I've read some mixed reviews of this place and would like to clear a few things up:
IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!
It's the best Mexican food I've had outside of Mexico.
Our waitress was an absolute sweetheart, very efficient and friendly.
I'm not a fan of mole sauce, so I asked for mine on the side, unless you absolutely LOVE mole, I would suggest getting yours on the side also. Â It is delicious. Â
Clean facilities, fabulous service, and excellent food in generous portions: Â this is the ONLY Mexican restaurant in town as far as I'm concerned! Â :)
I went to Mezcalito's last night for the first time. Â I really liked the look and feel of it.
It's always one strike when you have to pay for chips and salsa. Â I mean, it was only $3 but still. Â It comes with two types of salsa, but neither is anything special.
I had the steak enchiladas and they were drowning with what I think is mole sauce. Â I would not ever get this again.
The place was fine, but I don't think that I would go again.
Just writing an update b/c in my prior review I forgot to mention that Mezcalito's is dog friendly. Â
My bestie and I took my itty bitty furry nephew Luca there. Â We sat at a sidewalk table. Â (My understanding was that fur babies aren't allowed on their covered patio, but i could be wrong). Â Our waitress fawned over him. Â Brought him a bowl of water. Â And a little bowl of plain chicken, for which she didn't charge us. Â
Luca gives Mezcalito's 2 paws up!
While the food seems fresh and tasty, it is missing just simple salt and pepper. Maybe the chef intends for the customer to add their own. Regardless, I'll be back for the margaritas.
Great drinks...food's okay...and the decor is traditional. If I'm in the neighborhood, I'd stop by for a quick bite and drink, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there.
This place is the real deal! When I lived in Atlanta 5 years ago I was a 3 day a week regular, and I'm happy to say that since moving to Los Angeles, the food has maintained it's integrity of freshness and authentic flair.
To all you haters: you probably have never experienced real Mexican food, nor do you enjoy something that is made freshly with healthy ingredients. Mezcalito's does not coat their delights in butter, waste time adding sugar and nasty preservatives to their insanely good margaritas made with agave and fresh lime, nor do they use a single bit of grade B ground meat smothered in plastic cheese dip. If that's what you want... I suggest you go elsewhere.
What you will find is a lovely staff, the best Mexican food Atlanta has to offer, and a consistency of high quality menu items. So, open your mind and your mouth. This is gonna be a tasty ride.
Also... Vegans! You'll love this place. Ask for the any vegetarian entree sans cheese no problemo!
Mezcalito is an Oakhurt fixture by now - it's a place that has "stuck" in Oakhurt. VERY kid friendly earlier in the evening but as it gets later, more adult, fun vibe. We enjoy sitting at the bar, outside or on the "porch" when it's pretty. You can hear the music from Oakhurt jazz nights from there too on Thursdays in April.
They make a great salad - the dressing is light and delicious with pumpkin seeds adding a tasty touch. Add a taco or fish on top & you've got a meal. Good chips and salsa and they've added more traditional guac. Friendly servers.
I'm not a margarita drinker anymore but the Tororita and the Agaverita were once my favorites. If you stick with wine (like me) or beer, they have a good selection of beers and decent wine.
I have been 3 times and have still not found anything that I like.
The first time I got the Super Quesadilla, and it wasn't that great.
The second time, I went to the new location and got the Taquitos Dorados, which were awful. They were extremely sweet, which is not what I expected at all for chicken. I ate about half of one, and then just ate the rice.
The third time, I got the chicken enchiladas per the waitress's recommendation. Bad. They were drowning in salsa, and were cheap tasting, so I ate one bite. As I put it that night "It was not worth the calories."
The only pros are the fried plantains and the cheese dip.
Service was okay, not really bad, but not really great either.
The location in Oakhurst is kind of bland, but the new location is gorgeous.
Won't be giving it anymore tries.
My favorite taco plate around is one chicken one steak at Mezcalitos. Â The gold margaritas are a must have. Â On top of that, the patio is a great place to kick back and relax. Â Truly this is one of my all time favorite spots in Decatur. Â Oh, and order the special. I've never been disappointed.
Review Source:An interesting combination of good and indifferent. Â Regular Magarita was plain and I had to ask twice for salted rim, but Pisco Sour was good. Â
They charge $3.95 extra for chips and salsa and they didn't even offer it to me; I had to ask twice. Â
It was a Sunday, before 3pm, so I had brunch - Chilaquiles with eggs and chorizo, and it was excellent. Â Service was poky, Â Sitting outside I was largely ignored. Â
Too bad; I was really looking forward to a good experience.
