El Comal- Tacos y Cantina

It's open! (in the old Mellow Mushroom building on Schillinger). Delicious food! Loved the cheese dip, chicken quesadilla, and fresh jalapenos. You order at a counter and it's brought to your table. There's a self-serve drink machine and salsa bar, and the chips were on point too! It's bright and vibrant inside with lots of seating and many large screen TVs. We'll be back!

Published 6 months ago

Restaurant looks nice but I didn’t get an authentic Mexican experience. The food was pretty good but I didn’t like that items like chips and salsa which you usually get for free are an extra charge here. Overall the place is worth a try through. For the 2 meals pictured we spent $50.

Published 6 months ago

Love it every time! The food is fresh tasting and deliciously flavorful. You pay before you sit down but if you would like they will let you sit and look first. Never have had to wait long either!

Published 4 months ago

Great food, good prices. A la carte tacos are honestly a steal. I recommend those, or the fajita quesadilla with grilled chicken.

I've read other reviews and seen people complain about the fact that there isn't table service. To those people I would say, you need to go outside and touch some grass. You wouldn't complain about another restaurant like foosackleys or panera not having table service; not sure why that would factor into your review.

Published 5 months ago

The Al Pastor and steak tacos were great. The serving size for the meal was a little small but the Al la Carte ones were bigger. The fries were cold and kind of really bland but the service was great, the salsa selection was on point and the protein in the tacos was perfect.

Published 6 months ago

Definitely a fresh and delicious experience for local Mexican food!

I was blown away at the quality of the food and the level of customization and toppings available! I got the burrito bowl with delicious barbacoa meat & tons of grilled veggies, and trying all the different salsas they offered made it a lot of fun too. Plus the bowl was pretty big and had a ton of meat so I was able to take leftovers home and turn it into 2 meals.

And the place just looks great inside, I loved the vibrant colors. The restaurant's atmosphere and design was fantastic.

Extremely friendly staff as well.
Can't wait to go try all their dishes and sides!

Published 4 months ago

I have a feeling that most of the meats are already made and they toss it in a tortilla right then because the food was ready in a minute, we hadn’t even sat down for 2 minutes. Also this burrito bowl was awful. Also probably the worst customer service. I understand this place is new but I’d never come back.

Published 5 months ago

This is fast food Mexican. The food is so so at best. Not great. All A La Carte choices do NOT come with chips. Self serve drinks. You order at the front, pay ( they expect a tip before the food or service is given ). The beans are terrible. It all taste like frozen pre packed food that is warmed up when ordered.
This was our first and ladt time. Moe's is much better quality. The building is remodeled and looks great. If you want good food at a good price and good service, go up the street to Sam Miguel's.

Published 4 months ago

Published 3 months ago

I eat here with my family. Fast service. Good Drinks.

Published 3 months ago

I like their set up, food was delicious and fast but I think my favorite part about this place is the bar. Absolute monster line up of beer on tap and my wife’s Margaritas were amazing also. Will be returning.

Published 3 months ago

I just got out of this restaurant and even the food was awesome. The service is terrible!! People are not friendly at all. You order out of a screen at the cash register which is quite odd for a Mexican place. You have to leave a mandatory tip of at least 15%.. so food for 3 today, 01/13/25, was $90 for lunch!! No alcohol drinks just 3 fountain drinks, nachos, 2 tacos, 1 quesadilla and 1 churro order which was nasty!! They use raspberry syrup on it and it just takes off the flavor of the quite decent churro. So you better get ready to pay tip for order your food at the cash register, get your own drink, and just get a “sorry for that” and a go to hell look from an employee (which btw if you are going to wear a mask at least do it right covering mouth and nose.. 5 years since the pandemic and you haven’t learn nothing) when you complain about how nasty the churros were. So yes, if you see their parking lot empty.. it is a sign!! Go somewhere else.

Published 3 months ago

Published 3 months ago

The nachos had an excellent flavor and it was made quick. I'm impressed with the seasonings.

