When El Catrin opened, with the exception of those blessed with homecooked Mexican food, fans of Mexican food across Geneva cried "que padre!". In most Mexican joints in Geneva, portions are small (you call that a serving of guacamole??), and spices are too sparsely used. El Catrin though brings us that much closer to the real deal: they use corn tortillas, sprinkle queso fresco on their tacos, mix cocktails with mezcal and serve a variety of agua frescas - all the essential ingredients that make up the authentic, smoky, earthy flavours of southern Mexico. The interior decoration also takes you away from the grey streets of the Paquis and into a room flanked with colorful walls and the energy of a Mexican jumping bean. On weekdays, you'll find a young crowd drinking cocktails and Negra Modelos after work.
The restaurant offers a full Mexican spread, but if you're feeling indecisive, go for the guacamole (creamy yet consistent) and a few tacos. The pork options (pibil and pastor) are juicy and fragrant. Veggies and non-veggies alike delight in crispy avocado taco. And if you're crazy about those taco shells, keep in mind they sell them for you to take home as well. But do book ahead: this spot fills up quickly!
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