Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 06/24/22 FR @ 8:00pm): No need to run to the border... just find them at outdoor events or in Pasadena for some grilled tasty Mexican food!
I recently enjoyed a viewing of "The Birdcage" during an Eat See Hear event at The Autry Museum Of The American West At Griffith Park when I was first introduced to Border Grill Food Truck. Although I frequently attended, worked, or volunteered at the myriad of year-around events throughout Southern California, this was my very first encounter with this meals-on-wheels although I was very familiar with their various brick-and-mortars before they all closed several years ago. However, I've never eaten from their truck before, so this was like revisiting an old acquaintance. Would this be a pleasant dining experience as it was in their restaurants!?
QUICK BIO
"Welcome to the Border Grill Food Truck, a gourmet food truck featuring conscientiously-sourced tacos, burritos, bowls, and more from celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" and Food Network's "Too Hot Tamales". A uniquely fun way to feed a hungry crowd at any location, The truck is a party on wheels, perfect for large festivals or any pirate event, including birthdays, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, office parties, and production shoots. And our famous margaritas are available too!"
PURCHASE
Crispy Baja Fish Burrito ($10.00): Filled with red rice, organic black beans, chopped romaine, Mexican cheeses, homemade salsa fresca, and grilled corn relish all wrapped in a large flour tortilla, this two-hander was large, thick, and tasted healthy! There was plenty of beans and rice but honestly could've used more fish which had a nice crunch but seemed limited as I made my way to the end of the burrito https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=w2biostqxBJxpHwaWU3FaQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
5pc Dulce De Leche Churro Tots w/Whipped Cream ($5.50): Dark cinnamon mounds the size of golf balls, I had to try this unique take on one of my favorite desserts. Each churro tots was warm with a moist inside, and although the whipped cream was appreciated it really didn't add much to the dessert https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bKDaIo5Zj_nhJw8lKIBVWg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
SERVICE
A friendly man greeted me, quickly took my order, and a little over ten minutes later my order was ready and given to me by a different man (I imagined the chef) which was amazing based on the decent line they had in front of and behind me. All was straightforward and greatly appreciated!
PARKING (FREE)
Being a food truck, they were at the beck and call wherever the event was held. In this case, the event took place at a museum adjacent to a zoo with plenty of free parking all around. Another option was a driving service like a bus, taxi, Lyft, or Uber (no nearby Metro train station) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your standard self-sufficient food truck with exterior an exterior food menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6vBepO_PvkR3IVtPGL7Cgg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, order and pick up windows, an area for condiments, napkins, and utensils, no designated seating area, and natural lighting was prevalent during the daytime while minimal electric street and truck lighting glowed at night. There were no TVs unless you considered the movie screen and movie that played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=K_7W7lUgB0cqBlvNsP5hyQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I wouldn't necessarily cross any borders to get to The Border Grill Food Truck, but I would consider them again based on my previous enjoyable times with the restaurants. The menu was extremely limited (tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls, sides, desserts, drinks). As expected, the prices were on the higher end but not extravagant. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of my burrito (just more fish, please), and the service was more than adequate. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $15.50 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS