Plaza Jalisco

Muy Delicioso!

 There are loads of “authentic” Mexican restaurants in our area. They all have stucco walls with oil paintings of deserts and they all have very similar menus. The true test is which one delivers the tastiest and the fastest.

Plaza Jalisco does well on both accounts. We were out and about in Coralville and had a hankerin’ for some chips and salsa and lo and behold, there it was. Well, it’s a little tricky to find. If we hadn’t been driving around some neighborhoods off Coral Ridge Avenue, we may never have found it. The restaurant is located in bland little strip mall that’s particularly difficult to gain entry into.

The interior is slightly less bland than the neighborhood. There isn’t a whole lot of character going on, but it’s open and airy with lots of windows and clean booths and tables. Staff is waiting at every turn to make sure you have plenty of beverages and a constant supply of chips and salsa.

After we had ordered, it took less than 10 minutes for our food to arrive. It was perplexingly quick service. On the one hand, I was hungry and getting my food quicker than I could unwrap my silverware was appreciated. On the other hand, what sort of sorcery are they performing behind the scenes to make food that quickly?

I had the steak and chicken fajitas, which were literally jumping off the hot skillet platter. The meat was tender and flavorful and there were plenty of sizzling green peppers, onions and tomatoes on the side. It was served with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and cheese. Everything was very fresh and the flavors were a good mix of sizzle and spice.

And as an added bonus, they gave us a small bowl of ice cream at the end of our meal. Nothing makes me happier than surprise ice cream.

Plaza Jalisco serves some standard Mexican fare but it’s well done, fresh and fast. Olé!
- ANDREA
Details: Plaza Jalisco, 2401 Coral Court, Suite 2, Coralville, (319) 545-4165