As soon as you enter Vallarta Mexican Grill you will see decorations mimicking authentic south of the border style. The walls are textured with plaster and there are arches along the wall, reminiscent of homes and other buildings in Mexico and El Salvador. To express their pride towards the amazing places where their exquisite food originated from Vallarta Mexican Grill displays the Mexican, Salvadorian and American flags.
There is a large screen television for you to enjoy your meal while watching your favorite telenovela or the all important soccer or football game. If you don’t want to be distracted by the TV there is also Mexican music being played in the background at a low level so you can still have a conversation.
The softly dimmed lighting allows you to feel relaxed and comfortable. The seating arrangements are in groups of four seats per table or booth. If you go with a large group the staff will gladly arrange tables to accommodate you.
Vallarta Mexican Grill offers a wide assortment of drinks from horchata, jamaica, tamarindo and other various authentic drinks. These drinks are called “ aguas frescas” which are refreshing cold drinks that came about in Mexico and El Salvador. Horchata is commonly made in Mexico. It contains rice, cinnamon, sugar, almonds and sometimes milk. Fountain drinks and Jarritos are also available. Jarritos are Mexican soft drinks.
The bar is fully stocked for your convenience. You can order any type of beer or a margarita. They can also concoct any alcoholic beverages of your choice.
The waitress’ are friendly and attentive. Right after you sit down in your preferred seats they bring you chips and salsa along with the menus. First they ask you what you would like to drink and then bring them to you. The waitress will gladly answer any questions you have. She will describe the food options and ingredients if you desire.
After they bring you your food they regularly come back to check if everything is okay or if you need anything. The waitress brings you your bill accompanied by some mints or candy for each person of your party.
The food comes in the right amount of time, as you are finishing your chips and salsa your waitress brings in your order. The staff takes the time to make sure that your meal is fresh.
You can hear the food sizzling in the back and when your order comes the food is steaming, yet not too hot. The smell of hand made tortillas fill the air, they are soft and thick, just as they should be. The carnitas plate comes with a light salad, rice, beans with melted cheese on the top, pieces of shredded meat and Pico de Gallo. Pico de Gallo is chopped tomato, cilantro and onion mixed together with a sprits of lime. The burritos are ginormous, and they come with the side of rice and beans. The smell emanating from the burritos of cheese and beans makes you want to devour into it. Boldly colored, the menudo looks enticing. Since the portions are oversized for those of us who have small stomachs you can get your leftovers in a box and take it for lunch or dinner.
Portions are super sized so I advise that you go with an empty stomach. From the chips and salsa to your meal and then your dessert, you will be stuffed. The salsa is extra hot and spicy. If you can’t handle your heat then don’t dive into the bowl because you’ll be in for a surprise when you taste the salsa and feel like someone just karate chopped you in the throat. Spicy salsa is a must in Latin communities and the salsa from Vallarta Mexican Grill lives up to that reputation.
Vallarta Mexican Grill offers chimichangas, guachinango, seafood and fried yuca. The menu extends to many Mexican and Salvadorian delicacies. There is a lunch special Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm when a lot of dishes are on sale. Kids menus consist of smaller portions and some American food.
The prices are very reasonable. Drinks are only two dollars. A plate with meat, rice and beans is less than ten dollars. The price is appropriate for the portions you receive.
You don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot because there will always be plenty. The bathrooms could be of higher quality but they are extremely clean. There is plenty of seating available so a seat is almost always guaranteed but just to be sure may reservations can be made in advance.
Vallarta Mexican grill is truly amazing. This restaurant should be at the top of your list if you want to eat at fun, affordable, family restaurant with fantastic food and divine service.
Vallarta Mexican Grill
Location: 1011 Columbus St.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Phone: ( 661) 871- 6940
1
