Our benchmark for any Mexican restaurant. We always order as takeout as there's limited space inside to sit and is quite busy with waiting patrons and is a short drive from us. The food is so flavorful, especially the carnitas and chicken tinga. Their burrito is massive and the platters that have rice and beans are delicious as well. So many other Mexican restaurants fail upon comparison despite looking fancier or having good reviews. This one just nails the flavor down to pure goodness. Their churros are nice too if somehow you are not full after eating! read more

I bookmark good looking taco spots around CT and then visit when I'm in the area and have time. It's part of my quest to find the best pastor tacos in CT. Gallo was on my list. I didn't have much time when I visited, but I ordered three pastor tacos (which I believe is the minimum order; I love it when a place let's you order one taco of multiple types). The tacos were good, but are not top tier in CT for me. Relative to the best places, the tacos didn't pop in terms of flavor or texture. They were above average though. No shame in that. Four Stars read more

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I should have taken photos before we started eating but my wife and I devoured our dinners without a thought to the needs of Yelp! readers. She had the carnitas tacos and an enjoyed the chicken mole enchiladas, both of which were delicious. The black beans were particularly good, with my wife eating most of them from my late. Service was good. Ordering is at the front counter, taqueria style, with the meals brought out when they're ready. This is a no-frills establishment, with drinks coolers and a refrigerator full of fruit and desserts right in the dining area. The walls could use a coat of paint and the music is a bit too loud. It's definitely not a Michelin star restaurant but the food was extremely good. We'll stop in again next time we're in Monroe at dinner time. read more

Yesterday I ordered their steak tacos with green and red sauce which came with rice and beans. They come with cilantro and onions, radishes and some radishes. You get three to an order. These were very tasty with a good amount of beef. The rice and beans were very flavorful as well. My only complaint was my red and green salsas were tiny and half full. Delivered timely read more

Have tried the plantains and would also recommend them. Inside doesn't have a lot of seating space, a lot of people just come and go.

This was our first time visiting El Gallo and it was delicious. Our favorite was the shrimp mix plate which also had chicken and chorizo. Full of flavor and not spicy, comes with rice, beans and corn tortillas on the side. We also tried the steak quesadilla. I was hoping it was just Monterey Jack cheese but it also had a yellow cheese which felt odd. Still good though. Lots of steak inside which was awesome. Lastly we ordered a bean and cheese burrito. It came with a lot of rice, sour cream and pico. I asked to add avocado and was told it comes with guacamole but I'm half way through the burrito and can't find any avocado or guacamole. Also the cheese was barely there. Maybe next time I'd skip the rice and ask for more cheese. They gave us 3 tiny sides of sales (verde, a spicy one and sour cream). Next time I will get one of the plates and ask for way more salsa as it's delicious. read more

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Burritos are delicious and filled to the brim. We usually do take out and whoever answers the phone is super pleasant. A+ in my book!

This place is literally middle of nowhere and it's a no frills kinda place. We were on our way to Connecticut for a children birthday party so we stopped by here to get a quick bite to eat. The tacos and enchiladas were really tasty but the horchata was way too sweet for my liking. Bathroom was in the kitchen area, which I found a little weird. read more

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El Gallo Dorado was definitely an interesting experience. It was very true to the culture and an overall fun vibe. Please note, this is a hole in the wall, so it does not have a ton of ambiance and NO Margaritas. The food was very good. It came with a nice array of sauces that were all very tasty. Portions were good and food presentation was good. The tastes were complex and true to good Mexican food. The service was also good. The people were very nice and energetic. The ambiance could use some work. It is kind of old and run down inside. Everything seemed clean though so that's a plus. I also liked how they had Mexican music pumping through. Prices were decent, so that's good. What should they do if they want to get 5 stars? First, they could renew the space a bit. Second, they could give out glasses of water (instead of having to buy a bottle), and third, they could serve margaritas!!!! Overall nice experience with good food. read more

