El Rey Mexican Restaurant Introduce
For New Jersey residents seeking a truly authentic taste of Mexico, El Rey Mexican Restaurant in Maplewood stands out as a vibrant and essential culinary destination. Located right on Springfield Avenue, El Rey is more than just a place to grab a quick meal; it is a heartfelt homage to traditional Mexican cuisine, capturing the essence of home cooking and regional specialties, particularly those inspired by the cuisines of Puebla and Veracruz.
The restaurant’s mission is clear: to provide fresh, home-cooked meals that remain as traditional and authentic as possible, avoiding the Americanization often found in other Mexican eateries. This dedication to authenticity shines through in every dish, from the rich and complex Enchiladas De Mole Poblano to the mouth-watering Tacos De Birria. Many patrons and local critics agree that the food here is the "real deal," providing a genuine south-of-the-border experience right here in Essex County.
El Rey prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, with one of the most celebrated features being their commitment to house-made tortillas, a detail that immediately elevates the flavor and authenticity of their tacos, quesadillas, and other dishes. The dining experience is enhanced by a casual and cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and a diverse menu that thoughtfully caters to various preferences, including excellent vegetarian options and a dedicated kids' menu. It is an ideal spot for lunch, a family dinner, or simply a solo trip to satisfy a craving for great Mexican food, all delivered with a commitment to fast service.
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El Rey Mexican Restaurant is a perfectly situated culinary gem, easily accessible for anyone traveling through the Springfield Avenue corridor in Maplewood, NJ. The physical address is:
1908 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
Accessibility is a key convenience for all patrons. The restaurant offers a free parking lot, simplifying the parking process often associated with local dining, and there is also free street parking available. Furthermore, El Rey is committed to making dining comfortable for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible parking lot and wheelchair accessible seating within the restaurant itself. Its location makes it a central and convenient choice for locals and those driving in from surrounding New Jersey communities.
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El Rey offers a comprehensive suite of service options to meet the needs of every customer, ensuring you can enjoy their authentic Mexican flavors whenever and wherever you choose:
- Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and full table service. Reservations are accepted for planning group outings.
- Takeout: Ideal for a quick meal to take home or on the go.
- Delivery: Available for convenient meal ordering directly to your home or office.
- No-contact delivery: Provides a safe and convenient option for delivery.
- Curbside pickup: For maximum convenience, you can have your order brought out to your car.
- Drive-through: A highly convenient feature for quick ordering and pickup without leaving your vehicle.
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The menu at El Rey is extensive and features numerous authentic and high-quality highlights that showcase the best of Mexican cuisine. Here are some of the most noteworthy features and highlights:
- Commitment to Authenticity: The restaurant proudly features authentic dishes, with many praising the food as being genuinely authentic Mexican, focusing on traditional recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- House-Made Tortillas: A major highlight, the fact that El Rey makes their tortillas in-house ensures a level of freshness and quality that significantly enhances all their taco and quesadilla offerings.
- Signature Tacos and Enchiladas: The menu boasts a wide variety of tacos, including the highly-praised Tacos De Birria (served with melted cheese, onion, cilantro, and consome) and traditional Tacos De Al Pastor. The enchiladas selection is equally strong, featuring the classic Enchiladas De Mole Poblano.
- El Rey Specialty Dishes (Plato's Fuertes): Beyond the standard fare, you can find impressive entrées like El Volcán (a mix of steak, chicken, shrimp, and Mexican chorizo with fried queso and guacamole) and the upscale El Rey Steak (Certified Angus ribeye with chimichurri). Seafood lovers can try the Tequila-Lime Salmon or Camarones Calientes.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: El Rey is known for its thoughtful accommodation of diverse dietary needs, featuring excellent dishes like the Veggies Quesadilla, the Veggie Burrito, and the La Vegana red quinoa salad. Many vegetarian dishes can be easily customized to be vegan.
- Appetizers and Sides: Must-try starters include the Guacamole Con Chips, the innovative Quinoa Croquettes, and the popular Mexican Street Corn.
- Daily Specials: Customers can take advantage of popular deals like the Taco Tuesday Special (featuring Tacos De Pollo, Carnitas, Veggies, or Carne Molida for $13.00) and the Thursday Nacho Special (with various nacho options for $14.00).
