Tienda Y Taqueria El Paraiso

I've lived in Shelbyville for about 11 years after living in NorCal and Texas and have always been disappointed in Fiesta Mexicana and especially Marimbas.  This place doesn't sell alcohol which would be nice but the owner can really cook.  As noted in another review, he makes it when you order it and from good and fresh ingredients.  Not the best Mexican food in the world but well above average and much, much better than the bigger, more popular places in Shelbyville.

Since I am originally from California, I have had my share of great mexican food. I am not into the fancy type and I prefer the hole in the wall variety. I read a review for Tienda and I thought it fit the bill so I decided to give it a try. I am sorry to say it was not very good. The refried beans were more like a thick soup, very strange and not very flavorful. The burittos and rice were cold. The enchiladas were not bad, but they were soggy, more like a mush than anything else. The server was nice though they seemed somewhat shocked to see my family come to their establishment. Guess they don't get many gringos?!

This place is right next door to the more noticeable, yet nowhere near as delicious, Marimba Restaurant. I urge you to try El Paraiso.

We grabbed one of the two outdoor tables on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, and were promptly served with the regular chips y salsa. But these weren't any regular chips- they were homemade and fresh, and the taste conveyed that. Do yourself a favor and ask for the hotter salsas; they've got a couple different kinds that they won't bring out unless you ask!

Our waitress was really nice and very patient. El Paraiso doesn't have the typical Mexican restaurant menu with a lunch special section. Everything here is made fresh and to order. How might I know this? Besides the fact that I asked, our entrees also took about 15-20 minutes to arrive. I always worry when the plates arrive before I'm finished exhaling after ordering.

I enjoyed the Pollo a la Plancha, otherwise known as the grilled chicken breast, accompanied by beans, rice, and ridiculously fresh and homemade tortillas. It's quite a good-sized serving, and I'd definitely recommend it.

There's also a decent sized store (tienda) inside; definitely worth a look when you go in to pay your bill. By the way, there's an odd quirk about paying with credit cards: you can't put down a tip to be charged to the card!

Looking forward to going back again and again and again. Marimba, you're dead to me.