Stunnin. A fast/casual Mexican spot that has its own little parking lot. I ordered 3 tacos: 1 lengua, 1 al pastor, and 1 carnitas. Came out super fast, and they didnt have much onion/cilantro on top but tbh that's how I prefer my tacos haha The tacos themselves were super juicy and yummy. Carnitas was my overall favorite of the 3, then lengua second. Definitely hit my taco craving spot on. I didn't expect much service, given it's a fast casual spot, but the worker was really nice and bussed our table as well. Overall a really solid spot! read more

El Recreo - Lengua, Al pastor, carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

El Recreo is a fast/casual Mexican restaurant in the Renton Highlands. There's a small parking lot out front shared by several businesses. It's also right across the street from a nice park. Service was friendly and professional! The chicken burrito I had was massive, for a reasonable price. It could have used a bit more flavor but I appreciate the large portion size. read more

El Recreo - Chicken Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

Stopped by for a delicious lunch here. We selected three small tacos as you can see in the photographs. Chicken tinga was my favorite and will come back again. Two sauce options to add more heat to the meal. Protein forward with no cheese was what we enjoy for our lunches. Well worth going even if it's a bit out of the way! read more

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This is classic Mexican food. I really enjoyed my burrito especially because guacamole was included! Rare find there. The restaurant was super clean and food was made to order. We will be back! read more

We stumbled on this place because we were planning on getting some other lunch food. Once I got here, I changed my plans and got tacos. I got adobada, lengua and tripa. This place is a solid choice if you want tacos. I'm hoping I have a chance to try other menu items. read more

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I came in to see if they got cosome and birria tacos. I got (2) asada tacos instead. I ate them before I could take a photo. Next time...birria tacos and cosome. read more

Dense burrito $12.99. Although not too busy, it took a good 15 minutes for my food to be ready. There was guac in the burrito which I appreciated. read more

Great family-run local business:) Friendly service and good food. We like the Al pastor tacos, tortas de milanesa, quesadillas de huitlacoche and flor de calabaza, and the alambres! The horchata and jamaica are pretty good, too:) read more

This spot is solid. You want asada tacos, you get an asado taco. You want a burrito, you get a burrito. You want a quesadilla? YOU GET A GIANT QUESADILLA! Tacos are hard to differentiate between each other when they're good. If they're bad you know they're bad, and you probably regret eating them later when your stomach starts rumbling, but if they're good, they're good. There's nothing much to it. These tacos were good. We got their extra crispy tripas and their chorizo. Both solid and delicious tacos. We also got their chicharrones quesadilla. I was wondering why a quesadilla runs so much at this place (more than other places), and when I received it, I realized this is a full on meal. It's a giant soft corn tortilla loaded with cheese and chicharrones. It was a bit greasy, but I mean its melted cheese and chicharrones we're dealing with -- I didn't order a salad. I was hoping there would be some tang or spice to help balance out this massive quesadilla, and since the salsas provided wasn't quite enough to help me balance out eating this, I used some tabasco (I know, don't shoot me). When I said this was huge, I meant it. We used scissors to cut it up in different sections to tackle and split up. It was a team effort to finish it. Since we picked up a few other items while out, we never got to our burrito, but I'm hoping its one of those burritos even better the next day (and if it isn't, I am none the wiser haha). My husband decided to be sweet and pick up a sweet mexican baked item with red jam and white..globs on top (sorry food coma demotes my vocab to 2nd grade level). I would skip on this. It was very doughy, a bit dry, and wasn't my thing. I don't know if the pastries are supposed to be like that or if you're supposed to eat it dunked in chocolate or milk -- but it wasn't my thing that's all. Overall glad to have another taco place to throw in the hat for the area. Hopefully they add things like nachos or carne asada dinner plates or fried jalapenos in the future so they can be more of a reason to skip other places neighboring them! read more

El Recreo - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

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Stumbled upon this gem in Renton! This joint is clean, delicious and has really good options. First time here and the place didn't disappoint. We ordered the Hawaiian torta, it was huge. Big enough for two people to share. The tacos are really good! Most of the taco places around the city serve greasy tacos. Tacos are lean, not greasy, packed with flavor and so filling. Their green sauce is the best! ... and the flan! Like in Mexico City!!! If you know, you know read more

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We felt like trying a different Mexican restaurant than we normally go to and OMG their portions are huge! the torta was almost 2lbs and the burrito was 1.7lbs... toddler hands in some of the pictures for reference. Staff is super friendly this place is a hidden gem. The bread for torta was really good. All the meats had good flavor. Definitely amazing bang for buck. read more

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Hubby got 5 carne asada tacos. I got the pastor burrito. We also got churros. Nothing fancy, good food. We got to go. Got to try the torta next time read more

El Recreo - Cold beverages. - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