If you're not looking for the greasy, El Azteca style Mexican, this is the place to go. Â It's got great decor and a perfect vibe for the Oakhurst neighborhood.
I've had a couple of the dinner specials, which were both fantastic. Â On the daily menu, I'd recommend the pork medallions and the fish tacos. Â Margaritas are a little pricey, but delicious and strong. Â The sangria is also tasty and slightly less expensive.
Drawbacks (certainly not deal-breakers): Be prepared to be overrun by kids on a Friday or Saturday night. Â But it's Oakhurst, so it's expected. Â I don't know what kind of corn chips they serve, but I'm not a fan. Â Seems like they could easily make/buy chips that don't taste like Tostitos.
Two words: Yum. E.
OK, so that's a word and a letter. Whatever. It works. I love this place! The ambiance is funky and relaxed, but also a little bit intimate which makes a small space seem a little more private than you would think. The chips and salsa are delicious (though they do charge), and the drinks (except water) come in cans or charged by the glass, but they're amazing so I'm willing to loosen my skepticism for a minute.
I'm a sweet tea drinker by trade, but they don't have sweet tea so I tried the... hibiscus(?) tea and it was like nectar-- very sweet but not overwhelming. The first time I came, the waiter refilled me without charge, but the second time they wanted to charge so I switched to water.
I've had the queso every time I've gone and it's wonderful-- I love the addition of chipotle peppers instead of just the go-to jalapeno or poblano. We're definitely chipotle addicts in our house and give this queso four thumbs up!
The quesadillas are delicious, and while you may think "how hard is it to screw up cheese and tortilla?" you'd be surprised... but these are chock full of veggies and come with the most delicious rice in the world! The soup on our last visit was a chicken soup, which was alright but I actually prefer the flavor to the one at The Matador over Mezcalitos. I have no idea which one is more "authentic" but the one at Matador tasted more like Buford Hwy to me.
Looking over the menu online, I don't see what I had to eat-- an absolutely amazingly delicious burrito with steak and goat cheese! I'm drooling just thinking about it and I'm stuffed from the dinner I just ate! On the side was a delightful house salad and more of that amazing rice. I think the rice has cilantro and jalapeno in it, but don't quote me, just try it for yourself.
Overall, it's a little out of my normal price range (thank you Scoutmob and Foursquare!) but we definitely will keep them in mind for a special date night out! Now, do yourself a favor, and go splurge on that steak burrito. I'll be waiting here for you...
This was some of the best Mexican food I have had in a long time.
We found parking on the street, just a short walk from the restaurant. Â There also appears to be parking in the back, but we opted for more well-lit, street parking. Â Safety first.
There was a little confusion when we went in, because there was not greeter or hostess nor was there a hostess station. Â So we just kind of stood there for a moment. Â Awkward.
But it only got better from there.
Someone greeted us eventually and we were seated in less than 5 minutes. Â I ordered a house margarita and vegetable tacos. Â Fried plantains was the appetizer. Â Everything was great. Â "Fresher" than average - if that's possible. Â I enjoyed the green rice - I think it had spinach added to it, so that accounted for the green tint.
The decor was nice. Â As I think about it, the terms cozy and authentic come to mind. Â The place was also clean (and you can't say that about every restaurant).
We used Scoutmob - but this was a full price experience. Â In fact, I would pay a premium for this. Â Whether you have a coupon or not - go. Â You'll probably see me there too.
I can't wait to return.
For the love of all things truly Mexican, please please serve pinto beans and use corn tortillas for tacos. Â I'm a purist, and grew up in El Paso, right on Mexican border. I know Mexican food and this just doesn't cut it.
The first paragraph is what I wrote initially and published, but I figured I owed it to the Cantina for a bit more detail.
Kids Menu - Only Quesadillas and small ones at that? Â That right there loses a star, more variety would be helpful.
Waitstaff - for an empty restaurant, our service was not good. Â Another star for that. Â We have two small kids (4 and 6), both ordered Shirley Temples. Â They brought the drinks filled to the rim of pint glasses. Â A little common sense would have been to serve the drinks in kid cups, I sent them back and asked for different container. Â I ordered a beer in a bottle, they brought a draft. Â
Food - As I stated above, no pinto beans, no burritos. Â Green rice which I'm told is good, but I can't stand cilantro (something my palet just will never like). Â Our tacos came with flour tortillas. Â In all the true mexican joints I've eaten at, as well as all the delicious home cooked meals back home used corn for tacos. Â Black Beans!? Â that's not Mexican, it's Central or South American, definitely not Mexican.
We had tried Mezcalitos a couple of years ago, and I vowed not to go back. Â I gave it another shot, and will not go back simply because of the food and service.
I'm with Tamara and the 3.5 stars, but I'm dropping it, because after a few visits, it's not a place I would return to. Trippy DOD art and mood-enhancing candle light. Mojitos are also nice.
Seems like everyone loves the fish tacos, but I thought the tilapia was frozen and chewy, so it would've been better hidden under a batter than naked like they do. Not fab. The steak taco was stuffed with meat. Salad had crispy, fresh lettuce, cabbage, pepitos, and a tangy dressing that was clearly housemade and a bit sweet. My man got the chicken enchiladas, which were delicious, but were a small portion for a guy who likes to eat.
Dulce de leche was light and sweet.
Chips=no comment.
Thanks, SMob.
Cheers~
I visited Mezcalito's with a friend after it was on Scoutmob. We sat at the bar in this cool little joint, and I dug the space right away. The bartender was excellent, perfect blend of service and letting us enjoy our meal, which is sometimes tricky when your customers are sitting right in front of you! We both ordered the steak, spinach and goat cheese enchiladas, which were excellent. The steak was super flavorful and tender, the goat cheese had just the right tang, and the sauce on top was so good I kind of wanted to lick it off my plate. Because I'm a civilized beast, I used the green rice instead.
I also had a caprihina which was alright, not the best I've ever had but still pretty good. And the fresh squeeze lime was a great counter point for the richness of the meal.
Overall, a great dinner, good service, and good value. I'll definitely be back.
Pros:
* Fresh tasting food, not incredible greasy or cheesy like other Mexican joints. Â I had the fish tacos and my husband had the chile relleno
*interesting menu with lots of traditional and non-traditional choices
*Currently on Scoutmob
*Friendly service
Cons:
* Chips and salsa are not free. Â We ordered guacamole which came with chips but the chip to guac ratio was too high and we ended up with a bunch of leftover chips and no salsa to dip them in
* Canned soda. Â I know I sound like a cheapskate here, but we prefer fountain drinks for the free refills
* Only seemed to be one waiter for the entire place
I'd give them 4 stars if the salsa was complimentary. Â I don't care about chips, but I prefer to drown my Mexican food in salsa, thank you very much.
We came in on a weeknight and this place was slammed, service was a bit slow but it was one guy serving most of the restaurant so I can totally understand that.
I got the steak / goat cheese enchiladas and they were great, the chile relleno is also pretty good.
Its kinda weird that you pay 4 bucks for chips and salsa, but all in all thiis is a pretty cool little spot. Ill definitely be back to try some more stuff on the menu, especially given how cheap everything is.
This has an authentic feel from the moment you walk in. Well, minus all the non-spanish people eating there but in that sense you get a trendy feel. Boom, two for one.
The food was delicious, I ate a chicken quesadilla that was accompanied with the epic looking and delicious tasting green rice and a salad while my girlfriend took down the enchiladas. The food came very quickly but there weren't any signs of fast cooked food on our plates, grease was minimal and presentation was excellent (I had an artistic splash of red salsa over my quesadillas with a perfect sourcream ball in the middle of the plate.)
Water is given to you in a wine bottle so you can serve yourself at the table, but still in a class way. Gotta love that.
Got the house margaritas, they were strong, so needless to say they were amazing. (Side note, my gf thought they were a little too strong but i'm gonna chalk that up to different strokes for different folks) But seriously, the drink was strong but had good flavor and the price ($21 for a pitcher of the house margaritas) is very reasonable for the amount you get.
Service was also very good, I have no complaints there. I think our server was Neil. He kept it real and didn't shy away when we asked him for a million things including an array of salsas/hotsauces which he gladly brought to our table.
That's $50.00 of my money Mezcalito's will never get again.
Let me start this by saying I'm not a fussy person. I will not write a restaurant off because of poor ambiance or slow wait staff. But let me expound upon why I will not visit Mezcalito's again, and opt for Matador across the square. Â
I wanted to like this place. I love Mexican food. I love margaritas. And I was excited to read the reviews on here of their margs.
