Taco Cartel Restaurant in Exeter

Reviews

1. Son Sco ★★★★☆

   Hidden away at the side of a hairdressers/barbers/plant shop, this tiny restaurant could be so much more. On entering, it fills you with wonderment as you are not sure what to expect. Nice decor, mood lighting and a nod to Mexico on the wall. A lovely little place. Then...... A sharing platter was presented to us, beef brisket, chicken wings and chicken thighs, guacamole, tomato salsa, stuffed jalapeños and refried beans all in authentic looking terracotta dishes. Served with a side of fries and we added spicy rice. We weren't expecting much but were nicely surprised with the quantity and the flavours. It was a decent meal for £68. This included 2 Modelo and 2 Jarritos. It was such a shame the staff member lacked engagement. He did the bare minimum and it is the lack of hospitality with not see us return. He said hello, took the order, delivered the food, no check back. I had to ask for the 2nd drink and get napkins off the bar. He didn't ask if we enjoyed our food just wanted payment. There was no presence in the room except to clear dishes. To top it off the music was really inappropriate rap. I wish the establishment the best because it has huge potential to be a buzzing hub of food lovers.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Courtney ★★★★★

   Had an excellent lunch here. The honey and paprika chicken burrito bowl was awesome - full of different flavours and great value for money, a proper portion of food rather than the usual smaller lunch portions many places offer. Solid drink and food for £9 deal too. Staff were very attentive (offering us an extension lead so we could work on the tables in the sun) and gave good recommendations too.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Andrea Smeaton ★★★★☆

   Service is super quick and very attentive. We went during happy hour, which was brilliant, two for one on cocktails, and the margaritas are fab! The food was tasty, and I had the nachos with a topping of chicken, not the biggest portion, so definitely don't share! The jalapeño poppers were amazing! Really good vibe and music, personable staff. Reasonable prices, especially with happy hour!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Samuel Gray ★☆☆☆☆

   Bland and unskilled preparation. A total disappointment. We got the following 1x & chilli tiger prawn taco, 2x ancho belly pork taco, 1x honey and páprica chicken taco, 1x BBQ beef brisket and some chicken wings. It was just terrible, Totally bland for a start, the beef brisket was undercooked so that it was still tough and chewy, the very small “tiger” prawns had been so over cooked that they were as chewy as the beef. i’m not even sure the pork belly was actually belly. Everything was so lacking in flavour and absolutely drenched in sour cream. it was clear to me that whoever prepared it has little interest or understanding in food let alone any passion for Mexican cuisine.

   almost 3 years ago
2. alicia wroblewska ★★★★★

   Very good food, good sized portions and the 241 deal on tacos is great and very worth it. The atmosphere is chill, although I do wish we got plates with the tacos rather than baskets. I strongly recommend the frozen mint margarita!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Chris Noble ★★★☆☆

   We got takeaway. They were out of Baja banana blossom (boo) so we got refried black bean tacos and burritos. The taco (yes, you get just one—not enough to fill anyone—should be two or even three) looked like someone had fallen down the stairs holding the box. Otherwise, not the worst. The burritos were, in contrast, pretty huge (possibly too huge) and quite nice. NOT refried black beans though—looked like whole pintos / kidney beans (which is probably better for “mouth feel” anyway, even if black beans are healthier). We know what we’re talking about too—we lived on the west coast of the USA for 13 years and enjoyed Mex food from big-but-good chains (Baja Fresh, Taco Del Mar etc) to amazing local eats (like the brilliant Por Que No in Portland, OR). This place sounds and looks good but seems to have a long way to go to be anything close to really good Mexican food. Seemed like a good atmosphere in the little seating area though, and the branding is decent. They just need to elevate their food offering.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Eleanor Moss ★★☆☆☆

   Let's start with the portion size - only 1 small taco with hardly any filling!?! Flavour is average at best. Terribly rolled, bland burrito. Chicken wings had more flavour but nothing to brag about. Overall, price does not justify the quality or quantity.

   almost 3 years ago

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