El El Frijoles, Mexican Food

Absolutely delicious Mexican fare in a lovely location. We had the specials (cod tacos and crab quesadillas) and both were fresh and well-presented. Much respect to the salsa bar. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Would heartily recommend if in the area!

It's a cute place. Lots of outdoor seating, food was mediocre, and a little pricey.

I would drive 6 hours for this place, and have :) It’s always our favorite because you truly can’t go wrong! From the incredible spicy lobster tacos (not that spicy) to the surf and turf or steak quesadilla. The fresh salsa bar with an insane assortment of different hot sauces—omg the guacamole!!! Everything hits the spot. You get large portions of lobster and steak popping out of whatever you get, just like in their branding. HA! The attention to details is impressive. Now the food would be enough to have me coming back for more, but the atmosphere and people are top notch too. The vibe that the family has as they serve you is like you’re over at a best friend’s house for dinner. So kind and generous. You can FEEL that they love it, and that energy is magnetic and contagious. Sitting in the back yard at picnic tables you’re far enough from the road to feel like you have your own little sanctuary, surrounded by woods. You can see the tree house they’ve built and they have a sand box areas for kiddos. Then the option to make more of an event out of your dining experience and bop next door to the Makers Market is such a lovely way to see/support local artist. They have really inexpensive wines, crackers/charcuterie stuff, darling cards, painting materials and more. We were with a group of friends, about 8 gals and guys and everyone walked out buying a few things because they had so many unique gifts and fun mementos. I think summer is my favorite season because it means I can have El El Frijoles! Truly an ode to what a restaurant should be.

Consistently Delicious! Plenty of menu options and the specials are always yummy! They use fresh ingredients including some grown on-site. Super friendly staff and management! Fun vibe! When we leave our palates are overjoyed, bellies are satisfied and waistlines are grateful for such an experience!

I’m 71 years old and my lunch today was one of my top three meals in my life. Don’t mean to be dramatic. Just real. Thank you. I live 5 1/2 hours away and I will be back. Sooo good. Delish!!!! Xo

Sensitive white people food is a good way to describe it. Zero seasoning on all food/toppings, really thick dry corn tortillas, beef was way over, just not great food. Atmosphere was excellent, service was good, just wish the food had some flavor.

Such a neat little spot! We got the carnitas tacos, spicy lobster tacos, and a chipotle chicken quesadilla. The homemade tortillas had great flavor. The lobster wasn't spicy but definitely flavorful and perfectly cooked. I wouldn't say any of the salsas had a lot of heat but everything we had was flavorful and well-seasoned. The passion fruit mint aqua fresca was also delicious. Definitely a must try if you're in the area!

Over rated had great reviews, but not that impressed. The corn tortilla shells were a little thick. The lobster tacos were just okay. The burrito was nothing exciting either. The chips are just from a bag. The salsa was very uneventful. The black beans were good that came as a side. The atmosphere is fun lots of places to sit outside.

Everything is great. The food, quantity Of food, the people, the seatings and the pictures on the wall. Carne asada is the way to go and there are excellent hot sauce choices. Way to go L L Beans

So cute and really good food. If you are driving by and this place is open, then do yourself a favor and stop in. Casual outdoor seating and friendly staff. My mom had a bacon and onion quesadilla with a salad $13.95, and I had a corn and bean bowl with pulled pork (I don't remember the price but I think about the same $). Both dishes were excellent.

The best part about this place is the culture clash (Maine fare meets Californian style Mexican dishes) in the middle of a place where it's hard to find much else other than surf and turf/pizza. We enjoyed people watching outside as we ate - this is clearly a destination spot for foodies. We each shared the daily specials - Korean Spicy Shrimp Tacos and a Crab Quesadilla. The tacos were great - fresh, succulent shrimp with homemade tortillas. The quesadilla was heavy on cheese and light on crab, and the guacamole it came with left much to be desired (acidity, heat, and texture severely lacking). Our horchata (added a nip of spiced rum since it's BYOB) was light and refreshing, and the sampling of salads from the salsa bar were hit and miss for our tastes. The chipotle flavored salsa was great, as was the very spicy one, but we found the pico de gallo bland. Overall a very much needed place that offers a fresh twist on Maine seafood. That said the flavors didn't quite pop as we anticipated.

