If you enjoy authentic and reasonably priced Mexican food with a casual dining experience, look no further than the Torta Grill, a small mom-and-pop shop brimming with authentic Mexican flavor located just past HighStreet and Colfax Avenue.
The walls are a vibrant red and decorated with paintings of Dia de los Muertos skeletons and sugar skull masks. There are a few counters to dine at, but other than that, there is little space to eat, which is something to keep in mind if you have a large group. However, if you’re looking for a place to pop in with a few friends or grab some amazing take out, this should be your go-to around the Colfax area.
They also deliver, which is a great alternative to the typical Jimmy Johns option if you’re too lazy to get out and go grab something.
The menu consists of a wide variety of tamales and tortas. The tortas— a type of Mexican sandwich— are the shop’s specialty (hence the name), though you can never go wrong with tamales, either. The recommended menu items, according to the Torta Grill’s website, are the Ivan Torta (chicken, bacon and cheese, $7.75), the Carlito Torta (homemade carnes, $8.25), the Torta Grill Especial (pork loin, breaded steak, ham, chorizo, eggs, franks, bacon and cheese, $9), the Hector Torta (chicken, eggs, chorizo and cheese, $7.75) and a cheese and green peppers tamale ($2).
Before my experience at the Torta Grill, I had never eaten a torta. Let me tell you, I had been completely missing out my entire life. With two pieces of thick, warm bread and various foods in the middle, it’s like a regular sandwich that has been improved in every way. The bread is more flavorful, has a better texture and is far thicker in order to hold all of the delicious fillings inside.
I had the Carlito Torta, which was absolutely delicious. In addition to the carnes, the torta also had beans and various other savory sauces, which complimented the meat perfectly. The sandwich was great— honestly like nothing I’ve ever tried before. And at around $8, it certainly wasn’t too pricey considering how filling it was.
The restaurant also has a variety of beverages, including their specialty cucumber lemonade ($3.50). I ended up getting a horchata ($3.50), a sweet Mexican rice-milk drink. It was amazing, a perfect balance of sugar and cinnamon in a cool, refreshing beverage.
The next time that you’re in the Colfax area and are looking for a delicious and affordable bite to eat, head straight for Torta Grill. I guarantee that once you try a torta, you will never want a plain old sandwich again.
