Mercedes - Patagonia

We 're annual visitors to the Tuscon area (snowbirds). I have to say we 've been generally disappointed in the Mexican food we 've tried in the area, so were a little hesitant to stay once we saw the Mercedes Restaurant menu. But we were hungry, so.... Great decision. Just by its appearance, the food was obviously freshly prepared. I love chili rellenos but have been disappointed so often that I hesitated but decided to chance it. No problem! The chili was fresh (not canned), battered and cooked to perfection, and medium hot. I also had a well seasoned taco and enchilada on the combination plate. My wife had a chimichanga, which she promptly named a chubby chimi due to it 's size, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Service was attentive and very friendly. We really liked the place.

Despite the poor reviews we thought we would give it a try. The server was nice and accommodating,obviously family run cafe. The enchilada sauce was the best I had tasted.we didn't have to wait long for food and it was attractively served. You can sit next to the windows or outdoors and watch what is happening in the park or 83. However everything very mild and very mundane in taste. You so feel like you are in Mexico and you are only 20 minutes from the border. However we will probably notreturn as we like spicy food and beans and rice as well as hubbys enchiladas and my rellanos were just ok. I hated that I wasted my calories!

The staff was friendly, but the $9.50 pre-formed hamburger and fries didn't justify the cost. The prices were too high for the value received.

I attended a delightful birthday celebration for Bob Sandner at this restaurant. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.

Be sure to double-check the bill yourself. We mentioned the issue, but we were still overcharged.