This past week I finally managed to make it over to Vatos in Itaewon. If you’re like me then you’ve probably been hearing about this place since it opened last November. I’ve meant to pop over and check out all the hype, but never found the time. That all changed when universe aligned and I had an evening free to indulge in some Mexican Korean fusion. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?
Not to worry. I can say that the two guys from California and Texas have found an angle to mix just enough of both worlds to deliver a unique Korexican experience. I zoomed in on the tacos first. They five variations including carne asada and braised carnitas (leaning Mexican) or the galbi short rib and Korean style pork belly(leaning Korean). I suggest you get all four and sharing with your friends. There’s also a fish taco, but I’ve never been overly fond of those.
The guys don’t get fancy with their tacos. It’s literally meat, cabbage, onions, salsa, a sprinkling of cheese and some seasonings all on a homemade tortilla. However, simple it may be the result is a suitably tasty taco. It doesn’t fall apart like some unwieldy mess. And I am usually a hater of soft tacos, but really they sold me after the first bite and I got my necessary crunch, instead, from the chips and salsa. Though they could have been a bit more generous with the chips and while the salsa is flavorful it needs bit more kick in the hotness department for me.
Still, no matter how good I thought the tacos were my favorite dish of the night belonged to the kimchi carnitas fries. It’s an amazing mix of suitably seasoned french fries with carnitas, cilantro, sour cream, peppers, cheese, and spicy kimchi. All three of us devoured one plate in a matter of minutes and almost ordered another. This is a must order item especially if you’ve never tried it before.
Happily, vegetarians need not worry too much. There’s a kimchi veggie quesadilla on hand to hopefully satisfy you. I can’t say much about it though because our table ordered the carne asada quesadilla. There’s also the chips and salsa and the ever ominous drink menu.
Vatos puts just as much effort into their drinks as they do their food. Front and center is the Maekgeolita. It’s a margarita made with the Korean drink maekogeoli instead of tequila. It’s tart and sweet in all the right ways. You can also get the traditional margarita as well as Corona-rita and Dos-arita (a margarita with a corona or dos equis bottle added), Mexican martini, Bloody Mary, and the usual Mexican beers. The priciest drink tops out at 13,900W which seems a bit high to me.
Vatos takes up two floors which includes a roof top area that will be perfect during the summer. The space is hip and modern while also being relaxed. We got lucky and snagged a table before the place filled up within twenty minutes of starting our meal. It went from dead to packed that fast. I suggest reservations if you’re going during the evening hours because it seems to me it’s just the place to “Eat, drink and chill”.
Prices:
For food and drinks expect around 15,000 to 20,000 W.
Hours:
Phone:
02-797-8226
Address:
서울특별시 용산구 이태원동 66-8 2층
2F 66-8, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Website:
Directions:
Their new spot is just across from Mcdonalds in Itaewon.
