El Michoacano Restaurant

Update: Last I hear the place closed.
My uncle and I take day trips here… and I only go for join him and spend time. He goes for the catfish. I am sure there are better places in Los Banos.
Their seafood is perhaps the best choice, shrimp or fried catfish (Vagre).
Avoid their restrooms! Also the business is for sale so there may be a change coming soon.

Wow!!! I’ll keep it short and simple. WORST mexican food I’ve ever had and I don’t even understand why, the cooks are mexican, why is the food so bad? Because it’s canned beans, pre made rice from days ago, overly greasy and salty food! I got the fajita trio thinking it would be healthier, it was doused in oil and the meat was tough and flavorless. My friend got the enchiladas and they were super salty, my nieces carnitas were dry as hell! If you’re in Los Banos, there isn’t much to choose from but definitely just go to a taco shop, its much better than having microwaved food. bottomline, the food here is SHIT!

Good things: Decent chile verde, fresh hot chips replenished often (the bowl is definitely too small), salsa with chunks of avocado in it. Cold Negra Modelo plunked down with a lemon slice less than 30 seconds after I ordered it. Muy authentico refried beans with lard. Savory fajitas.
Not so good things: French fries served with all complete dinners (?). The full dinners were a little pricey. Only two homemade corn tortillas were provided with the fajitas.
Unknowns: Mariscos, supposedly their specialty. I can’t eat seafood, so can’t help you with any recommendations there.
Service was fast, and the food satisfied our authentic Mexican craving. Not the best I’ve had, but definitely not the worst.

Possibly the worst Mexican food in my life. I was driving through Los Banos with my wife and we didn’t have a lot of time so we stopped at this place. The décor was what I would expect for a cheap mexican joint.
My wife had to use the restroom and when she came back she was visibly upset. It was so dirty and disgusting and there was no soap so she wanted to leave but unfortunately we had already placed our orders.
The salsa was weird and gelatinous and the tortilla chips were stale.
My chewy Carne Asada came with some sorry looking french fries, refried beans that tasted like they came straight from the microwave and some brown lettuce. The corn tortillas would probably have been ok if I didn’t have to eat them with this disgusting concoction.
While eating I couldn’t help thinking about how the employees wash their hands when there’s no soap in the restroom.

It’s a sit down place, which strangely has two different dining areas with completely separate entrances. When you walk in, it certainly seems authentic enough. Everybody speaking Spanish, including our server, a jukebox blaring Latin rhythms.
Which is why I was a little thrown by the flaccid french fries that come with every meal, between the beans and rice. But authentic or not, we just weren’t that impressed with the food. The carnitas were on the dry side, without much flavor. Even the simple quesadilla was lacking. Here’s what I did like: The chips were fresh and the salsa was very different and tasty, with fresh chunks of avocado. The portions were moderate. My inexpensive burrito was not as big as my head, but a normal size for a satisfying meal. They offered inexpensive kids meals with a variety of entrees. Our server was nice and efficient. They had a good selection of Mexican beers and bottled soft drinks.