El Azteco - Lansing

Don’t be fooled by the appearance of this place! My family has been coming here for at least 35 years, as far back as I can remember. The new outdoor area in th... read more Don’t be fooled by the appearance of this place! My family has been coming here for at least 35 years, as far back as I can remember. The new outdoor area in the back is fantastic—heated for cooler days and with covered spots for rain. It's perfect for a summer day in Michigan. This restaurant has never disappointed me (and is much better than the East Lansing location). Aliana (not sure about the spelling) is an exceptional cook and a wonderful person. The service and food have always been great. We always order the CV Burrito, and the salsa is delicious. Plus, the prices are very reasonable!

I rarely give 5-star ratings, but this place truly deserves it. The owner, Bobbie, has implemented measures to ensure safety and quality service, especially dur... read more I rarely give 5-star ratings, but this place truly deserves it. The owner, Bobbie, has implemented measures to ensure safety and quality service, especially during the challenges posed by COVID. She is frequently present, taking the time to address what needs to be done, which is commendable. The staff is well-trained, and the variety of Mexican food offered is impressive. While the drinks and food can be on the pricier side, the excellent service justifies it. If any issues arise, they are quick to resolve them. If you consider giving less than 4 stars, you might be being overly picky, as this restaurant stands out as one of the best in Lansing.

I'm not from Lansing, but I chose this restaurant because I love Mexican cuisine! The food was fantastic! The staff was incredible, especially our waitress Sand... read more I'm not from Lansing, but I chose this restaurant because I love Mexican cuisine! The food was fantastic! The staff was incredible, especially our waitress Sandy, who was a real gem. I'm definitely planning another trip to Lansing just to see her again!

I visited for the $7 restaurant week deal, which included an appetizer of chips and salsa (I was impressed they didn’t skimp on this), a tostada, two chicken ta... read more I visited for the $7 restaurant week deal, which included an appetizer of chips and salsa (I was impressed they didn’t skimp on this), a tostada, two chicken taquito-sized enchiladas, along with some beans and rice. My fiancée opted for a $5 margarita special. The food was really good. I don’t typically dine out often, which is why I chose this place at the $7 price point, but I have to say I would consider it even at the original $13 price, which is saying a lot. We had the pleasure of sitting on the patio on a cloudy day, with the weather hinting at rain. The fresh smell of rain in the air added to the ambiance. We enjoyed our meal while taking in the beautiful sky. There are covered areas on the deck, both in the bar and in the open space, but we chose to stay outside and enjoy the open sky. The waiter provided outstanding service. He was very attentive, frequently checking if I needed a drink refill or if I wanted to order anything else. He patiently answered all our questions while we decided which margarita to choose. He also made sure to clean up any messes near us and checked if we wanted to move to the covered area due to the potential rain. He even acknowledged our baby, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. I was initially hesitant walking in because I had heard some negative comments on Facebook claiming this place served subpar Mexican food in Lansing, which I found to be untrue. Additionally, the restaurant's somewhat rundown appearance and humid indoor air were off-putting at first. However, I’m glad we chose to sit outside and ended up having such a great time. I’d give it a 5 out of 5 stars and would definitely return. As for parking, there were no issues. It was easily accessible from Saginaw, and there is a ramp leading to the back patio for wheelchair accessibility.

Our server was absolutely fantastic in every way. The food is the reason why Taco Bell exists. read more Our server was absolutely fantastic in every way. The food is the reason why Taco Bell exists.