El Tejano — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Ah the age old quest for real Tex-Mex/queso in LA. As a native Texan, my buddy told me that El Tejano would be right up my alley and it did not disappoint. Granted, the queso is Velveeta based so can't be compared to Escalantes (the golden standard) - but they own it as shown by the Velveeta painting on one of the walls. A fun, bar environment where you can also just have a nice dinner if craving Tex-Mex.

-------Food------- Texas Style Queso (5/5) - The main reason I came. The thirst for true queso around LA is so real. The dip is well done; diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles tasted fresh. You can tell it's a Velveeta based queso but I was just glad the waiter didn't just hand me a bowl of cheese like most places in LA that serve "queso". By the way they have self-serve chips and salsa near the bar.

"Texas" Brisket Taco (2/5) - Yes, I added the quotations to the menu name. This is not real brisket, more like watery pulled beef. How dare you associate this with the great country of Texas. The huge portions of refried beans and rice were awesome though.

Texas Tots (4/5) - Tater tots topped with queso - what more does a man need in life. Notice the lack of quotations around the Texas. Tots were crispy and the addition of queso/Tejano cheese/pico de gallo put it over the top. No complaints here.

Shiner Bock (5/5) - Shiner!!! Any good ol' Texas boy loves his Shiner so it was nice to see a place claiming Tex-Mex serving it. You can 'Texas' size your drink for an additional $2 which obviously I did. Check the picture.

I'm aware I didn't order any true Tex-Mex but I'll be back for the quesadilla and fajitas.

-------Staff (5/5) ------- You order food and drink at the bar and someone brings your food to the table. Not much to say, again it's more of a bar scene. Self-serve chips and salsa - I was very attentive to myself. Chip basket was never empty.

-------Venue (5/5)------- Very fun venue. Not super crowded like some bars can get. The front end is an open area with a bar, cornhole, giant connect four, beer pong, and other games. Plenty of seating inside and out and lots of TV's to catch a game. Inside is a more low-key vibe where you could just sit down for dinner or hang out at the bar. Parking is impossible but there is a lot 3ish blocks away with $2...

Racist establishment.

I was denied service because the bartender claimed i was flagged by security as being too drunk. The only interaction I had with security was showing my ID to enter after which I headed directly to the bar. I had two beers over the period of an hour at brickyard before entering EL Tejano, which is hardly enough to be considered so drunk that I cannot be served drinks. I tried to explain the situation to an older security guard, who was extremely friendly and understanding, to clarify the situation. The security guard went to speak to the manager and returned saying he was busy on the phone but that he mentioned the situation and that I do not look drunk at all. After the second time the security guard tried to speak to the manager, he returned saying there was nothing he could do and that management wouldn't clarify who raised the complaint with me.

None of my friends were denied drinks and, as far as I saw, I was the only East Asian looking man there. The bartender even mentioned it may have been because of Asian glow but I did nothing but head to the bar after I was let in. I did not speak or interact with anyone but went straight to the bar with my friends. As mentioned earlier, the security I spoke with agreed I was completely fine and I was surprised at how quickly I was flag considering we had been there barely a few minutes before being told I was too drunk to be served. Along with security, other customers said I looked completely fine and were surprised I was denied service.

Even if they assumed I was drunk because of Asian glow, which i don't believe mine is strong or a valid reason when I had just entered the place, there is no excuse for not attempting to resolve the situation after I was able to demonstrate that I was not drunk at all. None of my behavior would give off the impression that I was drunk and I was merely denied service because...

I've been here 5 times at least. I'm just not sure how I feel about it. Pre made on the rocks margs on draft are a crime against good margaritas. They always taste different and not in a good way and not usually something I wanna drink a big glass of. They used to make hand made if you asked cuz the sweet and sour was awful on a previous trip there but bartender gave me slack and pretty much said he had to make it, it would be less strong. for asking last time when I know for a fact I've had them made that way. A few of the tacos are pretty good like the Baja fish taco, but the rest of the food is mediocre at best. The chicken fajitas I had $19 after tax were terribly bland and were literally the worst I've had. The chicken wasn't even cut Right like someone just tore it apart with their hands. The free chip bar is cool concept but over half the time they are stale. Other things that really bother me. To reach the glasses above the bar, a bartender has to put their hand inside the glass you are about to drink out of to grab it. The side trey of water they dip rims in and then into salt always looks like dirty water and never changed.They defly am for college/young crowd. It's a good place to watch a game or if you are with a group, but I am surprised it's...