Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant

I went to this "Mexican" restaurant with a few other people and it just wasn't good. My aunt got nachos that were no better than nachos you make at home.  My tamales were so awful. They were no more than 3 tamales that were old and stale which appear to have been frozen and microwaved. Awful selection on beer and booze.

I have traveled all over this country and this place by far is the worst excuse for food ever. My 8 year old could make better food. Just plain crap. Nothing was fresh in fact the chicken nachos were made from shredded canned chicken. Sorry to be so harsh but obviously this place is open because it's the only place around   I would never ever go back.

If you are looking for atmosphere in your dining establishment, then keep going. Ernesto's is pretty much a dive joint out in the middle of no where.

But, the food is very good and the maragaritas are, as they claim, "arguably the best on the planet."

Ernesto's makes theirs from scratch - no neon green, sickening sweet mix used here. They have the perfect balance of sweet and tart - and they don't spare the booze!

Ernesto's is a local yokel type place with a dedicated following - of which I am one. The wait staff is as friendly as can be - under the watchful eyes of the owner - Debbie.

I've yet to have any item on the menu that I didn't care for - including the Menudo. For a real taste treat - try the Enchilada soup. It is out of this world. I've even started ordering it and using it as a tortilla chip dip.

The chips and salsa are just to my liking. The chips are not too salty, good and crisp. But the salsas are something special - both the red and green. Ernesto's green salsa is unlike any you've likely had before. I'm told it is made primarily from green peppers with jalapenos and just a bit of onion tossed in. Some days it's on the milder side, some days it will make your scalp sweat.  I've duplicated it at home using the above ingredients so I believe what I was told of the ingredients is correct - though I add just a pinch of salt.

The cheese Ernesto's uses is not your typical faux cheese sauce most Americanized Mexican restaurants use. It is true cheddar cheese grated fresh. What a difference it makes.  

The sauce they use on their enchiladas is also unique - more of a spicy gravy than a sauce. It did take me a bit to learn to like it but now I'm hooked.

A very special item tucked away on the menu - Chicken Crispito - a very tasty item indeed. On the lighter side - no sauce, gravy or cheese - try the Fajita Chicken (or beef) & Vegetables Burrito. If you really need sauce on your entre, add some of their excellent salsas over the top.

Again, Ernesto's is not where you go for ambiance. But, as I always say - you can't eat the atmosphere. Give Ernesto's a try - and don't forget the exceptional margaritas!

Update 06-12-2012:

I should have come back here and updated my original review some time ago but, frankly, I forgot about it. We ceased patronizing this establishment about a year ago. When one of the primary cooks left, the food went immediately downhill. The owner saw fit to convert one of her over tatooed, heavily pierced bartenders into a cook.

Big mistake. The food is no longer edible. And, they have an apparent septic system problem here. When you walk through the door, you are hit in the face with the overwhelming odor of a non-functioning septic system. I grew up with one so believe me, I know what I'm talking about. I'd recommend you avoid this place - unless things have changed in the last year. I've heard from some who still go occassionally that they haven't.