El Fogon Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Riverside

If you're here reading these reviews because of the social media posts, you won't be disappointed if you order those specific items.

The burritos are huge. End of story.

Most of the other items, including the enchilada plate, torta, tacos, etc. seemed pretty standard sized, but maybe a bit higher priced than you'd find at other casual counter-order spots - but the burritos they're huge.

Just know that the burritos are huge because they're stuffed with the cheaper ingredients - rice, beans, fries, etc.

The food IS tasty, it's not gourmet, but it had flavor and was an enjoyable experience.

As many have said, the salsa bar is generous and solid, just wish they'd offer complementary chips with orders - that might put this spot over the top.

On this visit I got the enchilada plate with cheese enchiladas and their green sauce with rice and beans. The rice and beans are simple yet tasty. The enchiladas were quite good, and I appreciated that it wasn't stuffed with cheddar (or another yellow, american cheese) - but rather had a very creamy, rich white cheese that complimented the dish nicely. I was expecting an oversized portion, at least of the sides, and was kinda surprised by how little rice and beans they provided.

My fellow dinner ordered the chile relleno burrito with carne asada. Unfortunately he had a hard time finding the chile (plenty of cheese though), and the asada was barely there.

I do plan on going back, but would suggest if you're trying it out and want the 'instagram experience' stick to their burritos, that's where you get your best bang for your buck. Is it worth checking out? Yes. But keep your expectations reasonable. It likely won't blow your mind, but it should definitely fill...

We ordered a Shredded Beef Chimichanga plate, 3 Small Taco plate (Asada and Carnitas), and an AL Pastor California Burrito (Wet, with Red Sauce).

The quality of the meat was incredible. Very tender and juicy, across the board.

The 3 Taco plate was really well portioned, providing the tacos, and plenty of rice and beans.

The Chimichanga plate was very filing, also including the rice and beans.

We did agree that the rice itself wasn't too flavorful on its own, but think that inside of a burrito it wouldn't take away from any flavor, and would be a good way to make a burrito more filling.

That being said the California Burrito was massive, without the help of rice. Choice of meat (Al Pastor in Picture), Sour Cream, Guac, French Fries, and when ordered wet, Choice of Red Or Green Sauce, and Shredded Cheese.

Packed full of flavor, and the Red sauce is a must for any plate. It is $3.50 to add to a burrito, and $5.00 to get a cup on the side. A little higher priced than I believe is necessary, however I would without a doubt order it again, as it's taste is beyond worth it.

Most of the staff were very helpful and lively, but our main cashier did seem to either be in a sour mood, or just have more attitude toward some customers than what seemed necessary. That being said, she did still help us, and go over our order and insured we were paying for what we asked for, and received it all well. So I do still appreciate her service.

They offer self serve beverages, as well as behind-the-counter Agua Frescas. And a self serve Salsa bar, as well.

Location is a little cramped during peak times, but worth the...

I will be back and next time for the chile relleno plate, today I got a monster burrito, only issue I had was I asked for no pico de gallo but I didn't realize pico de gallo is in the guacamole, I think it should be mentioned in the menu what the guacamole has just in case someone has an allergy, some places don't put pico de gallo in the guacamole. I mean if I asked for no pico de gallo, I should have been told that the guacamole has pico de gallo but the cashier was understanding and switched it out and I got one without guacamole. Also the chicken in the monster burrito lacks flavor, it just tastes bland, no flavor at all but the asada tastes good, it was just the chicken that threw me off, almost like the chicken is just cooked with no seasoning or something, almost like the other restaurants I been to, my girl and her twin sister agree about that too. Another thing would be that the to go plates should be bigger especially for the monster burrito, only one can fit inside, I had to put my other half of the burrito, facing up and when I closed the lid and opened it, it looked like a ball lol but I'll still eat it. Other than those two things, I'll...