El Molcajete Riverdale NJ: Authentic Mexican BYOB with Fresh Fajitas and Seafood Specials

El Molcajete Introduce

El Molcajete, located at 26 Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale, stands out as a genuine destination for authentic Mexican cuisine in the North Jersey area. This Latino-owned establishment offers a warm, casual, and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families, groups, and solo diners alike. It is recognized locally for moving beyond standard Americanized Mexican fare, focusing instead on traditional flavors, generous portions, and a truly extensive menu that covers everything from quick lunchtime favorites to impressive chef's specialties for dinner.

The restaurant provides comprehensive dining options throughout the day, featuring a specially priced Lunch Menu available from 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays, which includes multiple affordable combo options like the Enchiladas & Taco or the substantial Chimichanga & Burrito, all available for under ten dollars. The Dinner Menu expands significantly, showcasing more elaborate dishes and combination platters, ensuring there is a delicious choice for every craving and appetite. Favorites such as the various Enchilada preparations—including Enchiladas Verdes and Enchiladas De Mole Poblano—and the highly sought-after Fajitas and Tacos Al Carbon, cement El Molcajete’s reputation for quality and authenticity.

Beyond the food, El Molcajete is highly valued by local patrons for its welcoming and inclusive environment. It is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, fostering an atmosphere where everyone in the community feels comfortable. The added benefit of outdoor seating, which is noted in customer reviews as "nice and colorful" and even dog-friendly, provides a great option for enjoying a meal in the pleasant New Jersey weather. Furthermore, the establishment’s well-known BYOB policy, praised by customers, allows diners to bring their own beer or tequila, with the restaurant providing mixers, enhancing the value and personal touch of the dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated on Hamburg Turnpike in Riverdale, NJ 07457, El Molcajete is easy to access for residents and visitors throughout Morris County and the wider North Jersey region. Its location on a main road facilitates simple navigation for both local trips and those coming from further afield.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests by offering excellent accessibility features:

Parking Convenience: Guests benefit from a Free parking lot and the option of Free street parking, minimizing the hassle of finding a spot.
Full Accessibility: The venue is entirely Wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, accommodating all mobility needs.
Outdoor Dining: The availability of pleasant Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the fresh air, a particularly popular feature in the spring and summer months.

Services Offered

El Molcajete offers a versatile array of dining and service options to suit diverse customer needs:

Dine-in and Table Service: Guests can enjoy a casual and cozy meal with full table service, where reservations are also accepted for those planning group outings or special occasions.
Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, the full menu is available for both quick takeout and local delivery, perfect for enjoying authentic Mexican food at home.
Counter Service: Provides quick and efficient service for orders, especially during the busy lunch period, appealing to those seeking a Quick bite.
Catering: Specializes in catering for events and business meetings, allowing customers to bring the delicious, authentic flavors of Mexico to their gatherings.
Dining Hours: Serves both Lunch (with special weekday pricing) and Dinner, making it a flexible choice for various schedules.
Beverage Flexibility (BYOB): A highly appreciated feature is their allowance for guests to Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB), significantly enhancing the dining value for adult patrons. The restaurant also offers in-house drinks like Aguas Frescas, Mexican Sodas, and Coffee.
Payment Methods: Accepts a broad range of payments including Credit cards, Debit cards, Checks, and modern NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

What makes El Molcajete a standout Mexican restaurant in Riverdale is a combination of its authentic offerings and customer-centric features:

