Mercado Juarez Cafe

Mercado Juarez will always be one of my favorites! Their arroz con pollo is my go-to dish — so flavorful and comforting every single time. The chips with warm salsa and the homemade flour tortillas are seriously addictive, and their strawberry margaritas are always a hit. I recently came for lunch with my friends, and we all loved everything we ordered. Great food, great service, and such a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!

I don’t care what any one else says it was so good. Great atmosphere, workers were nice and fast, food was a 10/10. Salsa was good and we loved how it was a little hot the salsa. It’s not expensive here and over all good experience will definitely be coming back!

I've heard so many good things about this place, and I was excited to finally try it. Boy was I disappointed. The host was nice but the waiter was unenthusiastic. The salsa was warm and tasted like marinara. The menu is shockingly small. I got the steak and shrimp and it was fine but the prices here are outrageous. I'd rather go to a place with more flavorful food and prices.

The food was disappointing. Salsa tasted like warm tomato’s blended. Queso tasted like it had velveta in it. My chicken was supposed to come with a sauce on it and it was just melted cheese. Veggies that came with my meal weren’t edible because they were undercooked (carrot still hard as a rock). Everything was so bland and I was so sad this was my first Mexican food experience in Texas. Beans bland and rice had carrots and peas in it.

Been going to Mercado Juarez for many years but this was our first time at this location. It’s an older spot so a few things looked dirty and/or broken. Our waiter was friendly and food was okay. Not authentic, more of a Tex-Mex flavor. I ordered the ground beef taco salad (I like lots of salsa on it. Lol. Taste was good but the carrots were odd. It was weird biting into huge chunks of carrot.). Guiso de rey (My husband’s favorite dish but I find the cumin flavor a bit strong. I also didn’t enjoy the beans tasting like chili.) Carne Asada (Very tender and flavorful. Again, didnt enjoy the rice or beans) Tortilla Soup (This was my favorite. Very flavorful and had a good ratio of chicken/vegetable.) Would definitely go back for more tortilla soup!

My husband and I came over from England to see family and celebrate our wedding. There were over 30 people in our party. Juana was our server and she was amazing. She was very friendly and handled it like a boss. Juana remembered our individual orders from memory, and made sure we had plenty of drinks. Thank you for such excellent service. My first time in Texas and I can’t wait to come back. The food was delicious!

The food is good but they've cut down on portion size and raised prices. The Tacos al Carbon had historically been three tacos, beans and rice. It was this way for years. The dish is now served with two and the price increased again. Service is always good and the food is excellent. The warm salsa is INCREDIBLE; easily the best I've had at any restaurant. My most recent visit this weekend they had gone downhill even more. Food was less tasty and bland. Salsa was still incredible but the service has gone down even further. My waiter checked on me a total of 3 times. At arrival, brought my food then my check. I had to actively flag him down multiple times for drink and salsa refills.

First time here and I'm impressed! Salsa, buttery tortillas, amazing food, and friendly service ( Suri). Now I see why it's a Fort Worth favorite since the '90s!

Food is delicious I got the carnitas plate and let me tell you it didn't disappoint the atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly (Kenia) I will be coming back every time I come to Fort Worth

One of the best cheese enchiladas I've tasted it,and inside it's very pretty also everyone is very nice and good at attending you

The salsa is amazing!!! I ordered the chicken fajitas and the portion was enough for 2 people. The food was great and fresh. I ate it for days. I didnt stay on sight, I ordered takeout but inside is very homey and great for large parties and kids. Its very nice and service was exceptional. There is a rustic bar in the restaurant as well. Parking is plentiful as its not located right in the downtown area but its close enough. Have a wonderful meal here!

My wife and I had an okay experience at Mercado Juarez. The interior is spacious and nicely decorated, and the service was both friendly and quick. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite hit the mark for us. The salsa was decent, but my fajitas were just average, and my wife's enchiladas had an unusual aftertaste that neither of us enjoyed. The margarita was fine, but nothing memorable. It's possible we caught them on an off night, but based on this visit, it'll probably be a while before we give it another try.

