El Centro Mexican Restaurant

Boston was an underwhelming experience but this place was the highlight of our trip. Felt like I was eating my moms frijoles and arroz. I asked for an elote but got esquites instead, and I’m glad I did! It satisfied my pregnancy craving for the authentic taste! I’m about to force my husband to make the four hour trip here just to eat their food again and try something else in the menu. They also accommodated our daughter and were very kind to us.

El Centro has a special place in my heart, luckily they’re still amazing after the changes and renovations. Although it does feel a tad more cramped than it used to. The chipotle shrimp is served all mixed up, I feel that there’s room for improvement on the presentation but it tastes delicious nonetheless! I want to say they incorporate asparagus into the dish which surprisingly works really well. The shrimp and steak tacos are both great but the steak taco takes the #1 spot. The mango margarita tastes amazing and is presented nicely - not to mention two of them had me feeling pretty good. A great experience per usual and I’ll be back soon.

The food was fine, but as a Mexican, I feel shocked to have spent $4 for chips and not enough salsa, and then another $2 just to have any chile in the three tiny sopes I ordered for $16. I can understand adapting to the gentrifying prices of the neighborhood, but at that point that's adapting to gentrifying culture. I would at least expect more flavor for those prices, not something average. That and having "taco light" (tortilla replaced with lettuce) on the menu leave me unable to recommend the food, although the place and people were nice. But the service was quite slow too, considering I was one of two customers in the building.

Really good Mexican in quiet part of town. Staff were good, quick service. Fresh ingredients like the salsa. Shredded chicken and beef were excellent options. Chilled vibes and strong cocktails, recommend the passion fruit mojito.

SO amazing - we had such a great meal here, all the dishes were great, so were all the drinks. The staff was also amazing

Service at lunch was great! Very attentive and offered tastings of other taco meats. The guacamole con chorizo was surprisingly tasty. The tacos were flavourful. The bonus was the actual tortilla. The right thickness and the best part is that they don't get soggy and dissolve. Huge plus when eating good tacos in my opinion. The tacos with the hot sauce, though, is where it's at honestly! House made hot sauce too which is awesome. Definitely a must in the south end.

The best Mexican food in Boston! Service was above and beyond! Treated like family! Pricing is fantastic for the food you are getting. They had micheladas which no one back East does! Strongly recommend this place; we will be back for sure!

I visited your restaurant on a very hot day 96 degrees outside and took an Uber all the way from Cambridge just to try your food, since I don’t have a car. When I arrived, I was told the cook wasn’t there and to come back at 4:30 PM. I made the trip again at 4:30, but there was still no cook. This experience was disappointing, unprofessional, and a waste of time and money. A restaurant should always have a cook available during operating hours. I was really looking forward to trying your food, but unfortunately this left a bad impression.

This place is underrated and does not deserve the low ratings it gets. Super nice service and good food that is not your typical Boston Mexican fare.

The menu is expansive with all of the core appetizer and entree items you could wish for at a Mexican restaurant. I was excited to see birria tacos on the menu and ordered it right away. I was let down by the lack of crunch of the tortilla shell and the meat was ok but not very tasteful. When I eat a birria taco I want to crunch into a savory core and that is not what happened. Again, the tacos were good - but didn't feel worth the high marked prices here. I also felt the dipping sauce which is an essential element of what makes birria tacos special, just wasn't enough for 3 tacos (small sauce cup as shown in picture). The wait was excruciatingly long but we were patient given this was a Friday night in Boston. It did feel strange there were only (2?) waiters serving the entire restaurant (inside and outdoors). I understand the business decision to create a level of anticipation from customers but even the drinks took 20 minutes to arrive. I didn't finish the passion fruit margarita because it was sour and I really did not like it. The carne asada was good but my partner ordered a side of rice when he realized it doesn't come with the full plate of guac, pico, and refried beans. If you get the queso fundido, be aware that it comes with only 3 soft tortillas - not enough for the dip nor even two people. I found it strange they give an odd number of tortillas and only 3 for a table of more than 1 person and an entire cheese bowl... All in all, the food was good but not great (for the prices). The wait was long(er) than necessary. I likely won't come back here unless someone else decides they really want to go.

