Birriería Estilo Jalisco [Pic]

Thomas D. wrote:Erik and I had a great bowl of birria today for lunch at Birriería Estilo Jalisco on Western. I have now been several times as it is my current favorite. I had passed by for years before finally stopping in two months ago. I had been intrigued when my wife and I drove by some time ago and three men were unloading a goat carcass outside from what appeared to be a Ryder truck. My wife, not much of an adventurer, was mildly disgusted. I decided I would have to try it.

There appears to be no written menu so Erik and I both ordered the birria grande. On my first visit I was given the choice of chica or grande and I erred on the side of caution by getting the smaller version. It proved not enough so now I go for the grande which for Erik and I proved to be just the right amount of food (although some may want more, it is not a huge amount of food). The broth is what sets it aside for me, simple yet rich. It comes with several hunks of tender goat meat garnished with onions and cilantro. The only accompaniments are a basket of dried chiles and a thin salsa in a squeeze bottle. Although good, the salsa needs to be shaken as the water rises to the top, leaving the rest of the components to settle at the bottom. Both of us had in our bowls chunks of meat that had ‘bark’ similar to that found on the outside of a smoked pork shoulder. This added a nice texture and flavor to the meat. One could probably request more of this for their birria if desired.

Upon leaving I asked the waitress if they served anything other than birria. They also have tacos de lengua, both de res and de chivo, as well as tacos de cabeza. I have also seen customers order a large plate of meat only to share and make tacos. More broth can also be requested if you slurp it up before finishing your meat. The room is dark but clean, it is a no frills experience. They say that birria is an ideal hangover cure. I certainly feel much better.

Kennyz wrote:Perhaps my favorite comfort meal on earth is a good bowl of gamey birria with some fresh handmade corn tortillas.