Ah, El Paso Taqueria. That bastion of ""authentic"" Mexican food in Spanish Harlem that earned raves by white reviewers, leading other gringos to nervously venture to Spanish Harlem and pretend they're trendy to pay too much for food that is only marginally better than the place around the corner. But really, El Paso is the home to the $50 pitcher of margaritas. At least tonight. Maybe tomorrow it will be the $48 pitcher. Maybe the $60 pitcher. You see, when they cross out the price a few times on your bill and write new numbers, it's pretty clear they're making it up as they go along. Sure, you can try to dispute the bill, but even cries of locals are unsuccessful. Don't blame the waiter -- he didn't make up the price (allegedly) nor does he see the profit on what was $5 of tequila he sighs. Instead, just pay your bill, start a fight and storm out, vowing to return to order the reasonably priced appetizers that are a meal in themselves and to avoid the overpriced entrees that are a sure sign that this place has not only jumped the shark, but that it will charge you $50 for a small piece of that shark that would cost you $2 at the bodega across the street.
Pros: Appetizers are a meal alone, great execution on solid staples
Cons: Terrible drinks, poor value, wildly overrated
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