Although Ursinus students appreciate a good Wismer meal, the on-campus options for dinner can feel limited, and unfortunately, Collegeville is not necessarily known for its restaurant culture. However, if you take the time to look for it, sometimes the best places are right around the corner.
If you have eaten the same Wismer dinner for days on end and need a palate cleanser, El Gordo Bros is – literally – down the street. This restaurant is easily overlooked, tucked inside the Quick Stop just a few blocks from campus. El Gordo Bros has an affordable menu with a variety of options, and, not to mention, some of the best Mexican food in town.
The restaurant might be small, but their menu is certainly not lacking. Whether you’re a picky-eater, a vegetarian, a spicy-connoisseur, or a meat-lover, this menu will not disappoint. As a vegetarian myself, I often struggle to eat out, but at Gordo Bros I find myself torn between too many options. The prices are concentrated around the $10-$15 range, but if you order individual tacos they start at $3.50. The amount of food that comes with each entree is fully worth the price. My go-to order is the veggie mega bowl, and it comes packed to the brim. This bowl is loaded with rice, beans, lettuce, fajita vegetables, Pico de Gallo, jalapeños, cheese, and more. Pictured on the bottom right is the enchilada platter for $15.
My friend raved that this platter was well-balanced between the base of the rice and the enchilada’s variety of flavors. On my most recent visit, I tried the churro for $2.50. These churros have a cinnamon-sugar coated crunch and the perfect soft inside. If you’re a smaller eater, these dishes can certainly last two meals, but, be warned, you might end up devouring it all in one sitting.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, their Taco Tuesday deal might do it. If you stop by on a Tuesday night, their tacos are $1.50 each – making this spot perfect for the broke college student. Better yet, every entree is served with a bag of chips and a small salsa, free of charge. Their chips are well-seasoned and thick, which makes them great for dipping.
Plus, the location inside of the QuickStop has its perks. If you’re in need of a cheap drink, you can easily browse the convenience store. The Arizona Teas are a great complement to the spicy food and are sold for 99¢. Aside from the food, the workers are all incredibly kind and helpful. You can order ahead online, but I would recommend going in and interacting with the staff. The wait is usually ten minutes or less, and it helps that you can wander around the convenience store while the smell of your food fills the place. Also, the restaurant isn’t limited to dinner. It is open from 6am to 8pm, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
When Ursinus, and its food, inevitably start to feel bland, El Gordo Bros is the restaurant that will add flavor and vibrancy to your campus life. This restaurant is a unique small business with lots to offer us Collegevill-ians. Whether Gordo Bros becomes your Tuesday night ritual or your once-in-a-while treat, chances are you will be returning again and again.