Signature 'Molcajete' Dishes: Named after the traditional stone mortar, the restaurant features specialty entrées like the dramatic El Molcajete Special, a volcanic hot stone bowl filled with a medley of steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, pork, fresh cheese, cactus, and onions in a creamy sauce, perfect for sharing. There is also the lavish El Molcajete Seafood Special.
Authentic Menu Depth: The menu extends far beyond standard tacos and burritos, offering authentic dishes such as Chilaquiles, Tamales, Sopa de Albondigas, and traditional preparations like Pollo De Mole Poblano and Huachinanco A La Veracruzana.
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is Good for kids, offering High chairs and a dedicated Kids' Menu with familiar items like Cheeseburger and Chicken Fingers alongside Mexican-inspired choices like Empanadas, ensuring a positive experience for all ages.
Fresh Appetizers: Offers highly-rated starters, including freshly made Guacamole, the large Coctel De Camaron (Shrimp Cocktail), and unique items like Aguacate relleno (stuffed avocado).
Acclaimed Desserts: Patrons rave about the desserts, specifically the combination of traditional Mexican sweets like Flan and Bunuelos with American favorites like Fried Ice Cream (Helado Frito) and the sweet version of a Chimichanga.
Inclusivity: Clearly identifies as a welcoming space for all crowds, including being LGBTQ+ friendly, contributing to a truly comfortable community dining experience.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or inquire about catering services, please use the following contact details for the Riverdale location:

Address: 26 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457

Phone: (973) 907-7795

Mobile Phone: +1 973-907-7795

What is Worth Choosing

For North Jersey residents seeking a memorable and authentic dining experience, El Molcajete is a strong choice that delivers on both quality and value. Its dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine and customer-friendly services makes it an essential local spot.

For the Value Seeker: The weekday Lunch Menu, with its generous portioned combos at $9.95, is unbeatable for a hearty and satisfying midday meal. Options like the Taco & Burrito combo offer a perfect introduction to their food quality.

For the Food Adventurer: You must try the restaurant's namesake, the El Molcajete Special. This theatrical dish, served hot in a volcanic stone bowl, is the ultimate way to sample the restaurant's quality meats and bold sauces. If you’re a seafood lover, the El Molcajete Seafood Platter is an equally impressive choice.

For a Date Night or Group Dinner: The ability to Bring Your Own Tequila (and receive mixers) dramatically cuts down the cost of enjoying a night out, making it an affordable and social spot for groups or couples. Pair your bottle with an order of the highly-praised Guacamole and their fresh Fajitas for an enjoyable evening.

In short, El Molcajete offers an authentic, high-quality Mexican experience with the cozy feel of a neighborhood gem and the practical advantages that New Jersey diners appreciate—especially the BYOB and excellent parking.

