Consuelo Mexican Bistro
San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: (408) 260-7082
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm, Fri 11:30am-10:30pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Editorial Review for Consuelo Mexican Bistro – by Tara de Lis
The Scene
Vibrant primary colors are the backdrop for faux early 20th-century lanterns and painted pottery. The open kitchen is at the far end of the restaurant, while long rows of wooden tables and oversized booths host families, tourists and tequila enthusiasts--more than 50 varieties of the liquor are available. Conscientious waiters in silky guayaberas are timely and provide helpful assistance with ordering.
The Food
Mexican favorites are gussied up with innovative and high-quality ingredients. Prepared tableside, chunky guacamole is blended to diners' tastes and forgoes the overindulgent addition of sour cream. Another standout is rich quesadillas stuffed with soft, stringy asadero cheese and sweet fire-roasted poblano chilies. The most complex tastes are reserved for entrees: Tangy prawns are sauteed in tamarind-mole sauce, which provides a Oaxacan-Indian fusion flavor, while tender lamb shank is steamed inside banana leaves to preserve the hint of its marinade of muscat wine and spices.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitThe oversized rounded booths along the wall opposite the bar offer the most comfort and afford the best people-watching perspective, but can obstruct views of the kitchen.
When to GoSpecial brunch items are offered Sundays from 10am to 1pm, and include huevos rancheros, tamales and seasonal fruit salads. Regular menu items are available as well.
The ExtrasA kid's menu featuring more traditional dishes like quesadillas and chicken breasts is offered.
User Reviews for Consuelo Mexican Bistro
01/04/2008 Posted by zintraveler
I've been here at least five times, have always left happy. I would go more often but it's pretty damned expensive, $12 margaritas for example. Too bad it's on Santana Row. The fresh guacamole made at the table is great. The tortillas are the best I've had outside of Mexico, I imagine a little old lady in the back making them by hand. I always get the Carnitas. If you've never had nopales (cactus) you should definitely try it, it's like a mild bell pepper flavor and it blends well with the rest of the food. This is a good place to go with a few other people and order a bunch of dishes family style. The food is more traditional Mexican cuisine, so that might throw you off if you are used to Chevy's/El Torito/Pedro's or typical taqueria fare. They have an awesome tequila selection, it's fun to get a few shots with friends and do a little comparison tasting (just be ready for the bill). They have Dos Equis Amber on tap, one of my favorite beers. Service has always been good for me, so I'm surprised to see the negative reviews, but I usually go on the weekends.
Pros: traditional mexican food, great tequila selection
Cons: expensive
02/15/2007 Posted by lmomota
I went to Consuelos to celebrate my girlfriends birthday. They packed us into a corner where you had to virtually walk over chairs to squeeze in. The service was horrible. We asked to speak to a manager regarding the restaurant temperature and just got a lot of rude responses. My toddler was walking around our table since we had been waiting for our food for nearly 45minutes. I was told by the manager that she is NOT to get out of the booster chair. If you are a parent, you understand how horribly hard it is to keep a child entertained without food for that long. It is definitely not kid friendly. I will never dine there again since service is part of the pleasures of dining out. Frankly, the attitude there is, we have enough business.. we just don't care!
Pros: It's in Santana Row
Cons: Horrible service
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Users Like You Also Viewed
Marche
898 Santa Cruz Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025
La Victoria
140 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95113-2005