Published 3 months ago

a mexican restaurant where you have to go and get your own salsa?? and order upfront like it's some fast food place. also don't like the pay before you get your food deal.
queso, salsa, and guacamole all tasted obviously canned, not good at all.

Published 3 months ago

This is fast food Mexican. The food is so so at best. Not great. All A La Carte choices do NOT come with chips. Self serve drinks. You order at the front, pay ( they expect a tip before the food or service is given ). The beans are terrible. It all taste like frozen pre packed food that is warmed up when ordered.
This was our first and ladt time. Moe's is much better quality. The building is remodeled and looks great. If you want good food at a good price and good service, go up the street to Sam Miguel's.

Published 4 months ago

Published 4 months ago

Published 4 months ago

El Colmal is hands down one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve been to! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience—they were attentive, friendly, and quick without ever making us feel rushed.

The cleanliness of the restaurant was immediately noticeable, which is something I really appreciate. It’s clear that El Colmal takes pride in maintaining a spotless and inviting space for their guests.

Now, let’s talk about the food—absolutely incredible! Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic, fresh flavors that transported us straight to Mexico. The menu has a great variety, so there’s something for everyone, and the portions were just right. You can tell they put a lot of care into their ingredients and preparation. Everything was served hot and beautifully presented, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The atmosphere at El Colmal is another highlight. It’s warm, vibrant, and inviting, with just the right balance of lively energy and coziness. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a special dinner with friends or family, this place is perfect.

On top of all this, the prices are more than reasonable for the quality and portions you get. It’s rare to find a place where you feel like you’re truly getting amazing value, but El Colmal delivers on every level.

I can’t recommend El Colmal enough! It’s the kind of restaurant you want to visit again and again. If you’re looking for excellent food, great service, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere, this is the place to be. I’ll definitely be back soon to try even more of their delicious offerings!

Published 4 months ago

Definitely a fresh and delicious experience for local Mexican food!

I was blown away at the quality of the food and the level of customization and toppings available! I got the burrito bowl with delicious barbacoa meat & tons of grilled veggies, and trying all the different salsas they offered made it a lot of fun too. Plus the bowl was pretty big and had a ton of meat so I was able to take leftovers home and turn it into 2 meals.

And the place just looks great inside, I loved the vibrant colors. The restaurant's atmosphere and design was fantastic.

Extremely friendly staff as well.
Can't wait to go try all their dishes and sides!

Published 4 months ago

Reminds me of a drive through without the car, abrupt, unhelpful staffing, poor menu plan, an in restaurant take out service experience, margaritas are pre-mixed and poured from counter mounted dispenser (awful). And the food… very disappointing. If you decide to try it out anyway, reconsider after you enter the door and are handed a menu and told to come back to the counter to place an order. There is no after order service. ‘Full Service’ is available at the bar, BUT the overall service experience is abysmal, in keeping with the quality of the food. Taco Bell is the easy winner.

Published 4 months ago

Published 4 months ago

Published 4 months ago

I wasn't expecting a quick service type restaurant whenever I walked in. We stepped up to the counter to order, we were given our number and sat at our booth. The food was out within 5 minutes! It was hot, fresh, and delicious! A little pricey but I don't mind paying for good food. I was pleasantly surprised about the entire experience! Can't wait to go back!

Published 4 months ago

Come Juan, comal—this place is excellent! I had the barbacoa tacos, they were perfect, smokey and not overly oily. The sauces were delicious and let all the flavors come through without overpowering with heat.
I really enjoyed how you could have such a fluid conversation here without disruption. The amount of server interaction was perfect, they were attentive (taking empty plates, etc) but everything is pretty self sufficient here. If you’ve only got a little time and want good food or have more time, this is the place to go eat!

Published 4 months ago

Their carne asada is delicious. Tender, juicy and so flavorful along with the Mexican rice. Also, the queso is great! I’m so happy this place is right next to where I live.

Published 4 months ago

Ate there for first time today. Food was good, service good and prices comparable to other Mexican restaurants in this area. Will definitely go back. Manger came around to check on us and was very friendly.

Published 4 months ago

Fast and delicious especially love the massive nachos that are good for two.

