El Barajo has long been on my list of restaurants to try in the Utica area. We finally ordered…read morelunch from there via UberEats and were very pleased with our meal. We ordered the pollo guisado, camaronfongo, and a vegetable empanada. All three were delicious, but I especially enjoyed the pollo guisado. The chicken--all dark meat, which I prefer--was melt-off-the-bone tender and very well-seasoned. We opted for yellow rice and black beans as sides, which were excellent accompaniments. My kids also loved this dish. I really loved the flavors of the camaronfongo (basically mofongo with shrimp), but only wish that there was more broth to pair with the mofongo. The mofongo was a bit dry, and I needed some more sauce or broth to moisten it and cut through the density. The fried vegetable empanada was crispy and delicious. The portions were generous; our order was enough for two adults and two toddlers, with leftovers enough for an adult's full meal.

The food was cooked fresh and they provided great service. They make Empanadillas with your choice…read moreof filling so it's always fresh. A little bit of a wait but definitely worth it.

Another great meal here...wanted something fast and good and they didn't disappoint…read more.. Remembered the order then sit policy and didn't forget to grab some chips and salsa on the way to the table as well as some hot sauce. Ordered the Laredo, a chicken enchilada and a beef taco served with beans, rice sour cream and guacamole. The place had lots of seats available and a waitress was cleaning and resetting tables.

While the quesadilla was small it was loaded with chicken and cheese and is one of my favorites…read more Nothing fancy about this restaurant but well worth the drive. Used to live 5 minutes up the street but live aways away but when I am in the area this hits the spot for Mexican food. Reasonable priced and a local favorite. Always crowded but with tasty food would expect nothing less. Highly recommend

Come on, it can't get more perfect than this. It also can't get more "Mexico authentic" than this…read moreplace and yet this restaurant is in a gas station on route 69 in taberg NY. The face of this restaurant is an absolutely amazing man from Mexico City doing his best to adapt to his customers and his environment. Mexico is known for its spicy food. Salsa, pico de gallo, etc but this guy knows how to take the famously spicy food most are used to and adapt it to everyone who may step foot inside this restaurant. Don't take that like he's loosing his roots though... you ask and he delivers the spice. Those pickled veggies.. spicy and SO delicious! Also, you may be thinking... tacos inside a gas station?! This is a sleeper move because EVERY taco joint with the best reviews on the west coast is hidden inside a gas station. Try it.. you will not be disappointed. Recs so far - birria obviously. But the quesabirria, the birria tacos, the street tacos (every single kind) the queso, the chips and salsa... I'd keep going but I'm going to run out of room. Anyways... never judge a book by its cover, support local, support your friends and support everyone you can! Heads up... my photos are like 1% of the food we ate because we were too busy enjoying it. Eat outside, eat inside, nobody cares. Chef is there to care for you and make sure you love what you're eating. Enjoy!!

Ok, I never would have tried this unless someone referred me which they did. This place is out of…read morethe way and it's in a gas station of all things, but some of the best tacos I've ever had. My wife and I stopped here to grab something quick to take with us and were both shocked at how good the tacos were. Tender and slow cooked and the flavor was fantastic. I'd make the drive for their food!

The only thing more beautiful than the owner is the FOOD. But seriously, she's gorgeous…read more Do yourself a flavor and go eat lunch or dinner at this " hiding in plain sight " spot on Genesee Street. I've been dreaming about the guava juice since visiting and will return.

This review is for early November…read more I totally would have given it 5 stars but knocked it down because they charged me more than what was on the menu. The red snapper was a set price on the menu but I was charged more than that and I didn't notice until I read the receipt at home. The restaurant is very pretty and homey. The waitress and I'm guessing is the owner is so lovely and attending! Now let's talk about food. I was alone at the restaurant at about 5 pm on a weekday and when I left there was another party dining in and another party taking out. I ordered a red snapper with rice and habichuelas and I freaking loved it! The meal reminded of the meals I ate as a child. The meal here felt so home made! The habichuelas was magnificent and the red snapper was tasty and scrumptious. I really wish I placed a second order of my entire meal to go. I am definitely coming back when I'm in the area. The hospitality, decor and food is an A!

Muy delicioso! My wife and I are big fans of Mexican food. When living in MA we frequently stopped…read moreat small authentic Mexican cuisine places in near Lawrence Massachusetts. We really haven't found something comparable in Central to New York until now. We walked in and was greeted with a smile and a pleasant hello. our orders were prepared promptly and were delicious. We had tacos and quesadillas. Both of them made to order! fantastic all the way around and very easy on the wallet if I could give more than five stars, I would. this place is a real gem !

The best we always make it a plan to stop here while traveling to or from our son's college…read more Definitely worth the trip! We will miss it next year when our son graduates!!

Got some takeout delivered for lunch got the go home you're drunk in pulled pork. Excellent…read moresandwich with great flavor and texture. The chips seemed to be made in house. Wonderful sandwich I will be eating to again for sure!

Ordered take out, 2 go home your drunk. One with chicken and one with pork. The bbq sauce was…read moreunflavorful and slaw lacked any bite or crunch. Would have been better with sweet baby rays and store bought Cole slaw. Chicken cullet was good and juicy. Pork was nothing to write home about. Bread was soft and right amount of crunch. But since the inside was just blah the bread was just bread. Chips were homemade but lacked spice. Pickle was limp and slimy. Usually a 4.5 star place has good food but this was just meh.

Have ordered from there many times. Good comfort food for sure. Just not in the best part of town…read more The good news is they might still have a delivery service. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

So delicious highly recommended definitely will be returning roasted pork and yellow rice hit…read moredifferent go get it

I went into Carmella's today for a solo lunch and was able to sit right at the bar. I got a tuna…read moremelt and was expecting to take half home but it was so good I ate it all. The house made chips were also excellent. Service was great and the bartender was friendly. There's plenty of tables inside and a decent sized bar; it wasn't too busy so it was a nice quiet and relaxing solo lunch. I'll definitely be back for another one!

The service was quick and the atmosphere was super cute. There are tons of options at great prices.read more