Ok, so you have to be a bit adventerous and open minded for this place. It looks like a dive bar from the outside and from the inside. Upon entry, they will give you the "are you sure you're in the right place" look but not in derogatory way. More like their just not used to Americans. It's an Equadorian hole in the wall and they speak little english but they are gracious and welcoming. The menu is bilingual but a little espanol will get you a long way. The decore is well, non existant. Maybe it was an Irish pub with it's long bar which displays empty shelves except for a couple reds (one of which, by the glass, was shockingly good my wife proclaimed. A Chiliean Malbec maybe). They also offer some spanish and american beers. I had a Modelo. At the back, some tables a stage and a large flat screen streaming spanish soccer. The room then joins the take out restaurant nextdoor resulting in a big 'U'. I suppose for the timid you could go there and avoid the bar side but it wasn't open at the time -around 8pm on Sat night. Besides you'd be missing the "cultural" experience : ) So why am I writing about this place? Well because the food kicks azz and it's pretty cheap. We shared 2 dishes that could've fed 3-4 people. The first, a mixed grill of pork chop, steak and sausage. All of good quality, nicely seasoned and not over cooked accompanied by a green salad with lots of cilantro and a big side plate of rice and red beans. An orange red salsa came on the side and it was spicy and acidic and went perfectly with both plates. The other, a mixed seafood plate of whole flounder, lightly breaded and fried and took up most of a large plate. Next to it, a combo of sauteed mussels, calamari and shrimp in a paprika spice mix with a side of fresh onion salad. Also served with a large plate of rice and beans. $15 and $16. The two most expensive dishes on the menu except for the Guinea pig which most would be totally freaked out by. It is an Equadorian delicacy. I didn't try it but I'd like to one day. Not cheap at $30 but it shows their authenticity and that's what we're looking for. Don't dumb it down for my western palette. Give me the real deal just like you make back home. There was lots of other interesting stuff on the menu like the ceviche's and chicken dishes I plan on exploring next time.
P C.
Ok, so you have to be a bit adventerous and open minded for this place. It looks like a dive bar from the outside and from the inside. Upon entry, they will give you the "are you sure you're in the right place" look but not in derogatory way. More like their just not used to Americans. It's an Equadorian hole in the wall and they speak little english but they are gracious and welcoming. The menu is bilingual but a little espanol will get you a long way. The decore is well, non existant. Maybe it was an Irish pub with it's long bar which displays empty shelves except for a couple reds (one of which, by the glass, was shockingly good my wife proclaimed. A Chiliean Malbec maybe). They also offer some spanish and american beers. I had a Modelo. At the back, some tables a stage and a large flat screen streaming spanish soccer. The room then joins the take out restaurant nextdoor resulting in a big 'U'. I suppose for the timid you could go there and avoid the bar side but it wasn't open at the time -around 8pm on Sat night. Besides you'd be missing the "cultural" experience : ) So why am I writing about this place? Well because the food kicks azz and it's pretty cheap. We shared 2 dishes that could've fed 3-4 people. The first, a mixed grill of pork chop, steak and sausage. All of good quality, nicely seasoned and not over cooked accompanied by a green salad with lots of cilantro and a big side plate of rice and red beans. An orange red salsa came on the side and it was spicy and acidic and went perfectly with both plates. The other, a mixed seafood plate of whole flounder, lightly breaded and fried and took up most of a large plate. Next to it, a combo of sauteed mussels, calamari and shrimp in a paprika spice mix with a side of fresh onion salad. Also served with a large plate of rice and beans. $15 and $16. The two most expensive dishes on the menu except for the Guinea pig which most would be totally freaked out by. It is an Equadorian delicacy. I didn't try it but I'd like to one day. Not cheap at $30 but it shows their authenticity and that's what we're looking for. Don't dumb it down for my western palette. Give me the real deal just like you make back home. There was lots of other interesting stuff on the menu like the ceviche's and chicken dishes I plan on exploring next time.
(4)