El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar is a mexican restaurant in Durham, NC. Open: Mon–Thu 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Fri–Sat 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM; Sun 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (919) 251-9895. Average rating is 4.4 stars from 48 reviews. Website: https://elmariachimexicanrestaurantbar.com/.
El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar
Call Now Directions
Review
Exterior view of El Mariachi Restaurant showcasing its menu. — El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar
4.4 48 reviews Today 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Bold Flavors, Cold Margaritas, Durham's Own

Central American and Mexican cooking served with heart, seven days a week on Avondale Drive.

About Us

Business hours sign displayed on the restaurant door. — El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar
Business hours sign displayed on the restaurant door.

Fajitas hit the iron skillet with a hiss you can hear across the dining room. That sound means something is ready, and at El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar, something is always ready. The menu pulls from the full range of Central American and Mexican tradition, the kind of cooking that doesn't shy away from depth or authenticity. Rated 4.4 stars by Durham diners, this is the spot locals return to when they want food that actually means something.

The setup on Avondale Drive is more than a restaurant. There's a full bar pouring drinks to match the food, a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone from date nights to big group dinners, and weekend hours that stretch until 2 AM for those who want to make a night of it. Brunch is on the table too, with doors opening at 6 AM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM on Sunday.

This isn't a one-note concept. El Mariachi holds its own as a dine-in destination, a bar, and a place with enough range on the menu to bring out the whole crew. Durham has plenty of options, but few that cover this much ground under one roof with this much flavor behind it.

What We Offer

Dine-in is the main event. Pull up a chair, flag down your server, and work through a menu built on the flavors of Mexico and Central America. The bar runs alongside the dining room, so your margarita arrives with your meal instead of after it. Whether the table is two people or twelve, the kitchen is built for it.

Can't make it in? Online ordering means the food travels. Place your order through the website and skip the wait. It's the same menu, the same kitchen, delivered on your terms.

Friday and Saturday nights, the doors stay open until 2 AM, making El Mariachi one of the few full-service spots in Durham that keeps the kitchen and bar running deep into the weekend. Plan accordingly.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"Really authentic Mexican food, with everything from tripe to cow tongue! I got the roasted pork plate and it was wonderful. Only downside was the music was crazy loud. But I highly recommend giving this a try! Unique experience."
— Rhonda Stapleton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"For anyone looking for a place that combines great food with exceptional service, El Mariachi Restaurant is highly recommended. Don't miss out on their gorditas de asada and explore their diverse menu of Mexican specialties."
— Antonio Alanis
a year ago
"Health inspection concerns as of December 2024. El Mariachi Restaurante (2000 Avondale Dr. in Durham) received a score of 82% during an inspection on Dec. 13. The restaurant was in violation of 25 standards. Violations included repackaged raw beef above cooked meats and vegetables in a freezer, a staff member mixing masa without gloves and a large pot of beans under prep table cooling since the night before at room temperature. Some violations were corrected during the inspection. The restaurant previously scored 99% in July and 98% in January."
— WillTravelForFood
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Very good authentic Mexican food, great service and fast. I been here two times and both times have exceeded my expectations. Rica comida Mexicana, atienden muy bien y te dan la comida rapido."
— Dulce Apolonio
a year ago
"Is the first time we have dinner here but very bad place the service horrible and also they put the 20% tip and they don’t tell your found it if you ask for the ticket I really don’t recommend this place"
— Maggie C.P.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food does El Mariachi serve?

El Mariachi is a family-friendly Central American and Mexican restaurant. The menu covers a wide range of traditional dishes from both cuisines, with options for the whole table.

What are the hours at El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar?

Monday through Thursday, the restaurant is open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 2:00 AM. Sunday hours are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The kitchen and bar are open seven days a week.

Does El Mariachi have a bar?

Yes. El Mariachi operates a full bar alongside the dining room. You can order drinks to accompany your meal during any open hours, including the late-night weekend service.

Can I order online from El Mariachi?

Yes, online ordering is available. Visit the website at elmariachimexicanrestaurantbar.com to place your order directly.

Is El Mariachi good for families?

Absolutely. El Mariachi describes itself as a family-friendly restaurant and welcomes guests of all ages in the dining room.

Where is El Mariachi located in Durham?

El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar is at 2000 Avondale Dr, Durham, NC 27704.

Does El Mariachi serve brunch?

The restaurant opens at 6:00 AM Monday through Saturday and 7:00 AM on Sunday, making it a solid option for early meals and brunch throughout the week.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 6:00 AM
Monday Today 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
65° Clear 2000 Avondale Dr
Mon 88° 62°
Tue 90° 63°
Wed 94° 71°
Thu 77° 72°
Fri 94° 70°
Sat 94° 73°
Sun 98° 73°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

More places nearby

Other spots near here, whatever their type. Tap one to open its page.

Mexican Restaurant ★ 5.0 (13)
La Santa Modern Mexican
1.7 mi110N Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
$
Breakfast Restaurant ★ 4.7 (132)
Hatch Burritos
1.2 mi723 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
$
Grocery Store ★ 4.3 (1,792)
Super Compare Foods
steps away2000 Avondale Dr A, Durham
Hardware Store ★ 4.4 (1,183)
Harbor Freight
0.2 mi2000 Avondale Dr #104, Durham
Store ★ 4.3 (1,458)
Beauty World
0.8 mi1418 Avondale Dr, Durham
Fast Food Restaurant ★ 3.3 (2,289)
McDonald's
0.1 mi2010 N Roxboro St, Durham
American Restaurant ★ 4.1 (3,244)
Kickback Jack's Durham
1.1 mi918 W Club Blvd, Durham
Restaurant ★ 4.0 (1,904)
Ichiban Hibachi Supreme Buffet INC.
0.2 mi2000 Avondale Dr, Durham

Contact El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar

Send a note and El Mariachi Restaurant & Bar will get back to you. No account needed.

Add an email or a phone so they can reply.

Best time to reach you

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.