So my husband and I ordered a $20-something small pitcher of margaritas. What came out was a small pitcher of tequila spiked ice water. Seriously. Now, like I said, I'm not fussy, so I squelched my inner restaurant diva and just accepted it. Some of you will roll your eyes at this, because you would be like girl please, send that pitcher back. Buuuut I'm a confrontation-avoider.
I digress. Another ding off the old restaurant scorecard: their chips and salsa are almost $4. Really? Are the chips made of saffron and gold specks? I just want some damn chips and salsa. Give your patrons a freebee, this aint the Ritz.
The food was good. It was fresh, it was more original than your usual Mexican combo #2 and as a fan of vegetarian options, I was impressed. Â My husband got the chicken enchiladas and loved them.
We had thought that the tequila water was forgivable, maybe they had an off night at the bar...but then we waited forever for our check. Take it from someone who usually gives waiters the benefit of the doubt, we were cartoonishly tapping our fingers by the time the check came.
Soo in summary--weak margs, decent food, high prices, bad service.
Total came to $50 (with tip) and I felt full, yet hollow inside.
I was a bit nervous when I was invited to dinner tonite in Oakhurst to begin with, as I've heard nothing of this area and all of it's changes, but wow. It changed me.
Green rice?! It is fantastic.
The chips were not greasy, not dry and not too heavy. Very good ones.
Fish tacos were great. Get them.
Veggie enchiladas? Get them too...
I have to go back to try the other goodies, but I really was impressed.
Thank you for turning me around.
I kind of hate this place. From the food to the service, it's easily the snootiest restaurant I've been to in Atlanta.
The staff is an assortment of mean white women.
I couldn't order a side of guacamole because apparently, it's made of fresh avocado and children's laughter, and as such, is too noble to be served as a side.
They don't serve sweet tea (I don't think they quite realize they're located in Georgia.), but they *do* offer some hibiscus abomination as a substitute (No free refills. This aint Applebee's.).
It's not Mexican food. It's not Americanized Mexican. It's not even Tex-Mex. I don't really know what it is. But the chips aren't free, the rice is green, and the margaritas are white (though, admittedly, strong as hell). You tell me what that is.
Not coming back here.
I live in San Diego so I know all about great Mexican food.
Or so I thought.
This Veracruz-inspired food was unlike ANYTHING that I've tasted. Â Every bite of your meal offers a different flavor, drawing from the layers of culinary artistry that is found on the menu at Mezcalito's. Â The meals stay true to their origin offering a crossroads of spices that permeate every meal. Â Whether the eye-opening Chilaquiles or something 'traditional' as tacos, the unique seasoning will have you tasting these for the first time. Â Again.
If you could take the indigenous flavors of the hoja santa, add Columbian flair, toss in a little Afro-Cuban and sprinkle with Caribbean flavors, you might - MIGHT - get the idea of what flavors await you. Â But why guess? Â Head out for a great meal at a quaint location and you'll discover what I did. Â Unfortunately, I am 2200 miles away and my first time eating there will probably be my last.
A big 'Thanks' to the girls that shared their Chilaquiles for a taste.
Came here on super bowl sunday so it was pretty empty. Never been to this area and its pretty cute. Inside is small, but well-decorated and fun. I felt a little bit claustrophobic at times with everything going on but it wasn't really an issue.
We shared blueberry and pomegranate margaritas. Both were really strong and strange and  the flavorings tasted slightly artificial although they looked fresh. The pomegranate one had a slight test of peppers or something odd. Neither tasted like pomegranate nor blueberry. I probably wouldn't order them again or I'd just go for the classic.
Chicken Enchiladas were AMAZING. the pulled chicken is so good and the sauce is perfect.
Fish tacos were alright. Filling is a grilled, shredded fish and the sauce is good.
Fried plantains were really good but its hard to mess this one up.
Service was super friendly and nice. This place looks like it could have great potential at night and I will definitely have to check it out again over a weekend.
3.5 stars, really. I came to Mezcalito's with a few of my girlfriends for dinner on a Wednesday night. We were seated quickly and given water (no ice, holla!!) without asking. The restaurant is super, SUPER cute. Really nice date spot--it's very ambient, with low lighting and candles and many well thought out decorative touches.
