El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant

Reviews

• Katie R.

  star star star star star_border 5 July 2026

  I was introduced to El Chapparal many many years ago through my best friend whose family grew up in the Helotes area. Growing up its not like I could drive out here by myself so it has definitely been a good long while since I have been here! Lucky me though, my boyfriend and I moved into the Helotes and I couldn't wait to be able to take him here... because he had never been. We finally decided to splurge one night (yes, this is splurging for us) and we were craving mexican food and without a second thought I told him... IT IS TIME!! Did you read that in Rafikis voice from The Lion King? Because honestly, that is how excited I was about taking him here!
  
  We went on a week night and so thankfully the place wasn't busy. Which meant it was quiet and perfect for a first experience. When we first got there he couldn't believe how much parking was for this place and he had fun taking pictures of the outside decor. He really loved the story of the place and enjoyed looking at all the decor on the inside as well.  I'm still impressed by there menu. I don't think it has changed all that much, but there is nothing wrong with that. They know what works, and they know how to execute the dishes! Complimentary beans were so flavorful. I typically don't like beans from restaurants but these were seasoned perfectly! My boyfriend was super excited about the queso flambe appetizer (he loves fire) so of course we ordered it! And we added in the chorizo! Me personally... I could not get over how good this was! I kept telling him I could order this for my actual meal and be completely satisfied.
  
  You can probably say I am not that adventurous when it comes to Mexican food. I am super picky. I usually end up ordering a smothered chimichanga or cheese enchiladas. Tonight I went with the cheese enchilada plate and chili con carne. Delicious. Rice and beans were great and you can never get enough of their homemade tortillas. Well I mean you can but you don't want to! My boyfriend asked our waitress her recommendation between a couple of dishes since it was his first time. I don't remember the name of it because he got some type of sampler dish. He was extremely pleased with it. Said the fajita meat was so juicy and tender and well seasoned. Food came out quickly, we hadn't even finished our appetizer so the table got a little overloaded.
  
  We really wanted Sopapillas for dessert.. I can't remember why we couldn't get them but it was unfortunate. We still decided to get dessert anyway. I am almost certain our waitress told us Chocolate Cheesecake, but when she brought it out it was a layered chocolate cake. Nothing wrong with it... super rich and fudgy... I just love me some cheesecake so I was excited for it!
  
  All in all my boyfriend loved this place and we both cannot wait to go back! One of my girlfriends just moved in and she has never been here before so I am sure we will be returning soon! Hopefully this time we can get some sopapillas!

• Brian P.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 3 July 2026

  Customer Service is not on the menu. We arrived Friday at 6pm. They weren't quite full yet with no waiting (there was a long line by the time we left). We told the hostess we needed a table of four. She turned away to confer with the person doing the seating, then turned back to us and ... nothing. She didn't say a word. Seating person didn't say a word either, just eventually waved at us to follow her. Annoying. How hard is it say "Angela will seat you now" or something similar.
  
  We proceeded to our table. Ordered drinks. The waiter returned to take our order. We got 3/4 of our order out when he was promptly interrupted by another server which didn'tknow where to deliver some drinks. Okay, rinse and repeat. Again, 3/4 of our order given and the waiter is interrupted again by the same server. Three times we had to give our order!
  
  The food was excellent - I can't fault the food and that's why they get two stars. But the atmosphere is loud and crowded. You definitely leave with the impression they are trying to herd in as many cattle as possible. And the lack of basic manners was ridiculous.

• Bobbi M.

  star star star star star 25 June 2026

  My best guy friend and I went to eat here for my 1st time. I fell in love with the service, the restaurant and the food. It was definitely family oriented, enjoyable and a great atmosphere. I ordered the beef enchilada plate and had asked for chili con carne sauce over the enchiladas as well as chili con queso on top of that. When our server brought our lunch to us my order was missing the chili con carne. He noticed I was talking about my plate. I took a bite of the enchiladas and it was tasty. The waiter asked if he could fix me a new plate; I politely and honestly said it's delicious, I'm fine with this order. He walked away and about 5 minutes asked again for reassurance. He really wanted to make it right by me. Believe me there was nothing to make right. It again was delicious. Worth the drive from Austin, TX 78751. He made a 3rd trip refilled our drinks and asked one last time if he could correct the order. I swore to him I am satisfied with meal.
  
  The effort he took to make things right, the service, the food was excellent. I would definitely like to go back...
  
  Loved it!!!

• Diane W.

  star star star star_border star_border 19 June 2026

  My son and daughter-in-law had heard very good things about this restaurant, so we went there for an early dinner.   We arrived around 5 but there was still a 20-minute wait.    When we were seated there were plenty of empty tables and most of them remained empty during our meal.   Maybe they don't have enough staff to handle all the tables?  
     
  Service was quick.   Menu is extensive.  Food was fine.   I had the Chicken Enchiladas (needed more chicken) with the Tomatillo sauce.    I also upgraded to grilled vegetables - very oily and appeared to be sauteed instead of grilled.

• Jamie M.

  star star star star star 9 June 2026

  I come to El Chaparral with my family usually at least once a week. I am use to West Coast Mexican food but let me say this is by far the best Mexican food place in San Antonio. I always order the fajitas. The beef, chicken, and shrimp is super tasty...it makes my mouth water! Best chips n salsa too! If you ever get a chance to stop in request Ethan as your server. If you want top notch service this young man is your server. He waited on us one time and now I request him every time. He always remembers what my family orders (I dunno if that is such a good thing.....because I am there too often)! We love El Chaparral.
  The Smith Family