El Burrito
Location: You can find El Burrito at 180 Bridge Street, the location that formerly housed Irish Joe’s. I sat down with Alyssa, who is a waitress at El Burrito. Her fiance’s family owns the restaurant, so she was quite knowledgeable. I was also able to chat with Estela for a moment—she is one of the owners and is originally from Mexico City. She said it had always been her dream to open this restaurant, and that’s why she has so many great decorations adorning the walls of the dining area. She has been collecting decorations for years in anticipation! The interior of El Burrito is cozy and casual, but the real focus is the food.
Food: El Burrito features a huge variety of dishes, both small plates like tacos and a host of larger entrees. Everything is authentic and homemade, including different homemade salsa every day. They also serve Mexican Waters, which Alyssa let me sample. They have three varieties: Horchata, Tamarindo and Jamica. Tamarindo was refreshing, slightly sweet and a little like tea. Something they do differently is serve fries as a side instead of the more traditional rice and beans. Since there are already rice and beans in many of their dishes, they wanted to provide a little variety in the side dish!
Bar: El Burrito is BYOB!
They have great: Guacamole. “Everyone raves about it!” says Alyssa. They also serve a variety of tortas, which is already becoming a signature dish.
Hacienda La Michoacana
Location: Hacienda La Michoacana is located at 101 Bridge Street. The Phoenixville restaurant is actually their second location! The original Hacienda La Michoacana is located in Norristown and they will be opening a third location in Wayne this March. I spoke with David, the general manager in Phoenixville. The new location is doing well, and “it’s very busy on the weekends,” says David. He attributes their success to the authenticity of their food.
Food: Fajitas and enchiladas are popular entrees. David told me that people are always commenting on how fresh their homemade salsa is.
Bar: Hacienda La Michoacana has a full bar. Margaritas and sangria are two favorites.
They have great: Tortilla soup. “It’s the best part!” David explained. The friendly and fun service is also a high point in the experience, according to David. The dining area was open and bright, with fun décor. It looked like a good place to kick back and enjoy some drinks or a fresh homemade meal!
My short visits to both spots were wonderful, and I plan to return soon. For a burrito addict like me, it will be difficult to stay away for long!
