Great Mexican Food
I grew up on good Mexican food in Pueblo, Colorado, so I feel I can recognize the real thing when I run into it. This noon I had a Chimechanga (sp?) at Taqueria El Calantano that was the best I have eaten since I had my first one in Holman, Arizona at a place called Los Compadres. That was many years ago and I've been searching for one as good ever since. Today I found it. The wrapping was light, crispy and cooked to perfection and the filling was well seasoned but not too spicy. WONDERFUL!!! Prices were very reasonable for this area and the service was excellent. My wife, Betty's, meal was just as good as mine. This place is a little out of the way but worth the trip if you want good, authentic Mexican food. It is between here and Freeport on Hwy 331. As you go toward Freeport it is on the right hand side of the road about half way there. I spoke to the owner,complimenting him on the food, and asked him how was business. His reply was, "I think I chose the wrong location." I certainly hope he makes it and for all you SoWallers who like really good Mexican food, I suggest you give it a try. I feel sure you will not be disappointed.
Replies
69Moderator
Gonna have to try this before it's too late. Still can't understand how the Mexican food is so bad around here. I would think even a half way decent place would kill it around here. The Laredo was unbelievably bad and disappointing especially considering how much it costs compared to the good Mexican stuff. Need a new saying around here. Instead of where's the beef? Where's the burritos man?
There's always Moe's
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NOT!!!!!
Moderator
french fries
Frittas Franco
Beach Fanatic
How do you get "big mystery" from the original post??? It seemed pretty clear to me, and you probably had to have read this thread to understand.... http://sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=25939
Well then that thread should have been referenced in the new thread. Better yet, maybe it should just have been posted in the old thread. I guess you need thousands of postings to understand all goings on here.
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
Well then that thread should have been referenced in the new thread. Better yet, maybe it should just have been posted in the old thread. I guess you need thousands of postings to understand all goings on here.The original poster has fewer posts than you, I imagine he did not know to reference the other thread, or to post on the other thread....he was just being informative

Beach Fanatic
The original poster has fewer posts than you, I imagine he did not know to reference the other thread, or to post on the other thread....he was just being informative
Ok, ok.
Congrats on the book by the way.
SoWal Expert
All I know is that I better get there soon! The kids are back to school next week so the wenches can get back to a weekly lunch schedule!
As for the "big mystery", there have been several posts that started other threads that alluded to conspiracies or something shrouded in mystery (and BS), so I can understand why thisnthat thought Cheesehead's post was a little off.
Actually, the other thread referenced in this thread doesn't really give any details of the potential closing either.
As for the "big mystery", there have been several posts that started other threads that alluded to conspiracies or something shrouded in mystery (and BS), so I can understand why thisnthat thought Cheesehead's post was a little off.
Actually, the other thread referenced in this thread doesn't really give any details of the potential closing either.

Beach Lover
I was told by one of the owner's that they may close the end of the month, due to the widening og 331. People who live on the road were contacted by the state a year ago about how much property they will lose, and the $$ that they will be compensated for. Hope that helps.
FunnChef - AlisonCooks.com
Ok, ok.![]()
Congrats on the book by the way.

All I know is that I better get there soon! The kids are back to school next week so the wenches can get back to a weekly lunch schedule!Lunch MUST be on a Monday or Tuesday!!!!
As for the "big mystery", there have been several posts that started other threads that alluded to conspiracies or something shrouded in mystery (and BS), so I can understand why thisnthat thought Cheesehead's post was a little off.
Actually, the other thread referenced in this thread doesn't really give any details of the potential closing either.
SoWal Guide
What do you guys order that is good? I've been twice and it was ok both times but not what I was expecting. I used to love the steak tacos with corn tortillas at Cocos. Not so crazy about the same dish at Taqueria. I am open to trying again so any recommendations would be appreciated.
there are many menu items that are absolutely delicous and so authentic. my favorite thing to order is chilie relleno - and these are some of the best I've ever had.
the best french fries I have EVER had are from mexican restaurants - no kidding. it must have to do with the oil. they are so awesome.
this is one of my favorite places around, and I hope they find a good space in SoWal soon. I understand that they are looking around.
Beach FanaticAuthor
What do you guys order that is good? I've been twice and it was ok both times but not what I was expecting. I used to love the steak tacos with corn tortillas at Cocos. Not so crazy about the same dish at Taqueria. I am open to trying again so any recommendations would be appreciated.As I said in my original post on this place, the Chimichanga is the best I have ever eaten since I had my first one in Holman Arizona. They have Cocos beat ten ways to Sunday and Cocos wasn't all that bad. I hope they find a place in the area. There closing would be a loss to all of us who were raised on and love Mexican food.
Beach Fanatic
I hope Calentano finds a new location! But if not, drive a bit farther north to El Jacalito. It is in the shopping center on the right-- where Delta Kitchen is also. They close at 8:00, so have dinner early or come for lunch. Two good places to eat in Freeport!
Beach Crab
mexican food
there is a place in santa rosa beach called don pedros, they have really good mexican food. they also serve an awesome breakfast! the heuvos a la mexicana,and the french toast topped with fresh fruit are awesome!!!
there is a place in santa rosa beach called don pedros, they have really good mexican food. they also serve an awesome breakfast! the heuvos a la mexicana,and the french toast topped with fresh fruit are awesome!!!
Beach Fanatic
taqueria
no margarita's makes it not quite the authentic mexican venue. i wish don pedro's had margarita's. just need one to go with the mexican food!
no margarita's makes it not quite the authentic mexican venue. i wish don pedro's had margarita's. just need one to go with the mexican food!
SoWal Expert
Amen, shellak! need some margaritas with my chips, but I think that is more of an American tradition.
SoWal Guide
there is a place in santa rosa beach called don pedros, they have really good mexican food. they also serve an awesome breakfast! the heuvos a la mexicana,and the french toast topped with fresh fruit are awesome!!!
don pedros is really good, offering mexican plus other sandwiches (burgers) and entree items.
its a cute place, the price is right and the food is great. the best breakfast around!
Admin
Taqueria El Calentano's last day will be 9/14/08 - Adios Amigos.
I believe that leaves Don Pedro's as the only Mexican Restaurant south of Hwy 20 in SoWal, aside from the chain location of Cantina Laredo in Grand Boulevard adjacent Sandestin.
I believe that leaves Don Pedro's as the only Mexican Restaurant south of Hwy 20 in SoWal, aside from the chain location of Cantina Laredo in Grand Boulevard adjacent Sandestin.
Beach Lover
This Sunday, the 14th is to be there last day of operation.

Beach Lover
Fam & I had dinner there tonight around 7:30 and we were the only diners there! We left at 9:00 and during that time only 1 group of people came in for a to-go order. So sad, they really have a good product, just not enough customers. The owner shared with us that his cook was heading back to Mexico and he knows none of the recipes. I really don't think it has anything to do with the widening of the road, just not enough business based on what he shared with us.
SWGB
This Sunday, the 14th is to be there last day of operation.
Why is the closing of a good local restaurant funny?
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