High marks on nearly every scale. The (one) missing mark is price. This food is expensive -- much more than food should be. I understand that we're in Boston and that costs a premium but there are tacos that go for + $7.

Favorite lunch spot, family owned business please support . Pedro is very nice makes sure everything comes out correct Pedro is the man !!!

I really enjoyed the vegetable enchiladas - amazing flavors and a full plate! Margaritas don't have the fake flavors that you're used too, either! Very fresh!

The service was good, the server was friendly and attentive! Chips with salsa and guacamole were yummy but the entree was mediocre. I ordered the carne asada enchiladas - the meat was very burnt and the sauce was good but there was too much added for my liking. The restaurant itself is pretty small but they can accommodate for larger parties!

While ambiance and service of this small South End establishment is great, the food was mediocre at best. I loved the quaint interior of this restaurant. The exposed brick with the cool artwork and dim lighting was super cozy yet chic. We had a pretty big party, but our server was very attentive and went out of their way to take great care of our table! For the most part though, the food was just ok. It's worth mentioning that the guacamole is pretty bomb and great for sharing, but everything else was kinda lackluster. The Pollo al Chipotle was not bad - while the flavor was there, the chicken was a bit rubbery. On the other hand, Aguacate Relleno (with al pastor), had a great texture from the tortilla strips, meat, and avocado, but was rather bland. I appreciate the vibe of this place, but probably will look elsewhere next time I'm in South End

Went here a while back for dinner with some friends and let me tell you it can get busy. They don't have a system to take down your names so you have to just wait in line. It's a tiny place but they manage to fit lots of people in there. We got there and luckily only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table, but right after we got there the line got long. But, they are pretty quick once you sit down. The margs and tacos were so good! I thought that the tacos would be a lot smaller than they were! I def want to come back and try their other things on the menu. They actually messed up one of my friends order, and just gave an extra taco to us for free because of that.

I came here on a Friday night, and the servers were nice. The taco shell had a good texture, and the chicken marinade was pretty good. It was a bit dry though. I also had their chips and guacamole. The guacamole was good but nothing special, and the chips could use some salt. Maybe I'll come back and try their other entrees.

Came to El Centro for the first time and the service and food was amazing. The food was all extremely fresh and maybe the best Mexican food I've had in Boston. Will definitely be back, Highly recommend!

We went here on a week night for margaritas and tacos. And it didn't disappoint. We ordered fish tacos, chicken and pork tacos and they were all good. I love seafood and fish tacos were the my favorites in comparison. I got a classic margarita and I enjoyed it with my taco. Tamarind margarita had a great kick from the fresh jalapeño which balanced the tamarind really well. I suspect they are short on servers. The servers were crazy busy and were running around to keep up. The outdoor seating added to our experience, the lights are such a nice touch. We had a lovely evening here.

I cant believe this place stays open. Tacos are bland and were served cold. Service is slow

I really like that this Mexican restaurant is authentic "Sonora Style Food" started with a tuna ceviche that was fresh and very flavorful ,the sauce was awesome. We order the FAMOUS Carne Asada that comes with homemade flour tortillas to feel like home , some fresh guacamole , pico de gallo and some refried beans , everything was the perfect combination to built your own Stake Tacos . Then the birria tacos and consomé was a juicy and delicious experience , Shrimp Chipotle its a Amazing way to eat shrimp , the creamy sauce and the grilled asparagus and corn was the best combination, the Rice was delicious too . For desert we order the churro cake , its a tres leches cake with a side of warm churros and dulce de leche everywhere The service was very friendly and efficient! We will definitely coming back soon !!