As Marcus Pasley has fairly recently taken MJ into his stable as part of his From Scratch Hospitality group we decided to give it a try today for lunch. Our last visit was probably some 35 years ago. We were curious to see if there were signs of an upped game here. I ordered a large top shelf Marg. We were disappointed to find that the only wine offering for my wife here is a white zin. Hard pass. The Marg came out promptly. The menu says it is made with "our famous Mercado Mix and fresh lime juice". It was drinkable but tasted like a typical Mexican restaurant Margarita made with a commercial mix. Not at all elevated. We ordered beef fajitas and a cheese chile relleno a la carte. The fajitas came out steaming hot (see my pic) and were quite good. Especially nestled into in what appears to be house made flour tortillas that are really good, along with the nicely grilled onions and peppers. The chile relleno was likewise good. Rice and beans were typical Mexican restaurant fare. The tasty salsa here is served warm containing chunks of tomato which I find quite enjoyable. Though we both enjoy more heat in salsa, the balance in this rendering is very nice. If the queso here is not your typical canned nacho type queso they've done a good job of imitating it. By the time we left around 12:30 the main dining room was almost full. A very good sign! The obvious age on the exterior of the building doesn't bother me. Kinda fit's the restaurant and FTW genre. But I'd really like to see the landscape out front given some love. Will be following reviews here on Yelp.

I highly suggest you eat here. Fresh made tortillas. Chips and sauce was the best I've ever tasted in years! The chimichanga was was amazing. Beans & rice perfect. Waiter provided excellent service. He kept refilling the salsa when we ran low. That salsa has to be the best in Texas! Very comfortable setting. Loved the live trees inside the restaurant . AMAZING PLACE TO EAT !

We came here almost at closing time because we were starving. They welcomed us in even though it was almost time for them close. I ordered the asada tacos which came with rice and beans. Everything on that plate tasted delicious. The only problem was that their fountain drinks tasted really bad, and our waitress changed my drink multiple times, until I finally decided to go with sweet tea. Chill family ambiance. I wouldn't mind coming back for more delicious food.

Been a long time since I had last been here. Same feel, not much has changed with ambiance. Food has slipped some. Beef enchiladas were pretty average at best. Chips and warm salsa were on point. Frozen Margarita was OK. Small crowd for such a large place for a Friday dinner.

Service was great. The food was fresh. The place was cozy and spacious I will be a returning soon

Alex was our waiter on 9/2/24. He was very personable and clarified the ingredients in your delicious Tortilla Soup ( Ive since forgotten what the distinctive spice was). The restaurant was very clean and the atmosphere was lovely. I recommend Mercado Juarez as a great venue for out of town guests or visitors to Fort Worth.

One of my favorite lunch spots in Fort Worth for some good wholesome authentic Mexican food. Let me suggest the Carnitas, come with rice and beans, side of guacamole and pico de gallo. Their Carnitas are so tender so you will not be disappointed. Service is top notch from the hostess to the wait staff. Restaurant vibe is low key, low lighting but you will walk away fully satisfied

We went for an early dinner, we were seated promptly and our server brought out our drinks; Dr. pepper and tea. I ordered my usual sizzling vegetables with chicken and my husband ordered beef fajitas; both were fresh, hot and delicious; their tortillas are homemade and are to die for. If you haven't tried Mercado Juarez you are missing out. It's great for birthdays or date night with all their beautiful romantic lighting. The service is always superb as well.

Tonight we had a very large group, several of us are seniors, the food was top notch, we were greeted and sat promptly, but our service was horrendous. We were sat in the room with glass windows which was great because it was away from the rest of the restaurant and a few of us have hearing issues so we appreciate that. Our server Jeanett was all over the place, and not attentive. We then witnessed through the glass our sever by another female getting way to handsy on the lady parts. This is totally unacceptable, and disgusting and to think she handled the food we had just eaten.. As much as we have been faithful customers, we will definitely not be coming back. This was a family restaurant before bring it back, children do not need to see that.

Stopped in for Lunch today very festive atmosphere and plenty of space to enjoy a meal. Our server who I won't name here had some issues understanding or request instead of medium rare steak she explained she though we said medium red...unsure what the cook heard but we received it bruised and battered which I decided after she didn't understand the difference between sweet & unsweet tea to make the best of it.We used both English (me) and Spanish trying to make sure she understood. The rice,beans, tortilla soup & flour tortillas were great.

