Tequila's Mexican Grill

We had not been here for at least five years, it had a different name then. We hadn't been impressed then. I saw an ad for the new name the other day, figured it might be new owners, so today we went for a 1PM lunch.

The outdoor patio is very inviting and looks like something from Puerto Vallarta. A bit chilly today for outdoor dining, we were seated in the equally inviting dining room. We were the only customers.

The gentleman waiting on us was kind, friendly and helpful. He suggested an organic Margarita, which was nicely presented and shaken table-side, it was quite good. More on the Margarita in a bit.

My wife ordered a salad and soup ($6 each), the latter of which our waiter said was very good. I ordered grilled fish tacos ($12).

The salad had a very good dressing, but the produce was not fresh at all. Brown tipped lettuce, stale carrots, she left the majority of it on the plate. The soup was not very flavorful, quite bland actually. It is unfortunate they choose to use chicken portions other than breast meat, it might have been better. They curiously add a good measure of cheese to the soup, which becomes stringy and difficult to eat when it melts.

My fish tacos arrived not resembling the menu description at all. i was expecting grilled tilapia with cabbage and a sauce, but received what can only be described as fish fajitas on tortillas. The grilled peppers were welcome, but not the onions, which I am not a fan of. The moisture from the veggies rendered the tacos impossible to pick up without the tortillas disintegrating, so it became a knife and fork. Fish was very tasty, as were the refried beans.

The waiter and a woman came by the table often to check on drinks and such. They were both very nice.

Just as we were thinking we would come by again, but just for drinks, chips and their tasty salsa, the bill came. I was quite surprised by the $15 charge for the Margarita. It was good, but not that good and the man who suggested it should have informed me it was that expensive. I don't care to pay more for a cocktail than my entree, especially at lunch.

We will likely not be returning anytime soon. Too bad, it really is an inviting place aesthetically.

This is our regular Go-To place and our FAVORITE Mexican restaurant in San Clemente! Everything is hand crafted on premises, from the tortillas to the Mole to the Tamales, Salsa and Flan! Wash it down with a premium Organic (Orgasmic?) Margarita or two and you've arrived at Paraiso in SC! Locals know and love this secret spot.

Yesterday, I found myself in San Clemente at lunch time.  SInce I don't know the area very well, I had a hard time deciding where to eat.  I happened to see Tequila's and thought it looked like a nice, quiet place to have my lunch.

I was pleased to have found such a wonderful place.  The service was great, very personal and the food was fantastic.  Best nachos I have ever eaten!  The patio was cool, even though the weather was very hot.

Now when I find myself in San Clemente for business, I know a great place to recommend for lunch.

Thank you for making my day so pleasant.