Ordered a variety of food for takeout. Overall the food was good, although everything was a little heavy on the lime. - guacamole : seems like it's whipped or at least thoroughly mixed so it has a creamy texture but not many chunks. Not my preference but still good - Barbacoa taco : was the best, very flavorful - Fish taco : good flavor but wish the fish was crispier. This might have to do with getting soft in takeout container. - carne asada taco : a little disappointing. The meat was tough and chewy - taco al pasto : good, not great - queso birra : tasty but very greasy. Had some unexpected flavors, maybe Moroccan? - queso fundido : probably poor choice for takeout since we had to try and reheat it as it cooled en route. Would like to try it on site post covid. Everything is heavy on the lime.

So I came to this place to eat and the salsa and chip was delicious, the service was great if I could give a 10 stars I would .

Came here because of taco cravings at 845pm and while the restaurant is supposed to close at 9:30pm, the person said we will close at 9 today so you cant order drinks. Ordered three meaty individual tacos as a result and one thing I noticed was that the tacos had a lot of meat with some corn and lettuce. What it lacked was some combo of tomato and salsa because it just tasted really dry and not flavorful at all. I really I wish I could say something better because it had a lot of meat but the service was meh and the taste was even more meh. Pretty disappointed and most likely not going to come back again.

Went here after some friends recommended it for authentic Mexican food. I was immediately disappointed. I got 2 burritos - chicken and steak for my girlfriend and I. The chicken was a wet mess- salty shredded chicken that left the burrito so wet that there was a puddle of "burrito juice" on the table by the end of the burrito. On the other hand the steak was fatty and not good at all. My girlfriend couldn't even finish her chicken burrito because it fell apart halfway through. Would not recommend. Shiuldnt a burrito be able to hold its form at least???

I think this place is easily a 5/5 place to receive quality Mexican food in Boston. I think most of these three or lower reviews had one-off bad experiences or went into the restaurant in a bad headspace. Quesadillas are good, chips are good, and soups are delicious. Everything contains quality ingredients that are always on point. Also, for the burritos, they have it well incorporated, not pockets of ingredients but a nice, evenly distributed burrito. Please don't listen to the snobs. This is an excellent place to hit up when it's not packed and is always suitable for takeout or delivery.

Amazing flavor packed into every bite! Love the carne asada especially!! Highly reccomend. Al pastor tacos were a bit dry although also flavorful. Overall a good dining experience & would come again!

Fun, intimate dining experience. Great location, attentive staff, and phenomenal Queso Fundido.

That was food was mediocre. The service was awful on top of everything else. Considering how my party and I felt attacked and ridiculed. There must be a problem with black and brown individuals. For situations that were simply ordinary decency that every human being should receive, they tried to create fake store policies. My waitress Kora R. Do not enter! 0/10

The best Mexican food that I've had in Boston. The chorizo burrito is fantastic! And the drinks were amazing!

The atmosphere is great for single people, but it can be really loud and crowded with kids. This place has good gourmet Mexican food, but it's definitely not nana's cooking. We had sopes, which we're like an inch thick! I've never seen this before, and they had a really hard crust. The taste was good - steak and chorizo. We also had tacos, they were a bit bland, but their spicy sauce is spicy it was a great compliment. You might need to request it, it doesn't come with. The orchata water and corn (totally plain) were the most authentic Mexican items. The rice was nice and firm, but the side was tiny. Finally, the margaritas, were 7/10 good. The best tamarind margaritas are at Papatzul, in Manhattan NYC, so we always grade based on those. I think the place deserves a 3.5, but 3 seems harsh, because I can see myself coming back when we're in town again.

Ok hear me out. So this is not necessarily my favorite "Mexican" place in Boston (feel free to check out my other reviews and again this is with my Boston lens...not my LA born and raised lens). But HANDS DOWN the best guacamole. I will order a taco from this place (and the caramelo taco is pretty damn good actually) JUST to order some guac. They sprinkle cotija cheese on it, but I'm positive there is some crack sprinkled in there as well. The non-vegetarian one is also great (the one with chicharron). I can't vouch for the rest of the menu and I vaguely recall feeling so-so about it, but this place deserves 4 stars for the guac alone (the vibe is also pretty cool).

