Restaurant

We hear tell that Tia Lou's is a huge meat market on weekend nights, but to be honest, we're kind of unenthusiastic about returning there to find out. While this two-story Mexican restaurant and cantina may have its fans, it's doubtful they're coming for the food.

The kitchen leans to the side of caution, perhaps too hard: The menu is stacked with the same burritos and fajitas you'll find in every chain Mexican restaurant from here to Calexico, and the quality of those dishes is unpredictable at best.

That said, Tia Lou's is a fun place to hang out. Its upper-level bar is ideally suited to scoping out potential esposos y esposas, and the "courtyard" feel of the lower level is a nice touch (though the effect of the bubbling fountain in the center of the room is diminished somewhat by the enormous projection TV screen, blasting sports scores). If you're thirsty, Tia Lou's can be counted on for a decent tequila shot or cold beer — but if you're hungry, Mama's Mexican Kitchen is within walking distance.

By Geoff Carter
NWsource staff