The Latin Corner
430 Richmond St.
Painesville, OH 44077
440-354-9081
I have a real love hate relationship with the Latin Corner in Painesville. Let me start with the reasons why I don't like the place.
First, they are never freaking open! The sign on the outside of the building specifically states that they are open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. yet they seem to be open whenever the owner feels like being there. Some days they open at noon and some days they open at 3. It's never consist ant and I bet they lose a lot of business being so unreliable.
Also, for some unknown reason they don't have an ice machine, so open fountain drinks are served lukewarm at best. The interior of the restaurant is very cramped and even a small crowd can make eating in a chore. That's why I always order my food to go. As a quick tip, order ahead over the phone. No matter what you order its going to be at least a half an hour. I know that's mostly petty stuff, but they are leaving a lot of dollars on the table because of those things.
However, its not all bad. The one thing they do get right is the food. They serve authentic Mexican favorites like tacos, chalupas, sopes, fajitas, tortes and burritos. Don't be confused with that crap they serve down at Taco Bell, this is real Latin cuisine. When I visited a few days ago I ordered two soft corn tortilla tacos (one chorizo and one picadilla), a crunchy chorizo taco and a chorizo gordita. Can you tell I like chorizo? To be honest with you I think that it is the only meat they serve that has any flavor whatsoever. From what I am told though, this is a traditional form of Latin cooking where salsas are used to flavor the meat based on the consumer's tastes.
The tacos, both soft and crunchy were excellent. I always order a side of hot sauce to spice up my food and it really goes well on the tacos. The gordita was pretty good, definitely not the best thing I have ever eaten, but I would order it again. All of the items were topped with a mix of onions, cilantro, sour cream and tomatoes at no extra charge. And speaking of charges, the prices are great. Tacos are only a $1.50 and the gordita was only $2.00, so the Latin Corner is a winner for cheap eats.
The Latin Corner has some good food, but you should play around a bit and try some different things. I can guarantee you that you have never had most of these dishes in this form. Give it a try, just make sure you get it to go.
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