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Abuelos Mexican Food Embassy
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Abuelos Mexican Food Embassy
12 reviews in English
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Review from Erica B.
2/23/2012
If you find yourself in this area and are craving some Mexican food, this is probably going to be your best bet. In a sea of El Mezcal's, El Porton's and a slew of other chain Mexican spots- I fear that Abuelos might be the top of the game.
I wasn't overly impressed by anything we had here, but I wasn't completely disturbed by it either. They have a slew of enchilada flavors, but none that I tried (including the plain cheese- my staple) were worth writing home about. We actually went here at the recommendation of a friend who claims their beans are the best he's ever had. After this experience, we both decided he a) has no taste buds and b) cannot be trusted for any food recommendations in the future.
I'll also give Abuelos props for having a much better ambiance than the other Mexican chains in this area. It's very open and has a rather large bar area as well. You'll also get good service here and your glass will always be refilled promptly. The food, however, leaves a bit to be desired.Listed in: 3 Stars, Craving Mexican?, Cordova
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Review from Chris L.
Cordova, TN
4/23/2012
I ate here once 2 or 3 years ago I guess and never went back until last week. I remembered why I never wanted to go back. I don't get this place. What is it exactly? Something in between On the Border and a steak house? It isn't really Mexican, isn't really something else. I just don't get it. The salsa is just plain gross. I am a mexican-a-holic and salsa-a-holic and I only ate three bites. Comparison, when I go to La Hacienda, I usually eat two whole bottles of salsa by myself. I love me some salsa! But not this...it tastes weird and almost smokey. Reminds me of something you get in a grocery store in what is supposed to be the "gourmet section" that isn't gourmet, it is just gross.
The atmosphere is nice....much nicer than the average Mexican place. It looks almost like a nice restaurant in a hotel or something. But seriously, the food is like On The Border or some chain Mexican restaurant and it is just so blah. The only thing I really liked was the avocado enchilada. That was good. But the chicken enchilada tasted like Stouffer's or something. I think I had a cheese enchilada also but I can't even remember and it was only a few days ago. What does that tell you?
I had the mashed potatoes and they were good but....hello...what does that have to do with Mexican food? I realize this is some kind of hybrid place, they aren't trying to be Las Delicias or anything like that and I respect that. I am not some stickler for "authentic" Mexican food. I just like good food, I don't care what you call it. But this is neither Mexican nor good....I would much rather have Taco Bell than this. I'd rather go to the Bell and then take it to the Hyatt and eat it or something. -
Review from Janne Z.
Arlington, TN
2/20/2012
Beautiful Building inside and out! Wait staff is always friendly and helpful. Great place to go to visit with friends, however, the food just isn't that good! I've eaten here many times and quite frankly wouldn't go back if given the choice.
1) What is up with not knowing what kind of cheese you serve, I'm sorry but "White & Yellow" are NOT kinds of cheese!
2) Whoever cooks the Pintos, LAY OFF THE BLACK PEPPER PLEASE! Really, Pintos are quite a lovely bean, but given the amount of black pepper in them, you can't taste them.
3) The Rice is so bad, we order Potatoes, which are pretty good, actually, but who eats potatoes with Mexican food? We learned this early on (we've probably eaten here 20 times since it opened). I forget why the rice is so bad, but I think it has to do with too much black pepper as well.
4) Who puts sour cream in their Guacamole? Guac is made with ... well Avocados and garlic, onion, maybe some tomato chunks (at home I generally put in garlic salt and some salsa). So, let's take something completely healthy (fresh veges) add some Avocados for a wonderful dip, but forget the sour cream as it only adds extra calories, not to mention dairy that some of us don't want or need.
5.) I actually got STACKED Enchiladas yesterday, which I hadn't noticed on the menu before (mainly because I hated the cheese before, so I generally order a dish without so much cheese, Huevos Rancheros). They were indeed stacked, but ground beef??? Really???? Why don't you explore some Roasted meat, shredded, or better yet, try some Green Chili Turkey Enchiladsas???? THAT would be incredible!
I'm assuming that 90% of the food in this restaurant is prepackaged somewhere else and shipped here, all they do is heat and serve. You pay a lot of money for this food, but it's not so good. My vote for best Mexican food still goes to El Nopal in Oakland!
I DO appreciate the fact that your dining area is not littered with TV's as I go to dinner to eat, not watch TV!!! Thank you! -
Review from Stephen O.
Memphis, TN
Updated - 4/4/2012
I still love Abuelos. I know that it's not a local restaurant and I have a little guilt over that, but their enchiladas are probably my favorite in Memphis. Servers that go above and beyond, the best call-ahead seating, and easily sharable dishes make this place a place I continue to crave.
Listed in: Crave Smashers
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/6/2010
Abuelos is one of my favorite Tex-Mex places to eat. Call-ahead seating that actually works, quick… Read more »
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Review from Don C.