Deli next door out of Banh Mi and glad they were. This place is awesome for tacos and torts. Can't wait to try everything else. Super happy and friendly folks running it. read more

El Recreo - Cubana Torta - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

The restaurant is clean and set up with social distancing signage and tables. We ordered the Cubana torta, and it was huge. What was odd was the the meats weren't layered together but put together so that there was a type of meat per section of sandwich. The green and red salsa were pretty decent and had a nice kick to add some flavor to the torta. I hope it was just a off day for them since the place was very clean and inviting. Have to try other items on the menu and see but hope they pick it up since there are lots of good Mexican restaurants in the area. read more

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Great food, will be coming back. Informal sit-down dining, order at the counter and take a seat. Friendly service and great food. The menu is pretty extensive, so it's worth coming back! The Cubana Torta was huge, had a big lunch and plenty of leftovers! The taco meat is great too, definitely try a taco here! read more

El Recreo - Cubana Torta - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

Such a cute little spot in Renton! Clean and super friendly restaurant. I ordered the Suadero and Tripas Tacos. I believe Suadero is two types of beef meat. The meat was perfectly seasoned- not too salty that the homemade salsa went well with it. Salsa was full of flavor! I definitely will be back to try the other dishes! read more

El Recreo - Suadero tacos - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

This restaurant engages in deceptive and fraudulent manipulation of their prices. They advertise a price, offer a discount for cash, then they jack up the price in the cash register and discount the inflated price to charge you the normal, advertised price. When you question it, they just say "the price is higher because of taxes." But the fact is that this price manipulation happens prior to taxes being applied. In some cases, even though they promise a discount for cash, they 'forget' to apply the discount to the higher price and charge you the inflated price for the item. read more

Good service friendly very clean Yummy everything Les recomiendo mucho este restaurante muy limpio amistoso y se siente en casa read more

Portions are huge. I barely finished half of this. They are quick to serve and i also like their salsas. I will come again definitely because it's so much food and they have so many options. read more

El Recreo - Cubana Torta - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

Large portions and tasty food. Look at the pictures they are a good representation of what you get.

delicious and authentic Mexican food, excellent costumer's service, family owned restaurant. read more

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Love the Vietnamese deli next door but it was closed on a day we needed a quick lunch so great opportunity to try El Recreo that I've passed by so many times before. Definitely did not disappoint. The carne asada torta was ginormous, with generous amount of meat and filling and the bread so soft and fluffy. It was large enough to share with hubby and we were both stuffed. Also got the al pastor tacos which my toddler enjoyed. Word of caution though, slightly messy to eat as the tacos only wrapped with one corn tortilla each. We were here on a weekend and saw others who had the lamb soup special and it looked delicious, will def come back to try this sometime. There was a bit of a wait as we came during lunch time and there were both to-go orders and seated guests so make sure to call ahead if you are in a rush. read more

This small esthetic Mexican food. The place is small clean and has a ethentic mexican feel. I ate a steak Torta that was both delicious and huge. I saved 1/2 and ate it the next day. This restaurant is a true gem in Renton. read more

Hmmm! So this place may of opened in July or in Aug but I wanted to try this place once it opened! Yippee! So we ordered a Cubana Torta, Campechano Tacos (you get 5 tacos), flan, churros and Chorizo Gordita. So the Cubana Torta....this is not what o expected! They put sliced hotdogs in the Cubana! It was so wrong!!! If anyone saw the movie "Chef" they made Cubana's and they used smoked pork or smoked brisket but man this didn't look anything like that! Hotdogs?! Come on!!! Onto the Campechano Tacos. You get 5 tacos with your choice of meat. We got 3 carne asada and 2 al pastor meats! It was tasty without the red and/or green hot sauce but I put both and the marinated jalapeño slices! To me the tacos tasted better with the red and green hot sauces and the pickles jalapeño! The Chorizo Gordita was ok but the meat looked and tasted like it was sitting in a hot container on a hot table that they heated up and put together to make the Gordita! Not to impressive! The Gordita at Taco Bell is softer and cheesy! The desserts! Flan and churros with chocolate. I asked if we can have the chocolate on the side, did they hell no! Made churros a little soggy! In truth the flan came in a maybe 12 ounce cup! What was very disappointing.....tasteless! It tasted more like tasteless custard than flan!!! Disappointing indeed!!! So in conclusion, would try the other meats for the Campechano Tacos may be the better deal. But I have a rule! Disappoint once, give another chance! Disappointed twice, say good bye!!! Update 8-20-20: So I was called a dumb ass because of this review! Because of this, I was going to give this place another try but i guess I won't because the person Realdeano_L. Who lives in San Francisco, CA apparently doesn't realize it's just a review! They take it with a grain of salt or just get better! So good luck and make sure you come up here Realdeano and support this restaurant! read more

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My wife and I enjoyed this place. The food was great. My favorite was the torta. Only 3 tables to sit at due to COVID restrictions. The staff cleaned the table before we sat down when we asked them to. read more

