Wayne and I recently visited Taco Rico Restaurant at 207 E. Main Street, across from the firehall and sharing a parking area with Neidlov’s.

Even though they are in the South Side area that is being revamped, their building has not been redone. The floor definitely needs some work – very uneven with quite a dip below the front windows. There are several things they could do to spruce up the place at no cost such as the electric box was open on the wall, a ladder was sitting in the opposite door area; it simply needs a bit of work. However, the people were very nice and friendly, helpful with the menu and the place was doing a bustling business.

The limited menu is mostly Salvadoran, with some Mexican. Most items are very reasonably priced. Some of the items were new to us, so we had to ask questions.

When you are seated, and while your order is being prepared, Fried Plantains with two salsas, one red, one green are served. Both of the salsas were very good and the plantains were certainly something out of the ordinary, being served as “chips”.

It seems that the most popular item is the Pupusa. These are described as stuffed tortillas filled with cheese and a choice from ten other items. I decided to give one a try and ordered pork. I also ordered a Corn Tamale, and an Empanada. All of my items were priced at $1.50 each.

Wayne ordered a Taco ($1.50) and a Burrito ($4). We were a bit confused by our server regarding the Burrito because he had decided to order a Quesadilla as well and the server said that would be too much food since both are served with rice and beans. It sounded as though it was going to be two plates full of food, so he decided not to order the Quesadilla.

What he was served was the Taco and Burrito. It seems that rice and beans are in the mix inside the Burrito. Not near as much food as we were expecting, however he said they were both delicious. The Tacos are the smaller, soft ones, but it was stuffed full of meat.

My Pupusa was tasty and a crisp, but for the life of me, I wasn’t aware of any pork. When it is described as “filled”, I guess I too was expecting something larger. It was more flat, similar to a pancake, with cheese inside. Don’t get me wrong, it was tasty and I would order it again, it just wasn’t what I imagined from the description. The Pupusas are served with a side of cole slaw.

The Corn Tamale was not quite what I expected either. I assumed (something you should never do) that “corn” meant the outside of the tamale with maybe beef or pork on the inside. Wrong. The corn husk wrapped tamale had a masa mix for stuffing so it was basically corn through and through. It was nice with a bit of a sweet taste, but probably next time I would order the one with Chicken.

The highlight of my meal was the Empanada. I thought it was wonderful! It resembles a southern fried pie but is stuffed with meat, olives and raisins (among other things). The outside was crisp and the inside was hot and ever so tasty. I would go back just for the Empanada – I wouldn’t have to order anything else.

Other than the items I have mentioned, the only other items on the menu are a Plate of the Day for $6 (includes whatever the meat is that day, plus rice, radish, red or green sauce, six tortillas, and chimichurri), and Postres (desserts).

Hours for Taco Rico are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

READER PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK:
“My pet peeve as a former server is when bread is offered at the beginning of the meal and the patrons eat and eat and eat and then can't finish their meal and ask for more bread to take home! Go to a buffet!”

We look forward to receiving your comments/pet peeves: cdojanet@chattanoogadineout.com