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Name: The Painted Burro
Address: 219 Elm St, Somerville, MA, 02144
Telephone: (617) 776-0005
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.79

The Painted Burro

219 Elm St, Somerville, MA, 02144

(617) 776-0005
Store is closed

The Painted Burro Menu

Appetizers

“chingon” Cucumbers

Pork Belly

“cholo” Corn Cob

Crispy Pork Flautas

Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla

Empanadas

Fundido

Romaine Salad

Guacamole “el Mero Mero”

Nachos
Tortas

Carnitas Cubano

Chicken Milanesa

El Campenchano

Street-style Hot Dog
Tacos

Chorizo De La Casa

White Gulf Shrimp “diablo”

Zucchini & Collards “salbitxada”

Chupacabra

Pork “cochinita”

Short Rib Barbacoa “crujido”

Crispy “baja” Fish

B/l/t & Cheese

Achiote Chicken “machete”
Entrees

Street Cart Chicken

Carne Asada

Yucatan Meatloaf

Cochinita Tostada
Entrees - Enchiladas

Tofu Spring Ramps Crimini

Achiote Chicken

Roasted Pork “cochinita”

Baked Cod “veracruzana"
Sides

Oaxaca Cheese Grits

Cabbage & Jalapeno Slaw

Charro Beans

Kale & Plantain

Creamy Poblano Rice
Appetizers

Empanadas

Fundido

Guacamole “el Mero Mero”

Pork Belly

“cholo” Corn Cob
Entrees

Huevos Rancheros

Chilaquiles

El Montanero “superbeasto”

Yucatan-style Street Meatloaf

Burro Benedict

Thick-cut French Toast A La Mexicana

Burrito “la Salida Del Sol”

Tofu Spring Ramps
Tortas

Carnitas Cubano

Chicken Milanesa

Ham & “broken Yolk”

El Campenchano

Street-style Hot Dog
Tacos

Chorizo De La Casa

White Gulf Shrimp “diablo”

Pork “cochinita”

Crispy “baja-style” Fish

B/l/t & Cheese

Zucchini & Collards “salbitxada"

Achiote Chicken “machete”
Sides

Burro Homefries

Charro Beans

Mexican-style Red Rice
Bebidas Y Postres

Iced Coffe Horchata

Tres Leches

Helados

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Painted Burro

Appetizers

“chingon” Cucumbers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

“cholo” Corn Cob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Pork Flautas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Empanadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fundido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Romaine Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole “el Mero Mero” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tortas

Carnitas Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Milanesa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

El Campenchano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Street-style Hot Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tacos

Chorizo De La Casa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Gulf Shrimp “diablo” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zucchini & Collards “salbitxada” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chupacabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork “cochinita” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Short Rib Barbacoa “crujido” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy “baja” Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

B/l/t & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Achiote Chicken “machete” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Street Cart Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carne Asada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yucatan Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cochinita Tostada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees - Enchiladas

Tofu Spring Ramps Crimini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Achiote Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Pork “cochinita” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Cod “veracruzana" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Oaxaca Cheese Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cabbage & Jalapeno Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charro Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kale & Plantain [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamy Poblano Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Appetizers

Empanadas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fundido [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole “el Mero Mero” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

“cholo” Corn Cob [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Huevos Rancheros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilaquiles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

El Montanero “superbeasto” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yucatan-style Street Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burro Benedict [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thick-cut French Toast A La Mexicana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burrito “la Salida Del Sol” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tofu Spring Ramps [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tortas

Carnitas Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Milanesa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ham & “broken Yolk” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

El Campenchano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Street-style Hot Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tacos

Chorizo De La Casa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Gulf Shrimp “diablo” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork “cochinita” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy “baja-style” Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

B/l/t & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zucchini & Collards “salbitxada" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Achiote Chicken “machete” [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Burro Homefries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charro Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mexican-style Red Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bebidas Y Postres

Iced Coffe Horchata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tres Leches [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Helados [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

William R.

It's like really good
(5)
Kevin M.

Had reservations but waited an extra 45 minutes for a table to open up. Sangria was excellent. The menu was a little adventurous for the non initiated. Food was alright but not worth a 45 minute wait.
(3)
Jeremy K.

If this place best reflects what being Mexican is all about I now feel embarrassed for having made fun of this country for all these years... No but in all seriousness, this place is awesome. Let's start with the unique decor - local artists help create this modern yet awesome atmosphere with various discreet but delightful touches - from the giant, old, wooden door behind the hostess counter to the various little candles niched inside these little metallic cages. The gigantic, one-of-a-kind painting of a giant donkey with a snake - there's definitely some interesting themes here and it just works. Personally, they had me at my Coca~Cola Con Pango cocktail ($10) - after the very first sip of this very unique cocktail, I was converted. After much hesitation, I decided to order it as the unique combination of ingredients intrigued me: Pango rum, a Mexican coca~cola reduction and grapefruit juice. Somehow it works and will definitely become my go-to drink when I return here. Amazing. The Abuelo, Abuelo cocktail ($12) I had later on that night was pretty good as well but was very different as it featured a Mezcal base and was instead smoky. But the combination of the Milagro Mezcal, the Lunazul Reposado, the grapefruit, granulated sugar and mole bitters did work; It was recommended to me by our awesome waiter Tyler. But more on him later. So this place opens up at 5PM and we were trying to meet two other friends there for a double date - OpenTable indicated that the place was completely booked up but we walked in around 5:15 and managed to snag the very last available table which was in the bar area; a high table that was slightly cramped but worked; beggars can't be choosers I guess. The place had opened fifteen minutes prior and was already getting pretty busy. Saloon aside, this could also be Davis Square's hotspot. We sat down, ordered our drinks and enjoyed the complimetary salsa that was on our table; it wasn't too watery, it wasn't too thick either and wasn't spicy at all but very tasty. A few instants later our friends arrived. Our waiter Tyler was incredibly helpful and insightful with helping us order both our drinks and food. He was able to not only explain the various types of tequilas in detail but was also able to give great recommendations and field whatever comments and questions we had. We decided to start with a round of drinks and a couple of easy-to-share appetizers - in this case, we ordered the Japanese, sweet Shishito Peppers ($7) served with some lime and salt and the addictive and oh-so-amazing pork belly and roasted grape tomato guacamole ($13). Both were great but the latter was decadent and simply amazing - the pork was tasty, juicy and paired well with the avocados. The portion was good and sharing was easy except that we had to ask for more chips. I then debated between getting the short ribs barbecoa ($26) and the street cart chicken ($19) and the waiter recommended the chicken, which surprisingly wasn't the most expensive of the two. Appreciating his honesty, I ordered away. And while the food wasn't authentic, nor most of the menu, as it's more of a modern execution of various bits of culinary bits from various regions, it turned out to be a good pick. Never in my life have I been served such a big portion of chicken. It was pretty much half of a chicken, which was moist and delicious - it had been marinated in an achiote-citrus marinade and came plated with some kale 'con plantano' (with plantains) and some tamarind butter. It was very tasty. My other dining companions ordered all kinds of dishes and enjoyed theirs very much as well. And while some of the dishes are a bit on the pricey side, especially for what could be Mexican food, because of the twists on the dishes and the ingredients used, this restaurant will run you for a bit more than your average go-to burrito joint. It ain't Anna's Taqueria folks. It ain't Jose's Mexican either. Instead it's a non-traditional reflection of gringo meets trendy meets Mexican. And it works very well. Their entrees run from around $20 to $25 and their appetizers are around $11 to $14. Not too bad. The menu is designed to please all kinds of palate and appetites. Want to sip on a drink and have something light to nosh on? Then order one of the many bar snacks. Are you a bit hungrier than that but don't feel like having dinner? Their tacos are there. But if you're really hungry than get a drink (or two. or three) and get their entrees. One neat thing about the menu is the flexibility it had for certain dishes. Their guacamole can be ordered one of three ways. Their fondido as well. I found tha to be rather clever and may be one of the reasons why the food flew out of the kitchen. Despite having opened very recently, the service was impecable and the wait times for the food were great as well. I look forward to returning to this busy spot and try one of their many tequila flights and another Coca~Cola Con Pango cocktail.
(5)
Julie W.

Just in Boston for the weekend, so can't comment on all the local flavor, but this place was just amazing. Loved the ambiance, the super friendly staff, and some of the best Mexican food I've had anywhere. (I'm from East Nashville, Tennessee, where the food is spectacular, so this is high praise, indeed!). Will definitely be recommending this the friends who are visiting Boston, and will be coming back myself the next time I get to visit.
(5)
Frank A.

TINY entree menu. More appetizers than entrees. Good service. Food was OK. Packed!!! Too many tables. Just go here fore drinks and tacos.
(3)
Beth C.

I came in with a large group of people for a birthday on a Saturday night. It was busy but we were seated very quickly and service was fast. I was skeptical of the menu at first, it seemed very expensive. I am vegan and was having a hard time finding something without cheese. The staff and cooks were so wonderful and accommodating! Our waiter checked with the kitchen to see what could be adapted and I ended up getting a variation on the pea and parsnip enchiladas that were amazingly tasty. Everything seemed fresh, clean, and overall positive. Thank you for a great night and meal!
(5)
Jessica S.

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great drinks. Not your typical food so it's exciting and good but the portions were small for what you paid for. They let us sit at our table a while after we finished eating and didn't try and push us out the door at all.
(4)
Elizabeth G.

To really enjoy the Painted Burro, I think you have to value adventurous cooking over perfect execution. I do, so four stars it is. There are any number of places in Boston where you can go to get pretty good, even great, tacos and guacamole. But can you get them with ramps and cotija cheese? Or with sausage, egg, and chipotle mayo? The answer is no. No, you can't. The guacamole was ultra fresh and perfect. Served with smoky poblano peppers and caramelized onions. The menu also offered it with pork carnitas, or just plain. Ceviche - also perfect. About the tacos - first off, the corn tortillas are yummy, and an adorable mini size. The tacos are served open-faced, in pairs. Guacamole, ceviche, and an order of two tacos would have been plenty of food for me and my friend. Having read about the small portions, I thought it best to order a second pair of tacos. Not necessary - a couple of hours later when I tried to go to sleep, I was still so full that my stomach hurt. Either they have made the portions bigger, or all of the whining in previous reviews is wholly unjustified. Anyway, I'm glad we got to try both kinds of tacos. I'm not sure that ramps really belong in tacos - they don't really cut or pull apart enough to take a bite, so things got messy. And the smoky flavor of the poblanos overshadowed the taste of the ramps and the cotija. But it was something new and fun and so I still enjoyed it. The chorizo taco, sausage topped with a sunny-side-up egg and chipotle mayo, was also fun, and really, really good - but you'll need a fork and knife for this one, folks. The place was hoppin' on a Monday night - reservation recommended. And it was loud. I said it was LOUD! Expect to be yelling. Cool decor, lots to look around at. Murals, still-life-style displays, cactuses in planters on the walls. A couple of complaints: the chips served with the guac and salsa weren't quite crispy - a little tough. Not stale, but overcooked maybe? And the lime served with my tacos was dry, dry, dry. I squeezed it and nary a drop of juice came out. Come on, guys. You can do better with basic stuff like this. Overall, though, I'd definitely go again. Some of the other taco and entree offerings look amazing. Lamb & peach, anyone? Pork & pineapple? Mexican cola mole sauce? They have a fun selection of beer and wine that I'd like to try, with a Latin flavor - Mexico of course, but also Argentina and Spain, El Salvador and Brazil. In conclusion: This ain't Chipotle or Qdoba.
(4)
Frank M.

Went for brunch on Sunday. Had the Juevos Ranchero. Excellent. The staff was great. My wife had this specialty coffee drink too. Wow. Amazing. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Emily M.

$8 is too much for a small single taco.
(2)
Loretta O.

Not a place for someone who was raised on mexican food. Went with a large group and every one was thrilled with their meal except the Mexican girl who thought the food was bland and a bit pretentious. The Chicharrones or Pork bellys with serrano chile & tamarind glaze as they called them were delicious. The margaritas and tequilas look very promising I had the hibiscus margarita and it almost tasted like the kind I make at home. I feel the same about Posto the only thing I get there and like is the GIn GIn muLe, the rosemary bread with the yummy chile de arbol oil. In the future I may only get the chicharrones and a margarita.
(3)
Sarah G.

3.5 stars--If I could give that half star I would! Why you ask? Well, I was really really super pumped for this place to open, and knowing that they are owned by the same people as Posto I was excited to see what they brought to the Mexican table. I heard the owners went down to NYC to learn all the fun new trendy Mexican food tecniques, and they clearly did, since this place is definitely fancy, trendy Mexican food. Don't get me wrong, I love any kind of Mexican food. Growing up in California, I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD. But, this food, especially for the price wasn't as good as I think it should have been. We were here with a party of 5, and they brought up their chips which a) were in a tiny little bucket that doesn't hold that many so when 5 of us all reach for this little bucket we almost knock it over and empty it pretty much after we each take one chip. The chips are good, but definitely way salty, but their salsa definitely needs some work in my opinion. No spice at all and my friend and I compared their salsa to a weird marinara sauce which is never good ha ha They do have some cool beers to choose from from brewers that you don't normally see which is awesome, and their margaritas are margaritas but for $10-12 a piece and no pticher option, you definietly can't just have a few rounds of these and get away cheap at all. Food wise, I wasn't that hungry so I got their appetizer of their chile relleno which had cheese on it and this toasted walnut mole sauce that there wasn't quite enough of to pair with the chil itself. It was pretty decent, but even that small app was $13 and the typical person would definitely not be full from that. Others got their ceviche which they all liked but it comes with more of the free chips they bring you at the beginning so don't be fooled like we were thinking it came with something different on the side. But again, these ceviche dishes are not the biggest in the world, but those chips do help fill that empty void you might have. Tacos, you get two of for somewhere between $12 and $15 and it is literally just the two small street style tacos. They are pretty inventive and you can tell they put effort into these tacos, but for that price, you could easily throw some beans or rice or something on the side, rather than charging another couple dollars to get a little thing of beans. I did like, however, that you could get sides of plantains and kale and stuff like grits, so that's fun, and I can see why they offer sides, because most non-entrees here are not cheap and they are not that big. My other friend got their vegetarian enchiladas and she was very happy with her dish, smothered with melted cheese and a salsa verde but it was also a $21 plate, again with no sides, but it was pretty to look at! Being a lover of cheese I was jealous looking at it! So I'll be back--I need to try more of these pricey mexican options and the environment here is also pretty fun and you feel like you are literally out for a night on the town even just being in Davis Square which is always a plus in my book.
(3)
Tatsu I.

North of the Border (The Charles River) The Painted Burro may be a year late to the fiesta of gringo-run tequila bar/restaurants serving upscale interpretations of Mexican dishes, but it works out quite favorably. The owners of Posto undertook serious study south of the border to come up with menu that tries to strike a balance of approachability, regional influences, local ingredients, and chefs' improvisation. On the whole? More successful than the pricey faux Mexicant Restaurant Class of 2011, whose food belies their more tony Boston street addresses downtown. The food here is easy to comprehend despite disparate influences from Oaxaca, Yucatan, Veracruz, even South America. Complementary light white corn chips come slightly warm and with a generously sized bead-hammered metal ramekin of sweetish roasted tomato salsa, not too spicy, or too watery, or too garlicky, just nicely balanced and a bit different. In fact, the chips were finished before the lovely salsa. It seems like the appropriate amount of chips, appetite-inducing instead of appetite-killing. Tacos, may seem pricey at $10 for 2, but this is sit-down fare, not "The Painted Food Truck". They are very filling and do come double-wrapped, certainly hand-made tortillas with a slightly fresher taste than one is used to. The Maine Redfish version, an interesting local choice, came out fluffy from the fryer, in little curls not unlike calamari, dressed in a black radish and jicama slaw and crema. A good choice for splitting amongst a pair for an appetizer, and in that way, very good value. All the Taco choices seem interesting enough on the menu to try at least once. For an actual appetizer, (Queso) Fundido at $10 with your choice of Shishito Peppers, Roasted Mushroom, or house made chorizo is served with the same tortillas, on the side. The Fundido itself is a blend of three cheeses and works well, it does not lose it's appeal as it cools and isn't overly salty. The Shishito we had were flash fried better than ones we've had at Tico, and are served on top of the roasted cheeses. One entree for vegetarians, Enchilada Del Paraiso, stuffed with zucchini, maitake & oyster mushrooms, swiss chard, mole verde, cotija, and more for $19 is perhaps a bit too complicated. Still, a laudable effort to counterbalance a decidedly meat heavy cuisine. Because of the many ingredients, and the crowded clay vessel, the tortilla was soggy from the delicious green mole sauce and generous sprinkling of cojita cheese. Unique and tasty for an enchilada, much more than a meager veggie offering. However, the ingredients seem a bit autumnal or wintery - slightly at odds with an otherwise "in tune" menu featuring house-made and local products. Surely offerings will change, as it just opened. $20 and up flights of three blancos, represados, or anejo tequilas come accompanied by a zesty fresca palate cleanser whose ingredients still have me contemplating. There are about 100 choices in Mezcal and Tequila, not an obscene amount, but enough variety. The space is lovely, neither a soul-less post-modern look or kitschy. Simple clean white walls, piped by decorative metal moldings, are contrasted against dark, rustic, repurposed hardwood tables and chairs. It has a well-designed appeal and touches that get noticed on second or third glance, rather than in your face. True to name, a vibrant mural of a painted burro is featured on the biggest wall. The bar area is open and visible from the dining room, so it can be somewhat loud since most surfaces are hard. Either side is pleasant to dine in. Great news, the entire menu is available until 11PM, certainly appealing for restaurant industry folks looking for a new late-night casa north of the border. Service is very good, silverware exchanged between courses, and the salsa, which sadly could not be finished because of satiated bellies, thankfully never did get taken away. While this particular trend seemed rather gauche last year, The Painted Burro makes a nice proposition to diners - a pleasant space and good Mexican influenced food and drink without hyperbole, claims to authenticity, or grandeur. It hits the right middle notes, a definite step up from the missed Forest Cafe in Porter Sq., while the correct step down from overblown Boston Mexi-Teqs.
(4)
Tim M.

The entrees were very tasty, but they lost my future business when they charged us $5 for a $0.75 bottle of Coke. That kind of money-grubbing stunt is a deal-killer. The pricing on the entrees seemed fair enough, though. We also had to ask for the music to be turned down, but they agreed to that and were very nice about it.
(2)
Stephanie G.

Hey wow! I was not expecting to have a good meal tonight - I had had the worst day and tried to put on a good face but as I walked to Davis I literally got pooped on by a bird! WHAT THE CRAP?! This ended up with a very long frustrated rant outside the restaurant - but this is relevant to this review because I want to stress how nice the hostess was about it. I was on time for my reservation, but due to my poor mental health, we didn't actually go into the restaurant for quite a while and she was extremely understanding (and also was very welcoming so I could clean up the predicament that was the front of my dress). But despite the universe conspiring against me, I began to feel a little better when we were inside, and not just because of the margarita (they recommended the house - which was good - but I think I'm partial to the mezcal). The waitress was attentive but understanding when we were overwhelmed by the menu. Rabbit? Awesome. And we got guacamole *with pork belly*. Even in my sorry state, I had to pause in my despair to fully enjoy the appetizer course. How many guacamoles can lift you from a dark, dark place? Try. This. One. The meals were really good - although I think that after that appetizer I was already won over. We got the rabbit and the Maine fish tacos - both very filling and totally different from what I expect at a Mexican restaurant. And then the dessert! WOW. Dulce de leche and it was only $5!!!! And so good! Davis Square, you are on notice! This place is a GREAT place to get dessert! Thank you the Painted Burro, for restoring my sanity and self-dignity (well...that may be a lost cause) with a really great meal!
(4)
Josiane B.

I was recommended this place by one of the managers at a local store who'd suggested it to me and my friend after overhearing our conversation about a crave for something yummy. So we walked a block or two from davis station and came upon this open windowed bar/restaurant scene. Immediately we were kindly greeted by a lovely hostess who walked us to the bar area that had first come/first serve seating area. I instantly was impressed with how professional the staff was (it's something I pay close attention to given my server history.) Our well anticipated mojito and margarita arrived and I must admit it had to be THE WORST drinks I've ever had- period. The drinks tasted almost exactly the same- heavy, icy and super bitter due to the excessive lime juice. My friend gave the white sangria a try and bam, same thing again; lime juice galore flavors. It was horrible. For apps we did the guacamole and chips and corn on a cob 'cholo' dish aka elote (corn) with butter, cheese and cayenne. Soooooo good. The guacamole was top notch. We were concerned it wouldn't be enough for us but it was, in fact we had to ask for a second order of chips. For entrees we did two fish tacos ($7/taco might I add) that came with a pinto/black bean side and the chicken milanesa torta. Both dishes were satisfying but not impressive. I've had better tacos for $2 each in East Boston. Overall, I probably won't go to the Burro for cocktails however they're beer selection was great- so maybe just beer and apps.
(2)
Liz H.

Great food and great service. I often eat out alone, and occasionaly get a bit of attitude for that on a busy night. "Oh, party of one? You can sit at the bar". I ate at Painted Burro on a Saturday night and had excellent service from the hostess and waiter. Of course, the food was excellent! I had the nachos and cucumber margarita - definitly worth the extra price over other places that serve nachos and margaritas!
(5)
Nitya D.

I always get super duper excited about restaurant openings. Not only do I love food and new restaurants, attending openings makes me feel like my life is a lot more glamorous and fancy than it really is. *This is my 1st review of TPB; I will be going back in a few weeks to see if things have changed and will update this review accordingly. 1. Made a reservation with OpenTable and the restaurant called within an hour to confirm with me, +1 for them. When we got there though, all members of the party needed to be present in order to be seated. Ok, that's cool. My friends were chugging a few cancer sticks and quickly put them out so we could be seated. Well, ha joke was on us, the hostess and waitress combo dithered around for another 10 minutes even though they assured us our table was ready. 2. 6 of us and 1 bucket of chips+salsa. So I asked our waiter if we could have another since there were so many of us and a 3:1 person to chips+salsa ratio is way better than 6:1. 10 minutes later, no extra chips+salsa despite seeing our waiter deliver many chips+salsas to neighboring tables. He also head-nodded to me as if saying "don't worry yours are coming soon, didn't forget about you." Eventually another friend asked the waiter who had taken our drink order for more freaking chips+salsa. Actually this whole thing was not resolved for another 40 minutes, at which point I was seriously irritated and directly asked the manager. After this we promptly received 3 more chips+salsa baskets. So really, I have no idea what that aforementioned head nod was all about. 3. It took about 20 minutes for our drinks to come out, and they did right when our apps came out. Which is ok, but I personally like to sip my beer a little bit before the noshing begins. They have a decent selection of both local and imported Mexican and Spanish cervezas. The red wine sangria was so-so. 4. The food overall was actually quite delicious. I wasn't super hungry so I only ordered the Mizuna + Red Oak Salad, which had watermelon radishes (really really tasty) and a papaya vinaigrette. The Fundido cheese dip thing came out with flour tortillas which seemed a little strange as chips (thankfully at this point we had more chips than we knew what to do with, foresight!) would have created less of a mess (think gooey cheesy deliciousness spilling out of floppy tortillas - delicious, but messy). 4a. Vegetarians, beware. The only completely 100% veggie options on the menu are the Mizuna + Red Oak Salad and the Enchiladas. Everything else that seems vegetarian is actually cooked with chicken stock. I'm always a little taken aback when I find a restaurant in Somerville or Cambridge with few to no veggie options. Are you kidding? Do you know where your restaurant is located? 4b. The average app is ~$10-14 (this includes the tacos, which are soft tacos btw) and entrees will run you anywhere from $20-30. Not terribly expensive, but I'm not sure that given the whole experience the prices are necessarily worth it. 5. The ambiance was great, the acoustics weren't the best, but I was still able to hear what my friends at the other end of the table were saying so that was nice. Note, this is not the case when dining at Saloon - I really don't understand how it's so noisy there. A nice addition to Davis and of course kinks to be worked out since it was the opening weekend. But I think there's a lot of potential for this restaurant and am looking forward to trying it out again!
(3)
Andy V.

First off, this place is noisy! Hard ceilings, wooden tables, floors, stucco walls, and nary a Zapatec rug in sight. Tables along the walls tend to be away from the brouhaha. Next in importance, as you'll need this to dull the noise, hibiscus margarita is outstanding; the assorted designer cocktails, draught beer selection and other drinks seem adventurous and distinctive. For starters, I enjoyed the marinated octopus and fundido (melted cheeses) appetizers; they paired quite nicely. What's up with the tacos and salsa? Although they are made in-house, close your eyes and you'll imagine your in Whole Foods on sampling night. Both were quite mild and unremarkable. My rabbit entree was among the best preparations of the little critter I've ever had. Hat's off to the chef!! The meet was tender, juicy and the salsa was just picante enough to add a nice contrast and yet not overwhelm the palate. Dessert selections alas are few (we had the Tres Leches) and the coffee selection even more limited (decaf or regular). We are looking forward to an expansion of the postres and bebidas! Oh, did I mention this place is noisy? Sorry if I did as I can't hear myself think! This restaurant joins Posto, Il Casale and a few others in the competition for "the noisiest dining experience you can imagine". Bring your Bose QuietComfort headphones and your iPhone. It's worth the experience! Update 4/5/12: We returned to El Burro Pintado (actually the chef is not Mexican, but plays one in the Kitchen, to great success!) last night. I started, with a cocktail mixed to show off the Milagros Blanco tequila; four thumbs up!!!! For starters we ordered the avocado guacamole. Are there other kinds? Apparently, according to the menu, there are! This was OK but I've had livelier versions at, say Zocalo, where it is mixed at your table. Perhaps we'll try the pork belly guacamole next time. The ceviche, though, was outstanding and every bit as authentic as you are likely to get. A good ceviche should be like eating fish right from the ocean, seasoned with a little salt and lime. For the main course I tried the short-ribs which seems to be all the rage at trendy restaurants these days (as is pork bellies, pig's ears and other variety meats). The salsa was outstanding. I am not a big fan of short ribs, but this was head and shoulders (not to mentions ribs) above any I've had. If you're a fan, go for it here. As I mentioned previously, the desserts need an authentic expansion. Note to manager: can we get some churros? Please!!! There was ice cream from Christina's, chocolate mousse made in-house, a flan that was temporarily out of stock, and the ubiquitous Tres Leches. Coffee selection remains binary: caff or decaff. Bottom line, The Painted Burro is not inexpensive but it is among the most faithful recreations of Mexican cuisines you're likely to find in the Boston area.
(4)
Champika F.

Had dinner here once and it was really great - though on the pricey side. The chips and salsa are delicious. We had the fish tacos and the shrimp tacos - both were very good. It is amazingly noisy in there though - much better for eating than conversing :)
(4)
Venks P.

Absolutely fantastic joint. The ambience is great. Prompt service. We were stuffed on the tacos (baja style fish, grilled shrimp and fried clams tacos were spectacularly yummy!) The beer list is great; it was a hot summer day to try any rum or tequila but the list is impressive. Will definitely have to go back for those.
(5)
Michelle B.

5 stars for the hand-made corn tortillas. These aren't your usual from the bag variety that are made from Monsanto fairy dust. They are rustic and flavorful. And Perfect (Though maybe they are made from GMO corn. I didn't ask, because I feel better not knowing, ya know?). 5 stars for the salsa. I could have had it as a delicious Mexican gazpacho and gone home a happy camper, but I decided it was much more practical to order a VAT of melted cheese. With chorizo. Not for the faint of heart, folks (pun intended). You are flirting with a death via cholesterol. But it would be a perfectly delicious death. To cut the rich-factor, we also ordered the chignon cucumbers. That was an ever-so-slight miss. Too much lime. I think the addition of sugar, and a different cut on the cucumber would have made a major difference. Loved the pea shoots. Also, it was a beautiful little glass vessel of virtuous produce. And that counts for something in my book. :) Hibiscus margarita, straight up. Pretty good. Smooth and boozy, not too complicated. Hard to mess up. For dinner we each got tacos. Two to a plate was more than enough to fill up on, but they seemed a wee bit heavy on the meat-to-vegetable ratio. Also, the spices seemed...muddled? I sort of feel like, since you have multiple ingredients mounded on to each other in a taco, single flavor profiles are better. But that's just me. I preemptively ordered the "pickled" cabbage as a tangy counter to said meat-fest, but I was disappointed that it was actually more like cabbage slaw. REALLY good cabbage slaw, but absolutely having am identity crisis, 'fo sho. Pickled cabbage on meaty tacos? Heaven. Maybe next time I'll bring my own. :) Our waitress was frazzled. She would have been amazing if the snooty couple sitting next to us hadn't been bombarding her with epic amounts of douchebaggery, and their faux elitism. Seriously. It's a taco joint, and your dress looks like wall paper from the 70s - grow up, and be a decent human being. Or, go back to the Foundry. Pretty please. Still, we were attended to sufficiently. Side note: the decor is too...formal. Actually, I take that back. Everything is perfect-- reclaimed wood, artsy mural, brocade pillows... the awkward circular lamp shades hanging from the ceiling just got to me. I vote strings of bulb lights, cantina style. But that's just my opinion, and it won't keep me from coming back. 3.8 stars, officially. 4 stars because I can walk there, and because I could eat some rendition of a taco everyday (maybe). Pretty good, though! I'll definitely be back in the near future, and hope that it progressively gets better, as new restaurants typically do. I'm excited for the seasonal specials. Squash blossoms and wild ramps for spring? I'm there.
(4)
Ben A.

I've been waiting to check out The Painted Burro ever since Gargoyles closed and they started to redo the place. I live right around the corner, so was really hoping I would like it. So then... headed over to check it out on opening night! We had the fundido appetizer with chorizo which was delicious, though very filling. I'd say you definitely want to share that, unless you have a monster appetite. My fiance had the shrimp tacos, while I had the short ribs. The shrimp were grilled beautifully and had great flavor. My short ribs, served on top of some flavorful grits, were yummy. No complaints. I was also glad to see that they have a selection of beer which is not just Mexican or Latin American. Basically, I love IPAs and would have been disappointed if they did not have one... they had multiple choices and the West Coast IPA is one of the best ones out there. We will be back!
(5)
Lindsay B.

I visited The Painted Burro last Monday night. I am so excited by all the new restaurants in Davis Square and really wanted to love this place, but was nervous because the Yelps had been hit and miss. Well, I have great news, I loved it! We were seated right away, I loved the decor, such an improvement from Gargoyles. We were welcomed by a super friendly waiter, Tyler. He gave us a great run down on the menu and we quickly got to talking about tequilas. Tyler recommended 2 great, very different tequilas which both made awesome margaritas. The other drinks look great too and the bar looks like a fun place to hang out. We wanted to order one of everything on the menu, but settled on the guacamole with pork belly app (SO awesome!) and then each got an entree - all 3 were delicious, and I can't wait to try everything else over my next visits. I had the short ribs with mole, big portion, delicious flavors! The side order of grits were also amazing. I have been to most mexican restaurants in the area and this place pulls it all together for me - I have often said I like the margaritas here, the chips there and the entrees over there, but now I have it all in one place! The price point might be higher than other basic mexican places, but the food is SO much more creative and fresh, so its totally worth it. Give this place a chance and take the first week's reviews with a grain of salt, I think they are very quickly working out any pesky kinks.
(5)
Tom H.

Was not impressed with the enchiladas, they were skillet baked. The sauce tasted like it belonged on spaghetti not in a Mexican dish. The check was a little steep, the margaritas had something to do with it, but even the single tacos were over $5. Drinks are solid and they have a lot of Tequila.
(2)
Jason P.

Amazing place! Great food - especially the tacos. Great drinks - the margaritas are incredible. Great service - quick food delivery, free chips and salsa, and informative wait staff. Highly recommend Painted Burro!
(5)
Joe R.

Really, 3.5 stars. First, the "rips" on this place are way off base. Read 'em before going over, and I did not find it too loud. The prices were not insane. The 2nd batch of chips did not take an hour to get to our table. Blah blah blah. What I liked. Our waitress. Great service, nice bus help, and even the floor mgr contributes to supporting the tables with a here and there on chips or clearing the table. Nice team work. I made a reservation, which clears up any wait. Everything prompt and good. The three chorizo tacos were spiced and shaded with mayo and pickled slaw(?) that just made the dish shine. Next time here, no guacamole appetizer! Its really good!! I just had too much food. Nicely filling. Had a great time win younger son before he heads back to school. And I would come here again.
(4)
Kristina F.

OK. if I lived in Somerville, I would come here every week. EVERY WEEK. Literally, i tried to make a reservation for this place WHILE i was having dinner, it was that good. It was the first week that they were open and I was surprised we were even able to get a reservation, but thankfully we did because the wait was 90 minutes. Every dish was awesome. Guacamole with the crispy pork belly was awesome - next time, I think I would order a side of the chicarones to dip in the guac. Pork belly is an acquired taste, but one of my faves and the guac was well made. The chips were fresh and I actually liked that some were soft, some crispy (whether or not that was intentional, I don't know. But the one comment I will say is that some chips were too salty. The ceviche was very well done. Fish was a good size per piece, radishes were a nice touch, with chunks of guac was delicious. We opted to do a mix of food to share and I'm so glad we did. After the apps, we shared tacos - the chorizo with a sunny side egg....priceless. I mean, really, it was the highlight of the meal. I would eat these tacos once a week. So good - I don't know what was the aioli but it was delicious. The other tacos we got were the red snapper and they were also really lovely. We then did a share of the cheesey cheesy goodness with the roasted peppers. I could do without the peppers and I half thought that it was going to be more runny cheese vs melted cheese. still good though and glad it was served with tortillas. Then had the short ribs - the cheesy grits that came with it were divine. Short ribs could have done with a tad bit more salt. Service was awesome. Margaritas were also FAB. Decor - seriously blown away, especially after knowing what this place used to look like. Only sad part - no dessert. I bet they make a mean flan. Go here. Fast. Become a regular. They are going to be a star.
(4)
Kate B.

I have been waiting for The Painted Burro to open for a while now, and with bated breath so to speak- I adore their other venture in Davis Square, Posto. Needless to say, as soon as I heard they were opened, I made a reservation. My husband and I went on a Sunday night. We were early for our reservation, so took a couple of free seats in the bar area. The food was fantastic! Guacamole was delicious and perfectly spiced, and the ceviche was to die for. We followed this with two types of tacos- the diable shrimp, which Oh MY God why can't I eat these every day? And the carne asada(I think, it was steak). My husband said those were amazing as well. The only complaint I have at this point was the service. Drinks took a good 20 minutes to arrive(each round), and our waitress, while sweet, completely disappeared once she'd taken our food order, until it was time to drop the check. It would have been nice to be able to order more drinks in a semi timely fashion, or just be checked on, in case we had any issues(which we didn't.) All in all I would love to give this 3.5 stars. I am sure once they get their feet under them the service situation will improve, and this will become a go to!
(4)
Meghan E.

Had a low key experience with my friend on Tuesday. Sat at some open bar seats, admired the fine wood work and tequila shelves. I got the strawberry mint margarita, it was nice. Fresh strawberry juice, though the bartender didn't give me the sugar rim.. I survived the mishap and guzzled my beverage. My friend had the big ass spicy pina colada.. which I need to get when I go back. We just shared their crispy pork belly guac. Fresh Gauc and crispy pork belly, what could go wrong.. It was alright. Hard to get on the chip, chips were VERY salty and fragile, which made for a rather sloppy dish. Regular chips and salsa were actually good, still salty chips but the salsa I could really enjoy. They still need to iron out some kinks, but I love Posto's and this place could eventually be magical. So I plan on coming back.
(3)
Ashley P.

Love love love this place! The Watermelon Margarita is delicious! We had a delicious crab salad tostada to start, it was well seasoned and had a great crunch and hit of acid. I had a variety of different tacos, all of which were great but my least favorite was probably the fish taco, although I find it hard to get a good fish taco on the East Coast anyways. The best one would definitely be the "double stack" - crunchy cheesy deliciousness! My fiance had the carne asada which was perfectly cooked and had a delicious lime marinade. The service was also excellent! Very solid, great tasting Mexican food. I will be back!
(4)
Andrea G.

I visited the PB on a busy Friday night- I made a reservation and was seated quickly- thumbs up to that. The food was great. My table of six ordered a mix of apps and then a variety of entrees and tacos- all delicious! My problem is that they seated six people at a long narrow table so the people on the far ends could not converse- it was loud and annoying to have to repeat everything so both sides of the table could hear. The bill came to $335 which is pricy for tacos in my opinion and to pay that money and not hear people at my own table was a little ridiculous.
(3)
Rachel E.

