Wow, while this place lacks flair, it far exceeds fair!
I've been scared of trying this janky-looking establishment out of fear of the wrath Montezuma would likely revenge upon my butt. Although the place looks like something to be feared, it is the closest restaurant to me, and last night I didn't want to venture far for my Mexican fill. After three months of driving by, I finally built up the courage to stop, and I am glad I did!
Although the interior decor matches the plain and homely exterior, with no decorations except a few of the free posters and some mismatched tables and uncomfortable chairs, the food and service was among the best in town.
First, the service. There were several waiters for this tiny establishment, and they could hustle. The drinks never went empty, and anyone who knows me, knows I drink a lot! Probably had five or six glasses of tea, and I never sat for even a moment, parched, at Platillo's. The hostess was nice and more-than-accommodating at one of my special requests. Next, I asked for hot sauce and jalapenos, as I often do, and the waiter asked, "Tabasco good?" I am not a big fan, but that seems to be number one standard in the industry, so I usually agree. However, on his own, he brought me the hotter, tastier, house sauce! Had he not took it upon himself, I would have never known it to exist. The only place to offer up a house hot sauce down here, and it is was worth that alone, because it was amazing. Which leads me to the food.
The food was excellent! Homemade chips with great salsa. None of those bagged chips from the restaurant supplier. The salsa had a great deal of cilantro and was chunky like my girlfriend prefers, had the "wateriness" and and freshness I prefer. (However, still on the "too mild" side for my tastes, as is everywhere.) The salsa is is right between Los Asados and Las Vegas in taste and consistency. The sweet tea was great. The beans weren't my favorite, as I prefer them a little more runny, but to be fair the last few times I have ate at my other favorites, they too were more lumpy. The rice was good, but I've had orgasmic rice back home. My chalupa was good, right on par with everywhere else. The taco meat was the best I've had in a great long while, maybe the best ever. The enchilada was awesome, right on par with Las Vegas and Los Asados as the best enchiladas ever! The panchos were sub-par, I think it was their average cheese and their lumpy beans that bumped it down. My girlfriend loved her flank steak fajita, and she adored her mole. I tried the mole, and it was delicious (although I lack much experience for comparison on mole). They also provided our favored type of floured tortilla, rich and caramelized. One of the great tortillas, in my book. (I don't remember the other places with tortillas as good.) I also polished off her taco as she was full and their tacos can't be beat in the valley.
I will be sure to visit again, as I am having a tough time sorting between Platillo's, Las Vegas, and Los Asados as "best in town". If you like these other two, give Platillo's a try. It might even be cheaper!
Once again Harlingen has showed me to not judge a book by its cover: So many restaurants in the valley have taught me to not consider every eatery with a down trodden or plain appearance to be in cahoots with Montezuma. I've always liked "hole-in-the-wall", but also stayed away from places with holes in the wall. Yet, some of the best food in town is also very cheap. Cheap food, excelling in quality, served with great staff means the establishment has to give somewhere, so they give on decor plain and dilapidated establishments.
Bonus: I learned that the stars on local restaurants are from a local news critic. So, watch for stars! read more