El Grito Taqueria

AMAZING chips and salsa! This spot is so close to me and I've been wanting to try it forever. I finally got the chance to come for happy hour one day right before it ended.

We shared the chips and salsa + guac combo, and I also got the fish and carnitas tacos. The chips themselves are absolutely incredible -- perfectly thick, crispy, crunchy, and salty. I loved the salsa which is really flavorful as well though I thought the guac was just average. The tacos were served on dark tortillas which were good, though I wasn't the biggest fan of the mascarpone. However, the fish and pork were great and the tacos are only $4 on taco tuesdays :)

Overall, its a cute and cozy Mexican restaurant in SLU, and definitely worth visiting for their happy hour and taco tuesday deals!

Pros: Excellent food. Wonderful menu*. The food came out on time. One of the three waiters we interacted with was friendly.

Cons: Dark, loud atmosphere. Most of the service was rude to the point of concern for their wellbeing. No silverware. Severely reduced menu from 10:00pm-close on Saturday night.

*no mole, late-nite only after 10:00pm

Story: The restaurant is open until 12am. We arrived with a family of 5 at 9:50pm on Saturday May 4th expecting a nice dinner. We were informed shortly after seating that the only menu available was the late-nite menu consisting of six entrees plus two vegan options. Rice and beans aren't available after 10:00pm because they're "in the fridge."

It also seemed like the servers want you out by 10:15pm-- they start blasting 80s rock and metal, with little variety: Hot for Teacher and Under Pressure both played twice in a row.

Two of the three servers roll their eyes at questions. They seem overworked and underpaid, even at 10pm. I hope the management is treating the servers well; I'm worried about their physical and mental health.

We were seated in a dark corner, under a speaker, in a nearly empty floor of tables. It was difficult to appreciate the quality and effort put into the food because of the darkness.

No silverware was provided.

I went with a party of 8 and everything we ordered was really good! I ordered the Carne Asada which I ate all of ! I also tried the shrimp enchiladas , which everything was good about it except the shrimp was over cooked , I wouldn't order again as that's the main protein of the dish.
The el grito margarita and the prickly pear slush was strong & good ! I highly recommend the el grito margarita
It was a nice place with a low lighting place with music playing. I went on a Saturday night and it wasn't too busy but service was very slow. Our first server only came to our table twice and gave attitude. We had 3 different people helping us throughout our meal!

**vegetarian review**
I really like el grito. There are many vegetarian options and food is generally really delicious. I really liked the prickly pear tacos and the mushroom and potato quesadillas.

I also like their fijitas.

The service is quick and I have never had to wait too long for a table

Delicious and fresh were common themes in everything we ordered! There was limited seating inside but it only took us about 10 min to get a table because they don't take reservations. The chips were seasoned so well and paired with a super fresh salsa, the fried cod tacos had a creamy chipotle aioli, and the el grito margarita was strong and fruity!

Restaurant was clean, great food, okay service and the prices were pretty high but I'd return.

Their salsa verde stole the show when we tried it; I'm an immigrant from Queretaro, Mexico and the food tasted just like the enchiladas I would get from a small spot in Tequisquiapan. The rice is also delicious, it reminded me so much of my grandma's recipe. The beans were also great, but the enchiladas truly stood out the most. I love that they serve them with the rice and beans, it's very traditional and took me back to my mom's kitchen growing up. The chips and guac were also great, and the serving sizes are fairly big, so you could totally skip the appetizer if it's just two of you. My only complaint (not even a complaint, really) is that the Mexican coke costs $4. But I understand, import fees, distance, etc. all add up so totally understandable.
I highly recommend you check this place out, you won't be disappointed!

Decent tacos at a reasonable price!

I came by with a friend for Taco Tuesday happy hour, and I was not disappointed. At just $4/taco, they had an incredible selection - from cactus to chicken tinga and even their carnitas! They do come in one plate for the table, so just double check with the server which taco is which.

As I am weak for carnitas, I decided to get two (bottom two in the picture). They were flavorful, with just a hint of sweetness, and the orange sauce (I can't remember what it was) made the vegetables taste SO good. The meat was a bit dry, but otherwise it was good. Plus, don't be fooled by the size - they were surprisingly filling, and I almost couldn't finish mine!

I had a really good time and will definitely be back to try the others!

Food - the nachos. That's where it's at. Best nachos south of lake Union that we have had. Also the drinks are really good! I like the El Griton and La Gritona best.

Service - always very friendly, chill staff. Good service.

Ambiance - there's a dinning room, bar, and outdoor seating. Always a chill little vibe. Sometimes the music is a bit loud but it's a good place to grab late night snacks and drinks with a friend or family.

Tried the takeout steak fajitas ($18). Could have been more flavorful but they were nicely cooked, packaged, and tasty Loved all the components that came with it!

I am definitely trying to come back and dine in!