Venturing east in Wichita unveils a different culinary landscape, one where Mexican restaurant options become less frequent, often replaced by Tex-Mex or fast-food chains. East of Webb Road, authentic Mexican food spots are even scarcer. Thankfully, El Gordo Mexican Food emerges as a local favorite, conveniently located and consistently satisfying. A popular choice for many in the area, let’s dive into a detailed review of El Gordo to see what makes it a go-to spot.
Location & Practicalities
Located at 11333 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206, El Gordo is easily accessible. You can reach them at 316-613-3868 for any queries. They operate from 7 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 7 am to 9 pm on Sundays. While they have a Facebook page (adiosnachoriaatwave), it’s worth noting they are not a 24-hour establishment. Payment is convenient, with both cash and card accepted.
For those craving late-night Mexican food in this part of Wichita, your closest alternative might be a quick stop at QuikTrip for a microwave burrito. However, for a truly satisfying and authentic experience, El Gordo offers a much better option during its operating hours.
A Menu Familiar and Comforting
El Gordo’s menu echoes the charm of many family-run Mexican eateries scattered across Wichita’s north and south sides. While not open 24/7, unlike some of those spots, El Gordo distinguishes itself with its consistent closing time of 10 pm most nights. The menu is broad, featuring familiar favorites like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, and tostadas. A highlight is their salsa bar, boasting a diverse selection of salsas, with the spicy guacamole salsa being a particular standout.
Navigating the Menu: The Highs and Lows
To guide your order, let’s break down some popular choices. While the reviewer has sampled extensively across Wichita’s Mexican food scene, the tacos at El Gordo, while decent, didn’t quite reach the top tier. The primary point of critique was the tortilla. A perfect taco tortilla strikes a balance of softness and durability, holding the fillings without being too tough. El Gordo’s tortillas lean towards the tougher side. Priced at $2.50, tacos are slightly more expensive, a marginal increase likely reflecting the east Wichita location’s higher overhead costs compared to areas further north. Tortas, while available, were described as unremarkable, failing to leave a lasting impression compared to standout tortas elsewhere.
Burritos: The Undisputed Star
However, where El Gordo truly shines is with their burritos. Priced affordably at $5.95, the burritos are generously sized, eclipsing any gas station burrito in both size and quality. Whether it’s breakfast burritos to start the day, regular lunch burritos for a midday meal, or smothered burritos for extra indulgence, they consistently deliver in flavor and satisfaction. The rice within the burritos also earns high praise, adding to the overall deliciousness.
Here’s a glimpse into the burrito experience at El Gordo:
Service and Ambiance: Consistent Positives
Service at El Gordo is consistently described as quick and friendly. Cleanliness is also a notable aspect, with the restaurant maintaining a well-kept and accommodating environment. This commitment to service and cleanliness are significant factors contributing to repeat visits and customer satisfaction.
Explore the Full Menu
For a complete overview of their offerings, here is a look at El Gordo’s menu:
Final Thoughts
El Gordo Mexican Food offers a reliable and satisfying Mexican fast food experience, especially for those on Wichita’s east side. While the tacos and tortas might not be the absolute best in the city, the burritos are a clear standout, offering excellent value and delicious flavors. Coupled with friendly service and a clean environment, El Gordo is a solid choice for a casual and enjoyable meal. If you’re in the area and craving Mexican food, El Gordo is definitely worth a visit, particularly for their exceptional burritos.
