El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant

We have been going to El Sombero since it opened and we LOVE it!!! We have a large family and always have our birthday lunches/dinners at El Sombrero!!! They treat us ""special"" every time we visit! Larry and Matt always send out my favorite ""mexican chili"" sauce and they always make us feel welcome! We continue to send friends there, who haven't visited before, and they always tell us how great it was! If you haven't tried it...you need to soon! You will enjoy it!!! more

I love everything from the tacos to the burritos. I have not had a bad meal ever! The staff is extremely kind a courteous, and the place is family-owned and run, so you know they care about their product. I highly recommend their food. more

The service from the cashier is amazing, there is the nicest dude named ben who works the cash register, and he really makes my day!! He always brings a smile to my face, and when Im not sure what I am in the mood for, he always makes the perfect suggestions!!! Give him a raise. He is definitely the face of the El Sombrero!!! After a long day out on the town with my girlfriends, we were in desperate need of a quick bite to eat. Not only did Ben have a handful of girls go from frowns to all giggles, he also helped suggest the enchiladas which were amazing!!!! Thanks again Ben, you made our day!! <3 <3 more

I love that it is family owned and operated; it has been around for many years; that speaks for itself. The staff is freindly and very helpful, The service is fast and the food is served hot and quick. I have seen where someone said it is operated by Italians; well they certainly don't know what they are talking about as they are Mexican; so that review should be shown as false I for one don't think they ever visited the place. I have and will continue to visit as I love the food, and the great service. Pros: great food Cons: more seating more

We were there on Taco tuesday for the first time, and we were impressed. Fresh sauces, I don't think you can get this out of a tube or can. For a family of 8 to eat for 51.00 dollars (with a beer ) and get full is non existant for us. El Sombrero makes it possible for all of us to eat out more often. We had to split up into 2 booths, but we were back to back and that did not bother us. The tacos are not preformed shells like other restaurants use. We had a good waitress, and I know her hair was in a pony tail, but that did not affect our food, at least it wasn't in our food. We also are not from Claycomo and are not retarded. I think you should try it and make up your own mind. We will be back our kids loved it. Pros: fast, fresh homemade food Cons: size of restaurant would make things better more

I went to this restaurant and it sucked. Pros: If there were any I would tell you. Cons: Entering the front door would be the first. more

Let me first mention that there seems to be confusion on this site, as well as in general, to the disgusting nature of this ""mexican"" restaurant. For some reason there is an overall five star rating, as well as a crowded restaurant so either A) people do not have gas money to drive out of Claycomo and visit surrounding area restaurants (rancho grande, los compas, etc.) or B) they're retarded. Our party of five was initially seated by a poneytailed waitress (who happened to have two exterior buns, princess leiaesque), whom later moved our table to the rear of the restaurant so that they could fill in the narrow aisled dining room. The narrow aisles and the emphasis on ponytail are only mentioned because it was due to the crowded atmosphere that the ponytail ever so softly brushed the side of my face as she whipped around only exclaiming ""EXCUSE ME"" as if I could move closer to a dirty table end that beckoned my shirt with the last diners sauce. Speaking of the sauce, there were two choices. Blended Ro-Tel, and marinara. It is funny to me that marinara would be provided as an option, because the two choices of cheese were parmesan and Longhorn. I will no burden you with an explanation of what Longhorn is, because nobody has ever heard of it. However, when one hears parmesan they often associate it with Italian food. Much to my surprise this restaurant has been in operation for 45 years and nobody has told them that. Our waitress stated that she was new and did not know the menu. I felt that she did her best, however she spoke to us as if she had just left the methadone clinic. Our table of five ordered a variety of plates ranging from the fajita, the burrito, the enchilada, and a variety plate. The consensus was that it all tasted frozen. Now I've been to mexican restaurants before where this was the consensus, however let me paint you a picture. If you would like to try the fajitas, which are about 12 dollars on the menu, go buy the prepared tyson frozen fajitas at the grocery store, and you will get the same mushy presentations. In fact if you wish to try this place because you trust the 15 positive reviews on this site I will provide a stay at home recipe for you that will save a family of five several dollars. Fajitas - mentioned above Salsa - ragu (if you want ""spicy"") or ro-tel if not Cheese dip - block of velveta, no peppers Chips - bag of chips, and bottle of vegetable oil I've read reviews regarding the overpricing and the struggles with management. This was not the case for myself, however I was appalled to find that the cheese dip was $12. Go figure, no wonder there have been disgruntled guests in the past. Please find another restaurant if you value the place and content that you dine with. I have never written a review for a restaurant because I have never felt so compelled to do so, especially when I found out that there were so many positive reviews. IT IS NOT WORTH YOUR TIME - DO NOT BE PERSUADED. Pros: non existent Cons: see details more

come See Larry and his staff at the Elsombrero u'll be glad u made the drive to Claycomo the food is the best mexican in Kansas City in my oppinnion I've traveled to Mexico several times to me this little Hidden Gem is just that a touch that a touch of Mexico right here in KC while there try one of they're great menu items or the daily special but look out for the margerita's they're exelant dont know hat they put in em but they are to die for oh be sure and save room for desert the fried ice cream is the best in the midwest I think Igive it 2 thumbs up Pros: quick service great food and great atmosphere Cons: none that Ican come up with more

