I had heard whispers in the barnyard for weeks about this place. "Authentic." "Life-changing."…read more"Unlimited chips." Naturally, I assumed it was another one of those trendy farm-to-table establishments where everyone stares at you like you're both the customer *and* the menu. But after one visit to *Tellos*, I can confidently say this was the finest dining experience of my entire porcine existence. First impressions matter. The moment I trotted through the door, my snout was assaulted--in the best possible way--by the smell of roasted peppers, sizzling onions, cilantro, garlic, lime, and slow-cooked meat. For a brief moment, I forgot my own species. I forgot taxes. I forgot the electric fence incident of 2023. The aroma alone nearly made me levitate. The décor was immaculate. Colorful papel picado fluttered from the ceiling like festive little flags announcing, "Yes, pig, you are safe here." Hand-painted tiles lined the walls. There was a fountain in the corner that made me emotional for reasons I still don't understand. The music? Soft mariachi mixed with upbeat Latin jazz. Loud enough to feel alive, quiet enough to hear myself chewing. Now let's discuss the chips and salsa. The chips arrived warm. *Warm.* Do you understand what that means to a creature accustomed to eating room-temperature pellets from a dented metal trough? These weren't chips. These were crispy golden fragments of divine intervention. Perfect salt distribution. Structurally sound. Not one snapped under salsa pressure. And the salsa... sweet mother of mud puddles. It arrived in three forms: * Green salsa: tangy, bright, slightly smoky. Made me kick my back leg uncontrollably. * Red salsa: deep, roasted flavor with enough heat to make my ears flap like helicopter blades. * Habanero salsa: briefly allowed me to see through time. I consumed all three with reckless abandon. The waiter--whose mustache alone deserved five stars--recommended the carnitas tacos. I froze. As a pig, this was morally complicated territory. It felt like attending a family reunion and realizing everyone else was on the menu. But curiosity won. Reader, I have no words. The tortillas were soft and fresh with just enough char. The carnitas were crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, juicy enough to make me tear up. Topped with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime so perfectly balanced it could've resolved international conflicts. Every bite was a spiritual crisis wrapped in corn. I spent several minutes staring into the middle distance afterward. The rice was fluffy instead of dry. The refried beans had actual flavor instead of tasting like edible wallpaper paste. The guacamole was prepared tableside with such ceremony and respect that I almost stood up and saluted. Then came the horchata. As a pig, I normally hydrate from puddles and occasionally garden hoses. This drink changed me fundamentally. Creamy cinnamon sweetness with ice so cold it made my tiny curly tail vibrate. I drank three glasses and briefly considered learning piano. Now we must address the service. Not once did the staff make me feel unwelcome despite the obvious tension surrounding my species. No strange looks. No whispered conversations. No "special pork menu." They treated me like royalty. At one point the waiter even said, "Take your time, amigo," and I nearly cried into my enchiladas. The only negative part of the evening occurred when I became overly enthusiastic near the salsa bar and accidentally knocked over a decorative cactus. Instead of anger, the staff simply nodded with the weary understanding of people who have seen true chaos before. Dessert was churros. I didn't know churros could exist in this dimension. Crunchy exterior. Soft center. Cinnamon sugar coating so perfect it should be studied by scientists. The chocolate dipping sauce was thick enough to qualify as emotional support. By the end of the meal, I could no longer physically stand. I had to be gently rolled toward the exit like a large satisfied beanbag chair. As I lay in the parking lot staring at the stars, belly round as destiny itself, I understood something profound: This restaurant didn't just feed me. It healed me. 5/5 snorts. Would risk existential discomfort again.

Worst Customer service ever, I sat at the bar with my sister, ended up sending my tacos back…read morebecause they weren't to my satisfaction so when I finished my margarita I was ready to go. My sister didn't like her food either but just wanted to be nice so she took it to go when we paid our bill of $19.25 and told the server to keep the change his response was "no tip?" And we said no, have a good day..as we're leaving he proceeded to say "learn how to f-ing tip" and at that point we knew we should've went and spent our money somewhere else for them to barely have any customers the service should've been way better and I'm not the type to leave a review but that was a crazy experience no one should have to deal with just wanting to go get food.

