Mi Viejo is one of those places where you walk in thinking, "Let's just hope they have queso," and…read morewalk out thinking, "Well that was actually... pretty decent!"
Food:
The steak fajitas and Chimichanga Mexicana were both perfectly fine -- not life-changing, not flavorless. Just solid, no-frills Mexican food that does the job. The meat was seasoned well, which honestly makes up for a lot.
Salsa:
Now the salsa... I don't know what that was, but it tasted like it came from a can that lost a bet. Thin, flavorless, and a little sad -- like it wanted to be pico de gallo but ran out of ambition.
Guacamole:
I'm 90% sure it was squeezed from a tube and shaped like a sad little worm on the plate. It didn't taste bad exactly, but it definitely didn't taste like avocado either. It looked like it needed a hug and a better life.
Beer:
Major shoutout to the beer -- served in ice-cold mugs and at the perfect temperature. You'd be surprised how many places mess that up. Mi Viejo nailed it. I may not remember the salsa, but I'll remember that frosty mug like an old friend.
Service:
Fast, friendly, and no nonsense. Exactly what you want when you're just trying to eat your weight in chips.
Ambiance:
Cool vibe -- kind of a bourbon bar/sports bar hybrid. Lots of TVs with football on, dim lighting, and music at that perfect "I can still hear myself think" volume. Also, one cracked window, which was slightly concerning but added a little mystery to the place. (Like, what did happen there? A salsa revolt?)
Value:
Great bang for your buck. You won't need a loan to eat here, which is rare and beautiful these days.
Final Thoughts:
Is it the best Mexican food I've ever had? No.
Is it the best Mexican food within a 30-mile radius of a Dollar General? Probably.
Worth a stop if you're in town -- just skip the salsa, lower your guac expectations, and definitely get a beer.