Anonymous (192.254.1.x) 30 Oct 2008 19:23
So I always go by this place, and recently saw it was open:
Huarachitos Mexican Taquería
5418 Martin Luther King Jr Way (Brandon & MLK)
I love mexican food, and can never have too much. Anyways, it loks like it's getting good reviews: (From YELP)
I recently moved into the Columbia City area. This little place was under construction ever since we moved in. From the sign I could tell it was going to be a Mexican place and anxiously waited. Then a couple of days ago they opened! Finally, a Mexican place within a short walk that looked to be small and family owned. El Sombrero is that but this is smaller and original looking. We walked in to the place which was empty(it's new) and the staff greeted us nervously. The owner was there, she was apologetic because the menu wasn't quite done and had no translations or descriptions of the food. No matter! We could translate fine.
I ordered the Carne Asada plate and my lady had the Quesocarne. We picked a place to sit and wait, smelling the deliciousness from the open air kitchen. Every table has a pickle jar full of jalepeno and carrots and they brought us a green and a red sauce. No chips and salsa but remember, they just opened and are trying to bring it all together. The owner came over while we waited and proceeded to converse with us. She asked if we were neighbors and when we replied yes she was very excited. She explained how her dream was to walk around the neighborhood, shop, then come back and cook all day to have the neighbors over for dinner. That really impressed me and made me feel very welcome. She told us how opening the place had been a long time coming and about the hardships they experienced. The roof caved in on them!! They had to rent a container, take everything out, and rebuild. Amazing really, and all the more reasons to visit and eat with them.
Our food was served in a short time and looked delicious. The plate was filled generously with black beans, real Mexican rice, not the salty boxed stuff, and a lovely grilled piece of steak. The beans had chunks of queso fresco, the real stuff, not cheddar. It was accompanied by some flour tortillas. My lady had this plate with chopped steak mixed with onion and cheese with green onions mixed in. Everything was so tasty, so fresh. Not heavy on seasonings and fantastic in every way. I think as they are open and get the operation settled a bit, this place will be my favorite neighborhood establishment. I know that they have applied for a liquor license and so add a nice glass of sangria or a negro modelo to my meal and oh the joy shall be felt.
I think this neighborhood eatery is getting off to a great start. Once they find their groove and get it all rolling; I will be there often.
UPDATE: I went again last night and had the Pollo Flautas OMG good! I need to try some veggie versions of stuff and update I know.