You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Easton Patch will pick a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.
Here's this week's choice:
Overview:
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Standing alone as one of the only Mexican restaurants in the area, El Mariachi aims to bring something new to family dining in Easton. The menu is full of old family recipes that the owner, Jose Lopez, and his family have always used.
“We are from the southern part of Mexico. Our menu is authentic Mexican with a little bit of California style” said Luis, the owner’s nephew.
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There is a dining room as well as a bar, or “Cantina”at the far end of the restaurant. No matter which place you choose to sit, you will feel right at home. The colorful decorations and smell of mouthwatering spices greet customers at the door almost as quickly as a smiling staff member does.
Décor: From walls covered in sombreros, lights, to the ornate cacti carved booths, you feel as if you have actually crossed the border into Mexico when you walk in the door. It is fun, festive, and perfectly designed. The warm colors are inviting and pictures on the walls make you feel like you’re part of the family. There are also several flat screen televisions – so no big game will be missed here and now there is no reason to not enjoy great food while watching too.
Drinks: The drinks available were summed up in two words by Luis: “Margaritas obviously”. All flavors, on the rocks or frozen, with several tequilas to choose from are available. A variety of beer and wine is also available; some are authentically Mexican, others domestic.
Appetizers: Homemade salsa and chips are given to each table. If this isn’t enough of an appetizer, there are plenty of others to choose from. “I recommend the El Mariachi Nachos or the Fiesta Platter. Those are big sellers” says Luis.
Entrees: There truly is something from everyone on this menu, vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Luis suggests trying the Carne Esado, a flank steak served with guacamole and garnished with green onions. For those who simply cannot choose one entrée, there are Mariachi Combo plates that come with up to three different items; you can choose from chicken, pork, beef, or cheese burritos, enchiladas, chimechengas, tacos, and tamale’s to name a few.
“We are one of the only places around that serves tamales,” Luis said with a grin.
I recommend trying them. They are delicious.
Sides: Refried beans, rice, black beans, and coleslaw are among some sides you get, depending on the entrée you order.
Desserts: Personally, they had me at Deep Fried Ice Cream. They also offer a caramel apple burrito and a baked flan with caramel custard and coffee liqueur.
Service: The staff was accommodating, happy to please, and ready to serve. Everyone at El Mariachi was warm and welcoming.
Owners: It’s a family affair. Jose Lopez, his two brothers, and his nephew Luis all help run El Mariachi.
Miscellaneous: This location is the second of two in the area. The first is located in the Taunton Green. Luis said they decided to open the second restaurant in Easton because “it’s a small town with not a lot of options for something different to eat”.
It opened in April of 2010, so it will be celebrating its’ one year anniversary of business in about a month.
El Mariachi is located at: 620 Washington St
South Easton, MA 02375
(508) 230-5900