Why Locals Love El Mariachi
El Mariachi, nestled in the heart of East Providence, RI, offers an authentic and vibrant Mexican dining experience that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike. This beloved Mexican restaurant at 736 N Broadway specializes in delivering bold, fresh flavors that are both comforting and exciting, making it a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist.
Step inside El Mariachi, and you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere infused with the lively spirit of Mexico. The ambiance perfectly complements the menu, where each dish bursts with carefully layered flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Mexican cuisine.
The menu boasts standout items like the Taco Salad, served in a large, crunchy taco shell brimming with fresh lettuce and your choice of seasoned ground beef, shredded meat (a savory beef and pork blend), chicken, or pork. It’s topped with melted cheese, ripe tomatoes, smooth sour cream, and creamy guacamole, delivering a fresh yet indulgent bite every time. For something sizzling, the Fajita Salad offers chicken, steak, or shrimp cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served atop crisp lettuce for a satisfying crunch paired with rich, smoky flavors.
For lunch, El Mariachi’s Mariachi #2 Combo is a crowd favorite, allowing diners to mix and match two favorites from enchilada, burrito, chimichanga, chile relleno, tostada, tamale, or taco – all generously portioned and priced to delight. The Chicken Caesar Salad is another delicious twist, featuring charbroiled chicken strips over romaine lettuce, tossed with a special Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, ripe avocados, and crunchy croutons, creating a fresh and hearty option for lighter appetites.
Customers consistently praise the unmatched quality of the food. Jake Wojtanowski sums it up perfectly: “Food is always delicious and well portioned. Service is always excellent and hospitable. They have great salsa unlike other Mexican restaurants in the area.” This sentiment is echoed by Leo Taveras, who raves about the “delicious margaritas,” “big portions,” and “fresh guacamole with hot chips,” highlighting the perfect pairing of food and drinks that enhance every visit.
Service is another standout aspect at El Mariachi. Friendly and attentive staff members like Julio ensure each guest feels valued and well cared for, contributing to the restaurant’s warm, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, as Kathryn Morrison did with a memorable birthday serenade, or simply enjoying a casual night out, El Mariachi excels at making every dining experience feel personal and special.
Parking is hassle-free, making this gem not just a culinary delight but also a convenient choice for families, couples, and groups looking for a lively, authentic Mexican restaurant that delivers on flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. If you find yourself in East Providence craving rich, multi-layered Mexican flavors with top-notch service, El Mariachi awaits with open arms and a table full of your new favorite dishes.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 22, 2026
Food is always delicious and we'll portioned. Service is always excellent and hospitable. They have great salsa unlike other Mexican restaurants in the area. This is my absolute favorite local restaurant!
- Feb 9, 2026
The service was one to remember, the margaritas were delicious and the portions in this place is big! My favorite is the fresh guacamole with hot chips. Super friendly staff. Drinks were also very good
- Feb 1, 2026
Julio is the best … he is friendly & attentive … great service. Food is good, but the drinks are a killer. This is our go to Mexican restaurant. We enjoyed the ambience and the service and the food here. Parking is not a problem.
- Jan 4, 2026
We've been coming here for a few years now. I can't believe I've never written a review! Every time we come to El Mariachi, the food and service are phenomenal. Local go to Mexican food spot for us! Everything is fresh and has a multi layered flavor profile. Come in and enjoy.
- Jan 2, 2026
Ok, I saw some of the reviews, and thought the food was going to be not flavorful. I think it was pretty good Bernard and Blanca were our servers. The service was good. I had the carne asada which was a good size. The burritos were good size, even the kids sized food was good for big kids. They even sung happy birthday.
- Dec 18, 2025
Yummy Mexican food and the service is top notch, I'm calling this a hidden gem in East Providence. They have ave a nice virioty of authentic dishes. The service was excellent and you get chips and salsa as soon as you sit down, chips were fresh and crispy. I had the pork tacos with side of rice. The seasoning was delicious. Ask for Julio if you like your margarita to be extra spicy.,,,
- Dec 5, 2025
Had a lovely afternoon dinner at El Mariachi. Dining room was clean and bright, not too big. Ambient noise average, not excessive. Staff attentive and friendly. Our food was served fresh, hot and fast. Simple and flavorful, quality ingredients and staff! I hope to return soon!
- Nov 30, 2025
Amazing portions and friendly staff. Typically I get takeout here, and despite being local the food is done FAST. Usually before I can get in my car and get there! Make no mistake though, there's no loss in quality. Everything was delicious with generous portions and flavorful cuts of meat and sides. The restaurant was filled with families and groups of all different sizes and backgrounds which is how you know it's great. This place is serving the community, and it'll show up if you do.