11 Best Mexican Restaurants near Carefree

“We found this gem on a Monday late afternoon before a GCU basketball game, so there were not many people there when we arrived. The parking lot is large and well lit. The restaurant is quite a large space with plenty of room for dancing and a band which they have on the weekends. They also offer outdoor seating. Our server was friendly and brought us the best margaritas. Two of us ordered the fajitas and they were the best I have had! Massive shrimp cooked perfectly- not overcooked like some often do- with loads of onions and peppers. Everything was thinly sliced and so tasty. It was nearly impossible to finish this dish. It could have, and should have been, shared. But instead I took leftovers home. This is a big dish for the price, and one I want to go back for.Either the owner or a manager came by to see how we were doing and then he sent over two pieces of cheesecake. I really don't like cheesecake, but this was ridiculously good- not too sweet at all. So I finished that too! There is so much on their menu that I have to go back to try more.“

“Always a good time at El Encanto. We went on Cinco de Mayo, and it was very busy, but everything ran smoothly.Our service was fantastic. I had accidentally spilled my beer at one point (totally my fault), and our waitress gave me a new one. Super nice of her.“

“Best dinner I’ve ever had. Lonnie was an amazing server and recommended dishes that were so delicious. 12/10 would recommend.“

“It was our first time in and we were greeted by the sweetest lady, we thought she may be the owner because she was so attentive. Great service from the bar side. I only wish some items were removed from our table quicker but understand server was busy. All the servers suggestions were great. I highly recommend the 1800 Cocorita margarita and we had a shared dish that came out in a huge pot. It had carne asada, chicken and shrimp. The sauce it was served with was amazing!!! We made tacos and had leftovers to bring home. One of our favorite things was the local musician who performs every Friday. We will definitely be back to enjoy some good food, service and music!“

“Know that this is quaint before you go. I go for the food, which is very good. I had the Navajo taco and chicken/beef crispy tacos. All are very good but the Indian Taco I really like. It is on Indian fry bread, which is to my liking. Fast takeout service is a plus. Mark“

“Perhaps it was just an off night (?), so I rated giving the benefit of the doubt. There were two rows of four booths with an aisle down the middle straight inside the main entrance. There was only one booth full. The hostess set us straight across from these patrons who were talkative and loud. (Why?) Next, our server who visited their table two times without acknowledging us took forever to wait on us. It was not busy. The food was good, served hot & the order was proper. He then took forever to close us out as my credit card set on the bill for a long time. He did not deserve the tip I gave him. Not sure we will be back after this experience.“

“Food was very good but kitchen made chicken instead of beef. Confirmed it with server. Ate it as it came since others were served at same time. Server should have told manager, who in turn should have come over to check on meal. Didn't do anything for us, not ever a free bowl of chips. Food was still good“

“Excellent food great atmosphere.“

“It is a hidden gem! Great food, employees and cocktails!“

“the shrimp burrito was delicious“

“I think the servers were having some kind of party or something and were all very distracted from their customers. My drink stayed empty for a period two times and our server only checked on us twice after we ordered our food and a different server came to take our order. Other than that the food and atmosphere were great!“