El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Manhattan

We have had food here twice within the last 2 months. First time we ordered to-go, got the fajita dinner for 2, and had so much food we had leftovers for two days after, and it was great. We were very impressed, even considering the awkward interaction with the hostess when we tried asking for help getting our order. We still had this in mind for a second try.

Decided to dine in this past Saturday for dinner, and we realized we were probably taking a gamble on it, since the other two Mexican restaurants we tried were slammed. Got seated surprisingly quickly, but eating in restaurant was a much different experience. We each ordered a margarita, both were so watered down my boyfriend asked for a second shot of tequila…it didn’t help. My fajita quesadilla was basically raw—vegetables barely cooked, all shoved into a tortilla right out of a grocery store bag (it looked the complete opposite of the picture in the review below—but also guess they expect you to eat a quesadilla with a fork and knife…??). The waiter was also less than helpful when it was obvious we weren’t enjoying our experience and my boyfriend asked to order another entree—didn’t bother asking how to make it better. Not to mention the wall next to us had food smeared all over and looked like it had never been cleaned. So disappointed after our first experience with takeout was so good. Thankfully they comped us the tequila shot—because we asked. On top of it, I was terribly sick the next day. We won’t be back.

(Go to Taco Lucha in Aggieville—just went here for the first time tonight. It’s very popular and a bit of a wait—and we don’t really like Aggieville. But SO worth it. Should have waited it out on...

El Tapatio has the standard "mexican food" menu that a lot of places seem to have. It's literally identical to the menu at the El Tap in Junction City. (makes sense I guess) Our family really likes this place, some of that is because of convenience though. They have a very nice wait staff, who usually remember us and say hi and stop to talk to us with a genuine nice'ness. My little kiddo also loves the random candies and vending machine things at the checkout. -Drinks. They used to have little 8oz $1 margaritas on Tues/Thurs and Sunday I think. They have changed those over to 16oz pints for $2.50. I think they are pretty tasty margs, but I wouldn't call them "great". Well worth the price though. Depending on if the students are on break or in session, the cheap drink nights can get a very packed and it kinda makes the atmosphere less appealing. -Food....Directly comparing to the El Tap in Junction, it is not nearly as good. I always order the burrito roqueta, which is a pork burrito. It has the usual cheese sauce on top and sour cream and rice and all that. The pork seems to be just boiled and not really seasoned. The same burrito at the Junction place actually grills it and seasons it and it is much better. The other items are the standard fare. Nachos are exactly what you'd expect. The pollo loco I think is actually pretty well done....

So the first time we came through this was about around lunch time, we noticed this place and decided to go. I can't say that first time was good at all...there was 0 presentation, and the salsa tasted like spaghetti sauce. I ordered a burrito and my bf had the molcajete he said it was good but super hooootttt...you'll need to wait like 30min to eat it in this weather or you'll sweat lol. This had to of been a few months ago. I added the pictures from that time in this review.

Now to today. I ordered the Tapatio Fajitas and my bf ordered the taquiza. We were satisfied. It was delicious and I recommend ordering those meals. Customer service is good, the salsa tastes as it should no more spaghetti sauce. Music is good and plays at a nice volume. There are a couple of small TVs and a nice size bar. They have an outdoor area too not sure if it existed the last time I was out here. Flies are a bit annoying but I know it's hard to control. I suggest maybe using some of those stinky bags that catch flies outside by the trash and limit opening the back door to the kitchen. I recommend this place. They have changed a lot since the last time. If you came here many moons ago and didn't like it. I suggest trying this place again. They are definitely making changes as long as you make the...