There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in and near Nashua, and finding the best one (or just your favorite) can be overwhelming. When you pick a restaurant, how do you know you’re getting an authentic meal that will hit the spot? Well, you can’t know for sure until you try it, but there are some things you can look for to let you know you’re on the right track. The environment and decor can tell you a lot, as can the food.
Join us as we take you inside El Tapatio to explore and explain why our restaurant should be your go-to when picking Mexican restaurants near Nashua.
Authentic Menu Offerings
The first thing you look at when choosing any restaurant is the menu. Some Mexican restaurants really just serve standard American fare with a few Mexican-inspired dishes on the menu, like burritos and quesadillas. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t quite cut it when you’re looking for the real thing. If you want an authentic Mexican restaurant, look for these dishes on the menu:
- Chori pollo
- Quesadillas
- Burritos
- Taquitos
- Fajitas
- Jalisco
- Molcajete
- Arroz con mariscos
This list is far from comprehensive, but it’s a good place to start. You should also look for authentic ingredients and spices used both traditionally and creatively. Even if there is a cheeseburger on the menu, topping it with jalapeños and avocado shows that this restaurant knows how to use Mexican ingredients to make creative dishes.
A Bar That’s Up to Scratch
The food is one thing, but you can’t forget about the drinks! There’s nothing quite like a good margarita with your plate of Mexican food. House-made sangria also does the trick. Have a look at the taps at the bar. Do you see Mexican beer brands like Modelo as part of the mix? That’s a good sign that you’ve found a restaurant that will give you an authentic experience.
Another area behind the bar to check out is the tequila selection. You want to see a variety of not just brands but also types. If you don’t know the differences between tequila types, don’t worry! We have a post that will explain it for you.
Vibe Check
There’s a certain style of decor you expect in a Mexican restaurant. Bright colors, traditional art, and heavy wood furniture. While plenty of restaurants get creative with their takes on the traditional decor, you can always tell when they’re starting from the right place. The music and the welcoming staff make you feel right at home, even if you’ve never set foot in this restaurant before. At El Tapatio, we’ve worked hard to create a welcoming atmosphere that transports our customers to a warm Mexican home. How our customers feel is as important to us as our food, and our warm, welcoming atmosphere is one of the reasons we’re among the most popular Mexican restaurants near Nashua.