Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos opened to incredible success in Itaewon in November of 2011. For the next year and a half I vehemently stayed away and kept all my friends away from what I thought was abhorrently overpriced and mediocre Mexican food. But I always wondered why the line was so long. I assumed that atmosphere, buzz, and momentum were somehow keeping this new restaurant afloat but that any moment Vatos would slow down and level out. But that never happened. Even today I regularly see lines at the door, despite their expanding to a much larger store.

Despite my efforts, my friends once in a while have succeeded in dragging me there. I’ve always left hungry, sober, and poor. Value is important to me. I don’t mind paying for a restaurant as long as the food and drinks equal my perceived price point. But Vatos never did that. Perhaps because I’m from San Diego I expect to get so full that I hate myself from a $5 burrito.

With all that said, I went to Vatos again yesterday and actually had a good time. Though I still think everything is overpriced, the portions are too small, and the drinks too weak, I can understand its lasting appeal. It has good food, drinks, and atmosphere. Also it has no immediate competition in the area. There are a few good Mexican spots down the hill from Noksapyeong station, going towards Kyunglidan, but they’re small and can’t offer a similar atmosphere.

Yesterday I went with my good buddy Brian and his friend Soojin from Canada. We started with the some drinks and Kimchee Fries, which is the only real thing on the menu I think is fantastic. It’s a delicious bowl of fatty, diabetes causing goodness.

Kimchi Fries 11,500W

My apologies about the picture quality. We were sitting near the back where it was very dark so I had to light with my phone. Brian got the Corona Rita and Soojin the Dae Han Mango. Both said they liked it. I had a taste of the Corona Rita and felt like it tasted just like Corona. Actually I had to ask the server if they make the Margarita with alcohol, he laughed and said yes. But his laugh was in a way that indicated that I wasn’t the first one to ask. I got the Craftworks Geumgang Mountain Dark Ale. I really like Craftworks’ beer. Someday I’ll have to head over and do a review.

Dae Han Mango (Dos Equis + Mango Margarita) 17,400W + Corona Rita (Corona + Classic Margarita) 15,400W

Craftworks Geumgang Mountain Dark Ale 7,500W

For our mains:

Braised Carnitas Tacos 8,000W
I got these, and they were great. But again, small. I’m fat, and they’re small. It’s a bad combo.

Classic Carne Asadas Tacos 9,000W

These were pretty good too, but thought the meat was a bit sweet.

Classic Chicken Burrito 9,000W

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Conclusion
Pricey with small portions and weak drinks. But quality food and great atmosphere that makes up for its weaknesses.

English Name: Vatos Urban Tacos
Korean Name: 바토스
English Address: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong 181-8 2nd Floor, Seoul Korea
Korean Address: 서울시 용산구 이태원동 181-8 2층
Phone Number: 02-797-8226
Popular Items: Kimchi Fries, Margarita/Beer Drinks, Tacos
Hours: M-F 10:30AM–10PM (Break Time : 2PM – 5PM) S-S 10:30AM–11PM
Website: www.vatoskorea.com
Directions:
Exit Itaewon Station Exit 1 and walk straight for 5 minutes, then it’s on the right side. If you hit Noksapyeong Stn you went too far.
Or find this restaurant on the map.