El Tapatio
355 Atwood Ave. (Randall St.) 
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Cranston, RI 02920
401-944-2212 | Menu
eltapatiorestaurants.com
Cuisine
Open
Lunch & Dinner dailyFeatures
- Kid-friendly
- Private room(s)
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Outdoor dining
- Parking lot
- Casual
* Click here for rating key
El Tapatio Restaurant Review: Most Mexican eateries --- especially those that bill themselves as "family restaurants" --- take the same 15 or so ingredients that are the foundations of Mexican cooking and arrange them into tasty but usually safe and predictable dishes. Maybe that's why it's so refreshing to discover a place like El Tapatio, which manages to serve up the expected array of beef, pork, chicken and cheese dishes with a little extra pizzazz. No, we're not talking "Nuevo Mexican" cuisine, but rather an attention to detail when tackling the basics, like skirt steak cooked rare despite being pounded to a one-eighth-inch thickness for the carne asada; chubby scallion shoots make a pleasantly crunchy accompaniment. A side of rice comes cooked to just the right dry, crumbly texture; it's a bit bland on its own, but shines when scooped up along with a bit of salsa, refried beans or guacamole. Margaritas are top-shelf and blended smooth. Bilingual staff provides an added touch of authenticity. The décor won't make you feel transported south of the border --- although the uniquely hand-painted chairs are a nice touch --- but your meal just might. A second location in North Kingstown is more intimate and has a bit of a bar scene. |
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