The food was amazing and our server was very friendly. Good queso, chips, salsa, and sangria swirl. This place is huge and very busy but we had no wait for a party of 4.

First time at this restaurant and I have to say the food was amazing.. the drinks are yummy too! I would

I am not a fan of Mexican food. It makes it even more complicated as there are so many in Texas/San Antonio. I’m from the east and have only encountered one Mexican restaurant not far from Glen Mills Pennsylvania. My all-time favorite. I’ve driven past El chaparral Many times. Covid complicated it for me To dine. Last week was excruciating cold here in Texas. But today was a gorgeous day and I decided to venture out just to get out of my house. So I stopped at El chaparral. My waiter Chris was phenomenal and much to my surprise I love this place and love the food. I had the Carlos special and it hit the spot.I will be leaving Texas in three months and I will surely come back before I leave. Without a doubt the best Mexican food place in all of San Antonio.❤️🤗😊

+2

FAMILY GATHERING SUNDAY OCTOBER 19TH. My older than me uncle complained the fajitas were chewy. I personally thought they were delicious. The sizzling skillet is always a great touch. My dad who lives in Key Largo Florida wanted some good Mexican food. He was pleased,and that's what mattered the most." VIVA EL CHAPARRAL"

Very busy at lunch hour, food was good! Got in and out. Some patrons talk a little too loud about their personal things that you can't have your own conversations, so you just giggle, eat, and move on. We're not from around here, so just passing through every now and then. We'll be back though. We'll just ask for a different booth! :). I'll have to remember to ask for beef enchiladas and flour tortillas next time!

If you’re looking for amazing food, environment, and hospitality… this is it. 1000%. Natalia was our server while still bartending and she was AMAZING. Our food for our group of 6 was also amazing and the best here in San Antonio area I’ve had since moving down here. You’ll feel like family here. ❤️

Every time I've come here it's been fantastic service, friendly staff, and the best food. Extremely affordable for a good night out. Order Valerie's Special or any of the the house specials...they're a delicious variety of Tex-mex!

+1

The food was great and our server was very attentive. They gave us plenty of chips and salsa to start and our meals came out quickly. Throughout the meal our server would stop in to check on us, and quickly responded to our request for guacamole and sour cream. Would definitely eat there again!

I had 14 guests and was seated pretty fast. Santiago was our server and did an amazing job of quickly providing us our drinks and food. Very detailed and he alone took care of all 14 of us. Great job Santago! As for the restrooms ladies in particular are terrible. They need some updating. Not a very appealing ladies bathroom at all! Very run down.

First time and it sure won't be the last awesome! Hot delicious food served up by Max, who was so attentive, He just complimented our meal!

This was our 2nd visit and just as Wonderful. Lace the puffy tacos, amazing flavor and the refried beans taste like heaven. Best I've had. The Erin's plate was yummy as well. If your in the Helotes/San Antonio area come check them out!

This is one of my favorite places to come eat!! Really great food and drinks and just a relaxing atmosphere inside and outside plenty of room to play for kids and enjoy waiting to be seated or eat outside..love coming here and definitely recommend!!!

The experience was excellent the food was good up until the end. NOAH WAS OUR SERVER AND HIS RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ON POINT 💯 percent. As I sat there I asked a waiter that was just standing there by the entry and exit to kitchen to come to my table, and he sent another waiter that also was just standing there. As he looked at me and where I was sitting he made a face as if that is not my table. None of the staff came to my table and I left without my request. I WAS GOING TO GIVE THEM A TIP AS WELL. WHAT I CAN TELL is THEY DO NOT HELP EACH OTHER. if that is the culture there not to help any other table that they are not getting a tip from or assigned to. Nevertheless, I am a paying customer so they should help all guest no matter what. NOAH BE ADVISED YOUR CO WORKERS DO NOT WANT TO HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS WHILE YOU ARE AWAY.

Although the wait was long, we knew the food would be good by the crowded parking lot! We had a party of 10 and the waitress served us well. I had a tropical margarita. It was too sweet for me, but still good. I ate the Pescado Alcapulco. It was delicious!! My husband had chicken flautas and said they were good.

Delicious and super generous portions! I had the Carlos Special. Dedicated staff worked hard and delivered excellent service even though it was super busy and packed.

Our go to restaurant for authentic and delicious Tex Mex food. Everything they have is excellent and prices are reasonable. Large seating area and a great atmosphere.

Went on a Saturday night. Probably most busy time of week. The 45 minute wait was actually 30 minutes. Waitress was so nice and gave us great service. They give you a small bowl borracho beans with chips and salsa to start. Our food was great, did not take long to arrive. We got our queso with chorizo in it. Delicious!

Beautiful place, magnific vibe, food delicious, love el chaparral 💚🌿🍛

El Chaparral is a hidden gem that serves up not only delicious food but also an exceptional dining experience. From the moment we sat down, we were greeted with a cup of warm charro beans, a delightful start that hinted at the flavorful journey ahead. The cheese dip was creamy and rich, setting the perfect stage for the main course. The street tacos were nothing short of exceptional, bursting with authentic flavors that transported us straight to the streets of Mexico. The quesadilla was equally delicious, with a perfectly crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center. One of the standout dishes was the refried beans, which tasted just like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen—comforting and full of nostalgia. To finish off our meal, we indulged in the flan, a sweet and creamy treat that was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. The restaurant itself was impeccably clean, with plenty of parking available, making it an easy choice for a stress-free dining experience. The staff at El Chaparral were all smiles, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of our visit was enjoyable. Overall, El Chaparral is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine in a warm, welcoming environment. We left with full stomachs and happy hearts, already planning our next visit!

The food was really delicious!! The waiter was very attentive & patient with me 😂 I couldn’t make up my mind🤓!The owner was very humble, nice and funny!! The restaurant has an area outside to eat & for children to play. Just know that this will be amazing place to have a family dinner or even business dinner. I would like to say that even though there are some bad reviews posted here; we all are human and everyone does hades a bad day. Stop and think all restaurants are shorthand so you will see a lot of places give one waitress or waiter a large section. So be kind & understanding!! Try this place at least once it’s worth the drive!