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These carne asada fries cured my depression. 100% recommend going here. I thought Washington had no hope when it came to Mexican food (I'm from Phoenix) but this place proved me wrong! read more

Decent! Will come again! Came in for a quick bite while I wait for my kiddo during his dance lesson. read more

El Recreo - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

AMAZING FOOD, I've had a torta and that thing is huge I ate half and saved rest for home. Hot food everything taste fresh. The drinks are cold and good.. RECOMMEND 10/10 .. I don't eat Mexican food often but this one beats all of them .. read more

El Recreo - Super Cubana Torta - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

The food was stellar, so good!!! Great options, amazing salsa. We're absolutely coming back as often as possible. They even have a breakfast menu . The restaurant was so clean, like SPOTLESS. And they were quick! Literally couldn't ask for a better experience. Thank you!!! read more

El Recreo - Al Pastor and Carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Renton, Washington

Very yummy and authentic food! The gorditas are huge! My mom and I love finding unique spots like these. We'll definitely be back to try more delicious menu options. read more

The BIRRIA is soooo good. They should make it a permanent menu item. So far I think they're only selling it on the weekends.

El Recreo Restaurant Renton, Washington June 1, 2023 Eons ago, we were in Tucson AZ helping our son renovate his just purchased "rooms-for-rent" rental property. Working with a team of Mexican Sheetrock installers, I asked them for the name of a good Mexican restaurant for lunch. They provided a name and then I asked, "...is that where you go for lunch?" The answer was a resounding "No!" and then they explained they always went to "Juanita's." We asked why and they responded with "Truly Authentic Mexican Cooking!" Today, in Renton we walked into El Recreo and found ourselves friendly surrounded by house painters, landscapers, construction workers as well as city employees...all Truly enjoying "AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE... What a wonderful discovery. Thank You YELPERS for directing us to Five Star: El Recreo's. Overall: Service = Friendly; Preparation Time = It's authentic, not fast food {allow a few extra minutes; you'll agree, a little wait is worth it}; Food = Excellent; Staff = Helpful with a Smile; Other Patrons = ALL Friendly. read more

Great for antojitos mexicanos. I had barbacoa tacos that we're super tender and gordita de chicharrón so good. I'll be back for more .

I feel like this place is being overlooked! An absolute gem in the middle of Renton. We came here on a whim because we always go to the Vietnamese deli next door. Service is awesome and you really can't go wrong with any of the tacos or quesadillas. The horchata is also really good. Definitely check this place out! read more

The reason why I love Renton is the diversity of culture our City embraces and we have a lot of the best Mexican places in Seattle. I've gone to another well known place and met people who drove from the north end of Seattle to find authentic Mexican place and Renton is it. El Recreo made me feel as if I was in Mexico especially with the Shell gas station across the street. The owner said they are from Mexico City and they have made this Resturant feel like we've traveled there. I like how the restaurant has a theme and coming from retail design, I appreciate that they took their idea to a consistent caring look. They are so kind and very thoughtful and the portions of meat are generous and the Cubana Torta is good for two/three people. I liked thhot dogs, for me, it brought me back to simpler times and being part Korean it's a part of our history in time. Most of these foods could be served on the street and I felt that it was one like the ones I had in South Central LA. read more

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If you're looking for yummy tacos you need to go and check out this new taco spot in the Renton Highlands. They opened a couple of weeks ago and I've been there 4 times already. So far, I've tried the lengua, asada, suadero and the carnitas tacos and they did not dissppoint. But I would have to say the lengua tacos are my favorite!! The meat is so tender and seasoned perfectly!! They also have churros on the menu that I've yet to try. I'm definitely coming back for more tacos and to try out the churros. read more

They have excellent service. I go and enjoy my lunch at this place el recreo.the first day I came I order tacos with not onions when they open .when order tacos the cook say no ONIONS him remember haw I like my tacos.another places your order TACOS CARNE ASADA THEY SERVED 1/2LBS ONIOS. read more

wow! I'm completely in love with this place. It provides such a welcoming environment! and let me tell you the food !!!!!!!!!!! I am from Guatemala but have always loved Mexican food. I ordered a torta from here and it will for sure be my new daily!!! thank you Recreo! I also ordered a quesadilla for my mother and she also loved it! My new local place ! thank you !! read more

I usually don't eat out as much, but El Recreo is the spot I'll come to always when I'm wanting to eat. They have a variety of different items to try, very authentic, I love it. I love how the owners really want to share with us their TRADITIONAL style of cooking and ingredients that you can't find no where else. I just ordered 3 carne asada burritos and a quesadilla with carne asada, the usual, and as always, El Recreo never fails! read more

Best place ever! AMAZING customer service and the place is very nice and clean! Their carnitas tacos are sooo goood, a must try!