I’ve driven past the red hut for quite some time now, but I never bothered to see what it actually was. The outside appearance wasn’t as inviting. This eatery, located in Glendale, is all outdoors; customers go up to a window to order, like a food truck without wheels.

When you walk up to the window, you can see the large menu inside glass. El Tapatio, a Mexican establishment, serves a variety of different foods. They have the usual tacos, burritos and quesadillas, with the different meats (chicken, beef, etc.), but what intrigued me were the nacho fries, which I ordered with a side of of small regular fries.

After a little while I went back to the window to pick up my window. The regular fries came out first, so I munched on those while I waited for the nacho fries. The fries had a red powder dusted on the top, and added sweet and tangy. Eventually, my nacho fries came out and I carried them to my table. The nacho fries were big, these were definitely going to fill me up, fast. I noticed that there were no nachos it was just fries, intricately layered with cheese, beans, tomatoes, meat and cilantro.

Nacho fries, honestly, is one of the best things I’ve ever had. The crunch from the french fries, along with the gooey cheese and flavorful meat is a great combination. The fries also come with a spicy red sauce that adds a flavorful kick to the fries. This meal is definitely filling, and very inexpensive as well.

El Tapatio also has great tortas. A torta is like a sandwich, and it comes with flavorful carne asada meat (shredded beef), cheese, tomatoes and lettuce. The toasted bun adds a nice bite and it goes nicely with the melted cheese and savory meat.

Though the exterior may not be appealing to the eye, and parking is limited, the food it worth it. El Tapatio is open till late at night, and it is the place many don’t think to go to, but it is always worth it.

1266 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205

(818) 549-4167

Open daily, 9:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.