El Gallito

09/15/10

Consistently disappointing

by schenzel at Citysearch

Every time I dine here I wonder why anyone would want to come back. My excuse? My best friend likes it, so I occasionally suffer through it with him.

Upon entering, I am always shocked at how dirty and messy it is. Last night for instance, they said, "sit anywhere you like." Every empty table was dirty from previous customers. Fortunately one table had a wet rag on it, so I was able to wipe down the seat and table before sitting down. I also find the lighting harsh and the decor unimpressive. All of this would be fine if the food and service were good but, that has never been my experience. I love a good dive with great food and service as much as anyone - but this place misses the mark.

I'll say this much about the food - it is not bad, its always just so-so in my opinion.

The service is the most disappointing thing. Our server ambled over at a slow pace, dropped off menus, took a while to bring my beer but did not bring or offer a glass. I think I've had this same guy every time I've eaten here and he seems completely disinterested in what he is doing. He just comes up and stands there waiting for you to order, never asks how you like anything, never offers the bill, you have to ask. No thanks for dining with us, nothing.

In summary, I wouldn't even mind the mediocrity of the food if the servers just exhibited some positive attributes. Maybe a greeting when you enter, perhaps engaging in a level of conversation as minimal as simply asking if you are ready to order, how is your food, are you ready for your bill? I just get the feeling this guy hates his job and our presence is a bother for him. Every time I dine here I get the same feeling and just want to turn around and walk out. Perhaps I'll protest the next time my friend wants to go here. I feel mad at myself for spending my money here.

10/03/09

Not worth the trip across town...

by sushidaisuki at Citysearch

YUK! Bland food and child friendly. Need I say more?

• Pros: Great Salsa
• Cons: Food is mediocre at best

09/06/08

Best Burrito so far....

by thinlissy at Citysearch

I moved here from California (Los Angeles area) about two months ago. As many other Californians would understand, I went through Mexican food withdraw as I have been trying to find some good Mexican food restaurants in the Seattle area. El Gallito is the second place I have found where the Mexican food, especially the bean and cheese burrito's, tastes pretty much the same as the Mexican food in southern California. Very good! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for real, good Mexican food! I'm so sick of all these high class, fancy mexican restaurants in Seattle that don't taste anything like real Mexican food. I love El Gallito!!

• Pros: Great Food Quality
• Cons: Ambience, Service

03/11/07

Best I have had so far in Seattle

by lunen at Citysearch

Having moved recently from California, I have been very disappointed in the Mexican food I have eaten from the "mini-chains" around here. But this place was good, comparable to a tacqueria in the Mission. The chile verde I had was very tender and tasty, and the chicken enchilada that the S.O. had tasted great as well.

As for a previous comment about the "presentation" - this is Mexican food we are talking about, right?

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Neighborhood is a bit sketchy

11/07/06

Don't order the chile rellenos

by notime2cook at Citysearch

I was hoping for better food because of all the raves. I was a tad bit disappointed. My chile relleno was undercooked, and the pepper was stringy. My friend's mole was okay, but the plate lacked presentation and looked like a sea of chicken in brown sauce. The margaritas were okay - we asked for blended drinks. The second drink was the melted remains of another pitcher. I probably won't return. In fact, I have had way better food at my local Taco Truck than here. I think I have a better margarita recipe, too.

• Pros: good salsa
• Cons: food just was not that good