Los Arcos Mexican Grill Castle Hills Location — Restaurant in Castle Hills

If you want to get full and not break the bank, head to Los Arcos. I didn't have to ask for a menu because on every tabIe there is a scannable QR code that puts the menu right on your phone. Quite ingenious, I'd say, but I asked the waitress what the specials were and what was good, like I always do. She suggested that I try the Carne Guisada lunch special and the sweet tea. The refried beans were fresh as was the rice. They are cautious here about Covid as they should be, so they serve their sauce not in small bowls but in small containers with lids. They were each masked as well. There wasn't much of a crowd probably because, well, who knows, because I really liked the food. The service here was even better. I no sooner had placed my order then my plate was in front of me. The waitresses were courteous and when I asked for my check, I had it in hand easily and quickly. Oh and try the tres leches cake for desert. Mine was fresh and I enjoyed it. Well, I ate half and I saved half and brought it home to my mom. That was hard for me but moms deserves it. Lastly, Los Arcos has a little patio that faces west and during lunch you can sit out there in the shade and enjoy the breeze. Good food, great ambiance, and a perfect staff....

First, the good - The tortillas were fresh, soft, and warm. The sweet tea was fresh and sweet. The beans and rice were above average, with a nice smoke to the beans, and a savory garlic undertone on the rice. The barbacoa was pretty good and the garnish was nice and spicy with peppers in with the cilantro. Not super greasy like some barbacoa. They provided a small bowl of fideo to appetize to every person. It was like a tomato-based vegetable soup. The salsa for the chips was delicious (too bad the chips weren't, see below). Friendly wait staff.

Now, the average - The plates were warm, but not hot.

Finally, the bad - The cheese enchiladas. The sauce was sweet pureed tomato. Tasted like from a can. The tortillas were thick and as a result, felt under-cooked. The filling was like a cheddary bechamel sauce. It had a little texture similar to a runny ricotta. The chips were about as stale as I have ever had at a Mexican restaurant. There was a low-key sewer or mold smell as if the traps needed cleaning.

Bottom line, good but not great...

I come here at least 3 to 4 times a week. Their breakfast tacos are great and the value for the size of taco is great. However, let me tell you why I come here. Since day one that they opened, the staff there is extremely attentive to you. Even tho I only have two tacos and a drink and I have ate here so much that all the waitress know me and even the guy in the back. They don’t take their job for granted. They check up on me every few minutes to ask if I need anything knowing very well I don’t. They are constantly trying to make my visit more pleasant. Pleasant experience every time, food tastes great, great value for the amount of food you get and the staff is just amazing. Support this company if you appreciate great service with great food. They deserve every bit of my five stars. Thank you Cecilia, Emma and Yuri for always providing...