best Mexican restaurant in the 'burbs (Philadelphia, Reading: credit card, home, restaurants)

[maestro]

I'm a PA transplant that just moved to Chester County, and I'm searching for a good authentic Mexican restaurant (no Chili's, no On the Border).

Any suggestions? Coyote Crossing in West Chester looks good but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[jstolnis]

I have two great places for you to check out.

Crazy Cactus (610) 933-1464

1145 Valley Forge Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460

The food is delicious and authentic. Also keep an eye out because next year she is going to be opening a restaurant called Matador, which is going to be even better!

The second place I recommend is

[SIZE=+1]El Azteca[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]1710 Grant Ave[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Philadelphia, PA 19115[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1](215) 969-3422‎

We actually just ate there the other night, just as amazing as every other time we have been there.

Both of these restaurants are family owned, so you aren't supporting big business, but rather a small family owned business (which is probably why they are both so delicious).

[/SIZE]

[maestro]

Originally Posted by jstolnis

I have two great places for you to check out.

Crazy Cactus (610) 933-1464

1145 Valley Forge Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460

The food is delicious and authentic. Also keep an eye out because next year she is going to be opening a restaurant called Matador, which is going to be even better!

The second place I recommend is

[SIZE=+1]El Azteca[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]1710 Grant Ave[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Philadelphia, PA 19115[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1](215) 969-3422‎

We actually just ate there the other night, just as amazing as every other time we have been there.

Both of these restaurants are family owned, so you aren't supporting big business, but rather a small family owned business (which is probably why they are both so delicious).

[/SIZE]

I went to Crazy Cactus a few weeks ago. Food was OK, not bad just not "wow". And what's with not taking credit cards???
Where will Matador be opening?

[orrmobl]

Here it is:
LA TOLTECA MEXICAN RESTAURANTS - AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD

On Route 202/Concord Pike in Wilmington not too far from the PA/DE border. Everyone who has eaten and loves true Mexican says this place is the real deal...

[juniperbleu]

El Azteca is pretty good (one on Grant Ave, another somewhere in Center City). I've taken friends from out-of-town who raved of their own local Mexican places who now will only go to Azteca.

[BPP1999]

Also, check out El Gran Rodeo, which is on the northwest corner of Routes 1 and 202.

Coyote Crossing is good, but overpriced.

[jstolnis]

Matador is going to be opening on Rt. 30, but I don't remember the town. If you call up Cactus they should be able to tell you. From what we hear from the owner (she is a client of the company i work for) Matador is both Mexican and Spanish, and the second floor is goign to be for salsa dancing and like dancing.

Cactus is really just open right now until they can finally get Matador up and running, she just really wanted to make Mexican food, but Matador was taking way too long. La Taverna, the Italian Restaurant right next door, is her main restaurant there.

[sbhubbell]

The best mexican I know of is Tamarindos on Skippack Pike in Ambler. Fantastic!!

[maestro]

are these places "upscale" Mexican, or "down home" Mexican. Meaning, am I paying $20 a plate for something gourmet or is it good chicken mole, enchiladas and whatnot for $8-$10?

[Icy Tea]

If you get up near Reading, Pa., there's two Albrije's, one being in Reiffton in Exeter twp on business 422. Its authentic and pretty good and the prices aren't too bad, probably less than elsewhere. $8 to $10 for most dinners is about right, maybe a little higher. And right behind it is V and S Sandwiches( Giant Shopping center), home of the best cheesesteaks around if you want to try one.