To be fair, I've only been here for taco Tuesday but it's not the best in town. On Tuesday's their tacos are half price ($2.50), but this excludes some of their best selections so be sure to ask before you order! The chips and salsa have increased in price, and I always find it a little off putting when you have to pay for them to begin with, but they're worth it. Salsa is fresh and authentic. My go to's are the chicken, fried fish, and shredded beef Lorenza tacos. They're not always consistent as the chefs may rotate, but you get a good bang for your buck. My favorite is the Lorenza, but beware it's excluded from the Tuesday deal. But the churros are an ABSOLUTE MUST. They're my favorite in the city thus far, and I've had plenty. They're fat and crispy on the outside but thick enough that they're still soft and squishy on the inside. I hate it when they're too thin and fried to a crisp but these are perfection!

Great quaint place in the south end. Cozy and hip. You're going to enjoy the food. If your looking for good vibes and great food don't hesitate

Service and food was great! If you're in the area looking for a casual spot with authentic food, I highly recommend

Amazing AMAZING restaurant! Just went for a late lunch and wow! The enchiladas were amazing. We got queso as well. Everyone loved their meal. Can't wait to come back!!

Only had one dish to-go, but was not impressed. My order was the cochinita pibil, one of my favorite dishes in Mexican cuisine, but it fell quite flat. The pork was simply overdone and dried out. Maybe it had been sitting on the warming station for an extended period of time? The flavor was decent, but not developed enough. The side refried beans were a throw-away: completely lacked flavor and totally paste-like texture. The pickled accompaniments might have been the best part my order.

Really bad service and food was eh. Most of the servers were crowded behind the bar chitchatting and laughing with each other as we sat there with unfilled drinks and waited to place our order. We had to ask to order after sitting there for 30 min. The food wasn't that good. I got the flautas and they were too hard to cut and the onions inside were completely burnt so it ruined the meal. Rice & beans were flavorless. I'm now typing this as I wait for our server to bring us the check...been waiting for that for 15-20 min now...with empty drinks.

Doesn't look like much when you you walk past. But dying of hunger my friend I popped in. The complete definition of a hole in the wall. Cozy atmosphere, welcoming environment and great conversations over delicious authentic family recipes.

Went there had the typical Mexican food and it was amazing. I love Mexican food - this was authentic! Can't wait to go back.

From being a transplant to Boston from San Diego, I have high expectations for good Mexican food. I can say that this place didn't disappoint. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing. There's a few tables outside for warm days. I got chicken enchiladas a mix of rojo & verde and they were amazing paired with a Hibiscus margarita which were both amazing. I can't wait to go back

If I could rate it less than 1 I would. Nasty servers and mid/trash food. I took one bite of the salmon and didn't want it after order a bunch of food, I told the server (KORA) and ask to take it back. Her and another waiter proceeded to argue with me that that's not their policy. What kind of restaurant doesn't let you take back food if it was bad?? Also me and my girlfriend were the only black people in there. Despite not wanting the salmon, I asked for more drinks. After they finally took back the salmon, they immediately brought the check and ignored the drink requested. I told Kora that it was clear they wanted us to leave and she agreed. Don't go here if you want good food or be treated correctly.

what a cute little hidden gem! very cute (but small) atmosphere - but they did just get some patio space outside! delicious food with lots of options. very inexpensive and quick! I get takeout a lot since I work nearby. a must try!

I wrote a complain 2 weeks ago still no one had contact me. Waitress was rude

My friend introduced me to El Centro and even only having been once, I know that I'll be back. This is easily the best and most authentic Mexican food that I have gotten to experience while I've been in Boston.

I don't typically write Yelp reviews...but this time I had to because of how impressed I am with the food!! I am Mexican, who recently moved to Boston, and have been searching for an authentic Mexican place and have tried many, but none of the rest compare... I ordered 3 caramelo tacos - the tortillas are homemade flour tortillas, which is RARE and an amazing thing to find! The sauce on the left is also amazing to top the tacos with - tomatoey, tangy, and perfectly spiced - the sauce is the middle - watch out! VERY spicy, and the last one is guacamole!! AMAZING and FILLING tacos! The staff is also VERY FRIENDLY. I Will definitely go back and try the rest of the food!!