If they are open and I find myself in sangerville, there's a 100% chance I stop in. Great service, even better people. You will not regret the choice!

Really nice owners/servers and a fun relaxed, outdoor atmosphere. The special of the day I believe was pork, Al Pastore, which is pretty darn good. But the chicken taco was dry and plain, lacking flavor, and the rice and beans didn't have much to them either, taste-wise. El El came highly recommended, and we wanted to like it more than we actually did.

The delightful folks at El El never fail to please. Delish tacos of all kinds. A must stop when in Sedgwick and Blue Hill, a quirky only in midcoast Maine treat

Great food, lots of places to eat. You order at the counter inside and they call your name when it's ready. They have a screened in porch with multiple picnic tables so no bugs:) Had a great quesadilla and carnitas tacos:) fantastic! Will come again, thanks!

Man, what a gem! Popped into El El Frijoles when in the area recently, and it was a total treat. We gave them a quick call before heading over, because like all businesses currently, everyone is stretched thin and doing the best they can with hours of operation. They confirmed they were open and off we went! I found the whole experience to be very organized -- from ordering to dining -- I very much appreciated their processes in times of COVID. I opted for a burrito and aqua fresco -- both delicious. My friends had a quesadilla, nachos and a lobster burrito. We were all thrilled with our selections. Don't sleep on their claim for 'World's Best Ice Coffee' -- we grabbed a few to go and they had this unique kick which I'm sure I'll try to emulate at home. The staff (I believe the owners helped us) was kind, thoughtful and hilarious. The food was fresh, hot and flavorful (to me). I love the salsa bar and hot sauce options, a real chance to dress it up however you enjoy. I think my only nugget I would share is parking is limited. If you are thinking about heading there in prime dining time, you may have to duke it out in the lot. Can't wait to stop by next time I'm in the area!

Great food, very reasonable prices. Creative options. If your not tired of lobster, the tacos are amazing. Choose your own sauces. BYOB. Choose your seating frim several picnic tables. Staff incredibly friendly. Worth it!

EVEN WHEN THEY RUN OUT OF GUCAMOLE AT 130PM ON A WEDNESDAY I love them. No truly, not lust, not like, LOVE them. Everything done here is served with love, even the bad news. The specials are so good they often sell out before lunch is thru. Five stars for being in Downeast, not being afraid to use flavor, and their love of their craft. And it shows. Today I was too late for Ahi, but there's always the fabulous Spicy Lobster Soft Tacos. I do often wish they had one more fish option, not shellfish but fish like halibut or even cod. That's my only room for improvement. The portions are quite large, and are made from local, hugh quality ingredients. That's why when they run out. It's out for the day. The specials are posted on their site daily. Carnitas have almost a red wine quality, the pollo is so finely shredded you never think twice. I even just get the 4oz sides of daily veggies to snack on or throw in my order. May officially run the menu before this year is finished.

amazing. The food is fresh and delicious. i would eat here daily. They are very helpful about what to order and we devoured every bite