Mercado Juarez is a spot I've been coming to for many moons. This was one of the worst experiences I've had here. To note, I haven't been here in about 40 years, but I can say for certain it will be the last time I go here. The restaurant smells musty. The place doesn't seem clean - I know it's old, but it just doesn't seem clean. I ordered the deluxe nachos (I think that's what they were called) that were supposed to have meat, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, & onions. I was served a plate of stale chips with simply melted velveeta (that's not queso. that's NOT QUESO), what looked like dog food and that's it. When the waitress finally came back around, I asked "isn't there supposed to be guacamole, sour cream and something else?" she said she'd be back... no real yes or no response just "I'll be back." 20 minutes later, I get a little plate that has maybe a teaspoon of guacamole, 1/2 teaspoon of sour cream that is plopped down and she walks away before I can even pull myself out of the state of disbelief here. I ate 2 chips, paid one of the people in my group for my plate and promptly left. It's a hard pass for me. When there's a sense of nostalgia tied to a place, it makes it even harder when you're disappointed. And wow was I disappointed.

I love this place. I hadn't been in years, but it's just like I remember. True Tex-Mex deliciousness. Warm salsa should be sold by the gallon. I love the music as it really gives the place authenticity. Service is always outstanding, and the bartender made a kick ass margarita. The lunch specials are a bargain and will fill you up. I'll definitely be back.

We really enjoyed our food and ambiance!! Service was a little slow at first, but our whole party wasn't there yet; and a HUGE to go order had just come through, so we were patient. The manager came to support and fulfill our needs. Happy hour margaritas are so good!

To be perfectly honest, I was a little bit disappointed in this visit. I haven't been to this Mercado Juarez in several years and always loved it previously. My go to meal at this restaurant has been their pork fajitas, which were wonderful. Well I was very disappointed, when I determined, that they were no longer on the menu. I asked the waiter and he couldn't tell me why it had been removed. I then ordered a shrimp entree which sounded very good and it was adequate, not fantastic. Overall my experience at the restaurant this time was okay. The restaurant was really crowded, so service wasn't great and the food was actually lukewarm. Not sure when I will return to this restaurant.

Visited today first time in probably thirty years and man was I disappointed. I'm pretty sure the chicken flautas were out of the freezer section at Walmart. Sad to say won't come back

Great food! Love the trees. Fajitas are the best I've had. So tender. Can't wait to go back great service Janet gave my mom a dessert for my mom's birthday!

Can for lunch this Thursday and they had a special where you get free queso. I ordered fajitas and said I would have to get it for two. It's just says entree, so that's cool. Service wasn't the best either.

An old favorite that is now back on my rotation. The food continues to be very good with generous servings and fair prices.

Ceviche is delicious! This place never misses! They could clean up the foyer but otherwise absolutely no complaints!

Been eating here for decades. The food is delicious, prices are average. Our server did a great job. We love the decor, the toddlers were excited by the pretty lights. I do have one thing to say: this place has been here a long time. I know we have spent a ton of money here. They can afford to replace the toilet seats and the flooring in that ladies bathroom. It is abysmal. I will make sure that I use the restroom before I go in that place again because it is disgusting. There's no excuse. Visit Abuelos and copy them.

Wow, how did this place become what is is today. Old, musty, and doesn't seem like it's managed very well. I ordered beef fajitas; dry, pithy, onions still raw, and not a drop of juice. I refused to pay for them. I was asked if I wanted a second beer and I declined but one was delivered anyway. I never received my charro beans, guacamole was not fresh, and most importantly our table of 8 could not stomach the smell of the salsa. It smelled like old Parmesan cheese and tasted worse, so we had chips only. I remember when Don and Linda Bowden built and owned this multi store namesake and for sure they would be appalled. When you see this happening and the wait staff is in the weeds but management is sitting together at a table without lifting a finger to help; my my so sad. That was my last visit ever.

I appreciate your offer, but no thanks. I really would hope you go into your place and review it to see how dirty it is.

Good chips and salsa, very good food. Fast service. Lunch menu with daily specials. Everything I have had is good. Will be going back soon.

