Hey there, recently I had a delightful experience at the El Nopal Mexican Cuisine. A much-loved food joint and as I found out, not without good reason. El Nopal ranks high on the list when we're talking bona fide Mexican cuisine. Satisfying hunger pangs with delectable lunch and dinner options, this place is a feast for your taste buds.
Revered as a family gem, El Nopal was founded back in 1993 and hails from San Jose de la Paz, Jalisco, Mexico. With the Mexican mastery in the culinary sector, this town has given us more than 700 eateries in the US and Mexico. I was truly amazed to learn this!
El Nopal's name harks back to the father of one of the founders who had a bar of the same name. The 'nopal' tag indicates the Mexican cacti, which is quite a distinctive element in many Mexican recipes. How cool is that?
Though the majority of El Nopal's restaurants are nestled within Louisville, Kentucky, their success has led them to venture into Southern Indiana. Here, they have made a significant mark with 11 unique locations till 2023 and also established a spot in North Indiana. Their progress has impressed me!
Each El Nopal dining zone is enveloped in a lively atmosphere, radiating an authentic Mexican vibe. The food preparation sidesteps any pre-cooking, thus ensuring the freshest of flavours. And guess what? They have a bar too, offering tantalizing Mexican cocktails. I thoroughly enjoyed my margarita!
Equipped with family recipes and top-notch ingredients, El Nopal stands out among the garden-variety Mexican food offerings in Kentucky and Indiana. Their comprehensive menu is brimming with seafood, snacks, desserts, a variety for everyone - kids, teens, adults, seniors. And did I mention Margaritas? My dining experience here was cherishing!
For more on what El Nopal Mexican Cuisine brings to you, check their official website.
Every foodie's delight, the El Nopal offers an extensive menu that includes categories such as:
- A La Carta
- Appetizers
- Beverages
- Burritos
- Combinaciones
- Dinner
- Vegetarian
- Seafood
- Lunch
- Desserts
- Nachos
- Tacos
- Sides
- Fajitas
- Specialties
- Kid’s Meals
You get mouth-watering mainstays like nachos, burritos, and tacos, along with a unique variety of seafood, steak, and chicken platters. For dessert lovers like me, there's the fried ice cream - a delightful end to a scrumptious meal. Their Wednesday Margarita special, earned them a brownie point!
First-timers might find themselves spoilt for choice on the impressive El Nopal menu, so I'll share my preferred dishes:
If your taste buds fancy marinated, grilled steak, Carne Asada is for you. The tantalizing fusion of secret spices amps up its appeal.
Well, how can you visit El Nopal and not try a dish based on Nopal? The Nopal Especial won my heart with the judiciously balanced flavours of chicken or steak nopal, chorizo, and grilled onions.
And of course, I couldn't resist their Carnitas Dinner. The delish combo of deep-fried seasoned pork with beans, rice, and tomatillo sauce was a hit!
Another crowd favourite, Las Tres Marias, is a hearty meal with chicken or beef and a bean enchilada. The garnishing of green tomatillo sauce and shredded cheese makes it irresistible.
I also recommend their Salmon and Shrimp Platter, Tacos de Carne Asada, and of course, their mouth-quenching Margaritas. Concluding the meal with a sweet note, Sopapillas won my heart.
A Treat for Vegetarian Diners
Yes, El Nopal caters to your vegetarian preferences with their special Vegetarian Menu. Detailed ingredient specifications make it easier for guests to order what suits them.
The vegetarian offerings cover numerous lip-smacking options like bean burrito, chile relleno, and vegetable salad, among others.
El Nopal Cares for Little Diners
Championing their family-friendly ambiance, El Nopal caters magnificently to kids too, offering an exclusive Kid’s Menu. From burrito, enchilada, taco to cheese quesadilla and pizza, they've got it all. The children in my family loved their chicken nuggets!
And yes, their beverages are ordered separately.
Serving Hours of El Nopal
Dishing out delicious lunch and dinner, El Nopal operates from 11 am to 10 pm from Monday to Thursdays, and till 1030pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays they welcome you till 9 pm.
I recommend confirming operating hours with your nearest El Nopal restaurant before you plan your visit.
Convenient Takeout and Delivery Options
El Nopal offers takeout and delivery services. Place your orders over the phone or via their app. You can also check out third-party delivery apps like Ubereats, Doordash, Seamless, Grubhub, or Postmates for delivery. I found the delivery option handy!
Pros
- Authentic Mexican recipes
- Vast menu
- Superb ambiance
- Quality, fresh ingredients
- Great service
- Delightful cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Kid-friendly
- Delivery and take-out availability
Cons
- Fairly busy during peak hours
- Service might slow down when they are full