Tried this place last night after excitedly waiting for it to open. I'm a HUGE fan of Posto, so I knew this place would be equal to it's quality --- and I was right. My boyfriend who is a fairly selective eater thought it was one of the best restaurants around. The atmosphere was perfect -- a combo of a chic lounge & rustic kitchen with plenty of Latino-groove music and dimmed lighting to make you forget your dining in Davis Square, Somerville. I can't wait to return and explore the menu even more --- it's a shining start!
(5)
Jan Marie D.

Cactus tacos! Goat cheese enchiladas! Tongue-tingling salsa! This place is great. Their (unlisted) mojitos are watered-down, but everything else is delicious.
(5)
Gregory S.

The fish taco was great. The drinks were overpriced and the remaining tacos were very bland. They all tasted very similar.
(3)
ashley a.

We went on the 2nd night that they were open. I'm a Posto fan (same owners I think) and was looking forward to trying out The Painted Burro. We were able to get in around 8 PM with no reservation and no wait - not sure how long you will be able to just walk in and get a table. The space was larger than I thought it would be since I had never been inside when it was Gargoyle's but it was rather crowded. There was not much room to walk between tables and everything was pushed together rather tight to make room for as many tables as possible. I definitely agree with other posters about the difference in chair vs. bench height. I felt short on the bench! Drinks were good. I ordered the cactus pear and blueberry margarita which tasted better as the night went on and the flavors melded more together. I had the pork tacos ( 2 for $12) which were tasty. My husband ordered the carne asada ($25) which was juicy and came with a plate of onions and peppers. He seemed to enjoy his dish but I think the plate needed a starch on it for the price and to flesh out the rest of the flavors of the dish. Service was pretty good for just opening. I agree that Ole and Tu y Yo definitely offer comparable food. In my opinion, the prices were high for the quality and portion of the food that you got. Will we eat food here again? Probably at some point. I might be more inclined to drop in for a drink unless the prices of the food go down a bit. Overall, I'm glad there is another nice food choice in Davis Square.
(4)
Azalea K.

Best Mexican restaurant in Boston area! Cool atmosphere, great margaritas that make the atmosphere even cooler ;) Food is delicious and guacamole is pretty special. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Can't stop going back...
(5)
Sammi N.

I'll paraphase pros/cons of this place: * the ceviche is BOMB! One of the best I've had yet in the area * the salsa they serve with chips is bland - could be spicier, but hey, it's free * drinks are on the expensive side for Somerville, but they are very creative and delish * noisy as hell (don't bring a first date here, you'll keep sayin "WHAT!?!?" all night) * entree sizes are massive - be prepared if you are ordering apps * service was as expected - not bad, but also not memorable * hostess (or general manager?) is a little spacey; no friendly greeting when we first arrived and took forever to seat us even when the place was near empty (this was the first week of opening - been back 3 times since, and she's still a space cadet) Recommended plan of attack? Get tacos to share as app, and get ceviche as entree, and split dessert. Perfect sized meal and price! :)
(4)
Kristina P.

Went to the painted burro a couple of weeks ago and loved it. There aren't any other good Mexican places in Davis, there is Rudy's up the street in Teele but it's more tex-mex style and not great. We started with the chicharron and the ceviche which was the best I've ever had. My husband was hesitant but loved it too. I order the shrimp diablo tacos which were awesome and he had the lambs neck which he said were really good. We both had a hibiscus and a house margarita and I would recommend both. I liked the house better though because I like my margaritas salty. Overall the food was excellent and the service was good too. We will definitely be back especially since we live right up the street.
(5)
M J.

I am a big fan of Posto so I had to try this new place by the same owners when I heard about it. It was amazing! The chips seemed homemade as did the salsa and both tasted authentic. We started with the "CHINGON" CUCUMBERS ( (watermelon radish, pickled grapes, cilantro, lemon, chili, sea salt) and the HERITAGE PORK CHICHARRONES (cilantro, charred lemon mayo). The warm salty savory flavor of pork contrasted perfectly with the cucumbers and radish- which was light and refreshing. Next, we got the CHILE RELLENO (dried plums & apricots, golden raisins, corn "mote", Oaxaca & Chihuahua cheese, toasted walnut mole, pomegranate). It was both sweet and savory and very different from the previous two dishes- the mole was delicious. None of the appetizer dishes were so big that we were too full for our main courses. I got the Seafood Ceviche (Red Snapper, Sea Scallops, Maine Redfish, lime, scallions, pickled red grape, radish)- it was reminiscent of the cucumber salad- light and fresh with deliciously flavored scallops and fish. Throughout the meal, we ordered the de la casa margarita- the restaurant does not use a mix and the taste was so much lighter and less overly sugary than a margarita you would get at a typical place (like On the Border Cafe in Harvard Square). Overall a great experience- we will definitely be back often!
(5)
Rob S.

The Painted Burro is excellent. The food is awesome, and though a little on the pricey side, you get a lot of food with what your order. The house margarita is among the best in boston, but more importantly, these guys can properly salt a rim. Other places around seem to get as much salt in my drink as they do on the glass rim. Not cool. These guys get it right. If you want a more interesting margarita, I highly recommend the cucumber margarita or the mango margarita. The cucumber is subtle and smooth. The Mango is sweet but not cloying.
(4)
Charlie D.

Went there for Sunday brunch. It was busy but not super crowded, which was a pleasant surprise, unlike many of the other brunch spots in Somerville. The Tequila Sunrise was very good and the Bloody Mary was excellent (it had a lot of spicy heat, which I love.) The Crispy Pork Flautas were good, but nothing special. However, the Huevos Rancheros was the best I have ever had. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the balance of flavors was excellent. I definitely recommend the Painted Burro as a brunch spot when you don't feel like waiting an hour for the same old eggs, pancakes, french toast, etc.
(4)
Sebastian Y.

Great atmosphere, good selection of tequila's, delicious margaritas, the chorizo de la casa tacos and the fish tacos are supremely delicious, love the fried egg on the chorizo variety. The waitress we had was really friendly, knowledgeable and seemed to be enjoying herself. Great addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Pam W.

Food was good but overpriced. We had reservation for 9 at 6 pm. We got in quickly but had to wait over an hour for food. We had to ask several times for chips and after 30 minutes we got some. Asked every time for water and refills. Our waitress was good and great with food allergies but service was horrible. Will not go back again. Many restaurants in Davis square to choose from. Margaritas were great and nice selection of IPAs.
(3)
Andrew F.

While I'll agree with other reviewers that this place is noisy as heck, that's the only negative I can really mention. I liked the decor, which is relaxed and fun, but I was really turned off by the noise level. It's just an incredibly noisy restaurant, due in part to a bar stuffed full of hipsters. We were seated quickly, and chips and salsa ended up on the table quickly. Delicious chips and salsa, I might say. I've heard the salsa was bland...my hubby and housie both mentioned that, but they agreed it was a lot better this week, and I thought it was delicious. In just a few moments, we had a very friendly and funny server taking our drink orders. Drinks came quickly, and then we ordered appetizers and our main meals. We split three delicious appetizers, every one of which was absolutely fantastic. Elote, a kind of grilled corn on the cob with lime juice, spicy mayo, and grated cheese on it, has become a favorite of ours. I was excited to see it on the menu, especially since it had not been offered the first time the others went. It was fantastic, with just a hint of char on it. The mayo was tangy, the cheese mild, and the lime juice provided in the form of wedges of lime. One thing that the husband and housie had talked about was the Chicharrones in a tangy sweet tamarind sauce with sliced chiles. Amazing! A hint of crispiness, but mostly just luscious pork loveliness with the perfect hint of heat. Flash-roasted shishito peppers were a new one on me. Dressed very simply with lime juice and sea salt, these fire roasted peppers were a lovely piece. I gather shishito peppers are a popular Japanese bar-snack. These had a fantastic flavor, with a little heat now and then. For dinner, we had a number of different tacos. I ordered the "Chupacabra Taco", featuring Chorizo, skirt steak, cochinita pork , and...wait for it...lamb neck barbecue! Topped with pickled cabbage, an adobo mayo sauce, micro greens, fresh-squeezes of lime, these soft tacos were amazing! I devoured them eagerly. I also split an order of Chorizo Tacos. This was a real revelation, with chipotle mayo, fried potato shreds, and a fried egg on it. When you fold the taco up, the yolk of the egg breaks, coating the rest of the taco filling. It was like an incredibly good brunch taco. Dessert? Yes, we did. We split a chocolate espuma and a flan. The espuma is incredibly dense and rich, unlike traditional chocolate mousse. At the bottom of the dessert is a cherry marmalade flavored with Patron tequila. The flan was citrusy, with a really light, fresh taste. Without a doubt, this restaurant is 5 out of 5. The noise level may be annoying, but who cares when food this good is in the offing? Absolutely the best new restaurant I've encountered this year.
(5)
Carolina W.

This place reminds me of what would happen if Pottery Barn ventured out and had a restaurant. Everything about the food is yuppie and bland and caters to the douchebag crowd who thinks kale belongs in Mexican food. I'm an adventurous eater and grow kale in my home garden, but it's as if the chef decided to put decidedly unaunthentic ingredients in the food just because the trustafarian clientele feel more worldly if it's there. I'm also biased because I'm first-generation Hispanic and this food was just completely some of the suckiest "Mexican" I've ever had. The short of it: veggie burritos-greasy. Cholo corn-A-. Beer-sucky (it took 20 minutes to arrive and not even a sorry from our server when the place wasn't even busy to begin with). WTF? Tortillas-I know I've had better at Boloco. All in all, I was truly disappointed. I might stumble back in if I'm...nah nevermind. I'm sticking to Posto.
(2)
Eric P.

Places like this make living in Davis Square special. I was sad to see Gargoyles go, but Painted Burro is now my go-to hangout in Davis. The decor is unique, the drinks are good, the food is delicious, and the service is friendly. Complimentary chips and salsa with every meal, and the chips are oh-so-salty, just the way I like them. Food takes a little while to come out, but boy are there some gems here. Both the avocado and fire-roasted poblano guacamoles are phenomenal. The shishito fundido was nice and cheesy. The ceviche is perfect. The enchilada is divine. The skirt steak tacos were delicious. And yes, they even have grits. I've had almost all the drinks, and the Sierra Madre is hands-down the best. Such a unique combination of tequila, triple sec, passion fruit, and jalapenos. The house margarita is no joke either - get it with rocks and salt and it's downright refreshing. I love their bumpy rocks glasses! The frozen burro colada (their take on a pina colada) is tasty but strong; it definitely sneaks up on you. Things that are just okay: the mahi mahi was cooked well but didn't have much flavor unless you mixed it with the sauce around it. The street cart chicken was solid enough but not the tastiest chicken in the world. Their rum-and-coke takeoff, the coca-cola con pango, was way too sweet for my taste. I'd stick to the Mexican food here, but it's good that they have options. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of their tequila flights. I recommend the Study of Anejo. I've also tried the mezcal one and only really liked the anejo mezcal. On the weekend, definitely get reservations. Weeknights, if you come early enough, are quite manageable. And it can get loud inside, so if you come at a busy time, be prepared to speak loudly. In a particularly genius move, the center table in the back room is a high-top table and the rest are normal height, preventing you from feeling like you're sitting right on top of the people next to you; I love it! Overall, a solid effort from the people behind Posto. Good enough that every time I run past, I smile and start craving a house margarita on ice. Then I remember they don't open until 5pm, which makes me sad, cause it would make an awesome afternoon hangout.
(4)
Amy S.

Love this place! Fantastic food (the creamy poblano rice and ceviche are my two most favorite things I've had in a LONG time), wonderful drinks, attentive service. It does get very busy, so I would highly recommend making a reservation before hand. They are also very knowledgeable about gluten free--always a plus for me!
(5)
Heather W.

PROS - Awesome waiter. Tyler was his name? Maybe? He was tall, super friendly, had tattoos, I think, and loved recommending drinks. Anyway, he was one of the best waiters I've had in Boston. Maybe not a high bar, but he really was great. - Fundido with mushrooms was Fun-liciously sinful. I know a bunch of you whiners have been complaining that it's "too heavy" for an appetizer and I'd like to take a moment to address your concerns: ...seriously?! You're complaining that when you order MELTED CHEESE it's too heavy? Docking stars for that is like docking Sprinkles for making you fat when you eat five a day. [i.e., not their fault!] We can now return to our regularly scheduled PROS... - chupacabra tacos: In the words of Chris "delicious, meaty, saucy goodness." If you're mildly healthy, two will be enough. - ceviche: I really enjoyed it but what others have said is true -- it's definitely on the highly acidic side. If you prefer ceviche where the first flavor is the fish, this won't be for you. - kale and plantains: perfecto combination. Only complaint -- I think the kale was just way over-saturated in oil/fat/bad. Like, you couldn't even pretend it was healthy. CONS - desserts here aren't a win (at least, not yet). We got a chocolate mousse and a flan. The mousse (as we were warned) was super duper rich. And not particularly interesting. The flan was just blah. Not as dense as I'm used to and the fruity aspect didn't quite work. - the chips just didn't do it for me We'll definitely be going back!
(4)
Selena J.

This place is wicked popular right now, and we are terrible at making reservations, but we managed to snag a table at the bar after a few minutes of shamelessly creeping around people who seemed to be finishing up. Our menu for the evening included: -Margarita de la cases- yum -Ceviche- ok -Chicharrones- great texture, perfect combination of sweet and spicy-- amazing! -Chorizo tacos- wonderful flavor and covered in a runny egg which is pretty much my favorite thing to put on almost all food-- soooo good! -Barbecoa- pretty good, but it wasn't intensely flavorful and therefore seemed bland in comparison to the incredibly flavorful chicharrones and chorizo tacos -Avocado and coconut ice cream- subtle but very satisfying So make reservations and don't miss out on the chicharrones and the chorizo tacos!
(4)
Amanda G.

How have I not reviewed PB yet?! Been here about five times now... and officially think I have a handle on my favorites. The #1 pros of Painted Burro are the fact that it's an authentic, hip Mexican/tequila bar and restaurant in the heart of Davis Square, and it has the Posto team to back it up. The margaritas and guacamole, in my opinion, are bomb and the best part of coming here, which is great, because that tends to be the bar for me in terms of picking a Mex place to eat. One thing about the margaritas -- lethal. Drink more than one and beware the hangover. Things I've tried and loved: -Guacamole! -Chicharron app -- chewy, fried little pork wedges, yum -Ceviche - YES -Vegetarian taco -Shrimp diablo taco -- tooooo spicy for me, but my compadres loved Service is great, sometimes there can be a bit of a wait (especially now that Davis is so popular and this place gets a lot of buzz) so make a reservation. Manager is super nice and will come around and see how your meal is. On multiple occasions if we've waited awhile to sit, they brought us a complimentary app or dessert, very nice. It gets REALLY loud here most days so be prepared to yell across the table. All in all, good ambiance, good food, great drinks and if you're in the area, where else can you go for a Mexican "scene" ya know? Enjoy.
(4)
fred f.

we LOVE the guacamole. Both the fish taco and pork taco were delicious and super-fresh. Loved the salsa, and we dug the Margaritas. can get a little loud and looks like it can get pretty crowded on Friday nights.
(4)
Shani C.

I have no idea how this place is going to stay in business in the neighborhood; there are too many other great places to go and get great food, or even affordable food, or even mediocre food you don't have to sell a kidney to get. The drinks were eminently forgettable--not one outstanding drink across the whole table. The tacos were tiny and crazy asspensive. The chicken meal was a perfectly large portion, yes, but served on the bone in a sauce, so difficult to actually eat, and frankly was not even as good as a standard grocery rotisserie chicken. The service was indifferent, and the kitchen was obviously behind. The renovation on this space is attractive and clean looking, but tearing down the wall between the old bar and dining room makes the place hella loud. I literally said to friend on my left "This place is so loud I can't hear anything" and the friend on my right said "What did you say? This place is so loud I can't hear you talk." Funny, but. Bottom line: incredibly underwhelming and forgettable.
(2)
Amy R.

If it weren't for the A+ combo of great margs, tasty tacos, and disco music at the bar... I would have been thisclose to giving the Painted Burro 3 stars. My friend and I were looking for a new place to go in Davis Sq. to get our Friday fiesta on. I suggested heading to the Burro so we could get our marg/guac fix. We walked in around 8pm and this place was bumpin'. It was a little discouraging to hear that there was an hour and a half wait, but we were willing to hunker down in an open space at the end of the bar while we waited. Since it was a little overcrowded and there weren't any open seats, we didn't ask for a drink menu... just ordered whatever their house marg was and it definitely didn't disappoint. They were muy delicioso. Now, we were definitely there for an hour when a couple of seats finally opened up at the bar (after much stalking on our part, of course). We were STARVING at this point and immediately ordered some guac and chips and another round of margs. The guac was pretty tasty... we got the regular kind and I think we should have gone for the spicier choice, but nonetheless, pretty solid guac. The chips were hot and fresh out of the oven... mmm.. I ordered the carne asada steak tacos... which came with garlic mojo and roasted poblano rajas. OMG... just what I expected. The steak was nice and tender and the toppings provided the right amount of heat. And, let's not forget to mention how fresh the corn tortillas were. Yessss. My friend had the shrimp diablo tacos and she was extremely satisfied with her choice. She had gobbled her dos tacos up before I could even ask for a taste, but I trust her judgment and would order those the next time I go. Now, here is where I could have given this place 3 stars. Remember the hour and a half wait we were told we'd have?? Well, I provided the hostess with my phone number at their request (as they didn't have those little light up buzzer spot holder things) and they would call me when our table was ready. If we hadn't found seats at the bar, we would have stood around for the entire night, since I didn't have a missed call from the restaurant when I checked later on. Thankfully, we found seats! Ole!
(4)
Christian K.

I have to preface that I'm usually not a great fan of Mexican food. However, the Burro really changed my perception of what well-cooked, authentic Mexican food can be like. On top of this, the place is buzzing can be a little loud), but with a friendly, relaxed crowd and great service. I highly recommend the Octopus salad as a starter. The Street Cart Chicken and the Duck with Tamale are simply divine. And the Burro raises the experience of Tacos to a whole new level. Bottom line: They've got my vote!
(5)
Cee D.

One word: NACHOS! This place has the best nachos I have ever had, and that is no exaggeration. Every chip was perfectly loaded and not a single one was soggy! Seriously, these guys should get a Michelin star just for that accomplishment. And this is a consistent experience as we have been there 5 or 6 times now. Their street cart chicken is amazing. They have house margaritas ON TAP! And made with real lime juice and silver tequila, too. Great stuff! They also recently renovated so there is a new bar area and more seating, which was a GREAT idea. 5 stars, great job Burro!
(5)
Rafi Y.

[Edit] - The Painted Burro reached out to me about this review which I think deserves an extra star as they are putting a strong effort into enhancing the restaurant and are listening to their customers' reviews! First off, the chips-to-salsa ratio they give you just doesn't make sense. You get a giant basket of tortilla chips that's good for maybe 2-3 people, but a tiny cup of salsa that is probably gone after 3-4 dips. We had to constantly ask for more salsa since the container was so small. Also, during dinner time on a weekend, we had to wait 30-45 minutes for our food to arrive. It took quite a while. Thankfully we ordered some tapenade/olive appetizer thingy which unfortunately I was unimpressed with. It was an assortment of olives, but completely unfulfilling because it was just that: olives with their seeds and nothing more. So now the food finally arrived. I ordered the meatloaf special which sounded pretty good: meatloaf with toasted almonds, eggs, some other meats. It aesthetically looked nice, but the second I took a bite, it tasted like the chef decided it was a good idea to drown the whole meal in bbq sauce. Also as I continued to eat the meatloaf, it tasted more and more like some frankenstein meal that someone decided to piece together out of the blue. My friend ordered the chicken enchilada which tasted quite bland. The cheese or the sauce overtook the taste of everything else. Overall I don't think I'd ever return to this restaurant - at least for the food. It's overpriced for the quality that you get. I would've been more satisfied with a hot dog and fries from Spike's next door.
(2)
Michele G.

While the tacos are expensive ($7 a pop), they are worth the calories you'll be ingesting, particularly the the shrimp tacos and short rib tacos. Guac is freshly smashed and worth inhaling, and you can't go wrong getting messed up with the house margarita on the rocks. There are far worse places to spend your evening, but are there far better? Not many. And not only is the service great, but for the sparkling bathrooms in a Mexican joint, this place gets five stars all the way!
(5)
Joe G.

Good to very good/excellent. With the caveat that I haven't tried any of the entrees, or the pork belly guacamole. The Painted Burro showed me enough to want to go back and try more, which could certainly bump up my rating. Went with a friend and since there was a 45 minute wait, we decided to sit at the bar and have dinner there. The Food: Guac was decent, but nothing special (though I didn't get the special pork belly or poblano versions). Chips were fantastic. My buddy got the shrimp diablo tacos, which I tried and absolutely loved. I got the chorizo tacos, which are probably the best chorizo tacos in the city -- and some of the best I've ever had. I have to admit I'm a sucker for anything with a fried egg on top. So amazingly good. Drinks: Inconsistent, but I only had two, and both were made/served by separate bartenders. The first was a house margarita, but I subbed in herradura reposado tequila. I'm pretty sure the bartender forgot to add simple syrup and/or triple sec, because this drink was disgustingly sour, and I could barely taste the tequila (one that is typically fairly smokey). For the second, I chatted with the other bartender about loving mezcal and she made me a margarita with the baluarte reposado. This one was outstanding, and the switch from tequila to mezcal does not explain the difference between the two drinks, so I can only conclude that something was wrong with the first. Anyway, small sample size, so not enough to ruin my opinion of the drinks here, but enough to prevent a 5-star review. As I said, I'm looking forward to coming back here and trying more of the menu. Overall, well done, Painted Burro.
(4)
Jacob B.

I love the new bar!! It's a great place to drink. Also the huevos rancheros is delish and if you feel like having a happy heart attack get a side of the gritz!!
(5)
Ashley R.

The food was authentic and delicious. I ordered the baja fish taco and the chorizo de la cada taco, and both were fantastic. My boyfriend got the carne asada, which he said was good as well. Also, not that this matters THAT much, but the place is SO beautiful! Great artwork, and whoever made interior design decisions knew what he/she was doing. The only reason I can't give this place five stars is the price. It's definitely a bit steep for Mexican food, but I guess you get what you pay for so I really can't complain.
(4)
Montgomery V.

A few things: 1. I strongly advise that you go to the bathroom before going to the Painted Burro, or use the buddy system. Anyone left behind at the bar WILL be invited to join a threesome of questionable components. 2. Even if there is no one sitting at the bar it is still quite difficult to sit there. The chairs are so heavy and there are so many of them, it can be a particularly strenuous ordeal to carve out your place. I suggest at least a month of weightlifting (with a trainer and a shake weight) and some time playing Boxo or Tetris. 3. When you get chips and salsa be sure you have a game plan to deal with the large unwieldy chips. They appear daunting but can be broken into smaller more manageable chips with limited effort. Step by step...
(4)
Leslie P.

Great fun place in the heart of Davis Square. I love the bar and the margaritas are great! The guacamole is among the best I've had. The fish tacos were delicious. A definite recommend and I will be back!
(4)
Gerry G.

I'm reading a lot of complaints on here about the prices (and a lot of people are knocking down their rating because of it). While the drink prices were a little steep ($7 for draft beer, $10-12 for their cocktails), I didn't think they were soooo far out of the norm for the area. This probably isn't the right happy hour spot for the poor college kids, but for professionals with a little more scratch, it's great. The food and drinks were excellent and unique and the service was great. My initial judgment of a Mexican restaurant is based on their chips and salsa. They HAVE to be home made. The Painted Burro nailed it. The chips were warm and thin and crispy and the salsa was very flavorful with a finely chopped tomato base. Next my wife and I split the nacho appetizer. Again, this was a very fresh, carefully made dish. It wasn't just several different spoonfuls of slop dumped over chips. The layers were deliberately placed and the ingredients were fresh. Next we each had a taco (fish and the double-decker) and both were excellent. Total bill (2 tacos, nachos, 2 cocktails) was $48 before tip and we walked out full. If they lowered the drink prices we'd probably have had more of them, but as it is we'll still be back.
(4)
D S.

Omg!!! This place is not what I was expecting. And who ever rate this food as a good Mexican food don't know about food. The price is sky high for what I have. And please don't order their lemonade. I put in like 15 packets of sugar Literally and the water they gave me for free I have to poor it in the Drink so that I can make a drink of it. I don't have to say nothing about the service at least that was the only thing good. When I receive my plate that when I say OMG!!! I got a signature plate stake and salad. I had a hard time cutting the stake. It was so hard so hard that I couldn't Chew the piece of stake after I finally cut it off in my plate. I got so mad my hunger went away and my lemonade drink didn't help at all. My husband was with me and the corn in the cob he order didn't taste like anything. He also had a sandwich that look like a Cuban sandwich. He say he will rather get it from down the store of our house that will taste better and fresh. The portions on my plate was pretty sad I think Taco Bell give more food than this people. And the decoration was ok until I look a mural they have painted on the wall. I found that very derespectful they painted this Mexican famous actor Mario Moreno " cantinflas" like they are happy this actor is dead. He is a mexican icon. When the bill came I end up paying $75.00 for food I can also get in tacos lupitas for even less. I won't recommend this to no one. This is no Mexican food. If you want real Mexican go to plaza Azteca or to tacos lupitas good fresh and flavorful.
(1)
Robert D.

Was good but not great they forgot my pork on my taco and my drinks were empty forgot knows how long other wait staff looked at them but walked by and stood in corner talking
(3)
Jamie G.

Food is expensive for what it is and service is slow. I have been here a number of times and each time I have been disappointed by my experience and always feel as if I have overpaid. A typical taco is around $7 for one small taco. In Mexico and great Boston-area taco restaurants the same taco with same quality of meat or fish is found for between $2 and $5. As a side with your extravagantly priced taco you get maybe two tablespoons of unimpressive black beans. Their street cart chicken dish is good as well as their duck tamal. Their tequila menu is large and impressive and you can't beat the atmosphere. For a drink this place is a good pick but $21 for three tacos and nothing else doesn't make it worth eating here.
(2)
Alexis C.

Spoiled by the delicious, abundant, and cheap Mexican food of California, I went here right away in hopes that finally Boston had yummy Mexican food. I was pretty disappointed. The food at Painted Burro is not bad, per se, but it's also not really good. The ceviche was the best part, but it was also ridiculously expensive for the tiny portion and it was too heavy on the lime. I'm not going to any more Mexican places until I get back to the Western part of the U.S. I just want some good old fashioned classic Mexican food, but I think Painted Burro is more on the "inspired" and "re-imagined" and "fusion" end of Mexican food. The chips and salsa they give are okay, but nothing amazing. I had the two pork tacos with mango, and they were pretty bad. I think the mango was a bad idea, and the light green sauce (avocado puree mixed with sour cream, i hope) was tasteless. The decor is cutesy if you care about such things. The chairs are 100% wood, so if you have a bony butt like me, you're in for a rough meal. I would not go again because at this price point I want to really like a place, but if you're into atmosphere and fusion Mexican food, you might like it better than I did.
(2)
Some K.

Food was awesome. The chorizo taco was the best I've ever had. Too bad the service sucked
(3)
Zinah A.

Stopped by Painted Burro for a margarita and appetizers was very pleased with the atmosphere, service and food. Loved the ceviche special it was perfectly tangy, seasoned and light. Loved the guacamole very fresh. The bartender Kara was superb, attentive, sweet, and made great recommendations. Although, bar was very busy I felt she noticed everything when are drinks were low. She chatted a little with us and was just delightful. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Kaitlyn H.

Love this place. Get the street chicken asado. It is amazing, and actually the leftovers reheat well too. The tacos are like, ehh whatever, but the flautas and empanadas are nice like snacky food to go along with a delicious margarita. One of my favorite places to grab some drinks and apps in Davis.
(5)
Elizabeth K.

Our favorite part was the house margaritas. They tasted fresh and you could actually taste some tequila in them. We then shared a bunch of things because the main entrees didn't look all that interesting. First, pork chicharrones. Some were burnt to a crisp, some were way too fatty, but, for the very few that were cooked right - they were amazing! Next, the tomatillo fundido. I felt like tomatillo to cheese ratio was totally off. It was mostly like a bowl of green slime with some shredded cheese on top. Redfish Dos Tacos. Once I peeled off the giant clumps of cilantro these were pretty good. The fish was fresh and flavors clean. But, $7.00 per tiny taco. Really?!? Chile Relleno. $13 for the worst chile relleno ever. A tiny chile that didn't have an ounce of cheese in it. Instead, it was just stuff with an overly sweet mixture of peaches, apricots, and grapes. Worst decision of the night for sure. I actually wonder if they forgot to put the cheese in ours or if it was supposed to be the way... Overall: (1) Good, not great. (2) If it takes the server 10 minutes to explain the menu (unprompted) as soon as we sit down, then, perhaps your menu is a wee bit too complicated? (3) Not everyone loves cilantro, maybe not throw giant handfuls of it on top of everything? (4) If it's going to cost $100+ for Mexican food, for two people, it better by mind-blowing, this was not. Our favorite part was the $5 pork bits and $8 margaritas.
(3)
Fat G.

Short review - had good dessert, but does not observe OpenTable's policies to the fullest. It has a good atmosphere in the afternoon, and it is also along the main street, making it lively and festive. However, it gets pretty loud there.
(3)
Lauren F.

The Painted Burro is my new favorite restaurant. I usually shy away from Mexican food, but I'm so glad I gave this place a shot. The menu is extensive and well-priced (in fact, I am a little confused by the reviews saying the food is overpriced... $5 for great appetizers; $10 for fresh, delicious tacos? Burro serve nothing but fresh, quality ingredients, and I'll pay for it happily.). The servings are generous (especially the guacamole). The food itself is phenomenal; the corn cob appetizer, the shrimp tacos and the tres leches stood out the most, although I was impressed with every plate. The vibrant atmosphere matches the food well, as the walls are tastefully painted and the tables cleverly decorated. The ambiance is full of life but still low-key. I'd feel as comfortable there in jeans as in a dress. Great for a date or dinner with friends. The bar is perhaps most impressive. The tequila offerings would satisfy any aficionado, and the cocktails appeal to a variety of tastes (the fruity strawberry margarita, the refreshing La Paloma, or the stronger 7-43). The bar manager is masterful with his concoctions and can offer expert information for the seasoned tequila drinker or more introductory advice for newcomers. Even if tequila isn't your thing, he can find a creative drink for everyone (including my Malibu-loving friend). What made The Painted Burro an experience rather than just a meal was the wonderful people working there. From the second my party entered, the lovely hostesses greeted us with smiles, and the servers were just attentive enough without being intrusive. The managers circulated all night to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves, even sending us a complimentary appetizer. I recommend The Painted Burro with nothing but praise. It's indulgence without pretention--a perfect balance of elegance and whimsy.
(5)
Robby T.

Checked out this place with some friends for dinner on a Sunday night. Decor is fun, bar, tables and chairs are solid and rustic- going with the Mexican theme. The only problem was that about half of the tables and chairs were empty and we were told there was a 30 minute wait. While we waited, we ordered some drinks at the bar- a beer for me and a margarita (delicious) for my fiancee. The bartender, while busy, was very friendly and fairly prompt with our drinks. However, we were approached by the hostess that our thirty minute wait was already over after 5 mins and rushed to close out before we could settle into our barstools. We all ordered variations of the tacos, which everyone enjoyed. I had the chorizo with a farm egg- spicy but fantastic, albeit a mess. I was surprised at how small the portions were, but we ended up being pretty full after filling up on chips, etc along with our meals. While the food is great, the sides are a bit scant and the appetizer section was a bit thin. Whatever. A bit pricey for portions- I can deal with this. The main reason I am knocking them down a few stars was the service. Inflated wait and a waitress who did not seem to care about our space or letting us breathe a little bit and enjoy the experience. We had our conversation interrupted several times and she did not seem to want to deal with bringing us any drinks after we declined a dessert menu. We felt a bit shooed out by the old dropoff-the-check-before-you-ask routine. Food: 4 Stars, Service: 2, maybe.
(3)
Dustin L.

Went to this place finally for the first time the other night and was seriously impressed. The margaritas were on point and the guacamole was unreal! We got it with pork belly in it and that really set it off. The prices are higher than most for drinks but it's a tequila bar, they are good drinks. Also got the nachos and those were enormous and delicious. Just two appetizers since we were there for a liquid diet. I will absolutely be back.
(5)
Katie S.

Oh My Lord the chef Dante is fantastic . Fresh !! great food knowledge with a hit menu! I recommend to all people. Its a great place for a first date, girls night, friends at the bar or friends at a table. Drink menu is very tasteful give it a try.
(4)
Darci N.

Came here on a saturday night, around 10pm, and it was pretty busy but we were able to get seated quickly at a table near the bar. I haven't had an opportunity to try the food (with the exception of the guac) so this is primarily a review for the drinks. I tried their house margarita, because every tequila bar should be judged based on their house drink. I wasn't overly impressed, but it was drinkable. As a standard I am not a fan of margaritas with Combier; I like my margaritas simple and classic. The second round, however, was absolutely disgusting. It tasted strongly of an antiseptic mouthwash mixed with tequila. I barely choked down a sip before I decided I would just stick to the table water. Hopefully they've worked out the kinks and inconsistencies at their bar by now. The guac and chips were quite delightful - the guac to chip ratio is a bit off, and when they're busy I imagine it's relatively annoying to have to keep asking for a chip refill. 3 stars because I love tequila, so I'm willing to give them another try.
(3)
Stephen S.

I like that Mexican has become a thing in the last few years, and the Painted Burro is the latest and best iteration. The restaurant was super busy on the Thursday that I went, luckily I made a reservation so seating wasn't an issue. Once seated I noticed they served Pretty Things (yay!) and while their drink selection wasn't massive, I was impressed with the quality of their offerings...it fit the general character of the restaurant. My dinner was pretty standard, started with guacamole and moved on to three tacos, each one different. The guacamole was pretty good (although a little cilantro heavy) and the chips, which I assume to be homemade but am not sure, were delicious. Same for the free salsa. I was slightly annoyed that the servings of chips they leave at the table are so small. It seemed like they were gone only a few minutes after our waitress put them down...never to be refilled. The tacos were phenomenal. I had the fish, shrimp and beef tongue (it was a special). Each was seasoned to perfection (excepting the fish taco that could've used a little more) and served in a very ascetically pleasing manner. I had to slow myself down while eating them. The flavors (esp for the shrimp and beef tongue) were so bold that I wanted to draw out the experience. They were a little pricy (ranging from $6-8 each) but worth it. I was a little disappointed in the waitstaff. Aside from leaving us hanging with the nacho situation, it took a good 30-40 minutes after sitting down to get our order in. Major downside - there is no parking in Somerville. I guess they (Somerville) are as surprised that Somerville's become a culinary hotspot as I am, so they never thought to put up a parking garage or two. Get on it.
(4)
Jason M.

I am a huge fan of the Achiote Chicken Enchiladas here. It doesn't sound that exciting on paper, but the sauce is really perfectly balanced. My wife is a similarly huge fan of their (off-menu nowadays) ceviche. Unfortunately they didn't have it on our last visit, and said that Friday/Saturday is usually the best bet for them having it. She usually gets a couple of tacos to go with it. On my most recent visit, I was pleased to see that they've added a children's menu with hot dog, quesadilla, and taco options. In the past our daughter has usually shared the Street Cart Chicken with an adult, but this time she was happy with the chicken quesadilla ($6). The extremely extensive tequila list is fun to explore, though the $14 margaritas get pretty spendy. The dining room used to be very noisy, but that's improved since they moved their bar into the space next door (which used to be Spike's).
(5)
mary s.

My only complaint is that this place needs to be bigger - it seems like we can never get a last minute reservation or seat at the bar during the prime hours. I'm glad to hear that they're extending the bar to the old Spike's spot. The tacos are phenomenal and I love their palomas. My favorite taco is the chorizo della casa. The sandwiches, which I think are a new addition, are quite good as well. If only they would bring back the corn and mushroom taco... It's the best thing I've had there so far!!! (Hint hint)
(4)
Joel M.

Two visits, on for drinks, the other for dinner. Drinks, service, and decor here are great, and tequila fans are sure not to be disappointed. Can't go wrong with the house margarita. Unfortunately, the food leaves a lot to be desired. The chips and salsa were the high mark of the meal. Started dinner with a fundido appetizer that was little more than a bland pot of grease with warm tortilla shells. I thought we had ordered one with mushrooms? I'm no fundido expert so I may be missing something, but splitting this with two people was far too heavy of a starter. If I was in a group of four I might reconsider. On to the entrees. I ordered the enchilada parasio, which sounded fantastic. Zucchini, kale, two types of cheese, and a few other veggies I can't remember really attracted me on the menu. When I dug in I was utterly disappointed. It was this homogenous blob of green stuff, and I couldn't even figure out if there was a tortilla in there as everything was so mushed together. No individual flavors/textures popped out at all. My date ordered the diablo shrimp tacos, which I thought were pretty good. The mango salsa could have had a bit more pop to offset the spicy shrimp. That said I feel like I've had better at Five Horses around the corner, and they don't really even specialize in this. Overall - 3 stars Food - 2 stars Service - 4 stars Drink Menu - 5 stars Decor/Ambiance - 4 stars
(3)
L E.

