Upon stepping into this newly opened Mexican gastrobar, one is immediately embraced by its vibrant energy and thoughtful design. The space bursts with bold colors and a curated mix of artwork and televisions, striking a pleasing balance between visual stimulation and cultural charm. Cleverly repurposed from what appears to have been an old auto shop, the restaurant retains its industrial soul--most notably through the preserved glass garage door that floods the dining area with natural light and offers glimpses of the outside world. It's a space that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The menu impresses with its generous breadth of offerings, providing enough variety that the absence of a traditional "pick-a-combo" option is hardly missed. Sit at the beautifully backlit bar for quicker seating and engaging views of the open kitchen, which puts the culinary theater front and center.
Service was warm and attentive overall. Our bartender proved knowledgeable about the draft selection and maintained a genuinely kind demeanor, though a request for silverware (heavy, well-made pieces) was unfortunately overlooked until we asked. The kitchen's pace was remarkable--mains arrived with impressive speed and precision, maintaining beautiful presentation throughout.
We began with warm, freshly fried tortilla chips and salsa. The chips arrived pleasantly hot but begged for a more generous seasoning of salt. The salsa, while clearly made fresh (its bright, lively tomato character shone through), landed somewhat one-dimensional--like a straightforward tomato purée lacking the layered spices, heat, and textural contrast one hopes for in a standout version.
Drinks hit both highs and misses. The frozen Texas-style strawberry margarita was a winner: strong, vibrantly flavorful, and beautifully prepared tableside. The Oaxacan Smile cocktail delivered precisely on its described profile (including unexpected coconut shavings on the rim), though it wasn't to our personal taste. A draft selection unfortunately resulted in an IPA after some uncertainty from the bartender--perfectly fresh and clean, even if it strayed from our preferred style.
The Santo Trio appetizer arrived with gastrobar flair: clean, modern plating that matched the restaurant's aesthetic. The guacamole was a modest portion, generously garnished with radish and microgreens, but remained fairly mild and one-note despite evident freshness. The classic cheese dip was solid and comforting, if not groundbreaking. The standout was the elote--crisp, fresh kernels with a bright, reimagined sauce that brought welcome vibrancy.
Among the mains, the Surf and Turf Sushi Tacos were nothing short of a revelation. These imaginative creations showcased true culinary creativity: ingenious seaweed tortillas that held together beautifully, masterful layering of flavors and textures, perfectly cooked sushi rice, tender crab, and excellent steak. Finished with bright pickled peppers, yum yum sauce, and eel sauce that complemented each other flawlessly, the dish arrived as a stunning, modern triumph on the plate.
The ribeye fajitas, however, fell short of expectations. They arrived without the dramatic sizzle that defines the dish, and the steak showed inconsistent cooking--some pieces approaching rare, others verging on well-done--with a toughness that required considerable chewing. While the portion was generous and the accompanying peppers and onions delivered deep, addictive flavor (a true vegetarian highlight), the overall profile lacked the bold, soulful Mexican essence one craves. The rice and especially the beans, however, were exceptional: the latter offering remarkable depth, spice, and perfect texture--the best Mexican beans I've encountered in some time.
Thankfully, the El Regio Burrito redeemed the evening and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the sushi tacos as the star of the night. A generous, meat-packed beauty, it came draped in a bright, zesty tomatillo sauce bursting with fresh flavor and smooth texture. Inside, tender-yet-substantial pork and beef each brought distinct character, joined by excellent rice and perfectly cooked beans with ideal creamy bite. It ranks among the best meat burritos we've had at any Mexican restaurant.
This gastrobar shows tremendous promise. With a stylish space, creative dishes like those sushi tacos, and outstanding supporting elements (especially those beans and the tomatillo sauce), it has the ingredients for success. Once the new-opening kinks--particularly consistency with proteins and a few service details--are ironed out, it will likely become a worthy destination. I'll be watching with interest and plan to return. read more