drax0r and I were working out of the Wild Damn Texan Arlington Data Center, we discovered Mariano's and more importantly, the $14.49 20" "Whole Enchilada" platter. Mariano's opened in 1971 and was hands-down, the best Mexican food I've ever had. They created guacamole right at the table, with the biggest, ripest avocados you've ever seen, and a variety of spices they brought to the table. The waiters were masters at blending. But it was more than the quality (and sheer amount) of food that kept bringing us back. It was the service.You see, on our very first visit, I accidentally tipped the waitress 40%, and that's what started it all.
We had the same waitress every evening we went (usually on double-punch Tuesday's and Thursday's - get your card punched 10 times and get a free meal). As we usually couldn't finish the 20" platter in one sitting (I did once, I don't recommend it) our waitress would not only carefully pack up our food for us, but every time we were there she would pack two separate bags of fresh chips and two styrofoam cups of salsa. She would also bring us free appetizers before our meal arrived, and always took very good care of us.
drax0r's best friend squackle and his girlfriend (now wife) catnapcat showed up once for a visit and drax0r wanted to eat at Mariano's! Our waitress, seeing what was going on, paid special attention to us and at the end of a very fun evening, drax0r and I left a pile of money on the table to show our appreciation. The waitress came by, picked up the cash and took two steps away from before stopping. She counted the money, returned to the table, and gave us some back. "Too much!" she said. We protested, but she wouldn't hear of it. She only took a portion of the tip. Mariano's invented the frozen margarita machine...a feat recognized by the Smithsonian.
Mariano's also owns the La Hacienda Ranch restaurants in the area.
Of all the Mexican joints in all the world, you'll find me at Mariano's.
The Whole Enchilada
Our Colossal 20" Platter with a cheese, chicken and beef enchilada, beef taco, chicken taco, soft cheese taco, guacamole tostada, rice & beans.