El Molcajete Food & drink

Lunch Menu 11am - 3pm Monday - Friday Only
Guacamole $7.95
Mashed avocado, tomatoes, chopped onions, cilantro & spices
Coctel De Camaron $7.95
Shrimp cocktails w/avocado, tomato sauce, cilantro & onions
Aguacate relleno $7.95
Half avocado stuff w/ shrimp & covered w/ our special sauce
Queso derretido con Chorizo $7.95
Melted Cheese w/ Mexican Sausage & Tortillas
Frijoles Refried Beans $6.95
Refried Beans w/ melted cheese & tortillas
Nachos $7.95
Tortillas chips covered w/ refried beans, melted cheese & jalapeno peppers strips
Taquitos $7.95
Fried corn tortillas stuffed w/ pork & cooked w/ tomato sauce & green & red sauce topped w/ sour cream
Quesadilla $7.95
Soft flour tortillas stuffed w/ Mexican Cheese
Chilaquiles $7.95
Fried tortillas strips covered w/ shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork, sour cream, shredded cheese & special red sauce
Sopa de Albondigas $6.95
Meatballs in a homemade & red Sauce
Sopa Negra $5.95
Black beans soup with bacon
Sopa De Pollo $5.95
Chicken Soup
1. Enchiladas & Taco $9.95
Served with Rice & beans
2. Chimichanga & Burrito $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
3. Taco & Burrito $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
4. Enchiladas & Tamale $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
5. Taco & Chile Relleno $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
6. Enchilada Suiza & Taco $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
7. Combo Vegetariano $9.95
Served with Rice and & beans
Flautas $9.95
Made of tortillas fried to pastry like flakiness filled w/ beef or chicken. Garnished w/ guacamole & sour cream
Huevos Rancheros $9.95
Mexican Style Fried Eggs, covered w/ green sauce & chorizo
Tacos $9.95
Folded Crispy tortillas stuffed w/ beef or chicken & cheese
Enchiladas Verdes $9.95
Soft tortillas stuffed w/ chicken covered w/ green sauce & melted cheese
Botana Cinco de Mayo $9.95
4 Rolled & fried tortillas w/ meat, 2 flat corn tortillas, nachos & refried beans
Burrito $9.95
Rolled flour tortillas stuffed w/ beef & melted cheese
Tostada $9.95
Open Crisp Tortilla topped w/ beans, beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, & sour cream topped w/ shredded Mexican cheese
Chimichangas $9.95
Shredded Beef cooked w/ onions, tomatoes & peppers rolled in a flour tortilla & fried to a pastry like flakiness, garnished w/ guacamole & sour cream
Enchiladas $9.95
Soft tortillas stuffed w/ chicken, covered w/ red sauce & melted cheese
Enchiladas De Mole Poblano $9.95
Soft tortillas stuffed w/chicken, covered w/our special mole sauce
Pollo A La Ranchera $12.95
Chicken sautéed w/onions, Mexican herbs & peppers
California Style Burrito $12.95
Choice of chicken, beef, carnitas, chorizo or carne enchilada.
Bunuelos $4.95
Thin crisp pastry topped w/honey or sugar
Flan $4.95
Caramel Custard (ask us about our Flans flavors)
Fried Ice Cream $4.95
Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream
Sweet Chimichanga $4.95
Flour Tortillas stuffed w/banana & Honey
Coffee or Tea $2.50
Aguas Frescas $5.00
Jamaica, Horchata, Tamarind, Melon
Mexican Sodas $3.50
Ask for Flavors
Soda $2.50
Coca cola, Diet Coke, Orange, Ginger Ale, unsweetened ice tea, sweet Ice tea, 7up
Juice $3.00
Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Cranberry Juice

