Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant

Every now and then, your first bite of food at a new restaurant just makes you say "Damn!" This is one of those places. To begin with, the Margueritas were made from fresh ingredients, not a bottled mix, and DAMN, they were good! If you begin with ... more

Every now and then, your first bite of food at a new restaurant just makes you say "Damn!" This is one of those places. To begin with, the Margueritas were made from fresh ingredients, not a bottled mix, and DAMN, they were good! If you begin with these cocktails, GO SLOW. They're strong, not like the watered down nonsense at chain restaurants. You don't want your tongue numbed by booze, because the food is simply unbelievable.
Like most people, I expected hit-you-over-the-head spicyness. Instead, the seasonings were complex and mellow, allowing all the flavors to come through beautifully. There were two or three containers of hot sauces on the table, which tasted nothing like I'd ever had before in any Mexican restaurant. I finally asked the waitress if we could talk to the chef, to see if he walked on air, or was a mortal like the rest of us...cause DAMN...the food was great!
He explained that like most other cuisines introduced to America (Chinese food being a great example), Mexican has been simplified (bastardized?) to the point where we don't know what's the real thing. This is the real thing. Even if you have to come all the way from the West side of town, it's worth it. If you like your hair blown back by serious cayenne heat, I'm sure it can be arranged here, but it's not the pervasive undertone common in other Mex places.
We went on a Wednesday and got in without reservations. I don't know whether they take them or not, so call ahead if you go on a night that's traditionally busy. The restaurant's in an old house, with very warm atmosphere, and it's quiet enough to actually converse with your dining partners. Nice! less