Serrano’s Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Alaska

When it is a crisp evening in Anchorage, the warmth of a good meal gives the true feeling. With that in mind, I visited Serrano’s Mexican Grill on a quiet night. Even if the drive through Midtown is straightforward, I can enjoy looking at the city lights while my friend eagerly anticipates the flavors of Serrano’s. Still, when we reach the restaurant, it is time to step inside.

The atmosphere is welcoming, with a casual yet lively energy. The staff greets us with friendly smiles, and the scent of sizzling fajitas fills the air. As for me, I prefer a cozy booth for dining, and the seating is comfortable enough for a long, relaxed meal. Small groups should be mindful of peak hours, as the restaurant can get busy, and waiting for a table is possible. Also, please bring an appetite—the portions are generous, and the flavors are bold.

The food itself is vibrant, with fresh ingredients and rich spices. The taco salad with grilled chicken is a standout, crisp and flavorful. The shrimp tostada is refreshing, with a perfect balance of textures. Built on a foundation of authentic Mexican flavors, Serrano’s has been serving Anchorage for years, bringing a taste of tradition to the city. Maybe it is because of this that the restaurant has a loyal following.

Overall, Serrano’s is recommended for many people who want to enjoy a hearty meal, or who want to savor a well-crafted margarita, or who simply want a warm and welcoming dining experience. However, I feel like the service and atmosphere add just as much value as the food itself. Even for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. I wish I could try everything on the menu, but I cannot. But, if I don’t go, I will miss out on a flavorful and satisfying meal. For lovers of Mexican food, it is recommended, but you may find yourself wanting to return again and again.

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A roller coaster mixed bag experience. We had the empanada appetizer which was stone cold in the middle of all three empanadas. The chips and guacamole was the most paste-like flavorless item I've ever not tasted because it tasted like nothing. If this guacamole is store bought, I get it, but at least make an attempt by adding some seasoning.

Then things began to look up, the house scratch margaritas were the smoothest most well balanced of my life experience. The ribeye tacos and carne asada tacos were the most excellent perfectly seasoned melting and fall-apart-in-your-mouth of bold and rich flavor, they were so good that I'll be coming back for them, what a delight of a treat for the senses.

The server, however, delivered their lines in a deadpan emotionless style reminiscent of Ben Stein from those old eye drop commercials—"Clear Eyes, Wooooooow." It felt more like a parody than genuine service.

I say this in the interest of providing context of my experiences: As someone who’s had the privilege of reviewing many restaurants on Google Maps—being in the top 10% restaurant reviewers nationwide with over 9 million views—I’ve had my fair share of both highs and lows. This visit was definitely a mixed bag of both ends of that spectrum. I've been going to the two original Serrano's locations for years which have consistently delivered great experiences. This third location did not meet those standards. We were one of two tables seated on a Tuesday. There were no to-go orders being picked up. In other words, the kitchen and staff were anything but busy.

So, there's strengths in entrees and drinks, yet a roomful of opportunities for improvement in service...

Serrano’s Downtown is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Anchorage! Located in the heart of downtown, right across from the Anchorage Visitor’s Center, it’s within walking distance of many local attractions. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite while exploring the city.

Their food is next-level. Everything is made from scratch—fresh salsa, chips made to order, and margaritas with limes squeezed daily by hand. They use real ribeye for their meats and carve it in-house, which makes such a difference in quality.

The restaurant itself is stunning. From the locally handmade décor, like the sconces and woven artwork, to the private banquet room next door that seats over 100 people, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted.

The service is exceptional, too. Pablo always greets you with a warm smile, and they have some of the best and friendliest bartenders in town. Plus, they have live music on the weekends, which makes it the perfect spot to unwind.

I also love how much Serrano’s gives back to the community—they sponsor youth soccer teams and truly care about their customers. Every restaurant makes mistakes, but Serrano’s always goes above and beyond to make things right, which is so important.

Whether you’re a local or visiting, I highly recommend Serrano’s Downtown for a fantastic meal, great service, and an...