Restaurant Review: Conejito's

Oh, Conejito's. What do I say about this place? I've been going to Conejito's for many, many years--my parents started going there well before I was in the picture, and they didn't stop after I was born. Other than my dad's Mexican, Conejito's was (likely) my first foray into Mexican food. I always loved it, and when my friends and I were able to drive in high school, we made Conejito's a regular stop on the weekends.

I haven't been going there much in the last few years, mostly because I've realized there are much better Mexican restaurants in Milwaukee (see this post for some of those places). Up until Saturday, I hadn't been to Conejito's for almost two years.

And ... I think it will likely be a while before I have it again. While it's a fun, funky place and definitely cheap (about $10 a person for food, beer and tip!), the food just really isn't that great. Either my tastes and interests have broadened (which I hope is true!) or the food isn't exactly what it used to be. It could be a bit of both.

We started with chips and salsa. I think Conejito's is probably one of the few Mexican restaurants in Milwaukee that doesn't automatically serve you chips and salsa. And I think that's good for two reasons. 1. Too often, that food goes to waste because they fill it so much and you never finish all of it. 2. I don't know about you, but if there are chips and salsa in front of me, I will eat and eat and eat ... which is never good. The salsa is pretty good--it's got a bit of a kick.

For my meal, I got what I always get--two bean tostadas, and two cheese and onion enchiladas. Plus, Nate and I split a plate of rice and beans. I really used to love these toastadas, but they seem kind of bland now. I couldn't even taste the beans on them. And, as I kept saying this to Nate (and do each time we're there), I think the tostadas we make at home are much better.

The flavor of the enchiladas is pretty good--the sweet onions with the salty cheese is a good combination. They are incredibly greasy, however, and I'm not sure I can handle that much grease any more! After a while, it seems like that's all I could taste.

So, overall, I would have to say I'm probably good on Conejito's for a while, and will stick to either making my own Mexican or going to one of my favorite local restaurants. But for a $10 meal and a beer, every now and then, I think I can handle a trip to Conejito's.