Everybody liked their food except me. Â I hated the salad I got. Â I ordered shredded beef on it. Â Shredded beef, you think brown, moist shredded beef, right? Â How was I to know it came in a sickly sweet tomato sauce, spotted with what looked like half chewed pieces of corn. Â The sauce was reminiscent of Chef Boyardee ravioli. Â It was inedible. Â I told the waitress I didn't like it, she sort of shrugged, oh well. Â Everybody else liked their burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, my meal was repulsive and I left it on the plate, uneaten, and paid for it.
Review Source:OMG, we have lived in Forestville for 8 years, and have NEVER eaten here. Â Thank you YELP for giving them 4th on your rating system, however, for a Mexican restaurant, they should be #1. Â After a wonderful Mothers Day in SF, very tired and sunburned, we decided to have a quick dinner and margarita. Â Boy were we impressed. Â We tried the steak fajitas and the steak taco salad. Â Both were off the charts. Â Wonderful service, and large portions. Â We will be back!! Thank you El Coronel for finishing my perfect day.
Review Source:My mom and I were craving soft tacos the other day and headed out to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. That's when it dawned on me that this place happens to have .99 cent taco days and it was a Tuesday the day they have the special. I had driven by the sign advertising for it but have never stopped it. So we pulled into the parking lot just in time.
We decided to sit outdoors which is beautiful. You have a nice view of a grassy hill area, an awesome bar and heating lamps if its in the evening. Ill be coming back for the outdoor area alone
Now to the tacos. My mom and I got 7 tacos between the two of us, so we tried each type of meat. The food took awhile to come, the service here is general was quite slow. Thankfully, we were not in any rush and enjoyed the leisurely lunch.
Now to the meat! Yum. The hands down favorite was carnitas. It was the only taco that didnt come with salsa, which is perhaps why the meat stood out so much. The rest were good but the carnitas was great! Next time ill probably just get that.
Overall, we left happy and stuffed. Oh and did I mention the meal was only 11 dollars?? Crazy!
Simply the Best in Sebastopol!  Always has lost's of happy diners eating.  A local favorite & My families favorite.  Just like the stars reflect El Coronel Is As Good As It Gets!  Love their Burritos, the Seafood Enchilada plate, Nachos, Tortilla Soup and the  vast assortment of succulent prawn dinner plates.
My husband is in LOVE with the Margaritas. Â He says "they know how to make a Margarita" ! Â
Worth a visit to Sebastopol if you haven't yet enjoyed some time at El Coronel.
This restaurant was in walking distance from my hotel so I decided to give it a try.
I was quickly shown to a table and welcomed with warm fresh chips, green and red salsa, bean dip, and a glass of water. The red salsa had layers of spicy flavor with a little heat in the back. The green salsa was better than most of the salsa verde that I've had in the past and could possibly be the best. [I wonder if the salsa, both red and green, can be purchased...that is how good the salsa is at this restaurant.]
I ordered the chili verde and was thoroughly impressed with the tender chunks of pork in a sauce full of taste with just a little heat.
Portions seem to be on the larger size; I could have easily shared the meal with another person.
The cost is reasonable at $11.50 for the plate.
Service was quick and responsive.
Second visit and the food was once again very good. Â The service was good, could always be better but still good.
We have had the tortilla soup, mostly a vegetable soup. Â Carnitas, fajitas, street tacos, Â very good Mexican food.
Chips and salsa are great, chips are light and crisp, two kinds of salsa, and bowl of bean dip, good stuff.
Exceeded expectations!
I originally avoided coming here because I thought it was an "Amerxican" looking place and my wife had gone before and wasn't very impressed, but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
We finally came because it's close to home, and I recently bought a local HS Football promo card which allowed a discount here.
We've been back two more times and the food and margaritas have been excellent every time. Â The service was a little slow the first time only, but they were very busy.
The menu is extensive and includes many seafood items which I love; such as crab and shrimp enchiladas.
I must start of by saying that I love the food here, but am considering NEVER going back because of the AWFUL SERVICE. Â The last four times that I have been there....I live in Sebastopol and would go way more....the service has been horrendous. Â Specifically, yesterday we went to eat around 5 PM. The restaurant was mostly empty, a few tables inside filled and a few outside. We chose to sit outside. The hostess told us to pick a seat and she would bring us menus. We waited at the hostess desk at least 5 minutes before we were acknowledged. Â We waited at our table at least 5 minutes before we received menus. Â We waited more than 10 minutes and never saw a waitress, were not given water or chips, not acknowledged at all. Â There were plenty of people cleaning tables outside near where we were sitting, but no one ever came by to serve us.
After waiting about 15 minutes, we got up and left.
The last few times we have gone it has taken forever to get served and even longer to get a check, and our waitress never checking on us during our meal. Â
I love the food here, but will probably not be going back. The food is not cheap here and I know that there are lots of other restaurants in the nearby area that would love to have the customers and actually acknowledge and treat them well.
