La Principal

This is a great upgrade on the previous Mexican restaurant, whose name escapes me at the moment. The menu is adventurous and diverse without trying too hard and prices are modest (most of the tacos are available for $4.00). I grew up on street cart eloteras, and a lot of the offerings resurrect that same feeling if at somewhat higher prices. It's different from the standard Mexican restaurant while still feeling accessible - a family favorite is the carnitas taco ($3.00), which has braised pork, corn, poblano and pineapple relish and Cotija cheese. They have very good vegetarian options that go beyond the standard refried beans smothered with cheese. My favorite is the sweet potato taco (sweet potatoes, red mole, pickled red cabbage, pepitas and cotija taco) for $4.00. This is a great spot and one you should certainly hit ASAP.

I ordered online from their site and that was pretty easy. I ordered 3 tacos: lamb, pork, and carne asada. The pick up was easy from their window and brought it home. I had heard great things about the food from friends and I really wanted to like it but it was just okay to me. I think it was missing spices or sauces... Just something. I'll definitely try it again, especially post-covid, to take advantage of their happy hour.

The food is usually great, I just wish that they didn't give us a table with a big welcoming smile at 8:30 only to have that "you should be ashamed-the kitchen is closing and the food will be cold and you won't get silverware and I'll charge u for salsa without serving it and just ignore you now bc at this point I figure u won't tip me" energy. I still tipped 20% but would have preferred to not spend 80 bucks if the food wasn't going to be hot and the atmosphere rushed. My son has a stomach ache from the room temp mushroom tacos. I assumed it was open until 10. Please just turn folks away if you don't want to take on another table. I'll still go back, though! Happy it's a part of the neighborhood.