Great waiter, excellent food, friendly staff overall. Everyone at our table seemed to really enjoy what they ordered. I had the puffy tacos with picadillo, which was a very good choice. We had locals take us there to show off a restaurant they like and we were glad they did!

Love eating here!!!! Fajitas sizzle dreamingly, Tortillas are fluffed to perfection. Atmosphere is inviting and the art is curated warmly. Fast, attentive staff & always an inspiring time. Always tasty Mexican meals mmmm Expect a date for 2 with drinks to be $60 - $90. Wait time has been anywhere from 20 - 60 minutes. Always worth the wait

+2

Love, Love this place! The Valerie Special is my to go to. I had lunch with a fellow US Navy veteran buddy of mine who happenedto be in San Antonio. We were stationed onboard the USS MIDWAY during 1988- 1991. It was great and exciting to meet up. I was so excited about our meeting up I forgot to take photos of my Valerie Special and his grilled Chicken fajita platter. Both were very good as always. This place never disappoints. My buddy was super surprised and very impressed by Owner Mr. Garcia as Mr. Garcia stopped by our table to say Hi and shook my hand. My buddy Phil said, that's awesome to see the Owner interact like that with his customers. Mr. Garcia approaches me to say hi 98% of the time the other 2 % he didn't see me. Not only is this place my to go to but I always recommend it to anyone asking for great Mexican food in San Antonio. This restaurant has a very low turnover rate of employees. I've been coming here since 2007 and it has most all the same waitstaff. Very few have left. Tells you alot about a business with committed employees who want to stay. Again the food is phenomenal.

+6

That was the best Mexican food that I ever had.

Thank you for the great service for our large church group. It was about 25 of us and y’all did such a phenomenal job despite the undertaking of many people. A+++

1st time visitors to El Chaparral in Helotes. HUGE place, and slightly intimidating upon entering the parking lot. However, there is plenty of room, both inside and outside. Color decorations as expected. Mariachi playing at tables a bonus. Outside a stage and live entertainment. Large tables outdoors and a playground for kids; very smart. Had the sampler and table-side guacamole. Plenty for 2-3, probably 4 adults. Puffy Tacos, shredded chicken were excellent. Patricia's Tacos, not as pictured, as very, very tiny pieces of Carne Asada. That dish was disappointing, and I should have opted for the Tortilla soup. We will return, definitely.

+6

food was good with fast service

+1

We had out of town guests visiting relatives nearby, and we decided to eat at a place in the middle of both homes. This restaurant is locally owned and has been around for many years (40+). Our server was very attentive, courteous, and professional. She made sure we had full glasses of beverages, requests were handled, and all was well. I had the enchiladas Garcia. It was tasty and filling. Others had the Carne Guisada, etc. All 5 of us had a good time. I hope your experience is as good as ours.

I love this place! Friendly staff, very humble and friendly owner, Mr. Charlie always helps his staff and is very involved with his customers ensuring one is comfortable and getting excellent service, everything is always hot and well cooked!

Update- OMG! Now this is the restaurant I came to love and enjoy. They under promised and overdelivered tonight. The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, but still no manager came to our table. The bean soup was on point, the rice was seasoned perfectly, and all the food was spectacular. Even though you don't know who I am, other than another customer, keep whatever you did today, going. We will definitely be coming back regularly. -------------------------‐---------------------------------------------- I called to see how long the wait time was and the person that answered stated it was 30 minutes, but that I should go on yelp and be put on the wait list. I proceeded to yelp, but the waitlist was closed on the app. I called back, someone else answered, I informed them about yelps waitlist, and she proceeded to tell me, "It's first come, first serve" and hung up. Approximately 10 minutes later, when I arrived, the host seemed bothered by people checking in. When I signed in, she told me it was an hour wait. So far, this has been a ridiculous ordeal. Hopefully, the rest of today's visit will turn out better. Update 1- the chips tasted stale and the side of beans, which is always delicious, was mostly water this time. Went from 2 stars to 1 for now. Update 2- our waitress hasn't returned. Not for refills. Not to see if our order was correct nor to see if the food was good. Update 3- our waitress finally stopped by and asked if everything was OK, as she placed our ticket on the table. She didn't ask if we wanted dessert or another beverage. Quite a disappointing visit today. Update 4- adding pics of our watery drink, not full drink, and outlet at the table. Update 5- our waitress took approximately 10-15 minutes to return for our card to pay. The manager on duty usually stops by at least once. Not this time. Today's visit will remain a 1 star. ‐------------------------------------------ After arriving with a positive and hopeful spirit, El Chaparral struck my hopes down. After arriving with the expectation of waiting the usual 30-45 minutes, the time past and I went up to the front to ask about my wait time. They stated I was already seated. The hostess apologized and rectified it rather quickly. They gave out table away to another person by the same name. Not a big problem. She found a table and we were seated within 5 minutes. Our waitress came and took our drink order. We told her we knew what we wanted to eat and were ready to order as well. She told us to hold on... and walked away. Fiveminutes later, she brought our drinks, chips and dip, and walked away again. Another five minutes later she returned and took our order. She walked by several times without saying a word. To us, she seemed bothered to be our waitress. The table next to us must have been her friends, because she spent most of her time with them... until they finished and left. An9ther ten minutes and she walks by and said, "ok. I'll check on your food." At this point I was ready to ask for someone else to take of us. If not for our favorite drinks and delicious fajitas, we would never return. Even when we tried to pay, we were ignored. Such a conundrum... We've gone from having weekly date nights, monthly family dinners, and occasional get together dinners here, to maybe quarterly date nights.

+2

It's definitely a great restaurant to visit. The atmosphere was great, music players going aro7nd with the ri instruments to play your favorite song, food was good, and dr8nks were great. It has plenty of parking space, and it's big enough to accommodate a lot of people inside. Our server was great and attentive. As soon as we sat down, we had our chips and salsa, and she kept checking on us every once in a while making sure we had what we needed. She did an excellent job.

