Random: I decided to try this place out originally because I was waiting for my vehicle smog check. The guys next door run an affordable and quick smog location, Lincoln Star Smog.
This restaurant is one that I will usually call in for a pickup order. The location itself isn’t great since there is nothing to really do within walking distance. Therefore, the food is good enough for me to take a quick cruise into the outskirts of the downtown Lincoln area.
Walking in, you’ll notice that it is a clean restaurant in a newer building with plenty of seating-if you are interested. Although I usually call in for pick-up, I’ve dined in with my buddy a couple of times and the nice part about that is the chips and salsa. Their salsa has a nice heat to compliment the salty tortilla chips. So, it’s a good place to have a chance to enjoy a beer or two and chat with your friends.
Recommended Dish
Personally, when I go to a taqueria, I opt for tacos. Classic. The Carne Asada Taco and Taco al Pastor are my two favorite items there. I also enjoy their Fish Taco. With this trio, I think you will be satisfied. The Fish Taco has a good amount of pickling and cabbage on top some delicious fried fish. Carne Asada Taco is your typical taco with chopped up beef, chopped onions, sliced radish, cilantro and salsa. Every Mexican restaurant needs to get this classic right. They do here. To round out the trio, the Taco al Pastor will give you that satisfying marinated pork taste. Everyone loves marinated pork with a thick savory sauce. If you aren’t having a beer with your meal, their horchata is a delight to contrast the salt and spices.
One thing I want to note is that their Chimichanga is a bit heavy. My wife ordered a shredded chicken version. It was fried as Chimichangas are, but the inside was just too heavy: chicken, cheese and rice. I think if you want something filling here, you need to have one of their burritos instead. El Portal knows how to get it right there too. Their burritos are plentiful and have all the extra goodness you expect from burritos – rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, protein, and salsa.