- Family and Group Amenities: The restaurant is good for kids, offering a dedicated Kids menu and high chairs. It is also well-suited for groups, and dogs are allowed outside for pet owners.
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For reservations, inquiries, or placing an order, please use the contact details below. The restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for your convenience.
Address: 1908 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
Phone: (973) 689-2165 (Mobile Phone: +1 973-689-2165)
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El Rey Mexican Restaurant is absolutely worth choosing for any resident or visitor in the New Jersey area who values authenticity, quality, and variety in their Mexican dining experience. What makes El Rey a clear favorite among locals is its unwavering commitment to authentic Mexican home cooking. As one customer noted, it is a "hidden little gem" where the food is genuinely authentic Mexican, proving that this is the place for the real flavors of Mexico.
The culinary offerings go beyond the basics, with premium menu items like the El Rey Steak and the seafood-focused Tequila-Lime Salmon, alongside traditional favorites like the rich Enchiladas De Mole Poblano. This blend of classic and elevated cuisine ensures there is a dish for every occasion and every level of craving.
Furthermore, El Rey understands the need for convenience in a busy New Jersey lifestyle. The unique inclusion of a drive-through and curbside pickup, alongside traditional delivery and dine-in options, showcases a commitment to fast service and customer ease that is highly valued by locals. With great dining options for lunch, dinner, and dessert (including delicious Tres Leches and Churros), plus specialty days like Taco Tuesday, El Rey offers both a consistently high-quality meal and a fantastic value. For an authentic, friendly, and accessible Mexican dining experience in Maplewood, El Rey truly is the "king" of the local scene.
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Food & drink
Enchiladas
- Enchiladas De Mole Poblano $20.00
3 mole poblano enchiladas with melted oaxaca cheese, shredded white cabbage, pico de gallo, mexican crema, and cotija cheese. Served with rice and beans.
- Enchiladas Verdes $17.00
3 corn tortilla enchiladas, tomatillo adobo jalapeño green sauce; shredded white cabbage, Mexican crema, and cotija cheese. Served with rice and beans.
- Enchiladas Rojas $17.00
3 corn tortillas enchiladas, adobo in salsa of Chile guajillo, pasilla, ancho, and morita. Served with mexican crema, cotija cheese, rice, and beans.
- Enchiladas Suizas $20.00
3 enchiladas with salsa suiza; tomatillo in crema, melted queso manchego, shredded white cabbage. Served with rice and beans.
Sides
- Side Of Rice $5.00
16 oz portion serves 2
- Side Of Guac (Small) $2.50
small side of guac.
- Side Of 3 Corn Or Flour Tortilla $3.00
option of handmade corn tortilla or flour
- Side Of Black Beans $5.00
16 oz portion serves 2
Kids menu
- El Rancherito Cheese Quesadilla $8.00
12'' inch Flour tortilla quesadilla with cheese only small for kids and a side of fries.
- El Edgar $9.00
Chicken wings served with side of fries and ketchup
- Mr. Chicken $9.00
Chicken tenders with a side of fries
- El Rancherito Chicken Quesadilla $8.00
12' inch Flour tortilla Quesadilla with Chicken inside and a side of fries.
Tacos
- Tacos De Al Pastor $15.00
3 al pastor tacos with caramelized onions, cilantro, and our fresh piña salsa.
- Tacos De Bistec $15.00
3 steak tacos with nopal and pico de gallo. Your choice of flour or corn tortilla.
- Tacos De Birria $18.00
3 Shredded soft beef tacos with melted cheese, onion, cilantro, and our consomé dipping sauce.
- Tacos De Carnitas $13.00
3 slow roasted carnitas (pork) tacos with pico de gallo and fresh caramelized onions.
- Tacos De Pollo $13.00
3 chicken tacos with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese.
- Tacos De Carne Asada (Skirt Steak) $17.00
Arugula, guacamole, Chile de árbol, 3 carne asada tacos with baby and mayonnaise.
- Tacos De Carne Molida $14.00
Grounded beef, lettuce, mixed cheese, pico de gallo, and El Rey sauce.