+6

Our first time here. WOW WOW WOW! It’s amazing. Decor and style is beautiful, the service (Cristian), omg **************************************! So friendly and helpful. Amazing food, the best Mexican restaurant food EVER! If I could give a billion stars I sure would! Again Christian was A SUPERSTAR! Thank you Christian!

+5

El Chaparral is simply one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever eaten at anywhere. The salsa is amazing. The chips are unique. Plus you also get a bowl of bean soup to start the meal. I'm a fan of Valerie's Special which includes a cheese enchilada, beef fajitas, rice, beans, pico, & guacamole with a basket of fresh flour tortillas. I'm a big fan of cheese enchiladas and theirs are phenomenal. It's like they created the perfect combo for my tastes. On a recent trip to the Hill Country, I ate at El Chaparral 2 Sundays in a row even though I was staying 80 miles away. It's that good! I will continue to visit this place for some of the most amazing Mexican food I've ever found.

+6

This is a great place to eat and have a good time with friends and family. The server was nice and our food was great. The chips and salsa and drinks were a great combination. Will come back again.

+3

We are staying in Castroville and decided to head out for a day trip to Helotes. This place was on the way on Hwy 16. We had lunch on the outdoor patio out back. Such a beautiful place and the food and service were great! We had house margaritas (excellent) and guacamole with our complimentary chips and salsa. Chunky guacamole, just like I like it. So tasty too. We each had tacos with ground beef. Awesome! I put some guacamole on mine and I had the Two Step so it came with an enchilada too. Delish! Highly recommend! Ans I see this family suffered a loss of their daughter and offer a scholarship. Oh and there is a playground as part of the patio…see pic.

+3

We got a sampler appetizer platter and the fajitas for 2. All the food was great as was the service. We had to add sour cream and cheese because they don't come standard with the fajitas. Their sweet tea is not very sweet at all. It's just enough so the tea isn't overly bitter but we couldn't actually taste any sweetness in it. They have fantastic military discount. Wait time was accurate (45 minutes). We will be returning for sure.

Beautiful, beautiful restaurant! We came in from FL to San Antonio for the eclipse and celebrate 3 birthdays. I chose this restaurant for the path of totality, the reviews, and the fact they had an outdoor playground on site as we were traveling with kids. We sat outside, and even though the online system would only reserve 6, they were able to accommodate our party of 12 with zero issue. (I also called after booking to inform the restaurant that it was 12 not 6 showing up and put in rsvp comments) The decor inside and out was breathtaking and truly enjoyable to look at. The chips and salsa to hold us over were fresh and delicious, we had to make sure we didn't eat them all and fill up! The margaritas were fantastic! I tried chamoy and tamarindo, a 1st for both and equally enjoyable. Based on all the reviews, I went with the Carlos special and zero complaints! In fact, it was hands down one of the best tamales I've ever had. I am typically a pastele girl, but this tamale was even better than them! The corn mash was flavorful, not just mush. My husband had the Helotes delight and enjoyed it as well. He asked for spicier salsa, and they brought him Verde. He truly loved it, perfect balance of heat and flavor. Pablo, our server was very attentive and professional. It was the most beautiful and perfect place for a large party to eat, kids play, and the restaurant to view the eclipse. Although I wish it wasn't as overcast, we still loved every moment. The playground is really great! Slides, swings, monkey bars, and rope climbs. The only complaint is that I mentioned the 3 birthdays on the reservation, as well as to the server, and I wish there was more initiative on our server or restaurant part to have done something for the celebration. Besides that, I highly recommend El Chaparral, Helotes location.

+1

You would think this is just another Mexican restaurant. It’s one of the best places I’ve been in the San Antonio surrounding locations! There is arrays of flavor in every bite. The menu has just the right amount of options for you and the wait time is normal. The food is presented so magnificently and taste even better. It’s worth getting a water to cleanse your pallet after every bite because the beans to the main course is packed full of flavor and cooked to perfection. Great visit for the wife and I.

+1

Been coming here since 1976 when I moved from OKC after high-school to Leon Valley. My first taste of real tex-mex after eating at Ponchos up north! Since then I judge all tex-mex restaurants to theirs. The Carne enchilada sauce is incredible! Took my 90 yr old Dad to get his favorite Chalupa Compuesta and I had the Helotes Special! Karen had her fav, puffys with guac no cheese. Seems like I've been trying the Sangria on the rocks with tequila and triple sec blended lately. We tried theirs and weren't dissatisfied! Salude Charlie,🍻 thanks for all the great food and drinks over the decades amigo! Looking forward to coming back to sit outside on the back patio and hang out! Came back for late lunch and had a great spot on the back porch! Valerie's Special was awesome. Beef Fajitas were nicely cooked. Had the Sangria Margaritas again. Been back twice for the Texas enchiladas y'all in the past month. Switching to Jessica's top shelf Rita with no salt for my bebidas. Yummy 😋 all good in the hood amigos Went back and sat outside again but switched up on Rita's and entree for a change. The El Chaperell Rita with pineapple,lime and OJ!! Most excellent! For the entree I had the Carlos Special!! Crispy Beef Taco,2 cheese enchiladas, pork tamale, rice, Helotes Corn salad ( instead of beans)with a quacamole salad! Mercy! Thanks for the great service Victor! See y'all again soon.

+6

Excellent food!! Fajitas were delish! Beans and rice on point. You can't go wrong here. I'll definitely be back. First time here.

I love el chaparral, as their food is always delicious, hot, and comes out in a timely manner! The complimentary beans they bring out before your meal are always tasty. Their sweet tea is good, and so are their fajitas. The salsa is also very yummy. Overall, we enjoy this location!

Josie Leyva

Amazing food!!! Finally the found an authentic Mexican food restaurant in San Antonio!!😁💕💕 Coming from El Paso craving my kind of food I'm loving this place!! Jose our server had amazing customer service very tentative so friendly and suggested options love that as well. Tha puffy tacos are my favorite now the flautas OMG the best!! Sopalpillas wow. Will most definitely come back again!!💕💕💕💕😁

+1

L Sambrano

Our family celebrated a special heavenly birthday for a loved one. We were very fortunate to have Yvonne V as our server. Yvonne provided exceptional service, a friendly and professional attitude. Half of our group were kids and she made sure they were also well served too. The food was delicious . Extra kudos to “Erin” for answering my email concern for our reservation concerns.

