El Corral...Spanish For 'Delicious.'
HungryKnights.com Critic
September 21, 2008
The Scene
At first glance, you may not even want to go inside. We know, it needs a paint job and a neon sign or two. The location, however, is perfect for UCF students. Right off of Alafaya Trail and University, it’s right across from campus. Once you get inside, the place comes alive. They have plasma screens playing sporting events that just get the patrons of the restaurants so excited. Everyone is friendly and the environment is very conducive to college kids in large or small groups.
The Food
Amazing. No, seriously. Look past the building and the low-quality image that is conjured up when looking at the sign outside offering a meal for fewer than four bucks. I promise, El Corral truly delivers the best bang for your buck. Their chicken is moist, their rice is fresh, and their beans are slow-cooked to perfection and they have an extensive list of side dishes that are all equally impressive. If you can imagine that home-cooked taste of chicken that just falls off the bone, that’s exactly what you are getting here. They also have skirt steaks and a number of other Hispanic dishes like fajitas and empanadas, but the chicken really has it going on.
The Track Record
Excellent every time. I dine at El Corral an average of at least once every week or two and I have never had a bad meal. Ever. In fact, the food has gotten better and the menu has become more varied.
The Service
Most people are blown away at how fast the food comes. It’s like, you place an order, get your drink from the fountain and by the time you pick out your condiments and grab a table the food is out. What is even more impressive than the speed at which the food comes out is it’s freshness; the food is piping hot and right out of the oven. Prepare to be amazed.
The Price
Cheap. Don’t confuse this with poor quality, however, because the food is great. But for under $4.00 (including tax) you can eat a quarter of a chicken with rice, beans and a side of bread. So a lot of the dishes are not only cheaper than fast food, but served faster as well.
Overall Assessment
If you’re not sure where to eat on any given day of the week for lunch or dinner, don’t hesitate to go here immediately. It’s cheap, delicious and close to UCF.