El Rinconsito | Vancouver — Restaurant in Washington

On December 1st at approximately 7:30pm I went to Taqueria El Rinconsito Mexican Restaurant located at 7006 NE Hwy 99 Vancouver WA for to request dinner using the drive-thru. I ordered to plates, Chicken Flautas and Carne Asada plates. During the time I was ordering the clerk though I ordered avocado “I said NO Avocado I’m allergic to it” I repeated my order 3 times and each time I said no avocado no guacamole, I’m allergic to it. She repeated my order and I responded yes, and no guacamole! She said yes no guacamole. I moved forward to the window paid for my order and waited for my order. The clerk handed me the bag containing my order I looked into the bag and didn’t see any guacamole so I proceeded home to feed my family.

This restaurant is very close to my home, I have been a customer there and placed this order many (10+) times and every time the chefs has included avocado (guacamole) on my plate and every time I have went back to have them remake my order without guacamole. After the second or third time they have failed to get my order right I decided I would check the order at the window just to make sure I was not given guacamole. The only difference this time is that they changed their packaging to clear plastic covers so you can see how the food is prepared.

While at home having my Carne Asada plate and watching TV I was placing the meat beans and rice into my tortilla bread, once I was consuming the meal and ate the remainder of the meat I noticed something that looks green and was absolutely surprised what looked like Guacamole! I asked my wife if this indeed was guacamole she tased it and said yes it is! I was in disbelief then went to find an epinephrine shot, I was out of Benadryl and decided to go the grocery store, my wife didn’t want me to yet she worried that I would have anaphylactic shock however, I decided to go and get the Benadryl.

Once I returned home I called the restaurant and asked for the manager or a supervisor the person that answered said “we don’t have a manager here” I told her what happened and that the guacamole was underneath the Carne Asada meat I asked the name chef and was person person trained with food allergies the clerk said she didn’t know. I then told her that it looked like the guacamole was either scooped off the plate or dumped off and meat placed on top of the guacamole. She said that she would have someone call me back. I have not received a call back yet. I am still going though the effect of ingesting the food lucky I didn’t have a large amount of the guacamole, It usually last for about a week, I didn’t feel the need to go to the hospital due in part of the COVID-19 situation.

Symptoms are: Swelling of the lips mouth and throat, itchy eyes, stomach discomfort, hives.

This will continue until it goes though my digestive track.

The chef knew or should have known that placing a food that many people are allergic would causes serious harm including hospitalization. Also, the fact that this business has not contacted me in regards to this matter illustrates a disregard for public safety.

I ask this body to ensure that people with food allergies are safe from this type of incompetence on the part of the chefs and disregard on the part of the...

El Rinconsito of Vancouver is hands down still one of the best Mexican restaurants across these United States. After over a year away, I finally had the pleasure of indulging in their tasty food again, and it was like a delicious homecoming.

The Service: The ladies at the front of the house are genuinely amazing people. They're always friendly, constantly checking in, and treating you like a member of the family when you visit. It's the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home. Seriously, if they offered to adopt me, I'd probably say yes.

The Atmosphere: You might not expect much from a tiny building nestled between a McDonald's and a Baskin Robbins, especially one that used to be a Taco Bell. However, the interior surprises with very nice Corian-topped tables, pressed tin ceiling tiles, and an impeccably clean environment. It's an excellent spot for family gatherings or a cozy date night. You’ll find yourself wondering how such a chic little place ended up sandwiched between Big Macs and ice cream cones.

The Food: Hands down, El Rinconsito serves the best lengua, carnitas, and carne asada. You can enjoy these excellent cuts of meat in a variety of dishes. Their street tacos are a particular highlight—add a squeeze of lime and a splash of their green salsa, and you might just feel like you're sitting beachside at a Mexican resort. The beans and rice are made fresh daily, as are their corn and flour tortillas, elevating every meal to perfection. They could probably serve these on a deserted island, and you'd still think you were at a five-star resort.

The fresh-made sopitos will blow your taste buds when topped with one of the meats mentioned above, fresh refried beans, and queso fresco. Their chicken mole dish is exquisite, surpassing even some of the most expensive restaurants in Portland. Who knew heaven could fit on a plate?

Convenience: You can place orders ahead by phone or online and pick them up through the drive-thru. They're also open until 2am, so if you're out late and need an amazing bite to send you into a food coma, this is your place. Because nothing says "goodnight" quite like a taco-induced slumber; and who doesn't love Taco flavored kisses!

If El Rinconsito ever decides to set up a location in Kalispell, MT, I assure you it would be a massive win for all parties. We would certainly welcome you, as we've missed this incredible food for some time now. Seriously, consider this an open invitation. We’ll even throw in some free huckleberry honey as a housewarming gift!

If you haven't visited El Rinconsito yet, do yourself a favor and stop by. It's a culinary gem that stands out, not just in Vancouver,...

If I could give this restaurant -10 stars for harassment, I would do it in a heartbeat. The following occurrence is absolutely intolerable and ILLEGAL. On May 16, 2020 an Uber Eats driver arrived to pick up an order for a customer. She noticed the restroom was unlocked and went ahead to use it. Being a delivery driver, restroom breaks are crucial in order to keep working and providing good service. Often restaurants are our only option. While exposed and still using the restroom, an employee at this location decided to use their key to unlock the door of this single-person facility and demand she get out. The employee quite literally told her to get up and leave because they “don’t have a public restroom”, despite the restroom being unlocked and accessible to the public. If their restroom is not meant to be used by non-employees, that is fine. However, obviously no sign or note had been provided in order for this to become apparent. For this to occur is a small mistake and nothing to get worked up over, and should be something for the business to learn from for future reference. The fact this employee unlocked the bathroom in which the driver was still exposed, fully knowing that the driver was still in there, and proceeded to yell at her demanding she left is inappropriate, disrespectful, and borderline predatory. This is harassment and this is ILLEGAL. This was not a mistake. The fact this happened is mind-blowing and something law enforcement and corporate needs to address and take care of. Shame on this employee and shame on this business to allow something like...