My wife and I made the trek to visit Mercado's as it was highly recommended by our son. Let's approach this as pros and cons:
Pros: Nice location and facility. All brand new on a newly refurbished, yet still quaint street. The employees are wonderful. Attentive, accomodating, easy-going. Fun atmosphere. We ordered beers and they were COLD which is a big win in my book. My son said their Margs are amazing but we didn't order any.
Cons: We ordered the chips and queso with sausage. It's a cool idea served in a cast iron plate but the cheese is NOT a melting cheese so it came off as a greasy and overall inedible tiny serving. I think we paid around $13 for the honor.
My wife ordered a burger ($15) which came to the table with very burnt bread. Sent it back and got decent toasted buns the second time around. She also ordered fries (extra charge). They were fresh and homemade, the second time around. The ones that arrived first on her plate were stone cold. An employee came without asking and gave us fresh cooked, hot fries. Nice touch.
I ordered the Chicano Chicken ($22). It is essentially a small stack of small chicken breasts with some brussel sprouts, potato wedges, and a cheese not that unlike cheese whiz. The overall taste was decent but the chicken was so awful that it overpowered a decent plate. You know the bags of "smoked" frozen chicken breasts you can buy at Costco or Sam's club. The nauseating smoke flavor is hideous and leaves the chicken with a strange taste and texture. The rest of the plate tried to save it but no dice. For $22 I felt ripped off, to be honest.
The chairs are flat pieces of solid wood that are tremendously uncomfortable. I had just had surgery a couple of weeks before so it should be expected for me but people at other tables were laughing at the fact that these chairs scream, "EAT AND GET OUT". No dawdling or slowing to enjoy your meal.
My wife and I are small eaters but we didn't want to rip off the wait staff so we ordered a little more than usual with a couple of beers and an appetizer, which we never do. I left a $16 tip and the total was $92! I usually don't complain about pricing because you usually get what you pay for. Not this time. I bet this place is great for lunch since you can get what they are known for; street tacos. Dinner for...
Read moreWe chose Mercado to celebrate my wife's birthday. Our service was awesome from start to finish. The staff was excellent and recommended their favorite dishes. We had trouble deciding between the popular tacos and the loaded carne asada fries. Our server recommended doing a half order of the fries with two tacos. If we hadnt already enjoyed sharing two appetizers, this would have been a perfect dinner portion.
The dip trio was fantastic. The salsa was bright and vibrant. The queso was smooth, creamy, and well seasond. The guacamole made for a refreshing bite in between the other two dips. The superior appetizer of the night was the warm side of elotes street corn. Mercado served this dish off the cob and we utilized the chips we had from our dip trio to scoop it all up. The elotes was so good! I could have eaten 3 servings of it without getting tired if it. This is a great snack dish if you find yourself anywhere on the Landing with an appetite.
My tacos were excellent. I had zero complaints. The carne asada fries were even better than the tacos. The burst of umami from the layers of flavor in the fries made for my favorite bite of the night. If you only get one thing when you come to Mercado, it should be the carne asada fries.
For her birthday dessert my wife chose the flourless chocolate torte. She has a gluten sensitivity and this made for a perfect end to the night. The kitchen even served this with a large sparkler that burned bright for the whole restaurant to see. Thanks to all the staff for helping us celebrate my wife and make her feel special. We can't wait for...
Read moreIf you're looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, look no further than Mercado. Located in the heart of the city, Mercado offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or a family celebration.
The menu at Mercado is a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary cooking techniques, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprising. For starters, be sure to try the guacamole, which is made fresh to order and served with warm, crispy chips.
When it comes to entrées, Mercado offers a wide range of options, from tacos and burritos to more elaborate dishes like mole chicken and grilled shrimp. The portions are generous and the flavors are bold, making each bite a truly satisfying experience. One of the most popular dishes is the Mercado Tacos, which feature tender and juicy meats that are expertly seasoned and served on warm corn tortillas.
In addition to its food, Mercado is known for its impressive drink menu, which features margaritas, cocktails, and a large selection of tequilas. Whether you prefer a classic margarita or something a little more adventurous, the bartenders at Mercado are sure to craft a drink that is tailored to your taste.
Overall, Mercado is a must-visit for anyone who loves Mexican food and wants to try something new and exciting. With its delicious food, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere, Mercado is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or celebrate a special occasion. So why wait? Head to Mercado today and discover what everyone is...
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