Brews and Bites: El Juan Mariscos and Grill

El Juan has a good variety of fresh, tasty Tex-Mex classics.

By Justin Williamson

Today I’m happy to discuss El Juan Mariscos and Grill. Located on Sam Potts Highway in Lake Waccamaw, I expect that folks in this community have to be happy about having another option here at the lake. El Juan is the only place I know of to get a drink or find live music on the weekends. They often host local talent to entertain in the bar area. I’ve seen my friend Chris Nash on the bill here, along with Whiteville’s Crenshaw Trucking Band.

Only being there once before, I really haven’t eaten here enough to get a true vibe on this one until this week. My wife and I sat down around 6 to get some dinner. The large dining room was about half full and the staff was seemingly busy.

The restaurant has a full service bar featuring live local music.

We were seated quickly and our table was clean, but on the dark side. The menu is typical tex-mex style and has a wide selection. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and a host of entrees cooked to order. We decided on some tacos and an order of nachos to fill our bellies for the evening.

Service was fine and our food was prepared fairly quick. We received our food as ordered and began to jump in. The pork tacos were well flavored and tender.

Portion size was good, as was the overall presentation. My nachos were basic, but very good. Sometimes all you need is a beef nacho with cheese to set you in a good mood! Mexican food to me is the best version of comfort food out there. Nachos, cheese, guacamole, seasoned beef – let’s go!

I have to place a rating here: 3/5

They are definitely “Finding the Grove” here at El Juan. There is some room for growth in the service department. Folks seemed a little preoccupied and I don’t want to be overbearing in this area, but it’s a pattern I’ve seen in my couple of visits. There is a lot of good things going on here, so adjusting the front of house staff a little would really move up the rating into the zone.

Choosing to stop in here will get your belly full and they have plenty to wet your whistle as well. Daily drink specials and a full bar will take care of your needs to unwind after a long day at the lake. Stop in and help us support local establishments, as we strive to keep Columbus County thriving.

Sometimes all you need is a beef nacho with cheese to set you in a good mood.

As always, write to me at PositiveflowNC@gmail.com for thoughts or leads on where I can find new vendor or establishment that you’d like to hear more about.

Justin Williamson

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