Dinner Menu
Guacamole $10.95
Mashed avocado, tomatoes, chopped Onions, cilantro & spices
Coctel De Camaron $10.95
Shrimp cocktail w/avocado, tomato Sauce, cilantro & onions
Aguacate Relleno $10.95
Half Avocado stuffed w/shrimp & Covered w/our special sauce
Queso Derretido con Chorizo $9.95
Melted cheese w/Mexican sausage & Tortillas
Frijoles Beans $10.95
Refried beans w/melted cheese & tortillas
Nachos $9.95
Tortilla chips covered w/ refried beans, Melted cheese & jalapeno pepper strips
Taquitos $9.95
Fried corn tortillas stuffed w/pork & cooked w/tomato sauce & green & red Sauce topped w/sour cream
Quesadilla $9.95
Soft flour tortillas stuffed w/Mexican cheese
Chilaquiles $9.95
Fried tortillas strips covered w/shredded Chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork, sour cream, shredded cheese & special red sauce
1. Taco, Burrito, Chimichanga $15.95
Served with rice & beans
2. Taco, Burrito, Chimichanga $15.95
Served with rice & beans
3. Taco, Burrito, Enchiladas $15.95
Served with rice & beans
4. Enchiladas, Burrito, Tamales $15.95
Served with rice & beans
5. Taco, enchilada, Chile Relleno $15.95
Served with rice & beans
6. Enchiladas Suizas, Chile relleno, Enchiladas $15.95
Served with rice & beans
7. Vegetarian Platter $15.95
(Cheese Chile Relleno, cheese enchilada, guacamole burrito)
Enchiladas $15.95
Soft tortillas stuffed w/ cheese, chicken, beef w/ red sauce & melted cheese
Enchiada de Mole Poblano $15.95
Soft tortillas stuffed w/ cheese, chicken, beef, Covered w/our special sauce
Enchiladas Suizas $15.95
Soft tortillas w/ cheese, chicken, beef, Covered w/ green sauce, melted cheese & sour cream
Tamales $15.95
Cornmeal stuffed w/ chicken, in a special Mexican Sauce
Tacos $15.95
Folded crispy tortilla stuffed w/ beef or chicken & cheese
Flautas $15.95
Tortillas fried to a pastry like flakiness filled w/beefor chicken, Garnished w/ guacamole & sour cream
Chimichanga $15.95
Shredded beef cooked w/onions, tomatoes & pepper rolled in a flour tortilla & fried to pastry like flakiness, garnished w/guacamole or sour cream
Burrito $15.95
Rolled flour tortillas stuffed w/ beef or chicken & melted cheese
Tostada $15.95
Open crisp tortilla topped w/ beans beef or chicken, Tacos lettuce, tomato & sour cream topped w/ shredded Mexican cheese
Chalupa $17.95
Soft tortilla quick fried in hot oil topped w/beef or chicken, chopped onions, green or red sauce & an avocado slice (add shrimp + 4.00)
Chile Relleno $17.95
Mexican green peppers stuffed w/ cheese, chicken or beef
Botana 5 De Mayo $17.95
Miniature version of tostadas, flautas, chalupas & taquitos. Served w/ guacamole & refried beans.
Tacos Al Carbon $24.95
Soft tacos w/ grilled tomatoes, onions, mushroom, green peppers, herbs & chopped sticks. Served w/ refried beans & guacamole
Alambre $24.95
Steak, chicken, or shrimp chopped & sautéed w/ bacon, mushrooms & onions. Served w/ tomatoes, refried beans & guacamole. Served w/ rice & beans
Fajitas $24.95
Choice of Chicken, Shrimp, Portobello mushroom, or beef in our special sauce. Cooked w/ sliced onions, onions, served w/ rice & beans
Tampiquena Poblano $24.95
A thin strip of boiled steak served w/an enchilada, mole poblano, enchilada suiza & strips of Mexican green peppers in a cream sauce w/ refried beans.
El Molcajete Special $54.95
Inside the volcanic hot stone comes with a bed of a creamy sauce w/onions & Chile poblano sautéed together with grilled fresh cheese, spring onions, fresh cactus (nopals), steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, & pork spicy meat. Served w/ rice, beans, & tortillas...............(single)27.95…….….(Double)54.95
Crane asada $24.95
Grilled steak with onions & green peppers sautéed w/ rice & beans
Puerco Empanizado $22.95
Breaded pork w/ sweet sauce (tomato & orange juice) & melted cheese. Served w/ rice & beans
Pork Chops of your choice $22.95
A la Mexicana, mole Verde, or mole poblano served w/rice and bean.
El Molcajete Seafood $59.95
2 shrimp breaded, salmon in a creamy white sauce sautéed with mushroom & onions, lobster tail in a chipotle sauce sautéed with onions, Pescado borracho(drunk fish) sautéed with mushroom, onions, and zucchini. Served w/ rice and salad.
Bistec Montezuma $24.95
Steak split in half stuffed w/Mexican Cheese, w/ sautéed onions & special sauce. Served w/Mexican Salad & rice
Ninos Envueltos $24.95
Rolled steak stuffed w/cheese & bacon prepared w/white sauce, served w/beans & salad.
Sarape $24.95
Steak sautéed in garlic, topped w/refried beans, green sauce & melted cheese served w/ Mexican salad
Bistec Calaco $24.95
Steak sautéed w/spices, sliced onions, poblano peppers, seasoned w/herbs. Served with beans and rice
Sombrero Steak $24.95
Steak, wrapped w/ bacon in a mild sweet & spicy sauce topped w/ melted cheese, salad, rice or refried beans
Carne Tampiquena $24.95
Mexican style broiled shell steak w/ cheese enchilada covered w/ Chef’s special sauce
Steak Ranchero $24.95
Steak, sautéed in garlic, basil & oregano, cooked w/tomatoes, onions & green peppers, seasoned, w/jalapeno sauce
Fish Tacos $24.95
Onions, tomatoes, mushroom, peppers, rice, bacon. Served w/Mexican green sauce, beans, salad & a Special Chef’s white sauce.
Huachinanco A La Veracruzana $24.95
Fish filled w/tomato sauce, olives, onions, Mexican Herbs & green peppers
Chicken of your choice $22.95
A la Mexicana, mole Verde, or mole poblano
Pollo Mostrito $22.95
Chicken Breast cooked w/sweet peppers, mushroom & onions. Served w/refried beans.
Pollo Poblano $22.95
Chicken sautéed w/poblano peppers, garlic &Herbs, prepared w/tomato sauce & topped w/ Mexican cheese. Served w/black beans & salad
Pollo A La Batalla $22.95
Rolled up chicken breast w/cheese & bacon sautéed with mushrooms & onions with a white sauce served w/ served beans & salad
Camarones Tequila $24.95
Shrimp sauteed w/ herbs, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos & cilantro served w/rice & beans
Camarones Ala Mexican $24.95
Shrimp sautéed in tomatoes, green peppers onions & mushrooms w/ tomato sauce
Enchiladas Veracruz $24.95
Three enchiladas stuffed w/ sautéed shrimp topped w/sweet peppers, onions, mushroom, tomatoes, & melted cheese
Camarones Salsa Verde $24.95
Shrimp sautéed in garlic w/special sauce, green tomatoes & spices. Served w/ rice & beans
Shrimp Tacos $24.95
Onions, tomatoes, mushroom, peppers, riceBeans salad & a Chef’s special white sauce.
Camarones Acapulco $24.95
Shrimp stuffed w/cheese & wrapped in bacon. Served w/Mexican green sauce, rice & salad

