At last, a place owned and operated by Mexicans where I can get an actual real margarita (i.e. none of that artificially sweetened margarita mix BS). Please hold while I slowly exhale several times, shedding years of shattered margarita hopes and dreams.
Ahhhhh.
Ok. So they make a real margarita with real lime juice. I admit the bar was pretty low but I cannot understate my mexican-owned establishment margarita disappointment coming into this experience.
Onto the food.
But wait. First let's talk about the service and the vibe. This place is ON TOP OF IT. When I came in it was about half full, but I got the sense it was the calm before the storm. And it was just that. Calm. But bustling, like a well-maintained and high-functioning machine. Well staffed, Efficiently laid out for maximum service success. Ridiculously friendly and expertly timed staff. I did not feel neglected or hovered upon. This place is not about appearances though. I didn't even notice a single decoration. Just all the necessities- tables, chairs, host stand. You are definitely not here for the decor. You are here for one thing- FOOD (and drinks if you play that way). And I have to say I appreciate this perspective. What they lack in decor they more than make up for in service.
Ok seriously onto the food. I have always been the girl who loves the soggy part of the nachos- so imagine my delight when I discovered chilaquiles. My undying love-near-obsession with chilaquiles is one of the things that brought me here today.
I asked for them Christmas style, which means with both red and green sauces - I was told they didn't do them that way here, and from a kitchen perspective I completely understand- Christmas style involves 2 completely separate preparations and in a bustling breakfast place like this, it's probably wise not to allow it. Turn and burn, baby.
When I asked the server which sauce she preferred (this is always a risky move as a gringa), she said red. Opting to trust her, I agreed. I also ordered scrambled eggs in lieu of over-easy or over-medium, because I've been burned by a boogery white enough times to know better.
The meal arrives. First thing I notice is the sad lonely strand of cilantro garnish. I'm still processing my feelings about this but for now I'll just say this: NO. That's not how cilantro is done. Cilantro is actually an important flavor profile to this dish because it brings freshness. Chop it up or leave it off the plate guys. Or if you're really going for the middle finger effect, try parsley instead. Or put a little ramekin of chopped cilantro on the side if you're afraid of those weirdos who think it tastes like soap.
The red sauce was flat and tasted several days old, but after dousing the plate with cholula it had the right amount of kick. It was also darker than I would have liked- too much chipotle. Guess I should have gone with the green.
Summary- if I can get over the cilantro offense I will probably come back here- margaritas on point, staff and service excellent. Food easily deserving of another try. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because I think there's room for improvement with the food. read more