Vitamin T

CLOSED as of MAY 2012

I came here a few days ago before the Opening Day game for the Diamondbacks. My boyfriend was very excited to try this place since we heard great things. However, we didn’t have a very good experience. As I walked into the establishment, I noticed how dirty the whole place seemed to be. There were dirty tables everywhere and the floor was no different. No one was coming around to clean either.
We ordered the Diamondbacks Opening Day deal with 2 tacos and a beer. We ordered one pork and one steak, they were both bland and tiny and the chips and salsa were just okay. Everything was overpriced for what you got. We ate outside on the small patio and it was like a garbage bomb went off out there. Someone finally came out to clean the tables, but didn’t bother to pick up any of the napkins, salsa, or other trash on the floor, that patio remained dirty, even after it was «cleaned.» It was a complete mess.
I don’t see the big fuss over this place, I will not be coming back.

My bf and I arrived in DTPHX early for the Dbacks game so that we could grab a quick bite to eat. After realizing that our original destination, Alice Coopertown, was on the other side of the stadium, we talked by Vitamin T and decided to try it out. They have a pretty basic menu, tacos, tortas, tamales, carmelos, 2 hot dogs, and 2 salads. I was torn between a sonoran dog and tacos, but opted for the tacos.
I had the chicken tacos (roasted chicken w/​chipotle and lime, pickled onions, asadero cheese, and salsa verde) and my bf had the barbacoa tacos. I got a margarita, he got a beer, and we shared some chips and salsa. We had a seat on the patio and it didn’t take long to get our food. #1 — If the food had been hot, I would have been significantly more satisfied, but it seems that they finish cooking when it gets to slightly warm, which made it less satisfying. For all the items listed on the tacos (I considered asking for no pickled onions but didn’t want to be difficult), you would have thought they would be bursting with flavor, but they were just alright. I will say though that the margarita was good, and the salsa they serve with their not-​warm chips was also good.
Can’t say I’ll be back.

The Good: Decent taste, fresh ingredients, great ice tea… contemporary look
The Bad: HORRIBLE PORTION SIZE, TINY TINY TINY TACOS, APPETIZER SIZE AT DINNER PRICE $

To be fair, the staff was awesome. But as for the food, luckily I had a credit with Groupon, or else I would have been pissed had we paid cash for this place.
The order (Take out, 11 am 2÷22÷12):
3 tacos (1 Queso Fundido, 1 Barbacoa, 1 Chicken)
1 Barbacoa Torta
Total — Free (would have been $ 15.30 if I had not had a Groupon)
Results:
The Queso Fundido taco was pretty good. Full of flavor and something very different than the «usual».
The remaining two taco’s and the torta were soggy (dripping wet is more like it), so much so that the torta’s bun, and both the tacos fell apart and stuck to the tin foil it was in. The worst part was that they were very bland, and by bland, I mean no flavor whatsoever. When I think of Mexican (even what is to be considered Mexican-​style) food, I think of all of the different flavors and textures, spicy, sweet, crisp, crunchy! There was none of that here.
Final thoughts:
Sorely disappointing and will NOT be going back here. If you want great Mexican food in the downtown area, I would recommend La Tolteca. If you want decent food, try Chico’s Tacos. Heck, I would recommend Taco Bell over this place.

Is this place closed now, or just «under renovation»??
I’ve been many times for lunch, and have decided that the barbacoa torta is my absolute favorite menu item. Nothing else on the menu seems very special. Actually, I tried the breakfast burrito, too… a little disappointed in the proportion of potato to chorizo, especially considering the price and size.

First thing first, they offer a lunch special (at least the day i went) that includes 2 shot of Don Pablo and a Dos XX for $ 9.99. as you notice no food is listed, this will also ring up as a lunch special so you can claim this with your business expense. — 2 thumbs up!!!
overall I was not impress with their Taco’s, I almost went back to the kitchen to 86 the cook after tasting the Pork Pibil (Johnny Depp style). Lucky for him after biting into the Sonoran hotdog I had one of my euphoric feeling that took me back to the streets of Nogales.
Definitely comeback for some more Sonoran goodness.

My wife were in town from Denver and are both Celiacs so finding a place with decent gluten free food is tough while on the road. Vitamin T was one of our few options. Phoenix needs to step it up with GF food offerings.
First, the positives: I wasn’t expecting much, but the food was actually pretty good. The carne asada and barbacoa tacos were very tasty and weren’t heavy and greasy like a lot of Mexican food.
If it weren’t for the service, I would have given Vitamin T 4 – 5 stars. My wife was here for a conference and we decided eat here on a Saturday. The place was packed with people from the conference and when we walked in they were 20 orders behind. There were four guys working but only one was working his ass off. Another wasn’t helping with the orders, one was moving very slow and left while we were waiting, and the third was totally clueless. On top of that, they screwed up our order by giving us flour tortillas (which we can not have), even though we requested corn several times while ordering.
By the time we got our food, we had waited an hour. If they aren’t busy, I would recommend it. Otherwise, just go to Chipotle where they’re much more efficient with four people.

