Jalisco Mexican Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Newport

2/15/24 – Whenever I venture into NH, for some inexplicable reason, I always hunt down a Mexican restaurant. Jalisco didn’t disappoint. It was 11 am when we arrived. Now, I’m not one to be the first through the door at a restaurant, but hunger got the best of us. We were met by Daniel, whom I've affectionately dubbed Daniel Boone. Daniel even caught me snapping photos of the restaurant as I strolled in, and he shamelessly posed through the window. You might even spot him if you zoom in—caught in the act, haha! Daniel Boone is one cool dude.. I highly doubt he knows the reference, but his beaming smile, paired with the vibrant Mexican-style decor, set the tone. Although tempted, I resisted the urge for a margarita; it was a tad too early. However, the coffee hit the spot. My meal arrived warm and delicious, with the quesadillas stealing the show. And don’t get me started on the flan—it was divine! Daniel checked on us multiple times, ensuring we lacked nothing. As I settled in, Colombian ballenato music filled the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere; it's like my sister nation welcoming me home. Being family-owned, this restaurant had that special touch you can't find in chain establishments. Jalisco's cuisine lived up to its reputation, striking a perfect balance between cheesy and spicy. Daniel even shared directions to a local dairy farm for milk. Following his guidance led us on a picturesque riverside drive, complete with a charming covered bridge—a rarity these days. We stumbled upon a gem of a place, which I'll likely review tomorrow after fetching my milk. I recommend this place and ask for Daniel and tell him you...

First time we went it was great! Our second experience was not good. We couldn’t get through by phone so stopped in to order to go. We both ordered chimichanga meal’s, one beef, one chicken, both with rice (both shown in pics). We paid, and waited for our meals. When they came out with our dinners to go, they informed us that they were out of rice. Thinking it was odd nothing was said, and that we had already paid, we asked what was in our orders then if no rice, and they said beans. We were disappointed nothing was said before hand, but decided to make the best of it and headed home with our order to enjoy our dinner’s. Immediately upon taking it out of the bag, we were both totally shocked and disappointed. Our chimichangas, which should be crispy, were both totally saturated in soggy bean soup. Not only were they out of rice, apparently we got what was left of the watered down sloppy bean juice. Our chimis were so soggy and unappetizing, and our meals seemed like they were just thrown together. We felt like we had thrown $50 in the trash along with both of our meals. It’s disappointing that nothing was said beforehand or while waiting for our meals, and that it was even ok for someone in the kitchen or management to even think that this was acceptable to let leave their restaurant like...

Like so many places in this part of the world, I wanted to love it. But didn’t. Our waiter wasn’t rude or inattentive, but didn’t go out of his way to be friendly or helpful, beyond his obligation (the language barrier may have been a hindrance). The restaurant was clean & pretty average for a run-of-the-mill Mexican place. Mariachi music was cheesy but appropriate. Food, however, was bad. My carne asada was like no carne assda I’ve ever eaten or made. Gristly, tough pieces of unseasoned & unsliced steak; not sure what cut was used, but it certainly wasn’t skirt or flank steak. The shredded chicken on my daughter’s nachos was dry as a bone & devoid of flavor. Our dining partner’s quesadilla was an over-stuffed mess of what looked like a slop-bucket mixture of refried beans, chicken (allegedly) & cheese. She barely touched it. My jalapeño margarita was OK, but even that had a slightly weird taste…was it the unfamiliar tequila they used, or the PICKLED jalapeño?!. All in all an extremely disappointing meal that cost far too much (almost $100 with tip). We will not be returning. I would say it’s a mystery why this place has as high a rating as it does… but many people who live in this part of the world appear to have never eaten in good restaurants so have nothing for comparison. If you...