141 replies to this topic

[Bob Fugger]

The magazine store is closed? Too bad. I wish one would go in the Atrium. There was a magazine store across the street on Yates where the swamp used to be. Sigh--even the swamp is gone now.



Burrito Mussolini.

You're welcome.

Damn it, that's good. Props also to Baro for Juche.

[Barra]

I went there for lunch today, based on the discussion on this site. My burrito was good and arrived quickly. I like that if you want to stay there to eat you can have a real plate for $1 extra. Real cutlery too. I'm someone that hates to eat off styrofoam or anything that gets used once and then goes in to the garbage.
They have some pretty good canned organic juice, too. Its not on the menu, so the price is not posted - I think I had to pay about $3 for it, but I liked it.

There was a constant line up and people were served quickly.

[Dimitrios]

Want a very cheap, very healthy, mega-yum, ultra no-frills meal? If so, this place fully delivers. This local haunt is hard to find in a sleepy little mall building on Yates, just beside the Dalton Hotel and across from the Odeon theatre (735 Yates is the address). But persevere, because where else can you get 5 fresh corn tacos for $5, with local grain-fed beef, fresh veggies, and served on a scrap of butcher paper (a plate is $1 extra)? Aimed at replicating the 'outdoor kitchen' experience of Latin America, this place doesn't even consider itself a restaurant. A few of the 'specials' are priced more normally ($11-12 for a main dish, plate included), but the standards are great value.

Ok, there are a couple of tradeoffs - it's cash only (helps reduce their costs), they don't serve water (except in bottles; is this legal?), and I couldn't help think that the 'pay extra for plates' policy must result in a lot of garbage. But I'll give it the benefit of the doubt (a piece of waxed paper isn't really all that much garbage when you think about it). I don't think they serve alcohol either, but that's no biggie for me.

I reckon it's the ultimate lunch spot if you work nearby. Enjoy.

[Matt R.]

Wow, haters gonna hate. Keep hatin', the place is always busy and the food is always excellent. Like said above, where else can you get five excellent tacos for $5?

From a business perspective, not offering water by the glass (why wouldn't this be legal?) and plates to eat off must save a fortune in breakage and warewashing costs. The service quirks might be an issue for some of the over-50 crowd, but clearly many people dig this place because they are packed five days a week and have been for years. Love it.

Matt.

[D.L.]

With Hernanez' expansion into the former magazine shop space across the hall of the mini-mall it seems like they are taking over. They have a lot of seating. If I were Kane Straith, the owner of the mens ware store beside them I would complain to the landlord about Hernandez. The mall seemed to cater to a more upscale client before, but Hernandez is bringing the place down (with it's seating crowding out into the walkway, on both sides).

[Dimitrios]

Oops - apologies for making a new thread...I guess this place wasn't a restaurant.

As for attitude, whatever, I've gotten way worse at pizza joints, bars, etc.

[jklymak]

With Hernanez' expansion into the former magazine shop space across the hall of the mini-mall it seems like the are taking over. They have a lot of seating. If I were Kane Straith, the owner of the mens ware store beside them I would complain to the landlord about Hernandez. The mall seemed to cater to a more upscale client before, but Hernandez is bringing the place down (with it's seating crowding out into the walkway, on both sides).

Hmmm, w/o Hernadez I'd have never known thats where Ken Straith is.

[D.L.]

Do you shop at Ken Straiths now?

[Matt R.]

Hmmm, w/o Hernadez I'd have never known thats where Ken Straith is.

I suspect the landlord quite enjoys the food service in the mall, as they are generating revenue and foot traffic for all. The last time I was in, Thursday I think it was, the whole mall was packed. The soup place - Souped Up?? or something - was doing a brisk trade, with every seat full and lots being packed to go. I can't say I'd go back to shop at whatever the men's store is, but I'd go back for a quick lunch pretty much any day I could.

If that pedestrian mall was full of mens wear retail, it'd be a lot less busy I bet.

Matt.

[spanky123]

Ok, there are a couple of tradeoffs - it's cash only (helps reduce their costs)

Also tends to invite the tax man for a closer look!

[dirtydeeds]

I am surprised at all the hating, I have eaten there since the hole in the wall View street days and though they are quirky you can't beat the quality you get for the price! I just love all the fresh smells and tastes with everything they do. The $1 for water doesn't bother me, you can bring your own in and it saves on their overhead. Don't like wax paper for plates, open up your wallet for another dollar princess!!

From their website
"If you like good food, prepared in the traditional way from scratch with handmade corn tortillas made fresh to order by happy people, "

[EskimoDave]

I've never had any service issues. Then again this is Victoria, so I don't even pay attention to my service anymore, unless it's worse than usual. I really enjoy the food here. My only complaint is that it is too busy.

[Lover Fighter]

My only complaint with the restaurant is the obviously poor location. I had hoped it would move to a larger and more accessible storefront in the Atrium.

[Baro]

Every time I walk through the "mall" this place is taking over more and more space. Instead of moving they're just slowly taking over the ground floor.

[Mike K.]

As of this past weekend prices have gone up.

[Matt R.]

Went tonight. Tacos went from $5/5 to $6/5 - still a hell of a deal and absolutely delicious. Looks like a few other items went up a dollar or so, too. Can't say I blame 'em!

Matt.

[Mike K.]

They went to $6? Why did they charge me nearly $7.50 after HST? must have been a screw up.

[Matt R.]

Maybe you asked for a napkin!

Matt.

[Mike K.]

Two

...and are they still only accepting cash at this place?

[Matt R.]

Not sure, but I always bring cash. The food's so good.

Matt.