I order some food to go. Im surprised that it did not meet my standards. I looked at multiple reviews from all of the locations and this seems to be a very well known chain. My tamale has no taste to it what so ever. The beef enchilada was also flavorless. The best thing on my plate was the rice and beans. This would be great if you are looking for food in a low price point. However do not expect much flavor here.

It saddens me to write this. We've been coming to MJ since I was a kid, almost 50 yrs, and I have many great memories here. But ever since Covid it's just not the same. Sadly our last visit will likely be our LAST visit. The queso tasted canned. The tortillas, although freshly homemade, were thick and doughy. The chicken fajitas were obviously frozen, not fresh, and dangerously undercooked. We couldn't finish our meal it was so bad. The only reason I gave them 2 was because the service was good and the salsa is still my favorite! Unfortunately it's not enough to bring me back. The vibe is still fun so some changes in the kitchen will help, but for now, I'll have to pass.

Horrible good terrible service. What are the fajita salad? The lettuce was disgusting and had a gross metallic aftertaste. I didn't even eat the salad. I just ate the meat which was room temperature and over seasoned. My husband's enchiladas the cheese was hard. It seemed like there was maybe a cheese stick inside of it that wasn't melted. Our server Tomas was not friendly Seemed like we were bothering him Anytime we needed to ask for something. The salsa is basically ketchup. This is not Mexican food! This is something on a whole lower level. We will NEVER RETURN to this franchise.

I'll never return. In the 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s, this was a favorite for my friends and me. Their salsa and queso were top-notch, as were most of their entrées. The service from the servers was good, too; but, the management's policies on seating (among other quirks) were ridiculous. Still, we put up with it until the food started going downhill. Eventually, when the queso became no better than bland, warm cheese, and other dishes followed suit, we swore off it. Very disappointed that it had to go that way. Not sure whether it was new owners, new management, or something else; but, someone absolutely ruined one of my once-favorite restaurants.

So my son and I came here for dinner on a Friday night. I think that might've been the first mistake. Every large extended family member in Fort Worth was there at grandmas or grandpa's birthday celebration. Screaming, so loud that it pierced my brain. What is it nowadays where people think it's OK to be so rude and inconsiderate of other people who are dining in the same restaurant that they are? They are so loud, they curse, and they let their kids run around everywhere while screaming and yelling... I digress. Sorry. So about the restaurant itself... It was a Friday night and it was very busy. We were served chips and salsa and asked for our drink order right away. The salsa and chips were very good. The salsa is served warm and it is very tasty. When our order was taken it did seem to take an awfully long time for the food to arrive at the table. But, we weren't in a hurry except that I was surrounded with unbearable screaming and ear piercing laughing! Oops, won't go there again. We both had fajitas and they were exceptionally good. The beef was very very tender and flavorful. All the sides that came with it were good and served in a good portion. The flour tortillas were excellent. Our waiter was a little rattled as I think he was trying to wait on 10 tables, 7 of them had more than 10 people per table. I felt very sorry for him. There were some girls trying to help him out a little bit by giving more salsa and chips and filling the drinks but this poor guy was having a terrible time. I would go back here again but definitely not on a Friday night and not a Saturday night because I'm sure it's just the same. I would probably try it out for lunch next time.

Used to visit their restaurant in Denton, Tx all the time before they closed it. This one is in Fort Worth and it was bland, bland, bland. Not what we remembered.

Went for a good afternoon lunch and came out very disappointed. It started good with chips and salsa. But the steak I got was not very good. I give a the beans and rice a 4. Please do not go here hopefully they shut this place down soon !

