Parrilla - Fridays Only

Managed to sneak in a third for the week! Unexpected trip to Parrilla! This one was tough, they only offer fish tacos on Friday, doesn't always fit with the schedule. A parent visit made it work. We've been fans of Parrilla since moving to the North End, they have a solid menu with a surprising variety. Some is more traditional Mexican restaurant fare, some the requisite hipster food for the neighborhood. So far, all solid.

I forgot to get a facade picture. Bwa bwa. It looks like a restaurant.

Presentation - The inside is as eclectic as the menu, a strip of booths down one wall, a high bar that sort of divides up the place, and a number of picnic tables in the bar area.  Kind of odd decor, mish mash of TV's and art I suppose. They also have a nice big garage door that opens the place up to 13th street and gives a great vibe. The presentation was basic, three tacos in a cardboard tub. Fine for counter service but nothing to write home about. 3/5

Aroma - They smelled like tacos. I suppose with a bit of pineapple in there. Yup. 3/5

Value - Note no price on the sign. They're $2.12 a pop, really solid deal in my opinion. I think they come with chips too if you want, though we ordered nachos already so I didn't ask for any more. 4 adults and 2 kids ate well for $44. Pretty good prices all around. 7/10

Fish - Unique in the fact that they cook to order. Order 3 tacos, 3 pieces of fish go on the grill. Cooked in the blackened style, no mention of what kind. A bit dry, mild seasoning but some citrus there. Only the one piece per taco, but that seemed to be enough. As usual, I wish they were fried. 5/10

Not Fish - I was worried about the lack of a white sauce, I expected them to be pretty dry. The pico and pineapple ended up being enough, my worries were unfounded. The cotija cheese really made the taste, it was present in every bite and it was really good. Unique ingredients, and unlike Bonefish, they came together well. No limes though... 7/10

Overall Taste - I dug them. Like the rest of their menu they're unique and solid, pretty obvious some thought went into them. They do allow you to customize with a number of toppings, so change them up as you'd like, but I'd recommend leaving them be. 7/10

Bonus Points - Nothing I can think of. I think we accidentally stole a soda, but that's not worth a point. Peanut butter honey tacos almost earn one, but they were a bit off tonight. +0

Overall Overall - 32/50

Decent enough score, not exceptional but solidly in the middle. About right. I won't go out of my way for them, but if I'm eating at Parrilla on a future Friday, I'll probably get at least one.