Today was my third visit to this restaurant. The previous times the restaurant did not have many customers and the service was fine. Today they were very busy and the service was slow and very unfriendly. The food was just okay.My son ordered fish tacos and he said the flavor was fine but the tacos are tiny and the price too high for the serving size. Â The bean dip they start you with is good, their salsas are not. If I go again, and that is a big IF, it will not be at a peak time.
Just downgraded to two stars because we tried to go there for dinner the other evening at 8:35 (their posted closing time is 9:00). When we opened the door to enter the restaurant they quickly informed us they were closed! No problem, won't be going there any more! If they don't want the business, we won't give it to them. Â We jumped back in the car, drove to Himalayan Tandoori and Curry House right down the street
who has the same closing time and they gladly served us! We had another great meal at Himalayan Tandoori! Your lose El Coronel!
My boyfriend and I were staying at the Fairmont Inn & Suites, LITERALLY next door to this place, so we decided to come by for dinner when we didn't see anything appealing on our walk in downtown Sebastopol.
I'm a picky American-style eater so I can be a little apprehensive when coming to a more "authentic" Mexican restaurant but I was stoked to see the first option under quesadillas--a flour tortilla with your choice of meat, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. It was like they put that menu item together just for me! Lol
They were absolutely delicious although the guac was a little too authentic and chunky for me. I guess I'm just used to the over-processed grocery store type.
I loved the margaritas! Seemed like just the right amount of alcohol to get a slight buzz out of one :) I saw a review claiming they're "machine-made" but WHO CARES? For $6.25 it's cheaper and tasted much classier/stronger than what you get at Chili's type places.
The only let-down was the service. Not horrible but definitely not good. Our server was friendly and everything came out with good timing but after that she was non-existent. I flagged her down to ask for the check, a to-go box, and some extra sour cream and when I got the check I discovered she charged us $1 for the sour cream and never said a word. I would have paid it either way but, well, a better server would have mentioned the extra charge. I had to flag her down again to pay.
So the service isn't great, but the food and drinks definitely are. Oh my god, AND they have a happy hour with $3 margaritas?! Sigh. Enjoy it, Sebastopol. I wish I could :(
The food is delicious. Â I think the menu and offerings have changed over the years but it is still solid. Â They have finally improved the dorado (hard) tacos to a fresh made shell. Â At least more fresh than out of a box like from the grocery store. Â
The start you off with a bean dip and some salsas. Â Always love a good bean dip. Â
I love their carnitas plate. Â I have never had a bad plate of food here.
They know their way around the kitchen for sure; however, their service is another story. Â I have yet to have a meal here and leave happy with the service. Â There is always something that stinks in the process. Â No refill on my drink, no check in after the food is served, something is missing, waiting forever for the bill, waiting forever for initial service. Â
I've been going for years and we continue to go because service aside the food is delicious. Â I just wish both were stellar.
Wow. Â The past couple of weeks yelp has really led me astray withcfour star rated restaurants. Â The food here is not good or authentic. Â The service was lazy. Â The patio is loud. Â Even the chips and salsa were not good - a true barometer of whether or not you have found a good Mexican food place! Â Head to Martha's just up the road and you won't be disappointed!
Review Source:It really is hit or miss with this place. Â I've been several times, usually when my parents visit from out of town, and only once did I really feel it was delicious. Â But, overall, it's pretty hum-drum. Â And the Carnitas last night were a HUGE disappointment. Â They took their already prepared pulled pork and either fried it in a skillet or microwaved it (twice cooked pulled pork). Â Two words: Â Pork Jerky. Â Perhaps it depends on the day you go, but I would prefer to be wowed every time.
Review Source:Very good Mexican, not the best ever anywhere I have been but still very nice. I totally agree with the other reviewers, the two kinds of salsa that come with the chips are both very good. Strong margaritas. I had the Mexican coffee, it was fine.
I like the decor, very bright and inviting. Friendly staff, they were there when we needed them though they weren't overly solicitous.
I wouldn't make this the centerpoint of my dining experience in Sebastopol but it works.
I don't know why so many people are giving this place 5 stars. It's overpriced for what it is. It looks a little sketchy from outside, so for years I didn't go in, but after reading reviews decided to try it. $36 for 2 margaritas and 2 just OK burritos. The "mole burrito" had some mole sauce on the outside, but none on the inside and the chicken in it wasn't cooked in mole. The "Super Burrito" with carnitas: rice and beans with dry pork in a tortilla. A little cheese, a small ball of guac on top and a "squirt" of sour cream on top. For $8. Cheapest thing on the menu. Can't imagine what the $14 dishes were like, but everything was just basic, generic Mexican Food so I don't imagine it would be worth it.
