La Frontera

My wife and I wanted to experiment going out to eat with our brand new, 6 day-old son. We've been to La Frontera many times before, but not in a long while. My experience in the past had always been pleasant and timely. We dined close to home at the Sandy location at 61 West 10600 South.

The Atmosphere 4/5

I've always enjoyed the over-the-top stereotypical Mexican decor of this place. Even though this is a strip mall unit, they've managed to find the room to fit a spacious dining hall dressed up like a wild west corral and saloon. They have recently cheapened the look, however, with poorly displayed laminated printouts of the latest so-called specials. 

The Service 3/5

Neither my wife nor I could hear our server. The music wasn't loud, our baby was silent throughout the meal (yay!), and the server's accent wasn't even that terribly thick. He simply spoke so quietly that, standing right next to me, we could not understand a word he said. We found ourselves directing the conversation from context and visual cues alone. 

The server was prompt and otherwise helpful, but we couldn't help the feeling that the restaurant had begun "nickel and diming" us. I don't recall them ever charging for chips beyond the first "complimentary" bowl or the horchata not having free refills or costing a whopping $2.75 a glass. 

The Food 3/5

As my wife is pointing out in the photo, the sour cream was served in a plastic tube which proved difficult to open as it had no "open here" slit. This made us laugh. The plates were both accompanied by the usual warning of "careful, the plates are hot." I have found this to mean the plates are very, very warm. Today, they were scalding. Literally. I actually burned my arm and my wrist trying to enjoy my meal. My enchiladas were a molten liquid of cheese and flavorless sauce. My wife's chimichangas were filled with fine ground beef with less flavor and worse texture than last night's proverbial casserole left-overs. The final straw was the beans and rice. I've had more spice out of a can. It felt like they'd boiled out any desirable character from the whole plate. 

Conclusion

As I mentioned, I've been to La Frontera many times at many locations, but after my surprisingly unpleasant experience, which had nothing to do with my new-family experiment, I fear they might be on a path for decline.  

Los Cucos Sandy

The Atmosphere 2/5

The last time we were in this building it was a peaceful, relaxing Italian restaurant. It’s been at least four years, but I couldn’t help comparing the atmosphere now to what it was then. There used to be warm, cream-colored walls covered with framed black-and-white pictures of Italian-American celebrities. The photos are gone now; the walls are painted a nauseating shade of green. And the noise level was what I’d expect from a high school cafeteria. Memo to me: This may be the place to bring my grandsons. No one will notice their racket.

The Service 4/5

I couldn’t fault the service. We were seated promptly and our wait staff was friendly, helpful and efficient. My glass never made it to half empty. 

The Food 3/5

I’d come to Los Cucos hungry for mole sauce; the deep, rich kind made with peanut butter, chilies and chocolate. If there was anything on the menu served with mole, I never found it. Instead we opted for the Parilla San Luis: a barbecue/fajita dish with sausages, chicken, beef carnitas, and shrimp. The menu said, “for two,” but this easily could have fed three or four hungry people. 

We’d been meaning to visit this restaurant for some time, if only to satisfy our curiosity. We found the food and service good, but certainly not on the level with the Red Iguana. With so many tastier (and quieter) choices nearby, we’re not likely to choose this spot again.

Los Garcia

My wife and I first stumbled across Los Garcia at 10643 S. 700 E.after a visit to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. We were immediately blown away by the service and have completely fallen in love with this little gem.

Decades ago, I used to come to this building with my friends when it was an old burger joint called Big B's. I fondly remember their dipped ice cream cones.That restaurant and several since suffered from the hidden stand-alone location and failed. I can't count how many businesses have tried to salvage it. I wouldn't have even ventured over that fateful afternoon if it wasn't for the Tookish part of me that my wife and my friend bring out.

The Atmosphere 3/5

This place is tiny with less than 10 tables. The prep area is fully exposed which creates an intimacy between the restaurant and its guests that most establishments are afraid of. Not much by way of decor either, but you'll find they don't need it. Every possible downside is made up for by...

The Service 10/5 (seriously)

This guy. --------------------------------------►

Meet Jose. He embodies every aspect of the word service. Our drinks were never empty and we had all the chips we could eat. He even makes comfortable conversation while you wait for the food. Speaking of...

The Food 5/5

I have admittedly had better Mexican food, but not by much and certainly not at this price. Each entree was priced less than $10 and easily had me rolling on the floor with a fully satisfied stomach. You also have to try the horchata. I've had my fair share of cheap tasting horchata flavored drinks. This is the real deal.

Conclusion

In terms of service, price, and even quality of food, Los Garcia may actually be my favorite restaurant. There are a couple contenders for the title and I'll be happy to write about those too. 

THIS RESTAURANT NEEDS YOU! Try it out before it becomes another name on the list of dead eateries this location has killed. 

Lone Star Taqueria

Where do you go when you're hungry, bored, and feeling a little broke? The Lone Star Taqueria at 2265 Fort Union Blvd in Salt Lake City. This little taqueria (pronounced "talk-WHERE-ee-ah" by my GPS) is craaaaaaaaazy busy, but its ok. They know how to handle the traffic and their popularity is completely warranted.

The Atmosphere 5/5

I was worried as we drove up to the restaurant. The drive-through was lined out to the street and every single parking stall was taken. Oddly, I'd never even heard of the place and it seemed the whole town had the same great idea. There ended up being one single, solitary, parallel-parking spot available at the back of the tiny building, sandwiched between the parade of hungry drivers and a foreboding concrete wall that had made its mark on many cars who had foolishly attempted to park there.

The inside of the eatery is sensory overload. Every square inch of the place is decorated with colorful quirks and just plain weird. Masks... with lizards for noses, for example. And, oh yeah. It smells like fish.

The Service 5/5

Despite the long line, it moved really fast and I was worried we'd be herded like the unsuspecting cattle that had eventually become the meat I was about to enjoy. Luckily, they handle their popularity like pros. Our order was taken by a hurried, but very helpful man who directed us toward the reason everybody comes to the joint: Fish Tacos. I do not eat fish under most circumstances, so I ordered the 1/2 size Carnitas Burrito and my friend ordered both the shrimp taco and a fish taco.

The Food 5/5

Our food arrived very quickly, giving us barely enough time to procure utensils and peruse the salsa bar. My burrito that claimed to be "1/2 size" was as big as my face. $6 well spent and very filling. It was heavenly. This is one of the few times I would direct you to let the food speak for itself as my description probably would not do it justice.

Conclusion

Even for the "fish-smell adverse" among us, this place is entirely worth the trip. Think ahead and either brave the drive-through or consider parking elsewhere.