Review: Los Reyes De La Torta
Author: WIBIA | Filed under: Food Reviews, Location: Phoenix, AZ, On The Road
Los Reyes De La Torta
9230 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Man v. Food in Phoenix was an episode in the most recent season. This was a featured segment, but not the eating challenge of the episode.
Just like any other taqueria food, I love tortas. I have had my fair share of them, that is for sure. When I saw this episode and knew that I was going to Phoenix in August, I had to give it a try.
What I Got: Del Rey, $7.95. Beans, breaded beef, two egg omelet with chorizo, ham, pork, tomato, guac, cheese and a hot dog.
There were two guys sitting next to me that were pretty big dudes and they both ordered it and finished only half, so I was a little bit worried.
The sandwich was huge…Carnegie Deli huge. At first bite, I liked it quite a bit. The breaded steak and the pork were standouts. The bread was a little too wimpy and the sandwich struggled to stay together in my hands. I polished off the first half with no problems. After a few bites on the second half, I decided to start knife and forking it. I found the hot dog to be absolutely useless and I pulled that off my second half.
I left about a quarter on the plate mostly because I was tired of eating it, but I could’ve finished it. The torta was served with Ruffles, which I thought was kind of strange. They didn’t offer chips and salsa service.
Would I Buy It Again? No. (yes, I changed it from the RSS feed this morning) The Del Rey was good, but not great. Considering the amount of Mexican restaurants in Phx, I think that I would try something different. Plus, I’d rather have a torta that was more focused than one that throws everything in the kitchen on some bread and calls it a sandwich. Even though the owner is from Mexico City, I felt it wasn’t that authentic. My wife enjoyed a grilled chicken torta, but she didn’t love her meal either.
This however has confirmed that Man V Food recommendations (as a hole) are not very good. It will probably be my last time that I search out a MvF location.
However, the place is doing a lights out business. Standing room only the entire time I was there, so they have to be doing something right.
-wibia
Tags: Food, los reyes de la tora, man v. food, mexican, phoenix
Sounds similar to the torta cubanas at all the local taquerias, where they load virtually every meat in the house (except my beloved variety meats) onto the sandwich, along with the usual vegetable toppings. Delicious combination, but you’re always bound to get those glances from the less adventurous, heart disease-fearing types that say “I can’t believe he’s eating that!”
I can watch Diners Drive-ins and Dives and think I have to try that place but I never feel the same about M vs F. It seems if it’s huge, yet doesn’t look good he gushes. I’d rather it taste unique or good than just be huge. At least with Guy you can tell if he really likes it or is faking it a bit. Adam gushes on and on about things that obviously are crap. I remember seeing that sandwich and wondering why rather than I should try that. Looked like a bit much too me. Thanks for giving it a try and lettting us know how it was.
They did do something right – they got a spot on MvF and now everyone wants to see what the fuss is about…
I haven’t been to this places in years, so maybe they’ve gotten lazy since being showcased on Man Versus Food, because I thought they make (made?) good and definitely authentic Mexico City-style tortas.
I’ve never tried the Del Rey, however. Because that one just sounds silly.
I have been going to this restaurant for years and really love the food. Today I was disappointed. Good food but, they charged me a $1.00 for a glass of tap water. I paid $8.99 for a sandwich and was charged a dollar for a glass of water. I asked if it was right at the register and she stated yes. Bring your own drinks.
I am both a mexican and a fan of Reyes de la Torta. To be fair, the menu describes exactly what mean goes into the torta so the fact that the torta had a bunch of stuff is no one’s fault but your’s. Thanks to MvF everyone goes for the “huge tortas” but in reality they have a bunch of other items on the menu that are very authentic and delicious. I would always reccomend the “chicharron prensado quesadilla del rey” this is one of their best dishes. The huaraches are also very good. I’ve scouted Phoenix for an authentic Mexican place and Reyes de la Torta is as close as I’ve gotten to one. On the other hand, I’m always on the search and not married to any given restaurant.