Lennie Lynn

A Must-Try Mexican Gem in Helotes, Texas One of the absolute standouts in the greater San Antonio area this Mexican restaurant is next level incredible. From the moment you walk in, the welcoming atmosphere sets the tone. Whether you choose to sit indoors or relax out on the patio, you're in for a treat. Now let’s talk about those massive margaritas strong, refreshing, and unapologetically bold. Thank you for making them the way margaritas are meant to be made! The food? Phenomenal. Every dish bursts with authentic Mexican flavor, from the perfectly seasoned entrées to the homemade tortillas and excellent guacamole. The chips are crisp, the salsa has just the right kick, and everything tastes like it was made with care and tradition. The service is just as impressive friendly, attentive, and fast. You truly feel like a welcomed guest every time. This place is the real deal. If you're craving bold flavors, strong drinks, and a vibrant vibe, this is the spot. 🌮🍹🔥 Plenty of room to park as well. Free parking!

+3

Michelle & Shannon luv 2 eat

Great authentic Mexican food. Love the complimentary beans before your meal. Fantastic service and very clean.

Jason J

I recently enjoyed lunch with one of my church friends. The food was fantastic, the service was great, and the atmosphere was perfect for enjoying a good conversation with good company. I had the Street Tacos (Al Pastor) and they were enjoyable. The chips and salsa are a bonus and the drink selection is pretty solid. Plenty of non alcoholic options which is a good thing. We went on a Monday around noontime and were seated immediately and seen by our server promptly. There's really nothing negative I can say. I will be going back in the near future!

Catherine Bullwinkle

Went to El Chaparral for the first time for dinner after seeing a review on TV. We loved the interior decor and there’s also a beautiful outside garden where you can eat, or kids can play on the jungle gym. We were greeted and seated promptly. The service for drinks and food was friendly and very quick. Our waiter was very attentive. We had the steak fajitas and stuffed poblano with chicken and jalapeño sauce with cilantro rice that were both delicious. We had planned to have dessert, but decided to make it take out as the food portions were filling. The homemade pineapple empanadas and ‘coffee filled cake’ were excellent. Drive past the front to the side of the building to find a large parking lot. Handicapped parking in front. You may want to make reservations, we didn’t and it was packed when we arrived by 5 pm with people waiting when we left. It’s child friendly with nice kid friendly meals. The town of Helotes on the way to the restaurant had cute shops and a pretty walkway in case you want to come a little early and take a nice walk.

Farm Yoga

We had a wonderful time eating lunch at the magnificent El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant in Helotes Tx! The Parrillada for two was out of this world! The ambiance was so relaxing and the place was pristine clean. I had to take pictures even of the bathrooms because the feel is like being inside a beautiful Mexican Hacienda!! Five Stars .. Ill be there next weekend again 👌🏻🫶🏻

+3

Julie Martinez

The food was amazingly delicious 😋 We enjoyed the fresh homemade chips with salsa and the cherry style beans they give you while waiting on your food. The server was very nice and attentive. The food did not too long to get. It was definitely authentic. Can't wait to drive the 2-1/2 hours to go back again!!

K-Leigh

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant around. It has a great atmosphere and the servers are always friendly. The chips are really good (baked hit there) and they even have a small bakery. The decorations are nice and it’s always easy to get a table without much of a wait. The tortilla soup is delicious. I also like the chicken enchilada. Recently I tried the chicken quesadillas and they were the best quesadillas I’ve had.

+2

KC Mitch

We have been coming here for over 20 years and it always hits the spot. The food is always amazing and the atmosphere is great. The fajitas and enchiladas are great. The beans and rice have the same flavors today as they do years ago. Great chips and salsa with soup beans hit the spot. Friendly professional staff and a clean restaurant. Thank you everyone and we’ll see you guys soon. Our first time back in 8 months and it’s still amazing. Thank you and can’t wait to come back to town for some more.

+6

Third time here and once again, food and service were great. Celebrated a birthday dinner today and everyone had a fabulous time. Their desserts are also a must try. Highly recommend trying this plac…

Third time here and once again, food and service were great. Celebrated a birthday dinner today and everyone had a fabulous time. Their desserts are also a must try. Highly recommend trying t…

Third time here and once again, food and service were great. Celebrated a birthday dinner today and everyone had a fabulous time. Their desserts are also a must try. Highly recommend trying this pl…

The food and the service was phenomenal my sever cas was absolutely amazing i 100 percent recommend the gabriels nachos my sever was kind and very respectful when i asked for a swap on my dish becaus…

The food and the service was phenomenal my sever cas was absolutely amazing i 100 percent recommend the gabriels nachos my sever was kind and very respectful when i asked for a swap on my dish beca…

The food and the service was phenomenal my sever cas was absolutely amazing i 100 percent recommend the gabriels nachos my sever was kind and very respectful when i asked for a swap on my dish beca…

My daughter and I ate lunch at this wonderful restaurant. Our waitress was very nice and attentive to our table. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was quiet, the tables were spread out so as not…

My daughter and I ate lunch at this wonderful restaurant. Our waitress was very nice and attentive to our table. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was quiet, the tables were spread out so as not…

Always an excellent experience when we dine here. Excellent food, great service and reasonable prices.

Food is always perfect. Never been disappointed. The atmosphere is always fun. Service is always fast. We have never waited long even when they are packed.

Food is always perfect. Never been disappointed. The atmosphere is always fun. Service is always fast. We have never waited long even when they are packed.

We were at El Chapparal and I felt like a pina colada, goodness it was amazing. I was there with my husband. He ordered chicken Laura's and they were so good. Also there was my bestie. She had a tr…

One of the best Mexican restaurants I have eaten in. Fresh food, great service, and put us in the perfect table for my dog. Very popular as it was crowded at lunch.

