Tuesday, April 1, 2014

THE ORIGINAL EL TACO

On a spur of the moment my husband and I decided to swing by The Original El Taco on a late afternoon Saturday during March Madness.

1186 North Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 873-4656

The restaurant has such a fun vibe - twinkling stars align the ceiling, and there's great music playing as well as TVs blaring.  It's a super casual welcoming feel.
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Once we were seated we were given menus and 3 little tokens with numbers on them. Once every hour they spin a magical wheel and the number it lands on wins a prize such as free salsa, drinks, desserts etc. The menu is limited (compared typical Mexican restaurants that dot Atlanta), and one side of the menu is food and the other drinks.  We were hoping that with the limited menu, what they DO prepare, they'll prepare well!  Try to come here when you can order a margarita - it's worth it!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

And we were served tap water in a cool carafe while we perused.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

 We began with the CLASSIC TASTES TRIO salsa, guacamole, queso blanco, corn chips.  The chips were fresh and relish and the guacamole superb.  We both loved the queso as well, but the salsa was a little off.  I'm not sure exactly what my issue with it was, but it almost tasted like the tomatoes were old?  We ate it, but it wasn't the best in town.
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue
Here was THE drink of the night - KEY WEST MARGARITA El Charro reposado, Orangeville liqueur, key lime juice.  It was so fantastic and not too too strong like some margaritas.  Well done.
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue
We decided to go with enchiladas and tacos for dinner.  I went with the SHORT RIB ENCHILADAS topped with green chile sauce.   I absolutely loved this dish - not much to photograph, but you'll just have to trust me here and ORDER IT!  Soooo yummy!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue
My husband got 3 different tacos.  A pork carnitas one, a fried fish one and a special pork one with a sweet bbq sauce. All were good, although both of us would have preferred a non-fried fish option, and that we were told wasn't possible.
Pork Carnitas
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue
Fried Fish Taco
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue
Pork BBQ
Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We had no room for dessert, but we'll be back.  In fact we're already talking about bringing out of town family here in May.  It's THAT good and THAT fun!  I definitely want to try the Mexican Pizza and the Short Stack - sounds amazing!