- Tacos De Cochinita Pibil $15.00
3 cochinita tacos with pickled onions, cilantro, and our fresh tomatoes-habanero salsa.
Quesadillas
- Al Pastor Quesadillas $14.00
- Veggies Quesadilla $13.00
Mixed veggies consisting of corn, bell peppers, onion, kale, and zucchini.
- Birria Quesadilla $16.00
includes consome on the side.
Burritos
- Chicken Burrito $14.00
Grilled chicken with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Carne Molida Burrito $16.00
Grounded beef with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Cochinita Pibil Burrito $17.00
Yucatan styled pulled pork with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Veggie Burrito $14.00
Mixed veggies with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Al Pastor Burrito $17.00
Spiced pork with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Carne Asada Burrito $17.00
Skirt steak carne asada, with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
- Birria Burrito $22.00
shredded beef comes with side of consume (small stew) , chips and salsa. Rice and beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and our 3 homemade sauces. (El Rey sauce, Avocado cream, sour cream).Side of chips and salsa included.
- Carnitas Burrito $15.00
Pulled pork with mixed cheese, lettuce, pico, sour cream, rice and beans, topped with El Rey sauce, avocado sauce, and sour cream. Side of chips and salsa included.
Nachos
- Carne Molida Nachos $17.00
Grounded Beef, corn tortilla chips, mixed cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pinto bean puree, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Al Pastor Nachos $18.00
Choice of protein, corn tortilla chips, mixed cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pinto bean puree, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Veggie Nachos $15.00
Choice of protein, corn tortilla chips, mixed cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pinto bean puree, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Steak Nachos $17.00
Choice of protein, corn tortilla chips, mixed cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pinto bean puree, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Chicken Nachos $16.00
Choice of protein, corn tortilla chips, mixed cheese, Oaxaca cheese, pinto bean puree, pico de gallo and guacamole.
Canned Drinks
- Coke $2.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Diet Coke $2.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Mango Jumex $2.00
Mango Juice ( not a soda)
- Sprite $2.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Botanas / Appetizers
- Guacamole Con Chips $13.00
Fresh guacamole with pico de gallo. Served with corn tortilla chips.
- Quinoa Croquettes $14.00
Stuffed with oaxaca queso, served over avocado crema, sour cream, and el rey's sauce.
- Chalupa De Pulpo $18.00
2 corn grilled tortillas, sautéed octopus, zucchini, chili oil spread, and topped with pickled onions.
- Mexican Street Corn $8.00
Grilled corn served with el rey sauce, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
- Flautas $14.00
4 deep fried flautas, pinto beans purée, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and our special avocado cream salsa.
Plato's Fuertes
- La Vegana $15.00
Red quinoa, beans, corn, scallions, cherry tomatoes, avocado, oregano, and vinaigrette.
- El Rey Steak $32.00
Ribeye steak (certified Angus beef), chimichurri sauce, arugula salad, mexican rice, and beans.
- Tequila-Lime Salmon $26.00
Shared salmon, honey lime-tequila sauce, served over seasonal sautéed vegetables.
- Camarones Calientes $22.00
Sautéed shrimp with mexican chorizo and elote. Served with mexican rice, beans, and flour tortillas.
- Fajitas Del Chingon $24.00
Served with mix sautéed bell peppers, onions, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican rice, beans, and corn tortillas or flour tortillas.
- Pollo Con Rajas Y Crema $18.00
Poblano peppers sautéed with chicken, and Creamy cheese sauce. Served with Rice and Beans. corn or flower tortillas.
- El Volcán $30.00
hanger steak, chicken, shrimp, Mexican chorizo, fried queso, nopal, guacamole, salsa verde crema, grilled red onions, and jalapeño. Served with Mexican rice, beans, and 3 flour tortillas.
- Chile Relleno $19.00
Stuffed poblano peppers, stuffed with Mexican cheese, includes side of rice and beans. corn or flour tortillas included.
- Sopa De Res Rojo (Red Mexican Beef Soup) $16.00
warm beef stew with mixed veggies, potatoes, collard greens, carrots. includes corn tortillas.
Postres
- Flan $6.00
caramel custard with whipped cream, strawberry, and powdered sugar
- Churros $6.00
4 pieces of churros, with a side of chocolate dip and vanilla ice cream.
