really good mexican?

Hey Todd...where in AZ? I was born and raised there! Nothing compares to the Mexican food from there. I'm so glad someone asked this question because I would rather go to Taco Hell than most of the places around here. I wont set foot in Ernestos..bleck! I'll have to try La Rosita.

I'll second/third etc. La Rosita but might I also suggest Preston Highway (La Tapatia etc.) for the "real deal". As a general rule, when I walk into a place and it is packed with a spanish speaking crowd that looks at you funny....you're in the right place!! I lived in San Diego for 15 years and another 20 in the Bay Area and I generally judge "Good Mexican" by the Carnitas and the Chorizo and, if it measures up, I'll be back (you wan't all that weird pork grissel and a lime aftertaste, not fried, but slow roasted and melt in you're mouth heaven...). La Rosita measures up to my own standards (the Carnitas were great), but there are many other options if you are willing. Indeed, I just had carnitas at a little dive/market called El Burro?? (Can't remember the name exactly but it's tucked between Greentree mall and chainland in Clarksville?) and it was the real deal Anyway, Just thinking out loud. and good luck...

Las Gorditas! Quintessential Mexican street fare....the best kind.

After reading this thread, I have got to head to La Rosita on Monday!

tucked between Greentree mall and chainland in Clarksville

That's El Burrito De Oro Tacquiera, 1927 Greentree Blvd sharing a mini-strip bldg w/ a gas station, 285-8820, on the right hand in the 'curve' where Veterans Pkwy gets into Greentree Blvd . I've had really good tortas from there.
Like some other's who've posted, La Rosita is probably my fave but there are also a lot of little real deal places with limited or no English spoken in or near Clarksville like La Herradura, 615 Eastern Blvd., 280-8650. Seems like the north central metro & the south central metro are full of them and things they mostly have in common are they rarely or never advertise, do not have prominent signs & storefonts and/or are not directly on a major street. The latter makes them easy to miss driving around. You almost have to look for them the way you would for truffles.
Happy hunting.

Sante Fe off Third. There tacos are excellente. However, their chips and queso leave something to be desired.

Sante Fe off Third. There tacos are excellente. However, their chips and queso leave something to be desired.

Their tortas (esp. the chicken) and burritos are delightful, too. I only wish they had a liquor license. I always get takeout so my husband and I can enjoy the food with a beer at home.

Finally made it to La Rosita on Sunday for lunch. It was wonderful! Well worth the extra gas.
Delicious, I'm so glad i finally made it there. Can't wait to go back.
I've also heard Santa Fe is quite good.

I'll second/third etc. La Rosita but might I also suggest Preston Highway (La Tapatia etc.) for the "real deal".

David, we must be kindred spirits. I came in to the thread specifically to mention La Tapatia, as my wife and I are huge fans!

Las Gorditas, a.k.a. "The Gordita Trailer" which sets up at the corner of Bardstown Road and Watterson Parkway is, of course, a favorite of the Forum. And Pat and Esmerelda could use a little help right now, as Esmerelda broke her ankle (IIRC) a couple weeks ago. They weren't there on Monday, so I'm curious if anyone knows if they were there over the weekend (we were out of town).

Both places are very authentic -- even getting a big thumbs up from my grandmother-in-law, who is from Guadalajara.

We were planning to go to La Rosita tonight, but were concerned about crowds from Harvest Homecoming. Based on this thread we decided to venture out to La Tapatia instead. It was 30 mins drive for us, but really glad we did. Only gringoes in the place and they speak very little English, but they were very welcoming ( including two tequila shots sent to our table on the house) Food was great, prices were dirt-cheap, atmosphere fun. Check out their red sauce served with the food- I believe it's chipoltle/adobo - based, and it was outstanding- we loved it so much we asked to buy the bottle on our table. Definitely worth the trip!

Deb

I just want to add my endorsement to the long list of fans of Santa Fe. I finally got to check it out this weekend and I was very pleased! Unlike most other Mexican restaurants around that seem to be carbon copies of one another (much in the same way that most standard Chinese places seem to have an identical menu), Santa Fe really seemed like its own restaurant. So many things on the menu sounded good that I had the hardest time choosing. I finally decided on the combination of 1 taco, 1 enchilada, and 1 tamal with beans and rice for a mere $8.50. Hey, it was dinner time and I hadn't had an actual meal yet that day! Everything was delicious but the taco was my favorite. Just perfect. And the limonada was awesome too! I also loved their salsa, despite the lack of homemade chips. I also secretly like places that don't sell beer or liquor, because then my boyfriend won't be tempted to spend way too much extra money drinking. On top of their low food prices, the lack of alcohol really helps keep the bill low. I will definitely be back!

My vote goes to Santa Fe on 3rd as well. Their quesadillas are huge and delicious, and the price is difficult to beat.

Their chips aren't anything to write home about, but I am personally a fan of their queso. Its much thicker than what you find at most other Mexican restaurants, and has a nice tangy goat cheese flavor to it.

However, if I remember correctly they are a cash-only operation so be prepared for that.

My vote goes to Santa Fe on 3rd as well. Their quesadillas are huge and delicious, and the price is difficult to beat.

Their chips aren't anything to write home about, but I am personally a fan of their queso. Its much thicker than what you find at most other Mexican restaurants, and has a nice tangy goat cheese flavor to it.

However, if I remember correctly they are a cash-only operation so be prepared for that.

I need to get back to Sante Fe.

I've enjoyed Sante F'd food many times in the past, but rarely did I find myself going there. Until she took off for Spain, my gf would eat there on a regular basis. As she would often come from work to my place, I'd always end up with the extras in my fridge. Now I know Sante Fe's cheap, but there's nothing cheaper than a free 1/2 a burrito. I guess I'm now responsible for getting my own Sante Fe. And I'm going to have to pony up the money too. Luckily, the food is well worth it. I expect to be there this weekend.

My Patria
808 Lyndon Lane
502-339-9420

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IMHO I love love love El Mundos fish tacos! They are always perfect! Plus the nachos and the guac! It's just good.

Santa Fe, El Mundo, and Sol Aztecas are places that I visit regularly. Jade Palace for dim sum is a wonderful treat even for someone who enjoys traditional "employee meals" daily from Asiatique.

Mayan Cafe is authentic southern Mexican food (from the Yucatan Peninsula, where a large population of Mayans live), and it's really great. Exciting flavors, complex dishes. I am a bit biased, however. When my staff and I aren't eating there, we all really enjoy La Rosita. Their empapelados are a favorite.