Mr. Taco — Restaurant in Redlands

Oops!! I feel SO bad! Not quite sure how it happened, but my HORRIBLE experience at Flame Broiler and the SCATHING REVIEW that I wrote, somehow didn't go under Flame Broiler, but here, at poor Mr. Taco instead! My only consolation is that I specifically mentioned the correct name of the restaurant I was correctly bashing! Haha

So tonight was actually my first experience at Mr. Taco. You wait in a line to order at the front counter, from a large nicely lit wall menu, and grab your drinks, or drink cups right there, and seat yourself. Then, they have a chips and salsa bar where you grab your own, (from a very wide variety of options, which my family of six LOVES, since we all have different tastes, and levels of spice we enjoy), and they have a REALLY good looking fruit assortment, (they call it a "fruit bar" but I was very disappointed that it wasn't an all you care to eat, or even a serve yourself bar, and they only had two options for sizes, a medium and large, and I was pretty bummed I couldn't get a small side serving along with my meal, as the prices were acla little much for a "side order."

The food was definitely authentic, with a home style flavor, and the portion sizes were very large. I wish I could say I liked the flavors more than I did (I ordered an a la carte cheese enchilada, which was good, aside from the sauce that just due to my personal taste, wasn't my favorite, a large pazole soup and a grilled fish taco, and of those, the fish taco was my favorite). The pazole left something to be desired, (had a VERY earthy, fresh from the farm pork taste, which some may actually love), and until the accompanying veggies were added, I wasn't a huge fan (it actually ended up being eaten by my older son). My youngest son ordered the carne asada fries and he LOVED them, aside from what he described as the "snack bar" style Jalapeno's that were smothered all over it, (he usually LOVES Jalapeno's, so they must have been pretty bad, and were the only thing left on his giant plate of food when he was done). The prices were reasonable, especially considering the amount of food you get, so if you're worried about the prices before you order, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised after you receive your food.

The atmosphere was AWESOME!! The music, lighting, service, vibe, all were very enjoyable! The front desk girl who took our order was fabulously nice, and helpful! The servers and busboys gave better service than most of the restaurants we go to, and that's something we really appreciate! They seem like they really enjoy working there, and love their jobs. It almost seemed like a family run business because it's difficult to find a place where ALL of their staff is nice to everyone, efficient, and friendly to each other!

Over all, (even in light of the different tastes that were not our favorite), it was a definite win, as far as restaurant choice, and we will for certain be...

First visit, from the look of the parking lot, Mr. Taco is a popular spot. Ordering is easy, but in my case, that's where the visit started and ended a bit south. I was going to order a kid's meal and noticed something my child would want wasn't on the options- so I had to order the item separately.

Quick Note*( My child is autistic and has issues with food and texture- he loves tostadas in particular-plain with refried beans and cheese). I was actually visiting Mr.Taco for that reason, as I go to restaurants around Loma Linda and Redlands to provide other families with special needs children as to what restaurants may be kid friendly, because many of us utilize treatments in those areas) .

The cashier was really nice and thought paying $5.99 (each) for 2 tostadas was not worth it. So she asked a female manager about reducing the price. I was not expecting this, and the female manager rolled her eyes, and gave us a disgusted look, before saying full price. The cashier assisting me looked a bit taken back, I was as well. I told her it was fine, I'll take one tostada with a side of rice. I then asked if I could purchase a bottle of water. I was told they did not sell bottled water, but the cashier did offer a water cup. I told her thank you for being nice and accommodating, because she didn't have to do even that for my kid. I noticed, as the manager went back to the kitchen, she gave me another weird look.

We go to the eating area, which I found quite comfortable and lively with great music and even televisions to watch. I also thought it was great that chips and different types of salsas were offeres to customers. They were really good. Honestly, I would probably serve the chips out of mini stainless steel bowls or any reusuable bowl to cut down on paper tray costs. Still, to each his own. There was a pretty tall server who served us out food, she was really nice and hospitable. The food my husband and I ordered was well prepared and delicious. My son's tostada was ok from his reaction to eating it, he enjoyed the rice more.

Overall, the cashier and the dining area server made the visit to Mr. Taco worth the 3 stars I am giving, and they made up for the manager's unpleasantness. I would probably make the suggestion of offering a simple bean and cheese tostada on the menu or even as an option for the kid's menu. Won't be returning, but if you're looking for a laid back place to get a bite and chill, Mr.Taco...

Alrighty, where do I start. Well, I drove passed this place more than a few times. And it was always bumping and packed. I wondered why, so today I decided to stop by. It was in the morning, and there was quite a few people there already. When you go in they greet you right away. Nice, cute manager girl. The selection of tacos, burritos, tortas and breakfast is real good. I ordered some tacos, safe way to go in a place you have never been to. I got al pastor, carne asada, carnitas and beef tripe. We sat out in the patio area, its covered soo all good. The place is pretty chill, they have a variety of beers, or better known in Mexico as "Kawasakis"...which is the big boy beers, they have them chilled and the glasses are chilled as well. I didn't drink one because I was working, but some other guys got some, and they look good. This reminds me of a place in Baja or TJ, minus the nerve wrecking feeling. The waitresses are real nice and cute, they were very prompt. The tacos were surprisingly good. The al pastor was ok, but the carne asada and carnitas were tasty. To my surprise, the beef tripe, a.k.a "cracklings", is one of the best I have tasted. Nice and crunchy on the outside, and tender in the middle. Really good, I highly recommend you to try at least one. The reason I'm giving 4 stars is because my friend told me that on the weekends it gets beyond packed, and it can get unsettling, but they have music and atmosphere is great. So, get there early to have a good time. So, stop by and cheers! Good times...