“Nothing brings people together like good food.”

El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill has been a favorite for years. Locally in Lowell, they have become a staple of the downtown food scene now for several years. Because I have been a regular for years, I jumped at the chance to check out their new Chelsea location to try some new items on the menu and check out the area. While it is a much larger space, the color scheme may be a bit different and its in a city closer to Boston; one thing that hasn’t changed is their continuity. What I mean by that is their constant efforts to make sure everyone is welcome in their restaurants and always making it feel cozy no matter how large their restaurants may or may not be. This is what honestly made me fall in love with El Potro from the beginning: the ability to welcome everyone. Oh yes their food is great, but somewhere I can take friends and family and still feel like I never left home? Yeah that matters too.

The Chelsea location is huge, and I say this because I am used to a much smaller, cozier space, but with vibrant tiles, fresh colors & nostalgic decorations it amps up the cozy factor all the more. Their dedication to authenticity is seen with their attention to detail. All the chairs are hand-carved and painted in Mexico and then shipped to the US. The tiles I just mentioned? Yeah those are from Mexico too and you can see the craftsmanship when you look at all the little details in the tiles. The alcoves ( which are super cute by the way) have tiled little roofs, and there are sombrero hats atop them for good measure. When I was there, all different types of people were dining, drinking or watching the game- but the most important thing? They were all having fun.

Look at all these details!

Look at this craftsmanship!

These lamps were some of my faves…

Chelsea is a rich city with all different cultures representing it- much like Lowell. El Potro continues to remain involved in each city it is in and their dedication to community is one of the best things about them. So, if you are in the Chelsea area ( which is just outside Boston) go take a look, have a paloma, some tacos and leave full, happy and ready for a good nap. 🙂 Want to see what I ate? Keep scrolling!

Drink | The Paloma

Appetizer | Shrimp Ceviche

Entrees | Mole Burrito & Chipotle Tacos

I started off with the Paloma which was such a delicious cocktail it was kind of dangerous. Super delicious & tart

Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, agave w/salted rim

For an appetizer I wanted something fresh and flavorful- something to really get my palate ready- so I went with the Shrimp ceviche and OMG- guys this was so delicious with just the right amount of tang from the fresh lime.

Huge plate of ceviche- comes with a side of tostadas

My ceviche on a warm tostada

Now, on to the entrees. I fell in love with both of them. I have a love affair with Mole and try it in every Mexican restaurant I go to. El Potro’s Mole is divine- sweet, chocolatey with a bit of a kick. Perfect on top of this burrito- back in Lowell I usually get the Chicken Mole which is a platter.

This close up though…

Filling and hearty, served with pico de gallo and sour cream

Stuffed with chicken, rice and beans

Next were the chipotle tacos, which honestly I have to say was one of my favorite additions to the new menu. Spicy, tasty and stuffed with saucy chicken, guac and sour cream.

I mean look at these portions!?!? AMAZING

No matter how you look at them- still gorgeous.

 I scarfed these down…delicious!

Want a good meal with a great family and friends vibe? Go check out the new El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill, located in Chelsea, MA. Remember!  They also have other locations in Malden, Somerville and Lowell.

Pancita | The resident favorite

Till next time…

Restaurant Info:

Instagram : @elpotromexicangrill

Facebook: El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill

Open Monday-Friday 11am-1am Sat & Sun 12pm-1am

Always craving tacos…

Life as a Maven

• This post for El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill is sponsored-all opinions are my own.