If you want to grub on authentic Mexican dishes, put El Maguey on your radar. At this Kailua-Kona eatery, they go all out in building bold flavor in every dish by using time-honored recipes and fresh ingredients. Then, they take your dining experience to the next level with delicious drinks, like their ever-popular Micheladas. On top of that, they provide incredibly friendly service, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in their quaint dining room.
Although they’re happy to box up your orders for takeout, the real magic lies in dining in. To do that, you’ll first need to see if they have a table available. If so, your server will get you seated in a cozy spot, and then provide the menus for your review. Take your time in browsing all the menu items because they have a ton of variations on each recipe. Their fajitas, burritos, and many other fan favorites come a dozen different ways, ensuring you get the exact flavors you want in every bite.
Unlike many other Mexican restaurants, they do not provide complimentary chips and salsa. But they are well worth ordering anyway, especially if you get the guacamole, too. Or you can cut right to the chase and get their amazingly decadent Super Nachos instead. All that meaty, cheesy deliciousness promises to whet your appetite in an instant, setting the stage for the main course.
As soon as you know what entrees you’d like, let your server know that you’re ready to put in your order. Then, get ready for loads of amazing flavor to come your way. You will have a bit of a wait first as the kitchen works hard to perfect every last dish.
Every last item is made to order using fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes, after all. So, it’s going to take time to whip up. While you wait, you can sample the top options on their beer menu, like the Pacifico, Modelo Especial, and Dos XX Lager. If you would like your drink to tantalize your tastebuds sip after sip, get the zesty Micheladas instead. Prefer to keep things alcohol-free? Set your sights on the Jarritos soda, which comes in pineapple, strawberry, and many other awesome flavors.
Come by to check out their:
Super Nachos
The Super Nachos roll out all the best Mexican flavors from the first bite through to the very last. When you order this appetizer, they pile tortilla chips on the plate, and then add plenty of beans and cheese. Over that, they add carne asada, chicken, or carnitas along with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The nachos take a trip through the oven to get hot and bubbly, and then guacamole and sour cream lands on top right before serving.
Chimichanga
When an ordinary burrito just won’t do, kick your meal into high gear by ordering a Chimichanga. This popular entrée starts with a flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat. Then, they add beans, onions, cheese, and cilantro before folding it up. After that, it goes in the deep fryer until perfectly crispy.
Steak Picado
The Steak Picado goes well beyond basic meat and potatoes, creating a fantastic meal to remember. They make this entrée by stir-frying chopped steak with potatoes and lots of scrumptious seasonings. Once that’s almost done, they add bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes to the mix to add even more flavor to every bite.
All their dishes come out in huge portions, so you’re not likely to end up with any room for dessert. If you do need to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of your meal, you can try the cinnamon-y sweet Horchata.
Insider Tips:
-Keep in mind that they close for about two hours between lunch and dinner service. So, plan accordingly to avoid arriving to locked doors.
-Want your burrito served with sauce over the top? Ask for it wet but expect an extra charge.
-If you want to skip the meat, just ask your server about their vegetarian selections.