On my last visit to El Rayo Taqueria (Portland, Maine) I was greeted by a host.  El Rayo Taqueria began trying to convert to standard table service.   I suppose this was somewhat understandable, as the restaurant was busy.  Unfortunately,  you could tell that their attempts at reversing entropy were futile when a beer-order placed at the counter had a 5 minute wait, and required the delivery by a waitress...

More troubling to me was the empty space at many of the picnic tables, which were occupied by smaller groups.  Somehow, a 1-inch space between tables became a nearly-impenetrable rampart.   Not a fan of waiting I hoped that arming myself with additional beer would allow me to infiltrate a table: success!   I have done similar maneuvers in real restaurants with some hesitation, but at El Rayo sharing a table seemed perfectly normal.  

Fortunately for me the couple, who's space I invaded, was friendly (or at least pretended to be).   They openly exchanged stories about their experiences at El Rayo and other restaurants.  One of those stories involved their attempt to gain table space - at this taqueria - a week before, and being openly rejected by the occupying couple.  Apparently the staff handled the situation professionally and had them seated immediately elsewhere; kudos to El Rayo.  Oh, for any of you not willing to share a half-filled picnic table at a taqueria, I hope you get the knife that was dropped on the floor the night before.

Writing-of-food, I think El Rayo is losing the personal touch.  The burrito was tasty, but sloppy.  The chicken-and-salsa-verde chilaquiles were pretty but bland; although the amount of greens was a pleasant surprise.  El Rayo Taqueria is still my favorite restaurant for Mexican fare,  but it saddens me that they are slowly retreating from the outer edge of Portland and slipping into the mainstream.