I've been eating at this location for over 30 years. Went in last night. Was told it would take 30 minutes to be seated, so we waited outside for about 10 minutes before heading back in. They had already called us, but went ahead and seated us next. 3 of us, we wait about 10 minutes before the waitress brings menus and takes drink order (2 Dr Pepper, 1 beer). Returns a few minutes later with 1 beer, 1 Dr Pepper, takes our order including an appetizer and says she'll be right back with the other Dr Pepper. 30 minutes go by and I have finished my Dr Pepper, the beer is almost done, and our other person still has no drink. I find a manager and they eventually bring out 1 Dr Pepper and at that point I say "I need a refill too and the beer drinker wants another as well. Oh, and I hope the appetizer comes out soon, BEFORE dinner." We've now been there an hour, we got a partial round of drinks, followed by the completion of that. Still no refills, still no appetizer and now our food comes out. 2 orders were fajitas, one with NO GUACAMOLE as I am allergic. They set it on the table, and there is guacamole on my plate. I tell them they need to take it back, bring a new plate without guacamole and I'd like sour cream as well. She runs off. And then we notice we have no tortillas for our fajitas. And then the manager (who I had spoken with multiple times at this point) brings our appetizer out. I tell him that's not cool, and our fajitas are now getting cold waiting on tortillas and a plate with no guacamole but with the cheese and pico. He then takes our food back to be heated up again, which means it's now been cooked twice. Not ideal. After all the problems we had, after having to pester them for every little thing, he then comes over and says he's coming the appetizer. That was insulting. Worst service I've ever received at that restaurant. They were under staffed yet 3 managers stood around up front, literally doing nothing and talking amongst themselves for the better part of the 2 hours we were seated waiting on food and eating. The food was over cooked and the service was terrible. It's gonna be a LONG time before I consider eating there again. Tl;dr: Waited almost 2 hours to eat, our meal and appetizer were brought out a piece at a time, out of order and ordering anything to drink took over 30 minutes each time to get a refill. Terrible service, overcooked food.

Always a good time at Mercado- the food is always so good and the prices are reasonable I can NEVER finish all my plate . Got the Durango and by the time I got the plate after sharing some queso with the yummy tortillas I could only eat my taco!! No worries I have a full meal to take home. (Beans,rice,enchilada and a tamale!!) I got the small house frozen Margarita and it was delish too!(only 5.95) My daughter got dessert and she said it was delish too. Her husband is Hispanic and had never been here before and said he can't wait to go back because this is how his mom cooked growing up!!!

Was going to go to another very famous Mexican restaurant in the area and the line was 3 hours long by... so I remembered Mercado Juarez was right around the corner. I was better than I remembered! The service was excellent and the food was just as good! Never stand I. That line again!

Was it worth over the 30 minute wait? I don't think so but I do have to say that the beef fajitas were on point. They were delicious. The flour tortillas were like abuelita was in the back making them just for us. It was the service. Now our server did a great job at the start. It was insanely busy on a Saturday night at 7:30. Once she got a large table of about 13 people we were forgotten about for around 15-30 minutes. I get that she was busy. However, what gave the low stars was management. There was what looked like a general manager and possibly an owner. I tried making repeated eye contact and could never get it. When I finally spoke loud enough (it was loud in there) to get who seemed like the owners attention to ask for a to go box he motioned that the waitress would be back. She immediately came over and helped us. Maybe I'm a lot spoiled here in Dallas at my local Mexican food place (El Vecino) but I don't think the owner there would have ever let me sit that long if I was looking at him repeatedly. Actually, I'm going to say I know John wouldn't, even on busiest of all busy nights (which is every night!). That is not how you treat customers. I don't think I would return based on this. But if you're willing to look past service, the food is good. Maybe find a time when it's not so busy.

If I could rate this negative 0 I would, customer service is TERRIBLE. They got our to go order wrong and put the incorrect sauce on our enchiladas and the manager said OH the order was right we just put the wrong sauce you can come back and I'll give you a side of the correct sauce. So if I came in and dined in your restaurant and you brought me out my dinner with the wrong sauce you would then say well I'll bring you a side of the sauce you want just scrape it off. She was rude and unapologetic Talk about horrible customer service. I will never be back to this place.

We went to eat at Mercado Juarez, it's been a while but they always seem to have very good food that always tastes the same which is great. We ordered the Lunch fajitas that used to be $10.99 and you got a lot of food. Well the prices have gone way up and the amount of food has gone down. Another restaurant succumbed to Bidenomic's! We will just not eat there as often. The food was good and the salsa was delicious though!

