Tamarindos Mexican Restaurant

03/28/10

Disappointed

by masi man at Citysearch

I had been to Tamarindo's some time ago and it was pretty decent. The free Margaretas are ok but very sweet. Our appetizers were excellent - mixta salad and tortillas with fresh salsa and guacamole (way overpriced!) .

The hostess told us it'd be 45 minute wait but we saw tables opening. We decided to wait and were seated in about 10 minutes. Was she clueless or just being cautious?

The atmosphere is nice but the room was cold, especially when the front door opened. It was very crowded that night and noisy. We were seated next to a party of 12 that turned the BYOB into a wild party. They had a bottle of Tequila that they used to spike their Margaritas and supplement their beer and wine (they were doing shots!) They kept getting up and walking around to talk to people and going out front to smoke. I won't say it ruined the experience but it was not very pleasant.

My entree was not good. I ordered Puerco Poc-Chuc which is spicy. Spicy it was (wow) - I am still breathing fire. I had trouble with it and I like spicy food - some gastritis today. I'd avoid the 3 star (hot dishes). The big problem was it was almost stone cold. I thought about sending it back to have it warmed but that would have made the meat even drier and tougher than the sole of a desert shoe that it already was. Tenderloin?

My wife ordered Fajas and it was good but also could have been warmer. It needed more vegetables.

I may try it again but won't go running back tomorrow....

• Pros: Authentic menu
• Cons: Meat based, poor meal

03/05/10

New Menu!

by mdiblasi1 at Citysearch

Tamarindos has a new menu and if you can believe it is better, it is! I had the best mussels ever, fixed in a chipotle sauce with veggies. Awesome! Then I had tilapia limon which was to die for. And the presentation was beautifully Mexican.

This still remains my favorite Mexican resturant. Don't even try to compare it to Tex Mex. Its in an entirely different league.

• Pros: Food, wait staff

01/02/09

What happened?

by AJD10 at Citysearch

We've gone to this restaurant for a number of years, usually for special occasions with groups of friends. This time, it was a different experience.

The menu has no vegetarian entrees listed ; though they do note they have one upon request. At least I knew you could get a nice chile rellenos.

For a Mexican restaurant, the spice was missing. We felt like they're losing their authenticity to catering to a blander, common palette. The tilapia was nice, but lacked lemon. The rice was bland and served with steamed broccoli. The salad lacked seasoning too! The chicken mole got thumbs up, but the steaks were average. The other night we weren't even impressed with magaritas as normally we were.

I don't know if the management or chefs have changed, but it's not the same "wow" we used to have for it. (Ambiance is the same - great!)

08/09/08

Not worth the drive or the money.

by lodev at Citysearch

I love Mexican food and have dined in numerous Mexican restaurants, here and in Mexico. We dined here a year ago and enjoyed it, especially the free margaritas. On our recent visit, we were very dissapointed, The prices are higher, and the portions smaller and not as tasty. The piece of red sanpper was very small for a $21 entree, and the accompanying vegetables were bland. The "Eduardo" sauce on the fish was nothing but some stewed tomatoes with some green olives, and no distanct taste. The chicken mole was unremarkable. The rice was tasteless and the refried beans tasted burnt. The mole sauce was watery, and there wasn't much of it. When we asked for more, we were served about 2 spoonfulls and were charged extra! That was insulting, considering the price of the entrees. Wait staff is pleasant and competent. Overall, a disapointing experience.

• Pros: Pleasant atmosphere and good staff. Free margaritas.
• Cons: Overpriced. Food is mediocre.

04/21/08

By far, the best Mexican food in the area!

by manndssxx3 at Citysearch

The whole red snapper is fantastic. I go there at least once a week! The food is great along with the service and the music. It is a BYOB but they give away the best Maragritas! This is a family restaurant and a great place to go on the weekends or during the week. This is definatly my favorite mexican restauarnt!

• Pros: food
• Cons: the wait on the weekends.