Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant

Found this place by accident. Don’t let the adjoining bowling Alley fool you, they are separate to that joint. the food was excellent, with good portions and great taste. Service was timely and courteous and the food arrived as ordered and hot. Prices are fair for the portion size and the atmosphere was nice. Not loud, not dead and definitely clean. I had a Chimi with the perfect amount of fry to it and my wife loved the pork carnitas. Definatley would eat there again when in the area.

Service is okay! But the food not much. Too much sauce in everything they make. Well I guess if you like your chicken tasting like sauce instead of chicken then this is the place for you.

Always a great time at Garcias. You get exactly what you order and you get it fast, and I’m talking in just several minutes. PERFECT!

The best authentic Mexican food in the area!!! Friendly staff who always accommodate special requests! Food is always served fresh and made to order! And… Free chips and homemade salsa while you wait!

Amazing food. Must go! Authentic food, good atmosphere and friendly staff. What else do you want?

FOOD POISONING/​CONTAMINATION CENTRAL
I created an account specifically to make this review and hopefully save some others from what I went through… There’s a link at the bottom of the review for chemung county health department findings.
I stopped in around 7pm on a Friday night with a friend. I ordered a chicken dish and shared an appetizer of loaded nachos. I was disappointed in the taste of the food, and it seemed rather low quality for an «authentic Mexican restaurant». However, the hostess/​waitress were very polite and provided good service. An hour or two after consumption, I knew something was very very wrong.
The next 48 hours consisted of repeated vomiting/​diarrhea. I knew I was becoming dehydrated, and continued to try to drink water/​Gatorade, which refused to stay down. On top of the vomiting/​diarrhea, I developed a massive headache and my limbs began to cramp and become painful.
I eventually became so dehydrated that I need to go the the ER. They administered 2 full bags of IV fluid and my headache had become so bad, I had to be administered morphine to dull it. The doctor said its hard to know what bacteria/​pathogen was in the food, but Garcia’s was a rather known culprit, as they’ve had quite a few cases in the past.
I did some research, and sure enough… On the health inspections from this year and years past they have numerous violations. «Food not protected from potential sources of contamination». PESTICIDES in improper areas. Rodent fecal matter, cockroaches, the list goes on and on. I stopped looking before I got more upset at wondering what went in my body.
I’d like to add that I proudly had not used a sick or personal day from my place of employment (or my previous job) for over 5 years. But had to miss 3 consecutive days of work due to this.
Eat at your own risk. But if you or your family members’ organs decide to melt afterwards, can’t say I didn’t warn you.

Favorite for Mexican food!!! Been many times with large groups and small. Never had a bad meal or experience.

This is a pretty good place, but the service is not as good as the food.

This far the worse place ever. i got a taco salad there tonight. It had just a smudge of beef in it, topped with a half pound of lettuce a dab of sour cream, nothing else. Are you kidding me it was lettuce in a shell. save your money go to Los ponchos in elmira.

OK, I get it, Elmira is a small town. Not exactly a culinary hot spot. But even with that caveat, this place just doesn’t cut it. Had the skirt steak. It was tough and tasteless. The «house» margarita was un-​drinkable. It get two stars instead of one, because the service was good, and it is a locally owned business in a town swamped by the big chains. I’m no fan of franchise restaurants, and always choose the local place on my frequent business trips, but honestly, if you find yourself in Elmira, you may want to make the drive to Corning; or simply bite the bullet and go to Chili’s.

Garcias is the best! Their sauces are what makes the meal, they’re all amazing. Vegetarian meals are great, as well as fish tacos, pork, beef, and chicken meals. Margaritas are delightful and have enough tequila to do the trick. My boyfriend and I go here more than any other restaurant in Elmira. Also, just went with my niece and nephew and they were very happy patrons. Love this place!

Best authentic Mexican food for miles… and the service is great! Must stop when in Elmira.

This was an ok Mexican place. Presentation of food was excellent. The food itself left something to be desired. Service was mediocre at best. The restaurant itself could definitely have been cleaner.

The last two times my fiancé and I have eaten here we have gotten sick… now it is blacklisted in our household… sorry…only eat here unless you want your colon cleansed…

My favorite restaurant in the Elmira, food is great and reasonably priced … Beats the chain restaurants any day

Love it. We lived in Dallas for many years and this comes close to what we had there. Service is always very friendly. Have been there many many times and have never once had a bad meal.

Went last night because it was within walking distance of my hotel and the desk clerk told me it was good. It was very, very good. I had the steak fajitas and they were delicious. The steak and veggies were presented on a sizzling platter with beans, cheese, guac, lettuce and sour cream on a second plate.
I had their medium size marguarita which was just the right size for before during and after the meal.
Not fancy but very good food for casual dining.
Friendly people and good service, good size menu. plenty to choose from. I enthusiastically recommend.

Oh Garcia’s, I miss you!
The food here is simply authentic Mexican fare. The flavors are clean and the dishes are well composed. Don’t get me wrong: the plates aren’t a work of art, but your tongue will thank you for not judging an enchilada by its cover! I was also an Elmira College kid and when I could actually afford to go out to eat, Garcia’s was my chow of choice. The prices are very reasonable (Their $ 10 lunch combinations are big enough to split) and their margarita’s are very well made.
Gracias, Garcia’s!

The one place in central NY for authentic Tex Mex.
I’m a born and raised Texan and was far far from home. This place took me back, from the authentic «tacky» décor to the perfect margarita. I was with a large bunch of Texas guys, and everyone agreed that their various entrees we legit.
I will say the salsa was sadly weak, the sopapillas were large flat cinnamon crackers, and the flan was too dense. But those were minor criticisms. I mention only to recommend improvement.
To EM, the margaritas were not cheap, but well done.
To Jason E, the beans were from a can just like near every TxMEx restaurant in Austin. So what? Who goes out for the beans?

Mmmm! I love Garcia’s. The food is delicious and reasonably priced with generous portions. What I like is that in addition to regular Mexican fare, they serve vegetarian and American dishes as well.
The wait staff are friendly and accommodating. It can get busy and that’s when you might not see your server for awhile. I prefer to go in the afternoon when it’s not very crowded.
My favorite beverage is the blue margarita. They’ve got a decent list of mixed drinks, shots, and beer that will please anyone who just turned 21 to the recently retired! :)