Mexican Restaurants (Homewood, Pelham, Irondale: condo, buy, food)

[dustrocks]

Alas, I'm still searching for a Mexican restaurant that approaches the quality of those in Texas. We've tried many but all the local ones seem to have cookie cutter menus and unseasoned meat in the tacos and enchiladas. Some we've tried are La Brisa (not too bad), Cocina Superior (don't bother with the puffed tacos - not the real thing), Habaneros, Amigo's, and Iguana Grill. If anyone knows of a good one, please let me know!

[jakabedy]

Try Superior Grill out on 280. It's Tex Mex by way of some New Orleans ownership/management. Cocina Superior is it's fancy little sister, but the place on 280 is more, well . . . normal. But don't go on Thursday night as the bar is packed with singles.

There is also La Paz in Crestline Village (Mtn. Brook).

Mexico Lindo was at the Hollywood Blvd. exit off 280 and it was very interesting. That building kicked everybody out in anticipation of building a condo highrise that never happened. I don't know if the resturant popped up somewhere else.

If you like Tapas, try Sol y Luna in the Lakeview area.

[rawrockills]

Iguana Grill is one of my favorites...

But if you're looking for something else definitely try Sol Y Luna. The establishment I frequent the most is Cozumel Grill in Pelham but it's probably pretty standard fare.

[HipLib]

Acupuco on Greensprings is pretty good, as is Villa Fiesta in Irondale.

[bluebeard]

Gordos on Valley Ave has a decent taqueria.
I have yet to find much decent Mexican food here. It's all filled and smothered with cheese. Often with crummy ground meat.

[dustrocks]

Thanks for the replies. Thanks, bluebread, I'm with you on the meat factor. I know a lot of folks will wonder at the statement that sometimes a lot of meat isn't a good thing, but I like to taste a decent sauce and the tortilla too. Not unseasoned ground beef - heck even Taco Bell puts something in the meat! Too much cheese isn't a good thing either. I've eaten some outstanding tacos that didn't have any at all. If you are ever headed towards New Orleans and go through Hattiesburg, try the Mexican Kitchen. It's authentic and been there for about 40 years. Take the exit for Hwy 49 N and it's about 1/4 mile behind Stucky's. I'll have to try Gordos!

I've tried Superior Grill (not even in the running - spoke to a Mexican waiter there about where to find a good Mex restaurant - he laughed and said he was still looking for one too.), La Paz about on a par with Superior. I think so far, La Brisa (outstanding guacamole as well as seafood tacos) on John Hawkins is the best I've found with Sabor Latino (best rice I've had here) a close second. I do like the Spanish tapas restaurants and hope to try Sol y Luna soon. I tried La Mesa and it was worth a repeat but it isn't Mexican.

[pvjd]

Iguana Grill, La Fiesta, Habanero's, and Maria's. All consistently good.

[Mark11]

Try Zapata's on Valleydale Road near corner of U.S.31, in Pelham!

[chilitiger]

Have you tried Cantina at Pepper Place?

I also like Margarita Grill on Hwy 119 in Pelham... they have a great skirt steak there.

[optionguy]

Los Compadres, corner of Greensprings and Oxmoor, Homewood 35209. Tuesday after 3pm, buy one select entree, get one free. My dad is an affifianado, and cannot smell. This is the only place in town where he will eat Mexican.

In my humble opinion, it is not authentic ethnic Mexican, but it sure is good...and the staff is very nice