El Palmero

This used to be the place I’d go weekly when I’d want to sit and munch on some warm complimentary chips while I choose my lunch. Since they’ve stopped offering this, and have changed to an «order at the counter, chips are extra» model, I haven’t found a reason to return. There are too many other similar counter service options downtown that execute the food better.

We found this place by getting lost :) And it was a great a find. This small restaurant had great cheap Mexican food. There was a man sitting in the corner playing his violin adding to the atmosphere. The waitresses were prompt and friendly and the food arrived quickly and met all of our expectations. This was a great place to have a cheap quick dinner — and probably even more appropriate for lunch.

El Palmero would most likely be my absolute favorite lunch spot downtown –if– they made a few tweaks. As it stands, I could see myself coming here maybe once a month or so to get my fix.
The restaurant is spacious with seating arranged comfortably both for smaller parties and large groups. And they have a fantastic happy hour menu that includes veggie options like potato taquitos (!). I would definitely recommend this as a great spot to take a crowd of coworkers who want to get happily drunk. Truly, is there a finer after-​hours combination than margarita + fried foods with salsa? I don’t think so.
The salsa is a bit on the salty side for my tastes, but it is always fresh and salt aside, has some interesting zip to it. I was drawn in off the street initially by the declaration that they serve Peruvian food in addition to Mexican. However, when I was presented with the menu I was saddened to see that the lunch specials menu did not contain a single Peruvian dish.
My plate of lomo saltado (strips of beef, potatoes, and slices of tomatoes fried up in a savory sauce & served with rice) set me back $ 12 at lunch time. If El Palmero added some Peruvian options to the ~$ 6 lunch menu, I’d be in here every week!