Are you searching for a new neighborhood happy hour hang that serves scratch-made Mexican cuisine? You may have just found it. Mexico Lindo is a hop, skip, jump (and maybe even a quick bike ride) away—with two convenient locations—and serves up tacos and margaritas…fast!
Upon arrival, the hostess quickly brought us to a table on the eatery’s open, airy patio. If, like me, you arrive thirsty for a tasty and well-priced happy hour margarita, you’ve come to the right place. A double margarita for $9? Yes, please.

The hostess, who was also our bartender and server (or should I say, super server), shook it up, and brought it out within minutes. Finding a happy hour spot with a patio and decently priced, well-made drinks was a huge win for me. I couldn’t have been más feliz.

We perused the menu while nibbling on complimentary chips and salsa. The chips were homemade, and the red salsa was, to my delight, a bit spicy. Tasty chips and salsa? An added point on the books for Mexico Lindo.

We started with the Chile Verde Fries, which were incredibly tasty. Be forewarned though; if you’re not an absolute cheese fanatic (though, who isn’t?), this is not the appetizer for you. The fries came dressed in a mountainous, melted blanket of carnitas-speckled cheese and real green chiles (another major plus for this New Mexico native). While I would’ve loved a little more chile verde pork mixed in, I found myself devouring assuredly more than my half.

Within mere minutes of ordering, our multi-talented waitress—who we learned was the manager, too (someone give this woman a raise!)—brought out two scalding plates: Birria Tacos and Beer Battered Fish Tacos.

I’ll be honest; we had just returned from the Bay Area where we had the most delicious birria tacos of our lives, so these were against some fierce competition and weren’t on the same level. Don’t get me wrong, they were good, but after the mega-bowl of cheese I had just consumed, the cheese in them was just a bit too much (yes, even for this queso fanatic!). Just moderate your cheese consumption before ordering them, and you’ll be OK.

The fish tacos were the clear winner. The fresh cod wasn’t overcooked, the jalapeño and cilantro crema spot-on, and the cilantro-lime rice and black beans brought the dish a much-needed punch of freshness. Squeeze a little citrus on them, order another round of margaritas, and you might just forget you’re in a suburban strip mall.

If you’re seeking a nice spot for a drink and a solid bite of food, Mexico Lindo delivers. You may feel the cheese coursing through your veins for a day or two, but it’ll be worth it.

A warning from the not-so-wise: Don’t plan on exercising after eating here (that probably should’ve been obvious). Next time, I’ll end my cycling adventures here with time for a siesta after. 

Hours: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Sunday);
11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Monday-Thursday);
11 a.m.-9:30 pm. (Friday); 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (Saturday)
The El Dorado Hills location opens at 10 a.m. (Sunday) and 11 a.m. (Saturday).
TRY THIS: Chile Verde Fries, Tortilla Soup, Mango Ceviche, Beer Battered Fish Tacos, Fajitas, Chimichanga, Portobello Enchiladas, Flan, Margarita Flight
DRINKS: Full bar; beer, wine, & cocktails
TAB: $$
HEADS-UP: Happy hour served Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. (includes drink specials and 30% off select appetizers); special menu options for vegans and kids; available for private events and catering; weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas