This El Huachinango, part of a a popular seafood restaurant chain, is part of the Plaza Real mall…read moreand shopping center on Miguel Hidalgo Blvd. and Las Fuentes Blvd. This mall also included anchor stores like H-E-B, Home Depot, and Sanborns. The shopping center is about halfway between the canal and the Periférico (loop). El Huauchinango is right next to Las Fuentes Blvd on the north side of the plaza. There is plenty of free parking.
For those who don't know Mexican Spanish, "huauchinango" means red snapper, a delicious type of fish.
This restaurant is pretty large and well-designed similar to some American seafood restaurants. I was there with a group of friends for a late lunch and it was still pretty busy, but we did not have to wait for a table.
The menu is quite extensive offering all kinds of seafood in multiple presentations: whole fish, fish filets, shrimp, scallops, clams, octopus, sea snail, and more. They also offer a variety of beef, chicken, pastas and rice dishes. The menu has a section with Chinese food but that was not available when I was there.
They have specialty dishes like seafood stuffed pineapple, molcajetes, shrimp cocktails, fish a-la-diabla, al mojo de ajo (garlic), and more. The tacos, ceviches, and tostadas are popular. They do not have a Baja style fish taco, but they do have many others.
I had a snapper filet which was delicious with some lime and the mild salsa brought to the table. I think the salsa had pineapple in it but I'm not sure. They do have spicier salsas. My filet was paired with a fluffy rice and a salad, and I fully enjoyed it.
For a drink, I had a mango lime refresher which was served in a liter sized beer mug! I never needed a refill though I did request more ice. They do have a full bar and offer all kinds of alcohol for those who want to indulge.
The service from our servers was excellent. There were two who alternated in attending us, and even the manager came over a couple of times, helped me in taking some group pictures (which I am not posting).
My only observation for improvement is that, for some reason, there was a long delay in getting a couple of our group served their order. Thankfully, they were able to snack on appetizers and the chips and salsa while they waited. The rest of us received our entrees in a timely fashion. All were pleased with our food.
Prices are reasonable - significantly lower than at an equivalent establishment on the USA side of the border.
El Huauchinango Plaza Real would be recommendable for gatherings of friends or family, business meals (they're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), or even a date night. They are family friendly and offer a kid's menu. Everything I saw was clean. I highly recommend El Huauchinango, and will return!
