Gringo A Go Go — Restaurant in Raleigh

I don't like to write poor reviews, but our waitress made us feel so very rushed from the moment we walked in. We wanted to sit inside because it was a little chilly outside, but there were no tables. When I asked how long it might be, she acted put out, and said "at least 20 minutes" until we could get a table inside. So we sat outside, and it was a little uncomfortable. Two minutes later (literally), people were leaving and there were empty tables inside.

Then, we order chips and salsa along with our meal. Every Mexican place I've been to, the chips and salsa are free. Here, they're $5. Okay. After I said we'd have some chips, she asked what kind, then practically tapped her foot in impatience, rushing me to make a choice from 9 or so salsas. I don't know what "orange" and "red" meant, because she never explained... she was in such a hurry. I think the choice was from mild to hot, so I ordered orange, thinking it was the most mild (wimp that I am). When the salsa came, it looked like orange marmalade. It was horrible. I told her I just wanted normal salsa, not orange chunks of god knows what (and heaven forbid I ask her, because she didn't have time to answer). I told her I wanted normal red salsa, and 10 minutes later, she brought small tomato cubes, no sauce. Then she dashed off never asking if this was okay.

They charge for more chips. No other Mexican place does.

This place is WAAAAAAAAY too expensive... $10 for bland soup, and $14 for most lunch dishes.

I asked to speak to the owner because we want to have an after party here, and she said he's busy, but she'll tell him to come by. He never did.

I'm a big tipper, and I always tip over 20%, but this is the first time in over a year I tipped 10%.

We will...

We found this very charming authentic Mexican restaurant in downtown Raleigh. We were looking for a restaurant with outdoor seating. It's a very small restaurant with the outdoor seating area being as large if not larger than the indoor seating area. It's very charming with palm and banana plants all around making you feel as if you're in a tropical location. Initially we were negatively surprised to find you must pay for tortilla chips. However we quickly realized it was due to Gringos offering a multitude of different style Salsa's which you are allowed to choose two from. We went with jalapeno as our first choice and for our second, the orange which was made of chopped fresh oranges, cilantro, onion and spices. The tortilla chips were handmade from scratch. The Orange Salsa was the most amazing and tasteful salsa we've ever had. They also have multiple styles of margaritas that were just as amazing. The entrees were very authentic. I had carne asada tacos that was served on warm corn tortillas with cilantro and onion. My companion had the chicken enchilada which was also fantastic. This has to be one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in the triangle area. We lived in the Caribbean 4/3 years and this brought back such a tropical feel to us that it made us feel like we were at home for a short period of time. If you're looking for great authentic Mexican food in a wonderful location, we cannot recommend this place enough. The waiter and waitress covering outside worked together serving us equally and they were extremely attentive, nice, conversational and overall provided...

Finally stopped in here before a show at the Pour House after frequently eyeing it when I used to go to the Oakwood across the street before it closed (sadly) - Always looked packed and everyone always seemed to be having a good time.

Turned out to be spot on - great atmosphere, there was a large (and not loud or obnoxious!) party next to my table who were having a good time as well as another one around the corner. Great funky vibe, everyone was very friendly and helpful, but the food was the star - Don't drink anymore so can't comment on the Margaritas but the 3 tacos I had (pollo, carnitas & chorizo) as well as the Mexican rice & black beans were outstanding.....portion sizes were perfect and the preparation was superb (notice I didn't say "amazing", the most overused (& misused) word in food these days......LOL).

I've eaten Mexican food all over NC & SC as well as in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, NYC, Washington, Cali, Texas, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, etc. etc. and over most of the entire US and in Mexico and this can stand with the best of those. I can confidently state that this was probably the best Mexican food I've had in NC - and I used to live across the street from one of the best in the city of Chicago.....

Bravo to Freddy (or Freddie - now I'm covered!) the friendly and gracious owner behind the bar and Alex my very friendly and courteous waiter. LOVED THE FOOD and I WILL be back for the Barbacoa on Fridays......there, I've let the cat out of the...