- Ice Cream Nachos $8.00
Sugared tortilla chips, with vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.
- Tres Leches $8.00
Traditional 3 milk sponge cake.
El Rey Salads
- Taco Salad $15.00
Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, crispy tortillas, ranch dressing, and choice of meat.
- Grilled Spanish Octopus $20.00
Cherry tomatoes, red onions, maíz, served over arugula, avocado, and fennel oregano vinaigrette.
- La Vegana $20.00
Red quinoa, beans, corn, scallions, cherry tomatoes, avocado, oregano, and vinaigrette
- Tomato Avocado Salad $16.00
Mixed greens, cucumber, carrot, celery, pickled red onion. Dressing: Red wine Vinaigrette.
Thursday Nacho special
- Pollo Nachos (Chicken) (Thursday Nacho Special) $14.00
Chicken Nachos, Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Cheese, lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jalapeños (optional).
- Carne Molida Nachos ( Ground Beef) (Thursday Nacho Special) $14.00
Carne Molida (Ground Beef) Nachos , Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Cheese, lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jalapeños (optional).
- Veggie Nachos ( Thursday Nacho Special) $14.00
Sautéed veggies (Corn, Peppers,Onion, Kale, Zucchini) Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Cheese, lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jalapeños (optional).
- Carnitas Nachos ( Pork) (Thursday Nacho Special) $14.00
Carnitas (pork), Corn tortilla chips, Black beans, Cheese, lettuce, Pico de gallo, Jalapeños (optional).
Seafood Tacos
- Camarones Tacos $17.00
3 shrimp tacos with romaine lettuce, crema de aguacate, and sautéed piña salsa.
- Crispy Fish Tacos $17.00
3 crispy beer battered white fish tacos with baby arugula, fennel, pico de gallo, and avocado crema.
- Mar Y Tierra Tacos $19.00
3 shrimp and steak tacos with Chile de árbol crema, guacamole, and piña salsa.
Mexican Sodas
- Mexican Coke $3.00
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
Taco Tuesday Special
- Tacos De Pollo ( Taco Tuesday) $13.00
Pollo (Chicken) Each order is served with 4 tacos, Corn tortillas ( Gluten Free), Lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and Cotija cheese
- Tacos De Veggies ( Taco Tuesday) $13.00
Sautéed veggies ( corn, kale, zucchini , Onions and Bell peppers) Each order is served with 4 tacos, corn tortillas ( gluten free), diced onions and cilantro.
- Tacos De Carne Molida (Ground Beef) $13.00
Carne Molida (Ground beef), Each order is served with 4 tacos, corn tortillas, lettuce, El Rey sauce, Mixed cheese and Pico de Gallo.
- Tacos De Carnitas ( Taco Tuesday ) $13.00
Carnitas (Pork) Each order has 4 tacos served with Corn tortilla ( Gluten free) , Caramelized Onion and Pico de Gallo.
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Details
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Photos
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Location
El Rey Mexican Restaurant
1908 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040, USA
El Rey Mexican Restaurant Reviews
enchiladashrimpguacamolepricequinoamexican street cornchurrosburritosteaktequila lime salmon
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Woow! I was driving by and I stopped by google recommendations and I really like it! Tacos were good and the hot sauce was good! Which is important for a taco
September 04 · Eduardo HaselHidden little gem! Most importantly food is authentic Mexican. Great ambience and service as well.
July 17 · Natalia JimenezWent back for more. Everything was amazing. It's the place that was missing in my life! Octopus is a must get.Great tacos! I think they make their own tortillas. Best corn tortillas
May 30 · Peter McgarryDrove all the way from Summit to try this place when I accidentally found it on Google maps. Great guy took my order, extremely polite and professional, I believe he was the owner. I ordered a few different taco dishes, an enchilada dish and a kids quesadilla. Everything was super tasty, well packaged and fresh. I wish you guys all the success. Will be returning soon.
April 15 · marinos stratigakisGood flavours. We ordered veggy burritos, shrimp tacos and mole enchilada. They were good. The fresh drink hibiscus was also a nice non alcoholic drink. Both ladies are great hostess.
August 11 · Paul
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