All of this said… assuming you suffered through the abysmal “Mexicans Only” service; the food is absolutely amazing! Somewhere despite the translation problems we were able to avoid all the traditional “Head Cheese” and other ethnic oddities that may have Americanized palates gagging and received several of the best burritos and sandwiches we have enjoyed anywhere.

El Gallo Giro (“The Champion Rooster”) opened its first location in January of 1988 with the vision of recreating the authentic and traditional flavors of México, combined with a festive and exciting atmosphere. The open kitchen design allows diners to watch how the freshly baked bread, warm tortillas and exotic fruit juices are made. A more traditional Mexican style kitchen and menu will not be found… and the menu is extensive.

The “Pork Carnitas” are the restaurants signature dish, and cooked in a “Cazo” (kettle), in the traditional Michoacán style. The flavor is the best… lots of pork fat! The fresh, homemade tortillas add to the dining experience. On the downside is the salsa and condiment bar that requires constant cleanup and the hygiene issues of half of Mexico slogging through it.

On a follow up visit we suffered through the language problems and ordered several of El Gallo Giro’s signature  “Torta Cubana” sandwich. This time we were unable to avoid the disgusting head cheese, and decided to ignore it for the sake of review purposes. We will try just about anything once.

The “Torta Cubana” sandwich is… shall we say amazing? Featuring a heaping serving of several meats and “stuff” it is loaded with 4 different meats. Spicy chili-marinated pork leg (Pierna), a slice of what looks like ham (Jamon), a thin breaded and deep fried beef steak (Milanesa) and last but most eye opening… head cheese. Headcheese is a gelatinous conglomeration of god only knows what guts and pieces of dead animals probably not even found in dog food (disgusting stuff). All of this is piled high along with refried beans, avocado, onions, tomato, lettuce and who knows what else… but is really good!  
 
We washed this down with fresh fruit juices from El Gallo Giro’s juice bar. Very greasy, but over all, with the headcheese removed, an exceptional sandwich! It also appears that the restaurant serves up a very traditional version of “barbequed pork, el pastor;” an amazingly flavorful fruit juice marinated chopped pork which makes wonderful tacos and burritos.
 

    We attempted to order a few additional items from El Gallo Giro’s bakery (panaderia), which bakes up fresh breads and cakes daily but were frustrated by the service when we attempted to ask the server a few questions in English. What a joke! The server simply ignored us and walked away as if we were a bother to her. We may be a bit slow, but we finally got the un-verbalized message and left…

We may re-visit El Gallo Giro's abandoned building after the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) hopefully raids the amazing restaurant and deports them all.

Judging from the attitude of the staff at the Fontana branch of "El Gallo Giro," it seems it might be too much to ask that they employ a few servers who actually speaks English. Perhaps not reacting negatively to customers who do not speak Spanish would also be less insulting… which would solve the majority of our complaints. We are talking about a restaurant in California... not one in Mexico (which would probably welcome English speaking customers).

It may seem that we are over reacting to a growing trend of ethnic restaurants popping up across Southern California… and I would agree if “El Gallo Giro” was not a growing Chain of Restaurants in California. Nothing excuses this treatment of customers, and we can only hope El Gallo Giro management will address the situation; but pending such it is past time that diners stand up and let our voices be heard accordingly.

“El Gallo Giro” claims to be “The Heart, Soul and Flavor of Mexico” … and who’s to doubt it when seemingly half of the Mexico seems to be standing in line, and cutting in front of English speaking customers. Clearly the restaurant staff does not care, and as such does not deserve our business or support. They will start to care when it hurts their business and/or their attitudes come to more diners attention.

    Perhaps once the staff at El Gallo Giro’s Fontana branch have all been deported the “Heart, Soul and Flavor of Southern California,” “In-N-Out Burger” will open a burger stand on the spot! Amazing Service demands Amazing Recognition… and “The Wright Gourmet” is here to help. El Gallo Giro; we love your food, and your restaurant, but YOUR SERVICE STINKS!!

Please be sure to read the update to this negative review posted to the left side of this article.

If anybody at the El Gallo Giro Company cares… we would gladly discuss the issues with you in English. Ed Wright, “The Wright Gourmet” (909) 938-3777