Jon Gibbons/Collegian
Jon Gibbons prepares to dig in.
Sammy's Mexican Restaurant
350 Hillsdale St., Hillsdale
Sammy's is convenient to the Hillsdale student by its location, as well as its prices. The bean and cheese burrito, which was very good, was only $2.25. Regardless of price and location, however, the atmosphere had a much more student-friendly flavor; it's a place where you could get together with friends over a decent meal.
The weekly specials, written in dry-erase markers, were just one indicator that Sammy's was a more casual, caring, less corporate eatery.
The atmosphere was very friendly, and the service was fast and amiable. The restaurant was decorated similarly to Margarita's; an eclectic blend of South, Central and North American art. There was one noted difference, however, in the spider-webs and jack-o-lanterns hanging from the cacti and windows.
The food proved to be quite good for a smaller, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The food was served hot and had a more authentic taste than Margarita's. At Sammy's, they gave descriptions of food, so one would know whether the burrito was coming out "wet" (i.e., drenched in gravy).
There was a wide variety of Mexican food available on the menu, and customers had the option of dine-in or carry out for their food retrieval. Despite its surprisingly large menu, however, there weren't many truly authentic or less widely known Mexican foods on the menu: no Móle sauce, nothing al pastor, and there was a decided lack of cilantro.
Overall, however, Sammy's proved to be a good dine-in locale for a casual, quick, Tex-Mex meal.
Margarita's CC and Co.
521 S. Meridian Rd., Hudson
Margarita's CC and Co., while surprisingly cute in its faux-Mexican-Peruvian-Spanish-American décor, was a little too mid, and not southwestern enough in its food. The restaurant was filled with bright colors that, at first sight, made one think "Mexico." After scoping out the place, the restaurant took on the ironically humorous blend of several nationalities.
The atmosphere was more like a cheap steakhouse or truck stop: loud country music and painted portrait of John Wayne generally doesn't make one think "olé."
The menu was limited to a Mexican-styled American food. The options for each meal were fairly sparse; customers normally had their choice of beef or chicken, and that was it.
The Mexican portion of the menu was limited to the old standards of burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and chimichangas. If you can get it at taco bell, you can probably get it at Margarita's.
The food was very midline, and was not worth the $7 a plate. On the plus side, however, the complimentary chips were fresh and fairly warm, and the salsa was comparable to a medium-heat Pace Picante.
As Tex-Mex food goes, it was mediocre. The ground beef chimichanga was drenched in rich, hearty, mid-America brown gravy that was way too heavy for the meal.
The Bean Tostadas were decent, but for the $6 price tag, a little more flavor could have accompanied the platter. The small fried tortillas covered with re-fried beans and cheddar cheese were, apart from the hair found in one, just okay.
The proportions of the plates were generous, but at the same time, when you're already being served a thick, gravy-coated beef chimichanga, that's not exactly a great thing.
The waiting staff matched the overall ambience of the small restaurant, that is to say it felt more like an American diner than an authentic Mexican restaurant.
Taco's
1317 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson
By far the best and most authentic of the restaurants that we visited, Tacos is very good, authentic Mexican food at reasonable (between $5-$9 for a plate, with individual items as low as $1.25) prices.
Taco's is simply named, simply decorated and the food is served simply, but that is not to say that Tacos is simply another Mexican joint.
Unlike many restaurants, the customary chips were freshly baked and served with a tomatilla salsa as opposed to the expected reddened tomato salsa. The hot salsa actually had a little bit of a kick to it, but it still packed in taste with the heat.
The food was brought out quickly and was elegantly presented on a bright plate that complimented the gorgeous grub. It consisted of generous portions with more flavor than any other restaurant visited. Even the refried beans didn't taste like another spoonful from the pot-and there was no gravy in sight.
The restaurant also sported a separate carryout online menu, featuring a large "family meal" of 24 entrées for $30. Perfect for any Hillsdale road trip to Jackson.
The walls were whitewashed, though the outside resembled an old-fashioned walk-up hot dog shop. The small slip of a building had a very cozy feeling to it; and the restaurant had a very nice, quiet dining environment. There was no loud music-country, tejano or otherwise-to drown out conversation.
The only actual decorations in the dining
space were cute little cacti in the windowsills, a small spice rack on the wall and a stuffed, dancing cactus bandito on the counter top.
The service was very laid-back and relaxed, but still attentive to the customer. One easily felt at home at Taco's: the quintessential casual dining experience with incredible authentic Mexican food.
El Ranchito
1103 E. Ganson St., Jackson
A favorite of senior Emily Stack, visiting El Ranchito was an experience in itself. The restaurant includes an attached grocery, so visitors can choose from various Jarritos soda pop flavors or pork skin rinds.
A wide range of spices and cooking supplies seem to inspire patrons to re-create the dishes they taste.
The restuarant has been recently renovated to add dining space though the overall atmosphere remains intimate and homespun. One of the owners hails from South America, and the cooking is reflective of this.
Even the breakfast burrito and the tostadas stand as unique testimonies to Mexican culinary skills. A special addition to the menu is Unique in flavor, they are a break from the usual wash of beans, burritos and rice that too often inflicts Mexican cooking.
Crisp flavors, interesting--yet mild--seasonings and quality ingredients, all add to the style and taste-experience of El Ranchitos.
On an interesting side note, the cooks often chime in to the piped Hispanic music, belting out in song from the open kitchen. It is an entertaining novelty to diners.
Overall, prices are cheap, the atmosphere is pleasurable without being overwhelming, and the food is well worth the attack on your wallet. Who could help but enjoy authentic, taste bud-pleasing Mexican food?