El Pariente

I was really craving some good tacos for lunch today so naturally I hopped onto Yelp to see what was around me. I found this place was just a couple of minutes away it had some mixed reviews so I thought I would give it a shot. The sign was a little difficult to see coming from the other direction but Google maps was hitting dead on. No other cars were in the parking lot but given the late lunch hour I didn't find this to be odd. I did notice on the front door that they accepted American Express, which is typically how I pay for my lunches. Walking in I noticed that it was a mixture of a convenience store with a small food prep area to the right. There were a few chairs and tables in a separate area to the left of the entrance. The set up was a little strange and cramped. It wasn't very clear as to how you order. I approach the food prep area noticed a hand written menu, high on the wall to the right. The menu was limited but typical of most Taquerias. I was quickly approached by a pleasant young female that asked what I would like. I ordered two Al Pastor tacos and a side of refried beans. She asked if I wanted everything on them but did not elaborate as to what that meant. I just agreed seeing as though I will pretty much eat anything. I told her I would eat there and Kind of waited for some direction as far as where to sit which took a little bit of time but finally she's told me to just take a seat anywhere. The wait for my food was not very long. The food was plated typical of a taqueria, with choices of sauces and a few limes. The tacos look very good. Portias looked trash, feeling was more and were topped with a type of pico. The beans were a perfect consistency and a large serving. They did require a little salt but again this is not atypical of an authentic Mexican restaurant. The tacos tasted amazing. The pork was a little tough probably would have benefited from being cut a little more thin. The marinade was on point.As far as service went, it was definitely more of a take out place not a dine in. I never had anyone check on me, offer any drinks, or ask you if food was good. After I finished I went to the register to pay. Their system was not excepting the American Express card. The cashier didn't seem to realize what the problem was. She just kept trying to run it. I told her that they must not except the American Express card and offered to pay with a debit card or cash. She ended up taking the debit card, no problem. The total cost was about $7. Certainly not bad but my favorite Taqueria is even cheaper and has better food In my opinion. Overall it certainly was not a terrible visit. The place was clean despite its cluttered appearance. The food was good although not the best I've ever had. And the service was friendly again certainly not award winning, by any means. I would definitely come back as well as recommend this place. I hope that maybe they work out some of the bugs.

This is a really great authentic Mexican place. Orders are always made very fast and food is always fresh. The staff is very polite and all around good atmosphere. I was skeptical when first walking in but the carne Assad tacos changed my view real quick.

Went here a few times, it seemed ok, decent food...but the openly racist cashier was so offensive I've never returned and never will since this last visit. I'm in line with one person in front of me and three or four people behind me. I know enough spanish to know what people are saying. The underdeveloped racist cashier tells everyone behind me in spanish to cut in front of me and she'll check them out first. They do and she rings all of them up one by one each of them paying separately. They're not paying together or even there with the customer in front of me. It was incredibly petty and speaks volumes on the lack of character of both cashier and the 3 or 4 customers. This putrid display has a boycott for life from me and people I've informed about the behavior. I'd rate negative infinity stars if it were possible.

Very good taco spot in what appears to be an old church. They've got a store and restaurant with a limited menu, but look no further than the barbacoa tacos/Tortas.

South of the border brought to south off the Red River in Denton. Great food at great price and you will leave with awesome flavor in your mouth and smile on your face. Thanks!

El Pariente's Tortas (sandwiches) are amazing and cheap. They are some kind of meat, if you don't know Spanish you point to the one that looks tastiest. I usually wind up with some kind of chicken. They have some veggies and avocado, and they are cheap and delicious. They also have Tamales, and they're supposed to be giant, but I've never tried them because every time I go I have a delicious sandwich.There is also a convenience store so you can get some coke or jarritos with your meal. You may have to employ your best pointing and gesturing skills depending on who's making the food, but it's worth it, and I've never had any problems.

Only giving it 3 stars because it's convenient for small store bought goods.. other than that the Barbacoa was superrrr fatty and gelatinous.. tortillas were normal store bought flour and corn. Al pastor was better but they sit in cold crock pots all day, they didn't even try to warm up the meat for my taco so I had cold meat.. overall not very good.

My favorite place for tacos in Denton! The owner is really nice and this store is conveniently placed around several college apts if you ever need to make a taco or beer run!

the tacos from here are so gooooodi live in austin which is known for its love of street tacos -- el pariente tacos stand up to if not surpass my favorite spots there. i got the barbacoa & al pastor. i think they were out of pineapple but the meat was so good that it really wasn't amiss.not to mention, so cheap. big recommend

There's new management in charge, and I don't know if that's a good thing.They updated their menu, or at least it appears they took down most of their prior menu adjustments. Either way the food is very bland and under-seasoned now.While the location is convenient for my coworkers and I, we're now more inclined to make the trip to a different taqueria.