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Got takeout from here tonight and really enjoyed it! The tacos were fantastic. Really good flavor, appropriate amount of filling/toppings, and the tortillas held up even with a 20 minute ride in the car (some places they are super thin and break). The guacamole was really good too. Fresh, great flavor. Didn't love the queso. It was really thin/runny and didn't taste super fresh. Not docking any stars for that though, maybe it's just a preference thing. All in all, really enjoyed everything else and will be getting again! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Al Pastor Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

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Called in my order of three chicken burritos on a Saturday late afternoon. Deducted one star for only hearing one order instead of three on the phone and missing one set of the yummy sauces. But the wait wasn't bad for my two freshly cooked burritos. These burritos are so filling!! Filled with soft rice and beans, yummy stringy cheese, some avocado, and of course lots of chicken. The burrito is toasted on one side and definitely eat it while it's warm. After tax, it came out to be $11. It's a big burrito so it's worth the price. The sauces are also really good. Both green and red have a slight kick and I prefer the red. But really, can't go wrong with either. I will definitely be back to try other stuff. read more

El Gallo De Oro - Chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

I've only had an omelet for breakfast and the chips and guacamole. I went back for the chips and guacamole. They don't get brown in the fridge fast so they must have lots of lime. The register girl could be a little friendlier. read more

Got off the Bridgeport Ferry in search of food. Headed north out of BP . Saw the sign for tacos. Knew we were in the right place as soon as the awesome aroma hit us at the door. I had fish tacos and my wife had the shrimp. Additional sauces were amazing. Best tacos ever!!! And I've had many!!! read more

Amazing authentic Mexican!!!!! Had Panzita, a tripe soup that was out of this world!!!! Time to make the Chimichangas!!!! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Panzita, goat, and more!!! - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

It's a quick stop where you order and go or sit. This place has amazing food. I got carnitas tacos, which were flavorful and a nice hit of spicy green salsa. Don't miss the blackened chicken; it is so juicy and well seasoned, and is great in a quesadilla! They also have plantain chips in a big bag, various flavors of Jarritos, and super fun music. The place is kind of small, and getting into the strip mall can be a challenge if there's traffic, but the excellent Mexican food is worth the stop. read more

Wanted a quick meal so I stopped here for the first time and had the Taco's Al Pastor with Rice and Beans. I had heard good things and it was true. It's a quint hole in the wall kind of place with fabulous food. read more

Ordered lunch here for my wife and I. I got the Al Pastor tacos which were tasty. My wife got the Tinga burrito which she enjoyed but thought the marinade was a bit strange. We also ordered queso fundido. The entire order the queso was the biggest disappointment. it was watery and felt like maybe the top or bottom of the pot. I think we will be back, so I feel the price for the El Pastor tacos were a bit much for the quantity given that there were no sides with the dish. read more

El Gallo De Oro - Al Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

Don't go here for smiley friendly service they are ALL freakin rude with an attitude. I don't think they are Mexican either. That being said, this is my go to place for the very best tacos and burritos around. Their shrimp fra di avalo is amazing! The prices are overpriced and I am pretty sure they charge the Latino clientele a different price than the Gringos but as mentioned, the food is fantastic! ! Black beans and rice also a hit. Oh, and it takes them forever to make your food. Call ahead 1/2 hr for take out. read more

When I received my food, it was oddly dry. It was missing certain toppings on my nachos. I like the fresh jalapeños and the guac. It was not even a teaspoon and everything didn't taste 100% fresh. Delivery was fast though maybe it was an off thing. Not sure id try again. read more

This is quite possibly the best Mexican food in fairfield county. I've tried numerous items from chips and guacamole to tacos, from tortas to churros, even aguafresca, everything is delicious. No other place has come close. Any time I want mexican food it's a no brainer- el gallo dorado all day. Viva mexico! read more

This is my new favorite place to eat! I love Mexican food and places are honestly a hit or a miss in my experience. This place is authentic. I went with my sister and sadly I cannot remember the name of my dish. It was sliced steak with peppers and onions and was served with rice, beans, pico, and avocado. It was delicious! The steak was seasoned so well! So I had to go back and try the steak burrito. It's not the best picture, I ordered to go but man it was the best burrito I've ever eaten. This place is a must! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

