I went here with some friends a while back and we had a really outstanding meal, so I knew I needed to take D here to try it for herself. Unfortunately, they had a large fire and had to rebuild for many months, so we had to wait. But now that they’re open, it’s even better than it was.
The place is always hopping, so you may end up waiting for a table, especially evenings and weekends. We got seated right away and scoured the menu. Lots of traditional dishes that you’d recognize and then some specialties that not ever knows. We ended up ordering Costillas de Puerco (short pork ribs) with chili rojo. D got a chorizo taco and a huarache with adobada or marinated steak.
I tried to get her to order a Pambazo, which is a sandwich similar to a traditional torta, but the bread is dipped and fried in enchilada sauce. I’ve only seen it a few restaurants, so I know it’s something special. But every one that I’ve tried has been amazing. Next time.
They bring out chips and salsa to the table, and it’s plenty hot. Which reminded us that we hadn’t ordered anything to drink. At this restaurant you just go the cases along the wall and grab yourself something and tell the server what you got. It works out well for everyone.
The chorizo taco was really flavorful. I’ve had some dud chorizo tacos in my day and this wasn’t one of them. Lots of flavor and it didn’t just taste like rendered fat/grease. Really good.
The Costillas de Puerco were actually amazing. I never know the right way to eat it but I always de-bone first, and then can just scoop all my ingredients into the tortillas provided without fear of losing a tooth. The meat was ridiculously tender and deeply rich and the chili sauce had a ton of flavor. Homemade corn tortillas really brought the flavor to this dish, as well. Super happy with this dish.
D’s huarache was the highlight of the show. We weren’t expecting a quilt-sized tortilla stuff with ingredients, yet here we were. The steak flavor was really amazing (it helps that this restaurant is also a butcher shop and small market), and there was plenty of it in the dish. Again, that homemade tortilla wasn’t just massive, it was also thick and fluffy – borderline pancake. Go get this thing right away.
This restaurant is now one of our go-to places in the Quad Cities. There are so many good Mexican restaurants in the Quad Cities that it takes a lot to stand out above the rest – but this one does. I’d recommend it very highly.
Top five things about Abarrotes Carrillo
1. Huarache
2. Costillas de Puerco
3. Chorizo taco
4. Homemade tortillas
5. I haven’t had the Pambazo here, but seeing it on the menu can only be a good thing!
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