El Rincon Del Sabor, Mays Landing, NJ…read more
Sometimes the best places are the ones you almost drive right past.
El Rincon Del Sabor has been open for about two years and sits just off Route 50 in Mays Landing. It is a little off the beaten path, but not by much. After hearing several friends recommend it, we finally decided to give it a try on a Friday night after 8:00 PM.
First things first, it is BYOB. The good news is there is a liquor store directly across the street, so picking up whatever you want before dinner couldn't be much easier.
The restaurant has that classic hole-in-the-wall feel that usually leads to good food. Inside, it looks like many authentic Mexican restaurants, bright colors, cultural decorations throughout, and a large television in the back playing a fútbol match. It feels comfortable, casual, and welcoming.
The menu offers plenty of traditional Mexican dishes, although there were a few unexpected items like pizza, gyros, and cheesesteaks that seemed a little out of place. Still, the authentic selections were clearly the stars of the menu.
We started with a basket of freshly made tortilla chips served with two different green sauces. Both were fresh and flavorful. The green sauce was mild and very tasty, while the red sauce brought a little more heat without being overpowering.
At our table, one person ordered the chimichanga, which came with rice and beans. The portion was huge and packed with flavor. Another ordered the birria tacos, served with fresh cilantro, onions, and a rich consommé for dipping. They couldn't stop talking about how much they enjoyed them.
I was originally looking for mole, but didn't see it listed on the menu. After asking our waitress, she suggested ordering the enchiladas with their homemade mole sauce instead. When I asked if the mole was made from scratch or from a paste, she smiled and told me her mother makes it from scratch. Anyone who has ever made authentic mole knows just how much time, patience, and ingredients go into preparing it.
That answer alone got my attention.
The mole completely stole the show. Rich, complex, slightly sweet, with just the right balance of chocolate, spices, and chiles, it was everything homemade mole should be. If you're a fan of mole, this is absolutely the dish I would recommend ordering.
As we talked throughout the evening, we learned this is truly a family restaurant. Everyone working that night was related, and it showed. They treated customers like guests rather than just another table. Even though we arrived about an hour before closing, we never once felt rushed, something that can make or break a late dinner experience.
We also got the feeling they're trying to build something special here and genuinely care about serving the local community. We learned they have quite a following from residents of The Oaks, and after eating here it's easy to understand why. If you live in The Oaks or are passing through the Mays Landing area, this place is well worth the short drive.
The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, the food is authentic, and perhaps most importantly, you leave feeling welcomed.
We'll definitely be back.
