Las Delicias is simply overpriced.
First off, I dislike leaving bad reviews, but when management starts price gouging on little things in an already ridiculously overpriced restaurant in small town America I have to say something.
Mexican food and I go back a long time. Over the years as a full time business traveler I've easily gone to 300 - 400 different Mexican restaurants across North America. I truly enjoy "authentic" Mexican food, the language and its people.
The food at Las Delicious is good, and they should make their money on return business - not overcharging for their food, their refills and their side items. I paid $16.95 for tacos de carnitas (simple pork street tacos) rice and beans. Okay, way too pricey for small town USA, but then they bring us chips and a TINY (like 2 ounce) finger bowl of salsa, and another of beans and salsa verde for four grown men. Each of the three bowls the same tiny size. The bowls was so small and shallow you couldn't wet a 1/2 inch of the chip (not exaggerating). I'm sad I didn't take a picture of the salsa bowls because they are not shown in any of the pics online. The salsa was not enough for one light eater, let alone four grown men and when we asked for "more salsa" I was up-charged $2 each time for the tiny portion of beans they refilled that we didn't ask for. If they're going to up-charge you for something that's usually complimentary they should at least tell you. And let's get some appropriately sized bowls for the salsa.
I then see on my bill they charged me $6 for chilis torreados. For those unfamiliar, they gave me three grilled jalapeños for $6. The jalapeños were not stuffed, coated or even sliced, they are simply slapped on the grill and roasted for few minutes and served. Other nice restaurants charge half that for chilis torreados...
We had separate checks and my bill was only for myself. Without tip it was $49 and change for a pork taco dinner, rice, beans, 3 grilled jalapeños, a coke and one normal margarita. I expect these prices and have paid them in DC, LA, NYC but not in Dickson, TN. This place is good - but not that good and it just pissed me off to be so overcharged.
If you want a great Mexican street food value. Go 30 minutes east and try Taqueria Don Carbon Express in Nashville. It is take out, but a delicious, authentic order of tacos de carnitas (pork tacos, rice, beans, 2 side garnish, two different hot sauces, costs $9 including taxes. Arguably the best Mex street tacos at the best prices around.
If you're going out to celebrate and splurge once in a while, then Las Delicias prices won't bother you that much. But if you're trying to frequent decent restaurants on a regular basis then watch out for this place.
I have no affiliation of any kind with any restaurant... read more