Folks, prepare yourselves for the best dang birria you've ever had! However, note that it comes…read morewith a small side of chaos! In the context of a mom-&-pop shop like this, it is charming and not annoying.
I ordered the birria ramen with the quesabirria upgrade. I wasn't brave enough to go for the spicy variant, for I wasn't ready for the possibility of having my posterior handed to me.
Having "real" ramen noodles, whatever that means, is something I will leave to Japanese places. Noodles from the familiar bricks at the grocer's are understandable and instantly forgivable - I'd be surprised if they were "real"! Noodles aside, the ramen had a rich, savory broth. In addition, there was a healthy serving of tender pulled meat that had the flavors of the ramen turned up to 11! Who needs ramen when you have MEAT! Finally, I appreciate the onion and cilantro served on the side as the vegetable element, as well as a Tapatío Soup Base on the side (though, why mess with perfection?)
Then we come to the quesabirria. As much as I enjoyed the ramen, this is 100% what I am ordering next time. A tortilla grilled crispy without becoming a tortilla chip, the perfect amount of cheese, and the same meat born in a kitchen of the gods! Everything was in perfect balance and harmony; and yes, I dipped it into the ramen.
Speaking of tortillas, there are fresh fried tortilla chips provided at the start of the meal with three salsas! These aren't your jarred ones either! While the ones in squeeze bottles were on the simpler side, they were distinct. The favorite goes to the one in the ramekin! They aren't shy about refilling the chips when they run out either! My only comment is that the chips aren't salted. However! There is salt at the table, and this does help people adjust salt to their liking and prevents sogginess. While not greasy, there was enough oil to help the salt adhere.
In terms of their service, some things were great, and other things were a little chaotic. The service was quick to bring out and refill chips as well as take my order. On the flip side, an empty water glass wasn't noticed, the Agua Fresca wasn't brought until much later with the meal, and the ramen took longer than I'd've expected. Entering the restaurant, there was also some confusion about the process, as I was quietly seated at the counter, but this was apparently a waiting area to be added to the wait list? Just a little chaos adding to the charm, nothing to worry about. Another indication of chaos? There is a sign asking for toilet paper not to be thrown into the toilet, and thrown into the trash can... it wasn't April 1st either. Thankfully, no foul smells.
About that Agua Fresca... it was refreshing and not too sweet, and not 80% ice as so many places do with cold beverages. Enjoyable lightly sweet and acidic rim, too!
What guarantees a return visit? The value! Not only were the prices reasonable on their own, the portions were large even for a voracious eater like myself, taking some home for the next day.
Final verdict: a quintessential family-owned restaurant that makes incredible birria at prices that'll have you thinking you'd just time traveled. The ramen is very good, but the quesabirria is to die for! Don't miss it!