Great food, wonderful hosts...

I have been going to El Cuervo for the past 25 years, and have never been disappointed. The shop is family-owned, and there is usually at least one family member working at any given time. My favorite is the carnitas - in any form. The carnitas plate (#13 combo) is the best deal on carnitas I've personally come across; it is a plate piled with carnitas, rice, and beans, with tortillas on the side. The pico de gallo is peppy without being hot, and the combination of the subtley spiced carnitas with the pico de gallo and guacamole will make you swoon with delight. Because the combo plate is large, I usually go with the carnitas taco, which gives me all the flavor without the belly-busting volume. I have also had chilaquiles, machaca, and rolled tacos here. All are very good. This restaurant is very crowded at lunch time due to all the University and Mercy hospital employees who stop in for lunch, but the service is fast and good. It is counter service, but there is quite a lot of very comfortable table seating in the restaurant, and a nicely appointed salsa bar.