The first time I ate at Mercado Juarez, was way before I ever heard of Yelp, or even the concept of leaving reviews on some new fangled thing called "The Internet." I quickly became a fan, and found the pork fajitas to be my "go to" order. So I was quite thrilled when I saw this is also a lunch special option (see photo). My fajitas totally lived up to my expectation, and the good memory of Mercado Juarez was rekindled. Thuy had some other lunch special, also featuring pork, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sorry my that photo did not capture all lunch specials, I was too focused on the daily specials. For a lunch special, portions were very generous. We had enough for lunch the next day. There was also a "Happy Hour" margarita available, I forget exact price. Should have taken a picture of the special board. I don't think it was more than $4. Lime and strawberry, frozen or on the rocks. I went lime rocks, and it was every bit as good as the last margarita I had, in Granbury, at the place voted "Best Margarita." There, it cost me $6.50. Oh, and the chips and salsa here are quite yummy. Thin and crispy, just how I like them. Would have liked a hotter salsa, but I forgot to ask if they have that option. By the time I thought of it, our food had arrived. Service was fast, friendly and efficient. Bottom line: Great place for a rather authentic (IMHO) meal.

The habanero queso was incredible and I'd go back just for that. The rest of the food tasted like cafeteria Mexican. Very lack luster. Maybe a bad night?

Food was mediocre at best. Queso was cheese from a can. Service was ok but expected a much better food experience with the level of traffic I saw in the parking lot.

I've been here a few times over the years and have always had good dining experiences. The warm salsa with fresh chips are something I always look forward to. The margaritas are good and strong, well for me anyway. I came in yesterday for National Margarita Day. Frozen strawberry margarita for $3.75. I'm almost embarrassed to say it but one was enough for me. It doesn't take much to get me tipsy. As for the food, it's served hot and fresh. While I really enjoy the charro beans, I find the rice just ok. The peas and carrots in it throws me off. Last night I had their spinach enchiladas which I thought was really delicious. It comes two to an order filled with spinach and mushroom and topped with cheese, more spinach, and a creamy sauce. Included was rice and beans and either guacamole or tortilla soup. I opted for guacamole to eat with my chips and it was tasty. Marco was our server on this last visit and he was very cool. I liked his energy and fun personality. The atmosphere is casual with a beautiful, huge tree right in the middle of the dining room. Decorated with lights, it feels like you're at a backyard cookout. They are spacing out the seatings which I appreciate. I definitely look forward to coming back.

This was a great place to eat. Then the quality of the food took a turn to bland and thumbs down. However, our last adventure here was Fantastic! The food was great! It's been awhile but they have really made the dishes here taste better then before! We had a lot of people with us, so there was a lot of plates. Everything was phenomenal, the place was clean, our waitress was good and the atmosphere was peaceful... almost too quiet without Mariachi's and or music. Enchiladas, fajitas, rice, beans, chips and warm salsa were just a few main things we chowed down on!

Our last visit to this restaurant was just that---our last visit. Where to start? The service, food and overall feel of the restaurant decidedly have changed--and not for the better. Our server was inattentive and slow. When we were seated, we weren't given enough menus for our party so we asked for extras--which took a long time to arrive. We had to flag down our server whenever we needed refills for water, tea, etc. He made very little effort to ask if we needed anything. When we finished our meal, no one came by to clear our plates. After placing our order, it took almost 30 minutes for our food to arrive. And when we did get our food, it wasn't hot at all--everything was room temperature, at best. The guiso was served in a very small bowl with a lot of sauce but very little meat. The fish tacos weren't filets or even nuggets; they were unappetizing VERY small pieces of minced fish. (Or at least I was told it was fish; it was hard to tell by the texture or the taste.) I kick myself for not sending back both plates, but our party was getting tired and were ready to leave as quickly as possible. The only positives were the chips and salsa, but they weren't enough to overcome the negatives.

I don't recommend the restaurant at all. They don't organize and I waited more than 40 minutes to order a drink , I ordered fajitas, they had no flavor and even my stomach hurt.

Hi, if I could give the service at this restaurant -1 star I would. The young Hispanic girl that answered my call in order was Rude and extremely unprofessional. I complained to the manager and you wouldn't believe how sloppy my order was when I received it. This is the worst food order that I have ever received.

We had a large group meet last Saturday night (12/14) at Mercado Juarez. The whole process could not have gone smoother. After requesting a reservation on their website we had a response within a couple of hours saying they would be happy to have us. Our larger party, kids included, ordered a wide variety of the menu with it all being great. I specifically enjoyed the beef fajitas! The margaritas were a hit as well. The wait staff was efficient and polite. When the bill came we were surprised it wasn't more. Great food, reasonably priced, great experience.