Judging Restaurants – El Rinconcito Deportivo

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to suggest a dumpy little restaurant that I enjoy as it seems that you have been previewing a fair amount of them lately. I really like El Reconcito Deportivo, a little Mexican/Salvadorian hole-in-the-wall on 11th Street right next to Bloombars. I live nearby and try to stop in there a few times a month. There are a few women who work there, and although I don’t know their names, there is a little bit older woman who works there midday and now that she knows me she treats me like gold, even letting me sample different items on the menu and even sneaking me little samples of other patron’s meals! I assume the food is akin to having somebody whipping up something in a Hispanic household…I would much rather have their tacos and burritos than hitting up one of the chain joints and the other things I have had (steak and eggs, breaded chicken, seafood soup) were also tasty. When talking with the owner, I was a little surprised when she told me when the restaurant had been opened for 11 years and…they live on 11th street just a block south of the restaurant so they are definitely a local business!”

I had written a small post back in Aug. 2007 but I’m curious to know if there are other fans out there? I really enjoy the atmosphere. They are definitely part of what makes that stretch of 11th Street great. So who digs the food? Any items you particularly recommend?