El Chinito Gordo

Good drinks to start (we got the spicy cucumber margaritas, which were well-balanced), tasty entrees (shredded beef and chicken crispy tacos, steak fajitas), Modern atmosphere with upbeat music soundtrack in the background. Tortillas were fresh. Generous portions. We came in later on a Friday evening, and it wasn't too busy (we were seated immediately). -1⭐ for a couple items that could be improved: First, the wait staff were a bit disorganized and didn't know the menu well (perhaps new team members?). Second, the complimentary chips and salsa were nice, but the salsa was quite bland and couldn't stand up to the thick chips (which were nice and freshly fried). Photos: current happy hour menu (front and back as of June 2022), crispy tacos, steak fajitas.

I visited El Chinito Gordo on 09/05/2021 after coming across several articles presented by Tucson Foodie. They weren’t kidding. This place is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re fiending for a tasty, cold margarita! My husband and I arrived during happy hour on a 105°F day. We began with a house ($5.00) and a strawberry hibiscus margarita (blanco tequila, strawberries, hibiscus juice, agave purée, Tajin coated rim, $6.50), respectively. My drink was so pretty! It boasted a deep, red/pink color and had such a kick to it. Husband’s house marg was much stronger, he really got the most out of dollar with the two he practically inhaled. I wasn’t very hungry and wanted to enjoy drink so all I ordered were the Esquites (fire-grilled corn with crema, queso Cotija, chile guajillo, onions, cilantro and garlic, $8.95). This little bowl is the perfect appetizer. It’s small but comes packed with so much flavor, you can taste very ingredient listed blend into a melody of flavor. I gobbled

Food was really good and our server was very sweet, but we waited for 20 minutes to get our check. I had to come up to the counter and notify someone. Lunch price was very reasonable. Plenty of parking in the back of the building. I’d still come back due to the crispy tacos were amazing.