I don’t like writing bad reviews but the grub at this place was bad and expensive (it is downtown) — tacos were so sad. It was $ 8-​$ 9 which got me three tiny tacos with bland, watery meat and some shreds of cabbage on top of the soggy corn tortilla. The salsa bar (big whoop — they are dirty and for lazy restaurants like Baja Fresh) didn’t salvage the tacos either. No merci!
Even after a beer with the meal, I had to make myself something else to eat when we got home. I’m not a big eater either.

I had the three tacos for $ 7. Two barbacoa (shredded beef) and one pibil (pork). I prefer corn tortillas, but they use flour. These are not the street tacos that im used to. Just okay. Tortillas were lukewarm which is a pet peeve for me.
Iced tea was very refreshing on a 113 degree summer day in late June.

I have been wanting to try Vitamin T for a while, and we were going to a concert downtown and I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to get a bite to eat and check it out.
I loved the salsa bar and helped myself to pretty much one of each, but that is just about the only positive I can give.
The flavor was just not good. I tried the beef and chicken and they both left a lot to be desired. Maybe it was an off night, but their probably wont be a next time.

With all the hype before this place even opened I epxected a whole lot better. There are so may flavors lacking in the basic tacos. The tamales are so generic and dry.
The place is nice and clean and the staff is friendly and the little salsa bar is a nice addition which I had to give this place 2 stars. If you want geat tacos go to Gallo Blanco or to Americas.

Cute & Cozy little place to get Taco’s downtown. The Urban location is creatively decorated with a spanish flare. It is very small inside however there is outside seating. They have a full menu including a variety of Chips, Tacos, Torta’s and other specialties. Drink menu for those of you who like a little liquor in your lives.
I tried two Chicken Taco’s I will be honest they were ok. I am from here and have had good Taco’s so I am picky. The taco’s meat was kinda bland though they were garnished with fresh cabbage, carrots, radishes, green onion and cilantro. My taco’s were fairly price for $ 2.50 each. Neatly wrapped in foil. They provide a full service salsa bar. Chips are sold separately. The food is cooked fresh to order and served fast. It is a nice concept with a friendly staff.

LOVE this place. Consistently great food! It is fresh and tasty food that actually makes your body feel like you’ve done it a favor.
Barbacoa is my favorite. Chicken is my second fave. Veggie has a little kick to it. I don’t eat pork but I’ve been told those are great too. I tend to get the 3 taco meal mixing it up or just a torta. So so delish!
The people are friendly and move fast to get your order in your hand. Such a treasure for Downtown Phoenix as it continues growing up into a real city!

I am a noob not only to Arizona but also to the myriad wonders of Mexican cuisine (Taco Bell was about all we had in my Southern hometown). So maybe when I walk into a Mexican eatery in AZ, my expectations are just too unrealistically high. I read the mixed Unilocal reviews, weighed my options, and then walked the block to Vitamin T to grab some dinner.
First off, the cardboard cutout of the Mexican beer guy (the most interesting man in the world, I believe they call him) scared the crap out of me, lounging in a corner like he was people. But I am forgiving. I laughed it off, maneuvered awkwardly around the tequila barrels, and made my taco selection.
I ordered the veggie taco, the beef, and the pulled pork. When I got them, my excitement quickly ebbed, because they are so gosh-​darn tiny. For $ 7, I expected at least a standard tortilla-​sized taco. I went out on the patio to eat, because, well, that’s the only place they have for you to eat unless you want to hover uncomfortably over the aforementioned barrels of tequila littered throughout their claustrophobic interior.
My veggie taco was interesting, flavorful and full of variety, but dry. I am not one for salsa, but I would have enjoyed some sour cream. The beef was basic. Really basic. It was also dry, and a tad too salty. The pork I enjoyed. It was sweet, moist, and full of flavor. But like I mentioned, the tacos were so small that the pork was just a pleasant memory after about 25 seconds.
Vitamin T left me severely underwhelmed. I wanted to like it. I wanted to be wowed by the wonders of of the «T» food group that the restaurant tries to convince me actually exists. But I left still kinda hungry, wondering where the nearest Chipotle might be.

I’ve decided to completely write this place off, and here is why you should too:
THREE TIMES I have tried to go here and they have been closed, all the while their website and posted hours say they should be open. If one of you wants to drive all the way here from the suburbs, you’d better call first because this place cannot be trusted. I’ve wasted my time and spent hungry minutes walking here only to be disappointed.
Vitamin T will fail, there I said it.