Gluten free friends: be careful! The Painted Burro has made recent changes to their menu/food supply chain, and much of their food is no longer GF (including the chips they serve you before the waiter comes and could warn you of these changes). I've been a frequent visitor of the Painted Burro over the past year or so, but the visits had waned in the past few months following a move across town. Originally I loved the drinks, the variety of GF-friendly, delicious options, but beware of the changes. These are not clear on the menu and waitstaff do not seem to be fully informed of the changes. I had to re-place my order 4 times before successfully findign something I could eat (at which point I was only staying at the restaurant because the BF was super excited about his meal and we were both starving). I'm sad to say I won't be returning to this former favorite!
(2)
M. K.

The fish tacos are pretty good. The veggie tacos -- I wonder if the chef has actually tasted them. This is one of the decent places to eat in Davis, but to be honest, if Lone Star were in the area, I wouldn't even consider the Burro. I really wish the owners would train their staff about hygiene. They put the filthy menus right over the plates, napkins, and utensils. When the bartender refilled my glass, he grabbed it from the top. These are basic no-nos, which I learned years ago when I worked for a humble chain restaurant.
(2)
Glen W.

Chicago-quality Mexican in Boston! 'nough said.
(4)
Amy D.

NO NO NOOOOO!!!! Oh, I was SOOO excited to try Painted Burro, firstly because as a former Partida Tequila ambassador, and tequila aficionado i was so excited by their selections, and also I just LOOOOOOVE great Mexican. As a fan of Posto, this restaurant group's other venture in Davis, and having eaten there a bunch, I was that much more enticed to see their foray into good Mexican. Well...the Painted Burro? Needs another coat of Paint. Firstly, the best part? The drinks. Great tequila selection, blancos, reposados and anejos, and our margaritas were great. It was all downhill from there. Since moving to Boston, it galls me that NO ONE IN THIS TOWN UNDERSTANDS HOW TO MAKE CEVICHE. You get ONE choice per menu (Ole, etc...), and it's never what you want. We decided to start with their ceviche of scallops, redfish and red snapper, and it was, really not good. Firstly, all the fish were so homogenous, there was not enough seasoning, and it wasn't FRESH and invigorating/refreshing. Why? Because they thought it was a good idea to smother it, in avocado mush. Great ceviche is simple, great fish, great chiles, great citrus, onions, etc.... This was SAD, mushy, over-marinated. It was a COMPLETE FAILURE. :( So we hoped our main courses would be a great improvement. I ordered the street cart chicken, and my husband ordered two orders of "dos tacos", the asada and the cochinita. To say that my chicken was BLAND, under-seasoned, despite loads of annato seed on top, paprika and tamarind butter is an understatement. Painted Burro is the first Mexican restaurant where I asked for salt. My husband's tacos were dry, and under-seasoned. And this was just.....tragic. The whole experience. I wanted SO MUCH to like the place, I really did. I won't be going back until someone I trust tells me it's STAGGERINGLY awesome. Til then, I'll satisfy my jones at Tu Y Yo and Ole
(2)
Jay J.

About Me: I'm 30 and have worked in the restaurant industry. I eat/drink out 3-4 times a week. The Painted Burro is AWESOME! The food is unique and delicious. The drinks are even better. My favorite is the mango habanero margarita and my girlfriend's fav is the cucumber margarita. Two notes about the service. Second time we were in there the bartender, Tiana, immediately made conversation and was super friendly. We asked her about a drink she was prepping (the cuke margarita) and she made us two little samples of it. My gf was sold after that sample. Next time we were in the bartender, Ricky, made me the mango habanero margarita. For my second drink I asked him to make it "just a tad bit spicier." Not only was he more than happy to do so he made me the best spicy margarita I've ever had! My gf and I love this place! PS, try the cholo corn cob app if you get a chance.
(5)
Michelle W.

Tried the brunch menu. Beautiful decor and fun mexican music. The chips and salsa were great, couldn't stop eating them. Started with crispy pork flautas and the shell was too hard but the inside pork filling was great,moist and flavorful. Then had crispy Maine redfish tacos. Overall, a bit pricey, good food, small portions and fun atmosphere.
(3)
Te R.

i do not. like. brunch. it's always too many people, too little food, too little flavor. but the painted burro is a nice surprise. i made a reservation for sunday at noon just to find that there are a lot of tables available. my brunch companion joined me and we caught up and stuff. he ordered crabcake egg benedict, and i got the superbeasto. i just didn't expect too much because i wanted to chat with my friend. but the food was delicious. i didn't know what i was eating most of the time. some dead animal, crunchy taco shell, spicy sauce, and fried eggs. yeah they went together well. highly recommended as a place to catch up on gossips after that wild saturday night. you will be fed and will be given time to catch up on the said gossips. right? right?
(4)
Eden B.

I really like this restaurant and decided to have my birthday dinner in this spot. Unfortunately we had a less than ideal situation. I made a reservation 3 weeks in advance for 8pm on 8/1 for 8 people. Someone called me the day of to confirm and asked if it was for a special occasion, I mentioned it was for my birthday and she said great we will see you tonight! When we arrived the two ladies working the front desk told me the table was almost ready and she would let us know when they were ready to seat us. We waited for over 20 minutes and then realized that another group was seated at the front center square high top table the front desk had told me they were clearing for us. WHA? I thought since we arrived first, were ready to be seated AND had a reservation for the correct time we would be seated first, and at the idea table. I asked the front desk what happened and she said "it was a mix up, there's some confusion but we are clearing a table for you now". I asked what table she was now offering us and she gestured to a long row table scrunched up against a wall in the back. I commented nicely that the other table was nicer and preferred. She made me feel uncomfortable for even pointing that out. I'm sorry this is not the way to treat a large party with a reservation, who has already waited for 20 minutes past the reservation time. I used to work in hospitality and understand things come up but this was really poorly managed. We weren't seated until 8:38, almost 40 minutes after our reservation. By the time we got drinks the other group that was given our reserved table was already paying their tab! Our server was good, attentive, fine. However the restaurant did nothing to compensate for their error. Honestly nobody even apologized for the error. Additionally it's not a major issue but as the host was aware and the server was aware after asking about cards and presents, nothing was acknowledged for my birthday either. As a table of 8 we all ordered dinners, and had 2-3 drinks each. I was embarrassed in front of my guests after talking up the restaurant and having such an poor experience. I wish I had taken my business elsewhere. I wish I didn't have to cross this place off of my list but as nothing was done to acknowledge their error I don't think I will be returning. Painted Burro you can do better! Hire staff that can manage both reservations, and walk-in parties, stress communication between your greeters, hostesses and servers. And most importantly focus on customer experience - apologize when errors occur!
(1)
Shannon W.

Take this review with a grain of salt. Only because I just moved to Cambridge from San Diego. I got the two taco plate- Carnitas and grilled fish. The grilled fish was definitely the better of the two. You could tell they used fresh ingredients and the flavor was decent. This place is a good option if you're looking to get a drink with a friend and have some tacos. I'd say check out another place if you're looking for something a bit more authentic.
(3)
Hannah R.

Ambled in last night with my heart set on something cheesy and delicious. It was either nachos or the chicken goat cheese quesadilla. Having had (and enjoyed) the nachos before, I branched out and got the quesadilla. Not my greatest call. Here's what the menu says my selection includes: "poblano, tres quesos, mexican crema, cilantro". What it actually included: all onions, all the time. And very little cheese. Goat cheese is my favorite cheese, and I maybe had one bite that I could taste it in. Onions seemed to be substituted in for the poblano pepper. These are not the same thing. I'm not sure why the PB is trying to pass them off as such. Regardless, I'm in quite a bit of gastric distress. Thanks guys. Not really worth it. Next time I'll just hit up Chipotle and the liquor store on the corner. TL;DR:--Middling to good drinks. High prices and a dearth of cheese.
(2)
It's Not Fanni G.

Friendly staff, ingredients were fresh but over price chic Mexican food. Mexican food doesn't need to be this fancy to get it right. Tries too hard to be different not a fan
(2)
Joe C.

Decided today to go for a nice long bike ride on the Minute Man Bike Trail. Started out in Davis Square and returned to my long time favor Mexican restaurant. The Painted Burro. I haven't been here since October of 2012. I can't tell you why just sometimes life takes over...Anyhow they didn't disappoint. They have since expanded the restaurant portion and moved the bar. Amanda was the bartender on duty and she was just great. We discussed their wide selection of Tequilas. I told her I wanted a sipping Tequila and she recommended a killer, Corazon Sazer. It was a little pricey but since I was only having one.... I had the Gulf Shrimp Taco Platter and it was very tasty. As I said before I went for a bike ride so I could have eaten more but it was a decent portion without the 90 minute bike ride. My only negative - NO FISH TACOS on the Brunch Menu - WHY! The Painted Burro has a nice buzz and I will be back again, maybe even next weekend there is another Tequila I want to try - lol
(4)
Mary D.

I went here upon Yelpers recommendations, so thank you! This food was amazing! Everything we tried was incredible. I ordered the Cholo Corn based on reviews, and it was just as good as everyone said it was! We will be back (soon) for more! The tacos were also great. I loved the two different varieties of fish tacos! Mango margaritas are tasty as well!
(5)
Alyssa J.

"He Said, She Said: The story of a dinner" I'm heading over early, she said. I'm starving. He said, Ok I'll see you in 15. Whoops, I just ate a bucket of chips by myself, she said. Hey! We need another bucket of chips, he said. Those chips were sort of bland tonight, he said. Oh man, I thought they were great! she said. Why does my beer have ice in it? he said. She said, This chick is doing a great job keeping my waterglass full. I'm parched. My pork belly tasted like bacon french fries! she said. My cheesy grits were quite cheesy. My empanadas were meaty with a great tangy tomato sauce. My enchiladas resembled more of a casserole. My enchiladas were probably the most expensive enchiladas in the entire Western Hemisphere, he said. Ugh, now I'm wondering why I come here so much. Cause the food is good and it's a fun restaurant, she said. He said, Yeah. You're right.
(4)
Melissa M.

I came here with a friend when visiting and really enjoyed this place. The standouts were the pumpkin queso (haven't stopped thinking about it) and the baja fish taco. I had the passion fruit mojito and my friend had a mango margarita. We loved them both.
(5)
Kay S.

One of the only things I miss about Texas is Mexican breakfast. When I found out The Painted Burro had brunch I was really excited. I had brunch there with some of my girlfriends. We all loved it! I was really excited they had chilaquiles! My husband and I went back for dinner. We each had two tacos. Also very tasty. Everything tasted fresh. We sat at the bar and it was really cozy. The lighting was perfect. The cocktails are amazing, so bring your Charlie Card, you're going to want to try more than one.
(5)
Vanessa H.

This is a great place for meetings friends, going on a date, or really any sort of social gathering. The drinks are decently priced, I got a spicy diablo margarita and it was delicious, but the tacos are slightly expensive for only getting one taco. None the less, it was still a good taco. I got the Mahi Mahi taco and it was very yummy. A little small but two of these babies would totally be enough. The guacamole is a must and when combined with a taco you fill up pretty quick. I will say it would be nice if the chips came in bigger bowls instead of a skinny can. My friend and I were always asking for chip refills. The service is usually great and quick. The setting definitely has a younger 20-35 vibe to it and gets crowded quickly on nice nights. The large windows come down on nice summer nights and it becomes a nice open air place to eat! A for sure place to hit up when you're craving a margarita and some Mexican inspired dishes.
(4)
Lynn H.

The place is alright...just alright. I mean, the staff is nice. The food is good. The drinks are good. But nothing really stands out here. If you're looking to impress someone, I wouldn't say this is the place you want to go.
(3)
Jennifer H.

I recently moved to Somerville and can now walk to The Painted Burro. This makes me so very happy! Nothing like being able to try all the delicious margaritas I want and then stroll home at the end of the night (or, if I am being totally honest, around 11pm. I am not as young as I used to be). I have tried lots of different margaritas and other drinks here because I am that friend that always asks to taste your drink after you rave about it. I will also insist you try mine. I love the cucumber margarita and the mojitos. So good! I am pretty obsessed with the guacamole here. Especially when you add the pork belly and roasted tomato to it. I had no idea how good pork belly is until I tried this. Also, a friend of mine ordered the Cholo Corn, which is not something I would have thought to get, and it is pretty damn amazing. I will absolutely be getting that again. The only other food I have had here are the tacos. Every one that I have tried has been really awesome, especially the shrimp and the BLT one (pork belly again, who knew?!). The beans you get with the tacos are OK, nothing really special. The place does get super crowded and loud, but that's to be expected in the area and definitely does not deter my going there. In fact... maybe I'll just take a walk down there right now.
(4)
Michelle W.

Absolutely fabulous brunch!!! We wandered in here by accident this am, and we were so happy we did. Service was fast and accurate, and the food was delicious. Im a big fan of eggs benedict and these didnt disappoint (just the eggs were slightly over cooked but whatever, the flavor was awesome). My husbands breakfast was a beast meal. Huge portion! We had leftovers and even reheated they were delish! If they could add tea to the menu, id give it 10 stars!
(5)
Tara S.

My husband and I had dinner at The Painted Burro with friends for the first time last weekend and had a fabulous experience! We had make a reservation via Open Table, which worked out great because the place was packed when we arrived (7:30PM on a Saturday). They offered us a high top table immediately and I asked for a low top (due to back problems I have). The hostess said that wouldn't be a problem - but just a few minute wait. Then she offered me a chair while I was waiting due to my back problem. I declined but was extremely impressed by the level of service as it was busy and the hostess still went out of her way. Overall the service was excellent the entire evening. The Atmosphere: When you walk in the restaurant is to one side and the bar is to the other - both had a very cool, trendy, casual vibe with Mexican day of the dead inspired decor. Although it was well decorated the space felt modern and spacious. It was busy but the tables were comfortable and it never felt too crowded. The food/drink: We started with margaritas and their nachos. Hands down the best nachos I have had in my life, yes they were pricey ($14 I think), but worth every penny. The nachos, like the other food, had a gourmet twist on traditional nachos and included things like jalapeÃ±o slaw and chorizo. The margaritas were also fantastic. One of the people at our table ordered the diablo margarita (jalapeÃ±o infused vodka) and although I like spicy I found it too spicy. The house margarita was perfect! For our main course my husband and I shared the duck enchiladas and two tacos (steak and shrimp diablo) - it was all delicious and I would HIGHLY recommend the duck enchiladas and shrimp diablo taco. For dessert we ordered the ice cream and got one soup of banana cinnamon and one scoop of lime sorbet. The banana cinnamon ice cream was amazing! It tasted like banana bread ice cream - whats not to love?! The lime sorbet had a great flavor (similar to a frozen margarita) but the texture was off - a bit icy and chunky. Parking: parking is always difficult in Davis Sq but we manage to always make it work. My husband dropped us at the door and circled until he found a spot (took about 5 min) a few blocks away. Price: overall it was not cheap, and on the pricier side considering it is Mexican. However, I would argue that it was worth every penny as it was true gourmet Mexican. We ordered multiple rounds of drinks (including a couple upscale tequila shots) one appetizer, one dessert, 7 tacos, and one main course (plenty of food for 4 people) and the bill was just shy of $200. Overall I would go back again in a heartbeat and highly recommend this place to any foodie who loves a gourmet twist on Mexican cuisine. It is a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends, the girls or the guys. The bar scene looked like a lot of fun too. Cannot wait for an excuse to go back!
(5)
Amanda K.

Love this place! Great food with many vegetarian options which makes me really happy. The guacamole is fantastic as are the tacos and the enchiladas. I also love the margaritas here, they aren't overly sticky sweet and are clearly not made from a mix. Good stuff! All in all a great establishment; good service, good drinks, inventive food. Psyched to have this place in the neighborhood!
(5)
Egghead M.

I've never had a disappointing meal at The Burro, and I eat there whenever I'm in Somerville. The "El Mero Mero" guacamole with the pork belly in it is very close to a religious experience. I've tried every taco on the menu, and it's hard to pick a favorite. Each is its own inventive mash-up of flavors. The plates are not piled high with food, which I look at as a plus: it's nice to walk out of a place like this without feeling like I overate. Like the man said, "enough is as good as a feast." You want more? The DiÃ¡ de Muertos ambiance is appealing and also just a touch heavy metal. The waitstaff is efficient and attentive. It's a quiet pleasure to sit up front on a hot July night, with the windows open, and watch the crowds move by out on the sidewalk. A favorite haunt of mine.
(5)
Roberto S.

Came here for drinks only, their michelada is very bad. The tomato juice they used tasted too watered down, whatever they put on the rim of the glass was terrible. I know there are variations of michelada recipes but I don't think this is one. Keep it simple, lime juice from one lime, 1 teaspoon of salt, a dash of pepper, 4 dashes of worcershire sauce, 3 dashes of Tabasco, a couple tablespoons of tomato juice, served on a chilled beer mug with ice and a kosher salt rim. Easy, simple and better, you can get the recipe online. Service and ambiance is all good...
(2)
Damon G.

If you're going to put a mexican restaurant across from Anna's and then price gouge, the food better be awesome. It's ok but it's not worth the price. That said, I'm glad I went once to check it out. You'll probably like it but I also wouldn't go back. There are way better values in Davis than paying $18 for 2 tiny fish tacos and a small side of cheese grits in something the size of a tea cup. My advice is to check it out if your curious but don't come here in hopes of being overly impressed.
(3)
Alexandra S.

Delicious Mexican food in a great atmosphere. Really fresh ingredients and interesting dishes. Not the same old same old stuff. Great drinks too.
(5)
Sean F.

I had heard good things, unfortunately they were wrong. Below average tacos with high prices. What does a $9 fish taco taste like? like fish sticks and cold slaw with extra mayo. Short Rib Ropa Vieja taco? canned chili with two types of taco shells. If you like eating at chili's then welcome to high class dining. But if you actually want good fish tacos, go to Dorados in Brookline. To be noted, I'm pretty sure these are just 2 pity stars (the staff was nice). Skip.
(2)
Sally B.

Tasty, classy, and healthy Mexican food in the heart of Davis Square. I love the scene that this place offers, and how they integrate into the community with their wide-open windows and events like this summer's awesome Yelp "Guac-off" competition. Make a reservation. Go for the kale salad. Skip the margaritas. Take in the ambiance and the bustling scene, and down a few beers and a bucket of chips with delish guacamole while you're at it. Your taste buds, wallet, and date will thank you. (Just make sure to make a reservation - this place gets packed!)
(4)
Abby R.

The Mission: Margaritas and appetizers. The Margaritas: $10-$12 margs. I had or sipped the Mango, the Hibiscus and the Cucumber flavors. My favorite was the Hibiscus which wasn't too flower-y and just the right amount of sweet. The cucumber was very refreshing but I don't know if I'd want to drink the whole thing (I only had a sip of that one.) I tried the Mango margarita which was overly sweet but still had good flavor. All were sufficiently strong and the service was good, if a little overbearing. The Appetizer: The food was exceptionally high priced for Mexican food, after crunching through a bunch of complementary chips and salsa we decided to try a $10 appetizer quesadilla anyway. It contained, from the menu: "'Sincronizada" plantains, tres quesos, ham, salsa ranchera." I tasted a plantain, a bunch of bland melted cheese, and not much else, definitely not salsa. Very bland and not very big for being $10. We ended up dipping it in the salsa that had come with the chips earlier and wishing we had just gone to Anna's Taqueria across the street for half the price.
(2)
Graham H.

Had a great meal here. Will definitely go back. Good margaritas, not overly sweet.
(4)
Alyssa F.

Having spent my first 30 years living in Texas and Southern California, I know great Mexican food but was consistently disappointed by what Boston had to offer and was left weekend after weekend with unfulfilled cravings for amazing margaritas, guacamole, salsa, and huevos. You can only eat/drink so much on a trip home to TX. Thank God for the Painted Burro - I'm just sad I waited 3 years to make the drive out to Somerville. Service was friendly and fantastic (thank you Allie!), key TexMex success drivers of margaritas, salsa, guacamole and huevos rancheros were fresh flavorful and amazingly delicious. Painted Burro - I'm begging you to open a location easily accessible in the city (Back Back, South End, Beacon Hill) so the displaced South and West Coaters have a place to call their own!
(5)
Amy M.

Food is mediocre for the price point (tacos are oily, guacamole nigh flavorless) and the bar can be pretty good but the juke box is a total scam. Pay $5 to never ever actually hear your songs? Bullshit to the max. The cucumber margarita is where it's at but I don't recommend much else beside drinks. Four stars for the drinks only.
(4)
N H.

Taco Taco Taco Taco GUACAMOLE! They have the best guacamole I've ever had.... the bits of avocado and the creaminess will melt in your mouth, possibly putting you into a coma of happiness. Plus it's so addicting.... I'd have it for my last dinner/snack on Earth.
(5)
Marie E.

Delish! Great menu - both food and drinks (definitely drinks!). The brunch and lunch/dinner items are great. Definitely upscale dishes and prices, as compared to some of the other Mexican places in the area. Wait staff is friendly and helpful. Lots of tables available. Can get loud, but not too bad. Lots of kids during brunch got a little loud, but maybe it was just that day. Always fun themes, activities, specials, etc. Facebook page is kept up to date with events and menu items.
(5)
Harri S.

I'm on to these guys, the "Painted Burro," in the bar area is actually a painted zebra. Add to this that this place is overpriced and not exactly supremely divine. One entree, two apps, and no drinks ended in empty wallets and empty stomachs. The enchilada with mole was just okay, the non-Caesar salad was refreshing, but again not too special. The grits on the other hand were out-of-control-crazy-good! I appreciated the complementary chips and salsa, but the prices need to be kicked down a notch. On that note, I have heard that their brunch is both reasonably priced and delicious. I'll give that a try soon....
(3)
Krysten S.

I came here for brunch with my cousin and it was excellent! We only came because the place we were originally headed to (also in Davis) was packed, but I'm so glad it worked out that way. We both got huevos rancheros and just thinking about it makes me want to go back for it, even if by myself. I also like the ambiance of the place - it's very colorful and fun but also chill. It's a neat set-up that they've got going on in there. Neither one of us was particularly dressed up, so no worries about just popping in sometime in whatever you're wearing. The pricing for brunch was reasonable. I don't think I can say the same thing for their dinner pricing (as I have been there for dinner, before). Brunch wins.
(4)
Torrie D.

I had a wonderful experience at The Painted Burro! Both drinks I had were absolutely delicious (the Passion Fruit Mojito and the frozen Burro Colada), the cholo corn was to die for, and the fish taco was amazing. Not many options on the vegetarian front, so thankfully I do eat fish. They do, however, offer pork free beans. My boyfriend had some meaty stuff that he said was fantastic. The endless free chips and salsa is a nice touch. Can't wait to go back for more!
(5)
Leanne G.

We came here on Saturday night with a group of friends. Our waitress, Ali, was amazing. She was attentive and made sure everyone had a drink right away. Speaking of, the spicy jalapeno margarita was out of this world!!!. When we ordered the mango guac to share, she suggested we order more than one for 7 people because the serving was pretty tiny. I would definitely agree with her and we definitely appreciated that suggestion. I ended up ordering the duck enchiladas. They were incredible. It was a very large portion (3 enchiladas) served with arugula. At the end of the meal, Ali was so accommodating - she wrapped up the 3rd enchilada that I was unable to finish in tin foil so that i could keep it in my bag for the rest of the night and not have it spill or make a mess. All in all, awesome experience. Would definitely recommend !!!
(5)
Theresa O.

Went for brunch, the service and the food was awesome. I got the huevos rancheros and loved it. My friends got the Superbeasto and it was sooo delicious. Their alcoholic iced coffee was incredible!
(5)
Kaitlin M.

Really delicious. Great service. Insane margaritas (I had the pineapple habenero, after 2 I was rather tipsy). We had the corn--smokey and really good. The nachos--enough to be a meal in and of itself. I had the shrimp and fish tacos. I preferred the fish taco, but both were great. I was stuffed by the end, it was really great.
(4)
Karen D.

How do you go from a 5 to a 1? Ignore customers and make them feel completely unwelcome. My BF and I go out to dinner every Sunday and the Painted Burro has been part of our circuit. My BF and I sit at the bar and we typically spend about $160 and more if we bring a friend. Last night the bar was a little busier than normal since it was a long weekend. I grabbed a seat we waited for another seat to open up. I went to the restroom and he ordered a drink. When I came back, the bartender asked if we wanted to cash out and I said we were planning to have dinner and drinks at the bar. As I was about to order a drink, she walked away. The drinks are pricey ($16 for an El Tesoro margarita), but as tequila connoisseurs, we don't mind the splurge since the drinks have always been good in there. My BF said it didn't taste like the right tequila. I tasted it and I didn't think so either and it didn't taste like a good drink regardless of the tequila. If you charge top dollar for cocktails, you should have top bartenders behind the bar who can make decent drinks. My BF would have asked about the drink and I would have ordered a drink, but the bartender never came over to us again. She served everyone around me and completely ignored us. After 25 minutes, she asked us if we were ready to close our tab. We could see the writing on the wall, so we decided to cut our losses. He left half of his drink behind and I think it is the first time in 22 years he did not leave a tip. On the way out, I told the manager. She half-heartedly apologized and asked if there was something she could do to make it up to me, so I asked her what she had in mind. She offered to seat us in the dining room. I don't know how that is making anything up to me since there were lots of empty tables and I could have just walked in and asked to sit in the dining room to begin with. We moved onto another restaurant on our Sunday night list. Sorry to say that I will be removing The Painted Burro from my Sunday night out list.
(1)
Jinyoung S.

I came once on Friday night. I didn't make reservation, and I had to wait 30mins to get table. I saw many tables were empty but I guess everything was reserved. I came back on weekday and Service was good but food was just ok. Not an authentic Mexican and nothing special.
(3)
Asmus O.

Large selection of IPAs from tap? Amazing chips and salsa? Insanely tasty tacos? Yes, yes, and yes! The Painted Burro got it all. We spend three hours eating and drinking scary amounts of tacos, chips, IPAs and margaritas. The sensation of eating their chips with guac and rinsing out with local IPAs: makes we wanna order a one way ticket to Boston right now.
(5)
Lisa W.

Had a great meal at The Painted Burro! I adored the Romaine salad! Complete with avocado dressing, anchovy, tomatillo & agave vinaigrette, queso viejo, and spiced pepitas. So much flavor and so delicious! The zucchini taco was alright, needed a bit more kick to it especially since it is a vegetarian taco. Get the El Diablo drink if you like spicy drinks! Get the cucumber hibiscus if you're going for something a little more mellow. Great value for the food and very interesting decor! It's a bit loud, and the fans are strong, so if you get cold easily, make sure to bring a sweater to dinner.
(4)
Jon S.

In a word: overpriced. For Boston, the food is pretty authentic, but everything was pretty mediocre. The chips were served in tiny buckets that lasted about two minutes before they were emptied. The salsa was decent but lacked much of a kick. Friends ordered the tacos. $5+ for a tiny taco seems a little ridiculous to me. They were decent, but apparently nothing special. I ordered carne asada which was super salty and covered in cilantro chimichurri. I love cilantro, but surprisingly the sauce didn't taste very cilantro-y. It was served with sweet and sour peppers which should just be called sour peppers (my mouth puckered at one point) and were way too sour to finish. The margaritas were strong, but lacked much fruit flavor and were overpowered by liquor (which to some is a dream come true, and others not so much). The food isn't horrible, but in my opinion much too expensive to justify a return visit.
(3)
Dave R.

This is the best Mexican food I've ever had in my entire life, bar none. And that includes my 2+ year stint living in New York and a trip out to California. The Burro is not only an absolute must for Somerville/Cambridge dwellars, it's worth a short trek out for Bostonians, too. My go-to meal is a chorizo and a fish taco. Both are ridiculous. The BLT and short rib tacos are also A+ quality. Ah and the margaritas are super generous. Holler.
(5)
Samantha R.

I've been here a number of times and forget every time why I shouldn't come here. The food is nothing to write home about, had the carne asada taco and the baja fish taco, both were incredibly bland, no flavor, had to ask the bartender for more limes just to help and she gave me attitude for asking, also took FOREVER to put our food order in, had to finally ask a server if we could order. Also, I may not be a regular or someone of importance at that restaurant but for those prices it was ridiculous to watch the bartender be chatty and cater to the people next to us every 5 minutes and never think to see what we might need. I keep thinking this place will get better but it never will, went when it opened and it was god awful, super busy which was great to see but the bartender turned us away for trying to order a drink while we waited because we weren't ordering food hence his profit out of if wouldn't be as high, food was wrong and still bland, and in other times I've gone, same basic experience. If you want a margarita, or some decent tequila while in Davis Square, sure, this is the place but I'd rather give my money to a better establishment and urge all my friends to do the same. I've tried, but at the end of the day this place needs an attitude adjustment, ESPECIALLY for the price being asked.
(2)
Frank W.

This place has definitely found it's groove. Bottom line: Excellent Margaritas, food is much better than it was. Still very loud (but it's really crowded so that's understandable). I recommend this place. My favorite Margarita is the Diablo and the Elderflower. Both are amazing, elderflower is not too sweet (a requirement by me). The house margarita is also good. Chips and guac (or just complementary chips/salsa) are good. Tacos and typical Ameri-Mexican food are all good. I would say this place is worth the money and the hype, at least for your first stop of the night.
(4)
Jamilah W.

This place is yum-yum-yummy. As a California transplant, The Painted Burro gets pretty high marks for delicious Mexican and Mexican-inspired fare. Their margaritas (particularly the spicy one) are delicious, as are the nachos, and tacos. and they have micheladas! One criticism: this place will cost you and although it is delicious, it is a it too pricey, in my opinion. 2 margaritas, & two tacos for nearly $40. What?! Definitely go to this place is someone else s picking up the tab!
(4)
Simon L.

Walked to see if they were open. They were. Enter, hostess politely says a 7pm reservation has not shown up and that table may be available, it's 8:05pm. She says she will check but do we want to put our name on the list. "yes." She says "15-20 minutes. OK?" "Sure." We head over to the bar and order beverages. "De la casa" margarita is a slightly too sweet combination of agavales blanco, combier and fresh lime. Needs more blanco. Like the non-traditional "rollers" glasses, super sized, in which they come. The melon juice (cantelope?) vodka and cinnamon cocktail was a fail according to the lady friend. I tend to agree: when sampled, it tasted like it reads. Fortunately two high seats are available to wait out the 25 minutes until we are seated comfortably in a corner table. Our server was incredibly polite, attentive and actually knew the menu. Sliced and deep fried tacos appear as chips with a fresh and piquant salsa. Chicharrones of pork belly in a spicy sweet sauce arrive promptly. Thick, succulent chunks of crisp yet tender pork in a small clay vessel. Next come the chicken liver tacos with a chipotle drizzle, shredded lettuce and unripe tomato chunks. Two soft tacos support each portion of chicken liver. The combination needs more citrus or cream to balance the intensity of chicken liver. The chacaceros taco special arrives as a "pile of meat." The "pile" includes chorizo, lamb neck, pork and beef shank. Tasteless and confusing to the palate, my friend is less than pleased. Enormous is the only positive feedback. The beef shank sauced with mole is a large portion as well. Ordered off the entree section of the menu, the meat is tender and seasoned nicely. The mole is thick, soft and smooth. Close to a mole negro, hints of cocoa are prevalent. The day's ceviche arrives and is a welcome respite from the meat heavy dishes presented thus far. Shrimp, flounder, scallop and Maine red fish cooked in a lime citrus with pickled grapes. Perfect amount of seafood in a three quarter globe glass with sliced scallion as garnish. The house made tortilla chips reappear and work well to scoop up the fish concoction. This dish is the winner of the dinner. The "Lowlands" tequila flight contains Partida blanca (smooth), el rey blanco (slightly smoky) and don roberto plata (full on agave).
(3)
t j.

I have been hear several times and have stuck mostly to the taco - multiple options for fish tacos which I really like. Service was good, even divided our check up on request. I am not much of a tequila drinker but they seem to have an impressive selection.
(4)
Natalie M.

Came in for brunch on a Saturday. Service was excellent and the food was phenomenal. I had the breakfast tacos and the table shared the agave plantains. The tacos were very well seasoned and the home fries were amazing. The sweetness of the agave was perfect with the plantains. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Dalina C.

Great atmosphere, service, and drinks. Food is decent, a little overpriced for what it is, but maybe I just didn't order the right things. I ordered the vegetarian enchilada, and realized after one bite that it had pork in it (luckily I'm not a vegetarian so it wasn't a big deal - plus the pork was very good!). The waitress came by multiple times to apologize, as well as the manager, which I thought was very nice. I finally got the vegetarian enchilada, which was just ok, filling me with immediate regret about giving the pork mistake back. They also gave our table a complimentary dessert for the error, which I wouldn't have ordered and didn't really want, but we obviously ate it anyway. I think the better move would have been to comp the entree, but considering that I did end up eating everything, I do appreciate the effort. I would go back again, probably just to the bar for drinks.
(3)
Liz B.

The Painted Burro is a great place to grab authentic margaritas with a group of friends or grab some gourmet Mexican tacos. The atmosphere is awesome and very unique - large rustic tables with high chairs, Mexican day of the dead style decorations, and the bar is lined with ruby red leather stools. The food is also very good. The tacos are pretty expensive though and quite small, but very good. The guacamole is also good, not stupendous, and of course, unlimited salsa and chips. The margaritas are the best I've had in the Boston area, hands down - they make it about the tequila. I highly recommend a reservation if you're going o Thursday-Saturday evening and I've also heard brunch is good hear, but have never gone. Bonus, they have a parking lot out back so parking is not impossible. If you're willing to spend a little extra then this is your place!
(4)
Cristina R.

With margs on my mind, I returned to the PB on a Saturday night around 9. We went directly into the side room on the right side which has a long bar and smaller tables. They ID you at the entrance, and the vibe is much more bar-esque than the other side of the restaurant. With all the talking and the music, it's pretty loud, so don't go with a whisperer. We managed to grab two barstools in a corner by the front windows, but the tables were all full and the room was crowding fast. Our spot was cozy though, we had a nice view of the street, and we get a waiter! Who brings free chips and salsa! Me gusta mucho. Salud! I had a Margarita De La Casa (House Margarita for our non-Spanish speaking friends in the room) which was mighty strong, mighty acidic, and had me feeling mighty fine in no time. My drinking partner got creative by ordering a "Mango Diablo" which is half of their El Diablo and half Mango margarita. It was sweet. It was spicy. It was ideal. The fresh salsa and crunchy chips were the perfect accompaniment. And made us go for another round. Great tactic, PB. I'm not even mad. Now that I've gotten my marg fix, they have some seasonal options on the menu which have me curious. I go for the pumpkin sangria, which was a lovely blend of red wine, brandy, pumpkin, and spices. Served with a thinly sliced green apple on top, it definitely tasted the part and warmed me up despite being on ice. Co-drinker ordered the Palomita, which was lighter, fizzy, and grapefruity. I'd recommend it as a refreshing summer drink. But it's fall, so I'm pretty sure I won this round. Chips devoured and drinks drank, we left feeling pretty great. Each beverage is around $10, so it won't be a cheap night, but the quality and atmosphere makes me ok with that. Next time you've got margs on the mind, the PB has got you covered. With a free side of chips.
(4)
C. W.

Love this place! I ordered the Pork Barbacoa and it was delicious! The side salad (pickled vegetable) was not your average house and complimented the rest of the dish nicely. I also ordered the hibiscus margarita and it was AMAZING. Very crisp and clean. The only negative comments I would have is the table we were at was very awkward to be having a sit down dinner, but we went on a busy Friday night so I understand the lack of varied seating. Also - one of the women (not our server, maybe a hostess?) Was a bit rude when she came over to our table to check on us. I understand you're not always in the best of moods when you come to work, but no need to take it out on customers!
(4)
Marina G.

Everything is delicious here! The decor is fun and beautifully detailed. The staff is nice and knowledgeable. I appreciate how waitresses have brought me samples of beer before so I could be sure I would like whatever draft caught my eye before I went ahead and ordered a pint. The cocktails I've tried were fantastic as well. The Painted Burro is worth a visit especially the nachos! They're amazing--everything a plate of nachos should be, and astoundingly are actually spicy enough to satisfy me! Those jalepeno marinated carrots. Mmmm hurts so good!
(4)
June C.

Mexican food with a modern twist.. Love how every menu item has such creative ingredients to bring the dish together. Attentive servers, fun music, great cocktails.. One of my favorite restaurants in Boston!
(5)
Mike B.

