Raleigh Restaurant Review

Jibarra 327 W. Davie St., Raleigh
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This Saturday we enjoyed dinner at Jibarra, a downtown Raleigh restaurant, with the Restaurant.com certificate we bought a month ago. Jibarra is across the street from the Pit, in the redone depot building. Jibarra does have its own parking lot, which makes dinner here a lot easier than some places downtown. The restaurant atmosphere décor is casual modern. Our waiter informed us that Jibarra’s chef is professionally trained but is from Mexico, so the dishes are classic Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist.

We started out by ordering margaritas (which were amazing) and the guacamole sampler as an appetizer.

Guacamole Sampler

Then we ordered 2 entrees :a  taco plate and the California burrito.

Taco Plate

California Burrito

The New Yorker- All four guacamoles were amazing and different; all of them had some spice to them. We almost got full from eating an entire basket of chips with the guacamole. I ordered the chipotle- aioli fries as my side, and they were amazing but incredibly spicy. I couldn’t stop eating the fries, but because they were so spicy, it did affect how I enjoyed the burrito. I did ask for an extra side of the sauce, so I must have over indulged myself. I love spicy foods, and this was incredibly spicy. The burrito was good and I would order it again.

The Raleigh-ite- I enjoyed Jibarra; I love most Mexican food and would like to go back. I loved the guacamole sampler. It’s crazy they can make that many different unique yummy varieties .  The margaritas were excellent also. I ordered the taco plate with one Pollo al Carbon taco, one Tinga taco and one Atun taco. The Tinga was very spicy but I liked the flavor. The cheese on the taco attempted to cool it down. My favorite taco was the Atun tuna taco with peanut sauce. I really liked Jibarra, and when I ordered I asked for things to be mild, and they were still incredibly spicy. For me, it would be 4 stars if you could turn down the spice. So, if you like really spicy foods, Jibarra might be for you!

Do Over? I would go again with a coupon. The drinks were expensive and the food was really spicy, but with a coupon it’s definitely worth it.

12/11/2010- We ordered 2 Jibarra Margaritas, 2 Chipotle- Mango Margaritas, 1 Guacamole Sampler, 1 Taco Plate and 1 California Burrito. We had a Restaurant.com coupon for $25 off of $35.  Total: $80. We paid $55.

I think Jibarra has one of the best happy hour specials in Raleigh, so you might want to check out Jibarra’s happy hour if you are planning on going.

Related posts:

1. Taco Mexico
2. Sono Restaurant Review
3. The Pit

Raleigh Restaurant Review

Torero’s 1207-C Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; 4721 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh
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Torero’s is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Raleigh.

Torero’s has several locations: in Cary on Kildaire Farm road, in Chapel Hill on US 15-501, in Raleigh on Atlantic Ave, and in Carrboro on Highway 54.  The Cary location is dim with mediocre seating.

Some of our favorite appetizers to order are the Chicken Taquitos or Queso.

Torero's Chicken Taquitos

Queso

We have ordered the Taquitos Ranchero entree, the Fajita Burrito and the Grande Combo.

Taquitos Rancheros

Grande Combo

Fajita Burrito

The New Yorker – Torero’s has great Taquitos–they are ridiculous!! Excellent chips. Big portions. Very fresh. Anything with the shredded chicken is amazing.  I have ordered several burritos at Torero’s and I enjoy them all. I love the salsa–it has great tomato flavor.

The Raleigh-ite – Great Chicken Taquitos!!- A must order! Seriously though, the Chicken Taquitos at Torero’s are special. The Queso is creamy, spicy & delicious. The portions are huge here so consider yourself warned. Very fluffy Mexican rice. I thought the Taquitos Rancheros were only mediocre. They didn’t have the same flavor as the Chicken Taquitos appetizer. We have been to both of the locations above. The Torero’s on Atlantic Ave in N. Raleigh had a live Mexican band and a better, more lively atmosphere. The Cary Torero’s location has the same great food.

Do over? Torero’s is one of our favorite restaurants in Cary–I would drive across town for the Chicken Taquitos!! If you love Mexican like we do, also try Los Tres Magueyes.

7/13/2009- Mexican Monday. We ordered : 1 grande combo (beef enchilada, chicken burrito with rice and beans), 1 chicken taquitos, 1 order of queso, 2 margaritas. Total: $26.83

9/24/2009- We ordered: 9 Margaritas, 1 order of queso, 1 broiled chicken, 1 vegetable enchilada, 2 grilled cheeses, 1 grande 1 plate, 1 grande 2 plate. Total: $94.72

11/18/2010- We ate at Torero’s restaurant and we ordered: 1 diet coke, 1 order of queso, 1 order of guacamole, 1 order of Taquitos Rancheros and 1 Fajita Burrito. Total: $33.97

Related posts:

1. Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant Review
2. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
3. Los Tres Magueyes

Raleigh Restaurant Review

Fiesta Mexicana 2839 Jones Franklin Rd, Raleigh
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Fiesta Mexicana is located in the shopping center at the intersection of Jones Franklin road and Tryon road in Raleigh.

The New Yorker – I like the chips at Fiesta Mexicana; they are nice & thin. Refried beans are very good. Great margarita. Service is good. Nice place. We had the Texas Quesadilla, on a recommendation from a friend, and it didn’t disappoint. The quesadilla had steak, chicken and shrimp; it was HUGE-very filling.

