Review of Chelos

Chelos is a very small out of the way mexican restaurant.  It is located at 375 W University Ave, just over the train tracks from 3rd street.  They feature a variety of classic mexican food at good prices.

When I entered Chelos it felt like I was entering a home.  The restaurant has 3 or 4 tables and about 5 booths.  The inside is well worn, but comfortable.  Chelos is a very laid back restaurant. I was able to go and pick my place to sit, and was promptly greeted and given a menu.

Since I had recently returned to Laramie from Tucson where I ate at the famous Mi Nidito mexican restaurant I decided to have the chili rellano plate at Chelos to see how it compared to what many call “the best chili reano” at Mi Nidito.  The food was served fast.  I received two cheese stuffed green chilies fried in an egg batter and smothered in Chelos cheese sauce, with a standard side of rice and beans, and also two hot flour tortillas.  The cheese sauce was great, and the chili rellanos were cooked perfectly.  They paired very well with the hot tortillas.  It was a very delicious and very comforting meal.  In my opinion the chili rellanos I had at Chelos were better than those I had at Mi Nidito.

Chelos offers wonderful tasting mexican food in a friendly relaxed home type atmoshphere.  It may be a bit off the beaten path, but it is well worth your time to discover this treasure of Laramie.

Service: 21
Atmosphere: 20
Food: 23
Experience: 20

S.A.F.E. Score: 84

Review of Corona Village – Andale Rapido

Several years ago Corona Village, a popular Mexican restaurant here in Laramie, opened another location featuring a modified menu and specializing in large burritos and fast service.  The Andale Rapido branch is located at 2900 Grand Ave in the back corner of the aspen square shopping center.

Andale Rapido has a clean modern look, with an inviting decor and atmosphere.  They specialize in burritos with choice of meats, beans, and toppings.  They also serve many other popular Mexican dishes from quesadillas to carne asada.  Prices are around $7 – $9 a person.  Since they specialize in burritos we decided to try them out.  I ordered a burrito with grilled peppers and onions, steak, pinto beans, rice, pico de gayo, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole all piled and rolled on a very large flour tortilla.  To drink instead of soda we decided to go with a more traditional Mexican flavor and ordered their homemade horchata.

The portion sizes were perfect, and the food was great.  All of the flavors of the overstuffed burrito blended together in harmony.  The horchata, a cinnamon flavored rice milk, was superb.  It rivaled the many I had while living on the Mexican border in El Paso.  Everyone in our party enjoyed their food and had fun.

The Andale Rapido branch of Corona Village offers great burritos, and other fast Mexican food at a reasonable price in a clean, open and friendly setting.  It is perfect for lunch, and worth a visit.

Service: 20
Atmosphere: 21
Food: 20
Experience: 21

S.A.F.E. Score: 82

Review of Lovejoy’s Bar and Grill

Originally reviewed on Dec 4, 2006

Lovejoy’s bar and grill is a small restaurant and bar located in downtown Laramie at 101 Grand Avenue. When we stopped by Lovejoy’s on a Friday evening it was very full. Despite being full we only had about a 15 minute wait to be seated.

The restaurant was very clean, and nicely decorated with local sports photos. They also have a large screen TV to watch games on, and several TV’s at the bar. The atmosphere was vibrant. It felt like we were at “the place to be” that night. The restaurant was filled with young people in their 20’s and 30’s with a mixture of singles, couples, and the occasional child. The restaurant was a bit noisy, including some music coming from a stereo system, but no one seemed to mind. It appeared that everyone was having a good time.

Lovejoy’s features several types of burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The menu also has a few Mexican and Italian style dishes. Prices range from $7.00 to $13.00. They also feature a full bar, and several brews on tap. One of the things I had heard about Lovejoy’s was that they have great burgers, so I had to try one.

I had the Lovejoy’s burger. A ½ lb burger topped with apple wood smoked bacon, pepper jack cheese, and guacamole. It is served with choice of sides. The burger lived up to its reputation. It is by far the best burger I have had anywhere in Laramie. It was juicy and very flavorful, not to mention very filling. The others in my group were all very satisfied with their dinner choices as well, and no one was left hungry.

Because the restaurant was so full I though that maybe our service would suffer a bit, but I was once again surprised by Lovejoy’s. The service was prompt, friendly, and our drinks never seemed to empty.

If you are looking for excellent food, with good sized portions, a fabulous atmosphere, and want to hangout with a younger crowd, then Lovejoy’s is perfect. If you would like to try Lovejoy’s with a bit less commotion, then stop by for lunch some day when it isn’t quite as happening as it is on the weekends; but definitely make a stop to this local favorite.

Service: 23
Atmosphere: 23
Food: 24
Experience: 24

S.A.F.E. Score: 94

Review of El Conquistador

Originally reviewed Nov 9, 2006

El Conquistador is located in downtown Laramie next to the buckhorn bar at 110 E Ivinson. Upon entering you notice the colorful walls, dimly lit décor, and well worn dining areas. The tables and chairs reminded me of a cafeteria; while functional they do not add anything to the experience.

The menu features a fairly standard choice of tex-mex favorites such as tamales, chile rellanos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Prices average around $10 per plate. One item that caught my eye was the stuffed sopapias. While waiting for a friend to join us we sampled their chips and salsa, and also got an order of chile con queso made with hot green chili sauce. Even though the red salsa was nothing special the green chile con queso was wonderful.

The staff was friendly and patient with us while we waited for a friend to arrive. They did a good job of keeping our drinks filled and checking up on us occasionally.

For dinner I decided on a chicken stuffed sopapia smother in green chile. The food was served piping hot on a hot plate with a small amount of shredded cabbage and a quarter of a slice of tomato. The sopapia was beautifully crisp and chewy, and tasted wonderful. The green chile was a great addition.

After a satisfying meal we were treated to complimentary sopapias sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with honey. It was just the right amount of sweetness to cap off a wonderful meal.

The food was definitely the star of el conquistador and although there were few sides served with the dish I ordered I didn’t find myself wanting after the meal. If you can endure a run down décor and dining room, you’ll be thankful you did when you enjoy the food.

Service: 20
Atmosphere: 17
Food: 22
Experience: 20

S.A.F.E. Score: 79