Published 4 months ago

Love it every time! The food is fresh tasting and deliciously flavorful. You pay before you sit down but if you would like they will let you sit and look first. Never have had to wait long either!

Published 4 months ago

This place is amazing the $3 Mexican style tacos such a good deal you can mix n match! Don’t change this menu item!

Also salsa bar is awesome.

Published 4 months ago

The food is so delicious 🤤

Published 4 months ago

Wanted this place to be good. Order from counter, no table service. Atmosphere lacking. Tacos weren’t bad though.

Published 4 months ago

Published 4 months ago

Very fun and trendy. You order at the counter, pay, make your drinks, and they bring your food to the table. Very clean, the employees were friendly and energetic.

Published 4 months ago

Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Didn't expect order at the entrance, but was fine and the food was delicious.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Not a huge menu like other Mexican Restaurants, but the authentic tacos on soft corn are amazing, especially for the price. I've seen some reviews actually take points off for the food coming out too fast. I don't know about you, but fast tacos are not a bad thing.

Published 5 months ago

I have hoping for another Mexican restaurant but instead you have to walk up and order your food, leave a tip, then fix your own drink. The only "service" you get is ordering at a counter and them bringing the food. Also, no free chips and salsa. The prices are the same as other Mexican restaurants and they give double the food than this place.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

I have been to El Comal several times and it does not disappoint! You order up front like several other places in town and they bring you your food quickly: hot & fresh! I never get tired of the Nachos de Ruben and my kid loves the cheese quesadilla but we like to add shrimp. House margarita is seriously so good, too. One thing I really enjoy is the salsa bar - you get to grab diff sauces (spicy or mild) on the side which is fun IMO. Ok last note: try the churros!! Such a delicious treat for the whole fam.

Published 5 months ago

Expensive poor-quality food! No service after delivery of food. I will not be returning. There is a reason no one was eating there. 😞

Published 5 months ago

The food was really good! Same set up as Taco Mama where you order your food first and then sit down. Really nice atmosphere as well.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Short version: had high hopes but turned around and left before ordering. You think it's going to be a real nice st down restaurant by the appearance but instead it's overpriced fast casual.

Had to cancel reservations earlier in evening elsewhere because something came up. Finally went out to eat around 7pm. Remembered El Comal was open and decide to try it. The renovations done on the building looked really nice and we were hopeful. We were glad because West Mobile needs an actual nicer Mexican or Tex Mex restaurant. (Couple other places beginning with Azt* and San M* have a nice building but serve same generic slop as the other smaller in a locally well known extended family business, but inflated prices). There are some other small independent hole in the wall places w great food but a nicer actual sit down restaurant was needed.
Punchline: Went in a bit after 7 on Saturday night. Place pretty dead. Nothing with pictures of the food. Prices on the higher side but you order at the counter. Bunch of workers hanging out behind the counter, not waiting on tables. Interior very nice, but lighting a bit too bright for night time, removing any sense of coziness. Their big investment in the building ruined by giving it an offputting fast food vibe w real restaurant prices. Not in mood for Saturday night. I want to sit down and have beer and Margheritas and chips and salsa brought to us as we linger over our food. Yes they have a bar, but I dont want to go fetch my own alcohol.
Sigh.
Taco Mama has the quirky casual but order great food at the counter niche sewn up. You ain't them.

I heard y'all bought the building rather than leasing it. Bad call. Dumb waste of a great location, which could work if a real sit down restaurant, but not enough business around to get by on just the quick lunch crowd.

P.S. We ate instead at known quantity cramped family place behind there been there for years, El G**o.

Published 5 months ago

It was amazing, quick and nice people shoutout to Jason 1 waiter.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Love, love, love this place. Dreaded another Mexican Eatery in Mobile. Boy was I wrong. I love everything about this place. Here for the second time this week. Ask for bartender Chris. He rocks!

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Inez is the best! Great service. We’ll be back to try out some drinks. Thanks y’all!

Published 5 months ago

Great food, good prices. A la carte tacos are honestly a steal. I recommend those, or the fajita quesadilla with grilled chicken.

