Rob L.
Yelp
Bottom line, the Emperor has no clothes. Meh food and very nice ambiance.
After seeing some of the laudatory reviews here and recommendations of friends we finally tried Perro Salado. We don't understand the hype.
The staff being insouciant and unfriendly didn't help. Then there was the admonition to scan the code to view the menu on line - pretty standard stuff, except when the cell signal is too weak to connect and no WiFi is available. Paper menus are grudgingly provided.
The Farmers Salad special was swimming in way too much dressing. Maybe it was to conceal greens wilted past their best if used by date? The tricolor carrots were a nice touch though.
The entrees elicited a reaction of 'that's it?!' Mushroom tacos were surprisingly small and bland. Appetizer sized. They looked good (especially if you had a magnifying glass), promising with cilantro and green sauce, but the flavor and taste had departed for the weekend. Nothing bad, just not... good.
Chicken enchiladas were OK, and just that. OK, and nothing more. Also on the bland side, though the chicken meat itself was good.
The ambiance is what Perro Salado has going for it. And not much else. Interior is a rabbit warren of rooms in a historic house, eclectic decor, inviting bar. The outdoor patio is especially nice with a trellis and fairy lights, with a full size tree growing in the middle of it.
Overall the atmosphere gets 4 stars, but the food no more than 2 stars (= average 3 star review, generously). We couldn't think of a single reason to come here over La Taqueria Vecina, a MUCH better Mexican restaurant with VASTLY better food literally just around the corner. Especially at the prices charged. We left feeling slightly taken.
We get it that the restaurant business is tough these days, and applaud and appreciate those sticking to it. But a restaurant needs to give some reasons to go there, and we couldn't find any for Perro Salado. Unfortunately, for us it was a one and done.