One of the best Mexican restaurants I have eaten in. Fresh food, great service, and put us in the perfect table for my dog. Very popular as it was crowded at lunch.

One of the best Mexican restaurants I have eaten in. Fresh food, great service, and put us in the perfect table for my dog. Very popular as it was crowded at lunch.

This restaurant is large, has a hugh selection of dishes, and the wait service is excellent! Helotes is on the outskirts of San Antonio, but is relatively easy to get to.

Love Hi Chapparral: They have the best food and drinks and such a great atmosphere. Highly Recommend the one on Bandera Rd. Always a treat to eat there.

Love Hi Chapparral: They have the best food and drinks and such a great atmosphere. Highly Recommend the one on Bandera Rd. Always a treat to eat there.

We met up with friends of ours. This was the first time we had been to this place. Oh my goodness, it was very good. drinks were fabulous dinner was great, our waiter Nicholas did a wonderful job.…

SA local residents since 1985: Thur evening visit / Enchiliadas w/ jalapeno cream & mole sauced enchiladas, black beans, rice, flour tortilla seasoned well; 4.5; atmosphere 5; good server & host 5…

SA local residents since 1985: Thur evening visit / Enchiliadas w/ jalapeno cream & mole sauced enchiladas, black beans, rice, flour tortilla seasoned well; 4.5; atmosphere 5; good server & host 5…

My husband and I came here because we had a giftcard and it was a lovely experience. We went for lunch and sat on the patio. The patio is adorable! So many shaded spots and if your table isn’t shaded they have umbrellas. They also have fans to keep you comfortable if it’s too hot. There is even an area for kids to run and play outside. They gave us a sample of the charro beans (I believe) and they were delicious! Such good flavor. The food portions were small, but we went during lunch so maybe they were the lunch portions. It was plenty to fill us up, but not really anything left for leftovers. Normally an entire meal for me turns to two at restaurants, but this wasn’t the case this time. The menu also didn’t have many options to pick from... this could have also been because it was during lunch. The server was nice, but didn’t ask us if we wanted refills when they got low or empty. I could see us trying the place out again, probably for dinner next time though.

Carne Guisada plate was good but there was fatty pieces. For a $16 plate I would have expected better quality on the meat as I can get non-fatty meat at other places for the same meal at $10-$12 at other places. The hot sauce wasn't even very spicy, I had to ask for actual jalapenos to be brought to me for an actual kick to my meal. They all had a lot of staff on hand for it being such a slow paced time period. The food isn't bad, but I believe what you actually paying for here is the nice atmosphere and to keep too many people staffed who were waiting for something to do. Management needs to do a better job at recognizing staffing needs.

We decided to visit this spot in order to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday. It was a Saturday around late lunch. It was very clean, the staff was very kind, and the history and atmosphere was prevalent as soon as you walk through the door. They have a huge dining area both inside and outside with an island style bar offset to the dining area. Our server was Santiago who was very kind and quick with his service. The food was exemplary, but it is a traditional style with no frills, but it will quell your appetite. My recommendation is the steak fajita quesodilla, but they did boast some quality grade ribeyes on the menu. Their drinks are absolutely magnificent and the magonada margarita is a must try. Rumor has it their is a live mariachi band that plays on select days. If you have a philanthropic heart, this restaurant also founded the Jessica's scholarship foundation which directs donations to St. Mary's university in honor of the host family's name. It is certainly a San Antonio staple and is one of my recommended stops for those new in town.

A Great Place Even for Wile E. Coyote A return to the Roadrunner for an early lunch did not net us any worms fortunately. What we did get was an amuse bouche in the form of a small bowl of savory bean soup. Long time patrons would have withdrawals if this freebie was not provided almost at the same time as the arrival of chips and hot sauce. New glossy menus (at least since we had last been here) are a sure fire predictor of increased prices. And yes, the prices are keeping up with inflation. Those that enjoy b&c nachos individually made (versus a piled melange) can relax. Add a mini taco shell filled with guacamole and jap slices for a pretty as a picture plate of mouth pleasers. Carlos Special platter is so good that it has become our repeat selection made perfect with an upgrade from cheese enchiladas to beef. Normally I don't think much of tamales that accompany most combo plates. You will find the exception here. Granted it was covered with their stellar enchilada chili con carne sauce, but the almost smokey flavor of the beef filling and the tender corn masa is it's own proponent. A crackly crunchy taco is a bonus with this platter. Be sure to slather it up with the guacamole plop hiding under the tomato slice on your plate. Top the meal off with scrumptious in-house made corn and flour tortillas. Go ahead and dredge through those great refrieds with these tasty scoopers. A new addition to the front of house is a small case of Mexican postres for that sweet tooth.

Bar staff was friendly our wait staff member at the table not so much. It was about a 20-30 minute wait for a table for a party of 4 which was not bad because we started drinks at the bar. Only one member was a smoker so note there is no smoking on the patio seating. The one way sign in parking was a bit confusing but it seems you can drive in from Old Bandera Road from Old Helotes. The food is good and well presented mid range pricey. Photo of Street Tacos. The art and atmosphere is fun. A big family had a birthday dinner behind us so definitely a place to take someone for their birthday.

What a surprise!!! The Chaparral offers some serious Margaritas and great food. BTW do not get fooled by where the map navigation tells you turn because at first glance you may think parking is limited...not at all. Plenty of parking and a helpful staff makes it a jewel in the town of Helotes. UFO Buster Radio Approved 👍👽

+1

Our first time visiting from Austin. Good Mexican food and great service. We tried a little of everything beef enchiladas, jalapeño cream chicken enchiladas, crispy tacos, parrillada and margarita’s.

+3

The fajitas were cubed up. Thought they would be in strips. They were ok, needed more flavor. It came with a LOT of food though. We got the $66 family size one which was plenty. The queso flamado was delicious.

+2

Table-side guacamole was the star earner here! It was VERY good, VERY fresh. Would definitely order it again. Also, their tortillas are noteworthy and wonderful! We had baked cheese with chorizo and tortilla soup. The portions are large. Come hungry!

