Winner of Best Mexican of Whidbey four years in a row! Â 30 years serving Oak Harbor, El Caz is family owned and operated with great food and live mariachi events- you can't go wrong. Â Paco in the bar is a fixture in town and I highly recommend his signature "Paco's Nayarit" Margarita, named after his home in Tepic, Nayarit Mexico. Â Try the Bacon Guacamole Fresco, made tableside- you won't regret it!
Review Source:Wow, the owner really wants to defend his restaurant, which I can appreciate but being in town for 20 years doesnt make your food any better. I also noticed how he responded to me, but didnt bother to address or apologize for the poor service with the automatic 18% gratuity attached. An automatic gratuity is appropriate when the servers have a large group that they are tending to, and nobody else. Not the case here. Not even one glass of water. Water was sitting on the table as everyone arrived, so those who arrived last drank warm water. Â Whatever the pepper was, anaheim, pablano, chili--it was flaccid and flavorless. I never said Vale Azul was my favorite place, I said it wasnt 5 stars but the best choice for Mexican in OH. Not a plug. Its best to take some constructive criticism and improve, not become defensive and angry. Â Ive shared your comments with tons of people at my work and they will not be going to your restaurant. And yes, my brother became very ill after eating here. Did you want a doctors note from 10+ years ago? I also forgot to add that 2 teaspoons of beans and the gummy spanish rice was another fail.Sorry El Cazador.
Review Source:We were a large group but they took care of us every well. Service was fast. Â The food was really good and portions were huge. Â The server was really good and made the right recommendations. Â We got their bar menu specials in the restaurant ( we had children with us so the bar area was out of bounds for us). Will definitely go back when I am next in Oak Harbor.
Review Source:OK, I'm adding two stars for this update. Â I was in El-Cazador for lunch with a couple friends a while back and the service was great, the food was better and the atmosphere seemed much cleaner than before.
I know what the other reviewers mean by the soupy salsa, but it is flavorful and thick enough to stay on a chip. Â And, I do love the hot one!
There, we cool now?
Edit 06/05/2013:
Well here's another little hmmm thing: Did ya notice that when I gave them a one-star rating the owner wasted no time in getting on here and defending his family business? Â Now that I've upped the rating, he's chosen to remain quite invisible. Â Not a big deal, just goes to the character of the businessma,, er um person.
I can't say anything bad for this place. Â But in fairness... I've only been this single time now. Â Regardless, my service & food were both pretty average-slightly better than. Â I ordered their macho burrito, with shredded beef and beans & rice. Â The burrito was pretty good sized and packed with flavor. Â The chips were good, but I found the salsa to be left wanting. Â I'll definitely eat here again, but i also plan to try a few other spots as well.
Review Source:Bad service combined with bad food.... Blech....
Big mistake spur of the moment on the way from ft casey to deception pass on mothers day... we took a chance and got it wrong...
the kicker was my wife ordered chicken fajita... they served everyone else there food, gave her a plate with the fajita fixings and then left... we thought he went back to get the sizzling fajita plate... well 5 minutes go by, we're waiting and nothing... she's highly annoyed by now and goes to find our waiter (i felt horrible) and he was surprised... he'd obviously forgotten... then made up some crap about they'd burned her order so were recooking it... if that was true, wouldnt you come and apologize for the delay and reassure her that it was on the way?
bad bad bad... no apologies to me when they gave me the bill and no discount for the long delay...
It was Thursday night when we came into this restaurant. Considering this immediate area it is very hard to find something to eat after 9pm.
We spotted El Cazador on yelp.... My friend and I were both starving after work.
It was best Mexican food we ever had! Reminded me of Old town San Diego.
Complimentary Chips and salsa was so good.
Great food, great customer service it was least I expected to have great mexican Cusine in NW!
I lived in Oak Harbor for most of my life and had been eating at El Cazador since when they were in their old location years ago by the post office. There are a few other mexican restaurants in town, but in my opinion the food and service are better at El Caz and the prices here are a dollar or two better cheaper per entree as well.
The chips and salsa are really good... it sounds like a lot of others have mentioned that they didn't like the salsa. To be honest, if you're looking for a really chunky salsa it probably won't be your favorite...but as someone who isn't a fan of chunky salsa, works out perfectly for me! Also, I've never ordered it but it's pretty fun to watch - they can make guacamole right in front of your table for you which is cool because then you know it must be fresh. I usually always get the chimichanga combo and it never fails me. Sometimes I branch out and get the flautas which are good too :) Another plus is that my boyfriend is a really picky eater and they always manage to get his order perfect.
