio (dog-friendly). You'll have a pleasant view of the creek and the street action above. In the evening, the string of lights creates a romantic ambience. It kinda reminded me of a bar we went to in Sorrento, Italy. As for the food, yummy...definitely ask for the creamy chipotle molcajete steak and chicken. It's served in a lava rock that's piping hot which, keeps the cheese melted while you scoop it up into a tortilla. We also had the side of queso and chips. I wasn't expecting it to be served on a hot skillet. Great presentation! I complemented my dinner with a frosty pina colada. Service is very friendly and accommodating. We came at peak dinner hour but didn't wait long. I wish I wasn't so full, I wanted to try the desserts!

The chipotle molcajete and the creamy garlic traditional plate were both fantastic, as was the guacamole. The vegan bowl and the chile relleno were not great.

Located in the heart of town, free 3 hours street parking. Nice patio seating area. Huge menu. They have a bar as well. Food was good, and the service was excellent, worth trying when traveling the area.

We have visited four times and have had takeout as many. The food is always excellent. I recommend their El pastor (not pictured). The service has been lacking in our past visits. However, last time, the service was top notch! And they were busy, too. I'm so glad to finally have Mexican restaurant in town that's good and authentic. You can tell that they make their sauces and salsas in house.

Such a beautiful little restaurant! I absolutely love the location. We ordered the molcajete with the chicken, steak, and shrimp with chile verde, it was very tasty but the rice and beans had no flavor. We also ordered the chips and salsa and those chips were soo good! You have to order them as an appetizer and it’s around $3.

Steven Morris

We stopped here while out and about. The smell from this place lured us into it. It smells amazing outside! We sat inside, but they did have nice outdoor seating too (Sun was baking the patio, so we sat inside). Service is slow, at least for what we ordered. We ordered the Pescado al Pastor and the Molcatjete Asada. Both dishes were fantastic! The food here was incredible! Slow, but incredible. The couples next to us received their meals, ate their order, and checked out before we received our Dish. They arrived at similar times as us. I did love the fried jalapeños appetizer as an option, which makes it easier than requesting a side of jalapeños. Some places will bring diced or pickled. Whole grilled jalepenos is unmatched in my personal opinion. I did not get a picture, but instead of chips and salsa, they bring, chicharonne de harina instead, with a little Tapatio on them. Nice change up, but I would have like a bit more as we waited so long for our dishes we just kind of sat there. Luckily, I ordered two glasses of water (started this everywhere to avoid slow server's) and it paid off since we were ignored most of the time with an empty table. Bathrooms, oh man, they could use a bit of help here. Clean enough, although some child did urinate all over the seat of the toilet (not their fault, but I checked both at the beginning and end of the hour+ we were there and it was never addressed). Both bathroom sinks are underpowered and very short, and your hands barely fit (see video). Also, in one of the restrooms, the toilet isn't even bolted down properly (see video).

MOE JARADAT

Located in the heart of town, free 3 hours street parking. Nice patio seating area. Huge menu. They have a bar as well. Food was good, and the service was excellent, worth trying when traveling the area.

G G

Finally decided to try El Arroyo in downtown Sonora. At the street level, you'll go down a flight of stairs to get to the main door. If the weather is nice, opt to eat on the patio (dog-friendly). You'll have a pleasant view of the creek and the street action above. In the evening, the string of lights creates a romantic ambience. It kinda reminded me of a bar we went to in Sorrento, Italy. As for the food, yummy...definitely ask for the creamy chipotle molcajete steak and chicken. It's served in a lava rock that's piping hot which, keeps the cheese melted while you scoop it up into a tortilla. We also had the side of queso and chips. I wasn't expecting it to be served on a hot skillet. Great presentation! I complemented my dinner with a frosty pina colada. Service is very friendly and accommodating. We came at peak dinner hour but didn't wait long. I wish I wasn't so full, I wanted to try the desserts!

Jonathan Higgs

The chipotle molcajete and the creamy garlic traditional plate were both fantastic, as was the guacamole. The vegan bowl and the chile relleno were not great.

Clint Chapel

We have visited four times and have had takeout as many. The food is always excellent. I recommend their El pastor (not pictured). The service has been lacking in our past visits. However, last time, the service was top notch! And they were busy, too. I'm so glad to finally have Mexican restaurant in town that's good and authentic. You can tell that they make their sauces and salsas in house.

Alondra

Such a beautiful little restaurant! I absolutely love the location. We ordered the molcajete with the chicken, steak, and shrimp with chile verde, it was very tasty but the rice and beans had no flavor. We also ordered the chips and salsa and those chips were soo good! You have to order them as an appetizer and it’s around $3.