+5

Another year, another 100 tacos. Lunch today called for a brief wait (under 5 minutes) and a quick seat to our freshly cleaned table. Service was above good, and the food was better. Inside was almost at capacity, but the staff was more than capable of handling it. Due to the cold front only a few die hands on the patio. As the restaurant restrictions are eased we thought we would head for our North West SA favorite, El Chaparrel and eat on the patio. Beware if this is your plan. While inside seating is almost always immediately available, the patio has been a 20 to 30 minute wait the last two times we ate here. Note the date of this review, as things change. This time the good food pushed us to an inside table and a Don Juan frozen caused the food to slip down letting us enjoy the sweet taste of their food. See you guys next weekend.

Caren Queen

My aunt really loves this place so it’s usually where will meet the place is very pretty inside but I had the enchilada plate and it was just alright it wasn’t great but wasn’t horrible I can say what my family ordered definitely did look good but I feel like the orginal old school plates shouldn’t be forgotten about I would definitely not order the cheese enchilada plate again! Service was great and relatively fast outside of that!

Brent Garrow

Food was good, everything seemed made from scratch. Chips, salsa and a small bowl of beans were brought to the table to start The beans were flavorful with just a little bit of spice on the back end. The salsa was also good, with just a little bit of heat. Chips wete fresh, but unseasoned. The chicken in the Chicken fajatas was a little tough. The cheese enchiladas were good but the corn flavor from the tortillas was a little overpowering. The rice was done perfectly and the refried beans were good and not your typical out of the can refried beans. Next time I need to save room for the sopapillias. Staff was friendly. Plenty of seating. They had a nice lunch crowd for a Thursday. Also, they do offer a military discount.

Michael Briggs

Very good food here. Some of the best Mexican plates you'll find in the region. Thanks guys, it is always a good time.

Melissa R

First time visit. Food was excellent and the wait wasn't long. Busy time of day and staff was still meeting expectations. Love the vibe of the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful decor. Will definitely be back with the family to enjoy other menu options.

+1

The food was pretty much tasteless. It didn't have a Mexican food taste at all. The salsa was bland, the beans and rice had little to no seasoning and the entrees were mediocre. The crispy tacos came…

The food was pretty much tasteless. It didn't have a mexican food taste at all. The salsa was bland, the beans and rice had little to no seasoning and the entrees were mediocre. The crispy t…

The food was pretty much tasteless. It didn't have a Mexican food taste at all. The salsa was bland, the beans and rice had little to no seasoning and the entrees were mediocre. The crispy tacos ca…

Huge restaurant with nice decor inside. Staff were very friendly and food came out in good time. prices were also really good.

Service and ambiance were great. Normally, the food is excellent. However, this time, the beans were served cold and several meals served to our group were also cold. Hoping this was a fluke. The o…

Service and ambiance were great. Normally, the food is excellent. However, this time, the beans were served cold and several meals served to our group were also cold. Hoping this was a fluke. The o…

Breakfast is offered here on the weekends. They have a wonderful selection of items at great prices. The only complaint I have is they will not let you have the salsa that comes with the chips for …

Food was good. The chicken fajitas were awesome. The flautas were ok. Very nice local place to eat and relax.

The food was really good and came out in a timely manner. The only complaint is that we called and asked about the wait only to be told there wasn't one. We headed right over since we live close by…

El Chaparral Mexican Food is so super yummy. There are dairy free options for those who need it. The helotes location is HUGE and loud. This is great if you have a large party and kids making noic…

El Chaparral mexican food is so super yummy. There are dairy free options for those who need it. The helotes location is HUGE and loud. This is great if you have a large party and kids making …

Well this will be 2nd time we visited this resturant Chaparral. Service was slow. After we recieved our food ,we never got any assistance from waitress who.mention to us after I asked why didn't we g…

Well this will be 2nd time we visited this resturant Chaparral. Service was slow. After we recieved our food ,we never got any assistance from waitress who.mention to us after I asked why didn't we…

Well this will be 2nd time we visited this resturant Chaparral. service was slow. After we recieved our food ,we never got any assistance from waitress who.mention to us after I asked why didn't …

Inside was much nicer than we expected from outside appearance but we saw the parking lot was full so we thought we would trust true locals & stop. They serve a mini bowl of bean soup with the warm…

This is a VERY popular local restaurant that has been around for some time. It is conveniently located on Hwy. 16 and has plenty of parking. We met friends for lunch on a Friday and they accommodat…

A large group of us met here for a gathering and it had been years since the two of us had visited. This visit was a better experience than the last one. The parking was easy and we were seated qui…

The chorizo and egg plate was enjoyable overall, though the flour tortillas were underwhelming—standard restaurant-style and lacking freshness or flavor. I rated the service two stars primarily due to the interaction with the hostess. Upon entering, I wasn’t greeted—no “hello,” “good morning,” or any acknowledgment. I had to initiate the conversation myself by saying, “Just for one.” Her demeanor felt cold and unwelcoming, which set a disappointing tone for the visit. What concerned me most was the noticeable difference in how she interacted with other guests. I observed her warmly greeting white patrons with smiles and friendly energy, which made the contrast in treatment difficult to ignore. If this was an isolated oversight, I hope it’s addressed. If it reflects a deeper bias, that’s something the restaurant should take seriously. Despite this, I do plan to return, as the food has its merits. However, I’ll keep my expectations modest when it comes to front-of-house hospitality.

I have heard a lot about this place, mostly mixed reviews so we decided to try it ourselves with some family. I think everything was just ok and nothing really stood out as spectacular. The first salsa we got was very tangy and the second one had too much of a tomato taste. I had the two step which came with a chicken puffy taco and spinach enchilada. The taco was good but the enchilada seemed to be lacking, I don't think the spinach was seasoned very well. My daughter loves fideo but she wouldn't touch this one after a couple bites. I tried it and it tasted like noodles in watered down tomato soup. The rest of the table said the food was just ok. Service was pretty quick but wasn't all that friendly.

