El Atakon — Restaurant in Union City

After looking at all the 5 star I was excited to try this restaurant but what I found was a Strange Setup and Disappointing Experience

This place has a confusing and disjointed setup. When you walk in, you’re met with hot tables and a process that doesn’t make much sense—you order the type of food, then your choice of meat, and then you’re told to sit and wait until you’re called back up to choose your toppings.

Having spent the last six years in Arizona, I’ve become a bit of a Mexican food snob—and unfortunately, this just didn’t cut it. The food was bland and lacked the bold flavors I’m used to. And honestly, what Mexican restaurant doesn’t serve chips and salsa?

While we waited to be called back up, a child—likely related to the staff or owner—was loudly watching TV, yelling at the screen, and climbing all over the tables next to us. It felt more like being an unwelcome guest in someone’s living room than a restaurant customer.

The staff was friendly, but the rest felt very self-serve. You have to go behind the cashier to get your own cups, fill your drinks, grab refills, and even find your own silverware. Overall, not an...

Great authentic Mexican food! 3 of us had tacos with a variety of fillings which were all great. 1 of our group had a burrito - it was HUGE - 2 foot diameter tortilla, well over a foot long when filled! Tortillas, both flour & corn, are handmade fresh when you order.

Super friendly staff - they let you try a taste of the fillings if you're not sure what you want, which was especially helpful for our kids.

Informal style - you order your item & filling at the counter kind of like at a Chipotle, but then sit down & wait while they hand make your tortillas. They bring out chicharrones with toppings while you wait. When your food is ready they call you back to the counter to tell them what toppings to put on it.

All in all a great local place that's now added to our "must stop" list when we're...

We have ate in this place several times. It is much different than a Mexican Restaurant in our area. They let you try the food before you order it so you see if you like it. The food is amazing the folks that run the place are very friendly and the cost of the food is not terrible. We love this place and will continue to eat here. It’s a restaurant I...