Nogal Mexican Cuisine & Bar — Restaurant in Lake Charles

We were passing thru Lake Charles, and Nogal happened to be walking distance from our hotel, which was appealing after a long day of driving. We were greeted by the cheery staff and quickly shown to our table. This is a casual place with what we found to be sort of a friendly neighborhood vibe, and is larger than we imagined it. There is a sports bar aspect, which didn't interest us, but it didn't detract at all from our meal. It seemed like if you were interested in a particular game or event, you could probably ask for a table more in the middle of the action. Service was top-notch in every way: fast, friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Food quality was quite good in our experience of casual Mexican restaurants in this price range, but there were some hits and misses, and to be fair the menu is quite extensive and being our first time we weren't sure what to order. But let's start with the house margaritas, which were a 2-for-1 special on a Friday evening. Your choice, 12oz or 20oz, and of course we chose the 20 because why not, we were walking; and also your choice frozen or rocks. We got both, but preferred the frozen, and found the margaritas to be tasty and plenty strong. Tortilla chips and an assortment of three salsas were all complimentary, and each of the salsas was distinctive and interesting. To that mix we added a bowl of queso, which was creamy and delicuous, and maybe a hair on the spicy side compared to some, but not overly so. For entrees we chose the spinach enchiladas and the fajita combo. Fajitas were served sizzling in the expected manner, and while the proteins all seemed of good quality, none were really notable. Flour tortillas appeared to be fresh made in house, and were good. The usual side plate of cheese, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo was fine in all respects. Rice and beans were pretty much classic Tex-Mex fare if you like that sort of thing, which we do! The enchiladas contained not only spinach, as advertised, but green peppers. Not to our taste really, but not terrible. Overall we feel like if we visited often we'd find menu items we really like, as everything seemed very fresh and scratch-made, but what we actually ordered was just fine, nothing more than that. The interesting salsas and creamy queso helped to cover up some of the shortcomings of the entrees, and let's face it, the margaritas helped...

This was my first-time dining here. We plan on dining again very soon. This new establishment is conveniently located next to Target off I-210. It has the best size parking lot to accommodate any size or number of vehicles. The interior was festive, I thought the walls were passionate. Also, the tequila bar was popping with neon. Time to pull out the neon for a girl’s party night in the tequila bar! I felt welcomed at the door by the host and was seated immediately. There are many large TVs for the patrons anywhere you can sit. To start this establishment brings complimentary chips and three salsas (original, smoked, and Verde) to the table. The chips were thin and crisp, perfection. We ask for the top shelf Patron Margaritas. Wow, the mixologist created such memorable cocktails, A+. The glass felt cold to the touch with a sugar rim. The smooth chilled Patron Margarita was vigorously shaken for the perfect adult beverage. I have not had a margarita this good in years.

A+ the white queso passed the test. #1 I like a thick Queso Blanco with a slight drizzle after dipping. If it could not get any better, I tasted the house special guacamole’s presentation was on point. We loved the color mix of veggies. I enjoyed the delicious Camarones Rancheros with rice and beans. This was an exceptional twist for a shrimp dish. The shrimp had the tail showing off the freshness in this dish. I was astonished after trying my husband’s Carne Asada entrée’, Yummy. If you want something tender and juicy order the Mexican Pork Taco. Everything we tried was terrific. The chef’s skills are superb. Our entrées were terrific last night.

Tortilla master, it was pleasant speaking with you about your trade. You looked happy and full of pride. Thank you for creating a tasty tortilla to pair with my shrimp entrée.

We dined on a slow night. Our server, Ms. Ashley tried her best, but her skills need a bit of work. She spilled my husband’s margarita on me and the table. Also, my Camarones Rancheros was served on a broken plate. I felt rushed to order and leave. She did complete her job, but the results were a bit messy.

*On a side notice I did notice in most of the reviews of this location. The entrée was served on broken plates. Please throw away broken dishes, it is a food safety issue.

Tip: 4% DISCOUNT is given to all patrons that choose to pay with cash!

I encourage you to look...

Walked in about an hour before closing. The place looks nice and modern inside. Our server (Veronica, I think) was excellent. Had three salsas with chips served right away. The menu was set up a little different from what we saw online. My son wanted steak but we couldn't find it on the menu. The server helped us figure it out, she was very accommodating. Received my chicken flautas. They were completely smothered, which I wasn't expecting. I thought they might have a small pile of sauce in the middle (like I've gotten at other places), but they were totally covered from one side to the other. I would have preferred them separately from the sauce so I could determine which sauce I want with it if I had realized they were served that way (no pictures on the menu of that dish that I saw), I would have asked for everything on the side. I have been craving Mexican food (we're from Colorado where there is lots of great Mexican food). I was craving traditional Spanish rice and refried beans. The dish on the menu said beans and rice and I assumed that's what I would get but that isn't what I received. It was a plate of rice that was white with some kind of green herb scattered throughout. The beans were whole beans in a broth. It was also seasoned. They were good, but since they weren't what I thought I was getting, traditional Spanish rice and refried beans, it was a little disappointing. We chose this restaurant based on reviews, and I had seen the kind of beans and rice I was hoping to get on someone's posted photos, so I assumed that's the kind they would have. The flautas were still good even though they were smothered. I just scraped everything off. The chicken wasn't very seasoned, but that's usually how they are when you get them from a restaurant. When I make them at home, I season the chicken. I am Hispanic and make lots of traditional Mexican style dishes.

The salsas were very good, but the green one was too spicy for me. I have acid reflux so i can't have super spicy food. She also gave us some chips and queso to go for free! My son said his steak was ok. It was served with scrambled eggs he really liked. He said they were better than any he's had at any...