Hey, I’m back. Through COVID and a stint overseas, I thought I’d pick this up, albeit grayer and fatter. Anyway, on to the show. Birrieria Pepe El Toro, a restaurant located in the U-District, also has a food truck that puts birria front and center. Other proteins were available, but most orders leaned toward birria. I stopped by recently for a torta and a quesadilla when the food truck operated by Westlake Center. Each came with a cup of consommé (not pictured).

The torta was terrific: a generous portion of shredded, braised birria beef tucked between a pressed, toasted French roll, with an oozing layer of mozzarella cheese and onions and cilantro for texture and balance. For $17.99, it’s fairly good value for a hearty sandwich.

The quesadilla (also $17.99) had the same fillings as the torta, and it came with dressed cucumbers as a side plus a small side of salsa. Unfortunately, after sitting in the takeout box, the tortilla had absorbed too much moisture and turned noticeably soggy. The filling still included a substantial portion of birria, but the softened exterior took away the crisp-versus-melty contrast that makes a quesadilla satisfying. The consommé was flavorful; the beefy broth had hints of chilies without any spiciness. Neither the torta nor the quesadilla really needed it, but I could see the attraction for those who enjoy French-dip sandwiches. Overall, a nice local option for Mexican food, but I would recommend eating immediately if you order to go. Support local businesses!