Welcome to El Puente
- 1111 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807 Hotline: (417) 883-4502
Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of El Puente, a Mexican gem nestled in the heart of Springfield, MO, at 1111 E Republic Rd. This restaurant has carved out a reputation as a go-to spot for those craving authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful blend of flavor and tradition.
El Puente captures the essence of homemade Mexican cooking with a menu that showcases a variety of botanas (starters), including crispy nachos, homemade chili, and irresistible guacamole. Guests rave about the warm, fresh tortilla chips paired with their perfectly spiced salsa, setting the tone for what’s to come.
- Tortillas: Both corn and flour options provide a comforting base for many dishes, with prices that leave your wallet happy.
- Nachos: Available with chicken or beef, they serve as a hearty appetizer, perfect for sharing.
- Vegetarian Options: El Puente doesn’t skimp on creativity; try their flavorful bean burritos or stuffed chiles.
What truly sets El Puente apart is the careful attention to traditional recipes. An abundance of customers have shared their love for the refried beans, often reminiscing about the comforting recipes of their childhood. The taquitos, crispy and juicy, have earned similar accolades, making them a must-try for first-time visitors.
The atmosphere at El Puente strikes a charming balance between casual dining and an inviting ambiance, marked by its friendly service. However, be aware that during peak hours, the wait times might extend, yet diners are quick to praise the fast service once seated.
Don’t miss out on their fajita-taco salad, a delightful mix served in a crispy tortilla bowl, alongside other captivating entrees like burritos bursting with flavor. While there is a slight note of improvement suggested in some reviews regarding portion sizes, the flavor is consistently praised, making it a potential favorite for many.
With customers expressing how El Puente is often the best choice for Mexican food in town—a sentiment echoed in various enthusiastic reviews—the restaurant undoubtedly lives up to the reputation of its name, which translates to "The Bridge" in English. This establishment feels like a bridge to the heart of Mexican cuisine, connecting locals and visitors alike through the love of flavorful, authentic dishes.
If you're near Springfield and looking to satisfy your craving for Mexican fare, El Puente is not just a restaurant, it's an experience that promises to delight your taste buds.

New to the area we've been hard pressed to find the same quality authentic Mexican food we'd become accustomed to, growing up in LA county. It took us more than 15 years to find one in Reno, Nv after relocating to Northern Cal. It's usually the small hole in the wall mom and pop shops that make the best authentic Mexican. Starting over in our area of Missouri it's been pizza, pizza, pizza...and gas station food. So we take every trip to the bigger surrounding cities as an opportunity to find our new watering hole, so to speak. Up to this point, it has been disappointing. I miss Cotija cheese, something I've found extremely difficult to find, in restaurants as well as grocery stores. I had hoped to compare Chilaquiles recipes to determine my choice of restaurant but haven't found even one that offers it. With that said, we were directed to try this place during a doctor's appt. Seeing the sheriffs cars in the parking lot was a good sign. It means the locals enjoy the fare. Atmosphere was pleasant enough, though we were seated in a separate room by ourselves. I would've liked to spy the plates on other tables. Sadly, no chilaquiles here either. Service was quick and consistent. A huge portion of delicious homemade chips and salsa. I told hubby to remove them from my presence before I became too full to eat my meal. I ordered beef taquitos w/rice and beans. My husband - a burrito combo. Even in Reno I did not find a better plate of refried beans. They were exactly like my friends grandma made in LA! She didn't speak a word of English, but her food was to die for. The rice was equally good. The taquitos we're crispy, juicy, and flavorful, but the guacamole was a little thin. Thankfully I had the foresight to request no lettuce and tomatoes because many places use lettuce and tomato to cover up the sparse offering of guac. Sure enough, the serving size I received was just sad. Often times fountain drinks are hit and miss, but the formula here is perfect. Perfectly equal in carbonation and flavor. I'd come in just for a Coke, chips & salsa. I'd tell you what my husband thought of his burrito if he could get over the small portions for the price long enough to tell me. He is right. I get times are hard everywhere but these prices do not fit the portions. Which is why I removed a star. I would've removed 2 over my hubby's dissatisfaction, but my lunch was too delicious to ignore. Note to owner: Please offer Chilaquiles & Cotija cheese. Albondigas & Pozole. Maybe bigger portions & thin out the guacamole a little less. ...and you will make this food snob a regular satisfied customer.

This place is always a solid Mexican choice in town. Service is always good. The salsa is great. I've had plenty of different entrees....Ive even had this stuff catered in at work. A great place and I really like the place.

Food is always great. Service is great. Food arrives quickly. There are some days when they are slammed that it slower but that is to be expected. Highly recommend!!

Excellent food and service. Neat looking place. We knew it must be good because it was busy. We will go back if again in this area.

I will definitely eat there again. The burrito was excellent and I really did like the sauce. I will definitely eat there again. The burrito was excellent and I really did like the sauce.

My family and I enjoyed the double fajitas and I cannot explain how incredible the service and food was. The chips were hot and fresh and also the mountain of food they gave us for a whopping 22.99 for two. They even gave us separate beans and rice with salad on the side. Check out this mountain.

The pitchers of margaritas is perfect! The is good. If they had outside sitting it would be better: alil cold. If you are on the shorter side or have children; sit at a table not a booth. The tables are ski high. Great location