Rant I

Ok, first rant.

The Place:  5 de Mayo West at 5014 EP True Pkwy.  ( I know). Don't we have too many Mexican restaurants? Maybe that is why they come and go so quickly. 

The Scene: Strip center tucked away where restaurants frequently come and go. Parking is sometimes difficult. A different Mexican place previously occupied the space, with a brief interval of a burger joint between. Not much has changed except a semi-circular bar was added, and it seems a lot cleaner. The table set up reminds me of a cafeteria, but there are booths around the perimeter, if that's what you like.

Our group of 5 was seated immediately, as we arrived after the typical lunch hour of working stiffs. Immediately, baskets of chips and salsa arrived; both  standard fare. The salsa is quite bland, with bottles of hot sauce to add some heat. (Still bland, just has heat added).

The Food: I mean, what is Mexican food around here? Meat, beans, rice, cheese, and tortillas.Typical menu: too many pages and same stuff in different forms. All chose lunch combos for $5.99. First time at any Mexican place I always try the chile relleno. My combo came with an enchilda and refried beans (both ho hum). The relleno: better than most, with lots of white cheese and a light batter; not greasy at all. Other combos all had the same sauce on top; bland like the salsa, and not a garnish in site, so all was shades of beige.  

What sets this place apart is the friendliness of the service. (And it is close to home). It seems like a place to order carry out ala carte and pick up.

Bottom Line: A place for a quick lunch, very fair prices, friendly staff, and locally owned, too. Now, there are better local Mexican places, but that is a story for another time. Try 5 de Mayo, but don't expect anything exceptional.