Hello dear
El Cardenal Mexican Restaurant in Indianapolis offers a vibrant taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in a tranquil setting. Located at 2360 E Stop 11 Rd, this culinary gem is renowned for its sizzling fajitas—be it tender steak or marinated chicken—prepared to perfection. Guests rave about the hearty tacos, flavorful enchiladas, and the addictive habanero sauce, which elevates each bite. The attentive service enhances the dining experience, making it ideal for family outings or special celebrations. With a menu that accommodates all palates, including vegetarian options, El Cardenal promises generous portions and delightful flavors that beckon you to return.
About
Welcome to El Cardenal Mexican Restaurant, a delightful haven nestled in the heart of Indianapolis. Located at 2360 E Stop 11 Rd, this vibrant restaurant invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. If you’re a fan of authentic dishes, this is the place for you!
At El Cardenal, you’ll find an impressive array of offerings that showcase the diverse tastes and textures of Mexico. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly the chimichangas. The Carnitas Chimichangas feature mouthwatering deep-fried pork chunks generously nestled within a 12" flour tortilla, topped with a luscious cheese sauce. Served with a side of rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it embodies comfort food at its finest, all for just $13.50. For seafood lovers, the Chimichanga Camarón presents shrimp in a similar crispy embrace, promising a delightful crunch paired with the richness of cheese sauce.
Another culinary gem is found in the House Specialties. The Steak Ranchero captivates with a perfectly grilled T-bone steak drenched in a robust ranchero sauce, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to quality. Pair it with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, and you have a meal that’s both filling and memorable, all for $14.50. For a savory fusion, the New Mar Y Tierra combines grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp, ensuring a delightful symphony of flavors that is sure to satisfy any appetite.
But it isn't just the food that makes El Cardenal remarkable. The ambience and service elevate the dining experience. Customers rave about the tranquil atmosphere and the warm, welcoming staff. From a birthday celebration to a casual lunch, the service shines through, creating a memorable dining experience. Stephanie, a satisfied diner, shared how her nephew felt like a "little king" on his special day, while another guest Henry couldn't get enough of the house-made habanero sauce, which he described as the "real star of the show".
In addition to the standout plates, don't overlook the authentic sides and free basket of chips and salsa—perfect for sharing with friends or family! With generous portions and flavors that linger long after the meal is finished, El Cardenal has truly captured the essence of Mexican cuisine.
If you haven't yet made the trip to El Cardenal Mexican Restaurant, it’s time to gather your friends and experience this hidden gem for yourself. With delicious food and an inviting atmosphere, you are guaranteed an unforgettable dining adventure!
“ Tranquil ambiance, matched with warm and welcoming service. The tacos, beans & rice we had were hearty, tender and delicious. The habanero sauce was the real star of the show, paired with freshly made horchata to strike the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon spice. Well-priced for a generous portion for the plate or belly! ”
“ Checked out this place for the first time! The interior was nice and clean. Service was fast and the food came out hot and delicious. We ordered three, tacos asada (a tad bit dry) and the chicken acapulco. The acapulco had plenty of cheese and was really satisfying. Also, the Mexican rice that came with it was actually tasty as well. We'll be back again to try the other items on the menu! PRO TIP: The first basket of chips and salsa are free. They will charge $1.50 for more. This wasn't a problem as the chips are really filling and we didn't even finish our initial chips! ”
“ Food was great, staff was better! Fantastic service (it was a nephew's birthday, and they treated him like a little king), food was so tasty (especially fond of the churros), and overall a wonderful experience. Will definitely be coming back! ”
“ Finally went in person after so many DoorDash orders and the food was great as always! The waitress was also very sweet and attentive as well. ”
“ WOW! Tried a Mexican restaurant that we have not been to yet and it blew us away. Four of us went and I had the lengua tacos (awesome) my wife had the spinach enchiladas our friends had the soup (huge bowl) and the shrimp salad. All of us were very happy with the quality and flavor of our meals. The margaritas were good and the service excellent. Try this hidden jewel, you will not be disappointed. ”
“ I moved from California and was upset thinking I'd never find good Mexican food again, but this place is amazing! Especially the carnitas and lengua! Also the chips were warm and salsa was the perfect heat and thinness. The service was on point as well. Definitely going to become our regular spot ”