Desperately Need an Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Greenville (Wade Hampton, Taylors: assessment, moving)

[roadpony]

Originally Posted by drfranklin

I'm the OP - my family and I have been in Greenville for about a year now, here's my assessment (so far) of Greenville area mexican restaurants:

Coronas (W Faris, Greenville) - I've only been to this location, excellent food, great service, average prices, OK salsa (secret: order the "spicy" salsa - chunky with cilantro and mix with the "regular" salsa - great!), smoke free!, great avocado salad, good fajitas, one of our favorites but a "drive" for us 8/10

Monterrey's (by the Mall) - the only Monterreys I've been to, loud, quick service, very average food, bland salsa, I really don't understand the appeal of this place (location?) 4/10 (points only for efficient service and cleanliness)

Maybe these chains vary with location. I haven't been to the specific ones mentioned, but my husband and I were totally underwhelmed with Corona's on Pelham. That was particularly disappointing because it's the closest to our new home. I thought the food was bland, even the special quacamole.

On the other hand, we really like the Monterrey in the shopping center at Batesville/The Parkway.

[PhotogGal]

I'm sure none of you will say or think it's the best, but I've been going most often lately to the El Rancho Grande on Pelham near Earth Fare. I love their mild salsa (with cilantro).

For my birthday a few months back, my stepson surprised me and took me to a Mexican restaurant in an old house called, I believe, El Matador on Wade Hampton. It was different but we both enjoyed it.

Have you tried El Mariachi in Greer Plaza? I've eaten there once and liked the restaurant itself. I remember liking it but apparently not enough to have made a return trip yet.

[drfranklin]

Went to El Jalisco in the Bi-Lo shopping center at Five Forks over the weekend. Just barely average. Salsa was OK - somewhat spicy, thin - do all the mexican restaurants share the same salsa recipe in this area?

I administered my chili relleno test for this restaurant. As most know, authentic chili rellenos have Poblano chilis or Anaheim chilis, stuffed with meat or cheese, dipped in batter, fried, and covered with a spicy red sauce.

My "chili rellenos" order was a plate of cheap ground beef covered with melted cheese with a small slice of bell pepper placed on top (this a common recipe for rellenos in this area). Fail. Bye bye El Jalisco.

Does anyone know where I can get authentic chili rellenos? I like mine stuffed with chicken - Puerto Nuevo in West Union had GREAT rellenos and would happily stuff with chicken.

[gvsteve]

It's not in Greenville, but do check out Super Taco in Clemson. Absolutely delicious. Get the Super Burrito with steak, (they're big so one will fill you up) and put a bit of their homemade green salsa on before every third bite.

[MT Man]

drfranklin,
This is a great authentic Mexican restaurant. It's off the beaten path a bit, but worth the drive. We drive from Greer just to eat here. It is the best we've found in the area.

Nazarios Mexican Restaurant
400 Saluda Dam Rd
Greenville, SC 29611
864-269-5446

[drfranklin]

MT Man and gvsteve (and all posters above), thanks for the recommendations - I do not mind a "drive" for good food

[Kkirch123]

Maybe you should try Los Amigos in Easley off 93. It is really good!

[buckeye.mary]

Another suggestion based on my lunch experience today: Taqueria Ixmiquilpan‎. It's authentic, good quality, has lots of choices, and is inexpensive. It's at the very end of W. Washington at Smythe St. in Greenville.

[PlaidInjun]

We love Los Lomas on Heywood Rd. The decor is "over the top", but it's new and fun! The menu selections are very good, and the staff is most accommodating.

[drfranklin]

Tried Guadalajara on Haywood recently - very good salsa (somewhat chunky with cilantro) - tasty fajitas - great service/reasonable prices - will return

Haven't tried Taqueria Ixmiquilpan, El Rancho Grande, Las Lomas, or Nazario's yet - I appreciate the reviews/suggestions.