The restaurant is clean and spacious, and the waitstaff is friendly and fast. The bar area is usually pretty mellow since all these "clubs" started popping up around town.. but their bartender, Paco, is great! Overall, since I moved away earlier this year I definitely have cravings for this place often... too many of the mexican restaurants where I live now  have more of a modern mex or tex-mex style... not the good homestyle mexican grub that El Caz serves up!
Recently visited on the 30th of July, 2011. Very disappointing.
We came in for a late supper after a meeting and despite the restaurant being almost empty, we were sat next to a table of young women who were loudly gossiping. A very poor choice for two older women who just wanted a quiet meal where we could hear each other speak. We ended up getting our food, eating a few bites and taking the rest home within 20 minutes due to the noise.
As for our meal, the chicken chimichangas were mushy and tasteless. The Mole tasted like it came out of a carton, I'm fairly sure I've bought the same bland stuff from our local grocery. The beans needed more flavoring and the rice was overcooked and dry.
Well, my wife and I went in thinking that on Whidbey Island there couldn't be a tasty mexican grill around, but we were wrong. Great tasty food, good drink prices like 4.25 for a 22 oz Negra Modelo and not to forget $1 jello shots heh can't beat it... lots of daily specials to keep it special. enjoy!
Review Source:Being from California and growing up with my families Mexican cooking i must say i have been spoiled but El Cazador for me has been one of the best Mexican restaurants for Oak Harbor. Staff are very friendly, atmosphere is cozy, and there have been improvements in the food since the first and second time i have been there... the salsa is much better but could be a little more chunky, the chips are okay, drinks could be a bit stronger (depends on what can be afforded), and the white queso dip could use more(Jalapeno) spice and less thickness to the cheese...i'm not sure what recipe is used but google the following recipe: Jalapeno Velvet (White Sauce/Dip, this should be a hit! =) Â The fresh avocado dip made at your table is a GREAT feature and is tasty! i have never tried the fried ice cream but one of my favorites is when the ice cream is rolled in oreo cookie crumbs...AMAZING! Anyway, i could go on for more ideas but overall, this place is good...thank you for your services! =)
Review Source:DON'T DO IT!! Â This was the first place we tried when we were brand new to the area. Â We saw Flyers next door but this place seemed to have a better rating on Yelp so we tried it instead. Â Big mistake! Â The nachos were extremely mediocre and the "salsa" was tomato sauce. Â Or maybe even marinara. Â I'm not kidding. Â It tasted really weird and not at all "Mexican". Â And shortly after, we all had major stomach aches. Â It's safe to say I'll never be back. Â And I hope you never have to experience it for yourself. Just take it for me, you're much better off going somewhere else. Anywhere else!
Review Source:My husband and I came here just a few days ago and boy was I overwhelmed. I'm not that into Mexican food but this one changed my whole perspective. Their food is just delicious! My hubby ordered the steak and I had the taco carne asada. I thought I was gonna have a hard time eating since I had a toothache but the meat was so tender, I hardly noticed the pain! Plus the beans... Oh my gosh the beans! Super yummy and mushy and tasty! The servings were pretty big so when I didn't finish my order, I had it boxed to go. The next day, I had it for dinner and it was still as good! Love the green chili thing and their salsa!
Plus they have this over 21 lounge with a billiard table and bar, so I can't wait to try that next time.
i believe that it's a family owned restaurant....i've been to this one and to the mt. vernon one, but mainly this one...many, many times. Â I used to usually go here with my mum on her days off or when i was visiting town. Â We frequented it so often to where the people knew our names. Â Even when i came back to visit friends they asked about my mum's health. Â
They have a decent vegetarian section of their menu and are willing to work with vegans to provide something tasty to eat. their prices are very affordable, especially during their lunch menu hours.
I have only been in the cantina a handful of times...but from what i have experienced, they have good strong drinks at a fair price...in fact i started off my cinco de mayo celebrations two years in a row here.
i recommend checking out their guacamole appetizer and have a dos equis with a little bit of lime and salt(i learned that here). good stuff.
