(El Guanaco Taqueria y Antojitos - Ft. Lauderdale)

This was my second trip to El Guanaco. My first trip was shortly after their opening and article in the NewTimes. It was around dinner and the workers and owner was extremely friendly. They even made us a sample Pupusa to taste. Remembering the friendly service…and the great Pupusa I decided to stop in again. They are mainly 'Salvadorian' with their cuisine, but do have a few other Latin options.

This is a small restaurant with some counter seats and a few tables. There is a TV to catch up on your Telemuno/Telenovelas as well. It wasn't too busy…only one table and some people trickling in for take-out orders, so the server came over to me right away. I ordered the Cheese and Bean Pupsa (only 1) and 2 chicken tacos. While I was greeted and the service was nice…It wasn't the 'family friendly' scene as I remembered. The kitchen looked quite busy chopping meat and cooking…so I'm guessing that was the factor.


(El Guanaco counter and part of kitchen)


(El Guanaco - dining room)

It took a while for my food since it looks as if everything is made to order…about 15 minutes. I paid, tipped and was handed the bag with my items. Once home I inspected the order. The Pupsa was still hot and crisp. They service it with a kind of 'cole slaw' that is marinated and extremely spicy. They also serve a green spicy sauce…maybe a tomatillo sauce? The tacos are served in corn tortillas (taco size) with chopped chicken and onion and cilantro.

The Pupusa was EXCELLENT. The creaminess of the beans mixed well with the melty cheese. A Pupusa is made from corn meal…stuffed with the beans and cheese and pressed down prior to grilling. It's almost like a quesadilla…but BETTER. I also liked the green sauce and found it to be just hot enough. The slaw was a bit sour for my liking and was REALLY hot.


(El Guanaco - Cheese and Bean Pupusa)


(El Guanaco - Chicken Tacos)

The tacos were fresh…but a little dry. I almost think they needed tomato and some additional spices. If you add the red and green sauce yourself…it helped, but I like more of a taste to break through without adding something. While these tacos were good…I think they needed a little punch of flavor.



The menu is quite large and they do have 'dinners' that are served with beans and rice. They used to have hot wings…but they were taken off the menu in recent months. The service is good and everything is fresh. It's a great 'fast food' alternative.  The total bill for 2 tacos and 1 pupusa was $7.31.  That does not include a drink.



El Guanaco Taqueria y Antojitos location:
331 E Prospect Rd
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

FTLToday Score: B