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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 10, 2002)
Atmosphere, tasty food and great drinks: Find it all at Jalisco's Jalisco’s 3095 W. 11th 485-8636 Fare: Mexican $$ Jenn Knoop After passing building after building of various restaurant, retail and financial businesses that is W. 11th Ave., we spotted a modest strip mall that harbors Jalisco’s, a family Mexican restaurant with authentic flair. At first glance, Jalisco’s seems like just another Mexican restaurant. You would probably expect meager food, service and decor like I did, but the reality supercedes this first impression by a landslide. My friend and I walked in and were immediately greeted by friendly faces 014839 VISIT EUGENE'S PREMIER Restaurant BrIwhouse • Award winning handcrafted beers • Incredible baby back ribs 1600 Coburg Rd. For delivery call 342-6114 accompanied by genuine "Holas" and "Good Afternoons". We were happily seated in a comfortable booth where we found our selves among a few average "joes" on their lunch break with some families scattered about. The place was pretty filled for a Wednesday but the service was not lacking as our every whim was catered to. The manager was up and around and just as friendly as the serving staff. The entire restaurant had a family-run feel, which added to the ambiance. Immediately upon being seated, we were given a hot basket of fresh tortilla chips and two cups of salsa by a friendly busser, who referred to us as senoritas, by the way. The decor was traditional but innovative with vibrant colored tiled arches above all the walkways and doors. We were then handed monstrous menus that boggled the eyes. This menu is one to be reckoned with and you should come prepared. This thing is six pages long, com plete with appetizer page, drink and children's menu and even a glossary of terms for the not so-Mexican-food sawy! Who knew what chorizo was anyway? They even have T-bone steak and burgers for the tra ditional folk. I was attracted to the lunch specials page, which they serve daily from 11-3. After much deliberation, 1 decided on the crab enchiladas meal for $10.75, my friend opted for the standard chicken burri to with rice and beans, of course, for $5.75. And who could have a Mexican meal without sampling the margaritas? I don't know about the rest of the drinks on the menu, but they definitely have the margari ta-making mastered. Speaking of alcohol, they have every thing under the sun! If you're brave enough for a "Dirty Mother", which consists of tequila, kahlua and half-and-half, they can make it. In addition to a variety of other mixed drinks, they house a medley of wines and, of course, cerveza! Our meals came within minutes, it seemed, and we didn't waste any time sam pling them. My meal was smothered in gen erous helpings of sour cream, cheese and guacamole, three of my favorites, but not recommended for the calorie conscious. After mowing down a basket of chips, I was a bit full and had to leave half my order but it was great! With no room for dessert, my friend and I left with doggie bags in tow and definitely in need of a siesta. If you're looking for a variety of Mexican food with family dining appeal, Jalisco’s is the place to go. It's a journey, but definitely worth it for an authentic hearty meal and great service.
