El Pico Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Independence

I came across this place after taking a friend to the Jackson County Courthouse as he needed a translator. As I waited for him I decided to stop into this place as the facade was appealing!

This was my first time at this establishment, so I waited at the front door to be greeted and or seated. Neither happened. I was waved to the back by a small woman with box-bleached blonde hair and grown out dark roots. Not a huge problem, but certainly off putting.

Immediately after getting to the ordering station I was asked by this same woman, “What do you want?” I had not even seen a menu or knew what the place offered.

After putting my order in ($19.67 for a burrito and 2 small sides of beans and rice) I tried making some small talk by asking where the owners were from but she was not very receptive. I sat down at the front of restaurant as I waited from my food but was instructed to go to the back.

My friend came when I received my food and decided he wanted to eat as well. The kitchen ladies were very nice in helping translate his order for him. We decided to sit down and eat instead of taking our food to go. Once again, the small woman box-bleached blonde hair and grown out dark roots instructed me to go to the back as the front was, “for customers that tip.” I found this be very rude and uncalled for. I was under the impression that restaurant seating was for paying customers.

I initially decided not to tip as A) I originally ordered take out food and B) the small woman was very rude. I would have loved to tip if I knew that my money was going to either the kitchen ladies or the other young guy that was working! I hope she has a better day and gets...

I like the food, but I think the red rice recipe needs to be switched up just a little... I don’t know, like more seasoning of some sort & just a more authentic touch to it. I love the refried beans though & the tacos! I gave four stars because each time I’ve gone lately I felt I basically had to beg for salsa & lemon with my order. :( ... When I did get salsa it was a tiny amount; Not even enough for my full taco order so I had to use it very sparingly which made me sad. :( I am from Texas where I’d eat LOTS of Mexican food, & I’m sorry,, but salsa is a MUST!!!!! I also was told lemons were put in my bag but they weren’t on two seperate occasions so that made me sad. One time they’d forgotten to give me plasticware as well as my sour cream I paid extra for. With the fajitas, I wish there was more meat, tortillas, & I definitely wish the vegetables in it were more grilled as I could tell they were BARELY cooked. The fajitas tasted more like Chinese food with how undercooked the veggies were. Other than that, I WILL say that the staff was very friendly & I LOVE the tacos, I just wish they’d pay a little bit more attention to minor details such as plasticware, requested condiments etc. They were very nice & welcoming though & the atmosphere at El Pico is very adorable & definitely a great addition to the Independence square! I will definitely be back but I will just be more cautious I get my lemon & a little more salsa next time so I will check my bag...

So a couple of weeks ago, I got the chance to eat at this restaurant in the square of Independence, across from the courthouse. El Pico Mexican Restaurant.

I was waiting for my appointment and had a serious craving for something REAL.

Xavier greeted me, and I sat down. It took some time for me to figure out what I wanted to eat because everything they offered sounded so good!! In the meantime, chips and salsa were served, and BoyOBoy was that salsa delicious!!

I decided on a steak Chimichanga, and Xavier had my dish made exactly how I wanted it! It was so delicious and so filling. I didn't even finish the whole thing 🤤❤️

I ordered a churro cake for dessert, took pictures, and boxed it up to go. It was so delicious, soft, and jam-packed full of spice.

I left here soooo stuff and so pleasantly surprised that in the heart of Independence, I got a firm taste on culture and it was delicious!!

If you're ever in the area, or even if you're not... spend some time and go check them out!!

They have amazing specials each day, literally something for everyone! (Check all the photos for more details on that)

If you stop by, tell Xavier...