Mezquite
The Menu
Mezquite’s menu is compact but thoughtfully built, focusing on modern Mexican dishes with smoky, coastal, and regional influences. You’ll find bright seafood options like ceviche negro and seasonal aguachiles alongside comforting plates such as frijoles rancheros. The grill section features standout items like a perfectly seared chuleta, while smaller bites and sides add depth with tortillas, beans, and fresh vegetables. Overall, the menu mixes bold flavors, charcoal-driven techniques, and playful touches, offering both classic comfort and inventive twists without feeling overwhelming.
Ceviche Negro
8/10
The ceviche negro was one of the most interesting plates of the night. The use of charcoal gave the tuna this cool, subtly smoky texture that set it apart from a classic citrus-heavy ceviche. Balanced, flavorful, and just a little dramatic on the palate, it was an overall great dish.
The Bar
If you’d rather skip the full dining room, Mezquite’s bar offers a slightly different experience. The cocktail program is inventive, with drinks that highlight fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. There’s also a separate bar menu with smaller plates and snacks, perfect for tasting a few dishes without committing to a full meal. It’s a vibrant, more casual way to enjoy the Mezquite flavor profile.
Prickly Pear Aguachil
8.5/10
The prickly pear aguachile was a vibrant, refreshing dish built with apple, recado negro, and sunflower seeds. The subtle vinegar note added lift and brightness, making the flavors feel clean without losing depth. It was very good, surprisingly balanced, and a great choice for vegetarians.
Frijoles Rancheros
4/10
The frijoles rancheros were unfortunately the low point. They arrived cold and lacked the seasoning and richness you expect from this classic dish. The tortillas on the side were good, but couldn’t save it.
Chuleta
8/10
The chuleta was a solid standout. They’ve switched the sauce to a smoky salsa chipotle, which brought a satisfying heat without overpowering the dish. The pork itself was cooked perfectly juicy, tender, and well-seasoned — making the whole plate feel warm, bold, and deeply satisfying.
My Overall thoughts
Overall, Mezquite delivered a genuinely great dining experience. The standout dishes were creative and well-executed, the service felt warm and attentive, and even the simpler touches like the dessert added personality. While not every dish hit the same high note, the highlights were strong enough that I’d gladly return to explore more of the menu..
Overall Rankings
Food Quality – Taste, freshness, creativity, and presentation. 7.5/10
Service – Friendliness, attentiveness, and speed of service. 8/10
Ambience – Vibe, decor, music, cleanliness, and comfort. 9/10
Value for Money – Portion size, price point, and overall worth. 7.5/10
Uniqueness – Menu originality, concept, or standout factor. 9/10
Accessibility – Location, parking, hours, and dietary options. 9/10
Repeat Worthy – Would you go back? Yes
Stay hungry, stay curious until next bite,
The Weekly Bite