Armadillo

Awesome atmosphere, happy hour, appetizers, food & drinks. Recommend coconut margaritas for a sweet, slightly rich and feel good treat to share. Cheers!

Armadillo made our Christmas Eve dinner so special. Great service and food. Loved the coconut margaritas and the off menu corn tamale appetizer! Dinner was grilled tuna steak, fresh and cooked to perfection! We’ll be back

Overall great local place with delicious food. Just know that they charge $4 for extra tortilla and only two in the order! And only 3 tortilla with order of fajita…

My party of 8 dined on the outdoor terrace tonight, and let me say, the incredibly delicious food was so worth sweating in the 93 degree heatwave. The yucca appetizer was perfectly prepared and so tasty; the guacamole was fresh and tangy; the barbacoa beef was out of this world. We also loved the shrimp jalapeño poppers, street corn, and quesadillas. Every bite was so flavorful— some of the best food I’ve had in the area, and definitely the best authentic Mexican food I’ve ever had. Also, Guadalupe, one half of the husband and wife who own and run Armadillo, was so incredibly kind, checking regularly to make sure we were okay in the heat. This is a family-owned and run business, and one of her sons was our waiter, and he easily took care of our large party with a friendly smile, keeping our water bottles filled and making sure we had everything we needed. It’s a rare thing to find a family-owned restaurant that has so much love and passion for the delicious food they prepare, and their hospitality made us feel as if we were old friends. I can’t say enough about how much we all enjoyed our experience at Armadillo, and I can’t wait to be back in the area to eat there again!

Been coming here for years and never disappointed. Love the Mexican Caesar Salad with shrimp. Highly recommend.

Good food, great service, and an awesome menu ,warm and cozy interior. Well decorated with mexican art. The staff is outstanding, always making sure everything is ok and if anything was needed. Thank you Isaac. Looking forward to our return.

They had really good refried beans other than that I found the food to be lackluster. The rice was bland..... the staff was very attentive and courteous so that's a plus but food wise, I could do better.

Everything was delicious, but the chicken was particularly good. Highly recommend. Service is fab and friendly too.

Armadillo is one of just a handful of restaurants that I can rattle off the top of my head from my childhood. From the kitschy decor to the friendly waitstaff, it sticks out in my mind. The food was also always good which doesn't hurt. I was surprised to hear it had closed, and equally surprised to hear it had been open for 40+ years. That is damned rare for any restaurant let alone a Mexican restaurant, so very happy to hear that the chef and the fans have brought this oldie back. Where it's located is super quiet now versus when I was growing up, however once I walked inside I knew exactly where I was. They did a good job on the outdoor patio too. Service was great although I miss the older guy who used to walk around playing equal parts host and busboy; he was hilarious. Just got a Mexican Coke because I was driving, however the margaritas here are great, I will say that. Their jalapeño margarita with homemade jalapeño tequila is special. Chips and salsa (chipotle and creamy cilantro) were good, clearly homemade and not too spicy. Got the steak fajitas for lunch which was always my go to. Steak was great quality skirt steak and was cooked perfectly rare for this cut of meat, which is deceptively hard to do. Onions and peppers were perfectly cooked too. They jipped us at first on the tortillas however quickly brought more. I could've used some guac or pico de gallo, however they never provided this and granted I could've just asked. Everyone else loved their food (other fajitas, a chicken sandwich), including my son who pounded their French fries. Everything was affordable, well portioned for lunch, and satisfying. The kitchen was fast as hell too, which is not a bad thing when you go to eat lunch with a toddler. Nothing crazy fancy, just consistently good Mexican food. That's what I remember and what it still is after all these years (30+ since I started going). For that I say bravo. Will be back because now I'm kicking myself for skipping the margarita.

Mixed review here for a dinner of 4. Nothing really stood out at Armadillo for us unfortunately. The nachos were super basic though we liked the house salsa! The jalapeño shrimp appetizer was my least favorite dish- shrimp tasted really overcooked and not fresh at all. For entrees we all did a bit of sharing so had a bit of a few dishes! I liked the shrimp quesadillas, the mahi taco special was just ok, a chicken burrito was pretty standard, and the burger was huge and served with really yummy fries. Tried the lavender Moscow mule which was amazing and the coconut marg was also pretty delicious! The meal was pretty pricey for the quality in my opinion. Service was lovely and attentive and the ambiance is casual and colorful but also warm and inviting.