Met some family at the airport in Atlanta, half of us flew in from Texas the other half from…read moreColorado. All on our way to Athens. We were starving. We all agreed on Mexican food and this was one that was still open and on the way. We literally got there 30 minutes before they closed, I hate being those people that walk in as they're getting ready to close. The host was so nice, recommending foods, making small accommodations. The food came out and there was so much and it was so good. The salsa was amazing. I can't say enough good stuff about this place. Next time were back in the area I want to come back. So good. I should have took a picture but we ate it so fast it was so yummy.

When in Monroe, we've always been pleased over the last few years about our ordinary Mexican…read morefavorite (the one named after the Kitchen Fountain), but have been looking for a "wow" experience recently. With that in mind, we decided to give the other Mexican places in town a shot. Our first try was The Party Grill (La Fiesta). The overflow of paperwork and office equipment piled up on tables directly in front of you as you open the door had my bride immediately scanning the walls for a health score. 89, if you're interested - borderline for her. But we soldiered on. The decor could be nice, but parts are worn and old; the floors are in good shape, but the vinyl seat in the booth was torn. But I'm not fussy (I enjoy eating from food trucks) so all these things we consider easy to look past if the menu is interesting. It isn't. The options are typical of every Tex-Mex joint from 1990, so we knew we weren't going to be trying anything new to our experience. And when your menu is a full-color 6-page spread in black ink on an orange background, using white-out under the price updates is glaringly obvious and a little sketchy. (Menu reprints are inexpensive these days, fellas.) But maybe the food is "off-the-charts" good? It isn't. The portions are about what you expect, and presented well. But - and here's the bit that made up our minds - what the hamburger meat lacked in chili powder and cumin it more than made up for in clove. I've never tasted clove in Mexican food before. Maybe we were wrong about not getting to try anything new to our experience. (We didn't like the clove-iness, in case you're wondering.) The rice had a canned vegetable flavor, mostly lima beans, which was equally off-putting. So is this review saying there is nothing worth saving? It isn't. The server was nice and attentive, and the price was decent (although at the high end of the market). With some minor upgrades to the decor, fresh (FRESH!) food in the kitchen, a new menu cut by half with a couple of unique specialty dishes added, and removing the office clutter away from the front door - well, then Monroe will have a battle on it's hand for "Best Mex". Is this something that can be done without spending a ton of cash? It is.

Amazing food and great service! The owner was so sweet. I'll definitely be coming back!read more

Best Mexican joint around. love this place and the owners and the staff. We go there often. Chilli…read moreRellano made right! Best beans.

As I began to eat the Burro Perron, the thought of the best burrito I've ever had came across my…read moremind. Yup. ELITE

This is for the new location Pinches Ta-Kos Shack on Industrial Blvd. Covington not on Yelp…read more Have been here twice. So much better than the one on Washington St. atmosphere is great, waiters and waitresses are very polite and expedient. First time I had the chimichanga loca and the second time had the El Pinches Special. Both were delicious. I didn't leave hungry. Second time was with a wedding party. I had bragged about this restaurant. Every one was pleased. Prices are reasonable and most importantly the food is superb. 3rd time being here. Saturday about 7 pm. Place is busy, but got seated immediately, underneath a tv. Our waitress Jasmine being her 1st job was superb. Ordered drinks and dinner. Food was delicious. Noticed people adjacent to us watching the tv, a soccer match. A different waitress with dark hair in a long pony tail wearing glasses came and turned the volume on the tv above us which was blaring. I signaled for her to turn it down. After struggling with the remote for a minute she was able to lower the volume but was still to loud. I motioned for our waitress. I explained to her knowing it was not her fault, but this isn't a damn sports bar. Asked her to relay that to the establishment. This is a restaurant not a sports bar, if people want that atmosphere then they should go to a place like Hooter's where they don't care if your hearing gets damaged. I like this restaurant but my desire to return may be influenced by this. My sister went at a later date and experienced the same sports bar atmosphere. Says she won't go back. Went back solo. Told hostess just one but wanted a booth. She looked around, then asked me how many and if I would like a booth. DUH! I hope they return to how it was in the beginning! Keep the tv audio muted!!

