Buen Apetito
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Hours
Sun
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mon
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tue
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wed
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thu
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
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CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Is this restaurant a hidden gem or off-the-beaten path?
Details
CUISINES
Mexican, Southwestern
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
145 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
42
Average
18
Poor
10
Terrible
9
jennifertravelsworld
Lexington215 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Firstly, this place is busy. We arrived at 5:30ish on a weeknight and there was already a short wait, by the time we were seated 15-20 minutes later they were telling new arrivals that it was at least an hour. They offered at least a half dozen different kinds of margaritas but their special was blackberry so I tried that. It was delicious with lots of chunks of fruit and a strong kick. The menu was pretty typical mexican/american. I really liked that I could do a mix and match plate and try three different items. When the food came out it was HOT, literally steaming, could not touch the plate for like ten minutes. Once we impatiently waited for it to cool a bit it was good, very filling, neither of us were able to finish our dinners.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim
Lunenburg1 contribution
Jul 2021 • couples
If you haven't eaten at Buen Apetito yet,your favorite Mexican restaurant is about to become your second favorite Mexican restaurant. Grilled chicken quesadilla and burrito grande were unbelievably good and they make the best Spanish rice I ever had. To top it off the waitress and the kitchen were very quick.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor Anderson
Waterville11 contributions
Sep 2019 • none
My title was fairly "over the top" but it can't be overstated. Buen apetito is probably the single best dining value in Central Maine. A couple can have a light meal and a margarita or two, tip 20% and still barely break the $50 mark.
Their food is quite a bit different than the typical Mexican restaurant. The recipes are mostly handed down from the original chef who was from Mexico. This will sound judgmental, but I've found that people with "poor taste" tend to not like Buen Apetito. People who think that Ruby Tuesday or Governor's are decent places to take the family will probably prefer Cancun.
In addition, the portions are great. You can make a meal out of nearly any appetizer if your appetite is reasonable. And if you order a whole meal, you've got to seriously over eat to finish it. EVERY dish is unique and delicious so I won't recommend any one. I have heard RUMORS that their steak is the best. I can't remember the name of it and they have a profoundly poor online presence, so I wasn't able to find a menu.
My only gripes with Buen Apetito is that they have made the same mistake many businesses have made: Solve a problem caused by a handful of customers at the expense of p*ssing off their entire clientelle. Here's what I mean:
1. Reservations ONLY for parties of 5 or more. This place is so busy, you're looking at a 30-60 minute wait Thursday through Saturday. Not being able to make a reservation is ridiculous. Come up with a system to help with "no shows" other than penalizing all of your regular customers. We eat at Buen 4 times per year, but would to eat there 1-2 times a month. We will NOT go unless we have 5 or more and can make a reservation, OR on a Tuesday or Wednesday around 5 when there's no wait. Such a short sighted decision.
2. They won't seat your party until everyone shows. Understandable problem: Because they don't take reservations unless there's at least 5, people make reservations for 5 then just show up with 4, claiming the 5th one cancelled at the last minute. Again...you're penalizing the majority of your clients to solve a tiny problem caused by a small percentage. Cut it out!! After coming here for 20 years, I promise the first time our waitress refuses to seat us until we're all here will be the LAST time I visit.
3. They charge extra for extra flour or corn tortillas with their fajitas. Now here's the rub: Their fajitas (and all their meals) are an extremely fantastic value. But .... nonetheless, they serve ONLY enough tortillas for 30% of the meal. Period. It makes you feel like you're being nickled and dimed when they charge you extra for what should've been served in the first place. This is the same type of poor business decision that Jorgenson's made with their charging 25 cents for a cup of water. Annoy 50 people to solve a tiny problem caused by 2-3 people.
4. Service CAN be excellent. There's one waitress there that has been there forever that really shouldn't be working there. She's always harried and makes us feel like we're more of a chore than a valued client. Otherwise, the wait staff is fantastic and makes us feel valued. There is just a touch of "you're privileged to be eating here" simply due to the fact that it's so cheap, EVERYONE eats there and it's been here forever. But it's not overwhelming. I'm sorry, I just like to feel important when I spend money at a restaurant. It's 5 times more expensive to eat out. Make me feel 5x more important than I am.
And so, because of these policies, we go to Buen Apetito 8-10 times less each year. We simply don't do "waits". No reservations? Sorry. No Anderson's.
Finally...the margaritas here are the best we've had from Maine to California...even Mexico itself! They're less than $8 and are 60% alcohol, very basic recipe but plentiful and delicious. You should NOT have more than 1 if you're driving. I was pulled over after one last year and was given a breathalizer and blew .06 (.08 is the legal limit, so the one drink got me 75% of the way there).
But aside from the misguided policy fauz pas, this is either our favorite or second favorite restaurant in the city. I can almost PROMISE you you'll be happy you ate here. (Unless you think Governor's is "fine dining"...haha!)
