Overall
Food		Service
Ambience		Prices

Los Arcos was "established in 1978" -- in Westminster, up to the north of Denver. But we just got one down south of Park Meadows, in the burgeoning Lone Tree Restaurant Row along Yosemite. We saw it go in (as we drive past it on karate nights) and noticed it was drawing a solid crowd, even on week nights, so we swung by tonight around 5 or so.

Food: I had the shredded beef chimi; Margie the tacos al carbon; Kitten a kid's taco plate. All the food was fresh and tasty, if a bit on the bland side. I was offered (once Kitten told the waiter I enjoyed Mexican food) a spicier sauce, and next time I'll take them up on it.  But good ingredients and decent preparation. My chimi was a bit more "smothered" in the green chili than I was expecting, but it had (for those who like it) large tomato slices along with it. Margie's tacos had substantial slices of avocado as well. I also had the "premium" margarita (with Patron tequila), which tasted pretty good, if not quite as tart as I prefer it.

Service: Our waiter was attentive and quick. He pointed out options, made suggestions, suggestive-sold various bits -- but was always clear where there was a price add-on (e.g., on flour tortillas vs corn tortillas on the tacos). We also had the store manager -- son of the owner -- swing by and see how we were doing. Definitely trying to build a business in a very competitive area, and doing well at it.

Ambience: Very standard (if new) Mexican restaurant. Tile floors, wooden chairs, paintings of traditional themes + Aztec motifs + the owner of the restaurant and his wife. Oh, and an incongruous (even Kitten pointed it out) big screen TV on one wall. Nothing objectionable, and definitely a large, family-style dining room, but nothing to take pictures of, either.

Prices: The prices were quite reasonable. My top-of-the-line margarita was $7.50. The adult entrees were $8 or so. We got out of there, the three of us, for $36. I do note that (as we were told) the flour tortillas on the tacos were an extra 50 cents, and a second basket of chips and salsa would have set us back $1.85.

Overall: Good food, fresh tasting, reasonable prices, and solid, attentive service. Hard to go wrong there. Plus, it's apparently a popular feeding hole for the local police, which I find is usually a good suggestion for value, service, and flavor. 

I actually prefer, slightly, the within-eyeshot Brewery Bar III, but Margie and Katherine disagree, and it's not a difference big enough to quarrel over. We'll definitely be back.

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant - 9045 Forsstrom Dr, Lone Tree, CO 80124 - 303-858-8860 

Filed under :: Food & Drink - Restaurants
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