I enjoyed looking at the entrance with all the decorations very welcoming, with exterior seating and bar. Seating was quick food came out in under 15min. Waiter was very attentive, order came out correct with no issues. The Chile relleno had a different take on it stuffed with shrimp and cheese with an avocado sauce, servings were for a child with an adult price. Thanks, for the reply I will indeed revisit when in the area Carlos. I enjoyed the relleno, the rice was a little hard and the charo beans had more juice and flavor then beans in it. Overall enjoyed the experience and food.

+1

Came during the in-between lunch and dinner, so I understand the lack of attention in general. When we arrived, we were not greeted for a couple minutes, but when a person did arrive at the host stand, we were still not greeted. The host then grabbed 2 menus without confirming the party size. He then proceeded to start walking away and it was at this point I realized he was about to walk us to a table because he had still not said a word to us. I had then requested a booth, and he acknowledged that, but then rushed to the table without making sure I was behind him. I was helping my grandmother who needs a cane to walk, so I wasn't able to keep up with him, but he wasn't even at the table he "walked us to", so I had to ask him to make sure what table he meant for us to sit at. During my meal, I observed the host getting to tables about 20 feet ahead of the guests two more times. Service during the meal itself was great. Server did not introduce herself, but was nice and helpful, and food did come out in a timely manner. The food itself was subpar at best. We both ordered the Carlos Special just to get a little of everything. The black beans I got on the side were inedible. They honestly tasted like they were stewing in dirty soap water. Everything else tasted fine except for the fact it was all swimming in oil. I used to come as a kid, and I still absolutely love the atmosphere. The building is beautiful, and unless it's peak weekend nights, there is plenty of parking. Will definitely need to come again during peak lunch or dinner times.

I wish our experience warranted a better review however this evening, it was just so-so. It was quite busy and there was a bit of a wait but that was to be expected. Once seated, we were greeted right away. Our server was very polite and our glasses never went empty. The food was just okay. The husband ordered beef fajitas and I ordered chicken enchiladas. Both were greasy and the accompanying beans and rice looked and tasted a bit old. It was quite disappointing as we have enjoyed prior visits; we may revisit when they are not as busy.

It was not crowded, no wait time. It seems that the quality and quantity of the food have changed over time. I recently ordered the Neil's plate, and unfortunately, the cheese enchilada was quite tough, and I could barely find any cheese. The taco appeared to be made with hamburger and a few pieces of lettuce, without any tomato or cheese. We usually receive the barraco beans in a bowl, but this time, we had to request them after our meals were served. Additionally, the beer was not as cold as it should have been.

I really don’t understand the hype with this restaurant and all the recommendations I get from people to go here. The atmosphere is pretty nice. We didn’t get to see the outside since the wait time was longer than the inside wait time. I’d say the best thing they have (which gave them the 3 stars is the margaritas). And because our waitress gave our kids some extra tortillas. Our first restaurant choice was sold out of food so we came down the road to El Chaparral. I had not been here since January 2020. It didn’t stand out to me then, but so many people have told me to try it again since moving here so we did. But no different, food was still bland and mediocre. I wanted an item with only chicken breast so I ordered the fajitas. Last time I dined at the restaurant I had a type of enchiladas and didn’t care for them so thought I’d switch it up. But the chicken meat and veggies were bland. I ate one and took the rest home for my husband to take for lunch the next day. Overall, our who table thought the food could have been better. My kids ordered from the kids menu (burger and quesadilla)…tried to talk them out of it and order something else. The kids burger was a slider size. The quesadilla was ok. My daughter ate it. Our guest really enjoyed the beans served with dinner. If you’re looking for a good drink, go here. If you’re looking for good food, I’d go elsewhere.

+1

I have been eating here for years the food is fantastic. The fajitas are some of the best I've ever had but the bathrooms are absolutely atrocious. You can smell The Stench from them when you get within 10 feet of them. The restrooms stink worse than an old truck stop. Please Remodel the bathrooms they're horrible.🤢🤮 And this comes from somebody that really loves this place.

The location of El Chaparral was a little tricky but it is within the Helotes community Old Town! They gave an unexpected traditional bakery full of texmex pastries and cookies. Their traditional TexMex food seems to follow customary recipes. Their Spanish rice and refried beans are perfect. However the cheddar cheese used on the traditional cheese enchiladas was a serious miss!! Not sure if it was a specific brand of cheese but its taste falls flat. The staff are friendly, helpful, polite. The bathrooms are clean. The interior decor feels like an old day traditional Spanish home. Its rustic charm moves you to a cozy atmosphere conducive to welcoming a special meal. It is good. Just not quite a San Antonio icon!

We opted to sit on outside patio under a large tree. The server placed menus on a table covered in pollen & leaves. Tell me how that is acceptable? Just because we sit al fresco doesn't mean we want to eat from a dirty table 🤨 Thankfully the server returned quickly with a wet towel & cleaned table with no issues. The matter was handled very well, but it should go without saying that the tables & chairs are cleaned regularly & throughout the day.

Jason Schad

Food is good. Price is decent. Our service was great. It's just so damn loud. I sat there quiet for over an hour and couldn't hardly hear my wife sitting next to me as she was talking to me or my kids across the table. Recommend sitting outside if you visit.

One

I ordered the Parilla. Food came out hot, but not sizzling, unlike countless other mexican restaurants. Meat was a little dry, but not terrible. It really just felt like an average to below average mexican restaurant. Was expecting better for the prices but I guess not. Green salsa and beans were great though.

Maggie Q

other than the fact that we didnt get tortillas with our enchiladas it was actually pretty good food! when you first walk in the environment had a foul wet sock smell but the art and walls were filled with beauty. our server was also great. and make sure to arrive after 11am not exactly at 11a because they take awhile to open doors, we also had to sit ourselves because nobody was available to sit us until we sat at the wrong section for about 10 minutes. but overall the food made up for the flaws for sure.

Allie Martinez-Novick

Chicken flautas and refried beans were good. Rice wasn't hot and when they brought the replacement, it wasn't hot either. They took my plate since I tried a meat filled one as well but sent it back and only got my flauta on a plate so I couldn't finish enjoying my beans and salad. Also, it doesn't smell nice in there. Not sure what it is but yuck.

