Los Jarochos — Restaurant in Bozeman

I'd like to begin by saying that I never imagined giving less than a 3-star review to anybody. And if I had dined here alone, likely, that's what they'd have gotten. But I was with my wife, and what she was served, and how she was treated... unacceptable! First, let me describe my dish: Tilapia with corn tortillas. That's what I got, for sure, but wrapped in foil with a red-sauce leaking out of the seams. When I unwrapped the scale-clad fish, I was delighted to use it's mouth as my muppet. But I digress... the meat was moist, but, oddly, tasted a bit grassy. However, I got a satisfactory meal out of it. Now, on to my wife's dish: shrimp enchiladas. She gets a plate of shell-on shrimp, absolutely slathered in a sloppy, red garlic-sauce. After making a good effort to de-shell the crustaceans, I take over for want of improving her experience. It is not easy, as the shells have not been cut, nor have the meaty butt-ends been deveined. It takes me a solid 15 minutes of fumbling to get the plate of meat separated from its carapace (with one sacrificed to the fates) and my wife has a handsome pile of shellfish with which to make a meal. I wish it had gone well, but the shrimp were so over-cooked that they had a texture similar to a pool noodle. I can say this definitively, because I tried one. And as for the flavor... if the color gray had a flavor, that would be what infected my mouth. As a result, and way out of line for us, we asked not to be charged for the inedible meal. No That's what we got. I was willing and delighted to pay for mine, but my wife left the restaurant hungry and "No" is what we got. So this review is what they get. Do with it...

We stopped for lunch at Los Jarochos on our way through town. We really didn't want to eat in but to get something to go but the place was very inviting. The place is professionally done. I gave it 4/5 for atmosphere because we got a small table that was semi blocked to access from another table. The point is the place is a bit small. I'll point out that there is only one bathroom. Again it was nicely kept and clean but you may have a wait during busy times. They were somewhat busy when we arrived and so that's why we got the small table that required squeezing by another table to get to. The food for the most part was delicious. Again not quit earning 5 stars for small things. The refried beans were too thin and they were on the bland side. The rest of the food was great. The Al Pastor meat was the best iny opinion. Very tasty and tender. The carnitas were good as well but notably not as tender. Your taste bud choices may vary. Service was ok. We were seated, provided our drinks, orders taken and food delivered in prompt fashion. We never saw our waitress again after that. I could have used a drink refresh and it also wasn't clear that they don't bring a bill. At least we had to go to the counter and ask to pay. That may be the norm but since we got table service to a point it was odd that it...

I've been here several times. This place has a specific identity: the simple and wonderful food, community love and a few souvenirs specific to Vera Cruz. Having never traveled there, I can't speak to authenticity, but I know real food lovingly made from scratch when I see it. I also recognize how special it is when I only want to adjust the seasonings (COVID impaired tastebuds) with a tiny sprinkle of salt or lime. That's what you do at table when served a properly cooked dish. No doubt they have hot sauce if you wish.

I have eaten my way through their "meat platters" menu. For $20 I get 2 meals.

For lunch I've eaten my way through tortas and quesadillas. There are no disappointments there.

Two things always speak volumes about service: 1 I'm a super minority as a white local, the majority are Mexican folks who love food and atmosphere (so yay authenticity!). 2. They serve delightfully fast and then leave you in peace to eat, trusting you to notice the crowd and decide how quickly to finish your meal. If you wonder where your box or check is, you need only wave and ask. Nobody gets rushed or herded here.

Thank you good folks for a space to sit and enjoy your food and TLC.

Event planners: they have a truck and you won't regret the value they add...