Great atmosphere... the staff is always smiling and the food is great. Granted this is more "american-mexican"... if true mexican food is what you are looking for I'd go with Tacos Juanita.

by ecfoodcritic
12/14/09

I have been to the El Patio in Menomonie several times and have been very pleased. Today I went to the one in Eau Claire. It was absolutely nasty. The place had just opened 2 minutes earlier so we were the first customers that day. The floors were so dirty that the waitress actually slipped and almost fell in the dining room. My plate stuck to the table and the booths are all full of rips. The food took a long time which was understandable since they had only two waitresses for the whole restaurant and they got kinda busy after we arrived. Which I don't understand how regulars could over look the filf. The food tasted terrible. The "guacamole" was a half smashed avacado and the salsa was not as good as the one in menomonie.The tamale was dry and tasted funny and the rice was like it had sat under the light for a while. The waitress charged us for things we did not order. I will never go back and I wish I knew where I could report them to the Health department. BEWARE

by Senora
04/19/09

While the prices aren't bad at the Water Street location, the food's not the best---especially anything including meat. Their margaritas and cheese dip are delicious. Plus, their servers are always very friendly.

by punkybrewster
02/24/09

El Patio has always been my all-time favorite mexican restaurant. They're complimentary salsa is wonderful, as well as their "regular" staff. The most recent visit I had was on a frigid January night and our "window seat" was probably not the best option as we were a bit chilly, but the pleasant combination of spices warmed us up!

by XAREOKIE
02/18/09

El Patio does not impress me. We've had absolutely horrible service there several times (being forgotten about, drinks spilt on the table with no apology or clean-up, rude waitresses/waiters). The food is not that great either, but yet is always seems to be loud and crowded (especially on Friday's & Saturdays).

by summerday008
02/13/09

OK food.

by krobinson
02/13/09

I ate here about three weeks ago and I thought the food was ok but not the best although the customer service was great

by sk22
02/09/09

Horrible service at the water street location.Very dirty i would not eat there again.

by pwr1234
02/09/09

Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Eau Claire. Guacamole dip and cheese dip are awesome!!!!!

by pringhand
02/07/09

I'm not sure why people think this place is so great. I think the food is kinda crappy although the margaritas are pretty tasty.

by agarhe
02/03/09

Great service (not at the Water Street location). The Water Street location is nice, but the service seems to be a little bit more spotty. The other location is always never very busy and they are very quick. They are also very cheap.

by PandaDexter
01/28/09

Good food and service. The chips and salsa are great!

by Eyrbare
01/26/09

Great food with truly friendly wait staff - the bartender from Peru was so much fun

by rhilfiker
01/26/09

First let me say that I have only been to the Water St location....there are a few things that El Patio does VERY well. Guacamole and cheese dip are the top two on my list. Their seafood dishes are very good, but I ave not liked the chicken and beef fillings at all. The full bar is a plus over my favorite Mexican (Tacos Juanita). My biggest complaint about El patio though is that they will not split the check, but the receipt does not have descriptions for you to do it yourself either. Kind of annoying when you go out with a group of friends.

by smithjul
01/22/09

I've only been to the one on Water street a couple of times but they treated me like family. The food was excellent and fairly priced. I will return El Patio.

by ZomB
01/07/09

El Patio earns top honors from me as the best of the local Mexican restaurants because the food is good (and priced right), the atmosphere is cheerful and the staff are extremely friendly. Going to either Eau Claire location is always a treat (and we visit often). My personal favorite dishes are the massive Burrito Chincho and the spicy Chile Colorado. I also like the fact that I'm always treated like a welcome guest and not just another customer.

by Shep_Huntwood
09/18/08

My favorite Mexican place in Eau Claire by far. Great food, great service, and its clean! The Cancun Burrito is divine... the cheese dip for the chips is heavenly... I could go on and on, but I won't. Just take my word for it and enjoy!

by Anne
09/15/08