Got tacos, margaritas, and quesadillas. Great authentic cuisine, GUAC was tasty. Small portions for the price. Ambience was decent.

What an amazing place!!! The food was delicious. The queso fundido is a must. They weren't doing outdoor seating because of the weather, but when we explained that we don't eat inside due to covid, they put a table and heater out for us. The waiter, Pedro, was the nicest person ever. He took great care of us and made us feel like a priority. Overall an amazing experience. Would go back.

As a Mexican person, five stars to this restaurant, great food and ambiance. Thanks Allan and ladies. You guys rock!!!

doesn't look like much when you walk by but MAN! LOVED it. Celebrated my anniversary here and found this place on a whim. Loved everything we put in our mouth. The owner and staff were super nice and attentive Definitely coming again!

From someone with Mexican heritage who grew up eating authentic Mexican food, this place is great! Best I've ever had in Boston for sure--very good quality ingredients and excellent service.

Anyone who is not spanish would think is very delicious place to eat. But My GOD the food was terrible. No taste, no flavor. I order biztec with rice and bean. And it was a mix of little piece steak with a corn sauce from the blender. I left the hall plate. not recommended. From 1 to 10...1 maybe

My fiancé and I were told that this place had some of the best Mexican food in town. When I asked if it competed with places like Naco Taco in Cambridge or La Victoria Taqueria in Arlington I was told it most def competed with them. Parking was difficult to find. We found parking on Washington St and walked to the restaurant. Very small restaurant but the decor is welcoming and cool. We were handed the menus and took a brief look at it. We settled for some salsa, guacamole and chips, 3 tacos, ranchero steak. And for dessert, flan and churos. Chips were fairly stale while the salsa and guacamole had good taste. Didn't finish them though. The 3 tacos I had were pretty good. Can't complaint about those but not the best. The plate of food my fiancé had however was ok. You cannot depend on tomato sauce to give you the flavor you're looking for. It tasted like it was missing something but I couldn't figure it out. The steak in the sauce was rather tough and over cooked. The flan was disappointing while the churos were tasty. It was an ok experiencing. The food isn't horrible but it also isn't the best and not fresh. At least from my experience. Servers were very nice and welcoming. Prices shouldn't be as high. Each taco was $5. My fiancé's plate was $25. Total spent for our meal was $75 or so. So yeah..

El Centro was all around an excellent experience. We were in Boston to visit our daughter who is attending school. She took us the El Centro because she wanted us to experience it. The food was excellent, as was the service. What really stood out is how we were made to feel like family. El Centro really cares about their customers and I can't wait to visit there the next time I'm in Boston. Loved the entire experience. Thank you!

Great food, and nice outdoor ambience with the wooden deck and lights. However, it took an hour for the food (including appetizers) to come out, when neighboring tables who got seated 20min later got food before us. The chip and guac arrived 1 min before dinner entrees. Same long wait for the check that I have to walk inside to get it from the register and ask for a takeout container. They gave me a much small container when all other tables got the larger round one :( Besides the neighboring table getting food first, the waitress also willfully ignored me 3 times (only took my friend's plate and ask for his input). This favoritism is intolerable. :(

Went here yesterday with one of my friends to give it another try. I have to say I was disappointed... AGAIN! I ordered a spicy tamarind margarita - it was filled with jalapeños and I didn't taste the tamarind once. Simply jalapeño seeds. Ordered the stuffed avocado with chicken. This was the most bland dish I have ever eaten. Don't be fooled by sauce(s). 0 flavor! What a huge disappoint.

Bad service. Waited ten minutes before I was greeted by anyone. Then sat at a table for another ten minutes before anyone took my order only to be told they were backed up on orders and that they would've be able to serve me in a timely manner.

Came here on a recommendation from a friend. I will not be returning. The rice beans and steak all needed seasoning. The staff is incredibly nice but that cannot save a restaurant from bland food. I wouldn't recommend this place. Hopefully anyone else has better luck.