Review

By: Mia Gwynn

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El Dorado Gives Huge Portions, Less Service

El Dorado is two blocks west of Multnomah. -- Mia Gwynn, photo

Except for the bright orange and yellow paint, El Dorado Mexican Grill and Cantina is easily passed on the corner of 80th Avenue and Glisan Street. The food, for a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, is better than most small Mexican restaurants, but the service is lacking.

The menu is extensive with choices ranging from poultry dishes to seafood platters. They offer the typical favorites such as burritos and enchiladas but also include an American menu. The menu has more items than there are seats in the restaurant.

The salsa tasted homemade-- definitely superior to salsa most Mexican chain restaurants serve -- and the initial meal I ate there was fantastic. I felt like I was in Ecuador.

All of the combos come with Spanish rice and refried beans. What they called a small combo burrito dish was a gigantic portion for me. I left a lot on my plate simply because of the amount of food.

Because the food satisfied me the first time, I decided to return to the restaurant. This time I tried the deluxe burrito off of the regular menu. Again, the amount of food was way too much, but this time the food did not taste as good as on my initial visit. The burrito was not substandard, but I didn't leave feeling, "Wow, this is a great restaurant."

Besides a change in the quality of food within a week, the restaurant's service suffered both times I ate there. Only one server was working and also bussed tables and bartended. Both times I arrived at the restaurant, my friend and I were only one of two sets of customers. We were greeted promptly and politely. Our food arrived quickly.

As we were eating, however, more people came to the restaurant and the server, despite her incredible hospitality, paid less attention to us. She never refilled our drinks.

The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get. The most expensive regular meal topped out at $13.95, but they also have combo plates for under $9.

Similar to chain restaurants, El Dorado features what they call "Fiesta Specials" Monday through Friday where you can buy two tacos for $3.25, among other appetizer and drink specials. The restaurant's lunch menu is less expensive, too.

Because El Dorado is located only two blocks from Multnomah, the restaurant serves as a nice getaway from cafeteria food. If you are worried about not getting your drink refilled, you can order everything to go. This is a worthy restaurant to visit. If you are looking for a break from the typical Multnomah fare, get out and try something new.

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