Sale Packs El Forastero Restaurant on First Day

Carmichael's newest Mexican restaurant was off to a busy start Friday, as lunch-hour visitors packed El Forastero Mexican Food on Fair Oaks Boulevard.

The former Taco Bell, located at the corner of Fair Oaks and Walnut Avenue, opened its doors with coupons for 25 percent off all meals.

Carmichael resident John Drieber said he was excited to try the restaurant because its menu looked more authentic.

"This is nice because it's a local place," Drieber said. "More money goes into the local economy with a local business."

Dan Bryant was also curious to try the food at El Forastero.

"If the food is good, I live close enough to where that's all it will take," Bryant said.

Michael Langan tried the restaurant's tacos and said they were "pretty good," but he noted the service was somewhat slow during the busy lunch hour.

"If they take care of that, they'll do well," Langan said.

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El Forastero is located at 5116 Fair Oaks Blvd., and can be reached at 916-470-2420. Its drive-through is open 24 hours a day.