Out and About

By Barbara Perkins
The number of dining options in town may be on the decline, but several surrounding towns have recently added to their number. Over the last eight months, three new Mexican restaurants have popped up, upping the ethnic options available in the Northwest corner. Thanks to very different menu offerings and atmospheres, there should not be much competition between the establishments.
The first one to debut was Tequila’s Mexican Cantina in Torrington. Early last summer, the family run mini-chain opened its new location in the 26 East Main Street space formerly occupied by Dick’s Restaurant.

A sampling of margarita options at Tequila’s Mexican Cantina in Torrington.

The chain had lots of customers from Torrington, Thomaston and Harwinton at their two other locations further down Route 8, in Oakville and Waterbury, so owner Marco Martel felt Torrington made sense. Sticking to the formula that garnered the chain several Waterbury Observer “Best of” awards, Tequila’s offers an ample menu of standards including nachos, salads, burritos and fajitas. With 24 different margaritas, and nearly as many tequilas available, Tequila’s will inevitably become known for is its extensive drinks menu.
Next to appear was Padre’s Mexican Cuisine. Located in the long vacant storefront adjacent to the Gilson Café Cinema, veteran restaurateur Alan Nero is looking to fill the void left when Café de Olla closed several years ago. Padre’s has a short and uncomplicated menu including tacos, burritos and quesadillas, and with only two tables and a few spots at the bar, the emphasis is definitely on take-out.
The third and most recent player in the game is Monte Alban, which opened in Great Barrington on January 6. Taking over the space vacated by Helsinki, owner Pascual Francisco is another longstanding local restaurateur.
First opening Azteca Tequeria, a burrito shop located in the Barrington House Atrium pass-through, in 2006, Francisco had been keen to open another eatery to showcase the cuisine of his native Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico. When the spot across the hall opened, he jumped at the chance. After $100,000 in renovations, patrons of the former establishment will hardly recognize the space.
Monte Alban’s menu is diverse and interesting, and though it features some of the same dishes available at their other restaurant, they have been revisited in a truly Oaxacan manner.
Now, if you get a craving for food from south of the border, all you have to do is pick a direction and drive. You can’t go wrong.
For more information and hours, you can reach Tequila’s Mexican Cantina at 860-489-7917, Padre’s Mexican Cuisine at 860-738-3061 and Monte Alban at 413-528-8566.