What a gem! We recently came here for dinner, and we had a great time. We sat outside because the weather was nice on their spacious patio. The service was very attentive, and our server made some great menu suggestions. They have plenty of seating inside as well. The ambience is festive and warm. Everyone was chatty and the mood was light. Everyone working there was super nice and helpful. We were immediately served chips, and two kinds of salsa, which was very yummy. Always appreciate that touch. We both had different kinds of burritos and I would recommend them both. We had the grilled chicken and pork Barbacoa. We asked for more salsa, and it arrived promptly. They also serve pickled vegetables with your meal, which are spicy and totally delicious I would highly recommend this restaurant and we will definitely be back!

Excellent drinks, half off margaritas on Sunday were amazing. The food was also delicious and the service was super quick!

Nice ambiance and the food was excellent. We got a quesadilla and enchilada, food came out quickly. We sat at the bar and the bartender was attentive and we never felt rushed. The beers on tap were very crispy.

Hadn't been here in a long time and didn't know they'd changed owners. I loved it before, not so much with the new. Fajitas were mushy, no grilled sizzle. Friend liked her meal. We were never asked for drink replenishment, no spoon for my tea. Once they started filling we felt swarmed by wait staff who kept trying to take my plate away while I was still eating. While I was packing my own leftovers (had to ask for another container so it would all fit) someone just threw a bag on top of one of the dishes I had yet to put in the container. There seems to be a Mex restaurant on every corner these days so with so many to choose from, it's unlikely we'll return but I wish them well

The staff is very friendly and attentive, my piña colada was amazing..! I had the fajita combo and it was so delicious the steak,chicken and shrimp were very tender. We felt very welcome and we look forward to our next visit.

I was led to the armadillo years ago because my foodie friend said they had great burgers and fries. Through several visits, I had to agree and looke forward to every visit. Sadly, my friend said the place changed management and started to offer frozen beef patty burgers. Then, yesterday, he said the original chef was in charge again and the "best burger around" was back. We met up for lunch and he was right... the burgers are great. Why 4 stars? The wonderful steak fries are gone, replaced by meh offerings. ... how meh? I didn't finish my order... Armadillo, the burger is back!

I have been a customer of the Armadillo for 35 years or so now. Those who recognize me know that I am a sucker for their cheeseburger, medium rare. I had another one last night, and it was done to perfection. Of course, it is a bit more expensive now, due to inflation and other factors, so I do not indulge as often as I used to, but, when I do, I am drawn back to the days when prices were much better. Still a big fan, especially since the new owners took over. Yay!

Armadillo is a small family owned operation that has a friendly, warm and colorful vibe. Terrific innovative Southwestern and modern Mexican cuisine specializing in grilled fish and fajita steaks among other exciting entrees. Everything is made from scratch right down to the chips and salsas. The shrimp stuffed jalapenos are a must try and the margaritas are legendary.

Good ambiance! Good bar! Good drinks ! Good food! Just a little small but a solid place.

I have not been since Merle sold. Use to love it. My brother was the bartender, and my neice Caitlin was a waitress. So I am a bit biased.

Took a day trip to Kingston and stumbled upon this cute Mexican joint. very glad I came hungry and in the mood for a frozen margarita cuz they delivered. We werent sat down for more than 30 seconds and we were greeted with a basket of chips and two salsas, a sure fire way to my heart. Ordered a frozen margarita (which has many flavoring options) as well as the chipotle mango marg. Both were great. Scarfed down the chips and was brought another basket as well as more salsa almost immediately (normally I'd deny a second basket but they were good chips) we ordered steak fajitas and a steak black bean tostada. The the steak was cooked perfectly, and everything was seasoned to perfection. Ok my mouth is watering writing this. I miss this place already. I have to add, EXCEPTIONAL customer service. The staff was super friendly and alert. Will definitely recommend to anyone visiting Kingston.

I haven't been in a few years. I loved it. My niece and brother worked there. The best keylime pie. Food was always very fresh and delicious! My sister went on st. Patricks day and said it was amazing.

We are so pleased with the NEW OWNERS of the Armadillo! Guadalupe and her son are so inviting and kind and the food is authentic and delicious!! The complementary garnish plate is such a nice touch and the Margaritas are amazing! Outside seating is comfy and out of the elements. We will be returning on a regular basis!

Friendly warm and welcoming. Delicious food and drinks. Ambiance is colorful and vibrant. No pretense here, just a special spot beloved by locals.

There were very few vegetables in my vegetable enchiladas. The cheese was not melted on top. The Margarita came with salt when I asked for no salt.

5 stars isn't even enough. My fiancé and I came up to Kingston for my birthday and spur of the moment decided to walk to Armadillo for dinner on a Friday night. The food was my DREAM birthday meal and the service was even better. We shared the queso dip, chicken chimichangas and chicken quesadilla. I had the house margarita which was the perfect classic margarita. Guadalupe, the owners wife, was the most accommodating and lovey woman... the best of the best! I believe they are recent new owners. They brought out fried ice cream and sang happy birthday and gave us party hats. We will most certainly be back and will be recommending Armadillo to everyone we know. (We were also told that in the warmer months, they have a patio area that is dog friendly! We'll definitely be back with our pup as well.) Thank you Guadalupe and staff for an excellent experience!

