New Bedford’s New Mexican Restaurant Olecito On Hathaway Road

I've got to admit, I was a little hesitant to try this new fast food Mexican restaurant at the former Wicks and Licks on Hathaway Road, New Bedford. A restaurant that used to be a used car lot (way back in the day)? Hmmmm. It gave me pause.

I was pleasantly surprised.  You can't judge a taco by it's shell.  While the exterior looks like a random, slightly shady, local restaurant you might find on a Caribbean island, the inside of Olecito was kind of cool.  The décor was brightly colored and fun.

Olecito is a mini chain of hipster-like taco shops that started up near Boston. According to Boston Eater, the original Olecito was a spinoff from the Ole Mexican Grille in Cambridge. It was so successful that they opened up a second taco shop in Brookline. Now, the chain has come down south to New Bedford. We tried it yesterday. I ordered a chicken enchilada that was a modest lunch size, yet tasty for $7.25. We also ordered some chips and salsa for $3.50. I am also happy to report that they stocked three different forms of Sprite (bottles, cans and fountain).

I was expecting Olecito to be a cash only establishment. It is worth noting that they DO accept credit and debt cards.

For a quick Mexican lunch, I would recommend Olecito.