I rarely crave Mexican. Probably because most Mexican restaurants disappoint me. They lack the fresh, light feel of authentic Mexican cuisine. However, this particular day I would do anything to get my hands on some fresh guacamole and a taco. I had heard of Cabo's before and though it's not technically Mexican, they're nicknamed Cabo's Tacos, and I thought I'd give it a shot.
They are located on Apalachee Pkwy. on the right hand side in the same shopping center as Ross and Payless. Once you turn on Apalachee from Monroe St. merge right on to the Service Road immediately--it's easier to spot. Odd location, but most places off the beaten path are delicious.
I walked in to what I thought was the entrance and was inundated with cigarette smoke and weird looks. I looked around and an awfully creepy man greeted me with, "Don't worry your in the right place." I gave him an awkward smile and in my head I thought, "Really, I hope not..." I walked to the back of the dark bar and luckily the bartender noticed I was confused. She asked, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" I nodded my head like a scared child and she told me to go out the side door, walk down the side walk and the main entrance would be on my right. I hauled-ass out of there and realized the bar and restaurant have their own entrances, a good thing if you don't like the smell of hot alcohol.
I walked in to what I thought was the entrance and was inundated with cigarette smoke and weird looks. I looked around and an awfully creepy man greeted me with, "Don't worry your in the right place." I gave him an awkward smile and in my head I thought, "Really, I hope not..." I walked to the back of the dark bar and luckily the bartender noticed I was confused. She asked, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" I nodded my head like a scared child and she told me to go out the side door, walk down the side walk and the main entrance would be on my right. I hauled-ass out of there and realized the bar and restaurant have their own entrances, a good thing if you don't like the smell of hot alcohol.
I walked into the restaurant around 7. My friend Kelly had already taken advantage of the 25 cent happy hour discount and was sipping a Michelob Ultra. She also had already asked the waitress for an order of guacamole and chips which arrived just as I sat down. Hell yeah. I dove right in because the lemon aroma was tantalizing and I was starving as usual. The corn chips were hot and salty and crunchy and you could tell they make them from real corn tortillas. The guacamole? Wow. Lemony, spicy, smooth, fresh. Just the right amount of cilantro. Served COLD. So refreshing. You must order this. I'm telling you, it is so hot here and this guacamole cools you right off. Add a cold beer for a buck fifty and you've hit the jackpot.
When I was done attacking the guacamole, I reached for the menu. There are so many options. If you want a cheaper fair you can have a delicious, filling Mexican platter (burritos, tacos, enchiladas) for under $7 or you can choose one of their FRESH grouper or crab cake platters for about $20. I emphasis fresh because they never serve frozen seafood!
Kelly and I both wanted to stick with Mexican. I decided on the Black Bean burrito with Cheddar cheese, spinach, and hot salsa. I also got mine "wet" which means smothered in salsa and served atop Romaine lettuce. Kelly got a beef burrito with salsa and onion. She got hers Ultimate: covered in Queso. You can also get any item Supreme: covered in sour cream, black olives, tomatoes and onions. And you can't forget the traditional Mexican accoutrements available with any order: black beans, re-fried beans, rice, and salsa--spicy, mild, or Verde.
My taco was delicious. It had a good balance of everything. Not too much cheese not too many beans, soft flour tortilla, and fresh salsa that was spicy but not sinus clearing. Good, simple and light.
Aside from the Mexican food, they also offer lots of island specialties like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Yellow Fin sashimi grade Tuna, Costa Rican Chicken, and a Fish of the Day Tostada.
When I finished my meal I checked out the restaurant itself. There are surf boards hanging from the ceiling, neon yellow, blue, and green tables, and bright colored walls painted with yellow palm trees. There are also lots of pictures featuring Cabo's family, friends, and patrons. A totally casual, family friendly, and delicious spot for after work, after school, or anytime your craving a fresh meal.
Website: http://www.cabosgrill.com/
***I later found out that Cabo's started out as a tiny taco stand and has since strived to serve the freshest food at the lowest price. They do not cook with lard and use 100% pure vegetable oil in anything they fry. Red hearts are found next to dishes that are heart healthy; another plus. Be sure to read the note from the owners at the bottom of the menu!***
When I was done attacking the guacamole, I reached for the menu. There are so many options. If you want a cheaper fair you can have a delicious, filling Mexican platter (burritos, tacos, enchiladas) for under $7 or you can choose one of their FRESH grouper or crab cake platters for about $20. I emphasis fresh because they never serve frozen seafood!
Kelly and I both wanted to stick with Mexican. I decided on the Black Bean burrito with Cheddar cheese, spinach, and hot salsa. I also got mine "wet" which means smothered in salsa and served atop Romaine lettuce. Kelly got a beef burrito with salsa and onion. She got hers Ultimate: covered in Queso. You can also get any item Supreme: covered in sour cream, black olives, tomatoes and onions. And you can't forget the traditional Mexican accoutrements available with any order: black beans, re-fried beans, rice, and salsa--spicy, mild, or Verde.
My taco was delicious. It had a good balance of everything. Not too much cheese not too many beans, soft flour tortilla, and fresh salsa that was spicy but not sinus clearing. Good, simple and light.
Aside from the Mexican food, they also offer lots of island specialties like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Yellow Fin sashimi grade Tuna, Costa Rican Chicken, and a Fish of the Day Tostada.
When I finished my meal I checked out the restaurant itself. There are surf boards hanging from the ceiling, neon yellow, blue, and green tables, and bright colored walls painted with yellow palm trees. There are also lots of pictures featuring Cabo's family, friends, and patrons. A totally casual, family friendly, and delicious spot for after work, after school, or anytime your craving a fresh meal.
Website: http://www.cabosgrill.com/
***I later found out that Cabo's started out as a tiny taco stand and has since strived to serve the freshest food at the lowest price. They do not cook with lard and use 100% pure vegetable oil in anything they fry. Red hearts are found next to dishes that are heart healthy; another plus. Be sure to read the note from the owners at the bottom of the menu!***
Fun to read! Keep it up :)
ReplyDelete