I'm done with Mercadito
I've always enjoyed Mercadito's drinks and guacamole, but thought their meat (all kinds, in any dish) was over-flavored. Having gone tonight, I'm afraid they've gone off the deep end. How often can the kitchen really catch a cold? I wish they would just let the wonderful ingredients speak for themselves instead of the seasonings screaming at you.
And unrelated, the seating is far too cramped. I love a 'convivial' atmosphere as much as the next guy, but once a plate of tacos is on the table, you barely have room for silverware let alone the rest of your meal. I really object to the restaurant making it the diners' problem. The food is brought to the table and the server makes zero effort to place the food. Petty, but irritating nevertheless.
The desserts are consistently average.
-
I agree with you. When Mercadito first opened I loved it and ate there often until recently. I used to think their margaritas were top notch but I have noticed them substituting well Triple sec and other ingredients when the menu clearly states something else. I have also had bad fish in the fried fish tacos. It seems that they are trying to cut corners or just don't care anymore.
-
Mercadito in my opinion provides value. Every time I leave that restaurant I feel that what I've paid for is on the plate or in my glass. Like Momofuku, I go to these restaurants for quality grub and not 4 star service. It is not part of my dining expectations.
Their ceviches are consistently delicious and the margaritas are simple, fresh and flavorful. The restaurant is cramped, its loud and the steak tacos have too much soy sauce since they changed the recipe. Yet, I still go back there because I leave a little durnk and very happy.