First take : beautiful outdoor place to eat ! Love it ! Came by to eat dinner on a Sunday evening , I was working in the area but the food was not as expected . I ordered a shrimp ceviche and it was way too salty I had to get 5 limes to be able to eat it . I ordered some barbacoa tacos which were basically mini quesadbirrias it was not what I expected . Barbacoa is not to be severe with cheese either . Waiters were super kind and sweet but the food itself can use some modifications :”) the mechilada was warm Also asked for some ice but use celery juice to prep them ! It would give it the extra kick ! Trust me ! Other than the food the location and serves were great !

We were excited to try. We were in town for work for a couple weeks. Service was non existent for the most part. Kinda disappointed because the vibe was right. Food was ok. The Ramen was great but everything else was pretty plain in flavor.

Middle of the road Mexican food. Their Carne Asada plate served up the thinnest strips of beef I’ve ever seen. Probably only 2 ounces of meat altogether. Not what you expect when you order a carne asada plate.

The menu looks affordable at first, but be prepared to pay an extra $5 if you order rice and beans. On top of that, they force you to pay a 20% tip. The location is great, but once you step inside, you’re trapped.

I really wish I could give this place a good review, but I can't. The first thing you notice is that they don't give you chips and salsa unless you order it and pay for it. $2. Well, we did order it but never got it. We also ordered guacamole and never got it. On the table they give you a napkin and a fork; that's it! No salt, no pepper , no hospitality. We decided to split a burrito, but they gave us no extra plate and no knife with which to divide it. I was not impressed with the quality of the burrito. We won't be going back. Sadly, many of the good Mexican restaurants are closed on Sundays. That leaves you with only this mediocre restaurant.

We went to this restaurant as a family for lunch and had an extremely disappointing experience. After being seated, our waitress was nowhere to be found. We waited about 15 minutes before having to ask the hostess if someone could check on our table. When the waitress finally came over, she had a negative attitude and stated that she didn’t know our table was her responsibility. That explanation was unacceptable and unprofessional. We asked to speak with a manager regarding the situation, only to find out that she herself was the manager. Instead of acknowledging the issue or showing any concern, there was no accountability or effort to make things right. Due to the lack of interest and poor customer service, we decided to leave. Unfortunately, this experience showed a complete disregard for customer satisfaction.

This place used to be a great. Good was food, reasonably priced and good service. Came in today, half empty restaurant and we were seated immediately. 2 servers kept walking past our table, both making sure not to make eye contact. After about 15 minutes of watching them walk by us we went to the hostess to ask for a server. Another 5 minutes later one of the 2 waitresses stopped at our table. No greeting, no apology for the wait, no smile but rather an annoyance. Her “reason” for walking by us so many times is that she didn’t know until that moment that we were her table. Took orders and left. We asked to speak to the manager and much to our surprise, and disappointment, she was the manager. The manager with a half empty restaurant, walking by a table with obviously no drinks or food had no clue she has a table. This time she all smiles pretending to be surprised by her own terrible attitude and service. No excuse for her terrible behavior, lack of customer service and worst lack of any managerial qualities. We left and went next door to Escondite de la Torre where we were greeted warmly with what true customer service looks like.

Gaby Alvarado

This place used to be a great. Good was food, reasonably priced and good service. Came in today, half empty restaurant and we were seated immediately. 2 servers kept walking past our table, both making sure not to make eye contact. After about 15 minutes of watching them walk by us we went to the hostess to ask for a server. Another 5 minutes later one of the 2 waitresses stopped at our table. No greeting, no apology for the wait, no smile but rather an annoyance. Her “reason” for walking by us so many times is that she didn’t know until that moment that we were her table. Took orders and left. We asked to speak to the manager and much to our surprise, and disappointment, she was the manager. The manager with a half empty restaurant, walking by a table with obviously no drinks or food had no clue she has a table. This time she all smiles pretending to be surprised by her own terrible attitude and service. No excuse for her terrible behavior, lack of customer service and worst lack of any managerial qualities. We left and went next door to Escondite de la Torre where we were greeted warmly with what true customer service looks like.

Javier Alvarado

We went to this restaurant as a family for lunch and had an extremely disappointing experience. After being seated, our waitress was nowhere to be found. We waited about 15 minutes before having to ask the hostess if someone could check on our table. When the waitress finally came over, she had a negative attitude and stated that she didn’t know our table was her responsibility. That explanation was unacceptable and unprofessional. We asked to speak with a manager regarding the situation, only to find out that she herself was the manager. Instead of acknowledging the issue or showing any concern, there was no accountability or effort to make things right. Due to the lack of interest and poor customer service, we decided to leave. Unfortunately, this experience showed a complete disregard for customer satisfaction.