Manda C.
Yelp
I have a weekly appointment in the area and was excited when they started the remodel. I had been waiting for them to finish, but thought the pandemic would delay their opening, so I was surprised to find they had already been open for two weeks on my first visit. That's risky for a small business, so props to them.
I've been three times so far and I have to say that the owner is sooo nice; he even recognized me on my second visit and seemed genuinely happy to have customers. The other two employees I have come across were polite and they prepare the food fairly quickly.
They have a small meat market, counter service (at least for now) restaurant and limited grocery section. Half the store is currently blocked off and looks to be for eventual dine in. Though the store and meat market are a bit limited in variety of options, I thought the selection was well thought out and diverse enough for most of your needs.
The last couple of times I went in they had the meat case and fish case full, so they are getting closer to finishing their layout. I know they are eventually going to have agua fresca, but are not there yet.
There is a small selection of produce, dried spices, a lot of snacks, hot sauces, sodas, Jarritos, beer and a few of the essentials like cleaning/laundry supplies, condiments, etc. I included pictures of what they have been carrying in their first month, but expect it to continue to expand.
The first time I went in, I was looking for some lunch while waiting for my appointment. I got the taco plate for $5.99. The rice and beans were decent and you have your choice of 3 from 4 options. They don't make their own tortillas, so I had a mixture of flour and corn and thought the flour was better.
I found the barbacoa too fatty for my taste and lacking in flavor. The al pastor was better, it had a firm texture and tasted as expected. To my surprise, the beef fajita was the star, it had the best texture and flavor as it was quite tender, moist and very nicely seasoned. It was a good portion for the price too, fairly filling.
My second visit was a week later. I got a picadillo flour gordita for $1.99 and it was nice and savory! Gorditas only come with the meat unless you specify, but they will make it however you request. I asked for cheese and lettuce and liked it. The gorditas are on the thin and small side and they fill them pretty good which makes them very hot. I guess I was too impatient to let it cool, it was hard to handle but worth being scalded. It was satisfying and I would order it again for sure.
This last visit I tried their tamales which are $1.99 each. I got one chicken and one pork. They came wrapped in saran wrap and were very hot- literally steaming! I swear I'm going to burn myself if I keep coming here, lol. I'm sure if I was taking it home it would cool enough on the drive to easily handle AND still be nice and warm. Regardless, they make it to order so you can't say it's not hot and fresh.
The chicken had some heat to it, compared to the pork, but I wouldn't call it spicy. I enjoyed both but the pork had a more satisfying and complex flavor of the two. They also had a jalapeno cheese one that I haven't tried. I will continue to order these and maybe I'll be nice enough to take them home and let my husband try them next time... maybe.
They have a green sauce they include, but I haven't tried it yet just because I am awkwardly eating in my car each time and trying not to make a mess. In regards to the restaurant, I wouldn't say any of the meats I tried so far is the best in town, but they are not in direct competition with any of the taquerias.
They are a meat market that has a very solid kitchen cranking out some good food. Plus, do you know how hard it is to get a single, piping hot tamale to eat on the spot around here? Typically you have to buy a half dozen or dozen frozen to take home, that alone entices me to keep coming back!
This small business is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and I recommend you check them out! Support local!