The Raleigh-ite – Fiesta Mexicana has an excellent margarita, not too bitter–one of the best I’ve had for Mexican Monday. I don’t like the sauce on the enchiladas–it’s a thick brown sauce instead of a light red. I prefer the enchiladas from Los Tres.  Fiesta Mexicana is a  hole in the wall place, not my favorite but OK for a meal.

Do over? Fiesta Mexicana is very close to where we live in Cary but we drive the extra couple minutes to Toreros or Los Tres Magueyes every time we are in the mood for Mexican food.

7/20/2009- We ordered: 2 enchiladas, #5 (2 enchiladas, rice, beans), 2 medium margaritas, queso, 1 Texas quesadilla. Total: $44.10

No related posts.

Raleigh Restaurant Review

La Rancherita 2325 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
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La Rancherita is located right next to Crabtree Mall on Glenwood avenue in Raleigh.

The New Yorker – Good salsa and guacamole. The chips seemed very fresh and hot. It was an average portioned meal, compared to the huge servings at Los Tres. I had a combination meal with a chicken burrito and a cheese enchilada. I didn’t love the sauce on the enchilada. Great Margarita.

The Raleigh-ite – Don’t love the Mexican food at La Rancherita. I ordered the Enchiladas Rancheras and I didn’t love the sauce on top. I would prefer to go to another Mexican restaurant in Raleigh.

Do over?  We would eat here again for Mexican food if we are at Crabtree mall.

Our go-to Cary Mexican restaurants are  Los Tres Magueyes and Torero’s.

Related posts:

1. Torero’s Restaurant Review
2. Taco Mexico

Raleigh Restaurant Review

Taco Mexico 209 East Williams Street, Apex
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Taco Mexico is located off Hwy 55 in Apex.

So, tonight we wanted to try a new place for Mexican Monday. We drove to Taco Mexico in Apex because we read a couple of online reviews saying this place had the “best tacos in the area” and it was a hidden treasure. Not the case. The outside looks like a complete dive, and we almost just drove away because there were only 4 cars in the parking lot.  Actually, we did drive away, but drove back because we read good things about it.  We LOVE great Mexican food,  so we decided to give Taco Mexico a try.

The New Yorker- The chips tasted like they were out of the bag.   The quesadilla was the best thing I ate there. I will never eat at Taco Mexico again.

The Raleigh-ite -  The queso was different– spicy but good. The enchiladas were mediocre at best. Definitely won’t be making a repeat visit to Taco Mexico.  Majorly sketchy place.

Do Over?  Taco Mexico- never again. Los Tres Magueyes, Torero’s and pretty much every other Mexican restaurant in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex area that we have eaten at is better.

No related posts.

Raleigh Restaurant Review

Los Tres Magueyes 110 SW Maynard Rd, Cary
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Los Tres Magueyes is located in a freestanding building near the intersection of Maynard Road and Kildaire Farm Road in Cary.

The Los Tres in Cary has a really fun casual atmosphere.

Los Tres Magueyes in Cary

Every table gets chips and salsa.  And we always order a side of guacamole too.

Chips, Salsa and Guacamole

The New Yorker normally orders the Supremo Burrito.

Supremo Burrito

and this time I ordered the Sincronizada del Pollo.

Sincronizada de Pollo

The New Yorker – Los Tres has excellent chips, salsa, queso.  The salsa is not too spicy. Every time we go I can’t stop eating the chips; they are always hot when they get to our table and very fresh.

The Raleigh-ite – Los Tres Magueyes is GREAT Mexican food. Cool place–you wouldn’t suspect based on the outside appearance (it looks like the building used to be a drive through fast food restaurant), but it’s a very pleasant surprise. Perfect place to unwind–awesome Margaritas.

Do over? Definitely will be back. Los Tres is one of our favorite restaurants in Cary.  Los Tres Magueyes is a heavy meal, so go when you are hungry!

6/29/09 Visit We ordered- 2 Coronas, 1  chicken quesadilla, 1 cheese dip, 1 # 6 combo, 2 enchiladas- Total $27.65

Related posts:

1. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
2. Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant Review
3. La Rancherita

Raleigh Restaurant Review

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina 204 Crossroads Blvd., Cary
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Salsarita’s has  2 locations in the Triangle: in the Brier Creek shopping center in Raleigh and in the Crossroads shopping center in Cary.

Salsarita's Tacos

Salsarita's Chips

The New Yorker – I’m ready for Salsarita’s now. It’s always the right time for a couple tacos, especially the steak ones. The queso is good times. Forget taco bell or those other cheap brands. I love Salsarita’s. They also have Margaritas! Such a fan.

The Raleigh-ite – Salsarita’s is a great  fast food place for a quick meal. Very fresh ingredients. Love the tacos & queso.  Quesadilla is great too. Salsarita’s used to have a great seasoning on their chips, but now they have different chips without that seasoning and it makes me not want to eat here as often. UPDATE: They have brought the chips back!

Do over? Salsarita is one of our “go to” fast food places. If you like Salsarita’s Mexican food, you will love Torero’s and Los Tres Magueyes.

Related posts:

1. Torero’s Restaurant Review
2. Los Tres Magueyes
3. Taco Mexico