I probably chose the busiest time to go on a Saturday afternoon during UCD Grad weekend but to my surprise service was so quick and it wasn’t busy! Parking and downtown was pretty crazy but I parked far and walked over. I ordered the surf n turf burrito and it was HUGE along with a Jamaica drink and in addition I got a Baja fish burrito grilled. My food came out quickly, the staff were super friendly and the food was delicious! It was a little salty for me so I wish I had lime to balance the taste but overall devoured it! It also came with chips and salsa. I haven’t been here since the renovation so it was nice to see a little bar area, full bar and tons of items on the menu! From breakfast, vegetarian, and $2.50 taco Tuesday & Thursday! I can’t wait to come back and try more things on the menu!
Overview
El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill is a beloved spot nestled at 200 E St, Davis, CA 95616, offering a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine. This charming diner has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a menu that beautifully marries authentic flavors with modern twists.
As soon as you step inside, the bright and welcoming space greets you, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal with friends, the ambiance of El Patio feels just right - casual yet inviting. The restaurant's location in Davis means it draws in students from the nearby university, but it also caters to families and professionals, providing a little something for everyone.
The heart of El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill lies in its menu. It offers an array of dishes that showcase the richness of Mexican flavors, from sizzling fajitas to perfectly seasoned tacos. One standout feature is their selection of burritos. The carne asada burrito, filled with tender marinated beef, fresh guacamole, and homemade salsa, is an absolute must-try. Each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors, making it easy to see why this dish is a crowd favorite. If you're in the mood for something lighter, their grilled chicken salad is a great option, featuring a zesty dressing and fresh, crisp vegetables.
A signature element of El Patio is its dedication to freshness. The ingredients are always top-notch, and you can taste the difference in every dish. Even the salsa served alongside your meal is made from scratch, giving it a homemade touch that many restaurants overlook. Whether you're enjoying a plate of nachos or digging into their signature enchiladas, the quality of the ingredients shines through. The menu also caters to a variety of dietary preferences, with options for vegetarians and those seeking gluten-free choices.
One of the best parts about dining at El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill is the speed and efficiency of the service. The staff are attentive and friendly, ensuring that your meal is served hot and just as you ordered. It's clear that they take pride in the food they serve and want to make sure your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. Whether you're new to the area or a regular, you'll always feel welcome.
The location also plays a huge role in the restaurant's popularity. Being situated in the heart of Davis, El Patio is the perfect spot to grab a bite after a busy day of shopping or a long walk around town. Plus, it's just a short walk from various local attractions, making it an ideal place to stop for a meal before heading to one of the nearby parks or shops.
What truly sets El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill apart is its dedication to both flavor and community. Many of the dishes are influenced by traditional Mexican cooking methods, but there’s always a fresh spin. Their signature margaritas, made with freshly squeezed lime juice and premium tequila, add the perfect finishing touch to any meal. For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, their fresh agua frescas are incredibly refreshing, offering a burst of fruity sweetness in every sip.
The restaurant also gets high marks for its consistent quality, with many patrons returning time and time again to enjoy their favorite dishes. Customer reviews often mention the restaurant’s great atmosphere, friendly service, and, of course, the mouthwatering food. It’s clear that El Patio has earned a reputation as one of the go-to spots for fresh, delicious Mexican cuisine in the area.
If you're looking for a place that combines delicious food, a friendly atmosphere, and a menu packed with flavor, El Patio Fresh Mexican Grill is the place to be. Whether you're dining in, ordering takeout, or enjoying a drink at the bar, you'll always leave satisfied, knowing you've experienced something special.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast servicePopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small platesDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ CasualCrowd
âś“ GroupsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
It’s been a while since I have been to El Patio, but the experience is just as good as I remember. When I first walked in, the restaurant looked very different than before. They had remodeled the restaurant since my last visit. Before the inside looked old and dark, but with the remodel, it is now bright and modern. The old chips and salsa station is now the bar area with a TV. Their food was delicious as before. The service was also stepped up compared to before. When my son and I walked in, we were promptly greeted and told to pick our seat and they would bring the menus to us. The menus came and a minute later, chips and salsa (green and red) came out along with waters. We can in around 6pm, so there was a Happy Hour menu as well. They have a nice selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. Food: I chose the Quesabirria Taco Special which came with 3 tacos and my son got the Fajitas Quesadilla with Carne Asada. The tacos were good size and the consommé was delicious! The Fajita Quesadilla was gigantic and my son was not able to finish it and took about half of it home. The Quesadilla came with crema and guacamole which were both very good. Both the green and red salsas were very tasty, I like both, but my son liked the red one a lot. Neither salsas were spicy in my opinion, but had great flavor. I have to give a shout out and big thanks to our waitresses Odalis and Ale as they provided excellent service. They constantly came to check on us, refilled our chips if needed, promptly cleared empty plates off the table and were very pleasant to talk to. I noticed they provided the same excellent service to all the customers in the restaurant. If you owned a restaurant, Odalis and Ale are the type of employees you would want working for you! My family and I will be back again for delicious food! 5 Stars all around!
Located in downtown Davis, this is a great restaurant and bar, which offers a student discount (with ID). Excellent happy hour specials. $7 food menu and $5 drinks! I highly recommend their quesabirria especial- 3 crunchy, fried tacos with shredded beef and cheese. Upgrade to the combo, which is $3 for beans and rice. Homemade tortilla chips and salsa (green and red).
A quick bite for lunch. Loved the taco salad I ordered. The place was clean and our server was attentive. A nice spot with a lot of places to visit around the restaurant in Davis.
Probably the best burrito I've ever had! Got the California Burrito, the thing is HUGE! And the prices are fair! *IN THIS ECONOMY?!*