Su Veracruz Es Mi Veracruz

Mi Veracruz, a family-run Mexican place between Southside and San Marco, has the goods for your ’rita and taco fix. If you get a hankerin’ for a larger meal (with a few drinks), you’re covered!

These folks have the cocktail sitch down pat.

Peach or lime margaritas are BOGO–all the time. And they’re the real thing, too. My palate’s all a-tingle! Fear not, beer lovers, you’re still among amigos at Veracruz. Ever seen a Corona jug so massive it should have a handle? At this friendly, casual place, for $6.99, get a quart of Corona Familiar to share (or drink it all yourself. I try not to judge). Micheladas are a specialty, blending beer and tomato juice. Think Mexican-style Bloody Mary, with a tart, sweet tamarind chili straw.

The menu is rather comprehensive for a mom-and-pop-style joint. So substantial, in fact, I had to search before I zeroed in on the classic street-style tacos near the back. Singles, for $2, are served al pastor (with pork) or barbacoa (beef), lengua (tongue), camarones (shrimp), carne asada (beef), tripe (stomach) or cabeza (head).

You can fill a taco with carnitas, too, but only if you order four. I’d rather not commit to a full order. One of each, please!

Of the three we chose, my favorite filling was barbacoa. Shredded beef, simmered and infused with a mix of chilies and spices. Mi Veracruz uses its own spice blend; the meat was so tender and flavorful, I wished I’d gotten three more. The other choices, lengua and al pastor, were good, but not as tender as I like. Tacos arrive on fresh corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, a circle of cucumber and lime for a zesty addition.

Fajitas always seem to be the unsung hero of Mexican cuisine. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m just dying for a fajita,” but when your eyes take in the sizzling dish set before you, your heart might skip a beat. Mi Veracruz serves mixed fajitas with steak, chicken and shrimp ($12.99), with perfectly caramelized veggies. The peppers still had a little bite, and kept a nice color. I’m quite picky about shrimp–these were good and juicy! The chicken was just as delicious. Of the trio, the thinly sliced steak fell to last place, only because it was a little too tough.

For something fried and crazy filling, the Chimichanga ($8.99) is it. A Tex-Mex fave, chimichangas are deep-fried burritos filled with meat, smothered in queso. Choose chicken or beef, or go big and get carnitas for a $1.50 more. The tortilla was crisp, the filling hot to the core. Lots of meat–add rice and beans, lettuce, salsa, guac and sour cream. I love the pick & choose extras; I get to mix and match for a perfect DIY Mexican bite.

After your meal, wander the tiny grocery and frozen food shop beside the restaurant. Get a Topo Chico or Jarritos to-go, or some soursop (aka guanabana) for your own kitchen!

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If you have a recommendation or know of a new place, shoot me an email at [email protected].