Bottles of wine are half-price on Wednesdays, and we were given a pretty hard sell, but we declined. I ordered the vegetable enchiladas, sin queso. I was raging hungry; we ate around 7:30 and I didn't have my usual afternoon snack. The food came quickly enough and was well-presented, for the most part. My plate was full and colorful, with two enchiladas and a scoop of (green! yay!) rice on one side and black beans on the other. Sharon S.'s tortilla lasagna was served in a cute ceramic hot plate, but Camilla M's quesadillas looked a little sad. The menu definitely said they were served with rice and beans, but they came out without. She asked the waiter, and he brought her a plate of rice, which she was charged for.
My food was delicious--tons of sauteed veggies were wrapped inside the quesadillas, the sauce was yummy, and the black beans and rice were really flavorful and tasty. It was sort of hard to get full because I was so hungry when I ate, but that's my own damn fault for not pre-gaming dinner.
Service was just okay. I was a little bummed out by the microwave with a Wendy's sticker in the kitchen, of which I had a clear view from my seat. That little microwave got a pretty good workout. I don't quite know how they came upon a Wendy's microwave (sketch, if you ask me) but they should either (ideally) stop using a microwave, or at least move it out of the view of customers.
We had a Scoutmob, which was cheerfully applied, and therefore the meal was really inexpensive, and also so, so tasty. I plan on coming back.
The other night I got caught up watching Freaks and Geeks despite my howling stomach, and didn't get to Mezcalito's until about 8:30. In order to quickly calm my hungry hysteria, my boyfriend surged toward the first available slots at the bar. Our Ecuadorian bartender fixed me a muscular Pomerita and quickly fulfilled our request for chips and salsa, maybe because he saw how unpleasant and famished I had become.
I inhaled my lamb taco special like a Dyson vacuum cleaner with the finest cyclone technology. The succulent meat compensated for the corn tortillas (I prefer flour) and lack of cheese. Along with the two tacos came a heap of rice and a bowl of spicy tomato soup.
My boyfriend seemed to enjoy his bean chilaquiles, although the huge dollop of sour cream upset his stomach.
The decor at Mezcalito's is up my Hispanic alley: skulls and colors á la Day of the Dead. Plus, there's a mural in the women's restroom asking for forgiveness in Spanish for not being perfectly clean, or something like that.
This is one of two Mexican restaurants in Oakhurst, just outside of Decatur. This restaurant is slightly more expensive, but with an infinitely better atmosphere and probably higher quality food. Â
Food: everyone loves the Mexican tortilla lasagna. Â I would recommend you add either chicken or steak. Â Or better yet - they let you do half and half! Â Really tasty. Â I also recently had the chicken enchiladas which were really good. Â Chips and salsa plus cheese dip are nice appetizers.
Drinks: they have a full bar and make some stiff margaritas. You can buy by the glass, a full pitcher which satisfies 11 people or a half pitcher for about 5 people.
Ambiance: you feel like you are inside a little restaurant in a small Mexican village. Â The place is decorated really well down to the bathroom. It is generally dimly lit, offering you a more intimate atmosphere. Â Great for dates; less great for kids. Â
Staff are all friendly. The waitress remembered six of our orders (with our substitutions) without writing anything down. Â
Parking right in front of the restaurant can be challenging, but there is a huge lot across the street.
I definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a slightly more authentic Mexican restaurant with an intimate setting.
This is probably the prettiest Mexican restaurant I've been in. Â It's very cozy and romantic. (Next time I'll bring a date.) The music was good as well - actual Spanish music, not rock or Top 40. Â
I had the Tororita which is made with silver tequila, citronage, and lime juice. Â It was quite good - reminding me of margaritas I've had in Mexico. Â
I had the queso with chipotle and without the chipotle, it would have been a very bland cheese dip. Â I doubt if I'll order it again.
I also had the grilled steak taco with pico and chipotle. Â The beef was well-seasoned and cooked well. Â And I had the grilled pork taco w/ chipotle bbq sauce. Â I was skeptical of the bbq sauce, but it was lightly applied and added a nice surprise to the pork. Â
I didn't feel rushed to finish my meal so they could flip the table which is saying a lot considering that this is a relatively small space. Â The service was good, a little slow sometimes, but not unreasonable given the number of customers and servers.
Parking is tight in this area with all the restaurants and businesses. Â There is a small lot in front, and I do not know if there is parking in the back. This might frustrate you on a busy night in this area.
I'm looking forward to visiting this restaurant again and trying some other dishes on the menu. I like the vibe this place has and that it's possible to have a relaxed meal here.
So so good! Â This was my second time eating at Mezcalito's and I think it may be my favorite Mexican spot in town. Â The food is great and the decor of the place is original and artistic (READ: no Mexican hats and random chachkies I've grown accustomed to in Mexican restaurants). Â
The first time I ordered a pear mojito which was a great balance of sweet and tart with chunks of lime and mint crushed into a beautiful medley in my glass--along with a splash of pear flavor. Â I felt nice and toasty after my first glass. Â I shared the Mexican chilaquiles ("tortilla lasagna") which hit the spot on a cold, windy day. Â It was gooey, cheesy goodness--made with layers of tortilla, chicken, beans, and green verde salsa. Â The dish was served with chips, which made the "lasagna" more like a dip rather than a casserole. Â
The second time around I ordered the enchiladas. Â I asked the server if he preferred the chicken, steak, or veggie enchiladas, and he suggested I order a combination, suggesting 1 chicken and 1 steak enchilada. Â I love when places accommodate to my indecisive palate. Â The steak enchilada was stuffed with chunks of steak and spinach, topped off with crumbs of goat cheese and a red sauce. Â The steak was tender and well seasoned, although I think the enchilada could have used more goat cheese-- I really couldn't taste it which was a bit of a disappointment. Â The chicken enchilada was more balanced in flavor-- stuffed with pulled chicken, Monterrey jack cheese, and topped with a tomatillo salsa and red sauce. Â So nice to have enchiladas not swimming in grease from the cheese.
My dining partner had the fish tacos which may be some of the best fish tacos in town (although hard to beat Six Feet Under). Â The smoky chipotle sauce was a perfect combination with grilled fish and crunchy slaw. Â
All in all, I am looking forward to coming back and continuing to explore the menu.
All I can say is "wow" and why haven't I heard about this place before? Last night was one of those unplanned evenings - basically a run to the Dekalb Farmer's Market to prepare for the Christmas day dinner, which turned into the inevitable questions "where should we eat?" - we almost ate at the market (which is very good if you haven't tried their cafeteria) but decided on mex-variant. A quick trip to the ScoutMob app and I ran across a 50 off coupon for Mezcalito's - not too far from the market so let's go there?
We cut across the back way, first along Ponce, then across to Lake - ended up nearly across the street. Parking was packed along the building, but there was plenty in the lot across the street (fabulous Mid-Century facade on an old retail space - maybe a furniture or variety store?). In any case, when we walked in there were two empty tables, with more in the enclosed exterior space to the right. We opted to sit in the main and started looking at the menus (there were two, the food menu and a small framed drink menu on the table - which I couldn't read in the dark interior - note to restaurant, 8 pt bold face type is hard to read in dim lighting).
We ordered a pair of mojitos which were quite good - short glasses rimmed with sugar. For an appetizer we went with the Cheese Dip with Chipotle - it was good but rather a disappointment - the chips were thick cut and very crispy, but the dip itself - we both had expected a bit more spice, or at least some smokiness imparted by the chipotle - I think a stronger flavor is implied so it was a bit of a let down. 3 stars here.
For dinner I ordered the special "Fish Flautas - Three flour tortillas stuffed with grilled tilapia, beans, onions, tomatoes and cilantro, topped with creamy pico de gallo sauce and served with green rice and black beans..." (taken from their FB page) - I thought these were really exceptional. I especially liked the very aromatic pico and the lightly fried shells added to the dish. I give this 5 stars.
My dining companion had the Taco Special (two tacos, rice and beans for $9.95) and selected the Grilled steak with pico and chipotle; along with a Grilled fish taco with chipotle slaw. Of the two the steak was really exceptional - we both thought the portions were slightly light (but then it's difficult to compare to the restaurants on BufHi as they tend to really pack in the meats). If you're looking for Fish Tacos I think Pure still has one of the best combinations. 5 stars for the beef taco, 4 stars for the fish.
The black beans were terrific and the green rice, while unusual was some of the best Latino rice I've had. I expected it to have a heavy cilantro or parsley earthiness due to the color but it had neither - just good mildly seasoned rice that created a good foil and well complimented both the beans and the fish flautas. But how do they get it that brilliant veridian?