Fun vibe. The pork belly guacamole was amazing, and the short rib tacos were also very good. Did not care for the tortas... maybe it's just not my thing.
(4)
K B.

Painted Burro just modified their vegetable enchiladas to make them easy to veganize (no cheese), and oh my god, this was the best vegan Mexican dish I've ever had, and certainly one of the best Mexican dishes I've had period. Even if you're not vegan, you will love it -- it's so good that cheese might even ruin it! I will absolutely be back here for those enchiladas. The guacamole was also very good. Warning: unlimited delicious chips is quite dangerous.
(5)
Steven K.

Interesting interpretative Mexican. Good chips and salsa are the cornerstone of anything Mexican or Mexican related and this place largely nails that. Arguably it'd be stellar if the chips were warm. Salsa is tasty as is the pork belly. The mole was tasty and an interesting take on mole. Guacamole needs major work. Interesting and creative drink selection.
(4)
First A.

I went for the firs time yesterday. Saw the yelp pics for the kale salad,and ordered it. Glad I did, as it was delicious. Service was fast and attentive. There was a mix up with our dessert, but management handled it wonderfully. I would recommend.
(5)
David C.

I guess winning a "Guac-off" competition gives you permission to charge $10 for a peeled, pitted, and mashed avocado tossed with some pomegranate seeds, but where does The Painted Burro get off charging $8 for a single taco? I could see them charging that much if the tacos were huge, amazing, amazingly huge, or hugely amazing, but they are sadly none of the above. The queso fundido I had to start was terribly bland, and a complete waste of $12. I love the decor and atmosphere of this Davis Square hotspot, but probably won't be back unless the prices are lowered by about 40%--the chances of which are about as good as the horse that is the restaurant's namesake coming to life and galloping through the crowded streets of Somerville.
(2)
W. A.

Going to drop some stars because the food has become too overpriced. They really need to get back to earth with more basics at fair prices, they make plenty on the drinks, so how about a better deal on the food. Or at least some better choices at the lower end.
(3)
Jesse C.

Place was awesome. Great value for price. Service was great!!!! Immediately greeted, water filled instantly and the entire menu was great! We will be back! I recommend the Corn Cob...was awesome!
(4)
Dilean H.

Had dinner here last night. Authentic and good food. Nachos and tacos were excellent. Recommend.
(4)
Melissa S.

Good interesting style "Mexican" food. I got one taco (pork one) and it was so yummy & filling. The chips were to die for and I couldn't stop eating them. They acommodated our larger group with no problem at all. Overpriced, though.
(3)
Christina V.

This review is specifically for their Sunday Brunch. I went this past weekend and it really was as good as it gets. I've been following them on Instagram for sometime and finally decided I must go. We were greeted with chips and salsa and ordered their guacamole. I consider myself the quite the guacamole connoisseur and I must say it's the best I've ever had. Very simple, lots of lime and salt, no tomato. SO delicious. Their salsa was also quite perfect in consistency and heat level. I had the "Hair of the Dog" brunch cocktail which was: Iced coffee horchata, RumChata, espresso liqueur. Really, interesting and tasty. I loved the presentation. I got their french toast which was covered in caramelized plantains, maple syrup and fresh whipped cream - again amazing!! Will be back ASAP!
(5)
Grace M.

i'm not big on mexican, but this place is aces.. really great cocktails, amaaazing nachos (best part is they have a lightly dressed cabbage slaw on it, which gives it all a nice crunch and fresh taste), and really good food! our group got the corn (best thing i ate there), some tacos & tortas. i had the blackened fish torta and 2 others had the chicken one, which they say was really amazing. i liked mine a lot, the bread was good, though too much bread on it. the tacos all looked great but i'm not into corn tortillas so i can't comment. nice atmosphere & i love that it's in davis square, which is always a nice place to be :) i highly recommend this place- it won't disappoint :)
(4)
Zarina M.

One of the best brunches I had in along time. Try anyone of their margaritas! We had the big french toast and the tres quesos omelette. Portions are big and every did had an interesting kick to it. Definitely not boring flavors. The mango quacamole comes with warm chips. I love the design of the place and can't wait to try their sister restaurant down the street Posto. Prices are reasonable. This is my new favorite brunch spot! Service was mediocre. Our waitress came only once, about 40min after our food was dropped on our table to ask if we needed anything else or wanted another drink. She was polite, but neglectful. The restaurant was only half full. Get a seat by the open window. So happy with the new design/layout of the place. Definitely flows much better now.
(5)
Kimberly B.

We tried the Painted Burro for the first time last night, and had a SUPERB experience. They were able to accommodate our twin toddlers, and the service from start to finish was perfectly attentive without being overbearing or disruptive. For my husband and me, 5 stars is only earned by the food, and Painted Burro certainly delivered! We knew from the first bite of salsa that we were in for a treat. Next time we go, we'll be sure to get the pork belly guacamole again ("El Mero Mero" Guacamole)--it was phenomenal! My husband ordered a Barbacoa Torta and a Short Rib Ropa Vieja Taco. The Barbacoa pork was a little sweet for his taste, but he took one bite of the taco and said "Next time, I'm ordering three of these." I got the Street Cart Chicken and loved it--perfectly cooked, with delicious sides. Our kids chowed down on hot dogs and watermelon and had a blast. Every single dish was executed perfectly, and I thought the prices were completely reasonable for the portion size and the quality. I loved everything about this place. We will definitely, definitely be back!
(5)
Kate R.

Delicious, but overpriced. I tried the mango guacamole and spring vegetables enchiladas. The spring vegetable enchiladas were creative: full of peas, parsnips, mushrooms, and cheeses. They were a tiny touch dry, which I wouldn't complain about if they weren't $17. The mango guacamole was delicious, and hit exactly the mix of sweet, sour and salty that I'd been wanting. It was, however, $12. $12 for a small dish of guacamole seems hard to justify to me. In the end: I like the food, but will probably not go very often because it feels overpriced. Worth trying if you haven't done so.
(4)
latrice b.

Oaxaca cheese grits with Baja shrimp taco was a great combination. Very hearty and satisfying to my palettes. Good spot for family.
(5)
Krystle W.

Oh my god. Amazing. We started out with the dos enchiladas appetizer, which was actually disappointingly bland. It had potential, but it tasted like very little spicing was involved. The rest of the meal, though, was incredible. I had the double stack short rib tacos, and the fresh, herbal flavor of the cilantro combined with the rich, fatty (in the good way) rib meat was phenomenal. No seasoning missteps here, it was eye-rollingly good. I had the carne asado taco as well, and it was real, no-shit, quality beef cooked to medium-rare perfection. It was marinated in something slightly tangy and just crazy good. Boyfriend had the duck enchilada, and there was something creamy, almost sweet that set the duck off perfectly. Maybe the yellow mole or the zucchini? Whatever it was, it was awesome. The prices seem a little high if you're walking in expecting the usual Tex-Mex joint, but the food is elevated far beyond that. It's definitely coming from the hands of some seriously skilled kitchen staff. The margaritas are good, and the beer list has some very interesting inclusions. Night Shift's El Lechador is an absolute must if it's still available when you go. Painted Burro gets BUSY in the evenings, so reservations are a must - nicely taken care of via the convenience of OpenTable. If a super busy, crowded restaurant bothers you, go for an off time; some of the tables are pretty crowded together. I will absolutely be going again.
(5)
Samantha P.

Great Brunch! I'm not a egg eater, and still had many options to pick from. Everything was very flavorful! Our waitress was super attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. Loved the vibe and decor. I'll definitely be back to try the dinner menu.
(4)
David S.

Yelp, I feel like we're far enough along in our relationship that we can dispense with the formalities. It's time for brutal honesty. Straight up, I would kill a man for the nachos from the Painted Burro. Not even kidding. I see a bunch of other people reviewing/discussing things that aren't the nachos. Why? Do they think they're funny? Are they doing it for attention? Maybe they were abused as children, I don't know. All I know is at the Painted Burro, the nachos are made of rainbows, ground-up unicorns, and happiness.
(5)
Jessica F.

Decided to try this play out with some friends and I think we will for sure come back. The drinks are incredibly good and strong. I had the hibiscus marg and then the passion fruit mojito...both amazing!!! They both tasted like real fruit and flavors as opposed to sugary substitutes. The house guac I was the best I've had at any restaurant. Try this place out!
(5)
Steve H.

big fan. Great brunch, great drinks, Coffee is outstanding. Service is very good and place is well managed. Staff is engaged. My go to place for brunch. Have had dinner here as well and was equally impressed.
(4)
Lauren B.

I'd like to give this place 5 stars because my friends were in love with it, but I have to rate it 4 based on the food I chose here. We went for brunch, and this place is really cool inside. It gets opened up to the street like a lot of places in Davis, and we sat right at the window which was a fun place to people watch. First off - a major PRO is that they bring you really nice and FREE chips and salsa, refilling when you finish them off. I always appreciate this at places. Another pro was that it wasn't too crowded and we had fast service - I'm not sure if that was due to it being Memorial Day weekend or whether it's usually like this. I got the burrito "la salida del sol", and my friends got the "superbeasto" and the huevos divorciados with a side of brown sugar bacon. My friend's mind was completely blown by the superbeasto, which I didn't actually try but did look amazing. My other friend seemed really happy with the divorciados and we were all oogling over the brown sugar bacon (and they give you a lot per the norm). But, sigh, my burrito was just meh - all the flavors blended together and it was a bit liquidy on the inside from the chard/eggs. Luckily, they brought me extra chipotle mayo (super good) so I just put a lot of that on the burrito. I definitely want to come back to this place and give it another go. I think I just got unlucky with my choice - the rest of the menu items looked really bomb. Everything is well-priced also, maxing out at $13 for the most part (my burrito was $8). A side note - I wasn't sure what portions would be like from looking at pictures on yelp. But the portions were really healthy - not gigantic, but enough.
(4)
Melissa F.

I honestly never come to the Davis Square area but I had a 5k today and of course we were starving after. We were just looking for a place that didn't have a long wait so we ended up here. I'm amazed how good the food was! Surprisingly I had never heard of the Painted Burro, but now that I do I will make it a point to return. I got the Burro Benedict and it was one of the best eggs Benedict's I've ever had. It had a little Mexican twist of course with some refried black beans and spicy home fries. I ate everythaaaang. Nom nom. And make sure you try the hair of the dog drink if you're there for breakfast or brunch. It's a grown up iced coffee and they bring you 2 shots of horchata with it (one is espresso flavored and the other is rum) Delicious!!
(4)
Cara M.

The food and service here is amazing! I love the decor and ambiance as well. I get the shrimp and grits every time.
(5)
Molly B.

A little pricy but it's Davis sq. so you can't really expect otherwise for a good restaurant. Awesome atmosphere, the staff is great, and THE NACHOS. ohh the nachos. I can't even begin to explain how amazing they are, and I don't usually even like nachos.
(5)
Katie R.

OMG the bacon! Had brunch here and the bacon made me cry tears of joy. The alcoholic iced coffee was so much better then I expected. Yum yum!
(5)
Liz B.

How have I not reviewed this gem yet? Especially when I just keep coming back for more? I love the authenticity of this Mexican restaurant! It certainly is not your standard TexMex joint and their always-fresh ingredients and unique recipes prove it. I have to break up my review in every component possible, so bear with me here: Food: Ah-mazing. I usually stick with their tacos, but everything on their menu looks delicious. Must-try tacos: the short rib that come with both a hard and soft shell wrapped together, chorizo de la casa (with a sunny side egg on top), Mahi-Mahi, and the baja fish. I would go into detail about each one, but this review would never end. I DO have to say their baja fish taco is one of the best I've ever tried! Sometimes fish tacos have a sad tendency to be bland, but these are definitely an exception. Their creamy poblano rice is a spicy perfect accompaniment to any dish and some may argue is even big enough to share. I just tried their oaxaca cheese grits and although I loved every bite, I think the rice is still my favorite! If you are a lover of grilled corn, their corn on the cob topped with a garlic aioli and cheese is so, so good. Last but certainly not least, their nachos are impressive, which before I never really would have thought nachos could be. With so many toppings, it's equally as good as a meal as it is an app for a group. Now onto the drinks! Their selection of margaritas and various cocktails is very large and unique. So far, I've tried the hibiscus, the cucumber, the cranberry, and only a sip of the diablo (with jalapeno) - all of which were very good and should I mention strong? I most recently tried the strawbenero (a mix of strawberry and habenero pepper) and while I was anticipating a spicy drink, I was happy with the balance of fruitiness and a mild level of spice. One drink I've learned to stay clear of is their passion fruit mojito. I don't know what it is about this drink, but one drink and I'm feeling pretty good. A second one and my night is over. The decor and environment is authentic as well! The only reason for four stars is their wish-washy service. If you haven't tried The Painted Burro's food and drinks yet, be sure to add it to your list!
(4)
Michael M.

Hair of the dog. Go get it now. El montanero is also delicious. And the homemade corn chips. And everything else. New favorite place for brunch
(5)
Joey M.

I have been to the Painted Burro a few times now and I feel like it is certainly an upscale Mexican restaurant in Davis square. But really that's about as far as I can go. Before we get too far into this, please note, I am a vegetarian, usually not a big deal for mexican places, but here it seems to limit my options quite a bit. So if you're in it for the meat, this review is not for you! I like ambiance at painted burro, some people might say its trying too hard to be hip, but I think its nice. It's not too loud, can be a bit crowded but I prefer to say comfy. The Margs are good but nothing amazing. And they are expensive. Really all you need for me to be impressed is a strong, not too sweet marg. Painted Burro does not deliver. So there is that. The food is good, but leaves something to be desired.My friend, Hannah, who I went with lamented at the lack of overly cheesy dishes, everything was too shishi (am i spelling that right? Did i make that word up?) which some might appreciate, but when you want some cheesy mexican it really dissapoints. Overall it feel like the Painted Burro feels a little bit like they are trying too hard to be a high end experience, and ends up missing the mark.
(3)
Li S.

The cart chicken and hot sauce is good! The service was very good too! My chicken was slightly undercook so they took the whole plate away and gave me a new one (and apologized). Had I known, I would've just packed mine to go and heated it up the next day! The plantains with the chicken combination was very good. Since they gave me a whole new plate, I had lots of leftover and lunch the next day was great!
(4)
Ari P.

On a bar crawl of Davis with one my favorite Medford gal-pals, the Painted Burro was easily the favorite of the bunch. As she pointed out best, everyone in the bar area was visibly drunk, which either meant really good or really terrible things. For our purposes, it meant great things. The Hibiscus Margarita was potent and ambrosial. Sure, our bartender wasn't a warm, friendly presence, but this isn't a sit down and shoot the breeze kind of place. People were up and around, ourselves included. My sip of their Pomegranate Sangria is where things start to get fuzzy. Not sure if the other spots we hit in Davis were forgettable, or if that drink was really strong.
(4)
Eddy G.

I'm a big fan of this place. "They" say "you get what you pay for" well in this case you pay for a great dining experience and you get that. The Bar and the Dinning room both offer a cool vibe. A mix of all kinds of people, Warm and inviting. The kind of place to hang out and enjoy dinner with my wife or grab a drink with a friend... . The cocktail menu has the usual drinks but it also includes some in house tequila cocktails that are put together perfectly every time. I highly recommend the cucumber margarita. The food isn't all the everyday run of the mill Mexican fare (although it is on the menu). They offer a higher end, up scale without being snobby, modern style of Latin Food. Some of our favorites have included Pumpkin Fundido, Mahi Mahi a la Plancha and Duck Carnitas .. Dishes you won't find at ordinary Mexican restaurant's . I've also learned that its a locally owned establishment and that means a lot to me.
(4)
Kaitlyn B.

I have been here on several occasions, and every time I have had an awesome experience. The drinks are absolutely delicious- best margarita I have ever had (and very strong!). The food is a little pricy, but its because you get really good quality. Next time you are in Davis square check it out!
(5)
Restaurant M.

Best Mexican restaurant I've been to in Somerville. Every time I have been there, they've had a wonderful staff and decent eats. One of the managers checked up on our table and took the time to chat with us. Highly recommended.
(4)
Carrie S.

Solid Mexican food and a really fun vibe. I'm a bigger fan of their margaritas than their food so I will probably only go back for drinks in the future. They have many different flavors of margaritas. The jalepeno one is stellar but so spicy you have to alternate with sips of a friend's fruity marg :)
(4)
Delfina G.

I'm giving it 4 starts because I think that everything on the menus is overpriced, especially for Somerville. Other than that, I thought the service was great, as was the food. I booked through Open Table and included on the notes section that we were celebrating a friend's birthday. I received a call from the restaurant confirming the reservation and the birthday details. They do charge a $2.50/person fee if you take in your own cake, so we saved that for home. They also asked if we wanted a dessert for the birthday girl and a sombrero to wear while they sang happy birthday. I was delighted at the attention to detail. However, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when they charged for the birthday girl's dessert--I had never seen that before, even at much cheaper restaurants. Other than that, food was good, just overpriced.
(4)
Mark G.

Solid place for brunch. Food: Eggs Benedict (burro Benedict) were delicious. Offers very satisfying potion sizes. Drinks: Horchata was really good. Coffee was ok, a bit weak for me, but still not bad. Service: Can't really complain, nothing particularly special but very friendly/polite. Price: A bit pricey but nothing out of the ordinary
(5)
Anthony W.

Great drinks. solid food. Good service. Everything that we were looking for on a nice night out. Big fans of the pork enchiladas and the piÃ±a colada!
(5)
John G.

The Painted Burro was awesome. It was a fun and lively atmosphere, the nachos (as indicated by other Yelpers) were excellent. My date and I only needed nachos and one taco each for a full meal. Definitely recommended. And make a reservation.
(5)
Tamara W.

Very delicious! I I really loved the Paloma cocktail with tequila & grapefruit...so good! The food was excellent; the mahi mahi appetizer dish is for sure a full meal I am not sure why it is under the appetizers but it was really good! Way too much food (the bun was the size of my head) but it was still really good! Side of beans was perfect, service was excellent, and the manager goes around to make sure everyone is having a good time, etc. We were seated within 10 minutes of arriving without a reservation. It's a fun, easy spot to go to on a weeknight and I really recommend it! 10 stars!
(5)
Lorenz S.

The food: Good options, including healthy ones, and very delicious -- with some interesting variants of well-known dishes. The atmosphere: A beautiful space with pleasant people and competent staff. The best thing: Sitting at one of the high tables towards the street on a late summer night, with the windows open. A great new find around Davis Square!
(5)
Megan G.

Never disappointed when I come to The Painted Burro. Always greeted warmly with big smiles as soon as I step through the door and wonderful service throughout the meal. My boyfriend and I had our first date here and came back to celebrate the first year of survival together. Corn on the cob and an assortment of taco's hit the spot perfectly. The staff were so sweet bringing us a delicious(!!!) brownie to celebrate after we finished our meal. Such a heart warming and touching surprise! Thank you all again! In the past I've brought my parents here and they LOVE it. My mom is a tough critic and she loved the inventive margaritas, guac, and the empanadas! Love me some Painted Burro!
(5)
Elizabeth H.

We tried The Painted Burro for the first time on Valentine's Day. We were early for our reservation and sat right away. The service, the food, and the drinks were phenomenal. We started with the mango guacamole. For an entree, I ordered the winter vegetable enchiladas, a great vegetarian creation. Love me some root vegetables. For dessert, we had the burro churros, cooked perfectly. We will definitely be back again soon.
(5)
Court S.

Last review of 2013 goes to *drumroll please* The Painted Burro. I came here yesterday & wasn't too pleased with the size of the portions. I ordered the shrimp taco and it was super small. Yes, it...meaning only one tiny taco. For that size there should've been at least two more on the plate to accompany it. There was a small serving of vegetarian refried beans that came with it. The creamy poblano rice & cheese grits were delicious! I ordered them as side dish and I'm glad I did because they are essentially what filled my tummy. The margarita was served in a smaller sized glass (than we're used to drinking out of) and I ordered a spiked hot chocolate that was delicious. It reminded me of a Mexican hot chocolate because of the spicy flavor. This drink isn't on the website, but on the dinner menu. Forgive me for not remembering the name. Overall I think the portion size could be improved, but the food is tasty and the service was exceptional that night. Merry New Year everyone!!
(3)
Heather G.

Great place! I'd like to see more basics on the menu. I don't know Mexican cuisine super well, but the menu struck me as kind of fusion-y. That said, everything we ordered was delicious. Little on the pricey side, but overall worth it for a night out. Good location, too.
(4)
Mervett H.

Seeing as how I'm too cheap to pay for a meal here, this review is drinks only. With that said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE their margaritas. Strong + Tasty = lethal but addicting combination. I'm pretty sure I've tried every margarita on the menu and they've all been spectacular. Personal fave: Raspberry margarita. And if you'd like to make it out of the bar without stumbling along the cobblestones of Davis, I suggest nomming on some salsa and chips. They're free. Why not? Bonus (which should really bump this review up to a 4.5) - they opened up the space to make more room for the bar. No more scouring for a seat/blocking the walkway -- HUZZAH!
(4)
Linda W.

My mom and I brought my dad here for his birthday dinner, and it was perfect. I'm surprised the Painted Burro doesn't have at least a 4 star rating on Yelp; we had a stellar experience. Even my dad, who is one of the pickiest eaters I know (who else doesn't like Thai AND Indian food?) was happy. I ordered the pork belly and watermelon as an appetizer and the short rib barbacoa taco as the main item. Sadly, the pork belly and watermelon is no longer a menu item; I feel bad for anybody who never had the chance to try it. The ample serving of pork belly was the pork belly of dreams; the luscious savory fat melted in my mouth, rounded out by some sweet overtones which clearly sent the reward system of my brain into overdrive. It's interesting to see how different cultures do the pork belly. My parents were astounded to see this Mexican variation, as it is a staple in our Chinese household too. The short rib barbacoa taco was a smart choice. My waitress suggested 3 tacos a person to constitute a main dish, but I am glad I stuck with the appetizer and 1 taco--they're more filling than you might expect given their unassuming size. This taco was unique in that the delicious short rib was housed in a crunchy taco nested in a soft taco. The combination of textures was amazing. My mom and dad, after having not-so-serrupticiously gobbled away at my appetizer, ordered the street cart chicken to share. I reciprocated in the food snatching by eating copious amounts of their dish. The street cart chicken is an absolute must. The chefs at the Painted Burro have clearly perfected their methods of cooking this dish; the chicken was flavorful and soooo tender. I tend to steer clear of chicken dishes, as they usually turn out dry and unpleasant. This chicken was on the other end of the spectrum. The chicken was served over a bed of creamy rice, which tasted quite like risotto, with a hearty serving of surprisingly enjoyable kale. The decor of the restaurant also instilled a jovial vibe. The walls are covered with dia de los muertos decals and other neat details. I will be returning to this place soon and bringing all my Mexican food-loving friends.
(5)
Matthew P.

I finally got a chance to come here for brunch a few weeks ago and it was great. First off, the chips were amazing. Warm to the touch and very crisp with the perfect amount of salt. Perfection. The menu was well priced and there was certainly plenty of food on the entree. We sat at the bar and could not help but be influenced by the huge displays of tequila - we had to have a cocktail with our brunch. It was done very well for a noon-time drink. Not too strong but not overly sweet. You could really taste all the flavors. The atmosphere was nice and the waiters were attentive. I'd like to try this place out for a late lunch/ early dinner, or come for a few drinks at night. Hopefully i'll be more adventurous and visit Somerville more often!
(4)
Mason S.

Great food, great service, and a nice atmosphere. The chicken enchiladas are highly recommended.
(5)
Jason J.

After months of wandering by The Painter Burro and longingly looking in as diners got all cozy and caliente with their assorted carnes and cocktails, I finally got my burro inside. Immediately after sitting we are given fancy people chips (not fancy enough that they come in various colors, alas) and salsa. Note: do not fill up on these like we did. For drinks, we started with the El Jefe (Monte Alban Mezcal, orange bitters, homemade grenadine) and Sangria Blanca (white wine, peach liquor, fresh peach, mint). Try as I might, they did not have any bourbon options, but I was content with my decision. The Yucatan Meatloaf (2 fried eggs on top of spicy ground sirloin loaf stuffed with chorizo, ham, chicharron, green olives and toasted almonds, served open faced with red mole on thick toast) blew me away. Normally I am not one to eat anything with the word "loaf" directly in it's name, but with a description like that and a recommendation from our waitress, how could I not? Perhaps now I will branch out to other assorted loaves. We also had the Tres Chupacabra Tacos (chorizo and pork, corn tortillas, pickled cabbage, and smoky adobo and baja mayo) and it caused me to tip my sombrero to the chef. Four stars only because I think the prices are a bit steep, but the quality of the dishes was outstanding. I am absolutely coming back. Me gusta. Â¿
(4)
Alyson G.

I'm always in search of a good Mexican place and The Painted Burro is definitely one to add to the list. We celebrated a friend's birthday here and our group ending up getting an assortment of snacks and drinks. The chips, salsa and guacamole were so tasty and the chips were still warm when served. The birthday girl gave the Fundido rave reviews. I didn't see what everyone else ordered but heard everything was delicious. They had a great selection of drinks and beers on drafts. I was a happy girl once I discovered they had Happy Sol on draft. And as I was leaving some friends had decided to stay for one more round since the Margaritas and Cocktails were so fabulous.
(4)
Dorise G.

i've been hearing buzz a-plenty about this place and finally made it out for a brunch trip this morning (which was surprisingly slow for a beautiful sunday morning): ~chips are some of the nicest, warmest tortilla chips i've had at any joint ever. if i can find any fault at all, it's that they may be a little over-salted. otherwise, texture, flavor, and the salsa go-with were all absolutely lovely ~asked the server for her rec between the chilaquiles de paraiso and the sunshine burrito - she recommended the former because it's a bit more special, and i agree - the flavor and textures were perfectly-executed, and it was a hearty brunch with just the right amount of kick. ~you may wonder why the horchata ice coffee is priced at $6 until they deliver it to you in a stein the size of your entire forearm. YUM. also, because i notice these things - the bathroom had lovely brass fixtures. i kinda wanted to steal them. but i didn't! no klepto! i was a little surprised that they'd price out tacos at $7 or $8 for just one - you can get delicious tacos the same size and quality at dorado for less than half that, and even lone star taco bar is priced lower. i'd hold that the entrees are your better bet for brunch, fo sho. hope to come back to try dinner soons!
(4)
Joe G.

Place revamped the bar and the food was dynamite once again. 4th time here, get the tacos, perfect portions, very good eat.
(4)
Brianna B.

Margaritas? Check. Enchiladas? Check. Free chips and salsa? Check. What more could a girl want? I've been waiting to check out the Painted Burro for awhile now and it was definitely worth it. It pays to get there early--especially on weekends--but a parking lot behind the restaurant for patrons helps and there is a "lounge" section with a bar and some seating that can be easier to squeeze into. You can still order from the full menu in the lounge, but when I visited my party was content to sample some of the house margaritas, endless free chips and salsa (which has a nice zing to it), and the guacamole (amazing!). After about a 40 minute wait on a Sunday night we were able to get a table in the restaurant side of the establishment, where it's less crowded once the bar fills up and also quieter. For the dinner options I don't think you can go wrong here--I ordered the squash enchiladas, which was a definite win. My tablemates went for the achiote chicken enchiladas as well and sampled a few of the tacos, which ended up being their fav of the night. There are a lot of amazing flavors going on in all of the dishes, so the tacos are a good choice if you can't commit to just one entrÃ©e! Already scheming for when I will go back for brunch.
(5)
Carol C.

This place is great! Lets start talking about the decor. The paintings are unique. Super stylish and full of personality. I love the "burro" theme. The hosts ( a gorgeous guy - i think he is a model and a girl) were friendly and welcoming. The bar has an inviting atmosphere with nice high chairs and high tops. While I was waiting for my table, I stopped at the bar for a margarita( thumbs and toes up for the mango one!!!) and was tempted to try the other options. The bartender was knowledgeable and explained me the differences between the tequilas ( quite a science!!!) Time for our delicious dinner. We had : Pork Enchilada - it had the tastier mole sauce i ever had in my life. Our amazing server Kevin told us all the ingredients and it was ...IMPRESSIVE!!! I have been to Mexico a couple of times and this is the most authentic cousine you can get in New England!!! Street Cart Chicken - a HUGE roasted bird!! Incomparable taste. Delicious!! We order a side of Kale and Plantain which has the perfect amount of black pepper and oil. Super healthy!! I cant wait to come back to Painted Burro and feel extremely fortunate to live in a walking distance.
(5)
Molly K.

Pictures and more on -- ---- The Painted Burro is a younger sibling of Posto, the popular pizzeria in Davis Square. The new Mexican restaurant and tequila bar opened to high ratings & crowded tables. I am not Mexican food's biggest fan, but I am a fan of tequila, so I gave it a shot! The Painted Burro is a quick 5-minute walk from the Davis T stop. The rain held out for my quick walk to meet a friend for dinner. We were seated in the rustic dining area, set away from the bar. I will definitely be back for their extensive drink menu that features over 100 bottles of craft 100% agave tequila, mezcals, and rum. We were greeted with an extensive menu that encourages trying different things by offering small plates. As we decided on our drinks (I had the strawberry margarita with rocks no salt or sugar) we nibbled away on the chips and salsa that were placed in front of us. As you may know, I am somewhat of a chip-connoisseur (or chip addict at times) and these were a nice break from greasy regular chips. These chips were presented vertically in a galvanized condiment pail and appeared to be half of a hard shell taco each. This was perfect for me, as my favorite part of family taco night growing up was eating cooked hard shell tacos with some shredded cheese sprinkled about. After we had settled in with our drinks & chips, we decided on our food. I started with the Mexican shrimp cocktail of campechana, avocado, and candied grapefruit peel. Next was their new ancho & citrus chicken wings with ancho chile, orange, agave glaze, slaw, and baja mayo. I quickly filled up on the tasty drinks, apps, and chips, so headed home for an early Monday. I will definitely be back for their bar area and drinks that are so easily accessed from the red line.
(3)
Erik M.

Margaritas are excellent. Many tequilas to choose from. Tacos and entrees were attempting to be "gourmet" but did not wow me. They have all these weird flavors. Had a wonderful dining experience, even though a tad expensive for what you actually get. I'd rather have something more basic and authentic.
(4)
Paprika F.

As a former West Coaster, I am fussy about my Mexican food. When I first went to the Painted Burro, I thought it was good, but not great. They were overdoing the fusion bit, while I prefer to keep it simple. When I see the words "YUCATAN MEATLOAF!" screaming from the menu, I get a little scared. But ... On my second visit, it appears that the Painted Burro is growing up. They are still fusion-Mexican, but the dishes taste better. The enchiladas were considerably better, and the chile relleno is a highlight. And the drinks! The house margarita is refreshing and will knock you on your butt if you don't eat enough chips. Finally, they were remarkably patient when we came in with a toddler. Usually, I don't like to spring little ones on restaurants, and I don't recommend bringing kids to this place, but we had a Mom who was having a margarita-mergency. It happens. The staff whisked out their kids meal (quesadilla and corn on the cob) right away so the little one was occupied while his mama enjoyed her mommy juice. So, well done, little burro!
(4)
Colin M.

Great place.. The most amount of Tequila I've ever seen, Mezcal too. The new bar looks awesome, and the food is always on point.
(5)
Nicole H.

Love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for the first time recently. We had a wonderful experience. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table, so we went to a nearby bar for a drink, as the bar was packed on this Saturday night. We sat down and were immediately greeted by our waiter, who turned out to be a GREAT server. We got the guacamole/corn/queso fresco appetizer. Was delicious. So delicious that I attempted to re-create it the next day at a dinner with my family. I didn't do it justice. My boyfriend and I each had the house margaritas. Very tasty. I had the Baja Fish Taco and the fried clam taco special. I'd love to see another vegetarian taco option. As a pescetarian, the taco options were somewhat limited. The two tacos I got were great. They had great flavor and were nice and filling. Their black beans are cooked with meat, which I understand is probably great, but it would have been nice to have another option as a side. Either vegetarian beans, or something else. My boyfriend had the Chorizo taco and the Short Rib taco. He loved both of them. Worried that two tacos wouldn't be enough food, he was surprised when he was full afterwards. No complaints here. For dessert we had to get the churros - obviously. They were warm, and covered in cinnamon and sugar. For the two of us it was the perfect amount - 2 churros each. The chocolate was bitter and decadent. I prefer my churros plain however, was not disappointed. Overall our experience was great. Our server was outstanding. Gave informative opinions, and had perfect timing of when we needed him. The stars aligned. We will certainly be back for more. Nice to have a good taco spot down the street for summertime.
(5)
Lizzy G.

We love Painted Burro! No joke, we eat there almost weekly. We are always treated very well and the food is fresh and tasty. We especially love the tacos, the salads, the corn app, the tres leches, and of course, the margaritas. Painted Burro has a fun and lively atmosphere and great food and it takes reservations! It's the best choice for food in Davis Sq. It's the best Mexican, IMHO, in greater Boston. The magic touch is that the manager, Alejandro, is superb. When he is there, and that is almost always, everything works like a charm!
(5)
Jenn M.

Amazing authentic Mexican food. They have the best grits north of the mason Dixon line. Their is a vast tequila selection and the tequila flights are a wonderful way of trying new tequilas. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Hannah M.

Totally disappointed. The only thing that was good was the salsa and then the waitress took our basket of chips mid-meal. WTF?! The 1st red flag was that NOTHING on the menu caught our attention, but we'd already been seated and ordered drinks so we stayed put. Everything was bland. Just totally blah. Micheladas were bad. Chips were stalish, but salsa was good so chips were edible. Tacos were boring and bland. Enchiladas were boring and bland. Sensing a theme? Even the decor (except the cool chairs at the high tables by the bar) is boring and bland. So sad - we were looking forward to good Mexican food in Davis. Don't waste your time or money - skip Painted Burro and head to Acitron in Arlington instead.
(2)
Cristina V.

We're relatively new to the area, so we decided to try a few places for drinks and dervies. On a Thursday. This was our second stop. Love the atmosphere. We sat at the bar and it is gorgeous. Across from us was this really cool wall mural of a donkey and a skeleton, and that alone deserves a star. Chips and salsa came quickly, as did the menus. Chips were a nice size, not super greasy and well-salted. Salsa was fresh and very tasty. Solid chip and salsa experience all around. It took a while for the bartender to take our drink order. The bar wasn't packed, so I'm not sure why. I got a margarita with Chambord (when I see Chambord on a Mexican cocktail menu, I jump for it) and he got the house. Both were really good. I was surprised at how sour mine was even after the addition of Chambord. The menu was not traditional, but certainly inventive. We were hoping to get something like a tamale but ended up getting the nachos. These were the worst nachos I've ever had. They were topped with way too many pickled...things. After one bite I felt super acidic. Margaritas are acidic enough on their own, guys - take it easy on the vinegar! I'll likely return for drinks, but I'm in no rush. I still get heartburn thinking about those damn nachos.
(3)
Christine k.

The tacos are $7-8 for ONE taco. That's it! Not even, 1 taco with say, rice and beans. No, just one taco on a tiny little plate! Oh, there was about a tablespoonful of beans that came in one of those condiment-sized mini bowls (you know, the ones that other restaurants use to give you ketchup or tartar sauce). At that point I was just amused, albeit slightly insulted at the stingyness. We're talking beans here, not caviar. I come from a restaurant family and it's widely established that beans and rice are the cheapest per capita thing you can serve, so to skimp on that is bizarre at best and unforgivably stingy at worst. That said, I got the braised short rib taco and it was tasty. My son got the pearl hot dog and he was happy. Hubby got the breakfast burrito and didn't complain. Salsa and chips at least were complimentary, and nicely spicy. But seriously, an $8 taco?
(2)
P. M.

Anyone else feel that they try to push you out the moment you sit down? Same feel at posto. The food is excellent, so interesting and tasty. Atmosphere is also very cool. BUT, you can barely enjoy yourself because the wait staff is all over you. Not sure if theyre trying to push you out the door or what. Posto restaurant is the same way! If you go here and want to enjoy yourself, you have to sit at the bar. Same at posto. Be hyped up to deal with loudness.
(4)
Lu B.

I think that their guacamole with pork belly is quite possibly the most perfect accompaniment to an evening of margarita drinking ever imagined. I've certainly eaten other things off of their menu, and I've never been disappointed. But the thing is that I need to be in a certain mood to fully enjoy their delicious menu; more often I'm just in the mood for margaritas. And there is such a wonderful and delicious variety of margaritas to be had here. Margaritas on tap. (That's right.) Some of them topped with agave flavored whipped cream (That's right.) Oh, and let's not forget the absolutely amazing atmosphere. Much lauded interior design and artwork is just the background to a sometimes boisterous, always upbeat pulse that makes even one drink with a friend feel like a festive occasion. And, okay, yes I harbor a well-known and openly admitted to fierce loyalty to the staff here. Many of whom came over from Posto; which has the same owner. But here's the thing about that; they return that loyalty right back at their customers. Whether you are here for the first time or are a serious regular they take their service to you seriously. In the ever expanding landscape of Davis Square restaurants to have any place where not only are the food and drinks delicious but the bartenders; servers and managers consistently know your name and consistently go above and beyond to ensure that you are well taken care of when you walk through their doors is almost unimaginable. Except for that it exists, here. All you have to do is walk in.
(5)
Yelper H.

