The Painted BurroAdventurous Mex food, no pretenseI'd been wanting to try the Painted Burro for some time. I finally took my wife and daughters for Mother's Day brunch. The menu is not super-extensive, but it's imaginative without being precious and without losing authenticity. Everything we tried was delicious, and the prices very reasonable. The owner opened his own tortilla factory so he could serve tortillas just like they're made in Mexico. The decor is very cool as well. Since it was Sunday brunch, I didn't delve into the very impressive tequila selection, but it's on my list of things to do in Davis Square.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day DinnerThe food was great as usual and the server was thoughtful and obviously very experienced. His section however was HUGE and at times we were left waiting for a long time, it took us over 7 minutes just to get water. It was clear that he was an excellent server and had just an impossible number of guests to attend to. I chalk it up to management not having enough people on for mother's day/ bussers not being where they needed to be (i.e. helping a busy server fill water).
The food was great as usual though I always feel like it could be a little more flavorful with a little more spice. Love the ambiance, and of course love their margaritas.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGirls NightDrinks are amazing (a bit pricey but so tasty, gran partido) with an extensive tequila selection. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. Shrimp was a bit overcooked in our Shrimp tacos but my friends liked their short rib tacos. Overall, I'd go here for drinks and guac. My first experience would have had a better food review but flavor wasn't there this time. Waitress, drinks, and good company made for a good night. Make reservations to avoid a wait.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMReally Found its FootingMy wife and I really liked this place when it opened. The food was inventive and bold. However, there were times when it was missing something--the cola braise was a little too sweet, the short ribs needed a little more seasoning, etc. We went back, though, and man, the place has really found its footing--everything was delicious! They've also lost some of the more annoying features, like the raised tables with stools and no legroom underneath. Finally, putting the bar in the other room really opened the place up. A little noisy, but not conversation-squelching.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a reservation for aWe had a reservation for a large group (7 people) and we were late for it. Yet, the staff had kept our table and arranged to seat us at a very good table. So, I read some complaints about seating and reservations in other comments, but I can't figure out what is the complaint about. The service was attentive to the smallest details. For instance, this restaurant does not have a children's menu, but since we had 2 little children with us, the waiter pointed out at the food options which would have worked best for the children. The food was outstanding. I had the Carne Asada, served in Chimichurri with beans and other vegetables. Fresh ingredients and beef cooked really to perfection. Really authentic Mexican.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMNever disappoints!This place was totally packed-- I suspect it will be that way all summer. I know it sounds weird, but the Burro pina colada is freaking amazing. Also I always order whatever taco special the Chef is running and I have yet to be disappointed. I do wish they would bring back the ceviche for the summer-- now they just run it as a weekend special (which I almost always also order).4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMChilaquiles = yumBrunch menu was fantastic. The chilaquiles were delicious!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service and ambianceThe atmosphere of the restaurant was very nice (we loved the artwork), but the service was exceptional. My wife and I are vegetarians and our waitress was incredibly thoughtful in helping us select our choice. The food was very good, but my guess is that the restaurant does not specialize in vegetarians dishes. Oh yes, the margaritas were excellent and a must try.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Chips here are amazingThe Chips here are amazing and the salsa goes great with it.
Short Rib tacos are awesome. Plus I always get the fundido with the beans on the bottom.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Mexican Food in BostonIt was a Saturday night and the place was totally packed-- I overheard a waitress say it was a record night-- but you wouldn't have known it from the attentive service and the excellent food. Everything was amazing. Table highlights included the cucumbers with the pickled grapes, the cholo corn (of course!), the chips and salsa and the meatloaf. Also-- it sound strange to say at a Mexican restaurant but dessert is totally worth saving room for. We tried an amazing brownie and the churros.
Also this place is still loud, but since the soundproofing it is now "fun Saturday night in a cool place" loud and not "WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!" deafening.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDavis square gemExcellent food in a contemporary style. Baja fish taco was delicious with the dreamy poblano rice side.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThe reopened space allowsThe reopened space allows more movement and mingling than the first iteration of this restaurant. Their margaritas are lethal, seriously, I don't know what they put in these things but one is more than enough. Love the Chorizo de la Casa taco - I've actually been known to crave it. Overall, good spot and good food.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom the start to finish,From the start to finish, great experience. Staff was terrific, didn't hover but close enough to catch their eye when needed. Drink list will require multiple visits, Tequila centric but enough variety to appeal to other palates. For food we went with one dinner special (delicious rabbit tacos) and one plate off menu (solid 1/2 chix). Both were well presented and prepared. Desserts were equally tasty (brownie with cheery ice cream and churros with cholate dipping sauce) and perfect end to the meal. We had read the reviews about the noise level and can say that the tempo was energetic. But it was never loud enough that we had trouble with hearing conversation. We will definitely be repeat customers.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe took friends here to tryWe took friends here to try the food for the first time and enjoyed everything about the experience. The waiter didn't let our water get below half full, the chips were warm, the salsa was great, and all of our meals hit the spot. We will be going back when we want some good Mexican food and a GREAT mango margarita! Make a reservation, though, because this place is busy from 5 to 9!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA delightful spot in bustlingA delightful spot in bustling Davis Sq. - terrific food, attractive setting and wonderful, attentive, and friendly service. Try to resist the generous refills of chips or your appetite will be compromised for the terrific tacos and fantastic street cart chicken! I had mentioned in my OpenTable reservation that we were celebrating a birthday and a scoop of delicious coconut pistachio ice cream arrived with a candle - perfect and thoughtful. Though we did not venture into the bar, it looked vibrant and we were told special events can be held there. All in all a great evening out, look forward to returning.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMUnique and delicious gourmetUnique and delicious gourmet tacos, incredible tequila list, and exquisite cocktails! Also, the raspberry margarita is a must!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, and the largestExcellent food, and the largest selection of tequila I've ever seen.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious margaritas and excellentDelicious margaritas and excellent service! What's not to love???3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightful mealWe had a wonderful meal here; ingredients very fresh, interesting tacos, excellent cocktails.3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM