Rating:
So me and the bro were driving around today looking for a fresh east-austin taqueria to try out.. we drove down roggae looking for a place that just turned into a fried chicken joint - DAMN! sabotage, then we drove up manor to 183.. no tacos in site..so we resigned to head over to La Palapa, a place that eboz didnt really like the last time he went.. when on the way down the feeder road of 290, a curious establishment appeared before our eyes.. it was a small brick building, painted like the Mexican flag, a sign read EL CHARRITO.. wowoahwito! cant pass this up, its like the clouds parted and taco heaven had sent down a saviour to deliver us from the evil! we pulled in and walked inside..this may be the smallest restaurant in Austin.. it had about 6 small tables and a tiny bar seating area diner style.. the atmosphere was pure mexicana, with 4 chicas sharing duties and a kitchen the size of a hot tub..

drink order goes in within 30 seconds… nice..
chips and salsa arrive.. hmm the chips are pretty poor - the tostida genereic variety. the salsa was red and in the medium-hot range.. a classic tex mex type of salsa that scored on par.. maybe just below average, but still worth munching on..

food order within 2 min. I get the beef fajita plate for $6.25, eboz orders the pastor plate for 5.25 and a chorizo/egg taco on the side for 99 cents.

food came within 5 min.. portions comparable to los altos.. the rice and beans were par.. no suprises there.. i was surprised to find my fajitas smothered in onions.. which is to be expected i guess, but not my personal style.. the salad was only lettuce and tomato, no avocado and no lime wedge.. this aint aranadas..

evan received a generous portion of al pastor.. more then he could finish..
the totllas were nice and warm, slightly grilled. they werent home made, but they were fresh and tasy nonetheless..

time to eat.. hmm well all i can say is that it was just mediocre. i wanted el charrito to change my life, but it only changed my stomach contents..

the best quality of el charrito is most likely the quaint atmosphere.. youd be hard pressed to find a cooler looking taqueria.. maybe arandas #1 (east 7th) .. i might return one day to check some more of the menu.. they had enchiladas, a very cheap breakfast menu (2.99 migas), and even some tempting seafood.. but it will have to wait..

heres my score:
Food Quality 5
Salsa 4
Service 5
Price 5
Atmosphere 9

total: 28/50

56%

MAP LINK

location: 7100 E 290 (on the north feeder just east of reagan high school..)