El Palenque - Batesville

I'm from Texas where I have many options for great Mexican food. I would say this one was a pleasant surprise and I highly recommend. Chips and salsa were excellent. The queso blanco was a good consistency and very tasty. The prices were incredibly reasonable. I had the Enchiladas Mexicanas which included one beef, one cheese, and one chicken enchilada with three different sauces, all of which were full of flavor and delicious. If I'm ever in the area again, I would definitely dine here again.

The lunch specials are definitely a good value for the money. We had the Lunch Specials #1 and #5. For only $5.99 the #1 comes with a crispy taco and chili relleno with beans and guacamole. You also get complimentary tortilla chips and salsa while you wait for your meal. The #5 comes with a chicken quesadilla, an enchilada, and rice. Red sauce is used unless you want cheese sauce instead. There is a $1.25 up charge for cheese sauce. Initially, we were going to order one of their desserts but after the entree, we decided to forego dessert as we were too full. Desserts such as sopapillas and ice cream or flan sounded simply delicious. The salsa is flavorful and medium heat (not too hot, not too mild). The sauces are flavorful. They make the guacamole fresh. It was very good! Their beans and rice are good as well. Perfectly seasoned! Service was excellent and the staff were friendly.

Yummm! This place may not impress you when you drive up...but go in! Our waiter was great, understood our dietary requests, watched our coffee, Chios, etc for refills. He knew about the menu and was really friendly. The food was SO good! From the veggie fajitas to the chili rellano poblanis! Wow! And ask for the homemade salsa if you like spice! We will be back.

This place has some of the best tex-mex food in Batesville. The staff are always friendly and prices are good.