Minutes from Adrian College, El Chapulin is a restaurant that takes full advantage of its place in the college community. Its boisterous atmosphere also makes it the perfect venue for Mexican cuisine before a night out with friends.
With its reputation for excellent Mexican food in South Central Michigan, four reporters went on separate expeditions to test the tasty reputation of "El Chaps," as the locals call it. Here, Elliot Wild, Tony Gonzalez, Bill Richards and Rachel Pecor compare their culinary experiences.
Pecor and Richards (P & R): Our waitress was attentive, taking our drink orders just after we were seated. El Chapulin offers a wide selection of cocktails and daily drink specials, but the downside to this is that its atmosphere tends to be noisy like a bar. Still, we enjoyed watching football on one of the TVs and feeling laid-back and part of the college-town scene.
Wild and Gonzalez (W & G): We were told that there was a 15-minute wait when we arrived, but we were seated in less than half that time. If you are interested in getting a table promptly, don't come on a weekend, where we were offered a 45-minute wait. However, when we arrived on a Monday night, the place was nearly empty, and we were seated immediately. The bar atmosphere is more of a weekend phenomenon here. And be aware of your choice for seating, as the television screens, whether you want to see or avoid them, may play an influencing role during your meal. In addition, the restaurant seems a bit confused as to its décor. We wondered how a funk radio station coordinated with the native artwork, situated near a bar. This confusion surely lightened our moods before the meal.
P & R: Our appetizer was the green cheese sauce ($3.50), a melted cheese sauce with tortilla chips. Our waitress assured us that 95 percent of the restaurant's patrons order this cheese dip, but we thought it was too much like Velveeta. After adding some of El Chapulin's custom hot salsa, the dip improved.
W & G: We had the cheese sauce as well and could see why so many people ordered it. Also, the house hot sauce was excellent. However, the basic chips were mediocre and hardly authentic, made edible only because of these great sauces. Most Mexican restaurants have superior chips, so a more venturesome appetizer may be recommended.
P & R: From the extensive menu we chose the enchilada plate ($8.75) and the wet burrito ($9.00) as entrees. The wet burrito, advertised as the "Grasshopper's Special," is a flour tortilla filled with your choice of beef, pork, chicken or beans and onions. It is coated with meat or cheese sauce for a delicious and authentic-tasting combination.
Besides the entrees, there are tacos, chalupas, quesadillas, burritos and tamales a la carte, priced from $1.50 to $2.85.
W & G: We tried a chalupa platter ($5.75), which comes with three tasty chalupas, a plate of beans and rice and some extra tortillas. Like the "Grasshopper's Special," the chalupa platter is excellent, authentic Mexican food. The tamale platter was prepared especially well, with great spice, distinguishing it from most Mexican dishes. These tamales brought memories of my grandmother's authentic cooking, gaining an immediate stamp of approval.
P & R: For dessert we had the fruit burrito, fried cheesecake coated in strawberries and whipped cream.
W & G: We sampled the fried ice cream, which was tasty, but a little too far on the sweet side. Most likely after a filling meal, this dessert could be shared among friends.
P & R: All in all, we decided El Chapulin offers a great excuse for a study break or a night outside Hillsdale with friends.
W & G: We loved the Mexican food, and the atmosphere was great for hanging out and sharing a few laughs. In combining an authentic meal in a comfortable location the restaurant offers a unique dining experience.