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There has long been a vibrant Mexican community in West Chester, but rarely has it been seen or recognized on the most popular streets of WC. Not anymore! Blanca and Yeurvia Mayo, a mother and daughter duo, opened their fledgling business last friday, May 5, at 39 W. Gay Street (the old New York Sandwiches place) that celebrates the core of Mexican culture: it’s delicious food.
For their first two weeks of business, they offer a special “prix fixe”menu featuring choices of favorite appetizers, entrees, and desserts for a flat $15. After that, they plan on a regular menu with rotating specials. Hours are from 11:00 am - 3:30 (ish) pm for a busy, bustling lunch crowd - they keep things moving so the fast-paced business lunch crowd can come in and out well just in time to get back to the office. They re-open at 5:00 pm, with an entirely new menu for their full-service dinner. Take out is an option, and so will be catering, as soon as they settle down in good ol’ West Chester.
Their originiality, in addition to their gorgeously revamped interior, outdoor seating and reasonably priced menu will draw crowds - WCDish guarantees it!
El Portal Mexican Restaurante
39 W. Gay Street
About the Author
Sarah's dream job is to own a small cafe and bookstore and if that doesn’t work out she wants to be homeless in Europe. In the mean time she's exploring and reporting on the wide and wonderful world of WC Restaurants.
More About Sarah Reese...6 Comments So Far
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When I was in school,up in State College, we had an amazing Mexican place called La Bambas which was famous for one thing: ‘Burritos the size of your head’. When you grew up with people quoting So I Married An Axe Murderer lines at you ‘HEED! PANTS! NOW!’, that’s a scary burrito. Now I don’t know if El Portal’s can top that marketing gimmick, but I can’t wait to taste their food, whatever size it is.
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As a diner on their first official night, I was impressed with the meal. Who can beat $15 for an appetizer, soup, entree and dessert! The stuffed pepper that I chose for my entree was simply delicious. I am looking forward to go back for lunch!
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We stopped by there tonight after the swingin summer thursday. It was empty inside but a few folks were eating outside. We were very disappointed that the $15 special is already gone. Today they started with a menu. We got a taco platter and what I thought was an enchilada platter with some steak, but it was really a big piece of steak with some small enchiladas.
Generally I thought the menu could have more choices and the prices could be a little better but I guess it is standard for downtown west chester.
They brought out great homemade fried tortilla strips served with pico de gallo.
The taco platter ($10?) was not bad. The tacos seemed a bit “dry”, served with pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. I really liked the refried black beans.
The steak ($11?) was ok but somewhat try and tough and not that well flavored. The “enchiladas” were basically 2 folded tortillas with some chopped chicken on top. I really like the mole sauce and the flavor. I mostly just wished they were more the focus rather than an apparent side dish.
Service was good and everyone was pleasant and kept asking if everything was good.
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Wow, what a disaster. I took a group of coworkers there for a birthday lunch and I was the only one out of the 6 who liked their meal and didn’t actually feel ill afterwards. I had some sort of pork sandwich, btw, if you’re set on going there.
The clincher of the experience was the fact that they “ran out of cheese for five minutes” and substituted american cheese in my friends quesadilla. That right there confirms they won’t be open in 6 months.
Who wants to start a pool?
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The dinner started out good, with fresh made salsa and chips, and a delicious chorizo queso dip. Sadly the entrees didn’t live up to the prelude. Flank steak was tough and tastless, though the chicken enchilada mole served with it was more appetizing. Beef quesadillas were undistinguished. Service was very attentive, and the restaurant is comfortable and pleasantly decorated.
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I thought this was a horrible experienc from start to finish. Our waiter was horrible. Menu didn’t have much of a selection and it wasn’t very tastey. Couldn’t even finish. 5 people from work have agreed with everything
I just said. Save your appetites for something better. But on the plus side the place was very cute inside.