The medium margarita on the rocks was exactly what you'd expect from a standard house margarita. It…read morewas balanced enough, but ultimately forgettable--pleasant, yet lacking anything distinctive or memorable.
The combo appetizer was largely disappointing and difficult to justify for the price. The chicken quesadilla was bland and desperately needed seasoning. The fritters were even more underwhelming, tasting primarily of fryer oil with no texture, depth, or discernible flavor. The lone bright spot was the chorizo-stuffed jalapeños, which were flavorful, well-prepared, and easily the best item on the appetizer platter. The accompanying chipotle ranch was also excellent and complemented them nicely.
The salsa, however, completely stole the show. It's still my favorite salsa anywhere in the Columbus area by a wide margin. The complimentary chips arrived warm and fresh, an often-overlooked detail that made an immediate positive impression.
The guacamole had a smooth, fresh texture but was noticeably under-seasoned and needed more salt. The portion size was also disappointingly small considering the price.
The combination plate featuring the chile poblano and steak chimichanga was the evening's biggest letdown. The refried beans tasted as though they had been scooped straight from a can, while the rice was one of the few successes of the meal--well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, and fluffy. The chile poblano was shockingly small, easily the smallest I've ever been served, and lacked any real character. The ground beef filling was bland, resulting in little more than a soft, flavorless mound. The steak chimichanga was equally disappointing in both size and execution. It was so small it looked more appropriate for a children's menu. While the steak itself was tender, it lacked seasoning and was excessively greasy. I found myself repeatedly pouring salsa over nearly every bite just to introduce some flavor to the plate.
The Plato Loco continued the trend of undersized portions. Once again, the rice was cooked beautifully, and the meat itself was tender, but the overall dish was remarkably bland. Nearly all of the flavor came from the cheese sauce rather than the ingredients themselves. On a positive note, the extra tortillas arrived piping hot, fresh, and delicious.
Unfortunately, the service mirrored the kitchen's inconsistency. Our server was largely absent throughout the meal. Drinks sat empty multiple times, our basket of chips often remained without salsa, and we repeatedly had to flag him down for refills and basic table service.
This restaurant was once my favorite Mexican restaurant in Columbus, which makes this visit especially disappointing. Whether the focus has shifted to the newer Phoenix City location or something else has changed behind the scenes, the difference is impossible to ignore. The generous portions that once set this restaurant apart have shrunk dramatically, and the bold flavors that kept us coming back have largely disappeared. Aside from the outstanding salsa and a few isolated highlights, this meal felt uninspired and poorly executed. It was a disappointing experience that leaves me questioning whether I'll be returning anytime soon.
