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Old Mexico Express, located at 111 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY, offers a tantalizing taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy setting. Renowned for its build-your-own-plate concept, it allows diners to customize their meals with an array of fresh ingredients. Customers have praised the steak nachos, highlighted for their fresh pico and salsa, though some felt the steak's flavor could be improved. Others recommend the tomatillo sauce, a standout that enhances the dining experience.
The affordability of the generous portions is frequently noted, with burritos and bowls priced around $8.75, making it a perfect choice for both students and locals seeking quality on a budget. Although the service may be slightly slow during peak times, patrons appreciate the warm atmosphere and the commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The restaurant's charm lies in its simplicity—great food coupled with friendly service. Overall, Old Mexico Express emerges as a must-visit for those craving authentic flavors in a bustling college town, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses offering genuine culinary experiences.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
Atmosphere
- Casual
Reviews for Old Mexico Express
Review highlights
Based on 52 reviewsOld Mexico Express is praised for offering generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious diners in Ithaca. The restaurant’s build-your-own-plate concept and variety of meat and sauce options receive positive remarks, with particular appreciation for vegan-friendly choices and flavorful sauces like the tomatillo. While the food quality is generally noted as good, some customers mention that certain items—especially meats—could benefit from stronger seasoning and consistently warmer service temperature. The venue’s small, primarily takeout-focused setting contributes to a casual dining experience, with occasional mentions of slightly slower service. Overall, Old Mexico Express is recognized for value, variety, and fresh ingredients, appealing to those seeking authentic Mexican flavors without a high price tag.
Build-your-own-plate restaurant. Ordered steak nachos with pico and salsa. Overall good, I will order a different meat next time though, the steak was cooked well and tender but flavor was lacking and was served only sort-of warm. Pico and salsa were fresh and tasty, cheese blend good, chips fresh. A minor gripe is that it's served with the only warm component being the meat, so it's a very room-temperature-to-cold food experience, but not everything needs to be piping hot, it's like Chipotle or Moe's. Nice employee and very fast service, definitely a place to try if you're short on time. Portions very fair for price ($11 for what felt like a pound and a half of nachos) Bottom line, it's worth stopping in, you can tell they use good ingredients, I'll be trying the beef birria next time (they were out, it must be good)
A good quantity for a good price! The bowl and burrito can be made vegan by by holding the cheese! The tomatillo (medium) sauce is amazing!
Great food in a tiny little place..a few chairs but mostly take out.
Not sure why this place was closed for a long time, but it’s open again and I’m glad I tried it. With food prices increasing all over collegetown, the quality and portion size you get here for the price is definitely worth it. Service may be a little slow at times but it usually doesn’t ever take more than a couple minutes. The selection of meats and other ingredients is also great! Definitely give it a shot if you haven’t!
if you want to support actual good businesses with good portions, prices, and food. go here and do not go to dos amigos.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Thursday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Friday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
- Sunday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
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