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DougQ71
Rockford110 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
This was an extremely disappointing meal.
Chips arrived at the table, mass produced, with salsa from a can and a little portion of green liquid that I think taste like avocado? It in no way resembled guacamole.
My margarita tasted like sour mix and simple syrup and that’s all.
Nachos were piled high with shredded iceberg lettuce to disguise that they had been microwaved. A soggy wreck.
Chicken chimichanga was an entire chicken fried into a big wonton wrapper. Lots of meat, way more than I could eat. Too bad it wasn’t worth taking home. Sides were the same yellow rice and canned refried beans you’d get at any mediocre/bad Mercian restaurant.
Service was excellent, the bathroom was clean and my soda was really cold, hence 2 stars and not 1.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catherine b
Saint Inigoes26 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
Having much experience with Mexican foods I was astonished that this restaurant served fare that was called Mexican. We ordered the chili rellenos and enchiladas from the lighter fare menu. The rellenos were smothered in a cheese and tomato sauce that was pungent and overpowering. The peppers were not Poblano and were not breaded. The shredded beef enchiladas were like wise slathered in the same pungent tomato sauce as if the preparers were confused between Italian Fare and Mexican. This meal was the without doubt the worst Mexican meal I have ever had. Besides this the establishment was obviously obsessed with saving money in that salt/pepper shakers were not table side and, the Dos Equis tap beer was about as flat (old) as it can be. I will never return.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emerson J
4 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
We drove over an hour (from the Bangor area) to our dismay we couldn’t find it. We are deeply disappointed.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulebinger
Littleton17 contributions
Jul 2019 • family
Authentic and delicious food served by a very accommodating staff... in an convenient location for film goers to go for a bite to eat between shows.
Written November 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry G
Florida7 contributions
Aug 2019 • none
Best Mexican around. Service drinks all was good would go back. I think the place is very small and we
Had a 15 minute wait for our table.
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebbieT
Davenport529 contributions
Oct 2019 • couples
Average Mexican fare at premium prices. Three mini chimichangas platter for $15?? Beans were not at all creamy and were served with a crust on top. Rice was not flavorful at all and had crunchy bits like it had set under a heat lamp too long. Salsa was unusual-almost like ground dried tomatoes with sugar. Chimichangas were tasty, fresh and crispy. Combination plate was $15, and just average. Service was prompt and friendly but not overbearing.
Written October 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy L
Livermore Falls18 contributions
May 2019 • none
I have never been disappointed with food or the Margaritas! Portions are large enough that I usually bring home a container for another time.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
femvoc
Skowhegan57 contributions
Jul 2019 • friends
I dine here often. Its a busy place because it is great. Food is consistently very good and plentiful. Good prices. The staff is quick and friendly. If you like good authentic Mexican food, this is the place.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
6 contributions
May 2019 • none
Food is good but ask for less cheese on anything you order as no one needs as much cheese as they put on everything. Rib Eye is good minus the cheese and the enchiladas are good too.
Whatecer dessert they offer made by Acadia Bakery is the BEST - acadia bakery cakes are delicious - I hipe htey have the chocolate raspberry or the carrot cake when you are there but any of their cakes are worth saving room to enjoy.
Service can be a bit rough and not so great as the waitresses are too few and too busy, but.....go anyway as it is the best Mexican Food in the area.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren H
Fairfield151 contributions
Apr 2019 • couples
We've tried to eat here several times but it was crowded with a waiting line and almost no room to wait so we ate elsewhere. The long line is, admittedly a good sign. We went off peak for lunch (only on weekends) and glad we got the opportunity to try it out. Pretty standard Mexican menu but very well prepared. The (probably house-made) salsa and guacamole were about the best I've ever had. My wife enjoyed a raspberry margarita from the wide variety offered. Her "lunch" portion burrito was HUGE! I had a combo and therefore tried several items at once and that portion was HUGE as well. The prices are very reasonable. What's not to like? Its popularity may be its biggest negative but go early and enjoy a great meal. Pretty basic dining room, no pinatas or other Mexican kitsch which is a sign that the food is good enough to not need the foolishness. A little hard to find in the parking lot and behind the Railroad Square Cinema. We'll definitely be back.
Written April 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael c
Vassalboro14 contributions
Dec 2018 • family
We go to Buen Apetito regularly. The chips and salsa are bottomless, fee and delicious. I usually get the beef enchiladas which never disappoint
Written February 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serena B
Winslow24 contributions
Feb 2019 • couples
The food was great and the drinks even better. We enjoyed ourselves until we found a black hair in my husbands food, not wanting to cause a scene we paid the bill and left. We couldn't eat the rest of our food. I dont know who handles the food, but they should all wear hair nets.
Written February 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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