Casa Vallarta Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Saugus

We saw this place while driving up Route 1 looking for another Mexican place that apparently closed.

I checked the reviews, and although this location wasn't listed, other locations were. Four stars in 98 reviews. I had to try it. I spent a decade of my child and young adulthood in New Mexico. Finding good Mexican food in Massachusetts is tough.

This place was great. We had our one-year-old with us. Their high chairs are still immaculate.

The atmosphere was friendly. Almost cozy, but I don't want to make it sound cramped.

The food was great. Just like I like it. They brought out the usual chips and salsa, but with a twist. They brought out a secondary salsa that was zero hotness. The guy even said, "it's basically tomato sauce." I didn't care for it, but in MA I could totally see somebody at the table who didn't like spicy stuff wanting to partake in the appetizer.

Which brings me to the next part. They also bring out a bean dip with white cheddar. Oh, the baby loved that!

Service is very fast. Food was out in a jiffy. If I have any complaint at all it was that after you're served dinner you become less of a priority. It didn't bother us, but I feel it's worth mentioning for those that might be annoyed by that.

They don't do draft beer, I didn't try the margaritas, but there is a bar with...

One of my top 3 Mexican Restaurants in Boston Metro Area, I have been come here for the last 3 year and I’m never disappointed. First off very clean and spacious, the staff is friendly and efficient, an order never takes too long to arrive. Chips and salsa at the table right away - as it is common practice - but with an extra bonus: Frijoles con Queso Dip! I don’t remember having that anywhere else… Oh wait, yes I think they do it at Temazcal Burlington (which is a fancier mexican) Anyway, very good, it goes super well with chips in my opinion. Then the Mango Margarita, One of the best, if not the best in my opinion, I always have me one of those, even at lunch on weekdays 😬. Then for last but not least, the Carne Assada… Hmmm so good. I like it medium well accompanied with sour cream. The rice in particular very well seasoned and, as we say it in Brazil: Soltinho, arroz soltinho! Which means well cooked and loose, not like sticky and sushi-like. Very important info for my Brazilian friends out there. Well anyway, I highly recommend this place for...

I've been here twice so far and the food and service are great.

We've ordered steak fajitas, the tres amigos (fish/chicken/steak), steak tacos, and fish tacos. The portions are a bit more generous than is necessary. The steak is not particularly flavorful, but I guess if I wanted a steak I should go next door to Jimmy's Steer House. Overall, the food is good, drinks are good, and it satisfies that Mexican food craving.

One thing I do not like about Casa Vallarta is the table in the back which is closest to the restroom. I don't think it is appropriately spaced apart from the restroom area. We were brought to the table but did not feel comfortable to sit there. We requested another table and within a few minutes they were able to seat us more towards the middle of the restaurant. The service was understanding and apologetic, despite the host initially telling us they were full when we asked for a different table. This problem could have been avoided if they didn't try to get that one...