Cielito Lindo in Oakland Park: Tex-Mex Done Right

This long-standing restaurant serves Tex-Mex dishes in a quaint setting that looks like a Mexican cottage. It's named after a classic Mexican tune played by Mariachi bands, not the famous Los Angeles restaurant. But what's served is nearly as timeless: On its expansive menu you'll find platos tipicos like enchiladas,...

By John Linn

September 30, 2010

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This long-standing restaurant serves Tex-Mex dishes in a quaint setting that looks like a Mexican cottage. It's named after a classic Mexican tune played by Mariachi bands, not the famous Los Angeles restaurant. But what's served is nearly as timeless: On its expansive menu you'll find platos tipicos like enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, and burritos, along with Latin/Cuban dishes like masas de puerco, chicken and steak palomilla, and ropa vieja. The Mexican specialties are unilaterally draped in cheese, refried beans, and yellow rice, leading to a pleasant, semi-euphoric state of lipid and starch overload. Unsurprisingly, you'll get the same effect from the margaritas. What more could you ask for in a Tex-Mex restaurant? How about a busy weekday lunch with cheap specials, dinner prices that top out at $20, and plenty of fresh, complimentary chips and salsa?

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