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Great find and yes a diamond in the rough! For this qualidad and authenticity, you generally need to venture into much seedier locations than a nice strip mall in Monroe, Connecticut. Unique products for sale, including homemade plantain chips, the perfect snack for those on a lectin free diet. Prepared food bar had a couple vegetarian options, including a delicious quesadilla unlike the typical style you find most everywhere these days. Or, order something freshly made by the friendly staff. On my second visit, a weekend, the hot bar lacked anything vegetarian to offer, so maybe this is a hit or miss place. Idk yet. read more

I drive by plenty fo times and never tried this spot and finally decided to drive in. We ordered the chicken quesadilla for my son which was a bit greasy and plain, the beef steak mixto, queso fundido, guacamole, sweet plantains and chips. Each entree comes with flavorful rice and beans and both beef entrees had very good flavor just quality of meat wasn't grEat (lots of gristle and fat) the cheese dip was good but super watery, guacamole was very good and very fresh and paired nicely with the homemade chips. They do take credit card and parking is ample if you drive in the back They also Offer tacos and sandwiches along with breakfast which we will be back to try read more

El Gallo De Oro - Queso fundido and spicy "green sauce" - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

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We always get our takeout here and our go to now is the build your own tacos. We always do the tinga (chicken). They give you all the accessories to build them. The decrease in star is for the cashier, since she's always there and not friendly on the phone or in person, but the worst part is every time we go to pick up our food when we pay she looks at you and asks "Tip or No tip". This is not a sit down service we are getting. We are purchasing a product, at a price that everyone else charges why am I asked if I am giving a 20-30% tip??? It's just odd and the way she stares at you asking if you'll tip her makes you feel like you're some cheap %#*# if you don't. The whole thing is odd, but we just deal with it bc we love the takeout. read more

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We came across this place while looking for a quick lunch in Monroe and it did not disappoint! We split a steak quesadilla and carnitas chimichanga and they were flavorful and delicious. My fiancée loves rice and beans and he was really satisfied with the side that came with the chimichanga as well as the sauces. The service was quick and the ladies behind the counter were sweet and kind. Would definitely return soon! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Steak Quesadilla, Carnitas Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

We were in town running an errand when our son got the hangry pains. When asked what he wanted to have for lunch he replied, "Mexican". A quick search on Yelp lead us to El Gallo Dorado. Another small, unassuming establishment that we drove right past. Located in a small strip mall, you might miss this place too. Thank goodness for the flags out front! With signs in the windows and the flags out front we were a little unsure of what we were walking into. As we sat in the car collecting ourselves before we went in, we noticed quite a few people walking in and picking up their orders to go. This was a good sign. When we entered there were two people ahead of us. The menu is posted on the wall over the prep area and register. My son took no time to figure out what he wanted. In fact he didn't even look at the menu. Chicken Burrito is his favorite and his go-to at most Mexican places. We ordered a Queso Fundido, Al Pastor Quesadilla and a Carnitas Torta. Our son is used to the consistency and taste of Moe's queso, so he was not a fan. While not as creamy as Moe's I thought it was good and enjoyed the cheese and veggies (maybe Cotija & pico?) placed on top. Our sons burrito was rather large and he could only finish half of it. I managed to eat most of my quesadilla and my husband polished off his torta. There were only two drawbacks to this restaurant. One, is it's location, not their fault...we just live too far away. Two, it was a very hot day and it felt like there was no air conditioning or the air conditioning couldn't keep up with the heat of the cooking elements. While eating spicy food on top of it didn't help, we were sweating while we were eating. Will definitely visit if we're in the area again. Worth checking out if you're in the area too! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Queso Fundido - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

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This place is a shining beacon of hope in a culinary wasteland. I'm working through the menu and have been impressed by every single dish. Their salsas are second to none, the milanese torta/cemita gives the chicken cutlet from Home Plate a run for its' money, and If you're lucky enough to be there when cabrito is available you better do yourself a favor and order it. You'd be a real jerk if you didn't. In fact if you don't stop here for tacos al pastor we don't want you in Monroe Keep driving pal! read more