So, my husband and I have been driving by this place for, like, twelve years, but hadn't stopped in until yesterday. To say that the restaurant itself is unprepossessing would be to understate the situation. However, it is kinda quirky, and surprisingly inviting. I'm used to calling ahead, which I was amazed (in a pandemic), and, frankly, somewhat perturbed that they don't allow you to do that. So we went there, luckily after it had stopped pouring buckets, because actually getting your food is a bit of a prescribed process, and if they're busy, some of that process is spent out of doors (there's a sign on the door about how everything works, which, of course, I ignored). But don't let that put you off! They know what they're doing, and are extremely organized and efficient. They're doing it the best possible way, believe me. If I had known then what I know now, I would have realized that pretty much any amount of wait - rain, sleet, snow, dark of night - is worth it for the food! I spent about ten minutes waiting to get in to the inner-sanctum to order. Their menu is pretty straightforward, which I appreciate, as compared to some Mexican places that have menus that read like War and Peace, yet never really get any of it right. At the register, you give your order to a very friendly, patient gentleman who is quite helpful and informative, and has freakishly precise handwriting. I had the carne asada burrito bowl with no black beans, which consisted of rice, cheese, crema, and - I believe this is the correct culinary term - an "eff-ton" of tender, perfectly seasoned beef. I cannot stress enough how wonderful just the meat itself was. It came with a bit of cabbage (cole slaw?) and some of the best chips I've ever had - hearty (not thin but not thick, just right amount of salt, and perfect to use to scoop my food greedily into my mouth . . . ). It was an enormous amount of what is probably the best Mexican food I've ever eaten in Maine. My husband got the nachos - also sans black beans - and his came with chips (that he was "complaining" he couldn't even SEE for the sheer amount of carnitas piled on top of them), melted cheese, guac, and crema. I had a huge spoonful of his carnitas, and it was at least as good as my carne asada. He, too, was blown away by the flavor, quality, and sheer size of the portions of the food. You choose your own salsa with which to adulterate your meal. My husband likes everything as HOT as POSSIBLE. I like a medium heat. They have a handy little chart behind the offerings at the salsa/hot sauce bar - which one spoons into one of those little plastic containers with tops - that lets you know how hot they are. The hottest was pickled onions and jalepenos. I didn't get that for him, because it wasn't very "saucy", but got the next hottest one, and the next hottest from that for myself (I think it was something "roja", but don't quote me). The salsas were both - also - incredibly good! Although my husband likes "hotter than hot", he also appreciates FLAVOR along with the heat. He loved the salsa, and mine added just the perfect tingle to my carne asada. Having mildly bitched about what was - I found - a very reasonable wait to order, considering how busy they can be - we got our food probably about seven or so minutes after I ordered it - maybe not even that long. There's a picnic table where you can wait for it - they put your food on a table outside a side door from the kitchen, and then you can either eat it there - they have many outdoor seating options - or take it away. So, I'm a fussbudget about ALL food, but I am telling you to GO TO THIS PLACE and STUFF YOURSELF with the BEST MEXICAN FOOD in MAINE. Our biggest question when we eat somewhere new is, "Would you go back to this place?" And our resounding answer was: "HELL YES!"

Super friendly, super fresh. We had an appetizer, burritos and tacos, several frescos and an iced coffee, and everyone was happy! And honestly the lobster tacos were some of the best lobster this trip. Bonus for being exceptionally child and pet friendly!

Love this out of the way tasty good Mexican restaurant! The delicious food, friendly owners and staff and bucolic setting make this a delightful stop, even worth a bit of a drive. Right up the road is a fabulous view from Caterpillar Hill, probably the best in Maine. If you do takeout, stop and enjoy the great food and phenomenal view.

Tasty and unusual ingredients for Downeast Maine, well- prepared. Cal-Mex flavors with local seafood and produce. Super friendly. The funky ambiance is part of the fun. Great deal!

This has been a favorite of mine for many years and the food and service never declines. The owners are simply the nicest humans to exist that care so much about what they do and the island communities. After living in AZ and CA it seems so weird to say the best Mexican food stateside is in Maine- but it really is.

El El Frijoles has been part of my life since they opened some 14 years ago. Chef Michelle's specials are always fabulous as is the regular menu.

