This Ohio Mexican Buffet Is A Flavor-Packed Surprise People Do Not Expect (But Gladly Accept)
When you think of buffets in Columbus, you probably picture the usual suspects. But El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant is changing the game with a weekday lunch buffet that’s packed with authentic flavors and surprising variety.
I stumbled upon this spot tucked in the Giant Eagle shopping center between the airport and Easton, and let me tell you, it’s become my go-to for quick Mexican food that doesn’t skimp on quality.
The buffet runs from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays, and it’s one of those experiences that makes you wonder why you ever settled for fast food.
What makes El Rodeo stand out isn’t just the food. It’s the whole package: the lakeside patio views, the vibrant atmosphere, and service that makes you feel like family.
This Ohio restaurant proves that buffets can be both convenient and genuinely delicious.
Finding Your Way to Flavor Central
Located at 2808 Stelzer Rd, Columbus, OH 43219, El Rodeo sits right in the Giant Eagle shopping center, making it super convenient whether you’re running errands or just passing through. The location puts it perfectly between the airport and Easton, so it’s accessible from pretty much anywhere in the Columbus area.
I love that this Ohio restaurant doesn’t hide in some obscure corner. It’s right there where you can spot it easily, with plenty of parking and a welcoming entrance that hints at the colorful interior waiting inside.
The restaurant operates with hours that work for most schedules. They open at 11 AM every day, closing at 10 PM most weeknights, 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:30 PM on Sundays.
Getting there is straightforward, and the shopping center location means you can combine your meal with other errands. It’s practical without being boring, which pretty much sums up the whole El Rodeo experience perfectly.
The Weekday Lunch Buffet That Started It All
Here’s the star of the show: the weekday lunch buffet that runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. This isn’t your typical steam-table situation with questionable food sitting under heat lamps.
Everything stays fresh and gets replenished constantly.
What impressed me most was the variety. You’ll find all the classics like seasoned rice, refried beans, and multiple protein options.
The selection rotates slightly, but you can always count on finding enchiladas, tacos, and usually some form of fajita-style meat with those delicious grilled peppers and onions.
The pricing makes this buffet a genuine value. For a moderate price, you get unlimited access to quality Mexican food that tastes homemade rather than mass-produced.
Several reviewers mentioned this buffet specifically, with one calling it “exactly what we needed” and praising it as a great value. Another noted it’s “so worth it,” which matches my experience completely.
Fresh Chips and Salsa That Set the Tone
Before you even hit the buffet or order from the menu, El Rodeo starts you off right with complimentary chips and salsa. These aren’t thin, flimsy chips that break when you dip them.
They’re thicker corn tortilla chips with substance and a satisfying crunch.
The salsa arrives fresh and flavorful, though fair warning: some folks find it heavy on cilantro. If you’re one of those people for whom cilantro tastes soapy, you might want to ask about alternatives.
But for cilantro lovers, this salsa is a perfect appetizer.
Multiple reviews praised these chips and salsa, with one calling them “wonderful” and another noting they were “good” even when paired with the lunch buffet. The chips keep coming as long as you want them, which is dangerous because they’re addictive.
This simple starter really sets the tone for the whole meal, showing that El Rodeo cares about quality from the very first bite.
Sizzling Fajitas That Demand Attention
Even if you come for the buffet, you’ll see and smell the fajitas being delivered to other tables. They arrive on sizzling cast-iron skillets, creating that dramatic presentation that makes everyone turn and look.
According to enthusiastic reviews, El Rodeo serves “the best fajita skillet in Columbus hands down.” The ingredients come properly seasoned, and everything arrives hot and ready to eat.
One reviewer specifically mentioned loving the roasted tomatoes included with the fajitas, which adds a nice touch you don’t always see.
The steak fajitas get particular praise for being authentic and fresh. The portion sizes are generous, so you definitely get your money’s worth.
The combination of perfectly grilled meat, peppers, onions, and those charred tomatoes creates flavors that stick with you.
Whether you choose chicken, steak, or a combination, these fajitas represent what El Rodeo does best: taking familiar Mexican dishes and executing them with care and quality ingredients.
Birria That’s Worth the Trip Alone
Birria has exploded in popularity recently, and El Rodeo jumped on that trend with delicious results. Their birria tacos get mentioned in reviews, and one person raved about trying the birria burrito, calling it “very good” and saying they’d definitely return for it.
Another reviewer went into detail about their birria tacos, describing the perfect combination of juicy, fatty meat with crunchy onions and shells, creamy cheese, and seasoned birria sauce that was “mouth watering.” That’s the kind of specific praise that tells you something special is happening in the kitchen.
The birria at El Rodeo showcases how this Ohio restaurant stays current with food trends while maintaining authentic flavors. The meat gets braised until it’s tender and flavorful, then served with the rich consommé for dipping.
If you’re a birria fan or curious about trying it, El Rodeo offers a solid introduction to this increasingly popular dish.
Atmosphere That Feels Like a Celebration
Walking into El Rodeo feels like stepping into a party that’s just getting started. The dining room features beautiful Mexican-style decorations that create a vibrant, welcoming environment without feeling over the top or kitschy.
Multiple reviewers commented on the atmosphere, with one calling it “vibrant and welcoming” and another praising the “colorful décor, lively music, and warm ambiance.” There’s even a selfie wall for pictures, which adds a fun, modern touch.
The space feels clean and updated, which matters when you’re choosing where to eat. A few TVs scattered around let you catch sports if that’s your thing, but they don’t dominate the experience.
What really makes the atmosphere work is how it balances energy with comfort. It’s lively enough for special occasions but relaxed enough for a casual weekday lunch.
The restaurant manages to feel both festive and approachable, which isn’t always easy to pull off in this type of establishment.
The Patio With Unexpected Lake Views
One of El Rodeo’s best-kept secrets is the patio out back. This isn’t just a few tables crammed on a sidewalk.
They’ve created a proper outdoor dining area with lots of umbrella-covered tables and, surprisingly, lake views.
You wouldn’t necessarily expect scenic water views at a shopping center restaurant, but El Rodeo delivers exactly that. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “great” lake view from the patio, while another called it out as a highlight of their visit.
The patio works perfectly during Ohio’s warmer months, giving you a chance to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. The umbrellas provide shade, so you’re not baking in the sun while you eat.
This outdoor space transforms a regular meal into something more memorable. Whether you’re there for the buffet or ordering from the menu, consider requesting patio seating when the weather cooperates.
It adds another dimension to the whole El Rodeo experience.
Service That Makes You Feel Welcome
Great food only goes so far if the service falls flat. Fortunately, El Rodeo consistently delivers on the hospitality front.
Review after review mentions the friendly, attentive staff who make sure you have everything you need.
One reviewer praised their server Jennifer by name, calling her “amazing and so quick with the food” and “nice and sweet.” Another mentioned Esmeralda specifically for providing “quick and kind service.” When staff members get called out by name, you know they’re making an impression.
The service style hits that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing. Servers check in regularly, keep your chips and salsa flowing, and respond quickly to requests.
They’re also happy to make recommendations if you’re overwhelmed by the menu options.
Even during busy times, the staff maintains their friendly demeanor. That consistency matters, especially at a restaurant with a popular lunch buffet that can draw crowds.
Good service elevates the entire experience at this Columbus, Ohio location.