4 /5 Caezar Ancayan: I recently dined at El Azteca, a local Mexican restaurant that offers a casual sit-down experience. I was seated promptly and given a menu right away, which was a great start. However, it did take a noticeable amount of time for my order to be taken, despite the restaurant not being particularly busy.
I ordered the asada taco salad, which came with beans, sour cream, and guacamole. The lettuce portion was minimal, and I found myself wishing the dish was a bit more veggie-forward to balance out the heavier components. The taco bowl was nicely prepared and arrived crisp, which I appreciated. The asada was cut into strips, which made it a bit awkward to eat, and there wasn’t much meat overall considering the $2 upcharge (and an additional $0.75 upcharge I noticed on the bill later). For those who don’t opt for the premium meat, the default is ground beef or shredded chicken, which may be a better value.
Shortly after ordering, the chips and salsa arrived—two types of salsa, both of which tasted fresh, and the chips were warm and clearly freshly made. I also ordered a side of refried beans to dip the chips in, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the meal—really flavorful and satisfying.
One thing that detracted from the experience was the service flow. Halfway through eating, my check was dropped off at the table, which gave the impression that they wanted me to pay and move along quickly. That felt a little rushed. However, to their credit, after I paid, the waitress brought out a small complimentary dessert—a tortilla chip topped with cinnamon, whipped cream, and strawberry drizzle. It was a pleasant and unexpected touch that helped end the meal on a nicer note.
Overall, my experience was just okay. The food was decent but felt overpriced for the portion and quality, especially with the add-ons. Service was a mix of friendly gestures and rushed moments. I might return to try something else, but it wouldn’t be my go-to for Mexican food in the area.