I've read other reviews and seen people complain about the fact that there isn't table service. To those people I would say, you need to go outside and touch some grass. You wouldn't complain about another restaurant like foosackleys or panera not having table service; not sure why that would factor into your review.

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Each time that I've been, it has been the most authentic and best tasting Mexican food that I've had. Definitely will make it there regularly. AWESOME

Published 5 months ago

Worst experience I ever had. You pay and tip before you even have a seat. By the time I sat down, the food came out (literally). My burrito bowl was swimming in clear juice at the bottom and I was told it was from boiled black beans. A whole bowl of water was produced by 10 measly black beans. Guess I’m boo boo the fool. We asked our waiter for to-go boxes and lids which he never gave us. Instead he dodged us to go tend to other tables leaving my friend come out of the booth and hunt down to-go boxes. Lastly due to the terrible service, I asked for one more margarita. I he waiter couldn’t figure out how to use my card in their tablet and had to take my card from my table to across the building to get help. I waited 20 minutes for a frozen blue berry margarita in which I had to inconvenience myself walk to the lonely bar tender who was just standing there like a deer in headlights which told me “oh I thought you already got the margarita” knowing she didn’t make any so how did I get one. I was too busy having my debit card taken out of my possession, no to-go plates and no paid for drink. If I could rate this experience a negative I would rate it a waste of time and money

Published 5 months ago

Finally, someone made a chicken taco that can rival Taqueria Mexico! Seriously, get a few of them a la carte, sit down at the bar with some chips and salsa, and you're set. It's great that we finally have a Mexican restaurant that can live up to the idea of a cantina. Fast service, stellar meats, house made salsas, a really tasty house margarita, and a massive draft beer selection. If that is how you judge a cantina, then this one deserves all 5 stars.

Published 5 months ago

Great food! First time eating at the restaurant and was not disappointed. It is a order and sit down food came out quickly, we recieved a large amount of food for the price. Don't forget the churros!

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

I have a feeling that most of the meats are already made and they toss it in a tortilla right then because the food was ready in a minute, we hadn’t even sat down for 2 minutes. Also this burrito bowl was awful. Also probably the worst customer service. I understand this place is new but I’d never come back.

Published 5 months ago

The hype won’t last for long unfortunately. I was shocked that my food came out in 2 minutes after ordering at the front of the restaurant, which would be great, but obviously my food was not prepared to order. I got birria tacos, 6/10. Thanks to my waiter though, he was pretty nice.

Published 5 months ago

I've eaten here so many times and it's only been open a few weeks. Authentic street tacos!! Casual counter service which i love! I love the Authenticity as well as some Americanized options. It's different from the full service restaurants which is a nice change. But wayyyyyyyy better than fake American taco mama or Chipotle.

Published 5 months ago

After the long awaited opening and anticipation of a fine Mexican restaurant we were hugely disappointed to find it was just a glorified taco bell. Upon entering your given a menu to take to your table..when you decide on your order you have to return to the counter to place your order and pay requiring you to include whatever tip you deem appropriate for service you haven't yet received. Your given plastic drink cups for you to go to the back of the restaurant to fill your own drink order then return to your table to wait. You get no chips ...salsa or cheese . Soon a server brings your order then disappears never to be seen again ...this is the service you are ask to pay a tip for in advance. Of course there is the 3% charge added to your bill for patronizing their restaurant and paying by credit card. I got the $13 dollar nachos I could have made at home for $3 and served myself while watching a movie. People are visiting the restaurant because it's new...once they experience what we experienced I look for it to be just another empty building waiting for someone with a sence of what a real Mexican restaurant should be to come and do good business.

Published 5 months ago

New experience in Mexican dining but super cool! You can choose to order up front or sit at the bar for a full service experience. The carnitas Mexican style tacos are amazing and the avocado salsa is outstanding! If you don't want to order upfront, just sit at the bar! I will definitely be coming regularly!

Published 5 months ago

El Comal is a fantastic restaurant! The food is outstanding, the concept is innovative, and the drinks are amazing! 5/5 stars!

