I've had this place in my saved restaurant list for awhile and I finally had a chance to check it out for Cinco de Mayo after it was rated #1 Mexican in the Cleveland magazine. Tbh, I did not have high hopes for this place as it was in the running with two other Mexican restaurants in the Cleveland magazine, Cilantro Taqueria and Barrio Tacos. I've been to both and they were, meh. To be fair, I did live in San Diego for 22 years and I'm still trying to find a good taco place out here. I was absolutely blown away by this place!! They should be in a category of their own! This place is so much more than just simply Mexican.

Whoever greeted us at the door was super friendly and seemed genuinely happy to have us there. It seems like many places now could care less if you're there or not.

It was busy for Cinco de Mayo but the wait wasn't too bad. We ordered drinks t the bar: blood orange, pomegranate and a spicy mango margarita along with their tequila recommendation. I recommend the spicy mango margarita! We enjoyed our drinks outside while we waited for our table. Luckily the rain stopped long enough for us to check out their beautiful patio.

The place is bigger than you imagine and there is an upstairs where we were seated. We were greeted immediately by our server and did not wait long for even more drinks.

We started off was their charred tomato salsa chiltomate and salsa Verde. Both salsas were fresh and the charred tomato salsa was really interesting and not your typical bright red salsa. For dinner we ordered their Camarones and machaca Taquitos. The camarones came with a pineapple salsa and had a bright citrusy flavor. The machaca was everything that you would want, it was tender juicy and flavorful in a shallow bowl of piled up meat covered in juices. The best meal was their Barbacoa, glazed pork shoulder & smoked pork belly, “street corn” masa grits, fried brussel sprouts. I've never heard of or had street corn masa grits but I don't know how I lived without them! Everything about that meal was absolutely amazing. Honestly one of the best meals I've had in a very long time. The meat was so tender and juicy and so flavorful with bits of crispy pork. It was such an amazing combination with the masa grits and brussel sprouts. I wish I had more words to describe it, but you will just have to go and try it for yourself.

Lastly, we had their fried ice cream for dessert with a peanut, chocolate and cornflake crust topped with whipped cream.

I will definitely be back and can't wait to enjoy the patio when it's nicer outside!!

I highly recommend this place if you are looking for an amazing place with friendly staff, a fun atmosphere and great food!