Went here for the first time the other night as we used to go to another very local place just beside it until very poor service three or four times in a row and decided we need to go somewhere new. Door reception staff were very nice, we were not waiting long for a seat. The waitress was nice and professional, overall the atmosphere of the place is very very nice and welcoming. There was an amazing tequila menu but im not a tequila drinker, so if you are you will love it. I would prefer if the beer menu was a lot bigger. The menu is a bit small, but the food we got was very good to excellent. We ate it all. Even the snacks before the meal they offer you taste very nice. Would be nice if they also offered more wine, particularly from south america etc. Anyways, we gave this place a 4 star, if I could I would give 4 1/2 though.
(4)
Sara M.

Totally dig this place. Almost always sit at the bar. Service is good. Bartenders are friendly and know how to make a drink. The diablo margarita is spicy but balanced and the nachos are amazing. The cheese grits are solid and the pork tacos are perfect. Check this place out, but be sure to make a reservation if you plan on arriving after 6 pm.
(5)
Morgan H.

This place was so friggin' good. Even after waiting 30 minutes when we had a reservation, I'm giving it five stars. We got margaritas (house, Hibiscus, and Mezcal) and tacos (Baja fried fish with cabbage slaw, shrimp with habanero mango salsa, chicken with cotija and cilantro, and the special duck with pickled grapes and onions), and it was all awesome. Plus, our bill came to under $80. I thought it was going to be way more expensive. The drinks and salsa/chips were good but the tacos were the highlight of the meal. I haven't had food that flavorful and balanced in a long time. Salt, tang, depth - everything. It was all there. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
sarah s.

Lets get this out of the way first, I don't do Tequila. Not anymore. Anything that you drink that adds 12 inches to my height and gives me the obvious ability to fight a large man wearing a shirt that says security is really not to be trusted. I've tried to come back to you Tequila and yet you always leave me a little...fighty. I'm not a mean drunk, really I'm not yet somehow you make me be one. So since I don't do Tequila this review is strictly for the food. Tacos to be specific. Tried to order the Barbacoa tacos, waiter was remarkably less than helpful when attempting to find out if there were nuts in the mole, his assurances that there were two types, one with nuts, one with peanuts. I said only peanuts, he says, well and walnuts. Hmm, in my desire to not spend the rest of the night as an itchy hive-y mess I pass, so use caution and common sense if you have a nut allergy. Backup plan, chorizo and fish tacos, don't worry I'm still a happy camper! Food arrives, chorizo taco is as expected, really greasy, I mean there is an egg on top of sausage and potato. It was decent, not the best I've ever had, and for the 5$ price tag I guess I expected it to have a little more complex flavor, it was a little one note, which for chorizo with an egg, sorta hard to do. The fish taco on the other hand was severely disappointing. Wayyyy too much slaw on the top, to the point I literally had to pick around to see if there was in fact fish in there after my first bite. My compatriots in food were similarily meh about their meals. That said they both did have a cucumber Tequila concoction that got thumbs up, so that's a secondhand approval.
(2)
Thomas Z.

This place is worth it just for hanging around the bar for their margaritas and tequila menu. The waitstaff/hosts have always been pleasant and the food is good, albeit nothing to write home about. Overall, it's a fun spot if you're in and around Davis Square.
(4)
J M.

"Mixed feelings" seems to be the consensus among the last few reviews Ive read and after checking it out myself, can be put into that camp as well. Food..tasty enough, drinks were good. service was well....serviceable (and nothing more) The problem lies in the price for simple food. It's done well, but you open yourself up to criticism if the 7-9 bucks per taco doesn't blow you away. These were good, but nothing mindblowing..then the thought process begins.."wow..I just paid what for what??" Id go for brunch next time, because I hear it's good.
(3)
Adam A.

Some of the friendliest and most professional bartenders you will ever find. Casually drank at the bar with some friends for 2 hours on a Saturday night. 3 times during the evening the bartenders gave us free food. Twice were due to mistakes in the kitchen but the last item was some special Rice Krispie treat that they gave us just because. One for each of the four of us in our party. Really excellent service and solid drinks as well.
(5)
Roxana W.

I don't know what type of stick is up some of the reviewers' asses but this is a pretty damn good restaurant for davis sq. I've been the past two fridays in a row and will definitely be going back many times over. Just wish the venue was larger. First time I went was about 20mins after opening for the evening and the place filled up fast. Second time was around 830pm and we were able to get at the bar for some drinks and apps. Seated about 25-30mins later The margaritas are worth the price. well made and you can actually taste the tequila and you are getting what you paid for. Cheers to the bartenders. Food was good. People bitching about getting two tacos? those things are tasty as hell and filling. We did have an appetizer - the Fundito w/ chorizo and it was fantastic just like their guac. Very attentive staff and great atmosphere. Hopefully the hipsters will get over it and go somewhere else.
(4)
Marshelle J.

Are people being paid to hype this place up? Honestly, my experience was so shocking and horrific that I cannot fathom how anyone can claim that they had even a remotely pleasant time. The hostess, with the pedo glasses (yes this is a completely accurate description), made both my brother and me feel incredibly uncomfortable with her excessively awkward hovering while I was struggling to remove my coat and get myself and my crutches situated, so she would stop menu-stalking us...At this point, I was still optimistic considering I had heard such great things about this amazing "Authentic Mexican Kitchen" that they claim to be, so I attempted to make conversation with the waiter. I genuinely wanted and trusted his opinion on what and how much to order, since I was unfamiliar with their proportions. I assumed this was the type of question a waiter would get regularly, and could answer by recommending what was popular...evidently, I was extremely mistaken. He literally scoffed at my question of how many tacos are typically ordered for a full meal and proceeded to make a pointed effort to make me feel ignorant. Is this how the staff is trained at this establishment? I was in absolute disbelief, so I just ordered the "special." Biggest. Mistake. Ever. The "crab cake" taco was...repulsive, and at best could be described as canned crab mush...the other short-rib taco was a little more edible, but was still flavorless and extremely oily...to where it was literally running down my arms when I would attempt to lift it. The prices were also completely outrageous, especially for the infant-sized proportions of nastiness that we were served. Maybe there should be a warning sign outside urging customers to binge on the apparently "delicious" margaritas, so they're indifferent about eating slop and being patronized by the condescending and awkward staff...? Just a suggestion.
(1)
Ginny S.

I went to the Painted Burro on a week night with my boyfriend. We were seated pretty quickly and did not have to wait too long for our waiter. We ordered drinks. I got a margarita which was just ok. Now onto the food. I was not a fan. I got the zucchini and nopales tacos. I found it very bland and the flavors just didn't mesh well. I didn't finish it. My boyfriend thought the same of his food, bland. The tacos were small especially for the price. If it was a really great taco I wouldn't mind the price. The wait staff was nice but I would not go back due to the food.
(2)
M B.

This is a long review. If you want details about this restaurant before you spend your time and money, that's what you'll get here. First time visiting this restaurant and was very impressed by the service and very pleasantly surprised by the creative take on Mexican food. Our server was way above par. (tall guy with black wavy hair)....knew the dinner menu and the extensive tequila menu thoroughly. He was helpful and informative without being pushy or "perky" (I HATE perky waitpeople). Before going into what can sometimes be an exhausting litany of menu choices and unwanted excruciating detail of ingredients and preparation, he ASKED us first if there was anything he could explain or wanted some details on. There was and we did and he was expert at giving details without embellishment or dramatic raving. In other words, very professional. The food we ordered was excellent. The side dishes were surprisingly small (we had the jicama and jalapeno slaw which was delicious but was about 3/4 of a cup. Pretty small) The braised short rib was excellent (very large portion) the shrimp tacos (entree portion is two tacos) were freakin' incredible. That was the best entree we had, and the chili rellenos were not to my liking. When we asked about that dish he said right off the bat that these were nothing like the chili rellenos we had likely had in the past and he explained how they were prepared He was right. They weren't, but they were huge and an interesting take on the traditional preparation, just not to my taste that's all. You might love them. He told us the apps were small plates and might not be enough for sharing. They were exactly as he described. But the ceviche was fine for sharing and was ver good and very fresh. Only criticism of that ...a bit to much lime (even for cheviche). The Fondito with mushrooms was very good but too filling right before the generous entree portions. Now we know. You really have to want a very healthy dose of gooey cheese to order this app. ( Duh, it's fondu. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs) It is loud when it is crowded, no place for an intimate "let's get to know each other" date unless you want the tables on either side of you to know that you really like walks on the beach, etc. We didn't sit at the bar so I can't comment on that. They have an interesting and eclectic beer menu. Some micro, micro,local brews (even one from Somerville) No Pretty Things but that's OK, We didn't have any of the 50 or so tequilas as we had a drive ahead of us. They serve a lot of flights of tequila for tasting. It's NOT a taqueria, don't expect one. All the reviews of disappointed diners here complaining that it is not authentic or like the cookie cutter "Authentic Mexican Restaurants" that serve American burritos and tacos and all the TGIFridays usuals didn't look at their web site or look at the menu online beforehand. Also didn't read the reviews in the local magazines and newspapers. (You all know what a newspaper is right?) That's not what it is (thankfully) and it is by no means how they describe themselves. Go there. Have the shrimp tacos, you won't be sorry. Almost forgot, the chairs are uncomfortable but the banquette is pillow strewn and very comfortable
(5)
Anthony R.

Tasty Mexican eats right in Davis Square with a side of strong rocks margaritas? Yes please. I do mourn the passing of Gargoyles with its funky menu, often-pleasantly-quiet bar and almost comically-sized ten ounce manhattans, but the Burro is a worth successor. The food is great - large portions of interesting Mexican food that's authentic enough to make it interesting but not so authentic that it really drifts into adventurous territory you may or may not be excited to conquer. Of particular note is the gargantuan platter of nachos for a cool $12, piled high with cheese, guac, beans, and chorizo in what's probably a full meal for two adults, and the much-praised guacamole with a limitless supply of fantastically crispy tortilla chips. Writing this review is making me seriously want a margarita, so I'm gonna leave now.
(4)
H. A.

This place is enjoyable-- food's good, solid drinks --but WAY overpriced. $6.50 to $8 for a SINGLE taco. Ridiculous and not worth it.
(2)
Amber R.

Had a light dinner there with the mango guac (could have more mango flavor next time will just get the regular guac) and some fish tacos which were fresh and yummy. Oh and the drinks are good as well.
(4)
Michelle L.

The food and drinks here were really good. We ordered the guac and chips to start and I ordered the Chupacabra for my entree. Goodness me, the chupacabra was delicious. I started out with a variety of the margaritas and they were very tasty.
(4)
Kevin G.

I am absolutely shocked at the good reviews for this place. I feel like Yelp has turned into facebook for people, and every halfwit with an internet connection wants to feel special for having been to a fucking restaurant. First, the good: The margaritas were acceptable. Nothing interesting, but they were fine. As for everything else: The service was slow, as others have said, but personally that's not a big problem for me. I don't mind a drawn-out meal. What I do mind is trying to sell me on the playfully named "Fondito" (fondue?), which was a pile of low-quality semi-hardened cheese with a side of bready, stale tortillas as an appetizer. Seriously, it was something you would make yourself if you stumbled home drunk. Like, too-drunk-to-realize-you-shouldn't-have-been-Âdriving-with-a-hand-over-one-eye-so-as-not-to-see-Âdouble drunk. It was hilariously bad. If you ignore my sagely advice and end up here anyways (are you trying to fucking spite me?), at the very least skip this menu item. The tacos were wrapped in the same shitty tortillas that our drunken fatso dip was served with--where do they even get those things? The steak tacos were pretty horrendous, especially at 7$ a pop. I am a glutton and also not a picky eater and I couldn't finish it. The pork tacos were fairly decent. The flipside of this fact was that a fistfight nearly broke out between me and my girlfriend to determine who was going to get to eat the only reasonably appetizing thing in our entire 100$ meal. She won by trading me the rest of her drink. This was okay with me on account of my raging alcoholism having skewed my priorities on all things strongly towards becoming steadily more intoxicated. This is hands down the worst mexican in the area. Do yourself a favor and go to Lone Star in Allston instead. I know it's a pain in the ass to drive there, I really do, but it's worth it to get food 200x better at a third the price. If you refuse to do that, just grab a pint of tequila and go to Anna's across the street. It's absolutely better, 1/10th as expensive, and a nice bottle of Jarittos Lime makes a great chaser for your brownbag of Cuervo.
(1)
Vanessa P.

I have been on the edge of my seat for months with the much anticipated opening of Posto's second restaurant, The Painted Burro. For months I've been stalking their facebook page and drooling over the drinks, food and art they had been working on. We chose, coincidentally, to go on their first official opening day. I knew this could go one of two ways: they either did their homework and gave themselves plenty of time to perfect the menu, train staff and get it right or they set an arbitrary deadline and rushed to the finish. The first thing I noticed was the decor - I love the Mexican inspired art covering the walls, the colorful clay skulls lining the shelves, and reclaimed wood that the bar is made out of of. We were quickly seated and greeted by our server who was very sweet but noticeably nervous. The first thing she asked is if we had been to The Painted Burro before. We looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh as it was their first night. No, we did not come for lunch (which I don't even think they are open for). Our server then spilt water on our table but that very well could have been the fault of the Mexican inspired, but maybe not practical, water pitcher. I couldn't help but have a soft spot for our server as she was trying hard and was new, they all were really. We made this really easy for her by ordering the same thing - two De La Casa Margaritas and two orders of the Dos Tacos with Gulf Shrimp Diablo. Our margaritas, which had Agavales Blanco, Combier, lime juice, and agave nectar, came out quickly and went down like lemonade on a hot summer day. Not too tart, not sweet, just right. I'm smacking my lips just thinking about them. While we waited for our food we were given some chips and salsa which I could not get enough of. I wasn't that hungry when I walked in but once that salsa hit my tongue it was as though my stomach opened up and was grumbling for more. So good! The Gulf Shrimp tacos came with avocado salsa and baja mayo. The plate came with two tacos each but each one had two tortillas and were overstuffed so we quickly discovered that we could easily make four tacos of each of our plates. We agreed that they were good tacos, the shrimp was cooked well and the seasoning was well balanced. The guacamole seemed a little subdued to me but the baja mayo was fantastic. They were very filling. We both got another drink during dinner which was a bit difficult to do as we couldn't catch anyone's attention, eventually we managed and realized our server was a little overwhelmed with her tables. Overall, I love the atmosphere of The Painted Burro, the drinks were fantastic, the chips and salsa were memorable, the tacos were good but not necessarily crave-able (like Ole's), and service a little chaotic. I'm sure once everyone gets in the swing of things that last point will change though. I'd recommend this restaurant for large groups, dinner with friends, date nights, or just drinks at the bar - which I definitely will be doing. Soon.
(4)
Joshua G.

tequila drinks = 4.5 stars. food = 2 stars or less
(2)
Matt D.

Met another couple here for dinner on a Friday night after work. Colorful decor, cozy (yet somewhat cramped and uncomfortable) table arrangements, and average noise level. Very impressive tequila menu and decent beer selection with many local craft brewery options. Chips and salsa were addictive. I ordered the carne asada, wife ordered some enchiladas. Both were delicious, but slightly overpriced. Waitstaff was attentive for the most part. One of us had to wait about 10 minutes too long for a drink, but we were told they were backed up at the bar and apologized. Overall, I enjoyed the meal. A big overpriced, but its Davis Sq. pricing.
(4)
Josephine L.

My friend took me here for a belated birthday dinner. She is a Davis Sq resident and The Painted Burro is her mainstay. I was just excited to have tacos. Mmmm.....tacos. The starter salsa and chips were excellent. Warm, freshly-baked chips accompanied by a tangy salsa that was nice and thick. I prefer thicker salsa to watery salsa and this salsa was gooood. My friend got the only item she ever orders, the Chupacabra Taco, and for variation, I got the White Gulf Shrimp "Diablo" taco. My tacos (there were two) came with guacamole, habanero and mango salsa. The shrimp was grilled and spicy, leaving a tingle in your mouth. Overall, not bad. The Chupacabra, though, is easily the best taco I have ever eaten at a Mexican "fusion"-type restaurant. No, it's not traditional or authentic, but it doesn't try to be and that's not why you should order it. You should order it because it comes with chorizo de la casa, lamb neck, pork "cochinita", skirt steak, pickled cabbage, smoky adobo mayonesa and baja cream. The result is a party in your mouth and everyone's going home happy. I cannot even describe how delicious this taco is. So I won't. I'll just leave you with instructions on how to order it: 1) Say to waitress: "I want the Chupcabra." Alternately, grunt, "Chupcabra". 2) Chupacabra arrives. 3) Eat Chupacabra. Descend into food bliss. Enjoy. I completely understand why my friend has only ever ordered this the hundreds of times she's been here. For drinks, I tried the Coca-Cola Con Pango: Pango rum, Mexican Coca-Cola reduction and grapefruit juice. It was....interesting. Almost sickly sweet. Not terrible, but I don't think I'd order it again. Service was friendly and fast. Like, scarily fast. We got our orders just two minutes after we'd placed them. I had to dock a star for the noise, though. I am not easily distracted by ambient noise. I can read/work/sleep through construction, fingernails on chalkboards, etc. But I can only make my voice so loud. My friend and I were practically shouting to make ourselves heard. By the time we left, my throat was starting to feel sore. Not good. TPB should invest in some soundproofing.
(4)
J P.

This is not your typical Mexican. IMOP this is much better! The quality of the food was excellent. The flavors were amazing, and the portions were huge. I would agree with other reviewers that it is a little expensive, but the quality is good and the portions are large, so I don't mind the price. It was a little loud in the restaurant, so I wouldn't recommend it for an intimate date or as a place to bring your elderly, hard-of-hearing parents or grandparents. But if you don't mind needing to speak in a loud voice and you are looking for some very good, flavorful food, i would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Binh L.

The decor, the waitstaff -- everything is easy on the eyes like everyone has said. With the extensive drink menu, trust me, the world is going to feel like an oyster. This tequila menu has livers to die for. I would skip the food. Tad pricy and they overwhelm your palate (don't mean that in a good way). Just drink and enjoy the view.
(3)
Lily W.

The Painted Burro caters to a younger, hipper crowd of sorts off Elm Street in Davis Square. The place is dimly lit, and after a period of time, got even dimmer. At any given time, the restaurant is busy and full of chattering 20-somethings, with a bar area and a dining area. The menu is well-conceived, with a good variety of appetizers, sandwiches, small tacos, and entrees. The taco section intrigued me the most--they are 6' tortillas and the customer may order multiple (usually two or three) for dinner. The meal begins with warm tortilla chips served with salsa (homemade, too, as far as I can tell--hints of fresh herbs like parsley come out strongly). THese chips are good. They are good and unlimited, and I know because my party of 7 received 4 cute little metal buckets of them and proceeded to get two more rounds, consuming twelve buckets of chips and salsa in all. The Dos Empanadas appetizer came with two large, crispy, lamb stuffed empanadas with a drizzle of mayo-like sauce on the bottom. Piping hot and crispy, these empanadas were delicious. My fish taco was appropriately moderate-sized, with deliciously fresh fish placed neatly in the center and a black bean sauce served on the side. The flavors burst brightly and none of the food was covered in the heavy grease or cheese that so often characterizes Tex-Mex types of restaurants. Service was impeccable: it was a friend's birthday and a friend and I discreetly asked a server to bring out a dessert, which they did, with a candle. The lime sorbet was refreshing and had just the right amount of sweet--sorbets have a tendency to be overwhelmingly icy--this one actually managed to be thick enough to ALMOST be called "creamy" (if sorbet can be described as such). The server separated our checks perfectly--even separating the birthday girl's food into fifths for the rest of us to pay for (I've never heard of that) and the lime sorbet as well. It seems to be a great place to get together for drinks with some great food.
(4)
Peter L.

Cool place, great tacos and atmosphere. Nicole did a great job as our server at the bar, where we sampled a few brews before deciding from the many taps. App guac & chips and pork bellies (with a nice little watermelon-greens bed) were excellent. I had the chorizo taco, a yummy mess. Marie had the crispy baja fish taco, which she enjoyed as well. A la cart sides jalapeno slaw (awesome cool heat) and cheesy grits (interesting, balanced the heat a little). Seemed like a pretty good value to me. A great beer, the best tacos I've had in a while, and plenty to eat for about $25 each before tip. I say give it a try for sure. We'll be back.
(4)
Rachel S.

I went to dinner here last night with my boyfriend and the whole experience was amazing! The Service: Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. When he told us the cocktail special he mentioned the price, which I always appreciate, since I hate ordering a special only to find out that it is ridiculously expensive. He was very good at answering our questions. He checked on us regularly throughout our meal, and gave us a refill of our chips when we ran out without us asking. I asked for his recommendation for dessert and I was not disappointed by his suggestion. The Drinks: We both had the special that was being served only that night. It was bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, muddled strawberries, bitters, and ginger beer. It was delicious, and I'm sad that the cocktail was only a one-time special. The cocktail was also the same price as many other cocktails on the menu and did not get a high mark up just because it was a special. The Food: The food was some of the best that I've had at any restaurant. Chips and salsa were served before our meal and tasted fresh. My boyfriend got the half roasted chicken, with kale and fried plantains, and cabbage and jalapeno coleslaw. He was very happy with what he got. I tasted the chicken, which was tender, and the coleslaw, which was very flavorful without being overpoweringly spicy. I got two tacos: one short rib, one BLT & Cheese. Both were excellent, and I particularly loved the crispy pork belly in the BLT & Cheese. The portion sizes were what I expected. The chicken dish was very large, whereas the tacos were on the smaller side, so I am glad that I ordered 2. Although the tacos came with only a small cup of beans as a side dish I felt very full after eating everything. For dessert I had the tres leches cake, which was perfect and tasted just like the tres leches cake I ate when I visited Costa Rica. It was so rich and dense that I could barely finish it. My boyfriend got the chocolate spicy chipotle ice cream, which I tried a taste of. It had a very strong chipotle flavor and a long spicy finish. Mexican restaurants have a tendency to upset my stomach afterwards, but I felt perfectly fine after eating here! Price: Mid-range prices. Very worth it considering the high quality of the food. Overall this place deserves five stars! I would definitely go back again.
(5)
Kristin E.

You know what I love most about this place? When you sit at the bar, you are facing out the front window and can watch the people passing on Elm Street. It's the only bar I can think of that isn't facing a wall. Before moving to the bar, my friend and I sat at a table for dinner. We had a reservation, so we got right in. Our waitress was very friendly, and patiently answered all our questions about the menu. Everything we ate was outstanding, and I'm a fan of both the red and white sangria. It's nice to have good sangria and guac within walking distance of home. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Mary K.

really fun atmosphere for a group of friends, but crowds are a bit overwhelming to deal with and food is a but underwhelming. not bad, but completely covered, smothered, hidden under piles of cheese, sour cream, etc etc. i mean, this makes them undeniably delicious, but masks the real mexican treats. go for fun, not for mexican.
(2)
Pete J.

In my own mind I'm a cool cat who knows all about every new restaurant opening and appears at each one, nodding to the rich and famous, while others admire my sophistication and savoir faire. In reality my date and I were walking by on our way to another restaurant when we saw this place and were drawn in by the hopping vibe. We walked in without even knowing what it was called, or what kind of cuisine they served. The menu looked good, the wait was minimal and the atmosphere was welcoming, so we stayed. We asked the server for her drink recommendations and she raved about the Hibiscus Margarita ($9). She was right, it was amazing! I ordered the Cactus Pear Margarita ($11) and that was delightful too. The complimentary chips and salsa were home-made, warm from the oven and the salsa was fresh, with medium heat. It went way too fast, as good salsa always does, but the server was happy to bring more. We started with the Ceviche del Mar ($11). It was huge! Great value for money and the seafood (snapper, scallops, redfish and shrimp) was super fresh. The combination of acid, scallions and radish worked so well, that I had my work cut out holding back my date from picking up the bowl and drinking the juice. The pickled red grape was a unique touch also and delicious. Next up, I ordered the Gulf Shrimp Diablo tacos ($12). Two tacos stuffed with the most delectable shrimp, perfectly cooked and oh so tender. Like the ceviche, great value for money. We also ordered the Mizuna & Red Oak Salad ($11) wafer thin watermelon, queso seco, cotija cheese (a hard, aged cows-milk cheese from Mexico) and papaya vinaigrette (seemed more like a jam, but was sweet and tasty) Food was excellent, service was friendly, attentive and engaging. Value for money was very good. The decor was nuevo-Mexican and fun. The biggest compliment that I can give is the fact that if I had not asked, I would have had no idea that this was their first night.
(5)
Scott B.

And... we have a winner. The Painted Burro is a quirky new addition to Davis Square, and certainly did not make an ass out of itself on opening night. The service was stellar, and the food was delicious. We went with the tacos. They are more reasonably priced, and the portion size is just fine for a meal: 2 heaping tacos. I had the shrimp tacos, and the flavor combinations boasted what I only dream from the best dishes as I watch Top Chef, with the exception of the corn tortilla (I would have preferred flour). The complimentary chips and salsa are creatively executed, but the salsa portion of a small ramekin was far too small. The margaritas are a must., The bartending staff: absolutely easy on the eyes. The furniture was a little clunky and annoying. The chairs are far too large and hard to maneuver around for the small space, although the decorum is rustic, simple, and appropriate. This place used to be Gargoyles on the Square, which was flawed in its back-facing bar, but that was changed with the full gut renovation, and The Burro proudly houses a larger front-facing bar to provide you with prime people-watching amusement. All in all, the experience was fantastic, especially for it being their first night in business, and I'm sure the few flukes will be worked out with time.
(4)
FlÃ¡vio L.

Really good food! The place is really nice and the guy who served us was really kind and helpful. We had some mexican food but with different touches and flavors. Recommended!
(5)
Wes V.

I came back here after a year (wrote a previous review), and I have to say this place has improved a ton. The menu has grown considerably and the beer selection is awesome. There is a large presence of local microbrews (Night Shift, Slumbrew) and there are plenty of drafts. The highlight of the menu is clearly the tacos. Last time I came here, it was "dos tacos", no substitutions, no mixing and matching. Pretty harsh. I didn't test them on the substitutions, but the tacos were individual, so you could get one of each now. Definitely a welcome change. It's definitely loud still, but they've expanded and the bar is now in another room. Great move. I gotta say Painted Burro just went way up on my list. Four tacos, guac, fundido dip and three drinks wound up at $105 after tip. No doubt the drinks pushed it up over $100, but it's still kind of pricy. I don't mind it nearly as much this time because of a much better experience though.
(4)
David B.

We just went for the first and last time . The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable . The service was really good . As for our meals they were tasteless ,bland and over salted. The menu is enticing but the actual meal is total disappointment. Last of all . It way overpriced for the quality of the food served
(1)
Sarah W.

Fantastic service. Delicious drinks. And their ceviche... so phenomenal. But holy crap, is this place loud. I could barely hear myself, let alone my dining partners.
(3)
Neil K.

We went here for dinner with some friends and had a blast. The vibe is really cool with the music going and art on the walls. Drinks are great...it's a tequila bar so go for some margaritas. The food is outstanding too. The corn cob was way better than expected. All the tacos we tried were great, with the best being the gulf shrimp diablo rojo. Lots of cool options. Would give it a five but service was slightly lacking. We had reservations and were on time, but didn't get a table. We waited, and our table opened. Unfortunately, a member of our group was in the restroom so they just gave our table away and we had to wait longer. Service was slow when seated too. Could have just been an off night; they were super busy so it is a great place to visit.
(4)
Cesar R.

Great place for a good time. Went here for a friend's birthday and we had a grand time. The food is great, specially the tacos. I recommend getting a variety of the tacos, they are cheap and while they look small they fill you up great. I personally had the enchiladas and they were made in a sweet sauce that balanced perfectly with the heat of the meat and was absolutely delicious. My GF tried the fish tacos and the empanadas and noted that both were fantastic as well. Definitely get the guacamole for the appetizer and the chips, it was divine. The service was great, the food took a little longer than expected but given the fact that you are munching on chips and guacamole the whole time you barely notice. The waiters were courteous and joked with us and my friend. The atmosphere, however, is noisy and boisterous. It is a young hip place where everyone is loud so if you are looking for a quiet evening out I would not recommend this place. However, if you wanna go out for fun, drinks, great Mexican food and a jumpy atmosphere definitely check this place out! Also, my friend got a tequila shot for his birthday!
(4)
Yuan W.

Yowzah this place is popular! First thing is if you plan on going during a weekend night, make a reservation!! Two of us went on Saturday at 8pm and had to wait till 9:30 just for a seat at the bar. Was it worth the wait? Well, the drinks helped pass the time, and their margaritas are strong! The menu is pretty creative, this place definitely isn't your typical Tex-Mex place. I tried a few of the tacos and would highly recommend the shrimp "diablo" tacos. The baja fish tacos aren't bad either. The chorizo taco is ok but very, very messy. The food comes quickly, so it won't be a long meal. The decor in this place is really cool, I think it's inspired by Mexico's Day of the Dead but with a twist. The whole time we were waiting I was staring at a giant wall painting of a skeleton unicorn donkey with a corn cob as its tusk...with a rooster riding on its back. Sound trippy? Yeah, but that's what gives this place its unique attitude.
(4)
M G.

I've only eaten the tacos when I've come here (four times now), and only the fish, shrimp and nopales tacos, at that. (I'm ovo-lacto-pescatarian.) That said, the tacos were very, very good, especially for New England, where it's difficult at best to find this kind of food. Docked a star for the guac, which, while good, wasn't better than what I can make at home. The wide variety of tequila and mezcal is a definite bonus!
(4)
Frank D.

I had been really apprehensive about going to the Painted Burro after reading some of the reviews. And, honestly, walking by it just didn't look very inviting to me. Fast forward to an unexpected overhaul and expansion and, wow, what a difference! They've expanded to the right taking over the former Spike's hot dogs. They moved the bar over there and created a very inviting space that can be opened up during the warmer weather. Nice! I had the special taco which was fried scallops and I ordered an additional shrimp taco (the specific name escapes me, but there's only one with shrimp I think). Anyway, both were delicious, and the seafood was not overcooked and rubbery, it was properly done. I liked the beer selection, which nowadays is CRUCIAL in Davis Square given the whole local beer culture and mass rejection of national brands. I had the Slumbrew Triple which was also delicious. Our waitress was extremely friendly, though she seemed to be a little over her head with customers (as in too many). However, she was attentive, friendly and and courteous. No complaints there. I only have one minor complaint about the ambiance of the place. It just doesn't *feel* like a local joint. Something about the layout screams "CHAIN RESTAURANT." It's just too perfect or something, I can't explain it. It could be the furniture, or the decoration... I don't know. There is a lack of coziness and a little too much production line. Even the sign makes it look like a chain. The bar side is more inviting however and I do envision having drinks there in the future.
(4)
Evan J.

I went here with a large group two weeks ago and had a satisfactory experience. Their drinks were all pretty tasty: I had the Cucumber, Hibiscus and Watermelon ones. The Cucumber was my favorite - just tasted very clean. For food, I had the Yucatan meatloaf (it tastes like delicious, meaty earth), nachos and their chips & guac. The guac was a little chunky for my taste and lacking the satisfying crunch of diced onion, but certainly tasty. The Burro is a solid choice for more authentic Mexican food if you want to venture away from the safety of Border Cafe.
(4)
Nate Y.

Mexican eatery/tequila bars seem to be one of the restaurant trends in Boston (i.e. Lolita Cocina, Papagayo, Temazcal, etc.). Somerville now has it's version in the Painted Burro. Coming here for a friend's birthday, who so happens to be a friendly terms with one of the bartenders, was fortuitous. The house margaritas were tasty and powerful. Some complimentary chicharrones was fried to perfection and basted in a sweet and spicy sauce. I enjoyed immensely the shrimp tacos that a had nice spicy sauce on it as well as the side of crunchy sweet vinegared cole slaw. The bar had a great vibe to it, although it did get a bit loud when it became more crowded. I can see why some of my friends have made this a regular hangout. Looking forward to coming back.
(4)
Kevin A.

First of all, I've been here at least a dozen times. There is a reason I keep coming back. Or two reasons: 1. Nachos. They might be the best nachos I have had. Not your usual cheddar cheese-salsa-beans. Instead, they have cabbage, chorizo, chipotle mayo, guac, and so much more. A $14 order of nachos is also a big enough appetizer for the whole table. If you split them with one other person, you'll be full by the time you get an entree. 2. Drinks. The margaritas are what margaritas are supposed to be. They are not syrupy. They are not a dessert. Instead, they are a great way to show off a classic way to utilize tequila. All the other food is fantastic. The I recommend the Street Cart Chicken. It comes with some delicious kale and plantains along with creamy rice. Sometimes the prices feel wildy inconsistent though, so be careful of that. The Street Cart Chicken which is huge (half a chicken with generous sides) is like the price of two small tacos.
(5)
Noa K.

Went here for an early Sunday dinner. Our server as well as the rest of the waitstaff was prompt and super friendly. Everything we ordered was all I hoped for and more including the plating. Their dishes cater to the omnivores and herbivores alike. Had TWO passion fruit mojitos. Carry me home.
(4)
Ali B.

I went here for a birthday dinner and we had a table of 15 people. I had never been to the restaurant before. The menu was very interesting and the food was delicious. I had the kale salad which was HUGE. It was very tasty and I actually ate most of it. The toasted corn on top was a nice touch. I also had the BLT taco which was small but delicious. The salad and the taco together made for a nice dinner. The salsa they served with the chips was really good. I'm not a fan of spicy salsa and it was on the mild side so that was good for me. Our server had a lot of tables which made service very slow. I blame the management for assigning him so many tables. He could not adequately deal with all 15 of us along with so many other tables. The menu is a bit on the expensive side. The restaurant was very crowded and loud. I didn't get an alcoholic drink but my friends did and they liked the mango margarita. I drove there and arrived around 6:30pm and had no problem getting a parking spot on Cutter St. which is literally just around the corner. I'd like to go back with a smaller group and see if the service is better.
(4)
nital p.

Went here on a Monday night for early dinner. They have a nice menu with a lot of tasty sounding options. Portions are not huge, the beans you get are in a small tin cup you'd expect your salad dressing to come in, lol. I ordered the lobster guac(special). It was $15 and pretty decent. I really would have been good eating just chips, salsa, and plain guac there, it was so good! I forget what else I ordered, I think a veggie taco or something. That was fine as well. And fore you vegetarians, don't get the beans because they have pork in them, I believe. My friend got the fish tacos and enjoyed them. I think he also got the ceviche(special) for about $15 as well. Between our tacos and specials, I think our food was about $45 before tax and tip. Like I said, a bit pricey if you go for the specialities, but I really do recommend this place. Our waitress, Laura(?), was very charming and the service was great. I'll update this review to add photos of my entree when I can!
(4)
Joel P.

We went to the Painted Burro on a whim while waiting for a 2pm movie this last Sunday, so we were coming in at the tail end of their brunch menu. We were both pleasantly surprised. You seriously can't beat a huge beer stein of iced coffee, which was really good. The chips were homemade (the thick variety, not straight out of a bag). I got the nachos, Eugene got the Cuban style sandwich. Both were great. The nachos were huge, but had the right amount of toppings, including guac, meat and cheese. It's definitely a two person plate. We were there at 1pm on a Sunday, so I can't totally comment on the atmosphere, as I'm sure week nights and nights in general are rowdier. But overall, a solid experience, and we will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Lauren P.

I went to the Painted Burro for the first time about 2 weeks ago with a couple girlfriends. Luckily, we made reservations ahead of time because it was very busy! This is "high end" Mexican food, meaning that it is VERY good but also on the more expensive side for the portions. Don't expect this to be your typical tex-mex like Rudy's in Teele Sq. The girls both got drinks and enjoyed them. We shared the guacamole which came with little cones of tortilla chips....we went through about 4 extra servings of chips. We then shared three different types of tacos -- the shrimp, the redfish, and the lamb neck. My favorite was the redfish for sure--the slaw was delicious. We had mentioned that it was one of our birthday's and they brought out a complimentary chocolate mousse, which was very dense and rich. Keep in mind if you're on a date -- the restaurant is kind of loud, and the tables are awkwardly too wide, so you have to lean forward to hear what your dinner date is saying. All in all, though, a great experience.
(4)
Nicole M.

