Last week, I stopped by an old-school diner for my weekly food review, only to find a sign on the door stating the lease was up, the locks were changed, and my Tuesday deadline for this week’s review was in immediate danger.
Left in the lurch, I remembered seeing that a new Mexican eatery had opened nearby, and with no other prospects for my review, I bit the bullet and headed straight to its parking lot, beckoned by streamers and banners waving in the breeze.
The restaurant is called Mamacita's, located at 2218 NW 23rd Street.
I'm not sure if it has any connection to the Nichols Hills Mamasitas that was bulldozed for a Starbucks, but at first glance, I thought it was a new chain eatery like On the Border, Abuelo's, or even El Chico. But I soon realized it was something else entirely…
Though it was quite bright outside in the afternoon sun, inside, the dimly-lit restaurant was cool and cozy, where blue-lit greens and reds set a scene while transfixing eyes of a verdadera belleza watched over us, casting a blessed presence
We were the only people in the restaurant, and the waitperson promptly gave us a “soft opening” menu sheet. Being the trendsetter I am, I guess we were there before the place was “hard” open, which could explain the lack of customers.
After our waitperson took our orders, the large TV screens promoted a performance from Amanecer and Marimaros del Norte. I wandered over to the atmospheric, blue-lit bar, which immediately made me want to head back to the table and order an alcoholic cocktail—the La Toxica ($7.99).
Comprised of Jose Cuervo, pineapple juice and chunks, lime juice, agave, mint, and club soda, it was served in the most impressive goblet I’ve ever seen—a striking cobra. This beverage serenades you with the sweetest juice, but when you’re not looking, it delivers the mighty sting of a hundred venomous bites!
As I was sucking out the poison and casually munching on chips, our food arrived. My girlfriend ordered the classic Fajita Skillet ($14.99). For the most part, it was a traditional plate of grilled chicken served with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, along with corn tortillas, rice, and beans.
Without a doubt, the grilled chicken was extra juicy, and her corn tortilla was filled with the expected green and red peppers, while the biting pico de gallo added an extra touch of fire. With her fajitas, Mamacita’s made sure this could easily be the standout dish.
Taking another sip of my La Toxica, I brandished my fork to dive into the long-awaited Chuleta de Puerco ($12.99). Two pork chops were smothered in Mamacita’s tomatillo and ranchera sauce, topped with onions, peppers, and queso fresco, with rice and beans on the side.
This was bastante notable! While the perfectly grilled pork was truly top-notch, the real heat came from the delectable sauce. As I sliced into the meat, steam once again rose to meet my discerning nose, with the spices and sauces making this dish a true cause for a fiesta.
Taking the final sips of my drink, as the last chunks of pineapple did their due diligence, I threw my napkin down on my now-clean plate. At first, I thought this restaurant might be just another corporate food stop, but it turned out to be one of the best Mexican spots in town. La Toxica’s on me!
Cómpralo ya!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