The overall flavors of the plates were atypical of your common TexMex or even MexMex - I believer there's an Argentinian influence - I wanted to try the Cuban sandwich and that may be what I order the next time. The service was fantastic - the staff was very attentive and fast, with all the food coming out piping hot (when appropriate) and in a very timely manner. We'll be coming here again.
If you're looking for your standard Mexican fare, spot on service, no waiting for a table, sugary margaritas and free chips and salsa as soon as you sit down, this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a neighborhood joint with great food, a cozy atmosphere, and an incredibly nice wait staff, you will find it at Mezcalito's.
My rock-climbing buddies and I have been regulars at this place for over two years. It is our go-to handout for post-climbing grub, birthdays or Saturday night margaritas.
The wait staff is not always on the ball, but they make up for it with character and great personalities. The food is excellent and unique. Very fresh and the portions are generous. The Monday night special of Chicken Taquitos is HEAVEN.
I have never taken someone here who didn't enjoy themselves!
This place is a very solid restaurant. It is a much better Mexcian restaurant than Matador across the street. Well-decorated and cozy inside, I feel very comfortable eating here. It has both a great neighborhood atmosphere and the quality of a restaurant to draw people from all around.
The service is always great, with friendly and prompt servers. They are also very accommodating to families, which is a plus (though pretty standard for the area).
The food, while not the best, most authentic Mexican, is very good. We have even ordered take out (and you can get delivery with Zifty). On any given night when I don't feel like cooking, this is always an option.
Probably my favorite thing is the vegetable enchilada, which is big enough to feed my whole family (though, I always finish it!). Margaritas are good (I don't like margaritas), and the sangria is great!
Once I ate there once, this place became a "staple" in my local rotation.
A few months ago they updated their menu. WOW! For casual, non-tapas style Latin food, Mezcalitos is the best! I had the Pescado Mezcalitos - a very, very good dish. The pepper sauce (Guajillo I believe) on the fish was amazing. The mashed potatoes were also very good and well spiced.
My pallet profile:
- The Bone Garden Cantina is my second favorite casual, non-tapas Latin restaurant.
- I don't think Nuevo Loredo Cantina is anything more than a glorified, over hyped "El Toro".
I recently moved from Grant Park to East Lake so I'm a little overwhelmed with the new bevvy of local eateries. Â Consequently, I've already begun to settle into habits like trekking over to Oakhurst instead of heading into Decatur proper.
Anyway, I've been to Mezcalitos twice now and I've been pleased with both visits. Â I like the bohemian, "it's carnival year-round" feel inside. Â It reminded me of the market in San Antonio a little with all the scary masks and "DÃa de los Muertos" vibe. Â And forgive me if I've just managed to jumble like 10 different traditions and holidays - my degree in German is of little use, and this is no exception.
Moving on...
Both meals have been quite tasty, perhaps a step above my "standard" experience with Mexican food (which can be equally satisfying - see my review of Matador). Â I'm underwhelmed by the small menu but the choices seem to cover all the major bases, at least for me, and i suspect they'd be willing to whip up something special if you asked really nice. Â Soup, Salad, and meat options = a pig, satisfied. Â I ain't no Socrates when it comes to food, y'all.
There are two kinds of margaritas here, both of which i was able to sample. Â Basically, you've got a blanco and anejo option. Â The "gold" is more like a Texas, and both were what i like to call "muay fuertes." Â Frozen option? Â Not so much.
The staff has been blissful and helpful and it seems that despite being a small restaurant they seemingly double in size during the warm months judging by the slew of tables peppered outside. Â I can't wait until these storms sort out and i can drink mas after del sol takes a siesta. Â
**ponders how biblioteca and baño could be relevant to this review**
To date I've had the Cuban (Havana Sandwich) and the Enchiladas, both exemplary and with excellent meat. Â They seem to dig the green rice here, the contents of which escape me but are detailed on the menu if you're interested, confused, or suffer from Chlorophobia. Â Seems to be something like puree of spinach, cilantro, and poblano.
If you're in Oakhurst, East Lake, or Kirkwood i think giving Mezcalito's a shot is worth the trip. Â Call me a billygoat, but i dig this spot. Â See ya there (figuratively, silly, we haven't even met!)
I just love Mezcalito's. Â Admittedly, it's mostly the guacamole that has my heart, and admittedly, the last time we ate there we had two orders. Â For all two of us. Â I'm just trying to keep it honest, here.