Memphis, TN
1/25/2012 9 Check-ins Here
Happy Hour starts at 3:00 Mon - Fri - great food and drink for cheap
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Review from Richard S.
Cordova/Appling, TN
3/17/2011
In the mood for a bump above standard burrito or taco or quesadilla dish but don't want the usual Mexican restaurant ambiance? Head North to Abuelos.
Much nicer restaurant than the El Mezcal's and El Porton's of the world. A bit pricier but the food is a bit better to compensate. Big rooms with an open and airy atmosphere.
Today I had the Stuffed Chicken (stuffed with chorizo and a few other goodies) and was generally very pleased. Rice and beans were only so-so (note to self: open a Mexican restaurant and offer something other than the everyday re-fried bean mush. Make a killing.).
Salsa was good and cheese dip was superb.
Good service, good food, nice facilities. Do it. -
Review from Karen R.
Seattle, WA
8/8/2007
I've never been to Mexico so I don't know what Mexican food SHOULD taste like. I have, however, lived in Arizona for a few years and have had my share of Mexican food at regular mom and pops hole in the wall restaurants and big fancy ones; not forgetting yummy regional Mexican food at both of Rick Bayless' restaurants in Chicago.
The food here is tasty. Very big servings and service is usually good. It gets a little slow sometimes when it's packed but nothing unusual from other chain restaurants. The tortilla chips are usually nice and warm and they serve a regular salsa and a small serving of spicy addition if you enjoy heat... the guacamole is alright - but not like Bayless' :)
Clean, interesting decor, friendly (enough) servers and good food. Mmmm... melted cheesey anything never fails - much like bad pizza is good pizza, even bad sex is good sex (for a man) thus, you can't do too bad with Mexican food (but what do I know, I'm freakin' Chinese!) :D
My favorite dish here is Mi Abuelo's Manjar - my grandfather's favorite dish (or something like that) - chili con carne spread over three ground beef enchiladas topped with two eggs (any style) with refried beans and papas/potatoes or rice (get the potatoes like almost everyone does). Like I said, it's A LOT of food. Be ready to pig out or have two Mexican meals in a row :) -
Review from Jolynna M.
Memphis, TN
8/18/2010
Yes, this is a chain, but felt it my Mexican-food-loving duty to go on and review it for those of you who may not have tried Abuelo's yet.
I've been several times, mostly at the request of friends or dining companions, and the convenience of the location near Wolfchase Mall. This is not one of my favorites for Mexican, but the food is good and the prices are reasonable. And they give you nice large portions of most everything.
I think the best thing on the menu is the Enchiladas. They offer them 6 ways including Seasoned Ground Beef, Shredded Beef, Cheese, Chicken, Spinach and Avocado (my favorite).
They have a side item here that I like too - Charro Beans. They are made with bacon and pico de galla and are really quite good.
The atmosphere is nicer than most Mexican places with cute decor and lighting that isn't too bright nor too dim.
Last, but not least - the Margaritas here are fantastic. -
Review from Noelle V.
Memphis, TN
7/22/2010
I completely agree that this is 'mainstream' American/Mexican food.
It's very much chain food -- what I'd guess would come in the easiest-to- prepare-for-large-crowds form. It lacks homemade taste.
But, if you're hungry and you want your taco fix -- it's good. They carry a good selection of salads if you're not feeling the heavy taste of refried beans. The grilled chicken salad is good -- with avocado, mandarin oranges, grilled chicken, golden raisins (I skipped the nuts and tomatoes), and a nice honey mustard dressing over greens. And they weren't wilted.
It's a pretty busy place -- definitely family-style and worth a try for a reasonably-priced meal in a good location near the mall. -
Review from darryl b.
Cordova, TN
12/18/2008
Big fun mexican joint. Food is good. Not great if you are looking for the quiet charming atmosphere the outside suggests. Great place to bring a group and have a casual talkative dinner.
If you are looking for authentic mexican food, head down the street to the intersection of 64 and huston levee, Forget the name but the food is great and cheap. It is sort of behind TJ mulligans. -
Review from Deen B.
3/14/2010
The interior is nicer than most Mexican restaurants. I like that the salsa had a smokey chipotle kick to it. The chips could have been warmed. My enchiladas were very good; everything tasted homemade, right down to the tortillas. Beans and rice were typical. Service was standard. Prices are a little higher than other places, but the quality is a little better, too. The music was a little weird for me....Ricky Martin, Shakira, Beyonce (en espanol, claro que si) I don't know...something like instrumental Spanish guitar would have made for a more pleasurable experience.
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Review from Anne H.
Memphis, TN
8/8/2010
So I've hit Abuelos twice in 3 weeks so I have a pretty good feel for the food. They recently went through a menu change and decreased some of the size of their massive platters, unfortunately my favorite item is now gone. The sangria swirl margaritas are good and the chips are thin, warm, and crispy. They've increased the price of their queso with seafood which I've really loved to $10. Service is hit or miss but if you're in need of a frozen drink on hwy 64 it's decent.