The service was good, they were pretty dead though. The margaritas were good, but again, expensive and not even a half shot of tequila in them. The staff talks loudly amongst themselves in Spanish constantly. Very colorful furniture, nice interior.
I've eaten here a few times now and feel like I can finally write a review. This place is great! I've had a variety of things on the menu including a selection of tacos ala carte last time and a Carnitas super burrito yesterday. The prices are more than fair, actually lower than the Taqueria we usually go to, and I'd say the food is higher quality than our usual spot. We have eaten there for dinner on weekends and lunch on weekdays, the food is consistently good and the service has been good as well.
What this place is for us is a good standard eatery, inexpensive, great quality food, real plates and silverware, and a hostess that brings menus, chips and salsa, and a real bar that makes real drinks to boot!
I'm so used to ordering off a board, opening my own Mexican Coke and carrying my chips back to a table...well, I'm beside myself. Don't miss this place.
These guys get 4 stars because they have the best chips in town. Â And their green salsa is fantastic! Â They also have yummy salad options and very delicious carnitas. Â They have GREAT margaritas and a wide selection of tequila. Â I am also a fan of the ceviche tostada and their creamy chipotle salad dressing is delicious.
Sometimes the service is lacking, sometimes it is on point, but we always leave with very satisfied stomachs. Â I don't like to sit on the patio because it feels like you get ignored out there. Â The to-go food is never quite as good as when you eat there but I think that is true almost everywhere. Service issues or no, I love the food and will always go back.
This is an amazing discovery for me. Their carne asada, in any dish, is cooked to perfection, and very tender for the cut of meat it is.
The seafood is always cooked perfectly as well, the prawns and fish flakey and perfectly-seasoned. They have a very diverse menu, not your standard Mexican restaraunt. All kinds of customizable options and things you might not have even heard of.
They approach fast to seat you, and the beandip and chips are awesome when you are starving and waiting. Food comes pretty fast, always hot and very nicely presented.
It has a nice ambiance as well; light music and a huge window in the main room to space out through when conversation lulls. Interesting paintings and other  decor that don't take away from what a clean, hospitable place this is.
I highly recommend this place for any occasion.
We stopped in for lunch and were excited to sit outside on a beautiful day. They have an outside bar although it wasn't staffed for Saturday's lunch. The serve both a red and green salsa with their chips along with a bean dip; the salsas are spicy and flavorful but we found the beans rather drab.
They did not serve Siete Leguas Tequila so I settled for the wife's favorite, Patron Anejo. The margarita was tasty but light on tequila. Still for lunchtime, I was satisfied. We decided to split the appetizer platter and it was more than enough for the two of us. The highlight was the tamale although the chicken quesadilla was a close second. The taquitos, flauta and nachos were all good.
Our service was adequate although they were not very attentive. Still our lunch was intriguing enough to warrant a return for dinner in the future.
Excellent chips and salsa, my favorite is the salsa verde but I think you have to ask for it.
Lots of vegetarian options and never disappointing (one time my burrito was so small I could actually finish it, I think that hardly counts as disappointing though).
Happy hour deals on food AND margaritas and beer! Â Lots of good choices on the booze menu, so many that I haven't tried the Horchata yet (I don't even know if they offer it but usually I like to review it).
Amazing huge patio for the warm sunny days.
EXCELLENT service.
Easy parking.
Yep, this is pretty much as good as it gets. Â 5 stars. Â They'll get 6 stars when they extend their happy hour out to 6pm, I'm lucky I get to enjoy it.
I would also like to know where they park their roach coaches...
Always my favorite sit down Mexican Cuisine in Sebastopol. I enjoy the food, service and atmosphere. Take Out can take a few minutes longer than u would expect but always worth the wait.
The owners of El Coronel used to work at the Taqueria Santa Rosa in Sebastopol that closed many years ago. They branched out and opened their own restaurant so they have been in the game for years. They used to serve a little desert treat at the end of the meal which they discontinued recently and that makes me sad b/c it was a real tasty way to end the meal.
All in all it get my 5 star rating!
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! We love El Coronel and have been going here for years.
This is a great place for a sit-down, authentic Mexican food experience complete with delicous (and very reasonably priced) margarita(s)!
We have always loved El Coronel, but after going again last night, it's clear that they have really stepped up their game. They've always had delicous food and great margaritas, but they have now added some wonderful looking desserts and other small touches that make the place feel really special. For example- the drink menu is now in a nice leather cover. Small thing, I know, but it just adds a nice little bit of polish. Also, the manager is on hand and makes sure to stop by and see how everone is doing.
My favorite items: The fajita quesadilla and the fajita taco salad. Both are awesome! The fajita meat is very tasty and nicely marinated- tender, and not too fatty. I have yet to have any of their seafood dishes- but they always look good. Maybe next time.