Bleh........ Â won't be back! Â I literally fell in to El Cazador, exhausted from my foot tour of Oak Harbor, complete with bad directions. Â In a state like that, it's easy to please me. Â
BUT - the salsa tasted like canned tomato sauce with too many hot spices added in. Â I had to look to find anything like an onion or a little piece of real tomato. Â I asked for a milder salsa, and it was just as vegetable-free, and just as disappointing. Â Same canned tomato taste. Â And the chips had no flavor, not even salt. Â Blech. Â
My entree wasn't any better. Â I actually left more than half of my veggie burrito in the restaurant, because I didn't like it when it was "fresh" and had no interest in seeing it a 2nd time.
I went here with my boyfriend last weekend to grab a quick dinner.
We stood at the front several minutes before someone came by and told us they'd seat us shortly. Â We waited another 5 minutes or so until someone came back and seated us. Â A little odd considering the place wasn't that full.
After that, everything was fine. Â I had a deluxe tostada with chicken and it was really tasty. Â My boyfriend had the macho burrito and he had tons of leftovers for the next day.
Our food came out quick and the waiter was friendly. Â Overall, this was a fine visit. Â I'd come back again next time I'm in town.
The chips salsa and guacamole (made live) were all extremely good. The entrees (some spinach thing and the veggie burrito) were also very good.
The ambience and decor is not quite first rate. But I think this is a good bet overall if you're looking for nice vegetarian food at a decent place with good service.
I stopped here with some friends as we were driving through Oak Harbor and thought this looked like a good spot to grab some fajitas. And sure enough, I got my fajitas. All in all the food was okay but pretty standard for Puget Sound Mexican food.
I feel like their menu had a lot more selection than the usual "what do we put in your burrito or enchilada" fare that you see in this state, so that was pleasant. While I'm only giving the restaurant 3 stars, I think if it was closer to where I live or work I'd frequent it more than other 3 star Mexican restaurants for the variety alone in the hopes of finding something I could really enjoy.
That said, service was really good and friendly; we were given separate checks without asking and the waitress didn't even bat an eye when we had someone join our party late (late meaning, we'd already started eating our food when he arrived). If I'm passing through Oak Harbor again and am in the mood for Mexican food I'd definitely come here again.
El Cazador remains our top pick for authentic Mexican food in Oak Harbor. We wonder about the service remarks as we have always had great service here and Nancy is one of our favorites. The chips and salsa are home made and delicious. You have your choice of hot or mild salsas. Food is always delivered piping hot. So hot in fact, our children have learned to keep their hands in their laps when the plates go on the table. After having chille rellenos at every place in town, El Cazador is the only place who seems to know how to properly prepare and outstanding relleno. The cheese and sauce are unbelievable. The margaritas here are not only huge, but very satisfying. We have used El Cazador for group events and never been disappointed. We have hosted birthdays, baby showers and  hail & farewells here. They have all been hugely successful. This is hands down our favorite place for Mexican and the place our kids pick again and again.
Review Source:My girlfriend and I were in the mood for Mexican, so we decided to give El Cazador a shot. From the time we sat down I had an idea it wasn't going to be a good experience. We were seated fairly quickly, but then waited at least 10 minutes to get water and even then it was only because we grabbed someone walking by and asked. The food took about 30 minutes to arrive and my plate was luke warm on one side from sitting under a heat lamp for an unknown amount of time. Besides the temperature, the seasonings were pretty bland and my carne asada was way overcooked and leathery. Our waitress, Nancy, only came to the table once, when we initially ordered. At the end of the meal we had to look at the check to make sure she was actually our waitress. Anything else we had to fend for ourselves by grabbing random waitstaff/busboys as they passed. We finally just asked for a pitcher of water, since it was apparent we couldn't expect refills. Finally when we did get our check we waited for another 10 minutes watching our waitress leaning against the door on the other side of the dining area before we got up to find a cashier.
The restaurant was busy, but not overly so. There were plenty of empty tables and seemingly plenty of waitstaff to accommodate. It just seemed that those that were working didn't really care.
I come here from time to time primarily to see if it'll ever get better, but it doesn't. Â It's not bad, but very mediocre. Â I guess it get's most of it's business from tourists because of it's very visible location. Â The food is pretty bland, and the kitchen can be slow. Â The wait staff is pretty unenthusiastic and mostly undertrained and inexperienced (probably underpaid) kids. Â Good sized portions and moderately priced. Â Dinner entrees about $10-14. Â The bar's nice, and that's probably what keeps this place afloat, but I'm past the bar scene and am writing these Yelp reviews primarily from a food restaurant point of view. Â If you're looking for a place to pick up a nice Navy guy, this and Mi Pueblo are about on par.
Review Source:
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