Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill in Manchester

We had heard through the grapevine that we should check out the Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill. Having been told that they had very good food and some of the best in Manchester, we never shy away from trying a new dining establishment and set out to find out if the rumors were true. 

Located on Second Street the restaurant is set away from the road almost directly across from UnWine'd. I parked in front and we headed for the door. Upon entering you will see that that they packed a lot in a small area. There was a short delay for a table and the waiting area is almost non-existent. They were busy and I looked around at the many decorations on the wall. You will see color tiles, sombreros and cacti throughout. These are done tactfully with a variety of mixed colors.



We settled in as fresh salsa and chips were brought out for our munching pleasure.



The salsa had a nice mild fresh flavor.



Feeling thirsty from the long week we ordered a couple of adult beverages. My choice was a regular margarita and my wife had the Chambord margarita.





They both hit the spot and we moved onto the real reason for the visit.

After a few delicious sips we took a gander at the menu. Large on entrees it seems like the options are limited for appetizers. This is a common theme at Mexican restaurants that we visit and I wish the choices were expanded. Yes there are salads, soups, quesadilla's and dips but it all seems the same to me. Maybe it's just that I want something besides nachos and nothing catches my fancy. Anyway, because we couldn't think of anything else we went with the beef nachos.


This was basically just ground beef on top of nachos with cheese and a disappointment. They also have grilled steak nachos and maybe that would have been a better selection. Either way I expected more from this as a starter.

Now it was time to make my main entree selection and I didn't want to mess this up. I decided to play it safe with a chicken dish, Pollo Chipotle.



This was spicier than I thought it was going to be, the sauce was hot and it took me a few minutes to decide if this was a thumbs up. Not one to ask for anything with a kick this was a pleasant surprise and a dish that I would recommend.


My wife opted for the burrito Vallarta.


A flour tortilla with plenty of large grilled shrimp, onions, tomatoes and nacho cheese. It was served with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and melted cheese on top. She enjoyed the dish but wished that the shrimp had more flavor.


My wife and I enjoyed our first visit to Puerto Vallarta and would definitely visit again. We are not quite ready to anoint them as the best Mexican food in Manchester.