Update: 4-15-2021 I still love this place but I have had a few issues with order being wrong or bad customer service. Thankfully Flor is AMAZING and she is on it and all about customer service. I freaking love her!
A year ago: This place was amazing! The staff was super friendly and fast. The tacos were the best I have had since moving here to Vancouver. To top it all off, the flan is perfection! I am Mexican and this good is as authentic as it gets here in Washington.
El Rinconsito of Vancouver is hands down still one of the best Mexican restaurants across these United States. After over a year away, I finally had the pleasure of indulging in their tasty food again, and it was like a delicious homecoming.
The Service: The ladies at the front of the house are genuinely amazing people. They're always friendly, constantly checking in, and treating you like a member of the family when you visit. It's the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home. Seriously, if they offered to adopt me, I'd probably say yes.
The Atmosphere: You might not expect much from a tiny building nestled between a McDonald's and a Baskin Robbins, especially one that used to be a Taco Bell. However, the interior surprises with very nice Corian-topped tables, pressed tin ceiling tiles, and an impeccably clean environment. It's an excellent spot for family gatherings or a cozy date night. You’ll find yourself wondering how such a chic little place ended up sandwiched between Big Macs and ice cream cones.
The Food: Hands down, El Rinconsito serves the best lengua, carnitas, and carne asada. You can enjoy these excellent cuts of meat in a variety of dishes. Their street tacos are a particular highlight—add a squeeze of lime and a splash of their green salsa, and you might just feel like you're sitting beachside at a Mexican resort. The beans and rice are made fresh daily, as are their corn and flour tortillas, elevating every meal to perfection. They could probably serve these on a deserted island, and you'd still think you were at a five-star resort.
The fresh-made sopitos will blow your taste buds when topped with one of the meats mentioned above, fresh refried beans, and queso fresco. Their chicken mole dish is exquisite, surpassing even some of the most expensive restaurants in Portland. Who knew heaven could fit on a plate?
Convenience: You can place orders ahead by phone or online and pick them up through the drive-thru. They're also open until 2am, so if you're out late and need an amazing bite to send you into a food coma, this is your place. Because nothing says "goodnight" quite like a taco-induced slumber; and who doesn't love Taco flavored kisses!
If El Rinconsito ever decides to set up a location in Kalispell, MT, I assure you it would be a massive win for all parties. We would certainly welcome you, as we've missed this incredible food for some time now. Seriously, consider this an open invitation. We’ll even throw in some free huckleberry honey as a housewarming gift!
If you haven't visited El Rinconsito yet, do yourself a favor and stop by. It's a culinary gem that stands out, not just in Vancouver, but nationwide.
