Review: Benito’s Hat – New Row (6.10.2010)

Service:

Food:

Price:

Overall:

While I’ve reviewed Benito’s Hat’s New Row location before, I’ve usually stuck to take away burritos and not the sit down experience. Aiming for a bit of variety, I set out earlier this week to have some tacos, nachos and a Corona, creating the most civilized Wed. evening possible. After meeting up with a friend and heading towards Benito’s, I initially noticed that they are now offering Baja fish tacos, a combination I’ll certainly have to try next time. Unfazed by this, I stuck with my original order of 2 steak tacos (covered with med. salsa, pico de gallo & cheese), an order of nachos & hot salsa and a beer. What struck me most about Benito’s hat before is the service provided. They manage to get a large amount of people in and out during lunch/dinner, all the while being very polite with those that don’t know what to order (my rather verbose friend being case in point). While this hasn’t changed at all, what struck me during this trip was the amount of space they’ve managed to generate in a small location. We were able to get a table quickly during what would pass as the vaunted Wed. night dinner rush and didn’t feel very cramped at all.

The food itself was on the level I’ve come to expect from Benito’s Hat, with steak being fresh and the toppings a crisp juxtaposition. I usually prefer burritos, as they tend to be a more filling meal, but these smaller portions really hit the spot. The bowl of nachos on the side is an addition to any meal I can heartily recommend, as they tend to be some of the best in town. You get a small portion with your meal, but the full side really does it justice. I can say that altogether, I quite enjoyed the meal and wished I had purchased the 3 taco option, which would have provided that extra bit of marginal taco utility. Price wise, the meal came to around £7.50, but given the experience, I thought this was fair. While I already liked Benito’s Hat for its burrito takeaway, I can fully recommend its dine-in experience as well and give it a give it a 4/5.