La Vecindad specializes in tacos from Mexico City in a large, very casual space. After attempting to patronize several other spots that had been recommended, where we couldn’t find parking, we ended up here for lunch. This was an open air space with a long counter with stools leading to the order area. Picnic tables were in the front as well as on the sidewalk. The salsa bar (for fixings) was next to a cooler with soft drinks and bottled beer but they also had beer on tap or a full bar. Music was playing in the background and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The good sized menu is supplemented on weekends by a “Secret Menu”. We probably erred by ordering from it but it seemed like a good idea at the time however I’m betting you should stay with tacos if you come here. Our lunch was edible but nothing special. The draft beer was cold and satisfying to drink while we waited.
Set-Up
Food
Bisteces Rancheros was made with certified Angus meat, thinly sliced and seasoned with a mix of salt and spices. It is smothered with Ranchera sauce, grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and jalapeños and served with refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole and organic blue corn tortillas. The meat was well done and still chewy with little beef flavor but at least it wasn’t fatty. There were lots of vegetables in the Ranchera sauce but not much spice. The rice was very forgettable but the beans were creamy and delicious. The guacamole was okay with some flavor. At the counter they suggested medium for spiciness but after eating I’d go a step hotter. The reddish salsas from the bar added some spice to the dish, the green one was yucky and the carrots had no flavor. The corn tortillas were generous in number but only okay in flavor content.
