El Jilo Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Tyler

I had a craving for some authentic mexican food and I instantly thought of a place that someone recommended a couple of months ago. It’s a small family owned spot called El Jilo Mexican Restaurant.

I stopped by the atm and pulled some cash out and drove across town. There were only 2 people eating there when I walked in, so I was a bit worried at first.

The #3 was the first thing that caught my eye on the menu, which was the costilla de puerco en salsa rojo (pork ribs in red sauce). It also came with some rice and beans and tortillas. I knew I couldn’t leave without trying the quesa birria (#7). And for my drink, I decided to order their horchata.

They brought out my drink first. If you regularly drink horchata, then you’ll know it is not all the same. The flavor and level of sweetness differs quite a bit from place to place. With that being said, my hopes weren’t too high. To my surprise, it was delicious. The cinnamon flavor wasn’t overpowering and it wasn’t super sweet. It was honestly some of the best I’ve had in quite awhile.

Shortly after, they brought out the food. The first thing I tried was the quesa birria. Although it was good, I felt like it wasn’t as flavorful as I’d personally like. The meat was tender and the tortillas had the perfect texture to them. There was also plenty of cheese😁. The green sauce and the limes drastically helped with the overall flavor, as did the consomé.

I saved the best for last. The pork ribs basically fell off the bone. They were incredibly tender and full of flavor. I put a couple pieces of pork on a tortilla with some rice and beans. I then drizzled some green sauce, red sauce, crema fresca, lime juice, and some consomé. Everything combined together made for some incredible little tacos/burritos/whatever you want to call them lol.

The rice and beans were delicious by the way. They were Guerrero style, so they had a different flavor than your typical rice and beans.

I’d highly recommend stopping by this restaurant if you’re looking for some homemade style authentic mexican food. They were taking cash only, but I swear he also said something about Cashapp and another form a payment. I just don’t remember what...

Came in for a late lunch. Late for me. I decided to try the sopas with carne asada and washed it down with a authentic tall glass Coke

Dining room and Restrooms were clean.

I felt that I could not get the true salty taste of the carne asada with the beans. The sauces where a little thinned down as well. More than likely this is just a taste preference of mine.

The owners were super friendly and you could tell this is a family restaurant as they had their own family dining with them. It made it a true authentic atmosphere. I actually felt grateful to be dining with them.

The only two things I would suggest is having more clearly marked restrooms (I might have missed them) and having a way to take card payments other than Cash app. But I do believe it's regulars that visit this place, and I'll know in the future to bring cash as I will be returning.

Thanks...

El Jilos serving up Authentic Mexican!!! Authentic Hand-Made Torillas and Authentic Great Tasting Mexican Food! I stopped by for Lunch, after reading other reviews. They dont have alot of Selection from the Menu, so went with their Sopas and Carne Asada. They dont have Fountain drinks, so served up a can Coke Zero and Cup of Coffee for $25. Food tasted Hot, Authentic and very Fresh. Salsa was in a league of its own... Good! They don't accept card... so bring CASH. Staff was very hospitable and friendly. Atmosphere was inviting and felt like I was visiting my Abuelas! Went for good Food... and got exactly that... Good Authentic Fresh Food. Had a pleasant experience and will be back on the weekend to try...