Decent Mexican at a decent price
I've lived within miles of Palmetto for years yet I rarely visit the town. There isn't much to see or do here but I was looking for some new places to eat and figured I'd try out the local eateries.

Cruising down the main strip I saw a Mexican place that had quite a few cars out front and several diners eating in an open patio area. This looked like as good a place as any to try.

Upon entering I briefly noted the indoor dining area but the weather was so nice I made a bee line for the patio. I seated myself and waited for a little longer than seemed necessary before my order was taken. The waitress dropped off some chips and salsa and went to get my drink. The salsa didn't have much flavor to it. It was as if they had dropped a tomato in a blender. After eating it for a while I noticed that it did have a bite to it.

While I waited I soaked in the view. I shouldn't have expected much knowing that the place is next to a gas station. After listening to traffic noise for a few minutes I was starting to regret my choice to sit outside.

After another longish wait my food arrived. It was a decent quantity of food. I ordered Combination #7 which is:
Shredded beef and bean burrito topped with melted cheese, rice and beans, Mexican chicken enchilada, crispy beef taco with cheese for 7.99. The food was both good and filling. There wasn't anything on the plate that I didn't like.

After yet another long wait I received my check, paid it, and was on my way. I'm pretty sure I'll be back.

The bottom line:
*Food: decent food at a decent price
*Service: a little slow but friendly
*Atmosphere: not too bad considering the location    [11 Mar 2003 22:09:56]

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     ­LN   

Been eatin' there for years
Quite by accident we stumbled upon a great
Mexican restaurant. We happened in about
eight years ago when there was only about
five booths and 90% real Mexican music on the jukebox and 95% Mexican customers. Now, over the years they have not only changed out the jukebox and tunes, but expanded greatly. It's not just for the local Mexicans anymore. We love to drive
down from St. Pete and sit outside. We have always had great meals there and take all our friends there for a really
great Mexican dinner. No one has ever been hungry when we left. The Sangria there is great too. We miss the little old place a little, but don't have to wait for a table now!    [25 Sep 2003 22:35:10]

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Recommended Dishes: Fajitas for two

     ­Felicia   

Steak ranchero
I miss the steak ranchero. I have tried several mexican eateries and have yet to find the steak ranchero as good as they make at Alvarez.

I make a special trip every time I get to Florida    [29 Jan 2006 09:50:50]

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Recommended Dishes: Steak ranchero

     ­Anonymous   

A Canadian Headliner

We have a place in Palmetto and visit in the winter months. Must say that Alvarez is probably the best value for money that you can get. The last time we visited there were four of us, all had appetizers and a main (too much food), with two jugs of Bud...total of 32.00. You can't beat that.

The food is always very fresh and always very tasty.    [28 Aug 2008 13:31:28]

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Recommended Dishes: Nachos Compuestas, Three Amegos, Spinach/Cheese Quesedilla, Jalitoes

     ­wade.wave   wade dot wave at rogers dot com