Bites Nearby: Sangria's Mexican Cafe

Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here is this week's choice:

SANGRIA'S MEXICAN CAFE

Filet Mignon Fajitas, Mango Mahi-Mahi, Pollo Sabroso, Pork Ranchero. The setting for these and other marvels is a colorful and lively joint named . It's been in the same strip mall for years, near the hardware store. But what is drab on the outside is just the opposite on the inside. Festooned with all manner of clay parrots, this tropical oasis serves up numerous delicacies and does so with style. 

Any place that serves fajitas with filet mignon can't be bad. They usually appear as a special on Friday nights. Other worthy specials are Seafood Paella on Thursdays and Seafood Fajitas on Saturdays. Then there is what they call Puerto Rican Night, on Tuesdays, when they dish up Canoas (ripe plantains stuffed with ground meat), Bistec Encebollado (marinated steak smothered in onions) and the ever-popular Camarones a la Criolla (large shrimp sauteed with bell peppers). The Chuletas Fritas (pork chops) should be tried as well. These dishes all come with white rice and red kidney beans. 

On the regular menu, the Pollo Sabroso stands out: shredded chicken in a spicy sour cream sauce on a bed of spinach. It's got a kick to it and will wake up your tongue. So will the Poblanos Rellenos - peppers stuffed with brisket, chicken or cheese and topped with Ranchero sauce. Another winner is the Aztec Salad, a large bowl filled with lettuce, spinach, avocado, tomatoes and tortilla strips. The Fish Tacos are very tasty and come with a Chipotle Mayo.

For vegetarians there are various burritos, pizzas and quesadillas (vegans can request no cheese or sour cream). Side dishes such as maduros and frijoles are excellent. The signature dessert of Sangria's is Blanca’s Cheesecake Flan, one of several similar concoctions, and you can also have Piñata Smoothies - fresh fruit flavors blended with ice cream.

The place is named after the famous Spanish summertime drink, and although owner Jerry Herrera will not divulge Sangria's particular recipe, his website does offer suggestions on how to make your own version of it.

Sangrias Mexican Café is located at 4369 Hugh Howell Road in Tucker and is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 12 noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. There is a full bar and a kids menu. Catering is available, and so are gift certificates. Reservations are accepted for large parties. Pricing is moderate.