So I wasn't expecting much, good Cali-Mex food in Sargentsville didn't seem to something I was expecting. After an 8 hour drive with two smelly old dogs and a teenager I would have eaten my shoe, I was that hungry but there was no need. We got our food to go because we were beat and there was a sunset waiting for us on Deer Isle but I would have loved to sit among their gardens and relax. We were the last customers of the night, I think they just tend to make their own hours but we were happy to get in under the wire. I got carne asada tacos and my niece got a kids quesadilla and a hibiscus aqua fresca. It was my lucky day because instead of flank steak my taco had tenderloin, they'd received it by mistake. The taco shells were homemade, the pickled red onions were perfect, everything was super tasty. When we're on Deer Isle next we'll definitely make this a stop either coming or going.

This is a Mexican Restaurant there is no doubt. The food was fresh and well presented. We ate outside and it was a beautiful day. But the only way we knew it was Mexican was because of the name and the fact it looked like Mexican because the flavor, the rice etc was the furtherest away from Mexican seasoning we have ever had. Really if you are looking for mild and bland this is your kind of place. Very disappointing after a long ride and good reviews we had read we wondered what they ordered! Disappointing!! Rolanda

This places rules. Super friendly folks, great food (don't sleep on the ice cream sandwiches), and cute outdoor dining area. Will definitely be back if I'm ever hungry again after eating said ice cream sandwich, it's a monster.

It's just so bad! I have grown use to Maine not having a great selection of restaurants and was so excited to find this place! My hopes were utterly dashed. This is just gross bland unappealing manufactured food. Everything we ordered was bad. The horchata was super watery w no cinnamon. The tacos were bland and all tasted the same. The tortillas are not homemade but reconstituted masa straight out of the container. We selected four types of tacos; chix, potato, carnitas, and "grilled" vegetable. The vegetables were not grilled but sautéed. Mushy and gross. All of the taco fillings were bland bland bland....yuck! The salsas were straight out of a bottle. Such a disappointment. Never again. ***I note you have responded but not allowed me to reply. I tried to speak to the owner who stood by the home and was too engaged talking to friends. Unfortunately the owner never stopped by our table. You'll be busy because there is nothing else around. I am from Chicago so am use to truly authentic Mexican food. Your food is not Mexican food. There is absolutely no spice/sofrito. The tortillas are not handmade but masa from the container and pressed. That is NOT homemade. And grilled vegetables mean on the grill w char marks. Yours are sautéed w oil. Also the rice and beans were hugely disappointing. Not Spanish rice and not arroz con gandules. Just literally white rice and black beans LOL which proves you don't know Mexican food.

Super fast service. Casual, eat outside. Good, solid, Mexican style food. Nice friendly owners who moved from Berkeley.

Lovely place, with great burritos. One of the best carnitas burritos I've ever had! Great variety of salsa and hot sauce. Friendly, fast service. Great experience.

This place is awesome. If you're in the area, definitely stop in. Great specials and delicious variety of salsas. Portions are pretty hearty and food came out quickly. There's a screened in picnic area that makes this a convenient place to eat and get away from the bugs. Yeah it's a bit more than what you might pay at a taco stand but it's quality Mexican food on the coast of Maine, the best of both worlds.

Surprisingly good Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. I especially liked the salsa bar where you choose which you prefer from very mild to quite hot.

Everything was made with care and delicious! Too bad they're only open Wednesdays and Thursdays. Also, you should call early to put in your order if you're interested in any of the lobster, they run out. We called in the early afternoon to put in an order for pick up in the evening, and when we called they were already out of the lobster.

Love the food and the pun! Great place to eat and repeat between adventures and a nice break standard Maine fare

Wow. We've been in the area visiting Acadia National Park, and were looking for something less "lobster-on-the-side-of-the-road" on our last night. We ventured out to El El Frijoles and now we'll probably dream about it forever (we'll be back). The carnitas burrito was flavorful through and through, down to the delicious flour tortilla. The burritos come with chips and you have your choice of homemade salsas. We like spice but the mild salsa was so fresh and garlicky that it became our favorite quickly. Michael and Michele chatted with us while we ordered, and made the visit even more fun. We went around 7 and they were out of a few things but had the majority of the menu. El El Frijoles is a must go- better than any burrito I know in Boston!

