Mexican food may be Woodbury’s best kept secret. Usual suspects Acapulco Restaurante and Las Margaritas are no brainers, but have you tried a quesadilla at Bonfire? Or Carmine’s delicious nachos? That’s the catch about Mexican food: anyone can make it, but few can make it well. Each chef has a different flair for classic Mexican dishes, and the variety is a scrumptious symphony of the best in town.
Tex Mex
The New Woodbury Café
The best time of the day for Mexican food is anytime of the day. The New Woodbury Café specializes in breakfast foods, and the Tex Mex is one of the best. Grilled hash browns, onion and juicy sausage are served over two eggs deliciously wrapped in a flour tortilla ($9.50). Whether you’re on the way to work, or to a relaxing day at the lake, The New Woodbury Café is the best way to start your morning. 803 Bielenberg Drive; 651.209.8081.
Seafood Chimichangas
Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano
With so many traditional favorites in the canon of classic Mexican food, it can be difficult to find a variety in the menu. Fortunately, Acapulco Restaurante has put an aquatic twist on a classic. The chimichanga is Mexico’s answer to the eggroll. Encased in a deliciously deep-fried tortilla, all of the creatures of the sea pour forth from beneath a bed of famous Acapulco cheese sauce. There’s crab, shrimp, mahi-mahi and even a helping of scallops to whet your appetite. Served with rice and garnished with lettuce, sour cream and fresh tomatoes, you’ll wonder how you ate it so quickly ($11.99). General manager Ann Thell considers the seafood chimis a great option for lunch as well ($8.99 for one), so stop by anytime of the day and try something new. 1795 Radio Drive; 651.739.6360.
Chef Jimmy’s Chipotle BBQ Nachos
Carmine’s Restaurant and Bar
Nachos: Chips, cheese, and crunch. Simple, right? Wrong! A plate of nachos offers so much more than its casual appearance. In addition to alleviating hunger, a plate of nachos can reveal the diners’ true selves during the meal. For example, who has the most restraint? Who is the messiest of the group? Is there a double-dipper among us? Whatever the case may be, chef Jimmy’s nachos are prepared with chipotle barbeque braised beef, pico de gallo, house corn and black bean salsa, fresh cilantro, fiery jalapeños, lime and cheese ($12.99). Carmine’s does food loudly, and we are ever grateful for it. Let the hunger games begin, and may your friendships prosper. 9900 Valley Creek Road; 651.730.4500.
Veggie Burrito
Chipotle Mexican Grill
It’s 9 p.m. The restaurants are all closing down, and you have a hunger the size of Jabba the Hut. Where do you turn to curb those late-night hunger blues? Why, the king of burritos of course. Chipotle is the mecca for Mexican cravings for kids and adults alike, and they have all of the tools required to roll the perfect wrap. The chicken, steak and barbacoa options are delicious in their own right, but we think the veggie burrito offers the best bang for your buck. Packed full of white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, and however you like your salsa and cheese, this meatless offering comes with free guacamole. That’s right, an extra $1.80 in your pocket for your next burrito craving. Also, their newly revised pinto bean recipe is prepared without bacon, so vegetarians, enjoy! ($6.25). 7455 Currell Blvd. #116; 651.738.9366; 9965 Hudson Road; 651.739.1164.
Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
Bonfire
While Mexican food may not be the driving force behind the menu at Bonfire, their chipotle chicken quesadilla appetizer is indeed worthy of a spot on Woodbury’s list of delicious Mexican meals. This 12-inch flour tortilla is stuffed with pulled rotisserie-cooked chicken and pepper jack cheese, then grilled on the flattop for a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Bonfire’s quesadilla is cut into fourths and comes topped with chipotle sour cream and cilantro, served with a side of zesty guacamole and fresh pico de gallo. ($10.95). 1424 Weir Drive; 651.735.0085.
Tacos de Alambre
Las Margaritas
The secret to a great taco is unpredictability. We’re all familiar with the standard beef, cheese and lettuce combination which has turned Tuesday from “normal day of the week” into a day of taco celebration. Keeping with this tradition, Las Margaritas has concocted their zesty tacos de alambre, reserved for the bravest of taco aficionados. Grilled chicken meets chorizo in a two-meat tango sashaying with onions and jalapeños for an over-the-top fiesta. Served with three flour or corn tortillas and covered with cheese, this taco dance-in-your-mouth can commence with gusto! ($9.99) 10150 Hudson Road; 651.340.3524.