Kids Menu
Cheeseburger $12.95
with fries
Hamburger $12.95
with fries
Empanadas $12.95
Chicken or Beef with fries
Chicken Fingers $12.95
with fries
Wings $12.95
with fries

Drinks
Juice $3.00
Apple Juice, Cranberry Juice, & Orange Juice
Soda $2.50
Coca cola, Diet Coke, Orange, Ginger Ale, unsweetened ice tea, sweet Ice tea, Sprite
Aguas Frescas $5.00
Horchata, Jamaica, Tamarind, Melon
Tea $2.50
Coffee $2.50
Decaf or Regular

Desserts
Flan $5.95
Caramel Custard
Sweet Chimichanga
Flour tortilla stuffed w/ banana & honey
Bunuelos $5.95
Thin crisp pastry topped w/ honey or sugar
Helado Frito/ Fried Ice Cream $5.95
Ice cream (Vanilla or chocolate)

El Molcajete Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

El Molcajete Photos

El Molcajete Location

El Molcajete

New Jersey Morris County Riverdale Hamburg Turnpike

26 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457, USA

El Molcajete Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 204 user reviews.

pricedburritoBYOBguacappetizerfajitaspatiotequilawillkinks

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We were so impressed with this cute place. Sat outside the waiter was so friendly we brought our own Tequila and they brought out mix in a pitcher. Food was awesome right down to the dessert. Prices were great! Will be back for sure!!
July 25 · Tom Ferrante
Great meal - really liked the combination options (taco, chimichanga, and burrito) and the burrito was so big. Our waiter was so nice and his recommended dessert chocoflan was excellent.The outside patio is nice and colorful, also dog friendly.
August 02 · Laurel Clare
This one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The food is both authentic and delicious. The servers are friendly and accommodating. In the warmer months, there’s a cute patio area outside, too. Run, don’t walk to El Molcajete!!!
August 31 · Debbie Frenchman
Very Mexican authentic food. Delicious to the core. Perfect serving timing, superb, exquisite taste and relaxed outside atmosphere! Recommend it 💯!
September 19 · Alfredo Gutierrez
Stopped here after a hike. The restaurant is really pretty, it’s family owned, the employees are very nice and attentive. Just keep in mind when you order that it’s not “Americanized” so your burrito is not gonna be like a chipotle burrito. Food was good, would come back. Good prices too.
July 13 · Mark Roberto