Best frozen margs in the Hudson valley. Amazing happy hour deals. Food is delicious, especially the yuca. I go as often as I can.

Armadillo is under new ownership and the quality of food, margaritas and service is everything you look for when going out for a delicious meal. The bartender was friendly, engaging and kept the frozen margs flowing. The food came out hot and fresh, in just the right amount of time. Highly, highly recommended !!

Stopped in Kingston NY on our drive from Maine to Florida. This locally owned and staffed restaurant is great. Everybody was very friendly and willing to make our meal the best. The steak roja enchiladas and quesadillas are made with delicious steak cooked to ordered. I asked for medium rare and they nailed it. Don't let the weathered neighborhood location dissuade you. It is very local as we saw several locals dining while we were there. Long live Armadillo!!!

So Armadillo has great food. GREAT food. No question. They make this pork tenderloin burrito that just melts in your mouth. I could seriously eat it every day. I'm always a satisfied customer when I'm in the restaurant. Here's what bugs me: When I order takeout they don't always agree with the idea of me ordering takeout. Now, maybe I'm crazy (and I'm not - I used to work in restaurants) but take-out is actually easier on the restaurant than customers sitting at the table. Sure you have to put it in takeout containers and bag it...but you'd have to be pretty cranky to let that put you off. You just treat it like another order. My takeout order has been denied enough times over the past few years that I don't even bother anymore. We'll still go there when it's convenient (and it's well worth it)! But they lost my takeout business. Sad.

Great food and margaritas and friendly staff. Took a while to get our food but they were busy. Outdoor patio almost full at 6pm! Hadn't been in 10+ years. As good as ever.

I ordered the fajitas. Usually a safe bet at a Mexican restaurant. Not here. No sizzling cast iron skillet. No freshly sautéed peppers and onions. Instead you get sliced chicken on a plate with vegetables that were cooked some time ago. Big disappointment. And overpriced margaritas too. Won't be going back.

New owners are destroying what was a wonderful restaurant. Lost the wonderful variety of tacos. Quesadilla with dried left over chicken and no cheese. Who makes a quesadilla without cheese? The past wonderful history and quality of this restaurant is lost and replaced by poor quality. Will not be returning. With all of the other great Mexican food places in Kingston, it is impossible to return to the less than satisfactory food of this restaurant. Meryl is missed.

Excellent Mexican food in a small, authentic spot. Loved the chicken mole enchiladas and margaritas! Friendly service.

I love the Armadillo! Been coming here for years. Amazing food. Try the fish Tacos and Watermelon margarita. Infinity is an awesome bartender. She worth coming here alone.

Great food & wonderful service. Prices are reasonable. Large menu to choose from. Kids manu as well.

So sad that this place has gone so far down hill since original ownership. Oil was dirty so all the deep fried dishes, calamari/shrimp jalapenos were not good. Second margarita was half mixer and almost undrinkable. Will not be back again. Service was borderline amateurish at best.

Excellent food and service! Very accommodating for a surprise birthday party for eight people with four loud kids. Will definitely be coming here again.

My wife and I dined at this hidden gem on our last trip to Kingston. We were attending a concert and wanted to eat in a local restaurant . The Armadillo was the perfect choice. The margaritas were scratch made and delicious. I hade a chicken mole dish and my wife a pork dish . They were both well made and flavorful. We finished our dinners with house made dessert. My wife had flan and I had key lime pie( recommend by our server) . I usually avoid key lime pie because in most places it is not house made. This was a pleasant surprise. The servers were attentive but not hovering. It is a small place with a warm ambiance. A few mMexican touches but not overdone with all the junk we hate about chain Mexican restaurants. We will definitely return to the Armadillo on our next trip to Kingston .

Nice place for drinks. Skip the food. Place closes way too early, but I guess that is normal for this area.

Fair restaurant and is dog friendly. I prefer to eat food without dogs in the picture but that's me. If you like that you will love the place.

This place is amazing! Best chips and salsa west of the Mississippi! Well at least the places I have been too. Great steak too. Not a fan of their Tacos so I make my own with their delicious skirt steak and flower tortillas!

