Taxco Mexican Grille

Nestled in the North Cross Shopping Center, across from Lowes, is Taxco Mexican Grill. The restaurant is a little hard to find, but it's location is very good. As it turns out, there is a large water feature at this mall (who would've thought?), and they have a large patio area. During the summer this would be a great place to sit outside and enjoy chips and a beer!

However this it not the summer, and with a few inches of snow and ice still on the ground, i went inside. And was greeted by a man busy behind the bar, in the kitchen. I'm guessing he was the owner -- he never came out, but at least he was friendly.

After a short wait, I was seated in the dining room. The dining room is large, feels cavernous, and you can hear every conversation at every table. The black and white checkered floor doesn't fit the rest of the room (I assume it's left-over from a previous tenant of the space), which was decorated with vibrant colors (orange, yellow, turquoise).

After scanning the large menu, I decided on a combination plate with a beef enchilada and a chile poblano. While waiting I munched on chips and salsa, while sipping my coke. The chips and salsa were OK, but only average.

My food arrived within 6 minutes, and I began my meal. The beef enchilada came with a red mole sauce. In general, the enchilada lacked flavor. The beef was OK, but it seemed like it needed a little extra something, maybe some more oregano or cumin would've helped. So, I used the sides of sour cream and fresh pico de gallo to help it out. Which they did very well.

Next I tried the Chile Poblano. This is always a favorite of mine -- who can resist a pepper stuffed with cheese, dipped in batter and fried?? Unfortunately, the fried batter seemed a little soggy, and the pepper was a little tough. I've never needed a knife with this dish, but tonight I had to use one. However, it was good. Just, again, nothing really above average.

The service, however, was exceptional; my waiter was friendly and helpful. In addition the food was delivered quickly. Though I never felt rushed, I was in and out of there in less than 30 minutes. That's good service!

Score:
Atmosphere: 2/5 (If I was eating outside in warmer weather, this would've been a 4)
Food: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 9/15
Price: $$ (Including tax and tip, I paid just under $12)

Conclusion: The food is OK, but not great. However, the service is fantastic, and the patio dining will be great come warmer weather. I'll probably head back in April just to sit outside and enjoy a cerveza or margarita.

Restaurant Info:
Taxco Mexican Grill
9719 Sam Furr Rd
# D
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-655-0566

La Unica

In an old stip mall off of Hwy 73 with a tired exterior, and even more tired fast-food restaurants in the parking lot, I found a diamond in rough. La Unica, opened its doors less than two weeks ago, but it has already found a way into my heart via my stomach.

The restaurant has a more of a trendy cafe feel to it, than the typical wrought iron filled mexican restuarant. There are two HD TV's easily seen from the 20 or so tables about half of which were booths. The tables, chairs, and booths all appeared to be new and exceptionally clean.

Upon seating, I had two small carafes of salsa (hot and mild), chips, and a small bowl of lime wedges given to me. I instantly went for the hot salsa, and was pleasantly suprised. It was spicy, but the heat didn't overwhelm the flavor of the salsa which included chunks of onions, tomatos, and other veggies and herbs you'd expect to find. If this salsa came from a can or was freshly made, I couldn't tell.

I ordered the Lunch Chimichanga (filled with ground beef), a lunch special. About two or three minutes after I ordered, the food arrived. Again, I was suprised. The nacho cheese, was not the standard, neon yellow cheese wiz topping that I was expecting. It was white and made from real cheese (I'm guessing Asadero). Personally, I would have liked the cheese topping to be a little thicker, but it's flavor was good. The beef had a good flavor of cumin and oregano, and was exactly what I was hoping for.

The chimichanga was good and the service was great -- the wait staff were very attentive. And considering how hard it has been to find a decent mexican restaurant in the Huntersville area, I'm ready to jump for joy that I found this great little taqueria.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 11/15

Conclusion: Great restaurant, great food, it's a good value, and definately a diamond in the rough. Including food, drink, and tip, I was out of there for less than $10, but for the non-lunch specials expect about $12 per person. I'll definately be back.

Restaurant Info:
La Unica
9121 -1 Sam Furr Road
Huntersville, NC
704-895-5378