Rio Linda is a haven for Mexican food lovers, with countless taco trucks, family-owned restaurants, and even a local gem, Taqueria Mi Lindo Apatzingan, that’s garnered recognition beyond the region. But with so many options, can a newcomer carve out its niche?
El Rinconsito De Jalisco has taken over the spot previously occupied by BG’s and a string of other restaurants that struggled to find a foothold. Intrigued, my spouse and I ventured out for a Wednesday night dinner to see if this latest contender could win over our taste buds.
Appetizers and Atmosphere:
We started with a chicken quesadilla, a crowd-pleaser served with a vibrant pico de gallo and a cool avocado sauce. The portion was generous, overflowing with melted cheese and tender chicken. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, perfect for a relaxed weeknight meal.
Entrees: A Tale of Two Dishes
My Chile Relleno was a visual delight. The Poblano (Anaheim?) pepper boasted a golden, medium-crisp egg batter, filled with melty cheese. It arrived with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, and a flavorful sauce. As a self-proclaimed Chile Relleno aficionado, I found it to be good, but not quite great. It lacked the warmth I crave, and the overall dish felt a touch bland. While I understand salt is a personal preference, a sprinkle could have elevated the flavors.
My wife’s chicken fajitas presented a surprise. Unlike the sizzling platters overflowing with peppers, onions, cheese, crema, and guacamole we typically encounter, El Rinconsito’s version arrived on a plate with just the chicken, beans, and rice. The hot corn tortillas, possibly house-made judging by their delightful texture, were a highlight. However, the chicken, while flavorful, was a bit dry and lacked the caramelized bits we associate with fajitas. This difference in preparation could be a cultural variation, but it left us slightly confused about what to expect.
A Market Saturated, But Opportunity Awaits
The restaurant business is unforgiving, especially in a market as saturated as Rio Linda’s. With established favorites like Taqueria Mi Lindo Apatzingan, Tinoco’s, and Xochimilco just a stone’s throw away, El Rinconsito De Jalisco faces an uphill battle.
The pricing was reasonable, offering good value for the portions. However, for us, the overall experience fell just short. The recent arrival of The Grotto and a new sushi restaurant replacing Villa Fat, coupled with Rio Pub’s revamped menu and Creekside Diner’s seemingly upped game, further intensifies the competition.
The Verdict: A Promising Newcomer Needs Time to Shine
Despite the competitive landscape, the Rio Linda community is ultimately the winner, with a wider array of dining options than ever before. While El Rinconsito De Jalisco may not have fully swayed us this time, there are positive aspects to consider. The friendly atmosphere and flavorful ingredients offer a solid foundation.
We plan to revisit El Rinconsito De Jalisco in three months, confident that with time and experience, they can refine their offerings and become a more compelling contender in Rio Linda’s vibrant Mexican food scene.
El Rinconsito De Jalisco is located in the old BG’s building at 6730 Rio Linda Blvd in Rio Linda. Their hours are varied, and they are closed Monday and Tuesday.
(Rio Linda Online strives to provide honest and unbiased restaurant reviews. All meals reviewed are purchased by the reviewer at their own expense. No complimentary meals or other incentives are accepted in exchange for a review. This ensures that all opinions expressed are independent and reflect the true dining experience.)
