Maryville Pawprint Maryville Pawprint, Maryville University's Student Newspaper
For years my family and I have created the tradition of “Taco Tuesdays,” where we would try a variety of Mexican restaurants around town. After exhausting our options we seemed to find ourselves returning to our local chain restaurant with nothing more to offer than a mediocre version of what American’s call Mexican food. When the quality of food started to diminish, that’s when we decided to check out El Azteca, located in O’Fallon, off Highway K and Highway 64. El Azteca is an enormous improvement over some of its local competition and my family has made it one of our favorite destinations for “Taco Tuesdays.”
Upon entering El Azteca, your senses are awaken by a combination of artfully designed murals painted of the Mexican countryside, alluring smells wafting from the kitchen and sounds of cheering soccer commentators on the television. Regardless of who is working the front desk, you can expect to be sat in a matter of minutes and greeted by a server in just seconds, bearing a basket of fresh chips and salsa. The salsa is a mild blend of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The restaurant’s bar offers a wide variety of beverage’s including Coca Cola products, refreshing cervezas and margaritas. If you decide to dine out during the week El Azteca offers a free small margarita with the purchase of a jumbo margarita for $7.25 on Monday and Wednesday nights. On Tuesday and Thursday nights jumbo margaritas are specially priced at $5.99 or $6.50 for a flavored margarita.
The menu is moderately priced and hosts an array of options including classics such as the chimichanga, enchilada, chilupa, chile relleno, and of course white queso nachos. Some of my new found favorites are the el pollo Azteca, the green burrito, and the carnitas in either green or red verde sauce. I have been told to try the pollo chipotle or the chori pollo next time I visit, to get a true sense of an authentic Mexican meal.
Over all I find El Azteca to be a great family restaurant that provides extremely friendly service in a clean, fun atmosphere. On top of being family friendly, El Azteca is a great place for college students to enjoy a stress free dinning experience that won’t break their budgets. Before running out to El Azteca look for saving offers in the 2012 Entertainment Coupon Book. I truly hope you enjoy your experience as much as I have!
Location: 4665 Keaton Crossing Boulevard
O’Fallon, MO 63368;
(636) 300-1123.
Nice review, Lindsey! My family and I have been visiting the restaurant for years, too. My favorite item on the menu is pollo chipotle. I suggest you try it!