Lauriol Plaza   

The Tex-Mex and Spanish chow at Lauriol Plaza is often lauded by locals and critics alike. That's not a surprise when you consider that Lauriol Plaza it is the upper-crusty sister to longtime local fave Cactus Cantina -- in fact, much of the two menus are identical. But it's the scene -- the crowd and the atmosphere -- that packs 'em in at this enormous three-story restaurant. Lauriol Plaza is almost always stuffed with a rowdy bunch of neighborhood folks and suburban loyalists willing to wait for cheap food that runs from dependable Tex-Mex to delicious Spanish entrees. The fajitas are just the right combo of tender, tasty chicken, hot onions and peppers, and cool, smooth guacamole. The sunshine salad is perfect if you want to look delicate by ordering a salad, but really hunger for a full meal. It's heaped with corn, peppers, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, pecans and oranges. The pollo asado is served with a crispy skin covering juicy, well-spiced meat. Don't be discouraged if the place looks packed -- it always is. And the wait is usually quicker than it appears. Even when the young, loud crowd spills onto the outside patio, the three stories and outdoor seating allow for a 450 capacity, so the turnover is fast. You'll probably be called just as you finish your first margarita -- right when you're slipping into the fun, Lauriol groove. As for the margaritas, they are served by the glass, half or full pitcher. Order yours frozen, on the rocks or give it a swirl in a peach/mango combo.-- Janice D'Arcy