The EL Abuelo Mexican BBQ Menu tells a story that began in the heart of Texas in the early 1990s when founder José “EL Abuelo” Ramirez fired up his first smoker behind a small family cantina. What started as a neighborhood spot known for mesquite-grilled brisket tacos and smoky barbacoa quickly became a local legend. As word spread, El Abuelo expanded across Texas and beyond, blending traditional Mexican BBQ flavors with American smokehouse style.
Eventually, the EL Abuelo Mexican BBQ Menu evolved to include sizzling fajitas, slow-cooked ribs, and charred street corn—each bite capturing the soul of Mexican hospitality.
But what few know is that there’s a secret menu tucked away for true fans, featuring off-menu gems like smoked carnitas burritos and spicy chipotle brisket bowls.
Still, the original Mesquite-Smoked Brisket Tacos remain the heart of the brand—proof that some classics never fade.
EL Abuelo Mexican BBQ Menu (Full Update Menu 2026)
Dips + Appetizers
Item
Note
Price
Abuelo’s Dip Sampler
A trio of our savory dips: creamy chile con queso, fiery queso diablo and hand-mashed guacamole. Served with fresh, homemade chicharrones. (1340 cals)
Chile con Queso
Homemade creamy cheese dip. (360 cals)
Queso Diablo
Homemade creamy cheese dip, seasoned ground beef, slow-roasted peppers and chiles, topped with queso fresco, Cholula, cilantro. (390 cals)
Guacamole
Hand-mashed avocado, diced onion, tomatoes, lime juice. Large (340 cals) | Small (180 cals)
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp
Fire-grilled shrimp, hickory smoked bacon, jalapeño, Anaheim pepper with Monterey Jack, topped with Cholula, queso fresco, chile con queso. (480 cals)
Green Chile Quesadilla
Grilled flour tortillas filled with Monterey Jack, Anaheim chiles, fire-roasted red chiles, mushrooms and sautéed onions. Served with sour cream, fresh guacamole and Southwest ranch dip. (1050 cals) | Add Fajita Chicken for (add 70 cals)
Mixed vegetables, cilantro lime rice, black beans. (770-1060 cals)
Fajita Combos
Certified Angus Beef® steak*, Premium All-Natural Chicken or Yucatan barbeque shrimp. For One: Choose Two Flavors (870-1300 cals) | For Two: Choose Four Flavors (1740-2600 cals)
House Specialties
Item
Note
Price
Los Mejores de la Casa
Fire-grilled 5 oz. Beef tenderloin medallion*, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with jalapeño on a roasted Anaheim pepper, chile con queso, Papas con Chile, Espinaca. (1020 cals)
Pechuga con Calabaza
Lightly sautéed chicken breast in a spicy, creamy sauce with zucchini, chiles and corn, with slow-cooked charro beans and Mexican rice. (1040 cals)
Steak and Enchiladas
Choose fire-grilled 12 oz. Ribeye* or 9 oz. Sirloin steak*, two enchiladas, Papas con Chile, charro beans. (1100-1470 cals)
Pork Tenderloin Abrigada
Bacon-wrapped, smoked and fire-grilled pork tenderloin medallions, Papas con Chile™, slow-cooked charro beans, your choice of two hand-rolled enchiladas. (1090-1390 cals)
Chicken Tampiquena
Grilled chicken with a savory fajita glaze, cilantro lime rice with green chile sauce, seasonal vegetables, two hand-rolled cheese enchiladas topped with our signature green chile sauce. (1160 cals)
Pescado Parrilla
Served with seasonal vegetable medley and cilantro lime rice.
Australian Sea Bass
Fire-grilled, seasoned Barramundi. (540 cals)
Tilapia
Lightly sautéed Tilapia. (590 cals)
Mahi
Fire-grilled, seasoned Mahi. (540 cals)
Guerrero Sauce
Cream sherry sauce, shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, green peppers, sliced avocado. (Add 580 cals)
Lime rice, black beans and zucchini squash topped with pickled red onions, tortilla strips, fresh arugula, tomatoes, avocado and your choice of fajita beef or grilled chicken. Served with Ancho Agave Lime dressing. Beef (970 cals) | Chicken (980 cals)
