Scene: The Mexican restaurant that moved into the old Baker's Square earlier this month, with a fresh coat of orange paint and a newly tiled counter where the pies used to be, was packed during a recent Friday. The serving staff practically sprinted among the tables and booths, and owner Gustavo Perez sustained several simultaneous conversations, in English and Spanish, over at the cash register. He was all smiles, despite - or because of - the big rush.
Food: The menu is identical to Perez's other place, La Hacienda on Army Post Road. There are the same $5-$7 lunch specials (with fun names like the Happy Burrito and the Speedy Gonzales), plus several salads and heftier entrees. A few stretch beyond the ordinary (see: Hawaiian pork tacos with sweet onions and pineapple), but I took the server's recommendation and ordered the chicken fajitas. The fixin's came first - lettuce, rice, refried beans, creamy guacamole - followed by the chicken on a sizzling skillet. Three tortillas arrived in a foil pouch; they were warm, but not quite big enough for all the fillings. I cleaned my plate with extra chips, which were served with fresh but slightly watery salsa.
On the clock: We arrived at noon and were munching on chips and salsa within mere seconds. Our lunches came out at 12:14, and we polished them off by 12:30. The bill came slower than I might have liked, but we were out the door at 12:50.
Price: The meal wasn't exactly life-changing, but at seven bucks, it's tough to beat. I'll definitely return.