Awesome little place! Always crowded, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. I've had both the lobster and carnitas tacos, guacamole, and their fresh made salsas... they are all delicious! Love the outdoor seating. As a bonus, they have some (usually vegan?) cookies that are absolutely to die for.

I had the most delightful experience at El El Frijoles! On our recent trip to Maine, my husband and I found quick-service restaurants that were both affordable and up-to-snuff to be few and far between - a market that this charming eatery fills expertly! The menu is a delightful blending of local (often organic) foods, authentic Mexican street fare, and Coastal Maine seafood. Bonus: it's super affordable and the staff is utterly charming! I couldn't ask for anything more! On our visit we ordered the Grilled Vegetable Tacos, Carnitas Burrito, and two delightful Agua Frescas. Everything was fresh, nutritious, and scrumptious! If you're in the area, El El Frijoles is an absolute must-eat!

Maybe it was the last four days on the waters of Jericho Bay, maybe it was the last for r days of my cooking, but the nachos I just inhaled were the best I've ever had, a mixture of guacamole, white cheese, black beans and crema. The Violeta Blueberry float paired well. Second course was a spicy lobster burrito and a potato/poblano burrito. Both were magnificent. The owner and his team worked hard to interact with patrons and each other. What an enjoyable reintroduction to humanity after four days of gulls and seals and before Trump news interferes and erodes all hope. Highly recommend!

You have to fight to get your order in but it's worth it. I love the pork burrito and I can't wait until it's warm enough to sit by their fire pit.

We were lucky enough to get takeout from this spot the day before they closed for the year/season while visiting the area from out of town. Got carne asada and carnitas taco- both delicious and tasty. Salsas were great- especially loved the medium with a smoky chipotle kick! Owner was so nice and friendly chatting with us while picking up the meal. They are also taking covid precautions very seriously. Definitely a solid Mexican spot! Unfortunately I ate too fast to take a picture of the tacos which says how yummy they were!!!! Try the blueberry soda too!

Totally lame that we drove 20 minutes and Yelp Hours said they were open and apparently they close at 7. Also found a menu that said 11-8 Wednesday through Friday. And the owner acted like "oh you know Yelp sucks and never gets anything right". But I know that it's up to the owner to change the times.

The restaurant is in a converted barn with a beautiful kitchen garden. Family run and you should read the yelp more info section...impressive chef. The food is fresh and excellent. On the level of Bayless in his Frontera street food incarnations. Just the kind of 'find' you need to find in the country of main. Farm to table and sustainable practices. Had a Rajas y papas burrito. Wife had exquisite spicy lobster tacos. The flavor was perfect to not over shadow the sweetness. Home made salsas...4 types...are fantastic. They make several delicious agua frescos. I had cucumber mint. Go!!!

Absolutely delicious. Portions are generous, nice atmosphere. Not fancy, just good food and friendly service. Mostly outside seating but there are some tables inside. There is also take out.

We love el el frijoles!! Michael the owner was so kind and funny and passionate about his restaurant:) the food was UBELIEVABLE. Possibly the best burritos and nachos we have EVER had. In addition, it was very affordable and the ambiance was amazing. We ate in this beautiful little garden house and truly had an overall lovely experience !!

Delicious fresh food! Traditional Mexican options as well as crab and lobster options. Good for pleasing a variety of family members. Casual and relaxing outdoor eating.

