I tried El Carnicero for the first time about 2 months ago. I've been back twice since! There's seemingly a lot of mixed reviews, but I don't have one complaint about this place! Yes, I've been there on nights when it was packed, and there was almost a two hour wait. Not necessarily a bad thing... We were seated in a little under two hours and service was great from the moment we were seated not just this time but every time I've been there. If people have had issues with service here in the past, seems to me they've shaped up since then.
The food is spectacular. I think the portion size is perfect for the price and the food is flavorful and unique! It never fails that whomever I'm dining with starts off with the Goat Cheese Guac. I don't even care for Guac and I could finish one of these myself! To. Die. For. I've tried a few different entrees: Machaca Tamales (Beef Brisket), Costilla Tamales (Short Ribs), and Barriga Taquitos (Pork Belly). All are EXCELLENT! I did prefer the tamales over the taquitos. I think it's just a more interesting dish. The Machaca and Costilla Tamales seemed pretty similar. They both have the kind of spice that makes you sweat a little from the inside, but the flavor is definitely there and it's definitely worth a trip to experience for yourself. You won't be sorry! I hear they have a great Happy Hour too!