7 Mares
El Que Pasa

El Que Pasa

891 Patton Ave, 28806, Asheville, United States

Tapas • Salad • Tacos • Mexican


"Hole in the wall or Hidden Gem for Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Asheville Nestled in the vibrant culinary scene of Asheville, North Carolina, El Que Pasa stands out as a delightful destination for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a clean, well-kept interior that sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The first thing I noticed was how genuinely welcoming the staff were. I was greeted with smiles all around, which immediately made me feel at home. Shortly after being seated, my waitress promptly took my drink order and within moments, I was served with a basket of fresh tortilla chips and salsa. One unique highlight that truly adds value to the experience is their salsa bar . It’s not just your run-of-the-mill selection; this bar featured about eight handcrafted salsas, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of mild, tangy salsas or crave a spicy kick, there’s something for everyone. This kind of attention to detail in offering a variety of salsas is a testament to their commitment to providing an authentic Mexican dining experience. For my meal, I ordered the steak fajitas, paired with their house special margarita. The sizzle of the fajitas as they were brought to the table instantly got my taste buds going. The steak was cooked to perfection – tender, juicy, and seasoned just right. The accompanying peppers and onions were fresh and added a nice balance to the dish. But what truly impressed me was the authenticity of the flavors. It’s clear that El Que Pasa takes pride in delivering a genuine Mexican dining experience, and they don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of their ingredients. As for the margarita, it was simply a 10/10. The blend was perfectly balanced – not overly sweet, with just the right amount of tequila and a fresh citrus finish. It complemented my meal perfectly and added to the overall satisfaction of the evening. El Que Pasa offers much more than just a meal; it provides an experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Asheville, this restaurant is worth a visit. The combination of friendly service, an expansive salsa bar, and mouth-watering dishes makes it a standout choice for Mexican cuisine in the area. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, and this time, I’ll be bringing my family along to share in the great food and warm atmosphere. If you’re searching for authentic Mexican flavors in Asheville with a welcoming vibe and top-notch service, El Que Pasa should be at the top of your list. Five stars all the way!"

Monte De Rey

Monte De Rey

4922 Country Club Rd, 27104, Winston-Salem, United States

Full • Pickup • Casual • Mexican


"One downside is the location’s convenience; it’s situated in the center of the shopping area, and I'm uncertain if there are any designated handicap parking spots available, which is something to keep in mind. I opted to sit on the patio, which was pleasant and dog-friendly, but despite plenty of servers around, we waited a solid 20 minutes without chips. By the time they arrived, the queso was cold, and I expected chips to be the first item on the table. The drinks, while not made from overly sweet artificial margarita mix, also didn't impress. On the positive side, the salsa was fresh and delicious. The guacamole tasted great too, but its smooth texture was a bit off for my taste; I prefer chunky guacamole, which made me question its freshness—it reminded me of the packaged kind from the store. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the flavor, but some chunkiness would enhance it. For my entree, I ordered the Quesabirria, and it was really good! It came with three tacos, double-wrapped in tasty corn tortillas, griddled with a flavorful consommé, and generously filled with tender meat and melted cheese. The consommé was thick and hearty, clinging nicely to the tortilla, and I appreciated the cilantro and onions in the broth. Personally, I would have liked extra cilantro and onions on the tacos, but I suppose I could have requested that. I also ordered a side of rice, but they initially brought me fries. Thankfully, the rice didn’t take too long to arrive after that slip-up. While the rice was decent, it wasn’t my favorite—it could have used a bit more flavor. My friend ordered the ACP Texano and enjoyed it. I've had some decent experiences at Monte D's, but I haven't been overwhelmingly impressed. It’s a convenient option for a quick meal, but with so many similar restaurants in the area, I'm not sure this one stands out enough. I enjoy the cuisine, but there’s definitely room for improvement to reach that next level of greatness!"