Craving authentic Mexican cuisine, we ventured to Mexican Gardens, a restaurant located on Eureka Rd in Southgate. What struck us immediately was how Mexican Gardens presents itself as an upgraded dining experience while retaining that classic, authentic Mexican restaurant charm. Having visited years ago, the expansion and remodeling were immediately noticeable, featuring a large bar area, multiple dining rooms, and an extensive menu that balances traditional favorites with seasonal specials, including Lent options. Let’s dive into the specifics of our lunch visit and see how Mexican Gardens rates.
Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5 Bites
The ambiance strikes a pleasant balance. It retains the warm, familiar feel of a traditional Mexican restaurant, yet the remodeled spaces offer a more modern and spacious dining environment. The addition of a large bar area suggests a lively evening atmosphere, contrasting with the more relaxed lunch setting we experienced.
Price: 3 out of 5 Bites
Prices at Mexican Gardens are slightly above what you might typically expect. However, this is justified by the restaurant’s size, upgraded environment, and the quality of ingredients. It positions itself as a step above standard casual Mexican eateries, reflecting in the pricing.
Quality/Taste: 4 out of 5 Bites
The food quality was a definite highlight. The flavors tasted authentic, and the use of fresh ingredients was evident. While there were minor points for improvement, overall, the taste experience was very satisfying and leaned towards traditional Mexican flavors.
Service: 3.5 out of 5 Bites
Service was efficient and attentive. Our orders were taken promptly and arrived quickly, which is commendable for a restaurant of this size. The staff was pleasant and ensured a smooth dining experience.
Wow Factor: 2 out of 5 Bites
While Mexican Gardens delivers a solid and enjoyable Mexican dining experience, it doesn’t necessarily offer a significant “wow factor”. It excels in providing a reliable and tasty meal in a comfortable setting, rather than pushing boundaries or offering highly unique elements.
Janet’s Choice: Bean & Chorizo Botana
Janet opted for the Bean & Chorizo Botana, a generous platter featuring refried beans and Mexican sausage, all smothered in melted cheese and topped with diced tomatoes, fresh avocado slices, diced onions, green olives, and green peppers. The botana was indeed huge, piled high with fresh toppings. The inclusion of salty green olives was a welcome and traditional touch, enhancing the savory flavors. The chorizo, with its salty and spicy profile, offered a flavorful alternative to the more common beef or chicken botanas.
Bean and Chorizo Botana at Mexican Gardens Restaurant
My Choice: Cheese Enchiladas
For my main course, I chose the Cheese Enchiladas. These consisted of corn tortillas dipped in a homemade chili sauce, filled with cheese, and topped with more melted cheese and the same flavorful homemade sauce. The chili sauce stood out, possessing an authentic taste that differentiated it from the sauces found at many other Mexican restaurants. It had a depth of flavor that spoke to a traditional recipe. While the rice was a bit dry and lacked seasoning, the refried beans were notably creamy and flavorful, complementing the enchiladas well.
Delicious Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Sauce at Mexican Gardens
Conclusion
Mexican Gardens successfully blends authentic Mexican dishes with a slightly more contemporary restaurant style. The service was efficient, and the food arrived promptly. While the prices are a bit higher than some might expect, this is reflective of the restaurant’s upgraded ambiance and overall dining experience. Mexican Gardens is a solid choice for those seeking a satisfying and authentic Mexican meal in Southgate.
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