Cute place tucked away. Nice spot for lunch. Really cool atmosphere. Friendly, helpful staff and nice layout. My only gripe was the food. The chicken were average, but we're talking tacos here right? Veggies were mushy and rajas? What the hell is this? Mashed potatos in my taco. Salsa: Bland with a capital B. I tried the medium salsa, which was a little better than the mild salsa. But come on, watery tomatoes, no salt, no acid, blech, miserable. Tortillas: Inedible. I appreciate home made food, trust me. But these home made tortillas were slabs of hardened food that I had to scrape my food off to eat. I kept trying them, appreciating how they might taste better as the meal went on, but it didn't happen. Price: Awful. $13.00+ for crummy tacos? Stay at home and make your own damn taco night. I love their intention, but I'm never going back here.

EEF isn't just a restaurant; it's a pillar of the community. (In 2016 they raised $50,000 to build a playground in Sedgwick). But that's not why you should stop there--it's *excellent* Maine-style Mexican with an emphasis on fresh and local, and they actually mean that. Their seafood chowder is spectacular. Their salads are homemade, too.

Wow - What a find! The folks at El El Frijoles clearly care about their food and their customers. I love that the meals are filled with locally sourced ingredients, and so delicious! Three cheers for El El Frijoles!!!

I am a local who is ecstatic that El El exists. Delicious, affordable food, super cool and hip atmosphere and owners with hearts of gold. They contribute to their community in every way, the restaurant is but one. You couldn't support a more worthy and fantastic business.

Delicious food. Terrible food poisoning. I will not go there again. I have eaten there three times and was really excited to find this place. Unfortunately a 33% chance of not sleeping the night is not worth it to me.

Very cute barn restaurant home to delicious authentic Mexican food with a sea food twist. My family and I are visiting from Kansas and absolutely enjoyed the place. I had the crab quesadilla with the mango aqua frescos. The quality and flavors were beyond unique. New customers had a sense of belonging when first walking in with the friendly staff and picture wall of people from all over the world. I highly suggest this place to anyone who appreciates good customer service and good cooking!

Honestly above average food and super fresh ingredients. But the deal breaker is that they close randomly without notice. I've been 5 times and 4 out of those five it has been closed. Also prices could be dropped about two dollars per item to make it more justifiable.

This place is just crazy good. The food was incredibly delicious. The salsas are homemade and self serve, so try them all!! The owner was super nice. The women who took our order explained the menu as we were clearly rookies. When we are back in this area, we will definitely stop in again.

Why in the world have we not eaten here all this time we come to Cape Rosier over the summer??? One of the best burritos I've had, even in the South. Leftovers even better for lunch next day. And no cheap tortilla chips. Doing Covid distancing great. Great job. Back soon!

What Michael lacks in humility in his amazing review of his own establishment, he and Michele make up for in great food and friendly service. Great members of the community, too. If only they were open year round! Those mid-January chilly night burrito cravings can be quite powerful! And while his paragraphs may lack the brevity of Hemingway, sitting and eating their food will surely remind you of those halcyon days of a nice beer and good food after a day out fishing with Papa. Yuht.

This taqueria Rocks! It is a very rare bird indeed in that the food is real Mexican, not some Americanized version of it. The food is all from local farms here. The owners put their heart and soul into every creation and you taste the love! The Lobster Tacos are Delectable. I ordered them to take away the first time. I took a bite as I commenced driving, I ended up sitting right there scarfing the whole thing down and then going back in to say how incredible it was! This is as kid friendly as anyone could ever hope for. People come from all over. They buy a T-Shirt and pack it. When they get to their home, they take a photo of them wearing the El El yellow Tee all over the planet and bring it back to pin on the walls. So Cool. My son can't get enough of the salsas and crab enchilada. His buddy from school who lives in Mexico City loved the Pork Carnitas! The only way it could be more authentic was if they teleported it to Mexico, but Michelle's awesome food would stay the same! It is profoundly difficult to run any business in Maine year round. Restaurants that are in any way ethnic fail. It is a wonderful testament to the restaurant that it has earned, kept and grown local year round support! Really, sincerely, they have No Equal! Go, Michael is waiting to feed you!