El Paisano

Restaurant $ 4.5 (293)


El Paisano is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, often praised for its flavorful tacos and burritos that remind many customers of traditional dishes from home. Some visitors noted the unique, hole-in-the-wall charm of the restaurant, along with its affordability. However, the atmosphere could benefit from improvements as it primarily serves as a takeout location with limited space.

Overall:

4.5

(246 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

3.2

Service:

4.0


Phone number: (563) 587-8001

Address: 1543 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Street Parking
  • Paid Street Parking

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I had a few tacos from here thinking I would get something stellar, but they were just average. They lacked a certain freshness I was hoping for, and honestly, I've had better elsewhere. The service was nice, but the overall experience didn’t quite live up to the hype. Not certain if I would return now that I've tasted a few. " (*Curated Review*)

" The flavors in this place are incredible! I had the chicken burrito, and it was overflowing with fillings. The spiciness is just right—not overwhelming but satisfying! Additionally, I loved that they wrapped everything neatly. However, the wait can be a bit long, especially during peak hours. I wish they would improve on their scheduling. But honestly, the quality of the food keeps me coming back every time. " (*Curated Review*)

" My experience at El Paisano left me disappointed. The tacos were bland, and I found the service to be less than friendly. I might have caught them on an off day, but I wasn't impressed overall. The ambiance could definitely use some love, as it felt very much like a convenience store rather than a restaurant. I probably wouldn't return unless someone made me. " (*Curated Review*)

" What a gem tucked away in Dubuque! El Paisano serves some of the best tacos I've ever had, and I've tried a lot! The al pastor had the perfect blend of spices, tender meat, and fresh ingredients. I also loved the vibrant red salsa that added a nice zing. It's a small place, but the food packs a punch! The prices are very reasonable too, and by the time I took my last bite, I was already planning my return visit. " (*Curated Review*)

" While I wanted to love this place based on the glowing reviews, I found El Paisano a bit underwhelming. The tacos were decent—nothing special to be honest. I am from California and perhaps my expectations were too high for authenticity. The burritos were filled, but I encountered some burnt bits that weren’t appealing. Plus, the service was a little slow on my visit. I think I’d give them another try, but I was a bit let down. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (236)

" Absolutely love El Paisano! The tacos are bursting with flavors, and the pricing is very competitive for the generous portions. I can't recommend the al pastor enough. Their service was spot on too—friendly every time I’ve been. The only downside is that it’s takeout only and lacks a proper seating area, which isn’t a deal-breaker for me considering how good the food is! " (*Curated Review*)

" Tacos were great! The chicken was juicy and the slaw added a wonderful texture to the bites. I had them with extra cilantro, which really elevated the flavors! It's small and takeout only, so expect to call ahead if you're going during peak hours. It’s become one of my favorite spots for Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)

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