El Comal

I found out about El Comal after reading a local article about two former contractors Jaime Valle and David Sotelo who decided to open their own restaurant in Los Altos, incorporating traditional Oaxacan and Yucatán-style Mexican dishes such as cochinita pibil and mole. There was a large group being seated ahead of us as they opened for dinner around 5pm. The interior is very nice and spacious with polished concrete floors and gallery-style track lighting. I noticed the copper pipes above the front window were assembled to resemble an Aztec pattern, which was a nice symbolic tribute to the co-owners' past as contractors and their culture. Me and my partner decided to try some of the basics such as ceviche, Sopa Azteca and a trio of tacos: carne asada, al pastor and cochinita pibil. The Sopa Azteca was hearty and full of flavor with tons of queso, bits of fresh avocado and lots of tortilla strips. The ceviche came with three thick pieces of tortilla. It tasted very fresh, with less lime juice and no pico de gallo which was a bit different than we are used to. The tacos were served on metal taco holders to retain their shape. The carna asada had a nice grilled flavor and the tortillas were fresh and perfect. I topped it with onion, cilantro and some salsa verde. There was some really spicy pinkish orange-colored jabanero salsa next to it that I took one taste of and it left a burning patch on my tongue for a few minutes. I was impressed with the cochinita pibil. The achiote-marinated pork and pickled red onions in a tortilla was packed with plenty of flavor. Definitely could go for more of those. There is also a $30 dollar entree version of it. Some entrees are quite expensive, but it seemed easy enough to order other dishes and appetizers to get better value. I look forward to returning with friends and family to El Comal. By the time we left, every table was occupied so plenty of people already seem to know about this place.

My shrimp taco was delicious. But I can’t say the same for the chicken and beef fajitas. The meat was very rubbery and very bland. The seasoning was missing and we didn’t enjoy the fajitas. Also surprising that it didn’t come any salsas or dips.

Visited on a weekday for lunch. Chips & salsa arrived quickly. The red and green chips shocked me but the salsa was delightful. We ordered the pulled pork (generous portion and delicious) - 5 stars and the veggie fajitas. Unfortunately the veggies in the fajitas were not the asparagus, broccolini, mushrooms, etc. as described in the menu but squash, bell pepper and onion. I remarked on this to our friendly and kind server and they allowed me to change my order to a veggie chile relleno - 4 stars. I knocked a star off the atmosphere score because the chairs have these metal bars on the sides that make it difficult to sit against the back support unless you are a size 4 (or have smallish hips).

All the food was authentic and delicious, I have not had an aztec soup this good in the Bay Area! , shrimp fajitas were perfectly seasoned too. They were very accommodating as we came with a big stroller, they found us the perfect spacious sit. The Michelada mix was also 👌

Authentic Mexican food that has delicious homemade flavors. The mole is a must try! The decor is elegant but simple. It is a great place to dine with friends and family.

We went there with my husband to try the new restaurant before we take our friends, I was very disappointed when they brought my food. I ordered a enchiladas which is very basic in every Mexican restaurant, right, but it was a tasteless chicken ( it could have been a left over from the night before) wrapped around a tortillas and cover with sauce, sauce was must have been from a can, few sprinkle of cheese on the top, it was so bad, I had a bite and couldn’t eat the rest, my husband could have made a better dish than that. They brought this tortilla chips which was loaded with salt ( the chips were nice colors though) with yet another tasteless sauce. The server wasn’t very friendly either, no smile, no recommendation, nothing….. The kitchen is kind of open so you can see the inside depending of the angle of your table, I ordered an ice tea and I saw our server pour the ice tea in the glass and open a topper-wear and took a piece of lemon with his hand and put it in my glass, I mean , either use a glove or a tong to grab the lemon, that was definitely unacceptable. Never going back…….

Tried El Comal Kitchen for dinner tonight. Food was pretty good. My husband ordered the mole & found the chicken a bit dry & the mole sauce needed more salt. The first check had a $60 charge for a bottle of wine on the menu for $34. They happily corrected the check, but not sure why the discrepancy. The service was good, but the seats were very uncomfortable for anyone without a slim bottom.

Amazing food, incredible drinks, and truly exceptional customer service! The staff is friendly, attentive, and goes above and beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience. And the Arrachera? Hands down, the BEST I've ever had! Grilled to perfection, with a juicy, tender interior and just the right amount of spice. Served with warm, fresh tortillas, this dish is absolute PERFECTION.