Iowa City’s dining scene welcomed a new contender when Avocado Mexican Bar and Grill opened its doors. Taking over the location previously occupied by Okoboji Grill, this establishment promised a fresh take on Mexican cuisine. While eager to explore new culinary landscapes, my visit revealed a mixed bag of experiences, prompting a closer look at what Avocado brings to the table.
Stepping into Avocado Mexican Grill, the first impressions are undeniably positive. The service is swift and delivered with a smile by a friendly staff. For sports enthusiasts, the numerous TVs strategically placed around the restaurant are a definite draw, broadcasting games and even daytime staples like “Wheel of Fortune.” The drinks menu is also noteworthy, boasting an extensive selection, including the impressive five-liter tritones – perfect for sharing beer or margaritas with a group. These octopus-like dispensers become a centerpiece for any gathering, offering a novel way to enjoy drinks with friends. In fact, for those seeking a vibrant spot to watch a game and enjoy drinks, Avocado could be a solid recommendation.
And then there are the bunuelos. These fried dough disks are a highlight, achieving an exceptional crispness and infused with a delightful cinnamon-sugar flavor. The generous drizzle of thick, molasses-like syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice cream create a comforting and texturally interesting dessert. Despite the slight challenge of navigating the syrup on a chilly day, the combination of flavors and textures in the bunuelos is genuinely enjoyable and memorable.
However, venturing beyond the drinks and dessert, the culinary experience at Avocado Mexican Grill takes a turn. While the restaurant excels in service and atmosphere, the food, unfortunately, falls short of expectations. In the months since its opening, much of the cuisine served lacks vibrancy and a distinct flavor profile. Spices are muted, textures are uninspired, and the dishes, while edible, seem to exist merely to fill a void rather than to excite the palate.
On a recent Tuesday evening, accompanied by my trusted culinary companion, Austin Simpson, a University of Iowa graduate student, we decided to give Avocado a try before catching “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at the nearby Sycamore Theatre. Arriving around 6:30 p.m., we were met with a surprisingly bustling scene, reminiscent of a pre-Super Bowl rush. Despite the restaurant being nearly full, we were promptly seated at a booth, and the complimentary chips and salsa arrived quickly.
A basket of complimentary tortilla chips with a side of red salsa, a standard offering at Mexican restaurants like Avocado Mexican Grill in Iowa City.
Perusing the menu, we found the familiar staples of Mexican restaurants: fajitas, quesadillas, margaritas, tacos, and combo meals, alongside some less traditional options like cheeseburgers. The prices are notably affordable, with the majority of the menu items priced under $10, making it an accessible option. However, this price point is not unique in Iowa City, where similar Mexican restaurants offer comparable value.
Our order included seafood nachos, enchiladas Mexicanas, a beef taco, a burrito grande, and, of course, bunuelos. The seafood nachos, featuring chunks of fish and crab atop corn tortillas, were presented with muted queso dip, guacamole, and pico de gallo. While arriving within ten minutes, the flavor profile was underwhelming. The dominant taste of salmon overshadowed the other components, and the cheese was barely discernible. The dish was further hampered by an insufficient quantity of chips, leaving us with toppings and no vehicle to enjoy them.
A plate of seafood nachos, featuring toppings like fish, crab, queso dip, guacamole, and pico de gallo on corn tortillas, as served at Avocado Mexican Grill.
The swift service continued as the rest of our meal arrived shortly after the nachos. While efficient, the speed did not compensate for the lack of flavor in the dishes that followed. The beef taco, filled with beef, lettuce, and a generous amount of cheese, tasted surprisingly like a Maid-Rite taco, a local loose meat sandwich. The beef lacked any distinct seasoning, the lettuce was wilted, although it did boast a substantial amount of cheese and a crunchy shell.
Austin echoed similar sentiments regarding his enchiladas Mexicanas, describing them as largely flavorless. The vibrant notes of cilantro, onion, chili, garlic, or oregano were notably absent. The dish simply lacked any defining Mexican spice or zest.
The burrito grande, touted as a 12-inch tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, ground beef, and lettuce, also proved to be a disappointment. The culprit, once again, was the flavorless beef. While the beans and rice attempted to contribute some taste, they were ultimately unable to rescue the bland burrito. Even a generous topping of melted cheese couldn’t salvage the dish. A smattering of fresh lettuce and tomatoes on top offered a slight textural contrast and hint of freshness, but the burrito remained fundamentally uninspired.
Thankfully, the redeeming quality of the bunuelos provided a positive conclusion to the meal. Without them, our experience at Avocado would have ended on a decidedly sour note. As we left Avocado, heading towards the movie theater and our cinematic journey to a galaxy far, far away, Austin and I concurred: Avocado Mexican Grill possesses potential, but it desperately needs to inject more spice, zest, and kick into its dishes. The current offerings simply do not deliver a satisfying or memorable culinary experience.
Avocado Mexican Grill undoubtedly has appealing aspects: fast and friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and a tempting drinks menu. However, to truly thrive and cultivate repeat customers, the restaurant needs to focus on enhancing its food. Investing time and effort in developing flavorful, well-seasoned dishes is crucial for Avocado to become a destination for more than just drinks and quick bites. Until then, it remains a spot with promise yet to be fully realized in its kitchen.