What a fantastic addition to Davis Sq; only wish it was there when I lived nearby! Went with a girlfriend a couple months ago and it was everything I expected. Yum margaritas and really good food. The only complaint I have is that it was realllly loud and we had to wait ages for a table and I was Hangry, but hey, that's obviously not a problem and just speaks to how good a spot it is!
(4)
Alan G.

My wife and 1 year old baby went here at 7 pm on a Friday for date night. Based on the crowd and atmosphere , the place catered to the hip 20 some thing's of Somerville. Overall we had a delightful experience at this restaurant. The good: Great tasty food all the way. The salsa and chips were the freshest I've ever had at a Mexican restaurant. Apps were delicious. I ordered the street cart chicken which was sumptuous. My wife had mahi mahi taco. My mouth is watering just remembering the food. Friendly attentive staff that always had a smile on their face. Clean bathrooms- this is important. How a restaurant maintains its bathrooms is a reflection of how hygienic they are. Kid friendly environment: they offered my Lil kid crayons to play with as we ate. There were a lot of other families with infants on board. Did I mention the food was delightful?! The bad: Long wait line: we made a mistake of not reserving early enough so we had to wait an hour. Luckily we were in no rush so we walked around the active Davis square. Pricey menu with few entree options. For a Mexican restaurant in a college town surrounded by many other restaurants, I thought the prices were on the upper end. Luckily the meal did not disappoint. Overall, I had a great experience and would go back again.
(4)
mike y.

1. Love Davis Sq 2. Not a fan of tequila..but if I were.. i would love this place. ( great selection ) 3. I ordered shrimp taco .. great flavor ..but too $$$ 4. I also ordered empanada.. i don't know.. it seemed a little undercooked or to dough like ... i think i'd rather have empanadas from the frozen section. 5. the best dish that our table got was the pork belly app. Overall..the price got to me.
(2)
Kathy P.

Overall, very tasty food. Crab appetizer was way too salty. Taco meal and carne asada was delicious but for $14 and $21, you can't even throw in some rice? Way way too much when you're not even going to include a side.
(3)
Kathleen K.

Second the emotion of reviewers who say: -better than average Mexican food, although a bit overpriced -fine selection of tequilas and related, as well as beer -decent, knowledgeable servers -busy, not exactly intimate dining, but a not just a burrito joint. An easy walk for us, so we'll be there again. And again.
(4)
Anonym. G.

The food was absolutely amazing! Best enchiladas my boyfriend and I ever had! Something was sooo good about them, not sure what, maybe the sauce. Yummi salsa and very tasteful drinks. I had juicy pork chop with peaches (who would think that pork chops go well with peaches, ha?). Too sad we were in the city just for one day and won't be able to get back soon, but this is definitely a place to visit if you have only one or two days in town!
(5)
Amanda B.

I had a quick dinner at The Painted Burro about two months ago. I had a performance at the Somerville Theater and a friend and I had been wanting to visit, so we met up before our call. So glad I did! I am still thinking about the tacos I ate there- Chorizo de la Casa: egg "soleado" & papas, chipotle mayo and White Gulf Shrimp Diablo: guacamole, habanero & mango salsa. They were $6 and $7, respectively. Of course, more than you want to pay for tacos, but these weren't your average taco stand tacos. They were DELICIOUS. Wait staff was great (of course, there were only a few other tables at 5:30pm on a Thursday when we were there) and our food was served really quickly. I tend to judge a restaurant by whether or not I want to return and I definitely want to return to The Painted Burro!! I feel like I didn't even scratch the surface of the menu. I need to eat there again. Get there.
(4)
Jeff M.

The Painted Burro did not impress from the time I walked into the restaurant to the time when I left. I am not sure what the space looked like before because I had never gone to Garoyle's but the current space occupied by The Painted Burro was flat; boring and unexciting. I have a feeling that restaurant group who opened The Painted Burro,whom was also behind my Davis Square favorite Posto, was operating on a tight budget and/or compressed schedule when designing the space. With that being said lets move on the important stuff, the food. Ceviche had a bit too much acid. The grapes tried to cut the acid, but not enough. Now I understand what ceviche is but the fish flavor was muted on account of the acid. The octopus salad was loaded in acid too and in a blind taste I doubt I could have distinguished between the two starters. Chorizo tacos with a farm fresh egg were nice and could easily double as a breakfast taco. Fried fish tacos were nice but the flavors were a bit muddled. I still need to try an entree, even though I don't really want to, but, I would say that The Painted Burro is best for margaritas (which by the way were not spectacular) and tacos at the bar. Finally, even on a Wednesday night the noise level was deafening.
(2)
Hungry B.

They expanded this place and its even better now. Amazing tacos, all the other food is really nice and the drinks are freaking great. Pineapple habenero margarita is so good... I hope this place stays around its so good.
(5)
Melanie T.

Sadly, this place underwhelmed at my most recent visit. Went on a Thursday and there was a pretty full house. However, both our chips and the bread on my torta (which was not torta bread to begin with) were stale. When I removed my bread, no one asked why. So, I paid $14 for a few strips of filling to my sandwich. In general, the place is overpriced for the food and drink now. I remember the food being much better in the past. Bummer.
(2)
Corey L.

Enjoyed quite a lovely time at the Painted Burro. Tried to go on a Friday night and there was a ridiculous wait, so went and had some crappy food somewhere else. Next try worked out great. Started off with some fresh, warm chips and good salsa with a little pep. Next, corn on the cob appetizer (it's amazing how much cheese and mayo you can stick to corn on the cob - hello 2000 calories of deliciousness). Washed that down with margaritas - the cucumber was really great, mango was fine. Both were made well, not skimping on the liquor. We then shared a few tacos (fish taco, chupacabra, and the special - they were decent sized and incredible) and shared a kale and fake-banana side (plantain). The food was great, atmosphere was cool, and we had a great time.
(4)
Evangeline L.

Slim selection for good food in Davis, let's be honest. However, if it weren't for The Burro and their sister spot Posto I would have died of starvation by now. Delicious margaritas and my fav squash enchilada and corn app are divine and I swear, way better than Toro's version... The tacos are tasty as well, albeit I agree that they are pricey and would be awesome if they would double up.... However, in a sea of, ahem, extremely underwhelming taverns, the Burro has my heart. xo On the fence?! GO FOR BRUNCH. It's so yummy!!! Do yourself a favor and order the horchata iced coffee. It will blow your mind.
(4)
J L.

I haven't been here yet, but I just called to make a reservation and was told by the host they can't accommodate until 9:00pm. I said that was fine and I'll take it. She said, "Great! Oh, would you mind holding for a moment?" Then the host came back and said, "So you have a party of 2? I'm sorry, we don't have anything til 9:30pm." I told her she just spoke with me and she said she was going to put me down for 9:00pm. She responded, "Well, someone just came in and we can't seat them now, so I gave them the 9:00pm." I'm sorry, you can't just promise a reservation time and then take it away like that.
(1)
Rosa T.

This place is ok. I don't recommend the salsa that they bring with the tortilla chips, it was awful. I ordered the skirt steak with the cilantro chimichurri. It was ok, a bit on the salty side. But the corn that came along with was delicious. I also had a cucumber margarita and it was fantastic. I don't think I'll ever come back for food, but for margarita for sure!
(2)
Marissa T.

Excellent margaritas and very cool original artwork for decor!
(4)
Laura C.

I have had excellent margaritas and brunch here. It was the best huevos rancheros i have ever had. The french toast was amazing also. We had the empanadas to start and they were great as well. I tried their dinner menu when they first opened and I think they were working out the kinks.I will go back for dinner to give that another try. This is a great spot for brunch in Davis!
(5)
Betts C.

Oh my God. There is (Tex-)Mexican food in Somerville. Actually GOOD (Tex-)Mexican food. I'm way, way too excited about this. See, thing is, I lived in Texas at one point, and from that time onwards, I have a constant craving for slightly above grade Mexican food, the sort that includes some additions of current foodie trends (pork belly guacamole, anyone?). It's not really Mexican, it's Tex Mex, but we'll go with the fact that, in Massachusetts, this may be the closest we come to Mexican. First off, the drinks. The house margarita is spot on, and mysteriously strong. The version of a pina colada is girly enough, until the hot chile flavor hits. It also goes done way, way too easily. The michelada is the best I've had in this country, and I wish I'd had a couple more. The only drink in which I was somewhat disappointed was the Paloma- it did not have the same sweetness as the Palomas of Texas and Mexico. But so be it- they probably didn't want to lower themselves to use Squirt, and that's exactly what you need to do. Then, the food. I was actually a little concerned about the pork belly guac, but it's delicious. It could also be a meal all on its own, and its addictive enough that you need to be prepared to not be able to stop eating. The queso fundido is also good, but in my opinion, perchance not worth it in the long run, because then there are the tacos. I've now had the shrimp tacos (my favorite), the cochinita, and shortrib ones. The shortrib option was also really good, but the shrimp tacos, hands down, are some of the best flavored shrimp tacos I've ever had. And I really like shrimp tacos. I've also tried a pork mole enchilada special, which was more than a little good. The side of kale and plantains is maybe greasier than it needs to be, but it's a nice, shareable side and the flavors are excellent. I wish they were slightly faster on the chips refills- almost making you feel like there will be no refill and then appearing when your food comes out with more, which then sort of get wasted. (And this happens both when very busy and when not at all busy...) This leads me to the service and atmosphere. The servers I have encountered have been very nice, friendly, and attentive. I have absolutely no complaints there. The decor is great, and very welcoming. It's a shockingly light spot in Davis, where everyone else seems to think dark and vaguely gloomy is the way to go. But it's really, really loud. Some sound tiles on the ceiling could be easily disguised, and would be more than a worthwhile investment. Even on a Tuesday at 6:30, it's loud. So be prepared for that. Beyond the loud, I'm prepared to say that the Painted Burro is my favorite place to eat in Davis. It joins a slew of new restaurants that have opened of late, and I think is the best (though I have yet to go to M3). But it's a good atmosphere, not too Davis-obnoxious, and they're doing good things. Now if they would just start serving breakfast tacos, my life in MA would be complete.
(4)
Bob H.

Came in for my birthday in October, the restaurant was stunning, easy reservation through open table, great waitress, great margarita. The menu while lacking some of the classic "Mexican" favorites we're used to, was definitely big enough that we had trouble deciding what we wanted...but were so happy with our choices. Finally, the Nachos were the best I've ever had. So, we're going back for the GF's birthday tonight.
(5)
Rachel J.

This review is about the service - I was not even able to try the food due to an unbelievably rude hostess that made me think twice about giving this establishment my business. I went to The Painted Burro on a Friday night with my husband and a friend. We were walk ins and put our name in for 3 people at 7:50. The hostess said the wait would be 45 minutes to an hour. She took my phone number down but did not indicate in any way that she'd call me when the table was ready. I also told her we'd be waiting in the bar, where we headed and ordered some cocktails. An hour into the wait, our friend decided to head home, likely due to hunger, so my husband went to tell the waitress it would be two people. She said fine and he came back into the bar. About 15 minutes later (now an hour and 15 into the wait) I went back over to her to ask about our table. She said she called my cell phone twice and that I did not pick up my phone so she gave the table away. It was going to be another 15 - 30 minuets now. I was in complete shock. Now mind you, we had been waiting in their bar, spending good money, 15 feet away from her. And once I looked at my phone I realized she had called it less than 5 minutes after my husband approached her earlier. Why she did not say "Your table is almost ready. Why don't you close your tab?" to him is beyond me. Not only did I find it absurd that she would think calling someone on their cell phone in a noisy, crowded bar would be okay, but her attitude was unreal. Get a hold of yourself - you work at a Mexican restaurant in Davis Square. My husband and I were so infuriated that we ended up leaving but not without saying something to the manager. He apologized for the issue and offered a gift card but we were so mad (and hungry!) that I left and went to Anna's for a burrito. I will never step foot into the Painted Burro again due to this one awful hostess. They'll be lucky if we go to their sister restaurant, Posto, as well. Too bad - I was excited about a Mexican place in Davis. I'll just continue going to Ole.
(1)
Rhan K.

ITS A RIP OFF! DO NOT GO. Had dinner here yesterday and was super disappointed. The prices were steep and the food was meh. Oh, just fyi, the menu from opening day was so much cheaper. Check it out: boston.grubstreet.com/Paâ€¦ . According to that menu, the Â¡CHUPACABRA TACO! was 10 dollars but when I went yesterday it was 21! WHAT A RIP OFF. The food, in general, was decent. We got the pork belly guac (needed a little more spice) and the yucatan meatloaf. They were both decent but not worth the 30 dollar told that it cost for those two dishes. Also, they told me at 8 that they would put me down for a table at 9, but when I got there at 9, they were basically empty and they gave away a few tables before we were seated. The restaurant was loud. The margaritas were good and decently strong. At only 8 bucks, it was a decent price. The waitress was the only redeeming fact about this place. She was great; knew when we needed her but also knew when to back off and leave us alone. Needless to say, I will not be going back.
(2)
Carol L.

Went on a Monday night which was good for less crowded experience. Reservations for 6pm but probably didn't need to. Our waiter was exceptional; friendly, present when we needed him. He tried to warn me about the Nachos, which was HUGE, but I didn't listen. I took about 7/8 of it home but not sure how well nachos re-heat. Anyway, they were tasty but different with plenty of jalapenos (too many for me), cabbage, and what tasted like mole sauce in addition to the usual. My companion had a root veggie enchilada which was delicious. Didn't try the margaritas but will next time. Even partly full the place was super-noisy, with several groups of 6 that added to the din. I'd go back but try for another low-attendance night.
(4)
Carol C.

Way overpriced food. Too many tables for a small space. Too crowded. We had a reservation and had to wait for 45 minutes. The waiter was conceited and self-centered. Portions small. They don't warn the food is way too spicy to the point that you can't taste it. Only good thing, free chips and salsa.
(1)
Damon H.

In one word: Overpriced. I've only gotten takeout from here, and was super excited to try the food, as I'd heard really good things. When I looked at the menu and saw prices of roughly $14 for the tacos, I expected there to be at least 3-4 tacos included. What came instead was two typically sized tacos on corn tortillas. Now, $14 is a reasonable price for a meal, but two tacos is not a meal. It's an appetizer at best. Especially considering that price doesn't include any sides. That said, the tacos were pretty good. Nothing outstanding, but they were definitely solid. We got the skirt steak and the chorizo tacos, and both were well cooked and tasty. Also got a side of the cheese grits, which were probably the best of what we got. Ultimately they were pretty forgettable though, although admittedly eat bite came with the thought of "I paid HOW MUCH for this?". Bottom line, if you want tacos, there are much better places to go, with much much lower prices. If the prices what half what they are, I'd give them four stars. But they aren't, and until they are much cheaper, I'll be going elsewhere to get my taco fix.
(2)
Matt P.

Came here for brunch. It's a huge restaurant and the decor is really cool. I loved the paintings especially. Service was fast and helpful. I ordered chilaquiles and it was not world shattering but was pretty good. I also got a bloody Mary (bloody maria on the menu) which was well done.
(4)
Jennifer L.

Based on the awesome bartenders, the nice atmosphere -- wooden bar looking out on Elm Street in Davis Square, the 100+ kinds of tequila, the chips & salsa, and the fact that they have tequila- and rum-infused popsicles(!), I give this place 5 stars. I'll have to go back and try the food. We looked at the menu; prices were reasonable and they had a good assortment of unique dishes. Not the typical Mexican restaurant, more steak and seafood than usual.
(5)
Diane M. F.

Sadly I saw the end of Gargoyle's, my favorite spot in Davis Square in Somerville. When I discovered that a new Mexican Restaurant was slated to open its doors in the old Gargoyle's space I found some comfort....as I love Mexican food. I finally made my way to The Painted Burro, giving them a bit of time to get the operations down and to have their chef perfect his offerings. It is with sadness that I say that I will never return. Sure the place looks good. But it is all about the food...ultimately. We decided to try several taco selections....the shrimp and the pork. Both were so dry...seriously like dehydrated - shrimp and pork. The pork was in thin strips....and I think it was deep fried - not the traditional Mexican pork that melts in your mouth for sure. There was not even much taste from either. The flavors did not blend well in either taco combination. The pork which came with a helping of pineapple salsa was certaiinly overpowered by the sweet tast of the pineapple. But it was truly the texture and dryness of the pork that left me completely disappointed. The shrimp again were so dried out....they certainly were not succulent or juicy. And the only flavor in the shrimp taco was a spicy tang of seasoning. The best thing we had was the side portion of a salad with was both tasty and unusual - in a good way, however the portion was about 2 fork fulls. Being that I have eaten at numerous Mexican Restaurants across the country and a plethora of both roadside and sit down restaurants in Mexico as well as at the dining table of many a Mexican family, I have to say that what we had was by far the second worst Mexican food I've ever had. The first was in a camping town in Mexico known as San Felipe (my friends will get a laugh from this mention), where I seriously lived off Popsicles (the best I've ever had in fabulous flavors like Hibiscus, Fresh Lime, Coconut, etc.) and a couple of Pina Coladas for the entire vacation. Lastly, in reference to price - the shrimp taco plate which consisted of 2 soft shell tacos and the 2 fork bite of salad was $14.00. I'd say in light of the amount of food and the quality this was far too much.
(1)
Vanessa M.

Excellent, strong margaritas. Salsa could use some heat, lime and fresh flavors, maybe red onion, more cilantro or different tomatoes. The steak tacos were 100% excellent. There are several two taco options which are quite filling, and then some more expensive entrees and lots of interesting appetizers. I definitely look forward to trying more items on the menu. My biggest gripe about this place was the noise level. When we first got there I had to cup my ears to be able to converse. Not the best place if you're looking for an intimate dinner experience, but maybe it's better on other nights. Great drinks, definitely worth checking out!
(4)
Sandra P.

The best tacos this side of Mexico!!! Everything was fabulous, $5.00 tacos were worth every penny. Meatloaf was a wonderful surprise.
(5)
L S.

I hope this place is NOT what Davis will become. The decor draws you in. That, I loved. But it lacked the legitimacy that makes Davis Square. Overpriced drinks, and food that is more stylish than tasty. Save that for the tourists. We don't want it.
(2)
Melissa S.

Having lived in San Diego for 10 years, trust me when I say good Mexican food is hard to find in Boston, but I'd take any of my SoCal friends to The Painted Burro. Everything I had was delish! Starting with the corn on the cob appetizer. It's even better than fair food corn on the cob! The garlic mayo was such a great touch with the spicy kick of the cayenne pepper and the cheese. I wanted to order seconds. Then my entree arrived - the Achiote Chicken Enchiladas. I've never even seen achiote chicken on any menus here in Boston, and their's was perfectly shredded, not too much sauce, the fresh corn tortillas, topped off with crispy tortilla strips melted in my mouth with every bite. My friend had the carne asada, and the flavor was to die for! Definitely going back, definitely telling all my other CA transplants that they must go too. Finally, good Mexican food in Boston.
(5)
Mikey C.

Small portions and big price compared to other more quality Mexican places in the area to include Zocalo, Ole, La Carreta, and Cafe Azteca, which have much better food. FYI the fish tacos smell and taste awful apparently due to a pungent Mexican spice...not too sure about that one. The chips were dripping oil, but the guac was good. The margaritas were very good. Likely never go back unless something changes on the menu side of things.
(1)
Nick F.

Phenomenal. Fantastic food and drinks, very friendly servers. The tacos are amazing, we had the chorizo, asada steak, lamb neck, and pork. The wait for the food was a little longer than I had hoped, but it was worth it and that should absolutely not deter you from coming here. We also got the guacamole appetizer...unbelievable. The chips are so fresh. 100% recommend you come here.
(5)
Jessie E.

Went here for a friends birthday and ended up having a great time but I think the food can be improved. Had a house marg to start and it was refreshing, tart and clearly made with fresh ingredients. We shared a guac app, the goat empanada and a mushroom and cheese fundito. I really enjoyed the goat empanada, the meat was delicious! Good homemade chips and salsa for the table. Shared the cupacabra tacos with a friend, fund them jumbled, muddy andtoo heavy. They forgot a side of cheesy grits until we had finished our meals. Lively place, I would return for drinks and an app at the bar.
(3)
Annie B.

Meh. Good food but pricey for what it is. Tacos at $7 a pop is a bit ridiculous, considering the location, decor and, well, they're tacos. I enjoyed my drink, but my friend and I were both surprised at the small portions considering the price of food. When we ordered their rendition of queso flameado, we didn't expect a thin layer of cheese in a dish. It's not that I wouldn't ever go back, but I wouldn't rush back.
(2)
gillian c.

I'm not sure why this place was so packed and popular. I was meeting a couple of friends here and though we were seated fairly quickly without a reservation, the service was really slow. Not to mention, we couldn't hear a word of our own conversation. It's definitely not a place to go to catch up with friends or have any kind of conversation with the person you're with. We ordered some tacos, and although I ordered different ones from my two friends, we all ended up with the same exact dish, and it was super bland. Our waitress disappeared and I decided to just eat what they gave me so I could eat at the same time as my friends. What kind of Mexican place doesn't give you hot sauce with your food? I had to try to hail down someone for ten minutes to get some. I found it super overpriced for what it was, and I left feeling like we should have just gone to Anna's and had a great meal for five bucks. Even in New York the prices for Mexican are way more reasonable than this place.
(2)
Ethan M.

Had the chicken - which was tasty. The rice it sat upon was too buttery for my taste. Their lime margarita was strooooong. Great decor - love the Mexican burlap canvas paintings adorning the walls.
(4)
Holly C.

I enjoyed some pork tacos and a drink called the abuelo abuelo which consisted of one of their finest mezcals. If you like your drink strong this is the place for you! They have a list of mezcals that you might enjoy. It was my first time trying one and I liked the smokey flavor. The decor of the restaurant is colorful with murals painted on the walls. The guacamole was creamy and delicious as were the tortilla chips! The tacos were not anything to boast about. They were served with corn tortillas which had a rough grainy consistency. I prefer a finer flour tortilla personally, but the corn was good. Overall I would recommend trying this place!
(4)
Matthew C.

Went on the Friday the first weekend sowe expected craziness. First off the waitress was super sweet, but the bar was really slammed and took 10-15 minutes to get a magarita. Magarita was strong and nice, just took too long to come to the table. Also, my wife is pregnant and not drinking so she asked if the bartenders could make here a "virgin" fruity concoction so she could feel like she was having something similar. Waitress said it shouldn't be a problem then came back and said the bartenders told her they couldn't do that. Lame. We decided to share a bunch of stuff for our order. First up was the fondido. Not very good at all. rubbery cheese with a gross texture. Next were the tacos. We ordered the steak, shrimp, and chorizo tacos. All were quite tasty but at $12 I would have expected more value. Lastly, got to say the chips and salsa on the table were amazing. Obviously homemade chips and a nice fruity-almost salsa that was really good. As we live in Davis and are out 3-4 nights a week between Foundry, Posto, Orleans, etc... I was hoping to add this to the list, but I think we'll wait for them to get their feet underneath them. Also, we generally prefer to sit at the bar when we go out, but with no TV I can't see the attraction of going here.
(3)
Angie G.

A bit about me: I am easy to please but hard to impress. I am impressed. The Breakdown: Waited less than 10 minutes for a table at this super crowded restaurant. Aesthetically, the restaurant is beautiful. Having been previously Gargoyles, The Painted Burro left in some of the charm from the previous restaurant and incorporated it smoothly with their look. I like they way they maximized the space in the dining room without making it hard to maneuver by other diners. While a bit of a "small detail" I really appreciated the faucets in the bathrooms. Sounds a little silly, but I notice things like that. Also, their soap smells delicious, and if you think that doesn't really matter, try using the soap at UMass Boston and you'll understand why it matters a whole hell of a lot. (Nice touch, fellas.) Service was great. Our waitress was actively training someone and seemed totally at ease doing it on such a busy night. Both her and the trainee were wonderful and on their game. I was also extremely thirsty and impressed at how well the staff kept up with filling my water glass. And speaking of being thirsty, the House Rita was delicious. I prefer my Ritas a little less sweet than average, so I'll make sure to throw that tidbit in the next time I order. It by no means tastes like candy, I'm just sweet enough as it is. The Important Stuff: The food was magnificent! These guys/gals get a lot of credit for having such a delicious menu. Almost all of their menu items Gluten-Free, which was wonderful as my date was intolerant. She enjoyed their dinner special, which was a chicken enchilada. I had a bite of her food and was impressed at how wonderfully the flavors complimented each other. It was thick in a comforting sense, but certainly not too heavy. I, on the other hand, am not intolerant to gluten, so I had the fish tacos. Holy mother of god, are these puppies delicious!! I recently started enjoying fish tacos and now feel spoiled, since I don't believe any fish taco could be done better. The freshness of their ingredients and the manner in which each dish is executed is impressive. Their Queso Fundido is also seriously delicious cheese. Made me want to throw that on some Mangu, like a real Dominican would. There were no delays by the staff and I was glad to see the manager helping out on the floor. Good job, team!
(5)
Allison M.

I wish I could give 3.5 stars. Here's why: Food was excellent (minus the chips, waaayyyy too greasy, just dripping). Fundido with chorizo was so flavorful, served with warm tortillas. We split beef, shrimp and fish (very fresh) tacos - all three were amazing and reasonably priced. Service was off. After we snagged seats near the bar, I had to get up after 20 minutes and ask the manager to send a server our way. I think the bar area needs two servers instead of one. It took a long time for drinks to come out. I don't blame our server, seems like the bartenders were overwhelmed or just not moving fast enough. Our first round of margaritas was fantastic (even if the glass was only 3/4 full) but our second round was all tequila (normally we would not complain about this but the drink was just off and didn't taste good, it was even a different color than the first round). We ordered a third margarita when our food was delivered but unfortunately the drinks arrived long after we finished eating and we were ready to leave. The Painted Burro is a beautiful restaurant with a fun drink menu and as residents of Davis Square, we are so happy it opened. Hopefully, staff will iron out the kinks and this place will be awesome!
(3)
Kiki K.

We have been here 4 times, each time trying something new. I really enjoy their tacos, I have had the ramps (just excellent, but now out of season), the shrimp was also good and last night I had the pork. Nicely seasoned, and I Iike the tortillas they are using/making. Corny and firm. We have also had the Chili Rellenos, also very good. We have not had an entree yet, but will be back to do so. My one gripe is the cocktails, outside of the house margarita, which is good, everything is terribly sweet. I think most of the cocktails could do without the sugar water/syrup they use. Even the sangria's are too sweet. There is no need to add a sweetener to a cocktail unless it is on the bitter/sour side. An array of flavors is better than just one sweet one. I must say that the bartenders will change the drink up for you. They removed the sugar water from my husbands cucumber margarita and it was perfect. Like every new restaurant, they will go through major changes and I enjoy being on that ride.
(4)
Sam F.

Not so impressed. The whole place was packed to capacity - they had patrons seated in each other laps. The whole vibe was way too loud. The highlight came when the bus boy cleaning off the table next to us wiped its crumbs onto my lap.
(2)
Katie M.

The drinks here are great, but the food is not. We stopped in last night without a reservation. We were told the wait time was 45 mins - an hour, but no one was leaving their tables so we waited for over an hour. Totally not worth it, should've just had our margaritas and gone to chipotle to eat.
(2)
Eric S.

the food was solid. But I think they need to add more chips or shrink their sizes. We ordered the guac and barely used it with the 6 chips that came with it. Not a good app to share with 4 unfortunately. Tacos were good. Shrimp taco hits the spot.
(3)
Peter W.

They seem to still be working out some of the kinks, but the food is good and the people are friendly!
(3)
Jimmy D.

I was very disappointed. The servings were tiny and the prices were huge. Give me taco Bell any day...or Rudys. I found the waitress very un helpful n explaining menu items. I am old school Davis Square and these places are ruining its reputation. The best part about the Painted Burro were the tables and chairs that looked like they were out of an old Mexican Cantina. As far as the restaurant....Lousy food and high prices. STAY AWAY !
(1)
a f.

I stopped in here on their first night for an after dinner drink. I had the hibiscus margarita - really good! I liked the atmosphere, our server was great and attentive. Bonus points for being able to leave without smelling like a fajita (which is my least favorite thing about mexican restaurants) but I'll have to go back and see if that was a result of good ventilation or just a perk of being there on opening night! I do look forward to going back and trying dinner there. And another margarita!
(5)
Steph K.

I will start off by saying: tequila bars are DANGEROUS. You start off with one margarita.. then a few fancy tequila shots... and end up drunk and poor by the end of the night. However, at The Painted Burro, it might be worth it. I started off with the cucumber margarita, which was great. The cucumber balances the strength of the tequila, making it easy to drink and giving it a refreshing twist. For my meal I had one shrimp taco and one zucchini taco. The shrimp was killer, and I liked the zucchini as well. However, I was under the impression that the $6 dollar price tag was for 2 or 3 tacos, not just one. With that being said, this definitely a place that you have to go to knowing that you're going to end up spending a lot of money. I came with 3 other people and we ended up spending $50 each. If you're down to dish some serious cash, try the tequila tasters. It's 3 shooters of tequila with salt and lime. But this isn't your average Kappy's tequila. It's the good stuff. Even if you don't normally like it, you will here. The Painted Burro can get expensive fast, but the experience is well worth it.
(4)
Dan D.

Food was average, they double charged me on a bill, said they would refund it to my credit card and never did. Drinks where a bit pricey as well.
(1)
dedalus w.

Went on friday night with 2 friends. we were seated quickly. Waiter was friendly. room was VERY loud. food was not too special. Salsa, uninspired, guacamole without character (and skimpy serving). I tried a vegetarian enchilada dish that was ok, and a taco plate that had a variety of meats, which were all mixed together (rather than three tacos, each with its own flavor). We had a few tequilas neat, and tried two flights. some were good, some were a grade above gasoline, but not worth the hefty price. Ole in Inman Sq is not a great restaurant, but its MUCH better than this place. I doubt I will ever go back to this place, unless I hear of big changes.
(2)
Joshua J.

We got to the Painted Burro during the week without a reservation and were promptly seated. We ordered drinks to start and they were great, my girlfriend loved the margarita she got . I ordered the Tres Chupacabra Tacos for my entree. They were decent but lacking in flavor. I love spicy food and even after adding the hot sauce they brought me it still didn't deliver. My girlfriend had the same opinion of her meal. The drinks were definitely the highlight.
(3)
A M.

Great atmosphere... I enjoyed it more than the dark and dreary look of the former Gargoyles. We sat at the bar (friendly and attentive service-- great drinks) I need to try more of the menu before giving a full review-- great addition to the Davis Square night life! Going back again soon.
(4)
Anna C.

Delicious food and unbelievable drinks. The endless chips and homemade salsa are also amanzing (and free!). Great place for dinner and drinks any night of the week.
(5)
Carlee M.

Love this place. The margaritas are amazing - they don' taste like fake syrup mix at all. I personally am obsessed with the cucumber one but my friends enjoyed some of the others. The food is great - we housed the guac in 2 seconds. We each ordered a couple tacos as our meal which we loved. I friend got the baked chicken and loved that too - it was a ton of food so she had leftovers. The chicken came with kale/plantains (i think?) and we got that as a side because we couldn't resist. Can't say enough good things. love it.
(5)
Meghan M.

Good food and drinks. Terrible service. Everything takes forever. Not sure if I'd go back.
(3)
Julie D.

I only came to this place for late night drinks, but let me tell ya, their drinks are amazing. My favorite has got to be the SIERRA MADRE. If you like spicy things then this drink is a MUST have. Although the drinks are very pricy, they are delicious!
(4)
Joe T.

Haven't seen a place have such polarized reviews in a long time, so I'll chip in. Every bit of food I've ordered here (been 3 times now) has been excellent, with exception of the chips they give you at the beginning of the meal, which are just OK. They're a little too oily to have a lot, in my opinion. I've had Pork Tacos, Steak Tacos, the cucumber salad app, the chicharonnes, and most recently the Mahi Mahi which is a fantastic summer dish (light, refreshing, but satiating). The atmosphere is great and always fun. Yes, it's a little on the loud side, but no different than any other tequila bar. If you come in expecting this place to Rudy's, Anna's, or even Sol Azteca, well, maybe you should've done your homework first. Negatives are that it's a bit pricey across the board (pours are not generous, and 14 dollars a pop adds up quickly), and that the service, as noted, is woefully slow. All that said, this is probably my favorite place in Davis Sq. and I'll be returning quite a bit.
(5)
Rebecca H.

Great service, delicious food, and strong margaritas! Can't ask for anything else-yum!
(5)
Gwendolyn S.

Creative menu, great tequila list, pretty food, but overpriced with small portions. Left hungry. Also, there aren't really any standbys if you're not feeling adventurous. Think they're trying a little hard to be unique, and the flavors don't always mesh well together....most bizarre hot dog I've ever had. I'll go here for drinks after work but probably not do dinner again.
(3)
John H.

Had a nice dinner here in late June. Very good margaritas and service, great atmosphere, and decent enough food. I was impressed by a taco with some lightly--and deliciously--charred greens. Overall, the food delivered on quality and value. It was Friday night, and the wait was about 20 minutes to share (i.e. sit at one corner) of a table where another group of six was eating.
(4)
Molly L.

I really hope this place is just working out some new restaurant kinks and comes around: My first visit to painted burro was on Cinco de Mayo. Note to management: You were not prepared for what might be your biggest night of the year - not good. That would be like Walmart flunking on Black Friday! When i arrived with my date, we have an excellent host and hostess, meet and take our names, and a very short wait - awesome! We were seated in a very adorable, small dining room with very cool decor and finishes. Unfortunately this place is pretty small and they REALLY packed in the tables. I don't have a problem with this...but their HVAC system definitely did. It was WAY too hot and very smelly when we sat at our table. Not just warm and smelling of food...no. It was stagnant air, and it smelled of body odor...BAD. A few of the waitstaff need to invest in stronger deodorant - that's a mean thing to say, but I'm sorry I feel its true. Our waitress was super weird. I don't know if we had a language barrier or if she was high. Either way - she barely spoke, never smiled, and i had no indication when she was ready to take our orders, if she even WAS our waitress, and if she knew what planet she was on. That's not to say she was rude or impolite - she was just very confused. They give each table chips and salsa to start - very delicious! We ordered the guac with pork belly - HEAVEN and the roasted corn cob - OMG SO GOOD. We also got margaritas....that arrived long after our food :-( My mango habanero 'rita was not very spicy, and the mango (I'm thinking puree) was way too thick. Date got the house special 'rita....it was kind of blah. I think it needed more tanginess. Again - i know they were busy, but its Saturday, Cinco de Mayo in the only (and brand new) sit-down Mexican place in Davis- BE PREPARED Bottom Line: Drinks are strong, food is excellent, but they need to get it together and i really hope they do. I think they have a lot of potential. Maybe someday they can expand to a second floor or basement. I WILL DEFINITELY BE COMING BACK SOON - and really hope they work it out! i want to love el burro.
(2)
David W.

Food was OK. Chips and salsa were very good, but the Redfish Tacos were a big disappointment. Our waitress said they were her favorite, but I didn't think they were good at all. The place was also extremely noisy, to the point where conversation among 4 people was difficult; one practically had to shout to be heard. I had high hopes, since I love Posto Pizza, but alas I doubt I'll go back to Painted Burro.
(2)
Diane S.

Went last Thursday for my birthday. Had short ribs which were excellent. My two companions enjoyed the chicken and the vegetarian enchiladas. Great house margarita with good dose of tequila. I thought the chips and salsa were both bland. Returned tonight, Monday, and tried pork tacos. My friend ordered the fish tacos. We were underwhelmed, though appreciated all the fresh ingredients that went into the tacos (no mystery meat or bean concoctions). I probably won't return unless I go at 5:00. The place is painfully noisy. I don't mind a lively restaurant and I blast my music, but the roar of the crowd competing with the cranked-up music makes conversation almost impossible (both nights, my friends and I had to shout at the top of our lungs to be heard). It was an exhausting dining experience even while being buzzed on the margaritas. Hope they do something about the acoustics and the volume of the music.
(3)
Tom B.

I have been meaning to check out The Painted Burro since it opened. I finally made it there tonight and to be honest I was a little disappointed. The service was great but other than that there wasn't much that I enjoyed. The food was kind of blah and overpriced. We had a few tacos, the corn on the cob and the flutas. I am a huge fan of Mexican food and so I was a bit surprised that The painted burro fell short of my expectations.
(2)
Adam B.

Good food, good ambiance, good tequilas and mezcals, friendly waitstaff. I'll definitely go back.
(5)
Firefly B.

A needed addition to Somerville and excellent for Davis Square. Quality food and drinks and a fun snapshot of a good college town restaurant. A little chaotic, but that's part of the experience.
(4)
Asya T.

Gah, another overpriced and inauthentic Mexican place. Came in here with two friends for dinner and was highly disappointed. I judge Mexican places first by their guacamole, and this restaurant's was bland, tasteless, and a very small portion for the price. Shrimp tacos I ordered were doused in some weird sauces. Avoid, especially because there are so many better options in the area.
(1)
Archana V.