El Gallo De Oro - Al Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

This place is authentic with great tasting food. Always a first choice when getting Mexican

Holy guacamole!! This place is fantastic. What was once a 50's themed deli that was long past it's prime is now a top choice Mexican takeout place. Generous portioned and full of flavor. I suggest extra napkins, not because it's messy, but to wipe the drooling from the smell on the way home to eat. They've got this chicken spinning with pineapple that will find a home in bellies everywhere. Thinking of learning Spanish so I can better understand the menu. read more

First timer, got take-out taking a chance. Very surprised. Carnitas burrito is really good. Compared to Chipotle, there really is no comparison. Chipotle tastes like drugs whereas this also tastes like drugs but primo Mexican drugs, no fancy business more like Mexican street food. Really good work. I think the only real con is it's too oily but again, that's not a bad thing unless you have preexisting health conditions. Beware the orange sauce. It's spicier than you'd expect and I love that. Is there a 4.5? 5 is too much but 4 is too little. Settling on 4 because it could be even better. Edit: I use "drugs" colloquially. If you need specifics, how I use the word drugs is a combination of savory, salty and umami with a little sweet and sour to balance it all out. read more

Great food, this place never disappoints. Friendly staff and the service is always good.

The most authentic Mexican food within a 15 mile radius. If you like refried beans and On The Border style food and frozen margaritas, this is not your place. Excellent huge burritos, great tacos, and more, at very reasonable prices. I find the carrots that they put into their burritos a little weird, but I could stand to eat more veggies. Very nice people, as well! read more

Good authentic tacos. Quick service. Yummy tacos. Good selection on taco options but the pastor was the best. read more

El Gallo De Oro - Shrimp Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Jarritos - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

Two words: Huevos Rancheros! Perfect over-easy fried eggs served on top of the best Mexican rice I have had since leaving Texas, with black beans, chorizo sautéed with thin sliced peppers and onions, and topped with queso Fresca. Served with a side of ancho Chile salsa verde and three warm corn tortillas. Absolutely delicious! read more

This place is amazing. We walked in and the first thing you notice is how small it is, but you also get a feeling of authenticity. I find that the smallest places are often the hidden gems of the food world, and man does this place deliver. My boyfriend isn't super familiar with Mexican food, so I ordered us three entrees and a side of guac and chips. We had al pastor tacos, a steak quesadilla and a milanesa torta. My boyfriend had never had any of these things before (apart from the guac), so he was unsure what to expect. We were both blown away. The flavor of everything is amazing, the food came out quickly and there was no question that the guacamole was freshly made. So happy that we found this place! Can't wait to go back again. read more

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One of the best Mexican places I've been to in a long time. Their carnitas is the best I've ever had. Staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. Excellent food! read more

Authentic is the first word that comes to mind to describe El Gallo Dorado. It's a little place in a little plaza, staff/owners were friendly. Came during the Covid pandemic so we went inside ordered/paid and went to the car to wait. They brought it out to the car and was happy they gave us utensils and napkins so we could eat in the car. Burritos and chimichangas were both huge and delicious as was the rice and beans. Will definitely be back for my authentic Mexican fix read more

El Gallo De Oro - the inside of a styrofoam container - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

Insanely good food. I had the veggie burrito which was huge and ended up being lunch and dinner. The only downside is that I don't live near them or I would be there all of the time. read more

Fresh, fast and flavorful food! First time here and it won't be my last. Burrito was stuffed with even bites throughout. Fresh guacamole and chips complimented each other. Good traditional Mexican food. read more

Stopped in here on a whim and I'm glad I did. Ordered al pastor tacos, chorizo tacos and a steak quesadilla. The quesadilla was out of this world. So cheesy, steak was tender and cooked perfectly. After watching them carve the Al pastor off the spot I couldn't wait to try it, and I wasn't dissapointed! The chorizo was great as well. The staff was attentive, the order finished quickly, and the price was very fair. Can't wait to go back read more