My adventure started out right after I got out of a wonderful and inspiring class taught by Dr. Kohn. Can you tell that he will be reading this blog? Anyways, my good friend Jack and I walked from the class to the restaurant in a matter or minutes. That is just how close this place is to the good old University of Georgia. Now, let me tell you that my first impression of this place wasn't exactly the best. The first time that I came to this place I didn't really get anything, and I only ate chips and salsa, so I didn't really get the full experience. This time however, I decided to get a steak quesadilla and a soft taco (without lettuce.) The way you order is a little different, since the place is also a bar you don't get waited on in a booth. You order at the bar when you come in, and it is more of a serve yourself kind of deal. Jack ordered the burrito to make sure we had different kinds of food to try. With every meal you get unlimited chips and salsa, so obviously Jack and I took advantage of this.
Before I go on, I have to tell you about their chips. Oh my goodness! The chips were freshly made, hot off the oven, and probably the best batch of chips I have ever had. I mean these things were so thick and crunchy I couldn't stop eating them. There are three different kinds of salsa; mild, hot, and chunky. The hot was a little too spicy for me, which is a challenge since I'm from New Orleans, and I don't really like chunky salsa, but the mild was perfect. (Jack, however, strongly recommends the chunky salsa and showed his enthusiasm for it by going up to get more about ten times. So if you like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro then that is the salsa for you.) However I do have a complaint. You may think I was exaggerating about Jack going up ten times for salsa, but that is the problem. I mean I don't mind serving myself salsa, but the little cups that you put it in are about the size of those little paper ketchup holders at McDonalds. I mean I could hardly get one of my thick chips in there to dip without breaking it apart.
Apart from that, the quesadilla was pretty good. If you get one you don't need to order a taco as well because they are pretty large and quite filling. The soft taco comes on corn tortillas, which is how they do it in Mexico and Costa Rica, but due to a series of unfortunate events, corn tortillas makes me sick to my stomach. My girlfriend told me if was good though! Jack's burrito was huge and was well worth it. After our meal, Jack and I headed off to Mr. Haircut (Jack's favorite place to get a nice clean cut) and then I headed to my next class.
Pros:
So just to give a little summary, I would say that Picantes is probably the best mexican restaurant downtown and within walking distance of the Student Learning Center. Of course I do have a few others to try out before I can say that for certain, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone that had a craving for mexican.
Before I go on, I have to tell you about their chips. Oh my goodness! The chips were freshly made, hot off the oven, and probably the best batch of chips I have ever had. I mean these things were so thick and crunchy I couldn't stop eating them. There are three different kinds of salsa; mild, hot, and chunky. The hot was a little too spicy for me, which is a challenge since I'm from New Orleans, and I don't really like chunky salsa, but the mild was perfect. (Jack, however, strongly recommends the chunky salsa and showed his enthusiasm for it by going up to get more about ten times. So if you like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro then that is the salsa for you.) However I do have a complaint. You may think I was exaggerating about Jack going up ten times for salsa, but that is the problem. I mean I don't mind serving myself salsa, but the little cups that you put it in are about the size of those little paper ketchup holders at McDonalds. I mean I could hardly get one of my thick chips in there to dip without breaking it apart.
Apart from that, the quesadilla was pretty good. If you get one you don't need to order a taco as well because they are pretty large and quite filling. The soft taco comes on corn tortillas, which is how they do it in Mexico and Costa Rica, but due to a series of unfortunate events, corn tortillas makes me sick to my stomach. My girlfriend told me if was good though! Jack's burrito was huge and was well worth it. After our meal, Jack and I headed off to Mr. Haircut (Jack's favorite place to get a nice clean cut) and then I headed to my next class.
Pros:
Thick crunchy chips, choice in salsa, unlimited chips and salsa, and pretty filling at an affordable price.
Cons:
Salsa bowls too small and you have to serve yourself (although, at least you don't need to tip anyone.)
Cons:
Salsa bowls too small and you have to serve yourself (although, at least you don't need to tip anyone.)
So just to give a little summary, I would say that Picantes is probably the best mexican restaurant downtown and within walking distance of the Student Learning Center. Of course I do have a few others to try out before I can say that for certain, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone that had a craving for mexican.
"Anyways" is not a word. Also, proof read before you post -- lots of silly errors and grammatical problems here. I also am a bit concerned by the folksy tone of your writing. I don't mind your trying to sound like ordinary people, but I think you can do it better. That said, you've made me want to try the place.
ReplyDeleteElements missing from your review: what else is on the menu? more detailed description of what you ate. Location? Hours?
Like the photo of the sign.
Love that chunky salsa.
ReplyDelete