By TIERNAN O’NEILL – Web Writer
There’s a new king in town as of September, the king of Mexican food that is. Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant, located in a Gulf gas station at 1880 Hwy 29 N, truly is a diamond in the rough.
The exterior of Los Reyes is modest to say the least, but upon entering there is a sense of comfort and tranquility. The combination of the booth seating and the elegant light fixtures make it easy to forget the restaurant is located in a gas station. The waitstaff is friendly and extremely well trained.
The salsa is freshly prepared and packs a citrus and black pepper punch, paired with the crispy tortilla chips. The guacamole is hand mixed and chock-full of onions, creamy avocado, a hint of lime and cracked black pepper. The appetizers are zesty and full of flavor, but light enough so that one can really enjoy the meal ahead.
Los Reyes is revered for it’s tacos, and the rumors are true. At $1.69 a piece (excluding the shrimp which is $1.99) they are affordable even if someone is on a budget. Their beef tongue tacos are perfectly simple, served with a little lime, onions and cilantro, the usual extras. The shrimp tacos are seasoned with a simple, yet delicious, spice rub. The barbacoa taco is like a great pulled pork taco and the steak taco is tasty, but a little dry. Other entrees include the pollo al chipotle, sauteed chicken and onions with a creamy smoky chipotle sauce served with pinto beans, rice and corn, a salad and house-made tortillas.
But the real king is the flan, creamy, dense mexican pudding covered in caramel topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top. The flan’s texture is so smooth it would make a corpse’s mouth water.
Los Reyes is a rising star. From the heavenly flan to the cheap and tasty tacos Los Reyes is by far the best Mexican restaurant in town.
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