“So how as a nation can we sit around and eat Mexican food, and drink beer and make friends? That’s the question. If we can do that on a broader scale, I think we’ll come out of it all right. — Sandra Day O’Connor
“I’m convinced that anyone who doesn’t like Mexican food is a psychopath.” — Jim Gaffigan
We live in polarized times, a nation divided. Red vs. Blue. Resisters vs. Trumpers. Fox News vs MSNBC. In an age of bitter division, is there anything that can unify this once-great nation?
I mean, besides Mexican food, of course?
Seriously, who doesn’t have their head on a damned swivel when that hot fajita plate sizzles somewhere in their sensory ZIP code? As a people, we have made “Taco Tuesday” into what’s practically a weekly national celebration. Oh, I’m exaggerating about the universal popularity of Mexican food? Ask yourself, honestly: Have you ever in your life turned down a nacho? I’ll hang up and listen.
I’m
A dining partner and I ducked in for a quick lunch on a recent weekday. The place was packed and buzzing, decorated with
Cantina Cinco De Mayo has an extensive (19 choices) lunch menu, each under $8. My lunch partner ordered the Chile Relleno and Enchilada plate ($6.99, served with rice and beans). She pronounced the
We returned two days later for a Saturday dinner, accompanied by two young parents and their child. Cantina Cinco De Mayo has a full bar (happy hour 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all day Sunday) featuring 10 different margarita offerings. We opted for the house margarita ($4.75 for 12 ounces), and it was fairly standard. Of note: the margaritas also come in 24 ounces, 36 ounces and pitcher-sized servings, so plan accordingly. Our table also ordered what turned out to be a somewhat ordinary queso and a large bowl of fresh, tasty guacamole that appeared to have been made to order.
Cantina Cinco De Mayo has a lengthy list of entrees, even by the standards of Mexican restaurants. Diners will enjoy selecting from multiple varieties of burritos, quesadillas, enchilada plates, vegetarian options, seafood dishes, taco offerings and
The entrees arrived soon after, and the undisputed belle of this particular ball was the Molcajete Special ($14.49 with chicken or steak, $16.99 with shrimp). The
Another highlight of dinner was the Shrimp Al Mojo De Ajo ($11.95). This entree was a generous serving of buttery, garlicky shrimp, accompanied by particularly good and fluffy rice, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and guacamole. Our youngest tablemate quickly abandoned her Kids Burrito ($4.99) in
The remaining entrees included an ordinary, but good, beef fajitas offering ($11.49) and the Burrito Manuel ($9.49). The latter was filled with chicken, chorizo and — surprise — sauteed pineapple. The sweetness of the pineapple served as a nice counter to the spiciness of the chorizo.
Despite slight but unconvincing protests, we investigated the dessert menu and shared two selections. The Churros Con Nieve ($4.25) was a serving of four standard-sized and delicious cinnamon churros suspended in a goblet of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Also making an appearance: the Chocolate Chimichangas ($3.95), four delicate tortillas filled with melted chocolate, also drizzled with
In sum: Cantina Cinco De Mayo is a solid choice for those seeking a long and varied list of menu options, quick service, frequent happy hours and a few surprisingly good options that aren’t standard fare. Give them a try if you’re hungry or just seeking desperately to find something that will unite your family’s own warring factions.
Cantina Cinco De Mayo No. 3
521 Center St.
400-8194
Quick
Fast service, full bar, happy hour every day except Friday — including all day on Sunday.
Hours
11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday.
Other info
Full bar.