Cantina Laredo, Huntsville Alabama, Restaurant Review.

My husband and I are huge fans of Mexican food.  Our daughter was out with friends tonight, so we took it upon ourselves to head to the Bridge Street Towne Center, here in Huntsville, Alabama.  We had both heard so many good things about Cantina Laredo and couldn't wait to try it out ourselves.  Bridge Street Towne Center is located in the Research Park area, on the Madison/Huntsville line.  Convenient for everyone!

From the moment we walked in the door, until the moment we left, it was positive!  I loved the atmosphere. Very warm, with an upscale twist.    They have a full circular bar, in the middle.  Gorgeous!  The crowd was mixed, with a nice blend of families, and couples dressed up for an evening on the town.  We both wore jeans and we fit right in!  We were relaxed through the entire meal.  The Latin music playing in the background was refreshing. Not the loud "canned Mexican" music we all typically hear.

Ross Kirk was our first nice surprise. He was our waiter and what a fine job he did!  Ross has a great personality and we felt like we were his only table the entire evening!  (He had others, but made us all feel special!)  While explaining the "Cantina Laredo" dining experience I soon discovered they are much more than a Mexican Restaurant.  They truly do offer "Gourmet Mexican Food" as stated on their menus.  I was surprised to learn they fly in fresh fish each week day.  Tonight's special was a Halibut fish, served on a banana leaf, with Cantina Laredo's specialty sauce.  YUM!

When we were first seated, there was a bowl of avocados on our table, as decoration.  I was soon to discover that they make their signature "fresh guacamole" right there, at your table.  Oh my goodness.  Trust me when I say I'm not that wild about Guacamole. THIS was the best I've ever had.  It was an experience in itself, watching Ross make it!  (That was really the only reason I ordered it initially, and I'm so thankful I did!).  The Guacamole was delicious!  The chips at Cantina Laredo and the salsa were to die for!  I am a chip and salsa specialist, I believe.  They have the best, hands down!  I was a bit concerned at first, when they brought out the small bowl of chips, but soon learned they keep the bowl full, before it ever becomes empty!  I should know, I ate 3 bowls while devouring my new found love of Guacamole!  We were served a mild salsa and a hot sauce with our chips. I loved the mild and my husband loved  the hot. We were both happy!

The dinner menu has something for everyone.  Tim quickly zoomed in on one of Cantina Laredo's specialty dishes, the Camaron Poblana Asada.  He LOVED it!  The menu describes it like this: Sauteed shrimp, mushrooms, onions and monterey jack inside a poblano pepper wrapped in a carne asada steak on a bed of chimichurri sauce.  He gave it a "Two thumbs up". 

Tim also has a weakness for the occasional Margarita.  The house Margarita was a hit with Tim, to say the least.  Fresh squeezed lemons and limes, tequila and their secret ingredient made this a "10", hands down. I even took a sip and didn't get the "pucker your lips" feeling I have when I drank it. It really was good!  I might even order one on our next trip in, which won't be long after our first experience!  Cantina Laredo specializes in upscale Tequila.  Be sure to view their Tequila menu!

I chose the Enchilada Vera Cruz, with their signature "drunken beans". Yes, drunken beans!  The formal name is Borracho beans.  They are soaked in beer and again, have several of their secret ingredients.   Oh my gosh. You have to try these!  My Enchilada was as expected. Delicious!  I loved the combination of flavors when I took my first bite. The menu describes it as follows: Enchilada stuffed with chicken, spinach and monterey jack cheese topped with tomatillo sauce, vinaigrette marinated vegetables and Cotija cheese.  "Two thumbs up", again!

Finally, our desert.  You have to try the Mexican Apple Pie. Again, this was created at our table by our wonderful waiter, Ross.  I was SO full from dinner, but did manage to eat every last drop of this!  It was served on a sizzling platter. Ross topped our Apple pie with cinnamon ice cream and then poured a warm Mexican Brandy Butter on top.  It sizzled and smoked, which you'll see in the slide show.  I LOVED the dessert!  When you go, you have to try this.

I initially intended to keep this review short, but felt there were just too many positive things to say, and before I knew it, I had a small book here.  We relaxed, enjoyed the atmosphere, caring staff and the best Mexican food Huntsville, Alabama has to offer. The service was tops. Be sure to ask for Ross.  He was fantastic!  We will be back, no doubt about it!  Does it get any better than this?

Here is a link to their web site to view the Menu at Cantina Laredo.  They also serve Brunch!  Enjoy and be sure to tell Ross we said hi!   www.Cantinalaredo.com