Desperately Need an Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Greenville (Anderson, Simpsonville: place to live, restaurants)

[drfranklin]

OK, die-hard Greenvillians I need your help.

I will be moving to Greenville in a few weeks and am in desperate need for an authentic (or just plain good) mexican restaurant. Here in Chattanooga we have "La Altena" (The Chattanooga Pulse Dining Guide: La Altena (broken link), La Altena, Chattanooga - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor) which has consistently THE BEST mexican food in town. The service is spotty and the decor is terrible. Most booths are ripped to shreds. But the food is to die for. Example: they have a spicy sausage soft (corn) taco that is INCREDIBLE. The guacamole is MADE TO ORDER. The salsa is chunky and flavorful (with lots of cilantro).

Question: is there an equivalent restaurant in Greenville?

We ate at Monterrey by the Mall (which was recommended by several people) and it was just OK. The salsa was lifeless and the food was average.

[An aside: is smoking allowed in restaurants in Greenville? We sat in the non-smoking section and still smelled LOTS of smoke. Smoking was banned here recently at all public places and it has been REFRESHING.]

Somebody please help - I may go into an extreme withdrawal in the next several weeks. I don't care about the service or decor just the FOOD.

Thanks

[Art123]

Although it is not necessarily billed as authentic Mexican food, Fonda Rosalinda's on N. Pleasantburg is very, very good. She calls it more "International" cuisine and "un-Americanized", as she has traveled extensively, but it is definitely rooted in Mexican/Latino food. I believe they are remodeling, but when we were there the decor was not much to speak of at all. However, the food was surprisingly good and felt very "homemade," as they make everything from scratch. It may not be what you are used to, but it is very good. And, they'll give you a great cup of soup before you eat your meal!

But don't order a margarita. Mine was terrible. (Probably because margaritas are an American drink?)

GreenvilleOnline - Link - Some like it hot ... and original

As far as a smoking ban in Greenville, one was passed. But apparently some knucklehead local judge declared it unconstitutional, despite similar bans everywhere else. The case was just heard by the SC Supreme Court and should be decided later in the year. Fortunately most of the restaurants realized it is a good business decision to not allow smoking and have voluntarily banned smoking. Personally I am really hesitant to eat in a restaurant that allows smoking, even if it is in another section. No one was smoking at Rosalinda's when we've been there, but I honestly didn't notice if it was banned there or not.

[g-man430]

Coronas. Fonda Rosalinda's on Pleasantburg Drive is pretty decent. Anita's in Simpsonville is another great place. I hear that Compadres (sp?) on South Main Street in Greenville is really good too.

[Skyliner]

Compadre's on South Main is quite good. Here are a few reviews from others who have dined there. Definitely worth checking out at the very least.

Fonda Rosalinda's is easily at the top of my list for Mexican restaurants in the Upstate. more info

[karoga]

Try Mi Casa on White Horse Rd in Greenville. It's in the same parking lot as Walmart where the strip mall is. It wasn't so great a while back but we went to the grand re-opening last week. The interior is is completely redone. They have a new chef & the food was wonderful!!!

[paullySC]

I like the taco bell on Laurens road.

[g-man430]

^^ Best mexican food ever.

[gatorone]

I am sure Greenville can do better than Taco Bell!!! Granted a really good one is hard to find. I recently visited Greenville SC and was really impressed with the beautiful city and how clean it is. Would move there if my situation allowed it. Will come back as soon as I can for another visit. People friendly and the downtown area is awesome. A great place to live and raise a family. Good luck on the search but I am sure Greenville has what you are looking for and more.

[sheepless]

If you want a nice little drive with your dining out, you can head over to Liberty (above Anderson) - there is a nice restaurant there right by the train tracks, newly remodeled, nice atmosphere, great service, extremely clean, and excellent food, and very decent prices. It's called Pancho's - used to be located in Central, i think...

It's where we go when we want a nice evening out and some mexican food that is worth eating.
Another good place is here in Anderson - El Arriero, 4355 HWY 24, Anderson SC 29626. (864) 260-6227.
Their food is excellent as well, as is the atmosphere, more of a family atmosphere.

[p2y2r7o]

I haven't been to Rosalinda's yet, but apparently I need to. My favorites are Compadre's and Corona's. They may not be 100% authentic but it does taste good!