Great little Taqueria didn't think I'd find one in the middle of Georgia great food posole was hot…read moreand full of flavor came with limes, cabbage, and onion great choice

Never got to try the food. The HVAC was broken, the place was dirty and the fridge didn't seem to…read morebe working properly

Day one #chickenmole to die for. Large two piece dark meat portion oodles of mole sauce, beans and…read morerice. $14.99. Ate a third and took the rest home for a delicious dinner reheat. #Hibiscustea so refreshing and hit the spot. Day 2- their number one ordered item. 1- Barbacoa quesadilla taco$5.99 (it's &$14.99 for 3 w rice and beans) Fresh watermelon So good

7Feb2026 soft open day. Soon as you are in the door, waitress Brittany was welcoming and extremely…read morenice and polite. Food is authentic and very delicious. They said they will offer more within 3 months and if they keep up what they are doing now, I have 0 doubt this business will be successful. Nice decor inside and not too loud at all, you can give this place a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I will return later, and check up on this great business.

The tacos are great. Not too excited about the chicken lime soup, but atmosphere is great and…read moreservice was top notch.

The food was authentic Mexican. Not your typical local Mexican restaurant that serves the same…read morethings no matter the small town. I travel all over the country and out west where Mexican food is truly legit. Tacos on main taste just like that. I cannot say enough about the fresh quality, excellent service and great prices. Give it a try and I assure you won't be disappointed.

Every time we visit my cousin in Social Circle, Georgia, one stop is practically guaranteed: Hot…read moreRod's Diner. We've eaten here enough times that it feels less like a restaurant visit and more like part of the tradition. Tonight I ordered the Blue Plate Special with hamburger steak smothered in grilled onions, collard greens, green beans, cornbread, and a big bowl of Brunswick stew. My unsweet tea stayed filled thanks to Rhonda, who was serving tables while also managing the restaurant. We learned that Hot Rod's started the evening with three servers scheduled. Business was slow, so one server was sent home. Naturally, that's when things picked up. Even so, Rhonda and the remaining server kept everything moving smoothly, and we never felt neglected during our visit. The Brunswick stew was excellent and gave us an unexpected opportunity for comparison. Earlier in the day we had Brunswick stew at Fresh Air Bar-B-Que. Hot Rod's version was chunkier, with larger pieces of meat, more noticeable vegetables, and a slight kick of spice. The Fresh Air version was smoother and more finely blended. Both were excellent, but they were definitely different styles. The hamburger steak was flavorful, the green beans and collard greens tasted like proper Southern vegetables, and when the Texas Pete hit the table there was only one thing to say: "My man, Texas Pete goes on the collards." Then came the surprise ending. We learned that peach cobbler was half price today. Unfortunately, they were out. Or so we thought. A fresh cobbler was still in the oven. For the next several minutes, the suspense reached maximum peach. Finally, the cobbler emerged from the kitchen and was served à la mode. The French gave it a classy name. The South perfected the application. Warm peaches, a buttery cobbler topping, and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream that immediately melted with a purpose made for the perfect ending to the meal. It was absolutely worth the wait. Hot Rod's continues to be one of our favorite stops in Social Circle, and after another great meal, I have no doubt we'll be back again the next time we're in town. Hot Rod's Diner 294 N Cherokee Rd Social Circle, GA 30025

202505231326 Tucked…read moreaway from the main road is this little blast from the past diner. It has the 50's diner look with chairs, booths, bar stools & cornucopia of old time paraphernalia scattered, smothered & covered across the walls & tables. Much of the accouterments are entertaining to read. Golden fries, delicious patty melts & "Hunker Down Dawg"s, burgers & more. Clean bathrooms & friendly hometown service where everybody knows your name (if you're a local). A health score of 89 keeps it from getting a 5 star rating. It's also veteran owned & supporters of police. Check it out in Social Circle. Don't forget yummy homemade desserts.