Carrie D.
Yelp
A new taco place (new to me) that I'll be visiting as much as possible! Got turned onto this restaurant thru a local PBS show called Check Please. Their review of this place was spot on. When I walked in I stood back to view the menu and the Mgr/Owner approached asking if it was my first time and how I came by them. He told me that episode was filmed in their location and then covered the entire menu with me explaining the different meats and items you could have the meat in. They have 4 choices of meat: Carne Asada, Birria, Al Pastor and chicken. The way he described how the birria was cooked made me want to try it (I don't eat beef and wanted it). The first 2 are beef, Al Pastor is made from pork. I have had Al Pastor in Mexico many times and once at a Latin festival in Phoenix and absolutely love it because of the chili seasoning and pineapple marinade. You can have your meat come in a choice between tacos, burrito, tostada, Gordita, quesadilla, bowl or my choice the crazy potato. Currently they don't have rice for their bowl dish however, just that day he was trying different cooked rice recipes for an addition to it. After you get your order their is a salsa bar and an assortment of pickled veggies to compliment your meal.
In the crazy potato they top it first with sour cream and cheese. Only disappointment was a lot of the cheese ended up on the side of the foil surrounding the bowl. The especially nice part is the potato is already chunked up for you so you can get potato with every bite! The Al Pastor rivaled what I had in Mexico. It was tender and flavorful. You get plenty of meat to satisfy. After eating the crazy potato and horchata I left satiated and happy.
The manager came back later and asked how I liked my dish. Really enjoyed the friendliness of him and everyone who worked their. They know the meaning of customer service. The restaurant was spotless. As soon as someone left a person came out and wiped down their table.
Oh something else that impressed me the modern dispensers for your napkins and utensils. A machine gave you exactly 2 napkins (usual amount needed for one person) and the utensil dispenser gave you exactly 1 fork or knife. Why was I impressed by this? It was sanitary and reduced unnecessary waste! How many times have you pulled the lever of other machines and gotten 2 forks that fall out on the counter? People always take more napkins than they need and they end up thrown out after their meal. Keep up the good work Backyard Tacos you have a diehard fan that will be back to try more on your menu! Please open a location in Ahwatukee or somewhere along I-10 please!