El Arroyo Mexican Grill

We found this place on here & decided to give it a try. We were over here in the area & thought we’d give them a try. The location is off the main road, on a side street in a little strip mall. We arrived around 2:30pm & apart from a family of 6, we were the only customers in the place. The interior is very basic. The tables have white table cloths with plastic on top of them. We were sat in the corner & noticed a couple large, colored dance lights above us, maybe they have parties here sometime.
Our server was very sweet. She got our drink order & brought us some chips & salsa. The chips weren’t warm, which is a bummer to me. They tasted like they were probably from a bag. I liked the salsa, it was fresh tasting, but I would like it a little bit thicker. We decided to order the guacamole, for $ 7.99. The waitress went to check in the kitchen to make sure that they had it. She said they did, but wanted to know if we wanted the «homemade» or the other regular. Maybe the regular was from a packet or something. We ordered the homemade.
We got the guacamole in a large, rock mortar. I have to say, I think that it was more a smashed up avocado. I didn’t or taste any tomato, onion, garlic, lemon or lime juice, chili or cayenne pepper, coriander or basil as most recipes call for. We added some salt, lemon juice (from the sweet tea) and salsa. It made it a little better, but still wasn’t that great, especially for the price. Bakersfield downtown has guacamole for 7 bucks and it’s amazing. (SKIP THE GUACAMOLE HERE)
I ordered the quesadilla with chicken ($ 8.99) that came with rice and beans. We also ordered the fajita chimichanga ($ 8.99 on the menu, but $ 9.99 on the bill). It didn’t take too long to get the food. The presentation wasn’t much to write home about. The rice was more cool/​room temperature than hot. I enjoyed the beans, they were very flavorful. The quesadilla was thick, lots of chicken and cheese. I liked it a lot. I would come back for the quesadilla, but I’d skip the guacamole next time.

Friend of mine told me about this place. His dad goes here and they are true Mexican family that knows where to go for great food.
This place is located behind Hooters off Harding Place near I-​24. It’s tucked in the back in a small little shopping center next to a bakery which I was told I also need to check out.
Maybe another day!
It looks like any hole in the wall place with plenty of seating. Groups, family, friends, they have the room!
I will say that as always, when tasting salsa, it lets me know if the place is good. I’ve always gone by that standard and never fails me.
Their salsa is AWESOME! You can tell it’s home made and is chunky with the ingredient in front of your eyes. I love cilantro and every salsa has to have it. This one does!
I ordered the Fajitas with Shrimp! Coming out hot and steaming! I will say the tortillas are also great and made right there as well. Not typical corn tortilla’s. If they are store bought, well you’ve fooled me cause they looked like they were made to order.
Great flavors of course and for that dish, $ 10. Great deal. I’ve been into places where same food can cost $ 15 – 17.
They have a lot to choose from.
Parking is small so not a lot of room.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to know Spanish to order. This area is very pact with the Spanish community but servers are bilingual, at least the girl we got. I was with friends who spoke both English and Spanish. They ordered in Spanish when ordering.
I will be back. Taste buds are everything to me and this food hits all my senses!
I dislike bland foods, this place is full of flavor and I love their salsa!
OH LET ME MENTION! They have amazing Guacamole. It’s little peppery but has a spicy kick. I’ve never had guac. that way before. Something to try! And another thing, they have a great cream light green sauce that you can put on the meats and it’s also awesome with a spicy kick.

we came here for lunch on saturday (and to watch the copa américa final). they have an extensive menu w/​a lot of vegetarian options and everything is reasonably priced. the food was great and seemed very authentic. plus it’s always nice to support a family business. =) i wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to come here, but if you’re in the area, it’s a nice place to stop in for a cheap bite.