Mariachi in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The family goes to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware every summer in July. We usually rent a house, so a lot of nights, we grill or cook at home, but we usually go out for lunch and dinner two or three times. We have our usual faves - a seafood house, a kid friendly option, a fun place like a beach bar or a comedy club. But this time, my husband and I came upon a place that promised "fine Spanish and Mexican Cuisine." And boy did that promise come to fruition.

Located on Wilmington Avenue, this restaurant is only a couple of streets down from Rehoboth Avenue, the main drag in town. It is also off of Rehoboth's boardwalk which is a little "classier" than the one in Ocean City, Maryland (which is very close) and bigger than the one in Bethany Beach (also very close by). We found this place because it was a great street to park on when we were looking for a space so we could go to the amusement park on the boardwalk with the kids. Mariachi sits down the street, still close to the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk in its unassuming space near stores, quaint shops and Bed & Breakfasts. You can even see one of the rides from the amusement park from their rooftop dining area.

Going in, we did not know what to expect. The food and service and ambiance could have gone any way, but for us, it wall headed in the right direction. The host asked us where we wanted to sit, and although it was hot, we chose outside on the rooftop which turned out to be cool and breezy. From some spots on the roof you could see the ocean, and others, the town around you, including, as I mentioned above, one of the rides from the amusement park.

We were brought chips and salsa, which, if you frequent Mexican restaurants, are standard. The chips seemed home made, and had the perfect amount of crisp and salty, but nothing I would die for. The salsa, however, was great. It was not the chunky kind, but rather the type that is mainly liquid with scrumptious and generous pieces of onions, tomatoes and cilantro. I had a hard time staying away from it.

The menu consists of a nice Spanish and Mexican mix such as Spanish Chorizo and Mexican chicken and lime soup. After much perusal, (there was so much we wanted to try,) my husband ordered the Lomo Salteado which was prime sirloin beef that was sauteed in a fabulous Peruvian sauce with cilantro, onions, peppers and tomatoes. It was so flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. The side of yellow rice was soft, plentiful and the perfect accompaniment to the dish. Five stars.

I ordered the Ensalada Primavera which could have just been your standard taco shell filled with taco salad, but this was completely different than any taco salad I'd ever had. The large size taco shell was certainly homemade with the right amount of crunch on the outside and a bit of soft, chewiness on the inside. Placed inside of this perfect shell were grilled veggies, cooked to crisp and soft precision and surrounded by melted cheese and black beans. The dish was light in taste and filling enough as a dinner dish (even though it was lunch - I was full!). The vegetables consisted of mushrooms, which I do not always love but were very tasty, broccoli and carrots. This dish was five stars as well.

This restaurant was a delicious treat for us, especially in a place that is so much about hot dogs, cotton candy, french fries with vinegar and ice cream cones. It was a delight to find this place. The staff was friendly, and every patron we passed by and talked to was more than pleased with their meals. If you are looking for something a bit off the beaten track, have a bit of a gourmet palate, Mariachi is the place for you.

Mariachi

14 Wilmington Avenue

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Also enjoy Happy Hour Mondays through Fridays, Homemade Sangria, fabulous Mojitos, dishes that serve two people, kids meals such as Quesadilla's, desserts and so much more.