El Azteca Taqueria in Cape Coral, Florida--A Restaurant Review

El Azteca Taqueria in Cape Coral, Florida is located at 1918 Del Prado Boulevard in the Eyeglass World strip mall. Del Prado Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in Cape Coral stretches from east to west across town. El Azteca is found about 2 miles east of the Veterans Boulevard intersection. From the outside, El Azteca looks rather non-descript and you may not even notice it unless you are looking for it.

Back Story of Jorge Cisneros, Owner and Chef of El Azteca Taqueria

According to an article by Elaine Belling in the Ft. Myers News-Press, Jorge Cisneros, the current owner and Chef at El Azteca got his start as a dishwasher in the 70s in California. Because of his interest in the restaurant business, he took every opportunity to learn about it. He worked his way up to a Sous Chef. Due to the untimely exit of a chef, he stepped into the Executive Chef position.

When summoned to Cape Coral to help his parents and sister with their fledgling Latino restaurant, Cisneros left California for Florida. Cisneros stepped in to manage and cook. Belling also notes that Cisneros has cooked for an array of celebrities and names Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, and Rod Stewart among them. And as they say, the rest is history.

Design and Ambiance at El Azteca Taqueria in Cape Coral

Opening the door into El Azteca Taqueria, and you will notice a window cut-out that leads back to the kitchen where patrons can step up to place a carry-out order. A few tables are in this entry area. But to the right, is a dining room with just enough tables and booths. Painted in blues and greens with dark wood paneling on the bottom half, the walls serve as a display area for Mexican artwork.

A small chair rail shelf holds various ceramic sculptures of Mexican design. All eating areas are sparkling clean and comfortable. On a weekday evening, this reviewer and her spouse arrived to an empty El Azteca for an early dinner at about 5:00 p.m.

Menu at El Azteca Taqueria--What is Available?

On El Azteca's Taqueria's menu, you will find quite an assortment of appetizers, specialty burritos, and specialty dishes. There are also separate sections for special salads and soups. Appetizer offerings included the salsa trio, queso dip with chips, nachos Tex-Mex, and chile rellenos, among others. Specialty burritos spanned the ranged from El Chicano ("California style burrito" with meat, beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole) to the El Vegetariano (a burrito stuffed with vegetables, rice, sour cream, beans, salsa, and cheeses).

Specialty Dishes sounded much more interesting that the standard Mexican fare. Mole Verde, Chile Colorado and Flautas Chicken were listed. Take note of the description on El Azteca's menu for the Mole Verde--" Pumpkin seed and mixed green mole served with tender chicken breast." And what about the Chile Colorado? "Top round filets served in a chile guajillo sauce." When was the last time you had that?

Tortas and daily specials are also available at El Azteca Taqueria. Overall, the menu selection is more than ample and seems gourmet as compared with typical Mexican food. If you enjoy the flavors of Mexico, El Azteca Taqueria's menu will bring joy to your heart and palate.

Food Ordered at the El Azteca Taqueria

This reviewer and partner ordered the chorizo and bean dip appetizer. Served on a tray with a dish of red sauce, a dish of green sauce (i.e. verde), some refried bean dip with chorizo, and a bowl of fresh, homemade tortilla chips, this appetizer got the taste buds working. Hot, crispy tortilla chips were the perfect "mini-plates" for some bean dip and sauce. Well-seasoned and flavorful, this appetizer was definitely tasty.

Next came the entrees. This reviewer ordered the Enchiladas Chicken. Spread on top of the rolled, chicken-filled enchiladas were green sauce, sour cream and shredded lettuce. On the side, Mexican rice and refried beans was served. The meal was sizzling hot and oh so delicious.

The partner ordered Tex-Mex Mixed Fajitas and was very pleased. Shrimp, chicken and beef sautéed with onions, tomatoes and peppers were served with steaming fresh tortillas and the ample fixings of cheese, lettuce and sour cream. He found the balance of seasonings and spices to be just perfect.

Service at the El Azteca Taqueria

Wait staff arrived without delay and took our drink orders. The waitress was pleasant and answered questions about the menu. There was no mention, however, of any daily special even though the menu states that El Azteca has daily specials. Anyway, once the meal orders were placed, the party of two waited about 25 minutes for entrees.

Wine List at the El Azteca Taqueria

There is a wine list offered at the time of seating that offers a variety of wine and spirits.

Cost of Dinner for Two at El Azteca Taqueria

Total costs with tip were $36.00. No alcohol or desserts were ordered.

Final rating out of 5 stars:

El Azteca Taqueria earns 5 stars out of 5. This food is far superior to the average Mexican restaurant. Served hot, the comida (i.e. food) at El Azteca, with its savory sauces, refreshing entrées and use of fresh ingredients truly delights.

Sources

El Azteca Taqueria menu.

Elaine Belling. January 7, 2011. "Boomer's Work Ethic Brings Him to Success in Cape." Ft. Myers News-Press.

Personal experience.