I have a new freelancing gig, writing restaurant reviews for the Pacific Northwest edition of Boating Times. As a reviewer, I get to scope out delicious dining options for boaters in the Puget Sound area. My first article was recently published and I wrote about El Pueblito, one of my favorite Mexican eateries in Gig Harbor.
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
August 28, 2015 by Amanda Bretz · Leave a Comment
Nestled in the heart of Gig Harbor’s quaint downtown area, El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant serves up delectable Mexican fare. While it is not located on the water, docking is available at Jerisich Dock, a public dock located just 190 feet away from the eatery.
The restaurant has large windows and plenty of tables along them, allowing for harbor views and people-watching. The interior’s colorful atmosphere and large booths offer patrons an inviting and festive experience.
Complimentary chips and salsa are delivered to each table within minutes of being seated. The house-made salsa is delicious with just the right amount of smokiness; it pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy tortilla chips.
The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers. One of the best is the nachos El Pueblito, a mound of chips, melted cheese, beans, and salsa. It is big enough to share with the whole table. Other options include a Mexican pizza and quesadillas.
Seafood lovers should try camarones apretalados, a dish of bacon-wrapped prawns topped with Monterrey Jack cheese, served with rice, beans, coleslaw salad, and warm tortillas. Of course you can also order Mexican favorites like enchiladas and chimichangas — both are smothered in gooey cheese and provide those classic Mexican flavors and are filled with the patron’s choice of ground or shredded beef, chicken, pork or cheese.
Most main course portions are not small. A bowl of tortilla soup or albandigas, a flavorful Mexican meatball soup, are tasty smaller-sized options.
The eatery offers vegan and vegetarian options such as the seasoned grilled vegetables served with a side of steamed rice and spinach enchiladas topped with cheese and accompanied with rice and beans.
There is a bar helping to quench the thirst you’ll acquire from those spicy dishes. Enjoy a traditional margarita, mojito, or a cold cerveza (beer).
Even though most of the portions are large, save room for dessert. There is a selection of Mexican staples like fried ice cream and flan sure to satisfy your sweet tooth’s cravings.
El Pueblito is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Jerisich Dock has transient slips at no cost and reservations aren’t required.
Review by: Amanda Bretz
El Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
3226 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, Washington
253-858-9077
Amanda Bretz 