Ashley Geyer

My husband and I stopped in after a wedding in Helotes one evening. I’ve had this place on my restaurant bucket list for a bit…so we decided to give it a try. Walking in, the people were very friendly, and the atmosphere was nice! Our waiter was wonderful too! But - the food? It was mediocre, at best…which was a little disappointing. My husband ordered Beef Enchiladas…& they were cold, and the tortillas were chewy, and a little hard to cut. Maybe they were cooked a little long? I got the plate that had two enchiladas and a taco (Mexican Plate). I had the same issue with my enchiladas…but the taco was OK. There wasn’t very much meat in it…but the veggies in it were fresh and delicious! Let me just say…the show stopped? The Charro Beans the waiter gave us. Those Charro beans were some of the best I’ve ever had! DELICIOUS. They really saved the meal. Overall, not our favorite. We’d give it another chance, if we were that way.

There was great service. Host and waitress gave great service. Just that I want to encourage the dishes with meats like chicken with cilantro rice was very dry. I guess it was overcooked and hard a…

drinks were great, pretty good food and friendly staff. This restaurant will DEFINATELY give you a much better option for this type of food compared to many of the touristy spots downtown. This is…

We expected much better for a home-town restaurant celebrating its 50th year in business. Everything from the ambiance to the service and the food was underwhelming. We ordered the volcano nachos,…

Food wasn't bad. However, the rice was cold and it was 4 spoonfuls worth. The entree i ordered specified to have beef fajita and I got ground beef instead. The chips were stale. I also got charged 4% for paying with card and did not see any notice for that or was i asked if I wanted to pay via cash.

I’m not one to leave a BAD review, but when the food is inedible and the service lackluster, I just had to do something. Service: 2. It was bad. I felt bad for the server as they kept giving him tables when he was already behind, but then after he forgot about three things we ordered (he had no tablet to write anything down), it became very frustrating. Food: 1. The beans they give you to start and their salsa are really good, but in general the food was bland and had zero flavor. The “fajitas” were extremely bad. They were outright disgusting. I usually don’t finish meals, so I take food home. I left this behind it was so bad. The taco salad did look good and my friend killed it, so maybe that could bump up this rating. Restaurant: 4 Nice atmosphere, especially outside on patio. Good parking and pleasant staff.

Paid a lot of money for very cold food. Everything was cold. Tortilla soup and tacos. Only reason I didn't send it back was because I was starving and in a rush to see Gary Allen at floors. We even were there before the crowd and the food came out quickly so there's no reason for expensive cold bland food. My husband picked this place. I would've known better. Its not very authentic food. Never again. Wate of my hard earned money. Oh, and I don't know what it was but I think it was supposed to be beans. It was just soup with a few onions and tomatoes. Not one bean! In either my husband's or mines. Come on!

Honestly surprised that this place is rated so high. Food is sub par. Definitely not grandmas Mexican food, especially for the price. Also, place always smells like poop when we go. I wish I was joking but it honestly makes you not want to eat. Also, hostess are never friendly. I come here about 2-3 times a year for family members birthdays and always regret not skipping the meal. Same yourself some money and go to a real Mexican restaurant.

I was charged 50.00 to reserve tables for 15 people at 600pm,by 630 my guests were still waiting for it to be set up.it was to be a surprise for my husband,I was more surprised my guests were just …

Slow service, watery beans, and non-attentive wait staff. Unsure why the parking lot is always full. Will never return here again.

This is an order to go. waitress was not friendly at all. Ask for whole beans received refried beans. Paid $72.00 and only received 3 floured tortillas Asked for 3 more and they said no ask for re…

This is an order to go. Waitress was not friendly at all. Ask for whole beans received refried beans. Paid $72.00 and only received 3 floured tortillas Asked for 3 more and they said no ask for …

Very disappointed with my visit here I was here. I sat indoors with my sister and our children and we were the last to get any service they took forever to acknowledge us and take our order we ordered some margaritas and they were a disappointment watered down and the glass smelled like old dishwasher water the salt was not even around the rim they just smeared it in some areas. will not be coming here again.

We choose to eat here, it’s been years but got seated the waitress took a long time to approach our table. Tacos were cold! I asked to warm it up it came back cold again. Service was horrible hardly anyone in the restaurant but had to get up to get refills on my tea, restrooms smelled like a sewer line was leaking therefore causing that smell to enter the dining area.

I ordered through Uber Eats. My beef enchiladas and beans are swimming in grease. It’s literally sitting on top. I took two bites and I can’t taste any flavor other than grease.

If you are Latino, look around before you order… if you don’t see any other Latinos eating there you know what that means. Aside from the food tasting like a dirty rag and the ketchup flavored salsa, you will be greeted by the pungent aroma of the restroom that seems to permeate the entire restaurant. I was really looking forward to this place, always looks packed. The waitress was the only upside. I’m sticking with Taco Palenque!

Ordered flan for dessert to go. They presented it as in the 2nd pic but as soon as you take a bite you can taste that it’s BURNT! There’s no way they “didn’t know” they were happily selling spoiled food! This place is nothing more than an overpriced taco bell! In fact Taco Bell has better expectations & wouldn’t KNOWINGLY sell you BAD FOOD! Look out! If they’ll try to make this pass, they’ll sell you hairy food or contaminated food!!! DISGUSTING!!!!

M W

Overpriced, cold food. Owner doesn’t care. Our server did the best she could with the kitchen staff and ownership. She apologized and tried to make it right. Food came out cold twice. One of our guests was over it, he just didn’t eat. Asked for owner, who is ALWAYS there, never came. Asked a second time, was told he wasn’t there just to see him appear 10 minutes later. Told him about our experience. All we got was a sorry. No worries sir, won’t be back. Save your money unless you’re bringing your kids to play outside and just gonna have a beer. Let’s not talk about the nasty smell of vomit inside the place. If you’ve ever been part of the bar scene, you know the smell. Who wants to smell that the entire time they’re eating.