El Chapala

4.5 ( 862 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
69 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, United States
+1 828-877-5220

Located at 69 Hendersonville Hwy in Pisgah Forest, NC, El Chapala is a hidden gem for Mexican food lovers. This vibrant eatery has garnered rave reviews for its authentic cuisine and impressive service. Diners like Eric Peterman highlight the restaurant's ability to provide an unforgettable dining experience, noting that the food is so delicious you can't help but want more. Customers appreciate the attentiveness of the staff, exemplified by the swift service experienced by Bailey Boucher, who felt welcomed even when arriving close to closing time.

One of the standout offerings at El Chapala is their top-shelf margarita, praised by many for its fresh lime juice and quality tequila, making it a must-try alongside dishes like Chile Colorado. The house-made salsa and hot sauces are another highlight, ensuring that each meal bursts with flavor. Whether you're a local or just passing through, El Chapala promises a warm atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes that make it a favorite among families and visitors alike. With its commitment to quality and a cozy feel, El Chapala is surely a restaurant that you'll want to return to time and again.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For El Chapala

Eric Peterman
May 31,2025
This place is awesome! My wife and I stopped in for dinner while visiting our kids, who work at the Wilds Christian Camp. Being from Tampa, we love our Mexican food! El Chapala met every expectation. We are thrilled to know of this fine place! The service is amazing. The food is awesome. We loved it! There was one problem.... our stomachs were not big enough to eat more.... it is just so good, you can't stop! Great job, El Chapala! We will be back for sure!
cg223
May 20,2025
I was actually headed to a different restaurant when we drove by this place. There were a couple of Brevard police officers having dinner here so we knew this had to be a good place. We decided to swing in and check it out. The service was very proficient and our waiter was very attentive. I would give the food to four stars it was very good, but the top shelf margaritas with the fresh lime juice were five stars. They also have a Texas margarita that was very good also. If you try el Chapala, try the Chile Colorado and top shelf margarita made with Don Julio tequila.
Evan Mitchell
Apr 29,2025
Food is always fresh. Great in house salsa and hot sauces. Beer comes out cold and tall. This place is a home away from home.
Bailey Boucher
Apr 26,2025
Amazing experience. We walked in 30 minutes to close (very apologetic), and the staff was awesome. Our food was out in less than ten minutes, we were checked on multiple times by multiple different staff members, and everything was perfect. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Betty Warner
Apr 4,2025
My family truly enjoyed this place. Friendly service, and great food!
Brian Dyer
Mar 27,2025
Food was great! Made me feel like I was back in Monterey. Service was just as good. Definitely will stop in again when I’m in the area.
Zachary Gaza
Mar 27,2025
I've lived in Pisgah Forest all my life and this is without a doubt my favorite Mexican restaurant. Now that could be bias and probably is but I always enjoy the food and the service is great. They are very friendly and always happy to help with whatever you need. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Kat Mama
Mar 9,2025
I’m a local and I’ve frequented El Chapala for years. The staff know me by name and they feel like family. I highly recommend their margaritas. They make them strong, just FYI. I always get the steak fajitas and the fiance gets alamabres. Delicious! Also, if you’re up for dessert, be sure to get the flan.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

El Sazon Mexicano Restaurant
(1730 review)
El Sazon Mexicano Restaurant
  • 2650 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701, United States
mexican restaurant
+1 865-681-8100
Laz Turkish Tapas
(947 review)
Laz Turkish Tapas
  • 46 Bath St, Glasgow G2 1HG, United Kingdom
Turkish restaurant
+44 141 332 9641
BURGER CARTIER
(286 review)
BURGER CARTIER
  • 1191 Av. Cartier, Quebec, QC G1R 2S9, Canada
hamburger restaurant
+1 418-948-3773
Burgher Haus
(620 review)
Burgher Haus
  • 1001 W Buchanan St, California, MO 65018, United States
Restaurant
+1 573-796-2916
Pisa Pizzeria
(147 review)
Pisa Pizzeria
  • 65-68 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY 11385, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 718-381-6368
C'est Ici
(370 review)
C'est Ici
  • 47 Palliser Rd, London W14 9EB, United Kingdom
coffee shop
+44 20 7381 4837
Sonora Grill Magnocentro
(1550 review)
Sonora Grill Magnocentro
  • Blvd. Magnocentro 26, La Herradura, 52785 Naucalpan de Juárez, Méx., Mexico
restaurant
+52 55 1710 6192
The Italian Job
(445 review)
The Italian Job
  • 140 W Old Cross Rd, New Market, VA 22844, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 540-740-4448
The Lime Truck Southern California
(491 review)
The Lime Truck Southern California
  • 16211 Construction Cir W, Irvine, CA 92606, United States
Restaurant
+1 949-232-0690
FABD Smokehouse
(1349 review)
FABD Smokehouse
  • 3204 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, United States
Barbecue restaurant
+1 502-895-3223