Last night my wife and I were treated to sensational authentic Mexican cuisine in Allentown. We had been anticipating the opening of Don Tequila Mexican Taqueria (learn more) for quite some time, and our expectations were high. When we walked in we were greeted by the owner Sergio Mucino who promptly sat us at the bar. As we talked to him about his restaurant, I repeatedly complimented him on the drastic transformation that the interior had undergone. The room was filled with vibrant colors and lighting, with tastefully done Mexican decor, wood floors and table/booth seating.
I asked Sergio where he was originally from and he told me that he was from Acapulco. Then I asked him where his cooks and his staff were from. He answered, “Mexico”. He then told me that he had brought in most of his staff from his other restaurant in Pittsburgh, and the easy transition had helped him to get the restaurant up to working order quickly. As Sergio talked, he never stopped working. He was either cleaning the bar, greeting customers, checking on tables, making margaritas, or running the food. We were the lucky recipients of a basket of warm and crisp, fresh tortilla chips, a carafe of house made salsa, and a bowl of bright and flavorful guacamole – all of which were outstanding… and the chips and salsa were free.
As we munched away on the chips and salsa with guac, we ordered a couple of beers – Pacifico for my wife and Tecate for me. We also indulged in a flight of tequila featuring a tequila blanco, tequila reposado, and tequila añejo. What a great way to start off the night.
Next we perused the menu, in search of the best offerings to compliment our depleting drinks and chips. We wanted to experience a wide range of menu items (and there were many), but more importantly we were both famished and were looking for filling dishes as well. First off, seeing as the menu was so extensive (even for pescetarians), we enlisted the help of Sergio to guide us. We asked him to choose a bean burrito full of veggies and spicy goodness. Then, we decided on a sizzling plate full of build-your-own shrimp fajitas. We also special ordered a side of hot sauce listed on a different shrimp item, and Sergio accommodated our request. The fact that everything was so easily customizable, regardless of our dietary needs, the staff went beyond the call of duty to make sure that we got exactly what we wanted. That was a big bonus, that will go a long way in the future.
As for the food experience, there was an overabundance of fresh vegetables, that can tend to be an afterthought at some Mexican restaurants. Furthermore, nothing was oily, bland or overdone – seeing such a big menu we were worried at first that there was too many offerings to manage quality control properly, but that was certainly not the case at Don Tequila. In fact, we’re contemplating heading back there again tonight, before word gets out that the food is 100% authentic, the atmosphere is charming (complete with Mexican music), and the staff is efficient and attentive.
I have a feeling that this restaurant is going to be around for a long, long time. I am happy for Allentown for landing another quality restaurant that will only help to “rise the tide and float all boats”. Do yourself a favor and get into Don Tequila as soon as you can. The mouth watering experience was way beyond our expectations.
Don Tequila – Facebook
73 Allen Street
Buffalo, NY
(716) 562-6224
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (dinner until 11:30pm)