Restaurant Find: Fiesta Cancun

View from our booth

Some of the best Mexican food I've found hides in unexpected corners, such as the food stand in the back of a supermercado tucked behind a tattoo parlor. I tend to avoid chains, or restaurants that advertise "Authentic Mexican Restaurant." But this weekend I found good food also can hide behind generic neon palm trees. 

Fiesta Cancun: Authentic Mexican Restaurant is not exactly a hole-in-the-wall taqueria. According to the menu, there are seven Fiesta Cancuns across Wisconsin and Illinois. The Madison branch, which opened earlier this year, occupies the space formerly known as Delitalia in Oakbridge Commons on Mineral Point Road. The bare-bones deli has been transformed into a cozy Mexican villa, with brick-lined window arches, tile awnings and colorful scenes painted above the booths. 

We were drawn in by a coupon for two dinners and two drinks for $20, which seemed like an incredible deal until we saw the menu prices. Most entrees were around $7-$8, with no single platter more than $12. We ordered two Lime Margaritas on the rocks (reg. $3.75 a piece), one Carne Asada ($9.75) and one Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo ($10.75). 

Carne Asada with chips and Margarita

The Carne Asada consisted of two cuts of rib eye steak, served with a sliced avocado salad, corn tortillas, rice and beans. The Camarones were shrimp and onions sauteed in garlic butter and served with the same sides. The steak was cooked well through, but still flavorful and tender. The shrimp were large and plentiful. What impressed me most was how pure the presentation was of these dishes - they didn't rely on excessive seasoning or loads of queso sauce. And they were anything but bland. The Margaritas also were tasty, well-mixed and served with a fresh slice of lime.    

Service was equally polished. The hostess was friendly, the server was attentive and the food was prompt. My only complaint of the entire experience was that the booth seats remained as squishy as they were during Delitalia's tenure. 

I will be back. Maybe to try the Flan, baked fresh daily, or the Banana Burrito. And definitely for $2 Margarita Mondays. 

RNA