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Published 5 months ago

Fake Mexican. Prices are outrages and if you don’t know what gringa means on their menu then you should look it up. One worker said it was his favorite restaurant and that there is nothing compared to it. We asked his 2nd favorite and he said Azteca’s💀. If you want your money's worth then go to El Rincon instead. Ten times better and authentic!!!

Published 5 months ago

Delicious Food and Awesome Environment!

Published 5 months ago

It was horrible i threw up before leaving and there were no service it was all self serve the food was cold and no sides 50.00 and left after t er 2 bites and throwing up

Published 5 months ago

Christie was an amazing server/bartender. She makes you want to come back.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

The food is excellent, especially the carne asada! Most flavorful steak I’ve had in a long time. Wait times are short considering they’ve newly opened and are busy! The bartender, Chris, makes a mean margarita! Will definitely be coming back soon.

Published 6 months ago

Chris was phenomenal and made me the most delicious spicy watermelon marg (highly recommend). Vibes are great, food is great, overall an excellent experience.

Published 6 months ago

Set up sucks walk through door stand inline to order pay your ticket with tip and have not had any service you have to get drinks yourself any sauces you need you get it yourself it’s amazing they don’t make you get your order out of the kitchen and take to the table

Published 6 months ago

Restaurant looks nice but I didn’t get an authentic Mexican experience. The food was pretty good but I didn’t like that items like chips and salsa which you usually get for free are an extra charge here. Overall the place is worth a try through. For the 2 meals pictured we spent $50.

Published 6 months ago

Absolutely outstanding food and staff! Great beer/drink selection. I love the atmosphere and the ordering system. The staff are delightful and great to talk to and are very hardworking. I love the ambience of the restaurant. The food is delicious and fresh! Highly recommended! Top notch!

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Fast food taco place! Tortillas were soggy chicken was dry and margaritas were bitter. Way too expensive

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

First you stand in line to order your food which took a while. I mentioned something to the Manager and he said "Oh well, that's the way it is here". I will say only one person was ahead of me and it took 15 minutes. You serve yourself drinks and pick up your plastic eating utensils. The food came on a metal tray and was not what I would call Mexican Food. Chips are out of a bag and chicken was rubbery. The ingredients on my Nachos were all out of cans except the tomato. If you are looking for an expensive fast food restaurant you may like it. We paid $50 for two orders of nachos, two sodas and a cheese dip. That was my first and last trip.

Published 6 months ago

Food was cold they expect a 15% tip for playing with a iPad screen. Plastic silverware. Don’t recommend if you want to have a conversation while you eat very loud and echoey.

Published 6 months ago

Food tasted ok but was literally drenched in oil. The service wasn't great. Ordering at the counter where they literally input into computer immediately and still get the order wrong is kinda crazy. Then didn't even bring the sides. Had to go back to counter and tell them. Prices are reasonable and food was delivered fast.

Published 6 months ago

The Al Pastor and steak tacos were great. The serving size for the meal was a little small but the Al la Carte ones were bigger. The fries were cold and kind of really bland but the service was great, the salsa selection was on point and the protein in the tacos was perfect.

Published 6 months ago

Best mexican food i’ve had!

Published 6 months ago

Outstanding food and service.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

This place is really really cool. The atmosphere is amazing, and the food is fantastic. The servers are super nice too!

Published 6 months ago

After much anticipation we were underwhelmed. Food good enough. Service what you’d expect from newly opened restaurant. But the format of ordering at counter and extra prices for what normally comes with a meal we did not like at all. Also served on aluminum trays that cool off way too fast to keep the food hot was a disappointment. The decor was very pretty and it was very busy but loud-more like a sports bar than a restaurant. Hard to carry on a conversation and made ordering more challenging than necessary.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

It's open! (in the old Mellow Mushroom building on Schillinger). Delicious food! Loved the cheese dip, chicken quesadilla, and fresh jalapenos. You order at a counter and it's brought to your table. There's a self-serve drink machine and salsa bar, and the chips were on point too! It's bright and vibrant inside with lots of seating and many large screen TVs. We'll be back!

Published 6 months ago