El Tapatio Restaurant & Grill — Restaurant in Paramount

Diehard Foodie and Small Business Consultant

What I ordered: Molcajete Azteca (see video)

Food: The flavor was pretty good. Salsa was chunky and flavorful. Meats were all cooked well. I wasn't thrilled with the unripe avocado or the fact that my order came with queso fresco, but there wasn't any in my molcajete. When I asked, I was told they were out and offered another piece of chorizo. In all honesty, I would have ordered something else if there wasn't going to be cheese. Presentation was one of the better molcajetes I've seen (see video)

Service: They were very friendly and attentive.

Restaurant: Needs to be spruced up. Also, a homeless man was allowed to use the restroom. I was told he spent 45 minutes in there. When I went to use the restroom, the stench was nauseating. I propped open the door and walked away.

Value: I felt like $25 for what I ordered was overpriced. I ask them to omit the rice and beans (in ketosis right now). But even still, I've paid $25 elsewhere for better ingredients, better flavor, a nicer atmosphere and...

This is the third time I've eaten at this place. The first two times we had breakfast and this third time we had dinner. The food is pretty good and I would rate with five stars. I am however, ratting the experience and service with two stars. We arrived at 7:45pm, they close at 9pm, and from the get-go we got unwelcoming stares. We got our tacos at 8:15 and we're done by 8:30. What bothered me was that this has a self serve condiment bar and the waitress started putting them away before we even got our food. There were no napkins on the table, the tables were dirty from previous patrons, the waitress was rude and unapologetic...overall, good food,...

I had the molcajete this time. But I normally go for the Mexican buffet. Service is great as usual been coming here for years. I always ask for coffee and even if they don't have it they were always more than happy to make me a fresh pot. Texture and quality of food is beyond great. The flavor and detail to quality is amazing. I would give this place 10 out of 10 in my book. And if you follow me you know I like to criticize my restaurants heavily. I will always give an honest opinion and but you know about my experience in every place I frequent. There are lots of other places nearby but this one is...