Chilangos447 Manton Ave.Providence383.4477
A family-run operation through and through, Chilangos is a Mexico City taqueria that woke up one day to find itself in Rhode Island.
It offers traditional Mexican staples of every variety from tacos to tomales to tortas.
Chilangos is an ideal restaurant for a tight budget, with a welcoming atmosphere and free-flowing libations, too. Located in the barrio of Providence, reaching Chilangos requires a detour from the beaten path, but how often do you find a diamond in the rough?
Chilangos does not look like the stereotypical Mexican restaurant. In the place of the sombrero are carved tables and chairs with sunflowers and stallions. It is a place to bring the family for a Sunday brunch and a late night restaurant to hangout with friends.
Make sure to take a test ride on one of the horse saddle bar stools. Last I checked, drinking and riding was still legal in Rhode Island.
The yardstick for any Mexican restaurant is the strength of its horchata - a chufa nut and rice drink flavored with cinnamon and sugar. Good horchata is a desert in a cup meant to be eaten along with your meal, and Chilangos' horchata is the best I have found in New England.
Vegetarians at Chilangos will not be limited by choice or remain unaffected by the spicy spell emanating from the kitchen. They do have the archetype vegetarian burrito. But the more interesting option at Chilangos is Gordo's burrito - a plate full of precisely spiced home fry-like potatoes wrapped in a warm tortilla. The sopes and tostadas are both excellent meatless options. The Fierros family's mastery of the kitchen also extends to their al pastor tacos - marinated pork steak roasted with onion and pineapple chunks. The freshly fried chips, salsa and wedges of limes will leave you sated before the entrees arrives if you're not careful. Just remember, bring your second stomach or expect a doggy bag to accompany you home.