[The food is about a 3 the awkward «path» to order and pick up is a 2.]
So I brought my lunch with me to work today. Unfortunately someone took it upon themselves to enjoy it for me. So that left me with 30 min to find a place to get lunch and bring it back to the office.
This was my first trip to Vitamin T. Having read the so-​so reviews I decided to check it out for myself.
Walking in I didn’t know where to start I had to weave my way through patrons standing and eating at the oak barrels randomly placed and the others in line filling up their little salsa cups at the salsa bar. I awkwardly made my way to the flat screen menu.
Torn between the Sonora Dog and the Caramelos I went with the Barbacoa Caramelo and an order of Guacamole (no drink $ 8.74). I preceeded to wait, initially awkwardly close to the kitchen/​bar and some folks eating on barrels then decided to get my own salsas. As my number was called I had to again become rather intimate with the standing diners positioned around the barrels, back up to the front. They provide sacks to pack up your food for take out. I threw everything in and again weaved my way through the barrels and people yet again.
The food…
The caramelos are served in 2s grilled flat with 2 tortillas each then folded in half, the filling of cheese and meat are generous. The barbacoa is lightly seasoned and tasty. From the salsa bar I choose the salsa verde, roasted serrano peppers and the small batch of red salsa in the back. Here the red is better than the green. And the roasted serranos are nicely spicy.
The guacamole order comes with chips. Not home made but tasty. The guac itself is quite lemony with garlic, chunks of tomato onion and cilantro and a flavor more akin to black pepper… meh it is ok.

Fantastic! I vote 4.5 stars. I can’t wait to become a regular, try everything, and update with a fifth star! In addition to great food, what makes Vitamin T stand out among the rest are the creative twists to simple good food.
Just walking up I could feel the energy from the people hanging out on the patio and the (good) music filling the area. I almost walked right past the patio entrance in front of the main entrance, but luckily someone else was coming out so I noticed it.
The place was hopping, but it wasn’t too crowded and you really have to expect that the first few days of a new place downtown. Personally, I think it just adds to the excitement.
I couldn’t decide what I wanted to try first so I went with three tacos ($ 7) and the Vitamin T Green Salad. The guy taking my order was super nice and seemed happy to be there (always a plus in my book). Add on a nice refreshing lemonade for $ 1.50 and off to the salsa bar I go!
A good variety of salsa and even a few non-​salsas. I loved the grilled onions, I could eat those as a side instead of a topping. And then there was some sort of pickled carrot, jalapeño, and garlic concoction that I had to try.
Standing at one of the cool tequila barrels, waiting for my number to be called, I was really jealous of the dudes on the patio drinking their beers with their delicious food. As much as I wanted to stay and also have a beer (or margarita), SOME of us had to go back to work. (Insert cartoon music. .. Whaw Whaw Whaaa)
Finally, back at my desk, ready to taste it all! Out of the three tacos, the Barbacoa was by far my favorite. The Chicken and Veggie tacos were good too, but that Barbacoa had a flavor that still makes my mouth water.
As a salad lover, I have to say this was a great one. I didn’t get any meat on it so it was perfect complement to my tacos. Probably more than I needed, but I had to try it. The jicama and arugula in the salad really make a regular salad into something great; and that creamy avocado lime dressing. .. YUM!
Turns out, my nutrition has been lacking all along, I’ve been missing my Vitamin T! Now that I know where to get my fix, I see many more trips in my future!

I’ve been anticipating Vitamin T opening for a few months. Since relocating offices from downtown Tempe to Phoenix I’ve been missing Chronic Tacos. This place is exactly what I expected-​which is a good thing. It’s a taco stand on steroids. The ingredients on their tacos are above and beyond what is on your basic protein in a tortilla. Just the right texture and combination of flavors to hit right spots in a compact package. The cinnamon rubbed barbacoa is excellent! At $ 7 a three pack, to me this is a great new lunch option.
I don’t really write reviews, but looking at those posted so far I wanted to offer a counterpoint. I want this place sticking around. I’m sitting out here in the burbs now craving that barbacoa again!

So I got a chance to check this place out, finally. I’ve been suuuper excited for this place to open up, since I’m such a torta whore! I decided to get the Torta Ahogado that came with slow cooked pork, avocado, carrot and some other veggies and the description read with ahogado broth. I imagined some what of a French dip type of thing, but it was more like a sloppy joe. They poured the hot sauce over the sandwich, making it impossible to eat like a sandwich. That may not normally cause an issue, except they lined the little cardboard «boat» for the sandwich in a foil/​paper lining that became super soggy. I ended up finding many pieces of foil in my sandwich, mega unappealing. The sandwich was just okay. The bread could have used a bit of time in the toaster, the pork was pretty bland and the sauce tasted a bit burnt.
The overall feel of the place is pretty cool, it’s small with just a few tables outside. I noticed the owner there, but he seemed too busy chatting up the Don Julio Swag girls to check on the customers, which kinda blows. Overall, they get a Meh + from me. I’ll come back again for a different torta next time, and hopefully the experience is better… hopefully