El Chico Cafe, Mountain Home

Not worth the money or trip , on several occasions . We were El Chico fans from the first El Chico in Arkansas back in the late 70s /and 80s . So we were excited to have one come into Mtn. Home. This Mountain Home El Chico was a hopping , popping place when it first opened . So much fun to go to . Excellent service , most of the food was great . Manager was excellent to make sure you were treated your age and to make sure you had a great experience. Then they got a new manager and assistant manager and it has been horrible , dull and more like to going to a senior citizens buffet restaurant ever since. No offense to seniors , I am on my way myself . But they have just sucked the fun out of it. The assistant manager has had the nerve to argue over bad food instead of making sure the customer is happy . They really do not value each and every customer , nor treat some of us like adults. We have given them many tries hoping for a better experience , but have finally written them off of our list of restaurants . I think that mood , atmosphere , good service and good food are not too much to expect in a certain price range of restaurants . I can get that in any other chain in almost any city . And 97 % of the time , walk away very pleased with our experience.

Have there ever been any Mexicans ever involved with the EL Chico chain and thier recipies? Creative Mexican food for Yankees and Southerners that don't know any better. Is this how the original owners ot that taco stand wanted thier food to taste? YUCK!, What ever happened to fried tacos using corn tortillas with meat of various kinds instead of Taco Bell type taco shells, homemade refied beans, and authentic tamales? They could at least make an enchilada of any kind that tastes homemade. The yankkee owners of this chain need to spend some time in San Diego, CA eat at some of the popular dumps that actually have flavor and spice up thier dishes and know how to fry a corn tortilla taco. El Chico would be a much more of a success if they actually have ever tried real Mexican food instead of recreating dishes.

Food is nothing like Mexican and is barely palatable. Service sketchy, poorly trained.

Food and service is always good. Great after work meeting place.