Chapala Mexican Grill

UPDATE: We tried Chapala again and it was a completely different experience than our initial visit. This time, the food was really good, no straw in my beer this time, service was friendly and amazing. I mean it was a 100% reversal from the first visit. We will go again and again. I worked & lived in Mexico for several years, so can be a bit more critical than some folk I suppose. But Chapala won us over this second time. **** The first time there..... To be honest, it was disappointing. While the interior is lovely (they really did a great job there), food and service were iffy. Beginning with the weird 'straw in a pint of Modelo' and just going downhill from there. Food was average. Service can be improved quite a bit. We will try it again in a few weeks after the staff has a chance to get up to speed.

I started with the chips and salsa, both which I enjoyed very much. Nothing on the menu is very spicy, but they have a very spicy side salsa that you can use. Surprisingly, it was spicy. I am always happily surprised when I find something I consider spicy. I chose the fish tacos, which are dressed very nicely and come with a side of chipotle ranch. I think the ranch is not spicy, but it has a nice flavor. I also took a side of rice that was very tasty. They serve Coke products, which is what I prefer it's always very happy about that. I chose to go with her top shelf margarita because it has fresh squeezed fruit. I was not disappointed. My server was Gabriela, and she did a superb job of explaining the menu to me and what my options were. We discussed what was celiac friendly since the rest of my family is celiac friendly. The chips are cooked in the same oil as things with gluten so they will be some contamination there if you are truly celiac. I intend to come back with my wife and l

OK, the food and drinks were a little expensive, but then again, what isn't these days. That being said, my carne asada tacos were delicious. My daughter enjoyed here chicken enchiladas as well. I'd definitely go back. Great to have this place so close.