Finding the perfect Mexican restaurant can be a culinary adventure. This guide focuses on the diverse menu offerings you might encounter at Los Altos Mexican restaurants, helping you navigate the options and find your next favorite dish. While specific menus vary by location and establishment, we'll explore common items and variations, giving you a comprehensive overview.
What are the typical menu sections in a Los Altos Mexican Restaurant?
Most Los Altos Mexican restaurants offer a range of options, typically categorized into sections for easier navigation. These generally include:
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Appetizers/Antojitos: This section often features smaller plates, perfect for sharing or as a starter. Expect to find classics like nachos, guacamole, quesadillas, taquitos, and flautas. Regional variations might include unique appetizers specific to certain areas of Mexico.
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Tacos: A cornerstone of Mexican cuisine! Los Altos restaurants usually offer a variety of taco fillings, from carne asada (grilled steak) and carnitas (slow-cooked pork) to pollo (chicken) and al pastor (marinated pork). Vegetarian options, such as mushroom or potato tacos, are becoming increasingly common. You'll often find variations in the tortillas used – corn or flour.
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Enchiladas: These are corn tortillas filled with meat or cheese, covered in sauce (typically red or green chili), and baked. The sauce type and filling options will vary widely.
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Fajitas: A sizzling platter of grilled meat (steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables) served with warm tortillas, onions, peppers, and various toppings. This is a popular choice for sharing.
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Combination Plates: These offer a mix-and-match approach, allowing you to choose from various entrees, often accompanied by rice, beans, and other sides.
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Burritos: Large flour tortillas filled with rice, beans, meat, and various toppings. Burritos can be quite substantial, and variations can include wet burritos (covered in sauce) or breakfast burritos.
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Seafood: Many Los Altos Mexican restaurants also offer fresh seafood dishes, such as ceviche, grilled fish tacos, or shrimp enchiladas, depending on their location and specialization.
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Desserts: Expect traditional Mexican sweets like churros, flan, and sopapillas.
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Drinks: Beyond the usual soft drinks, expect options like horchata (a rice-based drink), Jarritos (Mexican sodas), and a variety of margaritas.
What kind of meat options are available?
Los Altos Mexican restaurants typically offer a variety of meats, including:
- Carne Asada: Grilled steak, often marinated.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked pork, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Pollo: Chicken, often grilled or cooked in various sauces.
- Al Pastor: Marinated pork, typically cooked on a vertical spit.
- Chorizo: Mexican sausage.
- Barbacoa: Slow-cooked meat, often lamb or goat, traditionally cooked underground. (Availability might vary)
- Ground Beef: A common option used in various dishes.
Are there vegetarian options at Los Altos Mexican restaurants?
Yes! Many Los Altos Mexican restaurants are now catering to the growing vegetarian and vegan demand. You can often find vegetarian options such as:
- Vegetarian Tacos: With fillings like mushrooms, potatoes, cheese, or black beans.
- Vegetarian Burritos: Similar fillings as above, substituting meat for vegetables.
- Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas are a classic vegetarian choice.
- Vegetable Fajitas: Grilled vegetables served with tortillas and toppings.
- Enchiladas with cheese or vegetables: Many variations are available.
What are some popular Los Altos Mexican restaurant dishes?
Popularity varies by restaurant, but you're likely to find these items frequently featured:
- Carnitas Tacos: The tender, flavorful carnitas are a crowd-pleaser.
- Al Pastor Tacos: The marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit offers a distinctive taste.
- Chicken Enchiladas: A classic dish, versatile and widely available.
- Steak Fajitas: A popular choice for sharing, known for its sizzling presentation.
- Cheese Quesadillas: A simple yet satisfying vegetarian option.
This guide serves as a general overview. To discover the specific menu offerings of a particular Los Altos Mexican restaurant, it's always best to check their website or contact them directly. Enjoy your culinary journey!