The restaurant is super-cozy inside, and outside, they've built themselves the most lovely little grotto of a patio. Â I'm not really a margarita drinker, but I've heard good things about theirs. Â I love the punched-up sangria and the beer list has some interesting, less-common Latin and South American choices. Â The food is fresh, unique, and delicious, with a good number of vegetarian options. Â I love that I can order just a small quesadilla (I like the spinach & goat cheese best, but the veggie quesadilla's pretty tasty too). Â It's an overstuffed small tortilla, folded in half. Â That portion is perfect after I've singlehandedly polished off an entire bowl of guacamole (oops).
We came to check this place out after receiving a $10 gift certificate in a "welcome to the neighborhood!" mailing. I love the whole Oakhurst Village neighborhood and it's just a one mile walk from my apartment, so I was happy to visit this restaurant.
The decor inside is really warm and fun -- eclectic artwork, exposed brickwork, burlap-covered ceilings and candles burning in the bathroom. There's a bar, a line of indoor tables, and outdoor seating as well.
The menu is small but covers most of the Mexican basics -- tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas. They also have Cuban sandwiches and rotating specials. My golden margarita was not the best marg I've ever had, but it tasted good if a little watery. Other drinks on the menu like mojitos by the pitcher, sangria "with a kick," and the ever-delicious caipirinha have inspired me to try other offerings from the bar later. I ordered a "super" veggie quesadilla, which comes with a salad and green rice. The quesadilla alone was pretty standard, but the rice was flavorful and unique (seasoned with cilantro and peppers), and I LOVED the salad. Tasty greens, pico de gallo, a sweet/spicy dressing, and yummy toasted pumpkin seeds were so much better than the pathetic shredded iceberg that too often accompanies a Mexican meal.
I'd go back just for an entree sized version of that salad, maybe with a side of fried plantains (didn't try this time, but I love them in general).
Exactly what I needed to find. Â This little gem of a mexican cantina was right here in my neighborhood all along, and we only stumbled into it after a we-have-nothing-in-the-fridge attack.
My chicken enchilada was pretty near perfect, the drinks were good and kept coming, and our server was super friendly and attentive.
Had a nice Friday evening dinner outside here this past weekend. Â I'm glad we did sit outside, because I don't think the air was on inside. Â That's not good at a mexican place! Â We started with the cheese dip and it was fine, not the best I've ever had. I got the pork special and it was very good, but not great. Â It lacked flavor that would have put it over the top...I think it needed some cilantro. Â My wife's taco plate was very tasty...I snuck a bite or two when she wasn't looking. Â Overall, it was a very nice dinner with good service to go with my good margarita. Â I look forward to going back and trying a few other things on the menu. Â Oakhurst is a fun place to sit outside on a friday night and Mezcalito's fits in nicely.
Update: Get the Super Quesadilla.
We still call this place "Billy Goat Cantina", which was its original name. After that, it was called "My Cow's Cantina" for awhile, which is a terrible name for a restaurant. We keep hoping they'll switch back to Billy Goat, but no luck yet.
Thankfully, while the name of the place keeps changing, the quality of the food and the experience do not. First off, they get margaritas right (as long as you get the "gold" - the "silver coin" is just that: second best). They do this by a) not serving frozen ones; b) not making them sweet; and c) making them quite strong.
Second, they have great gazpacho - it's a little different, creamy, almost, well-pureed, and with a little heat. I'm not a fan of gazpacho that's chunky... it's like a soup masquerading as a meal. Food should decide what it is and be that. Billy Goat's gazpacho decides nicely.
Third, the tacos are great. I always get the steak and fish taco "special", which comes with rice and beans. The tacos have good sauces on them, and the meats have a nice grilled taste. I hear the other things on the menu are good too. We literally have been going to this place about once a week for the last three years, and I've ordered the steak and fish tacos about 97% of the time.
Lastly, they have this dessert item called the "pot of chocolate" which is basically an espresso cup filled with some kind of chocolate mousse served warm and a couple cookies. It's delish.
When you go here, and you should, make sure to ask them to change the name back to "Billy Goat".
I haven't been to a lot of different Mexican restaurants in Atlanta, but of those that I have tried, Mezcalito's is my favorite.
The best dishes that I've tried are the fish tacos and the chile relleno. Â The chile relleno has a wonderfully rich charred flavor which you might not expect from such an unassuming restaurant. Â They've also got tasty rice and beans (lard-free!) and guacamole.
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