I started going to ""The Hat"" as my family calls it, when I was young and single in the early 80's. My late husband also was a regular. We made it a tradition at least once a week to go get our fix of the best Mexican food anywhere. He has passed away but, our son and I try to get over to Claycomo when ever we can. It is just the best food. The burrito with Mexican chili spread is so good and it is exactly the same as it was in 1983 when I first ate there. The wait staff have all been there for years and the family ownership makes it a very homey, friendly place to visit. Nothing bad on the menu! EAT THERE. You deserve it. Pros: The food more

When I was a kid I played on the El Sombrero girls softball team and that is when I fell in love with El Sombrero. I am 33 now and I considered myself a foodie and I think E S is the BEST tex-mex I have ever had. I have traveled a considerable amount and I have never eaten anything quite like it. If you have a heart condition you might only want to eat here once a year but man it is worth it! The atmosphere is fast and 2 minutes after you get your margarita to die for your food is ready. The frozen margaritas are the best-god only knows what is in them but they are the best like many things on the menu! more

OK, I'm spoiled. Pros: Just good food, prompt service, , Cons: Not big enough for good service, crowded. lot of quick movement on the waitress' more

tis is without a doubt the best Mexican food I've had in years. will recomend to everyone. If you want great food and superior service, this is the place to go. more

After reading the other reviews and wanting authentic Mexican, I had to try this place! Some things were VERY good: the Mexican chile sauce, the enchiladas and tamales (top-notch!). The beans were very good too. Now for the bad: the service (waitress kept zipping around the room, asking us a question and leaving the table before we had a chance to answer), atmosphere (like a truck stop! and not one actual Mexican person, in my opinion this is a very bad sign), the chips were oily and shiny, cheese choices decidedly not Mexican (cheddar-like yellow Longhorn or parmesan?). I was expecting the cheese dip to be the traditional white queso with jalepenos, but it turned out to be orange, like cheese whiz or melted velveeta, and very over-priced at $5. The hot ""salsa"" they brought us was, and I'm not kidding, warmed up tomato sauce from a can with cayenne pepper added. The mild salsa was better, actually had SOME texture. Based on how mediocre the food is, I was surprised about how busy this place was. I would probably never return here, unless I was trapped in the neighborhood and had nowhere else to go. Or unless I start craving those tamales! Pros: tamales, Mexican chile sauce Cons: cheese more

A place with no pretensions - just good filling food. If you're hungry for breakfast - go here. They have the best breakfast burritos. Not the little things you can pick up but large ones covered in the best cheese sauce. For lunch or dinner I would reccommend anything on the menu. I've been going here for almost 40 years and have tried most everything at one time or another. I adore the mexican chili spread if you like things spicy. Cheese sauce is so good that I used to buy it to take to my sister whenever I would visit her in Oregon. Pros: great food, good value for your money more

The chicken enchilada's are the very best! Some additional favorites include: spanish rice, best combo breakfast burrito I have ever had in my life! My husband LOVES the tacos! We drive a distance just to get our El Sombrero fix! It is great Mexican food! Fast, friendly, service! Affordable! Our only complaint would be that they aren't open 24x7!!!! more

Just ate here last night -- I used to eat here often as a kid, was our favorite (or maybe even our ONLY) Mexican restaurant! The chips come out wet-greasy, straight from the fryer. Good for holding salt but it seemed to exacerbate the unhealthy connotations of this food. The cheese enchiladas were made with longhorn cheese filling, not fully melted. The ground beef enchiladas are much better. The tostada was crisp and sturdy and easy to pick up and eat. Fast service. Main entrees were less salty and less greasy than Rancho Grande and Margaritata's competing restaurants. Parking is limited, had to park in the back on the gravel. The atmosphere is very, well, let's just say ""blue collar"" for lack of a better description! Pros: Fast service Cons: Seems cheap more

My father and mother have gone to this restaurant since they were born.They have passed it down to my brother and I. Anytime we are in Kansas City we make sure not to miss the great Mexican food.This isn't Tex Mex this is true Mexican food that will leave you breathless.If you don't like it then you are a fan of Tex Mex and don't know the real thing.I Love this place with all my heart and I will pass the tradition on to my kids. more

El Sombrero has been a family favorite for years! The majority of the reviews here tell you the truth. It's great stuff! Always fast service, always good food and always reasonably priced. Pros: Inexpensice, fast service more

Everything is good at this restaurant,but the main I love it, are the Beans! Creamy,delicious, the best! Real pinto beans, cooked fresh every night. Sometimes, if your'e lucky, you get a few crunchy ones! The ones that stick to the bottom of the pot, then you KNOW it's the real deal. Order a ""Cheesespread burrito with Mexican chile"". You'll never find another this good. Pros: Inexpensive more

I have drove a truck over the road for 40 yrs. and have eaten mexican food from coast to coast but, None even comes close to the El Sombrero in Claycomo, Mo. Pros: pleasant atmosphere, good service, friendly more