Love the chorizo taco! Perfectly spiced and the egg just makes it so much better. Did not care much for the mango margarita. The place gets crowded and lively on weekends. Just the way a good restaurant should be.
(4)
Jeff M.

Had an exquisite margarita (perfect - not too sweet, could really taste the tequila) and the pork enchiladas, which were smothered in their cola-mole sauce & creamy mexican cheese, served piping hot in an earthenware bowl. I sat at the bar and totally enjoyed the experience. Going back for more at my earliest opportunity.
(5)
Lauren C.

Even if you don't live in Davis, making the trip here is absolutely worth it! I don't live in Somerville but love Posto, so wanted to try out the restaurant. We went the other night for dinner and was (not surprisingly) totally blown away. I like to think I know my margaritas and the house margarita was truly amazing. The tequila selection is very impressive. We started off with the chips and great homemade salsa which I could not get enough of and as soon as we emptied the bucket, the server immediately brought over more! For an appetizer we ordered the fundido with homemade chorizo which was fresh and very well prepared. Next I ordered the enchilada, which I highly recommend, it was delicious and perfect combination of vegetables, cheese and mole verde. I was way too full to get the dessert but the leche cake looked soo tasty, and I will definitely save room for it next time!
(5)
Heather C.

This place is decent. I've been a few times. I think it's over priced in comparison to other Mexican restaurants with better food, though none of the ones I'm thinking of are near Davis. I like the guac, but it's not my favorite. It has a flavor in it that I couldn't place that was almost smoky and it just took away from the fresh, light, creaminess I love about guac. The Shrimp tacos were good- spicy, flavorful and cooked well. The slaw on the side was nice to cool the palate, but the flavor was overly vinegary and I like vinegar. The Chorizo tacos are my favorite thing I've eaten there. They have a sunny side up egg on them and they are spicy, moist, and just yummy. The fundito is good (a melted cheese), but I would have preferred it with crunchy tortilla chips rather than the soft tortillas they served with it. They are hard to dip and kind of bland. The white wine sangria is tasty, but very weak on alcohol. The margaritas are really good and have a strong tequila flavor. I don't really remember the service so I guess it was neither good nor bad. I'd definitely eat here again, but I don't find myself craving it.
(3)
Abby L.

Had a really good meal here! Went out with three of my girlfriends, we all had the house margaritas. They were delish! We also had the guacamole which was really good. My only complaint there is that the chips were a bit oily. As for the meals, it seemed like the two of us who ordered the tacos had better experiences than the two who ordered entrees. One ordered the chorizo tacos and loved them. I had the diablo shrimp tacos and they were great, however initially the waiter was a little weird about switching out the mango salsa even though I needed to switch because I'm allergic to mango. But I switched for the pineapple salsa and it was yum. One friend ordered the veggie enchilada and she said it was "good" and the other friend ordered the rabbit something, which she also gave a good rating. The restaurant is INCREDIBLY loud, so don't bring parents here. Not good for an intimate date. But it's a fun place with good energy and good food.
(4)
Rebecca S.

Last Saturday I went to the Painted Burro for drinks before a dinner reservation at nearly Posto. My friends and I ordered drinks and appetizers. Our apps came out several minutes before the drinks, which I found quite odd. My fish tacos were decent, but not worth $14, especially compared to the much cheaper version at El Pelon. The fish was extremely fresh, but there was little else going on as far as flavor was concerned and the "salad" that came alongside the tacos was a bland and confusing mix of chopped veggies. I realized they were going for the "Upscale Mexican" concept, but the prices seemed a bit overboard, especially for food this light on flavor.
(3)
Meg W.

We have been waiting for the Painted Burro to open for a while, excited for a quality authentic Mexican restaurant to open in Davis Square. Even on its second day open the service was impeccable. Rachel was the best waitress ever, very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The decor is great. The tables and chairs I guess are all reclaimed and refinished wood from Mexico. The painted burro on the wall is done by a local artist and is super cool. We started with the hibiscus margaritas which were delicious. They use only fresh ingredients, no sour mix! They also have a large beer list. The complimentary fresh warm tortilla chips and salsa were excellent. We ordered the fundido with chorizo, it's the best we've ever had with a generous portion of house made chorizo on top of cheese that does not harden into a un-edible, greasy mass, but rather stays gooey and delicious. I ordered the pork tacos, they were excellent, my only complaint is that the tortillas got soaked through and broke, so I had to use my fork to eat them. My husband ordered the chupacabra tacos, which were delicious but tricky to eat. Overall, this will be a restaurant we return to often, we are glad it's here.
(5)
Rebecca S.

New addition to the Davis Square scene. I had read the reviews before I went and they were pretty spot on. This place was loud for a Monday night and I imagine every night. Prices were on the high end, but if you are looking for classy Mexican cuisine this is probably a good spot. Guacamole with pork belly was delicious and the tacos hit the spot and were quite filling. Drinks were strong. Nice place out for a ladies night, but perhaps a bit too loud for a first date.
(3)
Shannon C.

It's a far cry from the old Gargoyle's, it''s also crowded & pretty loud. There was an hour wait on Thursday but if you circle the bar like a vulture, eventually someone gets up. This only took 5 minutes, once we sat down, everything was really great. We started w/ the ceviche and guacamole, both really good, both with chips (they already give you chips & salsa when you sit down), so now we've got more chips than we know what to do with. I had a house margarita which was good (meaning I could taste the tequila), the mix comes out of the tap but it's just lime juice and agave, not a gross sugary mixer. Next we split the shrimp taco & steak taco. Now - there are 2 tacos to a plate - and yes, they are small-ish but after the chips/guac and ceviche, I couldn't finish mine anyway. The steak taco was SO spicy, I happen to like spicy food but I can see where some people might think it's too much. Overall, I really liked this place & will be back for sure.
(4)
Darryn W.

Quite pricey, but typical Boston-area prices. Our waitress was Diane, and she was outstanding. Good food, good drinks, good atmosphere.
(4)
stephanie b.

Excellent. Sat at bar on fri nite & crazy busy. Service was good despite it being so packed.Will def be back.
(4)
lil s.

Tried PB last night for the first time and definitely had a mixed experience, mostly in terms of the service. We had made a reservation and the hostesses were on top of it - table was ready whenever we wanted it, we didn't have to wait at all. My fiance and I arrived before our two friends who were meeting us, so we decided to order our drinks. When the waitress took our drink order she removed the drink menu, to which we protested, but she said there was still one for the other couple. But then when they ordered drinks, she insisted on taking the drink menu even though we were clearly going to order more. You'd think you'd have enough drink menus to make it easy for customers to continue ordering items with such a high profit margin. In any event, that was pretty weird and she was kind of abrasive overall and definitely in a rush to get us out. While it's not the Meritage downtown, when I spend $16 on an entree, I have an expectation that I can relax and enjoy the meal on my own terms. We also couldn't understand why the tortilla chips came in such tiny tins; we literally went through about 6 or 7 tins since we also got guacamole. Could they not have spared the extra couple of cents to buy larger tins wholesale?? The guac itself was pretty mediocre and not made table-side. I would definitely opt for the guac at Ole any day over PB. I got the chile relleno, which was delicious. My dining companions got the tacos which they also enjoyed. Drinks are super super strong. I wish I had read one of the previous reviews that warned of the heinous hangover after imbibing a second margarita, so beware!! Overall: food is overpriced but pretty yummy, decor is Mission-style which is definitely different than a lot of the other nicer Mexican restaurants in the area, service was slightly inconsistent (but mostly attributed to our specific waitress - hostesses, other waitstaff and manager were all gracious). I might go back to PB more for the atmosphere and location than for food - I would opt for Ole, Papagayo or Tu y Yo any day if I was specifically just looking for good Mexican eats.
(3)
Eve G.

Best Mexican food I've had in ages. I am sure I cannot tell authentic from domestic, but the Mahi Mahi was fantastic, as was the chili rejello (sp?). Surprisingly good food, I'm ready to go back and order blind to try it all. Only gripe, it's very very loud there.
(4)
Hasan K.

A lively (read very noisy) place. Decor matches the food. Attentive waitstaff even on the Saturday evening when we went. The food is tasty with well sized portions. We shared two Dos Empanadas stuffed with meats, followed by the duck enchiladas and three different - mahi-mahi, pork beet - tacos, which we also shared. (Perhaps we ordered one empanadas too many!) The various margaritas were a good a compliment for the food. We did not linger because of the noise level. This is a young persons place. I would have given four stars but cut it down by one for the noise factor.
(3)
Lydia M.

I LOVED this place. Especially loved the decor (I'm really an ambiance/decor person), with giant paintings and murals on the walls. Ordered based on suggestions from other Yelpers (so my 5 stars are really based on that). I do agree that some of the stuff is over priced, but if you don't order those overpriced things, the food is EXCELLENT and relatively good bang for your buck (this is upscale Mexican, after all). Would have been nice to sit by the windows so it wasn't so loud, but I'm still willing to give 5 stars despite the decibel level :) Also the private parking lot is KEY in Davis. Recommend -- fish tacos!!, beef empanada appetizer, kale and plantain side order, mango margarita. Can't wait to come back!!
(5)
Pradeep R.

The ambience is really good in this place but the paintings are strange. I'm by no means an arts connoisseur but they looked weird. The best part of our dinner at this place was the margaritas and the waiter. We had spicy watermelon and spicy jalapeno margaritas. Both were delicious. Especially the jalapeÃ±o one, had a bit of bite to it. For food we ordered nachos as an appetizer, it was tasty. As an entree I ordered the Gulf Shrimp Diablo Rojo taco. My wife ordered the Roasted Achiote Chicken enchiladas. Both weren't that good but thy weren't bad either. The shrimp tasted bland to me. The chicken dish was almost italian-like, tomatoey. The waiter brought us Flan as dessert for free because it was our wedding anniversary. The guy was very nice to talk to and was pleasant. Showed genuine cheerfulness when he spoke. Parking in Davis Sq is available but I am a resident in Somerville so I found street parking close-by. There is plenty of public parking available for a nominal fee.
(3)
Yidan S.

Came here for dinner on Sunday, this place was quite popular. Ambiance is casual and gets quite dark. Waiters are friendly. Food: my friend and I had the Nachos as appetizer to share. The portion was HUGE! After eating the complimentary chips, salsa and the huge nachos, I feel already full and we two both ordered entree. I got the blackened sea bass torta, very yummy, the bread was crispy and oily, the sauce, sea bass and the bread blended well together but I can tell it's super fatty. I only had half of my entree and it's nice to have leftover to be my lunch for next day. My friend got the pork chop which was not that good, the pork chop was too thick so the flavor didn't get inside. And the glaze was kinda too sweet to us.
(4)
Rajesh P.

It seems to be one of the happening places to eat in the Davis Square area. Reservations were ok; I walked with a friend but they were able to get me the required place or seating in 5-10 minutes. Their Bar area is good too. This place is always crowded and loud, I think It must be margaritas and beers. The chips was a lot salty but salsa was good. The prices are somewhat at premium from other bars around there. We had appetizers like Chalupa and Skillet Roasted Shrimp Al Ajillo with some margaritas and beers. The drinks were good but the food was ok. Though this place is definitely nice, but I would still look for other intimate places elsewhere to eat.
(3)
Renee L.

Made a reservation for Saturday morning but arrived to an almost empty restaurant. I came here with the intent on ordering their churros, but completely forgot about them because we were so stuffed by the end of our meal! Pass on the Horchata Iced coffee, it was regrettably watered down. The only redeeming quality to the drink was that is donned a sugar rim. The boyfriend and I ordered what I perceived to be the two most popular items on the menu: The El Montanero Superbeasto and the Chilaquiles. The names can throw you off a bit, but just imagine pork, beans, rice and tortillas topped off with two sunny side eggs!! Mmm~ What I liked most about the Superbeasto were the plantains. I've had homemade plantains that weren't nearly as tasty as these, and they paired well with the beans and chicharron of the entree. Admittedly, I think I enjoyed the Chilaquiles a tad more than my own entree. The Chilaquiles was a bit bit zestier, this is in part to the smoked chile and roasted tomato salsa. This is going to sound silly, but I was most impressed with the complimentary chips and salsa. I'd like to think I enjoy the simple things in life! I have never had salsa that tasted so refreshing. p.s The restrooms are beautiful and spotless.
(3)
Heather L.

Came here on a Monday night with a reservation and were seated immediately. If you are coming without a reservation, even on a weeknight, expect a wait. In terms of food service, from taking our orders to actually getting food on the table, it was surprisingly very slow. It took about 30 minutes for us to get our food. However, our waitress was great, extremely helpful with menu suggestions, and very understanding when an order was placed that did not meet expectations (full disclosure it was because we didn't read the menu closely). In regards to the menu, they have some great taco options, but the bill can easily add up when each taco is around $7. I got the street style hot dog, which came with a small side of beans and salad, for a total of $9. That and the tortas are probably your best bang for the buck. If specialty margaritas are your thing, then this place is also ideal for that (my friend highly recommends the Diablo if you are a fan of spicy margaritas).
(3)
Laura H.

Came here for drinks around Midnight. The drinks were delicious, I had a spicy margarita. Thumbs up for the service, even though it wasn't really on the menu they served us chips and salsa. Also cleanest bar bathroom I have ever encountered. Loved drinking here wish more bars were like this!
(5)
Eunice E.

I've only come here for nachos and drinks, but the fact that I've been back more than once for that very combo should be telling. And what I'm telling you is: their nachos and drinks are fab. I'm not joshin' when I say this could be a dinner in and of itself. The tortilla chips are piled high with toppings and meat and all sorts of vegetables (...made me feel slightly less guilty whenever I'd bite into a carrot slice, though it was a bit ??? at first, whatevs, you'll get over it). And the margaritas are on point. Wow. One of those could knock you out. Or maybe that's the carb overload from the nachos. Or maybe both. Whatever it is, I'd gladly let The Painted Burro knock me out any day/night of the week. It gets super busy around dinnertime no matter if it's a weekday or weekend, so try to make reservations/get in early or late. And definitely get a margarita (or two, if you can handle it).
(4)
Christina O.

I'm pretty picky about my Mexican food. Coming from South Carolina, our Mexi was very different. I won't say that it's better -- just different. We have what I would call "dirty Mexican" -- the basic meat, cheese, beans platters. No frills, nothing fancy, just food on a plate. And it was really good. Here in Boston the Mexican is all over the place. Some on the fancy end, like what you'll see at Painted Burro. I do like the food here and the plating is always great, but the prices are really high! I've had several of their margaritas (cucumber, strawberry, mango, spicy el diablo) and all were fantastic. They're all super fresh and never taste like they're made from a gross mix. Back to the food. I've had a couple different items and they're good...but not mind blowing. And again, the prices, steep! I mean $10 for guacamole? Stop it. That's silly. The location, fun atmosphere, and delicious drinks, are what keep me coming back.
(4)
Bryan K.

It is a little pricey but the food is fantastic, along with the wait staff, drink menu, brunch and great location!
(4)
Dave B.

I only write this review because of my high expectations, having loved the next door restaurant that is run by the same people, Posto. Exquisite! Posto, that is. It hit me at the second we entered the place, the Painted Burro. The din. Fine, I'll take that with great food any day, but it'd better be good. The young woman they sat my party next to had a voice like a a barking cat. And the whole room was overwhelmingly loud and I have bad hearing anyway, having played rock and roll for 30 years. It should have effected me the least of anyone. I can only talk about the tacos. For 7, 8, or 9 bucks you expect to get the Cadillac of tacos, right? Or at least something different or just plain yummy. My date and I only ordered tacos and they were served on flour tortillas(which I consider a no no), I worked in a Mexican restaurant for 20 years, and I've eaten a lot of Mexican food so maybe my taste buds are gone but the carnitas had no flavor and the fish taco, deep fried, wasn't even crisp and the fish tasted a little old with that kind of sick aftertaste. Look, I'll even take a hamburger taco from Taco Bell. It has some flavor. The Burro seems in my opinion to be striving for subtlety or sophistication to the point where they have eliminated flavor. Mexican food screams chile peppers, in all different configurations and cooking methods, and I did not see any evidence of that. To be fair, we only had tacos, and my other friend's enchilladas looked good and his date's Kale salad was apparently good. And the waitress was lovely and helpful. Good Margaritas! But if you can't judge a Mexican restaurant on it's tacos, especially a place that calls itself the painted burro, then what can you judge anything on? I'd go back to try other stuff, or just get a plate of nachos(they were good) and drinks, maybe, if it weren't for the noise. Hang some curtains, guys. It was painful in there. I couldn't wait to get out.
(2)
John T.

Went tonight with my GF. We got there early wasn't to crowded. By the time we left it was full on a Tuesday night. Liked the space with a bar side with a couple tables and a large sitdown area. Our table for 2 was tiny though. Only about twice the size of the menus. Patricia was our server. All the staff was very good. On top of everything. Top notch service. We got the chicharron app. big thick slabs of pork belly. Yum. I got the Oyster taco, which was a special. It came out with only 1 oyster on it. Would have liked 3 but could have settled with 2. The price was reasonable but I would rather pay more and get more. My GF got the chicken torta. She liked it very much. As well as the greens. We got the churros with Taza dipping sauce for desert. They were great. My GF wanted to drink the chocolate sauce. All in all a good night. We will be back.
(3)
Mike P.

Went on a mojito tasting tour around Davis square looking for the best Mojito. The Painted Burro hands down has the best mojito in Somerville. Lindy is the mojito master. One of the best bartenders I've had. Every drink we ordered (mostly mojitos), were excellent. If you're looking for a good drink, come to Mojitos and ask for Lindy.
(5)
Rebekah C.

This is a first visit rating. I will definitely give this restaurant another try. The Painted Burro is in a great location, the decor and abstinence are great. It was packed on a Wednesday night. I had read some reviews about how busy it was and gotten a reservation. I was greeted and seated right away in honor of my reservation - which was excellent. The service was good. The food was good and well priced for what we got. I had the baja tacos My date had the steak We had shrimp for appetizer I was not very impressed with the drinks. They were very strong, but I felt they were not very well balanced. I tried the cucumber margarita - the agave was so over powering and made the drink to sweet and not refreshing as advertised. The house margarita was just okay- very strong but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Kiki D.

The Painted Burro was great!! Definitely recommend it as a cool place to go with friends for great food and a fun atmosphere. Atmosphere: Painted Burro is a pretty decent sized restaurant with very trendy decor and a great overall young, lively vibe. Food: Really good and would definitely come back to try other options. We got the queso fundido to start which was delicious and a cool mix of sweet and savory since it had roasted corn and spiced pepitas on it. For my main entree I ordered 2 tacos the Chorizo de la Casa taco (chorizo, roasted potatoes, sunny side up egg, and chipotle mayo) and the short rib one which was a crunchy shell inside a soft shell with pulled short rib, queso, and napa cabbage). It was the perfect amount of food and nice that you could mix and match taco varieties. Drinks: Didn't get drinks this time but the menu (and the ones we watched be carried past) look fab. The bar was also a nice extensive area that would be great to meet a friend or for a date. Will definitely be back to try the drinks! Overall: Highly recommend anyone in the mood for good, reasonably priced Mexican food and a cool atmosphere try out The Painted Burro. I'll definitely be heading back sometime soon to try out more of the extensive menu!
(4)
Tim S.

I was really excited to try this place. It was one of the last places on my list of places to eat in the Davis Square area. Word to the wise: if you want to eat here, you're going to have to decide that days in advance. I tried for multiple weeks to make reservations for a Friday night for 2 and realized that I needed to inquire online by Wednesday *at the latest* to ensure that I was going to get a table. The Painted Burro seems to be always crowded and loud. It must be because they have great chips and margaritas. Both I would highly recommend. My meal was pretty forgettable (literally - I'm pulling up the menu now to remember). Oh! I got the pork carnitas and shared my friend's grilled squash. They were both alright. We got something else, but I can't find it on the menu. The service was quite slow and the waiter messed up the bill. He was kind and patient, so I'll look past that. This place is definitely nice, but I would look for other, more intimate places to eat where the food is cheaper and better.
(2)
Katie M.

I LOVE this place! I've eaten there before in the past and had amazing food, and recently went at a later time for drinks and thoroughly enjoyed my mango margarita! The mules are also awesome as well. Very good vibes, lots of space to spread out with a group. Has a substantial restaurant area, but also has a bar area with TV's and a few tables.
(5)
Suzanne L.

Tacos are kinda expensive here, so I would recommend the nachos - get a table, order some drinks, and 3-4 people can happily chip away at a beautiful mound of tortilla chips, guacamole, cotija, chorizo, olives, onions, lettuce, salsa, etc. etc. etc. Also don't forget the free chips and salsa you get at your table! I have also really enjoyed my brunches here - they are nowhere near as busy as other brunch places in the area, and if you are like me and enjoy anything with a runny egg on it, you will be happy as a clam. They do not have many vegetarian options, although the one time that I had the kale salad, it was very well-executed.
(4)
Alyssa B.

My friends and I came here Saturday night (after making a last minute reservation via OpenTable... it was for 9pm because this place is definitely hard to get into so make your reservations as early as possible!) for some late dinner. The servers will all super friendly and willing to refill our chips & salsa as many times as we wanted (the container is small) and our drinks never stayed empty! The food was really, really phenomenal. All 4 of us had SUCH a hard time deciding what to order. Come hungry, and come with friends so you can explore the menu! We got chicken enchiladas (AMAZING. The red sauce... to die for. I would drink it.) pork enchiladas, and our friends got two Tortas which were both outstanding. The little bit of beans that come with the sandwiches were also so SO good. I can't wait to go back!!!!
(5)
Andrew S.

Amazing brunch! Great variety of huevos-ranchero-y brunch options and Mexican plays on traditional brunch fare. Also a great tequila bar. Great ambiance. Strongly recommend the restaurant for brunch and the bar for later in the evening. The dinner menu is a little pricey but good.
(5)
John T.

Went here for brunch on 6/27/15. I left pretty impressed overall. The margaritas were stiff, the food was delicious and our wait staff was very professional. It's a pretty heavy brunch menu, so if you're vegetarian or looking for a light meal this probably isn't the spot for you; however, if you're looking for a heavy base to kick-off a long day drinking marathon (or recover from a similar expedition the night prior) this is a great spot. We arrived at 1 PM and there was no wait. The space seems large enough to accommodate mid-size groups, which is another plus.
(4)
Nick B.

Excellent food, fun atmosphere, adequate service. The Painted Burrito is very popular (and always crowded on the weekend) because the food is great and it's fun place to hang out. Unfortunately, they're popular enough to allow their service to be average/mediocre and still enjoy an endless stream of customers. The chalupa appetizer is amazing. Cauliflower fundido was also really good. The tacos are excellent. Lots of different choices with tasty and unique ingredients. The carnitas and BLT tacos are especially good. The guacamole is small and expensive for its size. It's not bad, but not good enough for the price/size. The first time I went here, the service atrocious. The restaurant was quiet, yet our waiter spent our entire meal talking to his friends at another table and ignoring us. Fortunately, my brother had been before and said this was not the norm. I've been back twice since and the service was definitely better, though still not quite as good as I would expect for the price. But I'll still go back, because the food is just that good.
(4)
Andrew W.

The Tufts go to birthday celebration place. They can seat a large group, just call before hand. The food is pretty good, worth it for the price. A lot of drinks specials to take advantage of.
(5)
Claire G.

I didn't get any food here, I just came for drinks with a friend on a Saturday night around 9:45. I had the cranberry cocktail and my friend had the hibiscus one. Both tasted awesome and were definitely worth the money. The atmosphere was nice in the side bar on the right. We got our drinks right away and it wasn't overcrowded at any point. Would definitely recommend for a relaxed night out for drinks with a small group.
(4)
Bill C.

Awesome & fast Mexican food. Not overly filling stuff that you might get at some places, but more fresh and authentic ingredients. We really like the pork carnitas tacos and the tableside guacamole. I also like the empanadas. Margaritas are awesome too. Food comes at a very rapid pace, so plan your ordering accordingly.
(4)
Damien S.

When approaching the mahi mahi tostada, eat it like a cookie. Only suckers try otherwise. Cliched review line #24: I'm surprised it's taken me this long to review The Painted Burro. It's since surpassed our go-to when local Mex cravings strike, primarily because of that summer-friendly dining terrace, the tall, cold Micheladas (done right with Modelo and clamato juice) and those baller chips and salsa. ChiTacos are a bit pricey for what you get - perhaps an a la carte option that strikes the pork charro beans side in favor of moar tacos? - and they've since ditched the Chupacabra, a meaty feast for the heartiest of appetites. My go-to for dinner are the Carnitas Enchiladas, with red wine & cola mole, tomatillo & cilantro bechamel and a handful of three cheeses. Used to be more of a fan of the chicharrones, but they've undergone a serious transformation, abandoning their slight sweet, tacky slabs of well-rendered pork belly to carpaccio-style slices swimming in a syrupy glaze. The real stars of the show: brunch and dessert. From the chilaquiles and the egg, chorizo, maduros and kitchen sink mess known as El Montanero "Superbeasto" to the unreal churros and chocolate dip, I basically want to wake up here and raid the menu for a midnight sweet. Service runs hot and cold with regards to attentiveness, but have always earned aces on demeanor. A definite must-see when in Davis Square.
(4)
Zanzibar Q.

I love Painted Burro's kale & plantains. It is actually one of the best restaurant foods I've had... Ever. I get it every time I go and it's always sensational. My mouth always waters when I think about it. Please keep it on the menu forever. Please!!!!!!!!! I've brunched here as well and immediately fell in love with the chilaquiles. I've had it on 2 occasions and just thinking about it is making me feel loca! I need it right now!!!!! Drinks are super solid and atmosphere delightful. I love the decor a lot. Painted Burro is a Davis Square staple and I recommend it to all. Kale and plantains plantains and kale kale and plantains plantains and KALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Phillip M.

AMAZING!! The food here is absolutely delicious. Their nachos are out of control and smothered in delicious ingredients (a little too smothered sometimes, but that's not a real complaint from me!) Their tacos are super delicious, especially the BLT and fish-based tacos. It's crazy busy, but if you can get there at an odd time have a seat near the window and watch Davis square unfold before you. Friendly service. Really just an amazing place in Davis square. A definite must!
(5)
Fong N.

The food was good, I didn't feel like it was oily. The maple bacon, get it! I have a thing for fish tacos order them all the time at a Mexican place. It was good! The horchata, was very different with coffee. It was good because it didn't make it too sweet and has caffeine! Good place for brunch!
(4)
Sparky S.

Just been here once. Tried their famous Street chicken. The chicken is nice and soft and its a half-chicken piece. The accompanying jumbalaya was kind of a mess though, a bit overcooked so all mashed up rice. The chicken might be too much for one person, so sharing b/w 2 people works out well, with some additional rice/dish. The nachos were really good, the salsa was tasty..but bit watery. A bit pricey, but will anyway like to give it another go and try something new
(3)
Karis O.

Best "gourmet" Mexican food I've had in Boston (as I hold a special place in my heart for Boloco, Anna's Taqueria, and any Mexican food place in East Boston). Can we hold a prayer circle for Cholo Corn on the Cob? This stuff could stop wars. It's amazing- It's the prom version of corn on the cob- dressed to impress smothered in garlic mayo and cotija cheese. $6.50-9 per taco, with a side of beans. Expensive for a taco, I know, but they get pretty creative with how they pair things together. My favorites? The BLT (crispy pork belly), Short Rib Ropa Vieja (Double Stack of soft & hard shell taco) and the Crispy Baja Fish taco (there's jalapeno slaw but it's bearable). I once tried the Oaxaca Cheese grits. I can go without the texture of grits, but for my friend who is apparently "very familiar" with grits, said it's one of the best versions he's had. I vaaaguely remember trying one of their desserts (after I had had a couple of margaritas) which was a very well done flan. But now we're on the subject of margaritas, keep 'em coming. Definitely one of my favorite places to go in Davis Sq and I'll use basically any opportunity I have for an open meal invitation to suggest this place. And I forgot to mention: an endless supply of chips and delicious salsa. 'Scuse me while I kiss you, Painted Burro.
(5)
Anya T.

By far, the best Mexican restaurant in the Boston area, if not the east coast. I spent part of my childhood in central Mexico, and part in California, and I'm extremely picky about Mexican food. In NY, where I lived for fifteen years, friends would rave about a place, and I'd go, all excited, only to find gloppy, heavy, repulsive crap. The Painted Burro, though certainly on the, let's say, nouveau Mexican side of things, really gets it right. Pretty much everything I've had here has been delicious. You just can't go wrong. Particularly great: kale salad, corn, all tacos. Unbelievable drinks of every stripe. Great service -- everyone really friendly and warm. The best!
(5)
Nisha P.

Went here recently with a big group. The drinks were delicious, though maybe slightly overpriced for Boston. I got a Mezcal Mule - which was smokey happiness with a hint of ginger. It was really refreshing. Some context: went out very hard the night before and had no desire to drink, but it was STILL delicious. Food was great! I got the pork belly taco, which was obviously delicious (i've yet to have pork belly that isn't delicious). The empinadas weren't my favorite; they had kind of a weird filling, and we not very tasty. But the corn on the cob made everything better. Get one and split it with someone else! (two pieces come per order). Overall a fun experience.
(4)
Christina M.

I have been wanting to go here for years, since my beloved Gargoyles disappeared. All of my friends have highly recommended this place, and it looks so fun from the outside, so I was excited to finally check it out. The verdict: It's a nice addition to Davis! The place was bigger and brighter than I expected, which is good, since crowds can get to be big here. I liked the rustic tables and chairs, and fun Mexican inspired paintings along the wall of the room that reminded me a little of Dia de los Muertos. My husband and I came on a Sunday afternoon, not realizing they would be serving a special brunch menu, instead of the typical menu. Our experience was good enough that we would like to come again for dinner in the near future. For food, I had the chicken milanesa torta, which came with a side salad and a little dish of pork black beans. I also had a side of agave plantains and a tequila sunrise, and it was all quite tasty. This is a more upscale Mexican restaurant, so the prices were much higher than the actual ingredients. However, the flavors are definitely toned down for more American taste. That being said, I really liked my food. The only thing I would have liked was more flavor in my torta. With ingredients like garlic mayo, guacamole, Oaxaca cheese, and red onions, I thought the sandwich would have more taste. It was more like a really tasty chicken sandwich, but not a torta. If you want a truly outstanding and authentic Mexican torta, at half the price, go to Tenoch in Medford Square. You won't be disappointed. My husband ordered "El beasto", which had meat, rice, beans, and an egg on top of tortillas, served with a side of pork beans and plantains. He really enjoyed his meal too. It was nice that they served up a batch of fresh and warm tortilla chips with salsa at the beginning of our meal, and they were nicely done too. Good food, coupled with a friendly waitstaff, and yummy drinks makes this place a keeper!
(4)
Alexandra M.

Came during their daquiri week and tried two. My first one (pineapple) didn't taste super pineapple-y so I was a bit disappointed, but it was good. I then had the one they were serving all week and that one was delicious. My friends got beer and were happy with the selection. Service was a bit slow but maybe because we weren't getting food they figured we were fine.
(4)
Denise M.

I've found a new place to go on a week night when I really just do not want to cook! Lately I've been coming here for their tacos and homemade guacamole. The staff are great, it's been quiet the last few times I've been in but it's been during the week. I'm really ok with that, sometimes the less crowded the better, it can get rather loud. (No I'm not old, I just prefer not to shout). The chicken taco, with the sides from the shrimp taco, is great. My favorite. Gluten free and for me the tacos are a meal. The chips are not gluten free but they are willing to give you a corn tortilla to hold you over if you must munch before you order your meal. When the first opened they did no substitutions and I'm so glad I've returned to find a new place to hang out for a quick bite to eat.
(4)
Amaresh S.

While they were a little short on the vegetarian options, the ones that they did have were pretty good. The cholo corn cob was awesome: grilled corn covered in spicy paprika and some sort of chipotle mayo. I wish I could have more. The veggie nachos (you have to ask them to replace the pork beans and remove the chorizo) were enormous, probably enough for two if you get an appetizer. They weren't your normal tex mex nachos, they had some carrots and cabbage on then that reminded me of curtido, the cabbage topping you usually get with pupusas. On the whole it was good but not great. For dessert I split the coconut avocado ice cream. It was unusual but really good, creamy without being too sweet. Our waitress recommended it, and I'm happy she did.
(4)
Alexandra W.

Five stars for food and service, three stars for price. Food: this is one of the most creative places I've ever eaten! Many classic Mexican dishes are represented (think tacos, burritos, enchiladas, empanadas), but everything has a unique flavor combination. Take, for example, the mango guacamole - it's a typical fresh dip, but with chunks of fruit in it (a brilliant idea if you ask me). Drinks: same goes for drinks. Classic margaritas with interesting options for flavoring (I had hibiscus, which was fantastic!) Service was attentive and we didn't have to wait long for anything. The only downside of the Painted Burro is that it's a bit pricey, especially compared to other Mexican restaurants. However, it's worth it for a nice date or a business-related dinner!
(4)
Kara G.

If I could just eat guacamole until the end of days. I would. I'd never get scurvy because I'd use lime juice, natch. And I'd never want for protein, because I'd eat the Burro's guacamole with pork belly - quite possibly the most delicious guacamole I've ever had. Pair that with one of their house made margaritas and I'm pretty much good to go. Their menu is large and interesting, the vibe is great for a night out without being too trendy and the space is large enough to accommodate larger groups and intimate dinners alike. So why 3 stars? Unfortunately, and much to my own dismay, sometimes I want more than guacamole and margaritas. And when I've ventured deeper into the menu here at the Burro - I've found most things to be increasingly lackluster. I've always enjoyed the fact that they offer a weekend brunch, but even that's been sliding downhill during recent visits. The biggest sad point was the past few trips when a previously delicious French Toast was bland, soggy and served with tasteless plaintains - not the glorious caramelized sweetness of yesteryear. The brown sugar bacon side gained back some ground but my blah meal and the "It was fine, nothing special" from my tablemates made us all feel a little bamboozled for just-fine dishes at fine dining prices. All that being said, I'd still pop in for a guac/marg fix. But this burro is feeling like more of a one trick pony.
(3)
Fred H.

Get the Nachos. It's a different take on a common appetizer and it's the bomb. It's enough for three to four people. Tacos are good and there's a variety to choose from. All margaritas are made with real lime juice which is refreshingly different than most other Tex Mex places that use sour mix instead. It gets busy here so service can be slow. Expect long waits on weekends.
(4)
Zach D.

Went here for the first time on a Thursday night with some buddies and were able to walk right in, to my surprise. The atmosphere was inclusive. Loud enough to have a good time and soft enough to have a conversation. I would recommend the food to my grandmother, as it was that good. The tacos were loaded and filling, along with perfectly crafted house margaritas. Although everything was lights out, so was the main dining floor. It was a little dim
(4)
Nico N.

I have been to the Painted Burro twice, and much like the Dow Jones in 2008 this place took a precipitous tumble. The food is just ok, the service was not good and the restaurant's acoustics are AWFUL. If you want to feel like you're cheering on the NE Patriots with 75 other drunk Boston Bros while still (trying to) carrying on a halfway decent conversation by all means come here! The server we had on a busy Friday night was huddled up in the corner with a few other serves rather than being attentive to the tables in the area. As we started eating we realized all the tables in the area got chips and salsa. I got up from the table to ask her if she would be able to bring us some and she never did! My issue with the place is that it's quite expensive for just 'ok' food. It's sort of lost in trying to be a high-end Mexican place that charges like that but providing food that is just a tad better than Anna's Taqueria across the street. All that being said, I must say the drinks were good. I would come back here for a strong drink before taking my dinner business elsewhere.
(3)
Pickles M.

amazing food, amazing staff, great atmosphere. the bar and restaurant are seperate (didnt used to be) and theres far more room here than when it opened. The food is top notch. a little pricey but what place isnt? Mikes pizza? cheaper food tastes cheaper too. I have no complaints about this place. One of my favorite in Davis
(5)
Libby S.

I used to like this reasonably well place because of the kale salad, but they took it off of the menu so I don't have any reason to go back.
(3)
Leah L.

The Painted Burro is fun, fun, fun. 1. If you're coming here for dinner, make a reservation. I've been here a few times at random hours of the night and it has always been crazy busy, even on Monday nights. 2. The drinks are ON POINT. The margaritas are knock-your-socks-off strong. They also have this special Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita that is spicy and sweet and delicious. I personally think the prices are nice for a popular restaurant in a popular area. 3. You absolutely must order the Nachos. There is no negotiating on this. The chorizo and jalapenos are spicy and plentiful, but the cabbage slaw gives you a cool refresher for when things get too hot. I would order these as my last meal before I die. 4. The service has always been friendly and the waitstaff knows when to leave you alone when you're enjoying yourself. I have been, and will be, back many, many times.
(4)
Cristina C.