Their menu of margarita options is huge - with dozens of different tequilas to choose from. Price ranges from $5.75 to $8.50- pretty reasonable, especially considering that they are large.
The wait is always minimal, but the place is always hoppin'. A nice, friendly vibe and good service. You are going to leave full (in some cases- about to keel over) but it is SO worth it!
This place is really quite good! Â I wish it was in my home town. Â I have been here a couple of times when visiting up north. Â Every visit has been excellent. Â It doesn't look like much from the outside, but foodies, get in here! Â This last time, hubby had the chicken mole, which was perfecto, and I had a taco salad with carnitas, and it was a delicious one, and a bargain dinner. Â I noticed from the bean dip that the refried beans were a little bland, so I had the tasty rice in the bottom of my tortilla.
They have a tiny bar stacked with many types of tequila, etc. Â I had the house Margarita, on ice, and it was muy bueno.
The decor is cheery with carved, brightly painted Mexican chairs and tables. Â Friendly staff, some Spanish speaking patrons, y todo esta bien. Â I'll go again!
We decided to try El Coronel after I saw the great reviews here on Yelp. Went for weekend lunch and sat on the newly-renovated patio. The hostess and the server were both incredibly attentive and polite. I ordered the bbq chicken burrito and my boyfriend got the veggie omelet from the brunch menu. The chips and salsa were fresh - we both loved the green salsa and bean dip.
Our food was delicious, our service good. It was a beautiful day to sit on the patio and I can't wait to go back and try them again!
The wife and I tried this place out and were taken to our table immediately. The staff was friendly but very busy. The very first thing we noticed was that some effort was made to decorate the place and make it feel like a little patch of Mexico. The flat screens were tuned into Futbol
(a must for diehard fans). We didn't get drinks but their tequila selection will best most places out there. So I can imagine that their margaritas are good.
The drinks were brought out quickly and the orders were taken soon thereafter. The menus were right on the money and are the prettiest I have seen at a Mexican place.
We didn't wait long before I heard sizzle of my Trio Fajitas and was blown away when I saw the adjacent table got them first!!! Arggg!
I heard the sizzle once more and here it came!!! The presentation was great! The steak was done just right (tender), the shrimp were not over-seasoned and the chicken was OK (a little dry). The griddle sizzled for  a few minutes after it was brought to the table. The sides were also right on. The onions and bell peppers were caramelized and made this dish heavenly.
The beans had a small spritz of fresh cheese for flavoring and it was right on. The salsas were pretty good.
The ONLY reason this place didn't get 5 stars, I had to get up and ask for the famed green salsa and more drinks!!! They didn't check on us once after serving the food!!!
The food was so good, the waitress still got her full tip.
In the end, we were brought these thick flaky pastries with strawberry marmalade and whip cream as our desert. This was the right touch to finish off a wonderful meal at no extra charge!!
Ambiance = 4 stars
Price = 5 stars
Quality of food = 5 stars
Service = 4 stars
Stopped in here last night for some fresh mex. Â Had the trio fajaitas - carnitas, steak and veggies - the carnitas was a little dry, the steak was amazing and so were the veggies.
love love love the green salsa. Â The red and the bean dip are amazing too.
Service was decent, even at almost 9pm
flan super yummy.
what is up with keeping the place as cold as a freezer tho? Â It had to be 60 in the dining room. Â Â Thankfully although it was still 70 ourside, I had brought a jacket. Â Â Makes you wonder if it's their way of getting you to leave if you are a late diner.
My favorite place to go in Sebastopol!
Such a great menu full of all your favorites, lots of seafood, soups, salads, and DRINKS!
The atmosphere is really fun, every inch of this place is covered in color and you just feel happier being. Very yummy in your mouth and for your eyes.
If you're ever up there, you should check it out. It's a nice break from all the farmy looking valleys. (Sorry, I'm a city gal.)
When you want a step up from the standard taqueria or food as good as the legendary Martha's, but with a full bar, the bright and festive El Coronel is the spot in S'pol.
An exceptionally large menu with plenty of seafood, vegetable and meat dishes, the food I've sampled is quite good. Â Steak Ranchero is a nicely grilled New York cut served with jalapenos, onions and bell peppers. Â Juicy and tasty and maybe the best $13 steak in Sonoma County. Â Enchiladas, tamals, tacos and tostadas are all quite fine, enhanced by the terrific sides and appetizers that come with any meal. Â Healthily-portioned Margaritas are a little on the sweet side for my taste, but still go down mighty easy. Â
The staff is usually very competent and always friendly and it is personally reassuring to see a Mexican restaurant where Mexican families are dining and having fun. Â For a restaurant as boldly and warmly designed as El Coronel, it might be easy to think of it as some kind of blanded out Chevy's knock off. Â Far from it! Â Great music on the jukebox, television en espanol on the screens, and excellent food make for a pretty wonderful experience.
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