Rico's Mexican Food — Restaurant in Portola

Authentic Mexican food that is delicious and prepared with care. I decided to rewrite this after seeing a review that basically said "I had one thing and it was great - 4 stars" uh, wut, mate? So it inspired me to give more info on this lovely place with great food and people; go ahead, read on.

I usually order pick up from here but have also dined in with family. Each time I've been treated to a great meal, and have been impressed by the flavors. Whether it was the pork Chile Verde, Chiles rellenos, burritos, tacos, tortas or anything else, the food has been fantastic and the people working the counter/tables have been friendly. It's a small business, so temper your expectations on speediness. It's worth it! I like to pick up because it's usually at least a 10-15 minute drive, and they tell me it'll be ready in 20; by the time I get my act together to get there, the food is ready, so I can just trek back home to enjoy a good, authentic Mexican meal.

Which reminds me - Rico's is the real Mexican deal. I like the other place too, and it is good, they just have a slightly different style and influence from El Salvador so you can get pupusas and other dishes not available at Rico's because... Well, why would they!

Case in point: the Chiles rellenos are more like scrambled egg-covered compared to Rico's fluffier, lightly egg flavored, delicious batter. I make my own at home with Rico's method and find it absolutely superior (look up Rick Bayless' method if you're a daring/adventurous cook). If I wanted scrambled egg-covered Chiles rellenos... Meh, but I never do, so I just don't order that.

Anyway, if you're looking for more off-the-taco and burrito typical stuff, try the Pozole or the albondigas, both are delicious. Need more "weird" stuff normies are too pollo to eat? Try the tongue torta, or the menudo (tripe soup) and you'll walk out full and happy you did. The ambiance is ok, but compared to the other more claustrophobic, low-lit option, we'll ... I'll stick to pick up!

Overall, though, I highly recommend this place, 3 stars! Nah, nah, I kid, this is definitely a 5. Keep doing...

After scoping out campgrounds around Lake Davis for a future visit, my girlfriend and I saw the good reviews for Rico's and decided to give it a try. However, we did not stay as I am a large person at 6' 10" and pushing close to 500 lbs. As you might imagine, I need a chair that is sturdy and without arms. The minute I opened the door, I saw that all of the chairs were small wicker basket type chairs with arms. There was no way I would be able to fit in then and even if I could, I don't think the chair could have held me. I imagine anyone over 200 lbs would have difficulty fitting into those chairs.

I will say the food smelled amazing and I was disappointed we couldn't stay. I wish I didn't have to give an actual rating to leave this review but since I do, I'm leaving a 3 just because I really can't review the...

Decent food. But don't call in an order unless you have time to wait around and double check to make sure you got everything you paid for. We've been jipped a number of times and have yet to receive reimbursement or the food we ordered and paid for that was forgotten.. THEY DON'T GIVE CHANGE!! BE PREPARED WITH THE EXACT AMOUNT YOUR ORDER COSTS, OR YOU WILL BE FORFEITING THE REMAINDER OF THE CASH YOU HAVE. don't get me wrong.. I tip when the food and service is decent.. But unfortunately that isn't always the case here.. it's hot and miss.. one day it's great.. The next you're less than pleased with the food quality, as well as the service you...