Coronado’s Mexican Restaurant Has The Right Stuff
One of my favorite foods is Mexican, but unfortunately I have not found my “go to” place in downtown- a place that has all-bases covered. Sure, I know where to get a good breakfast burrito, a decent tamale, and a good margarita, but good chips and salsa have remained a mystery (so much so that my Mom used to Fed-X me a few bags of chips and salsa from my favorite place back home for special occassions).
Enter Coronado’s, a family-run Mexican restaurant on 5th St. between Spring and Broadway (under Alexandria Hotel). This place, in my opinion, has it all- great food at bargain prices, good margaritas and Modelo on tap, enough space to be a serious happy hour or late night destination, and location in the heart of Old Bank District. I know this is almost blasphemy, but Coronado’s may be my new “The Must” as it has all the attributes that made The Must good for me- including incredibly friendly service by not only wait-staff and bartenders, but by owners and cooks alike, and a great happy hour menu. (I am not a big wine drinker nor cheese eater so I’m sure many of you will disagree with me on this point).
I’ve read a lot of comments about how it needs a re-design or something because it does not always appear to be open, or it’s hard to tell what it is on a casual glance. I agree with this to a point- I went last night around 6pm and it was hard to tell if it was open as it was very dark. I was told that they are putting track lighting in soon but honestly, once inside, the candle-lit atmosphere was relaxing compared with the hustle-bustle on 5th St.
The food really is the standout here- especaily considering the price. Overall, my favorite Mex place downtown is Casa- I love taking Angel’s Flight train up Bunker Hill with a date or a guest and watch their faces as they see the Water Court and the skyscrapers all around them. But Casa is more of a destination, not the local restaurant/bar that you go to a few times a week.
For those not watching their waistline too carefully, the Carne Asada fries are amazing. The carne asada here is top quality (no grizzle or fat) and spiced just right. Put that on top of a large order of french fries with cheese and beans, etc and it makes a very taste platter. I’ve also had the burrito with seasoned ground beef and potatos, and a chicken burrito, and all are exceptional (and yes, Robert will tell you they are better re-heated the next day and he is right).
And they have burgers, sliders, and philly cheesesteaks, as well as tator tots, if you are not in a Mexican mood. I have not had a burger yet, but it sounds delicious with the hand made Angus patties double-ground right in back in the kitchen. At $7.95 for a combo, this should give competition to the $10 - $13 burgers so commonly found downtown.
Another nice feature is the place is fairly big- I initially did not notice the 2nd dining room next door but it is there and large- perfect for having a DJ if they ever decide to add entertainment.
All-in-all, Coronado’s hit a home run for me. The place has only been open a couple of weeks so they are still working a few kinks out, but I’m betting that this will be one of the best neighborhood restaurants/bars around. No matter what, I’ll be there sipping on a beer with an order of chips and guacamole after a tough day. I hope to see you there!
this is my first visit and just wanted to stop by to say hello everyone!.
February 15th, 2011 at 11:59 amI appreciate that you put excellent content out that is fine and well-written.
February 25th, 2011 at 6:00 am