Bionicos... What is that, rocket fuel?! Holy strong, love it ms bartender. Thank you. So that was a drafted portion of the review for Burro.. nice. nicely done. I was most likely sitting at the bar, dying. Seriously though, this place is awesome. The decor is great, I love the bar area. I enjoy their expansion even though that was a few years ago. The food is great, the drinks are on point. Just all around awesomeness. In the summer when they open the windows up, that's awesome too.
(4)
Rachel L.

Did you know this place got a mention in The Food Network Magazine "50 Tacos in 50 States"? I did, cuz I read it & them became instantly obsessed with getting here on my Boston trip this summer. I stalked the website, which is adorable, and already knew I wanted to order a Ropa Vieja Double Stack and a Baja Style Fish Taco. I wanted about a hundred other things on their fantastic menu too but my tummy is only so big. I expected to have my socks blown off by amazingness & it was certainly good, but....well...my socks are still on. I won't beat around the bush...the guacamole isn't good. That was a pretty big bummer. However, the tacos were pretty scrumptious....especially the baja fish....and the little coronitas with a tequila shooter were fun and festive. The tacos came with beans that were pretty outstanding. I kind of wish I had gotten a big ole bowl of those to dip the chips in instead of the guac. The atmosphere is cool & I love the vibe and dÃ©cor. It was August when we went, and the whole front opens to the street which was delicious with the warm summer breeze rolling in. I don't remember much about the service which to me means it was average which is ok enough with me. I'd definitely come back.
(4)
Bridget F.

Not impressed. Food is sub-par with not great options to begin with. Maybe if all you each is pork based foods this might be your place. Anyone else, keep looking! Nothing special about the cocktails. Spicy mix in a strawberry margarita!?! Even the drink "special" was not as described. I guess stick with the beer. Wine menu was nothing great. Will not be going back. Three strikes and you are out!
(2)
Natali S.

Margaritas are OK, but the Chorizo nachos are AMAZING!! The wait was really long and they underestimated the wait by 20 minutes which was annoying, but the atmosphere was really cool and the nachos made the wait worth it.
(3)
Cassandra Z.

LOVE The Painted Burro -- must get the Hair of the Dog (a boozy horchata) YUM. Their brunch is out of this world -- anything on their brunch menu is a sure hit!
(5)
Ben K.

Very good food. Good service. Too expensive. I wasn't expecting the perfect combo of price and quality but the prices were just too high. Atmosphere was very good. The pork belly appetizer was tasty if over-sauced. Tacos were big and full. Cubanonwas good but the side pickled salad vegels could've used more dressing.
(3)
Rachel E.

Bartenders and servers were nice, but they couldn't make up for the terrible, overpriced tacos. Here's my experience, summed up so you can move on to better taco places ASAP (Dorado, El Pelon... heck, get in the car and drive to Mission Cantina in Amherst): --Short rib taco was fatty (not good short rib fat - a huge glob of fat I had to spit out) and flavorless. It tasted like canned chili. No hint of spice or citrus or anything. It's sad when I get a $7 SINGLE taco and all I want is a bottle of Cholula to make it taste like something. The crispy tortilla/soft tortilla combo is a gimmick that can't save a dish with zero flavor. -- Fish taco was a small piece of soggy fried fish with (again) tasteless cole slaw on top. Dorado and El Pelon win by a mile. --Tacos were served with 2 pieces of lime, each, the size of a dime. Not kidding. --Tacos came with a little ketchup-side-sized tin of tasteless (remarkably, again!) beans that supposedly had pork in them. And for $7/taco, when you order two, you only get one little tin of boring beans. BOOOOOO GIMME SOME SIDES WORTH EATING --Guac was ok --Chips were good and served hot --House margs are average, hibiscus one tastes like cough syrup and jolly ranchers :( My taco philosophy: I think they should have flavorful meat/fish filling that is complemented by other flavors (citrus, spice, cilantro, smokiness, cooling crema/cotija). This place was a huge disappointment - won't be going back.
(2)
Izzy G.

This is such a great place. One of my favorite places in the area to grab a strong and well made margarita and enjoy delicious Mexican food. The shrimp taco, guacamole and fundido are stand outs. Diablo margarita is a must. The kids menu is amazing, rice, beans, corn and a fruit along with tacos or a quesadilla etc that is both reasonably priced and a great option for the kids to eat well while parents indulge. Service is great.
(5)
Stefanie Y.

Came here for Sunday brunch and had a delicious, if slow-paced meal. First off, if you use Opentable to make a reservation, you probably want to call in to confirm that the Painted Burro received that reservation - we and a few other customers had problems. On to the food: we ordered the breakfast tacos and the huevos rancheros with a side of plantains. The portions were just right for a hungover Sunday brunch, and the huevos rancheros were satisfyingly saucy (completely slathered in sauce - mmmm). If sauce isn't your thing, the breakfast tacos were great too. The plantains were a good sweet side - the agave made them almost taste like caramelized bananas, but with the texture of potatoes. The drinks were the true highlight. The sangria was fruity with a pleasant bite, the bloody Maria was strong (tequila instead of vodka!), and the Hair of the Dog had an interesting presentation - a large mug of horchata coffee served with a shot of coffee liquor and a shot of creme liquor (or something like that). It simultaneously woke me up and left a pleasant buzz. Our server was super friendly and was kind enough to not pressure us to pay right away as we lounged in a well-fed stupor after finishing our meal. Our drinks were super slow to come out, arriving after our entrÃ©es, apparently because they only had one bartender working brunch (?!). All in all, a great way to start a leisurely Sunday.
(4)
Ali A.

My coworkers are fond of this place for drinks, and I do really like it for that as well. They have really solid margaritas and the chips at the bar are awesome. I want to like it as a restaurant too, because I LOVE mexican food. But, I just can't get behind their prices. $7 for a vegetarian taco, with a tiny tiny ketchup condiment sized thing of beans is completely unreasonable. I hate the upscale hijacking of street food when it's not even really done well. It's alll good quality ingredients, but the squash taco is pretty bland, there's no kick. It'd probably take me about 3 vegetarian tacos to be full (and I'm a tiny tiny person)...$21 on mediocre tacos is just too much. I am sad that their lovely lovely margarita got me drunk enough that I had to eat there.
(2)
Kim K.

I've been here twice and had one great experience and one crappy one. Your time here will all depend on what you have, your server, and how loud it is in here. The tacos are all fantastic and if you come early on a Sunday the service is great. A must try!
(4)
Emily S.

I've been here twice now and I like it quite a bit. I don't actually like Mexican food for the most part. I won't go near Chipotle or even most Mom and Pop Mexican places. It has to be pretty good to get my attention. I like the Painted Burro because the ambiance is a lot nicer than many Mexican places and of course because the food is fresh. The drink menu, while not extensive unless you like Tequila, is pretty good. My only complaint is that the service at the end of the meal was slow both times I was there but it was great for the first half of the experience. It gets busy and loud. Get there before 7 or make a reservation. Try the guac and the creamy rice!
(4)
Carla W.

Wonderful work group gathering! Food was great, drinks reasonably, our server, Patricia is a rock star. She gave me suggestions for ordering the apps, and everyone was happy! The manager Alejandro was so hospitable and friendly and accommodating (there were 17 of us!) I was highly complimented for choosing the "Burro"! Thanks for making me look good!! Hope to be back very soon.
(4)
Caitlin H.

I've been wanting to visit this restaurant for awhile, Posto down the street is a top favorite and they have the same owner. We ordered the guacamole (yum!), and I had the chicken and goat cheese quesadilla which would have been large enough for 2 people to split as an appetizer. Service was good, they have a great selection of both beer & tequila and our server was very knowledgable about everything on the menu. The dining room was at capacity, it wasn't too loud to have a conversation. After dinner we headed over to the bar after and even though it was 12:55 and they closed at 1am, the bartender served us a drink and we ended up staying until almost 2. Will definitely return!
(4)
Kaitlin K.

Really like the vibe and the service was pretty good. Loved the pineapple habanero margarita. We also got the cucumber margarita which was really good. De LA casa margarita just ok. Nachos were really, really good and filling. Shrimp taco amazing, pork carnitas just ok. Would go back for nachos and pineapple habanero margarita.
(4)
Jennifer C.

I know that there is a crowd for karaoke, but, really? In particular, when you go in for dinner & go to sit in the bar on (unknown) karaoke night, someone should warn you before you order drinks & entrees. Aside from that, food was good, as was service. Margs are eh, but the beer list is pretty decent. These guys have a good thing going, and I just really don't understand why they need to cheapen it with a karaoke night.
(2)
Jeff D.

My wife and I went here for brunch a few sundays ago and were very impressed. We got the sea salt and cilantro guacamole to start, which was excellent and clearly had just been made then we followed up with the El Montanero (me) and the street-style hot dog (her) both of which were fantastic. Seriously, hot dog topped with chicharron? You had me at "chicharron." The Superbeasto was a nice mix of eggs, more chicharrons, beans, plantains, rice and spicy chipotle mayo. We both loved it and can't wait to go back.
(4)
Brendan K.

Still love this place
(5)
Kamille W.

Why do I love the Painted Burro? Well, first of all, they serve my favorite Boston-area Cubano. I'm not sure how authentic it is, but I *am* certain of its deliciousness and overall wonderfulness. The sandwich has the requisite pork (carnitas AND sliced ham) and melty Swiss cheese, plus jicama and apple slaw to please your inner Tom Colicchio. And the bread is ideal - al dente on the outside, soft on the inside. As someone whose mouth has been injured by many an aggressively toasted sandwich, I appreciate the art of one toasted with care. The tortilla chips and salsa are delicious and served freely, so strictly speaking, you don't need to order an app. However, if you were going to make the baller decision of ordering some foreplay for your cubano, the empanadas with lamb and yogurt crema are a good way to go. And the booze! I can't recommend the liquor flights enough - they are a fantastic value. I had the "My First Mezcal," which includes a mezcal that's like $18 bucks for a 2oz pour. The flight gets you three different 1.5oz (I believe) pours. The bargain hunter in me cannot resist. You shouldn't either.
(4)
Lisa F.

Every time I've come to the Painted Burro it's been somewhat crowded, if not very crowded, and if you come on a Fri or Sat night, you most likely have to wait at least 15 mins. The atmosphere is nice with dim lighting and it can also be kind of loud, especially in the bar area. There's a jukebox where you can pay to play whatever you like to hear. If you're in the mood for food, you HAVE to try the cholo - this corn is on the cob is perfectly seasoned and so so delicious! I wasn't a huge fan of their tacos (too bland and the tortilla is too hard) or their duck tamal (too many odd flavors together). Their margaritas are quite tasty and strong - I enjoyed the hibiscus and cucumber ones. They also have surprisingly wide selection of beer. This place is definitely one of my favorites in Davis Sq!
(4)
David B.

The best tacos I ever had . Honestly!! I had the shrimp diablo and BLT taco. Chips were serviced warm and the salsa was just great. Nice variety of draft beer on tap. The bartenders were attentive and cheerful. Going back again soon.
(5)
TomÃ¡s H.

I've been here on two occasions with my wife. We've learned this valuable bit of wisdom: If you stop in for a drink and some chips and guac, you'll leave satisfied (their guacamole is phenomenal!). If you stick around for an overpriced and largely flavorless entree (Yucatan Meatloaf in my case, Roasted Pork Cochinita in my wife's), you'll leave poor and sorely disappointed. Saving this from a 2-star rating: awesome servers and a cool interior.
(3)
Tanya M.

i don't know why, the food was okay, just something wasn't quite "great" about this place. food is good, but definitely not "wow"ing, I guess I was expecting much more? Drinks are okay... service was okay.. it was just an "okay" type of experience.
(3)
Duncan L.

Brunch Review: I came because the menu looked good, and I will return because the food was delicious. I can't keep myself from a good eggs benedict, and when you throw crabcakes in there, you've got me hooked. I ate as much as I could, and was ashamed to leave a bite or two left because they sure didn't deserve to be left behind. But it was filling and delicious, with service that was on-point. What else do you need early in the morning?
(5)
Daniel M.

I am only reviewing on one appetizer and the bar service. I was their on a Tuesday, karaoke night, for some drinks and music. I got the CHICHARRÃ“N & MANGO which needs to be capitalized because it was that good. I went two more weeks in a row just for that and to hear the locals sing. Good times where had by all!
(5)
Rebecca C.

I have been here a few times it has been consistently excellent. The food is amazing and fresh -- none of that greasy, cheese-soaked pseudo-Mexican food you find at Border Cafe and the like. The tacos are delicious -- I love the chipotle shrimp one. Drinks are quite good (my favorite is the mango margarita). As others have undoubtedly pointed out, it's a little pricey. For the price of the drinks I wish they were stronger or bigger. But for me the price is absolutely worth it because the food is so good. Make a reservation if you're going Friday or Saturday night.
(5)
Melissa S.

Like many other Bostonians, I have a hard time finding good Mexican food in the city. I had high hopes for The Painted Burro after reading good reviews online. Unfortunately, it'll go down with just a "meh" from me as most Mexican places in the area do. The complimentary chips and salsa were just average with the chips being a little too on the salty side. On the positive side, I liked that the salsa was mild, but full of flavor. I ordered a vodka soda that was fine, but small for the price. My boyfriend wasn't a fan of his margarita as he felt it was too heavy on the margarita mix. For our meal we started with the "cholo" corn cob. It was AMAZING. Seriously, grilled to perfection with the perfect amount of seasoning and a generous helping of cotija cheese. My only complaint is the portion size. It was only an ear of corn cut in half. I know it was an appetizer, but it was tiny. For our entree, we split the roasted root vegetable enchilada. I give them credit for creating a dish that was not only creative, but in season. However, the tortillas were bone dry and there was barely any mole sauce on the plate to make up for it. And again, the portion was miniscule. Yes, there three enchiladas on the plate, but they were rolled up tight with barely any filling. Definitely not worth $17. This place needs to either roll back the prices or improve the quality of the food and increase portion sizes. There are a lot of creative dishes on the menu, but they could do with a few more traditional plates. The saving grace of the dinner was the corn. I would go back and just order plates of that if I had to. Then again, Rudy's in Teele Square does it better so I'd probably just go there.
(2)
John P.

After seeing the them on Phantom Gourmet me an my Girlfriend decided to try. Overpriced, and small portions. After 4 Apps and 4 Margaritas and 1 Corona.....the $97 bill wasn't worth it. Service was OK at BEST.
(3)
Meg K.

Two words: homemade guacamole! This place pretty reliably good. Margaritas are nothing to write home about but the other drinks are decent. I love the ambiance and have had really good service. Definitely try it if you're in the mood for some Mexican in Davis!
(4)
Erin C.

I walked in around 6p on a Saturday night only to hear the hostess say to a family of 3 that they had no openings in the dining room until 9pm. There were multiple tables sitting there empty and one lonely little two top table. My date and I were able to squeeze in there immediately. We started with the Romaine Salad. It said there was avocado dressing, tomatillo & agave vinaigrette and spiced pepitas. I didn't taste any of this. It was just a bland flavor and nothing outstanding. I thought the salad was way to wet and no taste payoff. Also, there was exactly one anchovy in the salad. Bummer. For my entree I had the Street Cart Chicken with kale & plaintain and substituted the rice for the coleslaw. The whole dish was excellent! The serving size could easily have served two. The chicken was moist on the inside with a nice crispy skin. I didn't taste the marinated that much, but it wasn't missed. What stole the show for me was the kale. Seriously one of the best veggie sides I have ever eaten. It had the hearty kale taste but also a nice sweet touch ever now and then. Fantastic! I would drive over to Davis Sq just to pick up a side of this kale! My date enjoyed his tacos and seemed pretty pleased. The short rib was the standout. What made our meal really enjoyable was the service. I wasn't that impressed with the hostess stand, but our server was fantastic. She knew when to stop by and I didn't ever have to search her out. A great spot in Davis Sq and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Meredith D.

I loved this place! My husband and I went Saturday night and had amazing drinks and the best service. Our waiter was so happy in his work and it showed. I had delicious shrimp and grits. Corn too. Will go back as soon as I can!
(5)
Natasha E.

I went here to celebrate a friend's birthday and then later on to celebrate taking the bar exam. SERVICE Both times, the service was excellent, both at the bar and the table. They were sensitive to it being my friend's birthday and to my post bar-exam celebration. They brought out a free corona and shot and sombrero for my friend and a free shot for me. The servers were super attentive, and the bartenders were quick, great mixers, and generous on the pours. FOOD The nachos, hands down, are INCREDIBLE. I got it without the meat chili, and it was still to die for. A must have. Their seasonal ceviche, even if you aren't a sushi or fish fan, is so fresh, tangy, and delicious. Their tacos are great quality (although a bit salty). They are a bit overpriced. But with an appetizer, you won't have much room for food. DRINKS Great drink ideas, well-prepared, and a solid bar presence. OVERALL A great place for groups or a first date. It's great for some chips and pre-gaming tequila drinks. Fun atmosphere. Great for gluten-free people. DRAWBACKS A bit pricey, a lot of meat dishes, but they can make things vegetarian.
(5)
Eric C.

Great service and food... Went for brunch had the huevos rancheros and the mezcal mule, service was prompt, drinks and food were tasty, and the ambiance was laidback ..
(5)
Kelly S.

Fabulous food and service! Went here for our anniversary last weekend. We had reservations at a very upscale restaurant in the seaport district but after a long day we decided to go somewhere local. This place is our favorite restaurant in Davis square so we chose here. After telling the hostess it was our anniversary and that we had just gotten engaged that day they gave us one of the open air tables near the sidewalk. It was a beautiful night! Both the server and the manager congratulated us on our big day even though we hadn't told them directly. It was so nice they took an interest in their guests and the simple congrats meant a lot. They also sent over a complimentary dessert with congrats written in chocolate. Thank you guys again for a special evening!!
(5)
Sally D.

Had dinner at the Painted Burro last night. The meals were delicious,loved the fish taco and the awesome corn appetizer. Great waitress, friendly staff,clean bathroom all good I my book !
(5)
Shiv P.

The Bar side is great. The drinks are delicious and STRONG. Great place to hang out with the girls :)
(4)
Melissa M.

Quick update - this place is still amazing AND they will make you non-alcoholic frozen pina coladas! I know this because my co-worker came into work raving about the delicious virgin pina colada. This bodes very well for me as I am starting a new phase of NOT drinking, or at least cutting back on drinking, happily knowing I can come to the Painted Burro and still feel like I am drinking a grown up drink! Just another reason to love the Burro!
(5)
Deanna D.

We had a great brunch experience here. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the margaritas were stiff! The goat meat empanadas good but not great. The VAQUERO HASH, CHILAQUILES and EL MONTANERO were all very flavorful and filling! Overall a great experience and we will be back to try more of the brunch menu.
(4)
Amola S.

Yummy Mexican style brunch. Friendly and attentive wait staff.
(4)
Celena C.

Sporadic visit whilst running errands, margarita was good, the service was super quick, free chips and salsa were an awesome start. I ordered eggs Benedict for brunch - one of the eggs came a little to raw for taste but the rest was so good. I just scooped it off and carried on eating the rest! The service staff were really great about it and deducted it off the final bill. I feel like this was a one off incident because my girlfriends food was very well cooked. I would for sure recommend this place.
(4)
Molly R.

I have definitely got mixed feelings about this place. I went with a friend a few weeks ago for a late night dinner after spending the day around Boston. The decor is really interesting, lots of cool murals and details in the tables/plates/etc. Quite an extensive menu with many options in each category. I had the flank steak tacos, my friend ordered the tofu enchiladas. Both dishes were pretty delicious with lots of interesting flavors shining through. We also ordered a side of the kale and plantains, which I personally wasn't too crazy about. We also shared a cucumber margarita (shared because it was a bit pricey and we weren't looking to get hammered). It was awesome! Perfect amount of sweetness and sourness. Most bars tend to make their margaritas far too sugary sweet, without much tequila or real lime flavor. This one had a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and liquor, and the cucumber mellowed it all out very nicely. My gripe about the joint is definitely the price tag. The margaritas were pretty darn expensive, and I know I can find ones that are just as tasty at other bars for half the price (or make them myself for a tiny fraction of the cost). The entrees had pretty standard prices for an upscale overpriced mexican restaurant, I suppose. I went with the tacos because it was the least expensive, yet still filling, item on the list. It's nice that you can choose how many tacos you get on the plate (I went with two), but they still charge $7 per taco. For the amount of food I got, I don't think that $14 was a really fair price. I'd consider going back again, but not with an empty stomach.
(3)
Anastasia R.

Man, I wanted to love this place. The three stars I am giving the Painted Burro are based solely on their ability to make AMAZING drinks. Go here to get your tequila swerve on, by all means. Maybe even a little guac or an empanada after some beverages, but make your food choices after drunk-thirty. Dinner: Over priced entrees for mediocre food. I was totally underwhelmed. Brunch: I ordered huevos rancheros and a coffee. It took more than 20 minutes for the food to come, and my coffee was never refreshed in the hour+ I was there. When I got my order, the crispy tortillas were so difficult to cut I had to request a steak knife. And I'm not sure what took so long, but that time was definitely not taken to cook my eggs. I get that runny yolks are a thing and I eat them. But there is no excuse for a half cooked runny egg white unless it is specifically requested. Not a fan.
(3)
Laura P.

They have great margaritas! The food on the other hand is ok. I've had dinner there twice and it did not wow me. Bland quesadillas and the chicken sandwich was average. Definitely worth a visit to the bar, but so far I haven't found a reason to have a meal there.
(3)
Paul K.

One of the best placed for brunch in somerville. It's a bit pricey, but the portions are big and the food is great. I got the horchata ice coffee, which was great and it comes in a giant mug. We got chiliquilles and the plantain covered french toast. Both were excellent, but they should add more plantains to the French toast. All and all it was great and the portions were so big we could barley finish. Definitely a place to go on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
(4)
Dustin R.

I'm not sure who is hyping this place so hard, but I'd prefer they spend more of their money getting a new chef, new servers and new management than paying some PR team to talk the place up. We walked in. It smelled like that smell that clubs have when there is too much pee and liquor in the carpets and you just know everything is going to be sticky and repulsive. That waft of odor hits you in the face. But I had "heard such great things" so kept walking in. The front desk took forever to look up from the iphones to greet us. Then the waitress, in her man-pedophile from the 80s glasses, led us to our table. My sister was on crutches, so it took a good...maybe two minutes...to sit down. Imagine how much longer that two minutes took because pedo glasses just hovered there, holding the menus sort of at us/ next to us/ inches above the table/ but not really giving them to us or sitting them down until my sister had to beg her to please put the menus down, stop staring and walk away. The waiter came quickly and that was the only good part of the evening. He came back. I had a question: Could I get the enchiladas with flour tortillas? No. Could I get the fajitas with flour tortillas? No. What could I get that was on the healthier side with flour tortillas, because I can't have corn...the quesadilla was his only option besides a salad...that had corn in it. So I didn't want a pile of melted cheese on my quesadilla and asked why the tortillas couldn't be switched. He said they were too big. So I guess they didn't have knives or hands to rip them, I'm unsure. As a chef it just seems pretty common to...um...do what the customer asks when a food issue is a concern. Then my sister had a question: It seems the tacos are individual, could you explain how big they are, so she'd know how many to order? The waiter's response was so highly defensive, meandering, patronizing and "don't pin your issues if you're hungry on me" about the whole thing I almost got up immediately and walked out. He could have simply said, "they are six inch toritillas with about 1/2 cup of meat/ other stuff on it. 2-3 tacos would be a complete meal." Instead he literally sighed and huffed and puffed as he said he just couldn't be the one to decide how hungry each of his individual guests were and that if we had had a taco before we should know how many tacos to order. It was as though it was one of those restaurants where people are purposely hateful to you, but you go anyway because it's supposed to be funny, but it wasn't funny. He was being horrible. So I had a diet coke and my sister ate some of what came out. She got the crab cake taco, the special of the day. It was terrible. The crab cake was "gummy." She got the braised rib taco. It was beef jerky in oil at best. It was inedible at worst. She tried to fill herself with the tiny 3/4 inch shards of chips we were served by putting them into the salsa and eating it like a salad because there weren't any actual chips in the paper container. I would NEVER go here under any circumstance ever. Our bill for two diet cokes and two inedible tacos with some corn on the cob that was too spicy to eat was over $30. Perhaps the name "Painted Burro" extends further than just a clever name: Perhaps they are just painted up to look pretty, but are really just stubborn asses that smell bad and don't do what they are supposed to.
(1)
Gerard L.

The corn on the cob and chicken Milanese are the shit. Fairly priced as well. They're doing this awkward thing where they seat strangers together at one big table right now, which is the only reason im not giving them five stars
(4)
Christine P.

The pity is I really like the food and the atmosphere and the location. However the service is beyond appalling and the prices are also way too high for the experience I had there last night. I was with a party of five, all friends well overdue for a reunion of sorts and we had been very excited about the evening. We arrived on time for a reservation which is very necessary on most nights or you may wait more than a half hour to get a seat (unless you want the bar). We were sat at a table for six which was fine and we were getting along really well - they have chips and salsa at the table and they refill bottomless style. We put our drink orders in and start looking over the menu. The place at this point in the evening after 6:30 pm is packed every seat is occupied. We get our drinks and some time starts to pass before we see our waiter. We wait, we wait and wait. In this waiting period my friend who is across from me stands up to use the restroom and the table starts to fall on me as she was unknowingly counter-balancing it. The water glasses chips and drinks start to slide down towards me. Thanks to my friends they caught everything including the table. I did however get splashed from a glass of water that slid across the table. It seemed disastrous, but actually it wasn't the worst part. The worst part was that despite being seated in the middle of the restaurant with servers running around no one stopped to help. When I stood up I actively tried to make eye contact with passing servers and there was avoidance instead. Our waiter did show up and try to help get the table switched out and set things right again but this was a while later. When we got our orders in and the table was switched out we were offered some guacamole and drinks for the issue with the table. It was a reasonable exchange, but I would have also appreciated the manager coming over - especially when we were told that they would be coming by. Everything seemed to calm down and we kept on with our catching up etc. The next issue was the food or at least mine, which came out burnt. This was when the manager did come over and I ordered something else when she suggested it was mole not burned. At this time everyone else was half way done eating so I picked the fastest option which was tacos that my friend had ordered. They were delicious and fancy. My meal was taken off the bill which was also a nice touch. The waiter wanted to salvage his tip which I understood. The food was great the drinks were tasty and the time could have been a lot better with a touch of consideration from the other waitstaff and the management. Being busy isn't an excuse.
(1)
Joanna F.

I was going to give this place 3 stars, but the more I think about it, the more unappetizing our experience becomes. Came in with 6 others on a Friday and was seated immediately with our reservation. I really like the atmosphere of the place and we were seated at a high top table in the middle of the room which was pretty cool. That's where the good experience ends. Our waiter was nice, but the service was very slow. I stuck to wine, but most of the my table got drinks that they thought were mediocre at best (except for the drink with jalapeno in it, which tasted good but seemed devoid of alcohol). We got the guacamole and fundito to start. I thought the guac was pretty good, but the fundito was boring (and I love cheese) and the tortillas on the side were pretty awful. For my entree, I got the chile relleno and it was seriously the worst entree I've had in a restaurant in a long time. The fruit that was supposed to be in the dish was flavorless or non-existent and I couldn't taste any cheese even though there were supposedly two kinds. It literally tasted like a chile stuffed with mashed potatoes... wtf?!?! The tacos looked good (although absolutely ridiculous to pay $14 for two tacos with no sides) and my fiance liked the vegetarian enchiladas. Short story long, I don't think I'll ever come back. The price is astronomical for the quality of the food and there are so many better restaurants in our area.
(2)
Jessica T.

This place has a great vibe and good drinks....food isn't the BEST but it is different. giving 3 stars because I think it is a bit overpriced for what you get
(3)
Jessica L.

I've been here a few times, and I like the place. For $5 you can get an amazing taco! They also have amazing creamy poblano rice and guacamole. I haven't had any bad experiences here; though, you may want to book a reservation, especially if you're part of a large party. Good service, good food, and a good atmosphere gets this place a 4 star rating.
(4)
Ben A.

Placed an order for a chicken & goat cheese quesadilla, and the food was not good, my food got burned, and customer service was completely terrible...
(3)
Joel S.

Don't believe the hype. The Painted Burro is a perfectly nice place to get a margarita, beer, and some chips and guac but it just doesn't stand up as a restaurant. I'd give it 4 stars as a place for a drinks/appetizers and 2 stars as a restaurant. The main problem with the food is that it's just...bland. I'm not sure how mole enchiladas can lack flavor but they do here. Also, it seems like the culinary decision making process leans heavily on the "throw some kale at it!" school of thinking. I've already been there a bunch and I'll definitely go back for a pre-dinner drink but skip it for full dinner. Its not bad, it just isn't good. Pros: Above average beer list; good, strong margaritas; good chips/salsa/guac; staff is nice; open windows are great on a nice day; $2 side of beans are awesome with chips Cons: The guac is $10 for an appetizer portion; the bar design is terrible so when it's crowded the flow is impossible to manage and both employees and customers spend their entire time bumping into people and apologizing as opposed to talking and having a good time; nondescript food
(3)
Joe S.

My gf and I have been waiting for the Painted Burro to open up for some time now. Normally, I would wait to review a place so new...let alone risk eating there.. However the place earned 4 stars right out of the gate IMO. First impressions: Nice, open feel. We love what they did with the bar. Sayonara old heavy drapery. Service was tops. The kept the water filled and the floor manager/owner was on constant watch for things that needed attention. Vigilant, however not annoying. Our server was very cordial. Having a wheat allergy, my girlfriend can fall victim to under-educated employees/establishments. These people knew the menu, were well informed and accommodating to say the least. Food: The chile relleno with mole sauce that we shared was well balanced and, quite frankly delicious. I had the redfish tacos. For what they were they were good. Light fry but nice and crisp. My gf had the short-ribs. Fall off the bone with a mole sauce over a plate of oaxca
(4)
Dennis M.

Like this place very much. Recommend corn appetizer. Several drink specials. Great food. Had the swordfish with coconut rice omg good.
(4)
Sam H.

Nice location. Drinks are good. Food is overpriced and bland. It is neither Tex nor Mex nor Texmex. I've had better tacos just about....anywhere, and for much less. Extremely overrated.
(2)
Heather B.

Great drinks!
(4)
Matt G.

As much as I really miss Gargoyles on the Square, I am glad the Burro took over the location. Granted, the Somerville Davis/Teele/Powderhouse area has a LOT of Mexican options, the Burro (As I affectionately call it) has its unique place against Tu Y Yo, Rudy's, and Annas. The Burro is clearly the stand-out when it comes to a "make an evening of this place" on a visit. Unless you want to camp at the bar for a while, before sitting down, you'll want to make a reservation. A year ago(ish), they expanded to the place nextdoor (the old Hot-dog place/Spikes) and the restaurant has a lot more space than Gargoyles did (and Frankly, made better use of the space). The bar is muchbetter laid out, and they have also installed sound dampening panels on the wall (cleverly disguised as art... tricksy tricksy!). They also have added padding UNDER the tables to further dampen the sound. Its much easier to hear your table mates now. (though the bar sound does flow into the dining room). Brunch - The Burro has a mean brunch. But being a Mexican themed brunch its pretty heavy...So bring your appetite. They also have a plethora of very unique Brunch Cocktails. Blood orange mimosas, breakfast (cranberry) margaritas... and classic (and unique) bloodies! Dinner- They constantly rotate new items onto the menu. One of the best things to do is to get a few of the tacos and make your own 'taco plate' for dinner. The chicharone/pork belly is great in whatever they are making it in... so good. If you arent a big mexican fan... fear not. The Street Chicken is a good option for you, roasted chicken, served with .... DELICIOUS oaxaca cheese grits... these are worth sharign with the table alone. I know... you're thinking "Grits? really? You're raving about grits?".... Yes, yes I am... cheese and corn? Yes please. How could I forget the fresh tortilla chips and salsa? The Salsa is a bit irregular at times... sometimes its super spicy other times really mild. But its fresh and house made, so its always delicious. Booze- The cocktail menu has some good standbys that are great, but they regularly add/remove items. If you want a phenomenal pina colada, get the Burro Colada. Margaritas... basically THIS is a margarita. Tons of on-menu options, but if you are a tequila/mezcal fan, you can pretty much get creative and the bar will not disappoint. Beer lovers, fear not! They have a pretty damn robust draft/bottle selection too. (Also changing regularly). We don't go to the Burro as often as we should... hmmm maybe this weekend, because now I am hungry !
(4)
Jasmine C.

Had two tacos here: the gulf shrimp with mango and the pulled pork taco. The painted burro is a restaurant that has wonderful descriptions of its food and actually does have good food, but the portions can be a little small for the price. It's definitely a solid option for Mexican food with a wide range of menu options (which can't be said for some more popular, cheaper restaurants in the area like Anna's Taqueria and Felipe's) but not if you're wanting a bang for your buck.
(3)
Hubert H.

Creative menu at parts - got the meatloaf on bread, spiced in Southwestern flavors. Loud lively fun atmosphere, with decent margaritas we well.
(5)
Mister M.

Totally average food, super overpriced with small portions like the other new hipster/foodie places in the cambridge/somerville/MIT area. loud as well.
(2)
Katie H.

The Yucatan Meatloaf was really good, much better than I was expecting. It's spicy and flavorful, not at all like the grey mystery meat loaf from your childhood. I wish I had known that the eggs on top would be sunny-side up (which I'm not a fan of), but that's my fault for not looking up the Spanish words on the menu.
(4)
Chris C.

They hit it on all cylinders. It is noisy because it is alive in youthful Davis Square. The app 'Cholo Corn Cob' is reason enough to return. Also the app 'Chingon' cucumbers - pickled with radishes lemon cilantro - carnivores and vegans will enjoy this dish. Main was Tres Chupacabra Tacos. Simply outstanding. Our Lithuanian waitress was terrific, so was the Columbian Host. Only minor grievance: too much salt on the wonderful chips, and the sangria is steep at 10 bucks per Bordeaux style glass. Hint to management: sell it by the pitcher. I will return. This place is Grim Eater approved.
(5)
Caroline M.

I went here for brunch and it was delectable. My dining companion's order got messed up, but the manager (Samantha) came out and apologized and even comped a meal for us, which was way above and beyond. We ate like kings. KINGS! We were very impressed and will definitely be back.
(5)
Melissa C.

I thought this place was just OK. The service was painfully slow and the food didn't really make up for it. The guacamole with pork belly was good but could have been better if the pork belly was crispy. The empanadas were dry and the roasted pork enchiladas were overly sauced and just not that good. I'd rather pick up a burrito at Anna's across the street any day.
(2)
aja m.

Only a few things to say, lovely decorations, REALLY amazing food although a bit pricy, and one of the longest waits for the food to actually come out I've experienced. Last time we went there, the people that sat down and ordered after us got their apps and entrees before we got entrees. They can also rarely seat you without a wait, we've been in to try and eat maybe 5 or 6 times? Only actually sat down to eat twice because the wait is 30 minutes plus. Only reason I'll keep going back is because most of their food is pretty delicious.
(3)
Brittany T.

Fantastic food and service. The margaritas are delicious as well. Great decor and ambiance. Make sure to make a reservation on weekends! It gets busy but it isn't too crowded. I love it here!
(5)

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Address : 219 Elm St
Somerville, MA, 02144
Phone (617) 776-0005
Website https://www.thepaintedburro.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

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The Painted Burro

219 Elm St, Somerville, MA, 02144

The Painted Burro Menu

Appetizers

Tortas

Tacos

Entrees

Entrees - Enchiladas

Sides

Appetizers

Entrees

Tortas

Tacos

Sides

Bebidas Y Postres

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Painted Burro

Appetizers

Tortas

Tacos

Entrees

Entrees - Enchiladas

Sides

Appetizers

Entrees

Tortas

Tacos

Sides

Bebidas Y Postres

William R.

Kevin M.

Jeremy K.

Julie W.

Frank A.

Beth C.

Jessica S.

Elizabeth G.

Frank M.

Emily M.

Loretta O.

Sarah G.

Tatsu I.

Tim M.

Stephanie G.

Josiane B.

Liz H.

Nitya D.

Andy V.

Champika F.

Venks P.

Michelle B.

Ben A.

Lindsay B.

Tom H.

Jason P.

Joe R.

Kristina F.

Kate B.

Meghan E.

Ashley P.

Andrea G.

Rachel E.

Jan Marie D.

Gregory S.

ashley a.

Azalea K.

Sammi N.

Kristina P.

M J.

Rob S.

Charlie D.

Sebastian Y.

Pam W.

Andrew F.

Carolina W.

Eric P.

Amy S.

Heather W.

Selena J.

Amanda G.