Elote. The good, the bad, the tequila. 366 Union Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-599-2655
This is the first of many guest posts here on Best Street Brooklyn. It comes from a person whose opinion is level headed and her literary skills are only exceeded by her wit. Elote is in one of NYC’s hippest hoods, so the bar is set high!
Enjoy…
This predominately Southwestern style restaurant is fast becoming a neighborhood staple thanks to its flavorful creations and outdoor patio. Formally known as Santa Fe, Elote boasts an impressive tequila list (35 + choices) and some of the best muddled margaritas a girl could ask for.
In addition to it’s overstuffed drink menu Elote carries a loaded dinner menu Some local favorites. . .
Sandwich de Barbacoa
Slow roasted pork shoulder pulled and slathered in a sweet-spicy sauce on challah bread, topped with fried onions and sided with slaw and refried beans.
Dia de los Puercos Mole Negro
Plantos Machacados topped with slow cooked pork cubes in peanut, chocolate and chile sauce.
Taco Salad
Lime-marinated, spiced steak served throughout a bowl of greens, corn and tortillas chips. Mixed with a light, slightly sweet creamy dressing.
Although some of these listed are among the fave of the pack, I’d have to say the a la carte chicken or pork soft tacos take the Elote crown. Warm tortilla shells encase some of the most delicious stewed chicken or pork I’ve ever given my tongue the chance to taste. This perfectly tender meat sits on a slather of beans and is topped with lettuce and a drizzle of sour cream.
But with all the raving going on, one would wonder whether Elote has its faults. Don’t worry pessimistic ones, it does. . .
Elote seems to overall lack the spice gene. Yeah the taco salad has a little kick but not enough to require a flushed “ooh that’s spicy” reaction. If I’m eating Mexican or Southwestern cuisines, I want me some spice!
The prices are nothing to brag about either. Although Tecates run a cheap $2, the margaritas will cost you $5 a piece. And if you’re like me with tequila, you’ll always want just one more. As far as dinner, the prices will run an average of $15 a plate. A little expensive for Mexican food and the neighborhood it calls home.
The décor is okay, although with an open kitchen and bar seating it’s hard to be boring. There’s a slew of tables to choice from and the waitstaff is always accommodating, no matter your party size.
One thing I must mention is the outdoor patio. Outdoor patios in NYC are like people with foreign accents. Attractiveness increases ten fold. Nicely flooded with greenery, Elote’s patio holds a sea of wooden picnic tables and a sprinkling of kitschy, plastic two tops.
As I bid adieu, I’ll leave you with these thoughts. At Elote, waitstaff is your friend, the food always smells great and you’ll probably walk out satisfied, if not a little more than tipsy.
By Saint Ramsey Von Spinkle
1 comment:
Just an update on the waitstuff of Elote. I went there a couple of weekends ago and had an extremely frustrating experience with a server named Jen. I should have known things would go awry when the table they sat me at had no chair. Drinks were ordered and chips and salsa were brought out. After a spill of salsa on my dinner dates lap (without server apologies), we began the tedious process of putting our orders in for dinner.
"I'd like the chicken tacos minus the beans and sour cream, please."
"Uh, okay. I don't think they have beans on them though."
"Oh, haha. Yeah I've eaten here a few times before. They have beans."
"Um, okay. No problem."
"Ooh can I also have a side of red rice?"
"Ok. But I don't think the rice is red."
"What? No that's just it's name. It's a side on your menu. It's called red rice."
"Oh."
Cut to a short time later, my food arrived sans red rice. After asking two different people for my side of red rice (to no avail), I am pissed. It takes going up to our server and asking for the rice to get her to bring it out "with the check."
The whole tude, red rice and no drink refill put me over the edge.
Maybe Jen was having a bad day. I could give her that if she didn't repeat the same behavior one week later with a different group of friends. I won't be going back if she's working.
Post a Comment