Taqueria Arandas — Restaurant in Racine

From some of the reviews on Google, one would think that either mostly people love this joint or hate it. I happen to be in the first group. When you first approach this restaurant from outside, you wonder whether it is in business or not from its unkempt appearance. There seem to be no other businesses around by the side of the railroad tracks. When you enter, however, it is like another world with colorful and whimsical decor and what seems like organized confusion. But, dear friend, hang in there. You are seated and offered freshly made tortilla chips with three sauces and pico de gallo. You browse through the menu and see dishes that are unfamiliar if you have mostly encountered tacos and enchiladas as Mexican food. Need help, ask. They will try their best to explain. Now comes the best part. Whatever you ordered will come is relatively large portions, full of flavor and freshly made to your options. Talking of options, there are over a dozen ways to order tacos and similar choices elsewhere. Attentive service, too. Now sometimes there will be a bit of language barrier if you don't speak Spanish. Don't let that hold you back from an authentic taste experience. It can become habit forming. Many have noted the food here as the best Mexican fare in Racine. It is probably close to that. Definitely prices are reasonable and food is exceptional. There were large number of locals or regulars dining there when we were there. We could tell that from the mutual familiarity with the staff. Several families, too. That can only mean great experience. Join the happy...

I have been a regular for almost 3 years now, before my latest experience I would say this place was hands down the best Mexican restaurant in Racine. I have always loved their stake tacos and stayed loyal to them. I would either dine in or order to go. I already know the amount of time it takes to order something to go, it is 15 minutes. There was one time I ordered to go and waited 30 mintues, but that was only one time out of a million times I ordered out. So the time they take to make something is always the exact amount of time, or close to the amount of time. Recently I called and ordered something to go. At exactly 9:00 pm ( it sounds like I am exaggerating, but it's true) I then called to cancel the order at 9:08 pm. I told the employee that I would like to cancel the order, in this almost rude tone she said " Umm... So the order is already done, if you cancel you will be placed on the list where you can't make orders anymore" I am not one to fight ( especially for food) so I said "go ahead that's fine with me", then she hung up right away. It was like I was being forced to spend my money, even when I didn't want to. One would think that if someone has ordered for 3 years ( and again it sound like I'm exaggerating) from the same taco place, and has been on time for order pick up ( with some exceptions), one would be a little more appreciation, but not at this place. So for that I'm giving them 1 star, regular customers should be treated with respect. Although this may not make a difference, it makes a...

I was wowed. Best Mexican food I've ever had! And I'm 37 and have eaten a lot of Mexican food! The service was great, their homemade salsa was the best I've ever had, I even decided to buy 16 oz of their salsa, it had the right amount of salt, spice, tomato and onion that serves as an example of how salsa should taste. My wife had chili rellenos, a dish that I've never had done well, and it was phenomenal! I had bistec al a Mexicana, and wow, perfectly seasoned, and a very generous portion for the price. The atmosphere felt authentic with a guitarist playing and singing mariachi songs. And the chairs, tables and walls are full of colorful artwork. Warning: if you eat here, you won't want to eat at any other Mexican restaurant! I am quite surprised that there are some negative reviews. I think that the decor is awesome and the food is a lot more flavorful than any other Mexican restaurant that I have eaten at in the...