First time eating at Armadillos; what a disappointment. We ordered takeout and the food was really bad-the jalapeño stuffed shrimp had a very bland, unseasoned coating and the shells were left on the shrimp tails. There was heat from the pickled jalapeño, but very little flavor. Pimiento cheese bites were not pimiento cheese. It was a white cheese-(maybe Monterey Jack) and looked like it came out of the freezer section of the supermarket. I was so looking forward to tasting them. There was no pimiento in the cheese bites; I'm not really sure why they are calling them pimiento cheese bites. Also, The empanadas did not taste homemade. They tasted like frozen food. The guacamole was not well seasoned, the chips were bland. None of the food would inspire me to return. The 5 star reviews really are mind boggling to me.

Delicious! Very good food. Wonderful service. Pretty nice outside atmosphere. I felt very comfortable. We sat at a spacious antique wooden table next to an outdoor heater. Fresh warm tortilla chips and chipotle sauces with flecks of char in them. Pretty cool international Latin music playing. Cool evening to begin a staycation.

I love love love this spot. Place is small and intimate. Their drinks are fantastic. Parking is on-street parking and there is an off street parking lot about a city block away. Appears to environmentally safe with outdoor and indoor seating. Price is reasonable and the flavor is there. Mexican food is not authentic but definitely fit for all types of crowds.

Our dining experience at Armadillo was superb!! Wonderful outside space with heaters... spacious and warm. Service is top notch...server, the bar...and manager were super nice. Shrimp stuffed jalapenos for appetizer was great...big shrimps Grilled Tuna Tacos entree, special for the night... was excellent Pork Barbacoa Burrito big and delicious Frozen Margaritas were great as well The whole experience and vibe was so positive... great music We highly recommend SO GOOD!!

Came here for our wedding anniversary with Mr.Romance. Outside dinning only. (COVID-19). The weather was nice. We asked to be placed at another section they were more than accommodating. Ordered stuffed Jalapeños w/shrimp. Tasted great but Spicy. Good spicy made nose run and eyes water. Ordered Steak enchiladas, steak was super tender.Mr. Romance ordered pork burrito it was ok. I had a mango, peach and raspberry margarita. I liked the Peach the best. Bathrooms were clean. The only reason for not getting five this dam COVID-19. But they are killing it.

Stopped in to cheek the new items on the menu on Saturday evening Had the new tuna appetizer, OMG absolutely delicious. Can't wait to go back for more. The shrimp burrito was delicious and humongous as usual. Service was excellent excellent.

Love this place. Don't make it to Kingston as much as I'd like so we hadn't been in a few years and the new garden is so cute!

Wow! Great Mexican food in Kingston! Very cute place tucked away near the riverfront. Great tacos, quesadillas, spicy mezcal drinks, chips, everything was great! Loved the waitress as well.

The food here is very good! And they have some of the best guacamole ever. The drinks are so fun (I love the sangria). You will be so full at the end of your meal. Service is always excellent. I come here at least once a month, sometimes more!

I've had inconsistent experiences here. Sometimes it's good, other times not. I likely won't return.

We had a post wedding get together at the Armadillo this past weekend, and everything was perfect. The food was delicious (nachos and empanadas were our favorites), and the drinks were amazing. The setting is wonderful - such a fun, chill (and dog friendly) atmosphere. The service was super quick, and everyone was so friendly. The area of town is also very charming, and everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Leading up to the day, Shawna was wonderful and communicated everything thoroughly, and accommodated even our last minute requests. Highly recommended heading to the Armadillo when you're in the Kingston area, or going out of your way for it - it's worth it!

Love this place!!! Great atmosphere, and i love the food!! Even if you don't like Mexican food, the ribs and burger are great. Taco truck was a great addition over the summer. Can't wait to go back! Adios...

New isn't always better. The food was great, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was pretty good before the changes. There have been some changes to the menu. Which, in my opinion, has resulted in a decrease in the overall quality and dining experience. I know it's the same chef, but if he is using different ingredients and different recipes, then the result is different food. They have gotten rid of somethings, fried onions, mango salsa, hand-cut fries, relish tray, and some ingredients are different, like the shrimp and quesadilla shells. I'd guess these changes are to steam line the food prep; I always heard the size of the kitchen was a limiting factor to the number of tables sat. I've had three entrees post changes, and all were bland and unremarkable. The decor has changed. I wouldn't say it's either for the better or worst. It's just different, a little darker and sparse. I'm in no rush to eat here again. I will be returning the service is still excellent, and beverages are still cold.

The food was delicious. It was prompt service to the car. Armadillo has always had good food and a "special" ambiance about it! Great margaritas too!Chips and Guacamole with your meal for a charge.

There are some nice changes... the margaritas were good, and salsas have not been touched. The menu, however, is drastically changed, and prices have risen. Entrees were adequate, but underwhelming for their price point. I am inclined to return, but only for drinks, and not food.