By Patrick Aboud

Do you love sizzling fajitas, flavorful tacos, and creamy, irresistible queso? How about authentic Mexican dishes served in a lively, vibrant atmosphere? If that sounds like your kind of meal, you’ve got to check out Lalo’s Margaritas on Patterson Avenue. With bold flavors, great prices, and a welcoming vibe, Lalo’s is quickly becoming a go-to spot for Mexican food lovers in the area.

This restaurant is the seventh opened by the owner, Eduardo “Lalo” Macias, and is the first restaurant named Lalo’s Margaritas Mexican Grill. I saw Lalo’s name on a list of new restaurants, and being a Mexican food lover, I had to give it a try.

When walking in, Sallie Martin (‘26) and I were immediately greeted with what she called “a warm and welcoming vibe.” The restaurant had a modern, upscale feel with music playing in the background, but still maintained a casual, friendly atmosphere. The space was well-lit, with some cool LED lighting around and under the bar that gave it an uncommon flair. 

We were seated quickly, and the service throughout the night was kind and attentive. The staff made sure we felt at home and checked on us just enough to be helpful without being overbearing. That kind of service goes a long way in making a restaurant memorable.

To start off, we were brought a basket of chips with salsa, typical for a Mexican restaurant. The chips were crispy and warm, and the salsa had a fresh, tangy flavor that hit just the right balance between mild and spicy. But what really stood out was the queso. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, it was easily one of the best queso dips I’ve had in a long time. It wasn’t too thick or too runny. We could’ve eaten just the queso and chips and left satisfied, but of course, we were excited for the main dishes.

I ordered the Super Tacos with chicken, while my fellow judge went with the Quesadilla Ranchera. The menu had a plethora of great options, and we both had a bit of trouble choosing, but we were satisfied with our picks. The Super Tacos lived up to their name. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and grilled, with just the right amount of char. Each taco was filled generously, and the toppings were fresh with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, onions, and a light sprinkle of cheese. The tortillas were warm and soft, holding everything together without falling apart. The combination of flavors and textures made every bite better than the last.

The Quesadilla Ranchera was also impressive. It arrived sizzling hot, full of colorful peppers and onions, tender strips of chicken, and rice and beans, which were solid as well—nothing revolutionary, but well-seasoned and an excellent complement to the dish.

If there was one downside to the night, it was that the food took a little while to come out. It wasn’t an unreasonable wait by any means, but it was noticeable. We probably waited around 30 minutes or so for our entrées after ordering. That said, the chips, queso, and the overall vibe of the restaurant helped pass the time easily. Plus, when the food finally arrived, it was hot and fresh, which made the wait feel more justified. I’d rather wait a little longer for well-prepared food than be served something rushed and underwhelming.

Another major plus was the price. For the quality of the food and the portion sizes, Lalo’s is a great value. Our meal ended up being cheaper than what I usually pay at other Mexican restaurants in the area. It wasn’t dirt cheap, but noticeably more affordable without sacrificing quality. That combination of tasty food, good portions, and fair prices is rare to find all in one place these days, and it definitely adds to Lalo’s appeal.

Overall, Lalo’s hit the mark in just about every area. The food was excellent across the board, the service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was inviting without being too loud or over-the-top. It’s the kind of place that feels like it could be your go-to neighborhood spot, where you know you’ll get a good meal and feel comfortable hanging out for a while. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner, grabbing drinks at the bar, or just in the mood for some chips and queso, Lalo’s delivers a great experience.

I’ll definitely be going back soon to try more of the menu, maybe the enchiladas or one of their burrito options. If you’re looking for a solid Mexican restaurant with pleasant vibes, great prices, and food that hits the spot, Lalo’s is well worth checking out.

All photos by Patrick Aboud.