Hotel Grande

Hotel Grande in Norfolk, NY is a very comfortable spot to enjoy some chips, icy drinks and Tex-Mex food. While it isn't the Southern California Mexican food we enjoyed until moving east some 20 years ago, the flavors are good, ingredients fresh, and service friendly. Interestingly, as I surfed reviews of the Hotel's main competitor in the area, Cactus Grill, this place gets mentioned, always as better than the Cactus Grill. We certainly agree on all counts.

The atmosphere is warm (working fireplace in back), volume level not loud, the bar is good--louder than the restaurant, as you'd expect. For larger parties, there is a "jail" area with a big round table, fun for those special occasions.

We have our favorite dishes: portobello mushroom quesadilla, chile rellenos, taco salad, burritos--dry or with red and green sauce, enchiladas, vegetable/portobello fajitas--They are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, custom-making dishes for us upon our request. Unlike the Cactus Grill, they use all vegetable oils for frying and in their beans.

It's not a big drive from Potsdam, Massena or Canton, and the price is right. We do try to get there on the early side on Friday or Saturday nights, as they do fill up, and reservations are only for large parties. Everyone needs to be there in order for them to seat you. The manager is almost always on premises, and the waitstaff are extremely helpful and attentive, especially when the place isn't filled to capacity--If the restaurant is full, be prepared to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and the companionship of your table-mates!