I get a lot of e-mails asking me where I think the best place to go for Mexican is. This is a hard question because as most of you know, there’s not a lot of Mexicans here. There’s a lot of people that look Mexican here, but those are called locals and they speak Pigeon, not Spanish. Anyhow, I want to say I’m always up to try a new place, but when it comes to Mexican food I really have to be in the mood mentally and emotionally detach myself from being too judgemental only because I’m so tired of being let down.

Mi Casa Taqueria has a bit of room inside and uses big open windows to let in natural lighting and it’s not bad for picture taking.

There’s a thin line between fun vibrant colors and juvenile primary colors here but either way it’s fresh and playful. Basically they hand you menus when you walk in or direct you to get them yourself and when your ready to order you hike your happy ass up to the counter, order, pay and wait.

While we waited I noticed some other tables munching on chips and salsa. Humm, that’s funny I didn’t get any chips and salsa. So I went back up to the counter and asked if we get chips and salsa or if we had to pay for it. Unfortunately we have to pay and it cost $2.95. Well that sucks considering our meal wasn’t exactly the cheapest plate but fuck it I hate watching other people eat so I paid. As I stood at the counter to wait for my chips I notice the lady pouring what was left in a bag, like a bag of chips from the grocery store, which explains why they look just like Doritos.

The salsa was the smokey puree kind; I prefer chunky.

So after eating the first layer of chips I see nothing but a bunch of broken chips. If I didn’t have to pay I wouldn’t be so disgruntle about it but I did pay. Why did that bitch give me a basket of broken chips, it’s not like she didn’t know, I saw her in the corner pouring it. Don’t people care about what they put out for their consumers? I mean even if these aren’t their signature chips, it’s still served in their restaurant, therefore it still bares their name.

So Ray decided as one of his new year’s resolutions he’s gonna stop eating cow meat. Since we wre here on he eve of the new year we figure that there’s no better time than now to order steak. We ordered the Carne Asada Plate, $13.95. It was fresh grilled skirt steak with their own dry rub, flame grilled and served with rice, fresh pinto beans, black bean salad, guacamole, and fresh handmade corn tortillas. The rice and beans were really good. Ray’s really picky about his rice and beans and he was even keen on them. I liked the guacamole and the black bean salad was incredible. As for the steak, although the flavor was there it seemed a little chewy and I’m guessing it’s because it was overdone. But overall I have to say we both enjoyed our plate. It came with 3 handmade tortillas wrapped in foil. I really took a liking to them but refrain from asking for more because I feared they would charge me for it. I think I saw on the menu that there would be a $1.00 charge for 3 more tortillas. I know they’re handmade, but fuck that. I already got charged for some shitty ass chips and salsa I don’t want to pay more.

There wasn’t much, but I really enjoyed the black bean salsa. It was light and tangy cool with bits of corn

While we waited at our table next to the kitchen we notice this sign. Don’t fuck with their cooks!

Black and white pictures hung above us of destitute Mexicans. I know they’re meant to evoke some kind of feeling of nostalgia but I thought they were a little depressing. I don’t need sad people staring at me while I eat.

Depressing . . . makes me want to slice my wrist the right way.

Overall I paid just about $18.00 for lunch. Ray and I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t worth it. Rosie’s Cantina, Cholos, and Cha Cha Cha Salsaria gives free chips and salsa and they’re way better, service is also friendlier at all three places.

View Larger Map

Mi Casa Taqueria
3046 Monsarrat Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815

Get Directions(808) 737-1562

The first time I saw this place we were driving by after breakfast at Bogarts. I was like, “wow babe, that place looks good, we should give it a try next time.” So about two weeks later we’re looking for a new place to eat and what do we see, South Shore Grill. It was like destiny, or not.
It’s pretty basic place. Walk in, menu is on up above, order, pay and then you find a pleasant place to eat your meal. I just want to say that because of the decor alone I will do not want to come back. It was like a clown house or a kindergarten class. It just felt awkward to eat in a small room with bright bold primary colors boxing you in.

Ray ordered the fish taco. I don’t remember how much it cost, but I do remember that he wasn’t very impressed with it. The inside was filled with cabbage and the rice resembled cuscus more than it did rice.

I ordered some kind of fish sandwich. I don’t remember the exact name or price. It didn’t impress me. The bread was a little burnt, dense, more hard than it was soft and just seemed to over powered the fish.

I wasn’t a huge fan of this place. We went home and told Shane he didn’t miss out on much.

View Larger Map

South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815

Bogart’s is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. It’s one of those places where no matter what you order you can’t go wrong. The last two times I’ve gone I’ve ordered the Lox Bagel. Now, I know I’m all about trying new things, unless it’s just that freaking good and that it is.

The Lox Bagel cost me $7.75 and is a bagel with cream cheese, capers, onions and tomato topped with smoked salmon. I think everyone should experience one in their lifetime. I like to have it for breakfast but I think this could swing for any meal.

My advice however is to go to Bogart’s for breakfast. I was there the other day for lunch and service was horrible. Ray came to the table after ordering our food and said, “I don’t think pregnant people should be aloud to work.” Our food was delivered to us in a plastic bag and practically thrown at us. The girl was pregnant so maybe her hormones were all out of wack but I still don’t think that should allow her a, “I get to be a biatch” card. Like I said, go for breakfast; service is good in the morning and sucks during the day.

Directions to Bogarts